Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Beijing, China – Brazil's prominent production company, LC Barreto, is partnering with CCTV Animation, a subsidiary of the China Media Group, to co-produce a TV series and a feature film starring the popular character, Panda HoHo. This collaboration marks a significant recent example of cultural exchange and content expansion utilizing the iconic Chinese animal, the panda.

 
Preschool Series with Ecological Theme and Environmental Feature Film

Currently in development, the CG-animated preschool series is titled "Hoho & The Sound of Brazil" and boasts an $8.1 million budget, according to Variety. This environmentally themed animation will follow Panda HoHo as he explores Brazil to learn about its biodiversity and cultural traditions, accompanied by local animal friends: a golden lion tamarin and a capybara. The series will span four seasons, comprising 52 12-minute episodes. It is expected to be an educational content that naturally conveys the importance of environmental protection and understanding diverse cultures to children.

Additionally, a CG-animated feature film, "Amazonika – The Origin," is also slated for production with an approximate budget of $5.2 million. This film will depict Panda HoHo's journey to save the world alongside a young man who can communicate with nature and a brave warrior princess. Notably, the movie will portray the Amazon rainforest as an ancient link between Asian and indigenous Brazilian cultures, emphasizing environmental messages along with cultural diversity.

Both projects will be spearheaded by director and animator João Amorim, who previously directed the Brazilian version of "Sesame Street" and the 2006 film "Barbie Diaries." Director Amorim's extensive experience and deep understanding of Brazilian culture are expected to contribute to the high quality of both productions.

 
Continued Global Franchise Expansion for 'Panda HoHo'

This collaboration with LC Barreto represents the latest multicultural franchise expansion for 'Panda HoHo.' Pandas have long been regarded as iconic symbols of China, and CCTV Animation, owned by the state-run media giant China Media Group, has consistently pursued partnerships that feature 'Panda HoHo' alongside other international animal characters.

For instance, last year, CCTV Animation signed a co-production agreement with Thailand's T&B Media Global Thailand for a series titled "Panda and Little White Elephant," featuring HoHo alongside a character representing the importance of elephants in Thai culture. Prior to that, CCTV Animation actively engaged in international collaborations, co-producing the CG animation "Panda and Kiwi" (2023) with NHNZ Worldwide, and "Panda and Rooster" (2019) with Portugal's Stopline. This strategy aims to raise global awareness of the 'Panda HoHo' character and reach international audiences through content that reflects the cultural characteristics of various countries.

 
LC Barreto's Long History and Production Capabilities

Meanwhile, Brazil's legendary production company, LC Barreto, established in the early 1960s, has played a pivotal role in the Brazilian film industry, producing over 80 films. Recent works include the teen comedy "Ela Disse, Ele Disse" (She Said, He Said, 2019) and the upcoming adult film "In the Name of My Parents." The collaboration between LC Barreto, with its long history and diverse production experience, and CCTV Animation, with the strong content power of China Media Group, will serve as an important foundation for the successful progress of these 'Panda HoHo' projects.

This animated co-production between Brazil and China is significant as it opens new horizons for international cooperation in the cultural content sector. Both countries aim to convey globally shared values such as environmental protection and cultural diversity through the universal character of 'Panda HoHo,' and it remains to be seen whether they will create a new success story in the global children's content market.

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