Century Sonny
First large-scale 3D-CGI Chinese animated series.
Century Sonny (Chinese: 精灵世纪) is a Chinese animated series recognized as the first large-scale 3D-CGI Chinese animated series in China. Produced by Lonma Company, the 52-episode series began broadcasting in May 2006 on CCTV, three special cartoon channels, and local satellite TV channels, reaching more than 400 TV channels across China.
- Investment
- 15 million RMB (about US$1.9 million)
Lore & Background
The story begins in the Numen Kingdom on an extra-galactic planet, where the Source of Life has been safeguarded for centuries. The Evil Numina invade, capture the King, and plot to steal the Stone of Life to control the universe. The little Prince Coco escapes to Earth with the Stone, protected by a mysterious fairy named Noah. He meets stationery characters and toys living in a human house, who must decide whether to leave their master to help Coco save the world. As the Evil Numina approach and endanger the master, the group unites to fight and begins a long adventure back to the Numen Kingdom.
Reader's Guide
Century Sonny is significant as a landmark in Chinese animation due to its unprecedented scale of rendered minutes and its status as the first large-scale 3D-CGI Chinese animated series. The series achieved high viewership, ranking among the top three most popular cartoon programs on CCTV and obtaining the best viewers ratings among domestic productions in surveys across 53 cities. In October 2006, it won the highest votes in a competition called 'The Top 10 Favorite Local Animations For Chinese Youth' in Beijing, outperforming 169 other contestants. The show also attracted talent from Emperor Entertainment Group in Hong Kong for theme songs and voice acting in 2007. Its merchandise line includes toys, clothes, stationery, ornaments, and branded food and beverages.
Did You Know?
- Lonma company invested 15 million RMB (about US$1.9 million) on the 52-episode series.
- Each episode is approximately 18 minutes long.
- The show was broadcast on more than 400 TV channels in China.
- In a 2006 competition, it received the highest votes among 170 contestants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Century Sonny?
Century Sonny (精灵世纪) is a 52-episode Chinese television series produced by Lonma Company using full 3D-CGI animation. It first aired in May 2006 and quickly became one of the most widely distributed animated shows in China.
Why is Century Sonny considered a milestone in Chinese animation?
It is recognized as the first large-scale 3D-CGI animated series ever produced in China, marking a major technical shift away from the country's traditional 2D animation style. Its production represented a significant step forward for the domestic animation industry.
How many episodes does Century Sonny have?
The series runs for a total of 52 episodes.
Where and when did Century Sonny first broadcast?
The show premiered in May 2006 on CCTV, three dedicated cartoon channels, and various local satellite broadcasters. Its reach eventually grew to more than 400 TV channels across China.
How much did it cost to produce Century Sonny?
Lonma Company invested roughly 15 million RMB (about US$1.9 million) in the project, which at the time represented a major financial commitment to 3D-CGI animation in China.
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