Spring forward

Discussions around mental health and historical injustices, the ongoing impact of the war in Ukraine and powerful personal stories are out in force this spring.

By Nico Franks

Jade Armor (26x26’)

Producers: TeamTO, France Télévisions, Super RTL

Distributor: APC Kids

They say: “A fun and vibrant series with an epic female character at its heart and an outstanding creative team behind it.”

We say: Starring a strong, kung-fun-loving female central character, this series is aimed at a six- to 10-year-old audience and has also been picked up by Cartoon Network in EMEA, ABC in Australia and SRC in French-speaking Canada.

100 Days to Indy (6x60’)

Producer: Vice World News

Distributor: Vice Distribution

They say: “An inside look at the journey of the drivers, teams and fans towards the most famous auto race in the US, The Indianapolis 500.”

We say: Set to premiere on US broadcast network The CW on April 27, this factual series follows the intense action of the Indy Racing League as teams battle to qualify for the iconic race.

Bones of Crows (5x60’)

Bone (5x60

Producers: Screen Siren, Bron Studios

Distributor: Fifth Season

They say: “Removed from their family home and forced into Canada’s residential school system, Cree musical prodigy Aline and her siblings are plunged into a struggle for survival. Bones of Crows is Aline’s journey from child to matriarch, a moving multigenerational epic of resilience, survival and the pursuit of justice.”

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We say: Marie Clements’ story of a Cree nation family who survive state violence is an important piece of work from an underrepresented voice which deserves a global audience.

Royal Mob (4x60’)

Producer: Nutopia

Distributor: Entertainment One

They say: “Tells the saga of the extended royal family that once ruled the whole of Europe through the eyes of Queen Victoria’s granddaughters, the Hesse sisters.”

We say: This series, set to fill a The Crown-shaped hole in viewers’ lives, lifts the lid on the family tensions that set cousin against cousin and saw millions die in the First World War, the bloodiest conflict the world had ever known.

Compton Magic (6x45’)

Producers: Red Bull Studios, Lightbox

Entertainment

Distributor: Red Bull Studios

They say: “A rare opportunity to follow the most successful Amateur Athletic Union basketball team of all time as they prepare to compete in a series of games that will almost assuredly propel its players to stardom.”

We say: Sports documentaries are all the rage at the moment and this series about gifted young ballers from Paul Pawlowski, Simon Chinn and Jonathan Chinn looks like a slam dunk.

In Limbo (6x30’)

Producers: Bunya Productions, Heiress Films

Distributor: Newen Connect

They say: “A fresh and unique dramedy series for ABC Australia that will make you laugh and cry at the same time. It’s an honest and charmingly funny story about how hard it is to let go of those we love.”

We say: A comedy-drama with plenty of both, this Aussie series explores the very current topics of male suicide and mental health by telling the story of a man who dies by suicide and returns as a ghost, whose grieving best friend must help him right some of his wrongs before he can cross into the afterlife.

House Special (5x30’)

Producer: Black Rhino Creative

Distributor: Distribution360

They say: “Chronicling the Chinese-Canadian experience through the lens of small-town Asian food joints and the families that run them.”

We say: Explores how Chinese immigrants to Canada have had to overcome discrimination and carve out a culinary niche that has become a national staple whilst uncovering personal stories at the intersection of politics, culture and food.

Exploring India with Bettany Hughes (2x60’)

Producer: SandStone Global

Productions

Distributor: DCD Rights

They say: “Seasoned adventurer and award-winning historian, author and broadcaster, Professor Bettany Hughes, alongside local experts and academics, takes viewers through her curated selection of Indian treasures.”

We say: Showing both the north and south of this incredibly diverse country in all its spectacular glory, this two-parter sees the ancient and medieval history specialist explore the latest finds from vast archaeological sites and immerse herself in local festivals and traditions.

Bock-Bock Chicken (52x5’)

Producers: Paper Owl Films, Cake Entertainment

Distributor: Cake Entertainment

Looted: Bringing Back the Gods (2x48’)

Producer: Make Waves Media

Distributor: TVF International

They say: “The issue of tracking down and returning stolen cultural treasures is globally relevant and will continue to dominate headlines for the foreseeable future. For current affairs and modern history slots, you cannot get more topical than this series.”

We say: Since the colonial era, thousands of valuable artefacts have been looted from Asia and this investigative series for CNA travels the globe to reveal the efforts to recover various stolen national treasures, as a generation of activists, archaeologists and digital sleuths work together to return the heirlooms to their homelands.

They say: “A playful, engaging 2D animated preschool series with fun, friendship and geometry at its core.”

We say: This cute series aims to bring the fundamentals of geometry to two- to four-year-olds and is created by Sarah Legg-Barratt, formerly a producer for BBC Children’s animation and acquisitions department, whose credits include successes such as Peter Rabbit, Bing, Clangers, Messy Goes to Okido, Pablo and Olobob Top