One of the projects of interest to animation fans being shown and launched at this year’s MIPCOM, the audiovisual content show hosted in Cannes later this month, is Ginja Ninja (pronounced like “Ginger”, to rhyme with “Ninja”). The live-action show mixes the traditions of classic silent comedies with highly visual storytelling, slapstick situations, and big stunts – think Mr. Bean-meets-Jackie Chan! And adding to the old-school feel is the heavy animation influence, something that will come even more to the fore in the animated spin-off Ginja Toons. For the early scoop on Ginja’s plans, read on:

In Ginja Ninja, the protagonist is basically a cartoon character come to life. He imagines himself a martial arts master on a continuing quest to try new experiences. He’s always ready to help out any poor soul he encounters in need of assistance, not realizing that in reality he is the one who caused all the trouble in the first place and things are only made worse by his efforts to help. Every hero, even the lame brain ones, needs an adversary. Derek Dark has a passion to be the best and always win, even if he has to be devious to get there. Unfortunately for him, fate always seems to place Ginja Ninja in his path. The leads are played by Jimmy O’Dee and Mark Mottram, both expert stunt actors who have appeared on TV and in films such as Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Batman Begins,The Mummy, The Phantom Of The Opera, and the last three James Bond films. Jimmy will next be seen as a Death Eater in Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire, while Mark is currently doubling Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine in next summer’s X-Men 3.

Also being readied for future development is the animated Ginja Toons, featuring the two hapless anti-heroes as they are forced to team up when new and mysterious happenings call for investigation. Of course, they often find themselves in more trouble than they did to start with, but things usually work out in the end and the mystery is solved. The animated versions of Ginja Ninja and Derek Dark also appear in the credits and interstitials of the live-action show.

Check out the “Making Ginja Cool” clip, which includes highlights of this stunt-filled live-action cartoon-style comedy, at the Ginja Ninja website.

ABOUT GINJA HOLDINGS:

Ginja Holdings was formed primarily to exploit the rights in the Ginja Ninja property, a character brand that will see activity in live-action television, animation, feature film and education. The company is promoting Ginja Ninja, Ginja Toons and The Ginja Ninja Movie this year at both MIPCOM Junior, and MIPCOM at booth 07.10, with aims to secure pre-sales and distribution for the current live-action series, and looking to develop relationships with potential licensing partners to join the Ginja Team in publishing, merchandising, cross media promotion and more, including our kids physical fitness and healthy Ginja lifestyle plans.

Contact:
Ginja Holdings Ltd
Elstree Film and TV Studios
Shenley Road, Borehamwood,
Hertfordshire, WD6 1JG, UK.
email: holdings@ginja.tv

Ginja Ninja TM & © 2004-2005 Ginja Holdings Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Images Used By Permission.