Insektors
Two insect civilizations clash on a planet of color and coal.
InseKtorS, a 1994 French animated series, takes place on a world of anthropomorphic bugs split into two groups: bright, peaceful ones and a dull, warlike faction. Produced by the small studio Fantôme, it was an early computer-animated show, alongside VeggieTales and ReBoot, and won 30 awards, including a 1994 Children's Emmy. Piko Interactive acquired the rights in 2023.
Quick Facts
- Director
- Georges LaCroix; Renato LaCroix
- Writer
- Eric Rondeaux; Véronique Herbaut
- Runtime
- 12 minutes
- Genre
- Family comedy
- Creator
- Studio Fantome
- Language
- French
- Country
- France
- Company
- Fantome Animation
- Ellipse Programme
- Medialab Studio D.A.
- Neurones
- Erasmus+
- Creative Europe Media
Facts from the source article.
Production and dubbing
Fantôme was formed by Renato, Georges Lacroix and Jean-Yves Grall in 1985, and had previously released Les fables géométriques, the first computer-animated television series. Renato conceived Insektors in 1991, when Les fables géométriques was almost done airing. Animation director Gilbert Louet stated that the team wanted a more ambitious project with a serious story and larger scope. A pilot and making-of documentary were released in 1992. Fantôme hired script writer Eric Rondeaux on the recommendation of Ellipse Programme, with whom Rondeaux had worked on a 1991 adaptation of The Adventures of Tintin; Marc Perrier and Veronique Herbaut later joined as additional script writers. The studio used Silicon Graphics hardware for animation. Crew recalled the process as grueling, with a target of two to five seconds of animation per person each day. For the second season, Canal+ directed the use of motion capture after acquiring a production company specializing in the technique. The series had two 13-episode seasons and a few special episodes, including a 1996 Christmas episode. Two English dubs were produced: one for North America, recorded in Paris, and one for the UK. The North American version first aired on Canadian television on YTV. The UK dub featured rewritten scripts, different character names and dialogue, and incorporated British cultural references.
Setting
The series takes place on the planet Karbon/Krud, though the UK dub includes references to Earth locations. The episode Planet Karbon/The Black Planet reveals that Karbon/Krud was originally a dark, colorless rock inhabited by a single race of insects called the Yuks/Kruds, who survived by burrowing for coal. A prism-shaped meteor struck the planet, nourishing the impact site with color and energy and creating a flower-filled paradise. The remaining Yuks/Kruds continued mining until coal supplies were exhausted. King Bakrako/Katheter I proposed using the Joyces'/Verigreens' flower stalks as fuel, sparking animosity. Over time, the shared origin of the two civilizations was forgotten, and they became enemies.
Characters
Joyces (Verigreens) are colorful, cheerful insects descended from the Yuks/Kruds who broke away after the Great Prism arrived, creating Flower City. They devote themselves to merrymaking and protecting the Great Prism. Non-main Joyce citizens resemble bees. Fulgor (Flynn), voiced by Daniel Lafourcade (French), David Gasman (US dub), and Teddy Kempner (UK dub), is a walking stick born a Yuk/Krud but adopted by the Joyces/Verigreens. He wields the Kolour Guitar/Musical Colour Gun, an electric guitar firing blasts of colorful pollen, and serves as the champion against the Yuks/Kruds. Aelia (Alex), voiced by Raphaële Moutier (French), Karen Strassman (US dub), and Caroline Bliss (UK dub), is a butterfly, daughter of the Joyce/Verigreen leader and adopted sister of Fulgor/Flynn. She tends the Great Prism, assists her father scientifically, and has romantic feelings for Acylius/Max. Le Grand Artificier/The Great Pyro (Godfrey), voiced by Christian Alers (French), Christian Erickson (US dub), and Andy Secombe (UK dub), is a butterfly and the slightly eccentric leader of the Joyces/Verigreens, biological father of Aelia/Alex and adoptive father of Fulgor/Flynn, skilled as a scientist and mystic. Daltonio (Bentley) is a greenfly and the Great Pyro's/Godfrey's main assistant, enthusiastic about festivities but color blind, unable to distinguish blue from red. Gallopus (Peg) is a mechanical horse-like robot created by Eurekas/Magus, serving as Fulgor's/Flynn's steed and confidante, communicating only through honks and squeaks; in the UK dub, Peg is female. Spotty (Elmo) is a small flying machine with a large spotlight in its stomach for illuminating dark areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which network aired Insektors?
Insektors aired on Canal+, France 3 and RTBF 1.
How many episodes of Insektors are there?
Insektors has 26 episodes across 2 seasons.
When did Insektors first air?
Insektors first aired on 15 January 1994.
When did Insektors end?
Insektors last aired on 30 December 1995.
More in French Children's Animated Fantasy Television Series
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