Distributor appointed... Sept 6th 2011

In September, the UK-based leading rights management company Target Entertainment nabbed global distribution rights to PUNKY, with plans to launch the series internationally at MIPCOM Junior.

In Animation Magazine on the 6th of that month, Mercedes Milligan wrote: 'The show has gained rave reviews from its RTE airing and been given the nod by kids and parents who approve of the show’s inclusive, progressive and upbeat message.

'Producer Gerard O’Rourke spoke of why he chose Target as global distributor: “We wanted this series to sit in the middle of any preschool block anywhere in the world and let viewers discover that Punky is a great child but also happens to have a disability … Punky is not a Down Syndrome person, but a person with Down Syndrome. If we can pass this message to our next generation through Punky, then we have created a very worthwhile TV series. Target Entertainment, and in particular Alison Rayson, fully understand how important a series like this can be and we know they will communicate this message to all broadcast mediums worldwide.”@

Rayson, Target's CEO, has a son with Down Syndrome and has said that she feels a special connection to the series and hopes that Target can help spread Punky’s message about this much misunderstood genetic condition, which she said affects about 5.8 million people worldwide:
“Children with Down Syndrome globally now have healthy, fulfilling lives in most countries … There are still countries however where a child with Down Syndrome or any disability is marginalized and mistreated, and that’s just not acceptable.

"Our imperative with Punky then is not just a commercial one for Target, but also a charitable one. We will be donating half of our sales commissions to Down Syndrome Education International, which pioneers inclusion at schools for all children with Down Syndrome. We want Punky to become a global ambassador for Down Syndrome and for all children with learning difficulties worldwide, breaking down old-fashioned and negative stereotypes and championing the joy of individuality.”