Magic World

Magic World is an independent media production company based in Canada, and founded in 1983 by Michael Warren and businessman Joseph Haddad. They have worked in the production and distribution of animated and live-action TV programs and films usually targeted at a youth audience since the mid-1980's, some going on to be worldwide successes.

Both founders met in 1980, with Warren being hired by Haddad for the latter's film and TV sales company which was later renamed Magic World. Since then, Magic World has become one of the most successful youth entertainment production companies worldwide.

History
Joseph Haddad, having migrated to Canada from his native Lebanon, decided to continue working in the business of TV and film sales. After setting up a self-named studio in Halifax to help sell local TV shows to stations, he realized he was in need of a producer. Michael Warren, who had moderate experience in TV production, spotted an ad for Haddad's business in the classified section of a newspaper and sought employment.

Eventually, Warren was hired and began assisting Haddad. After a few years in the business, Haddad decided to shift his focus to children's entertainment because his children enjoyed watching television. After a lengthy negotiation, they both agreed to rename it Magic World (not just because fantasy is popular with children but also because the first letters of both words form Warren's initials).

Current

 * Droimétra-DMT
 * Magic World Home Entertainment
 * Mediafilm Benelux BV
 * Playfair (label for game re-releases)
 * Poly
 * Stampede Pictures

Defunct

 * Playfair Interactive (defunct as publisher, now a label for re-releases)

Television series

 * F.U.R. (co-production with DiC, Studio Axel, La Cinq, Droimétra-DMT and Saban) (1987)
 * Joe's Real Weird School Life (co-production with D'Ocon Films, Cromwell House and Saban) (1994-2000)
 * Sammy Scribble (co-production with WGBH Boston) (2001-2002)

Feature films

 * F.U.R.: The Movie (co-production with DiC, Studio Axel and Saban) (1988)
 * Banipal Witt: The World of Cats (edited English dub of Catnapped!) (co-production with Murray Woods Entertainment, Entervest Finances and P&S Colline Family Entertainment) (1999)

Acquired

 * Princess Mimi (originally from Mediafilm Benelux BV)
 * Prince Epan (originally from Mediafilm Benelux BV)
 * Inner Creatures (originally from Droimétra-DMT)