News Briefs

Canadians leapfrog to TV series

Edward Sarson Productions of Cambridge, Ont. and Ottawa-based Funbag Animation Studios have entered into a joint venture, Toadbag Productions, for the production of an initial 26 animated half-hour episodes of Toad Patrol.

Toad Patrol’s characters are based on the Mistle-Toad line of Christmas candy. In addition to its candy line, Sarson’s licensing program involves such companies as Flowers Bakeries, Beatrice and Hallmark.

Curtis Crawford, Canadian-born supervising director on the Nickelodeon series Doug, has joined Funbag as director of creative development.