Weta Workshop

Weta Workshop's new preschool HD series The WotWots (52x10) is set to have its worldwide premiere on TVNZ's (New Zealand) TV2, Monday, March 23 at 8:50a.  The show will then debut on ABC TV's (Australia) ABC 1 at 8:25a and ABC 2 at 12:45p, where it will air weekdays from Thursday, April 16.  ABC TV and ABC New Media will launch a WotWots website (www.abc.net.au/wotwots) on March 9.  The series has also been acquired by Five (UK) for its Milkshake block and MTV3 Finland.  The show follows the adventures of the WotWots, two space alien siblings, who come to explore the planet Earth and land in the middle of a zoo.  The WotWots is produced by Pukeko Pictures and made at Richard Taylor's Weta Workshop.  Pukeko Pictures is a new partnership between Taylor and author/kid's TV creator, Martin Baynton.  Taylor and Baynton previously teamed to create Jane and the Dragon.  Hasbro is named as the toy licensee for the WotWots and will introduce a range of plush, figures and play-sets in Australia and New Zealand in September 2009.  Hasbro will also serve as licensing agent for the property in Australia and New Zealand, with plans to launch the licensing program, including novelty publishing and apparel in July and September 2009 respectively.