Releases
| Crash Test Munkii | |||
| 21 November 2006 - Major Animation Business starts to ‘munkii’ around in Worthing! | |||
 Next Wednesday, 22nd November, sees the official opening of the Munkii offices in Worthing. Crash Test Munkii is a new animated character that’s set to take the world by storm. The owners of the character have plans to employ up to 30 locally-based animators over the next three years in a scheme to rival the early days of Aardman Animation, and are actively looking for local talent right now. In addition, investors will be invited to visit the Technology Centre at Eastings Close between 2.00pm and 8.00pm to find out more about Worthing’s answer to Wallace & Gromit.
Darrell Mott and Steve Woodard are the directors of Munkii Ltd. They have big plans for their urban cartoon character. “The Munkii – or Butler, as we call him – is a cheeky urban youth who’ll try anything. In a series of ring tones, animations and websites, kids will be able to learn how to do tricks and disciplines from various urban sports starting with skateboard, basketball and football. “Munkii is going to teach kids how to do really cool stuff, helping to inspire and motivate participation in all types of sport” says Steve. The directors are working with legendary investment guru Ron G. Holland. “I’ve worked with some of the biggest brands in the world,” says Ron. “In my opinion the Munkii will be a significant player in new media over the next five years.” Working with illustrator Mark Bowen, the team created the characters a couple of years ago. “When we looked at a base for development, we didn’t want to travel too far” says Darrell Mott. “Worthing has a fantastic creative community and we’re already drawing on the resources of the local colleges to help us. We fully intend to create one of the UK’s biggest animation studios right here.” Munkii gifts and clothing can already be purchased, either online at www.munkii.com, or via Boots or Virgin. “There’s huge interest in Butler and his friends Griller and Mr. Choo” says Steve Woodard. “The first mobile phone content has gone on sale in the USA and we’ve got interest from Hollywood in the adventures of our streetwise simian.” The Munkii has already made his presence known at skate parks and extreme sports events all over the UK. In July the team sponsored a base jump from Beachy Head which was televised by Sky TV, (search on www.youtube.com for “Munkii base jump” to see the clip). “We’ve got massive interest from investors and organisations all over the world” enthuses Darrell Mott. “Our investors open day is a chance for people to see what we’ve got to offer and how serious we are about putting Worthing on the map as a worldwide centre of excellence for animation.” |
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