Mar 24, 2011

TEAMWORKS AND FOOTHILL ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC DISTRIBUTION RELATIONSHIP

(Milan and Santa Barbara – March 23, 2011) TeamWorks, the Milan based brand management company and Foothill Entertainment announced the appointment of Foothill Entertainment, as the exclusive distributor in all English speaking territories of the hit European series, Spike Team. The relationship marks the first foray into the English language market for the hit European volleyball-themed series that is already a ratings success on RAI 2 with a second season in the works.

Based on an original idea by real life volleyball champion Andrea Lucchetta,Spike Team is an animated series with unforgettable stories about camaraderie, fun and teamwork. Six ordinary girls find that with the six virtues of strength, sacrifice, courage, loyalty, balance and perseverance, they can do extraordinary things. Each of the girls brings a special trait to the team, traits which when put together, allow them to overcome obstacles and achieve great things. “We are so pleased to be joining forces with the professionals at Foothill to bring this inspiring and fun series to the English speaking market in the nearest future” said TeamWorks vice president Maria Romanelli. This sentiment was echoed by Foothill topper Jo Kavanagh-Payne, who added, “Coming from Santa Barbara which is a mecca for volleyball in the US, we feel right at home with Spike Team and are happy to be representing it. We are also excited to forge such a great working relationship with Maria and her colleagues at TeamWorks.” The series, which will compete for the Pulcinella Award at this year’s Cartoons on the Bay, also features the casting of world famous singer Matteo Setti as well as well known basketball coach, Dan Peterson, who is currently in Italy training the Armani Jeans team, as narrator and other voiceover roles. TeamWorks is an independent company, headed by Maria Romanelli former Jetix executive vice president of the Italian offices, focusing on licensing, TV distribution and TV co-production, based in Milan. Its portfolio of Italian and international brands include: The Qpiz (theqpiz.com); Bella Sara (Bellasara.com); Withit (withitworld.com); Atomic Betty (atomicbetty.com); Nici (nici.de); Shin chan (tv-asahi.co.jp/ips); Galactik Football (galactikfootball.com) and Spike Team (spiketeam.it). Founded in September 2000 by former DIC Entertainment executive vice president of business and legal affairs, Gregory Payne and Jo Kavanagh-Payne, former Link Television Entertainment, Inc., senior vice president of U.S. operations, Foothill Entertainment  specializes in the co-development and distribution of children’s and family entertainment programming.  Their company is based in Santa Barbara, California. Contact: TeamWorks: Maria Romanelli Tel: +39 02 89412141 Email: m.romanelli@teamworksrl.eu Web:  www.teamworksrl.eu Foothill: Jo Kavanagh-Payne Tel: +1 805-965-4488 Email: jkpayne@foothillentertainment.com Web: www.foothillentertainment.com