Taipei-based Next Animation Studio announced the launch of nxTOONS, a new digital platform for original kids’ content. Simultaneously, Next has debuted new nxTOONS animated series Out of This World, available exclusively on YouTube. New original series and song clips will be added to the new digital channel throughout the year.
“Creating original kids IP has long been a mission for the company,” said CEO Indra Suharjono. “We are committed to producing 500 micro-episodes in the coming year. Establishing our own digital channel allows us to interact directly and respond quickly to audiences, both in terms of content development and community interaction. Our studio has been very successful with our news animations on YouTube and we hope nxTOONS will continue that success.”
Out of This World (26 x 1 min.) follows adopted siblings Max and Moon as they explore the meanings of common English language idioms such as “sleep tight” and “put a sock in it.” Max, a curious cat, often takes idioms literally, while smart and logical Moon the bunny happily explains to Max the history behind these phrases. Taipei American School students Nathan Sung and Sonia Fan provide the voices of Max and Moon.
Three episodes will be available at the launch of nxTOONS, with two more arriving each week. Next Animation is known for its news animations and speedy production pipeline, which allows the studio to produce 30 seconds of animation in under 2.5 hours. The nxTOONS series are being produced using this innovative process, which can result in a fresh episode every two days.
“We are currently in the process of creating three future series for nxTOONS,” said Chief Creative Officer Matthew Duntemann. “It’s been an eye-opener working with a studio that can develop content so quickly; Out of This Word was developed in three months. The speed is a huge advantage, as it allows us to create and experiment with many ideas simultaneously.”