Entertainment Division DirectorMIPTV & MIPCOM Director: Lucy Smith; TV Division Sales Director: Brice Dieulot; SVP Sales & Business Development: Robert Marking; Director UK Sales: Vanessa Van Santen Smith; Marketing Director: Debora Atala; Conference Director: Tania Dugaro EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT
Editor in Chief: Julian Newby; Deputy Editor: Debbie Lincoln; Contributors: Andy Fry, Gary Smith; Editorial Management: Boutique Media International Ltd.; Graphic Studio: studioA Design; Graphic Designers: Sunnie Newby, Harriet Palmer
Happiness Recession – Mental, Emotional & Social Health
Bring Creative Vision to Life
Adapting to Digital Shifts in Kids’ TV and Entertainment
Navigating AI Today
Finding, Engaging and Retaining Fans
The Strategic Art of Producing Kids’ Content Today
Media Stamped Empowers Kids To Think While Scrolling In Conversation with Commissioners
Co-producing Kids Content: Keys To Success Kids Audience Successes Across The Globe
European Public Broadcasters – Uniting Forces
‘From Barney to Barbie…’
How Mattel’s IP follows the audience
Josh Silverman, executive vice-president and chief franchise officer at Mattel will be giving a MIPJUNIOR Keynote in the Grand Theatre of the JW Marriott on Sunday. He spoke to Andy Fry ahead of the event
JOSH Silverman oversees franchise management, consumer products, publishing, promotions, location-based entertainment, live experiences, digital gaming, music and licensed entertainment, in addition to development, production, distribution and content for Mattel Television Studios. He joined the company in 2022
To keep up with trends and tastes among young kids, Silverman admits to being ‘laser-focused on meeting fans whenever and wherever they may be’. “Last year, we launched our own publishing imprint, Mattel Press, which engages our extensive catalogue of children’s and family entertainment franchises. We expect to publish over 50 titles a year in several formats: print books, audiobooks, e-books and digital, while also leveraging Caribu, our video call and e-reader app that allows family members to connect virtually for reading, drawing and playing games.”
He added: “Our publishing model takes a hybrid approach, so we’ll continue to work with our licensing partners and evaluate which formats we’ll lean into and when. For example, American Girl has a remarkable history of developing great stories that connect to the brand’s products, and we have
expanded retail distribution for long-running book series Smart Girl’s Guide. Additionally, we’ve launched two new publishing partnerships with Abrams and IDW to meet the high demand for more Monster High content from fans.”
Alongside books and toys, activations and traveling exhibitions are a major element in Mattel’s strategy: “Our Location Based
‘These timeless brands continue to drive Mattel’s success beyond toys’
Entertainment team is doing amazing work, and we intend to build upon their success in the years ahead. In addition to World Of Barbie, which had immersive pop-ups in Los An geles, London and Milan, we recently unveiled Barbie: The Exhibition, at the London De sign Museum which we intend to travel to other cities globally,” Silverman said. “Our Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live tour made 249 stops worldwide in 2023, including the O2 in London, the Barclays Center in New York, and the Etihad Arena
in Abu Dhabi. The stops saw record-breaking growth and sold out shows for the seventh year in a row. We also opened Mission: Play! by Mattel in Abu Dhabi, a 4,000-square-metre space dedicated to Mattel brands.”
He added: “I would be remiss not to mention Day Out With Thomas, a themed touring event that has been delighting families and fans for over 29 years and counting, operating in eight countries with over 400 stops annually. Finally, there’s Mattel Adventure Park, our first amusement park opening soon in Glenda, Arizona, to be followed by a second location in Kansas City, Kansas in 2026.”
With Mattel’s 80th anniversary coming up next year, Silverman will be detailing some of the company’s plans for 2025 during his Keynote. “From Barbie to Barney, Hot Wheels to Masters Of The Universe, Polly Pocket to Thomas, these timeless brands continue
MIPJUNIOR KEYNOTE: JOSH SILVERMAN JW MARRIOTT GRAND THEATRE, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 11.15-11.45
Josh Silverman
A ‘universe of heroes and villains’
Andy Yeatman, CEO USA and global operations of Miraculous Corp, gives the opening MIPJUNIOR keynote for 2024. Miraculous Corp is a new joint venture created to oversee unprecedented expansion plans for kids franchise Miraculous. He spoke to Andy Fry ahead of his Cannes presentation
ANDY Yeatman’s MIPJUNIOR Keynote marks his first speaking appearance since his appointment in June. He previously served as head of Moonbug USA, overseeing series including Cocomelon and Blippi, and as founder and leader of Netflix’s Kids’ Content department, following a stint at Walt Disney Studios. “I am delighted to be back for the first time as CEO of Miraculous Corp,” Yeatman said. “I have been a fan of the Miraculous franchise since its inception, and as we approach its 10th anniversary, I am proud to present our ambitions and the strategy we are implementing.”
Miraculous Corp was unveiled earlier this year by leading European independent production and distribution powerhouse Mediawan and ZAG, the innovative animation studio behind Miraculous. During his keynote, Yeatman will share ambitions and perspectives on Miraculous Corp and reveal details of the global strategy. “Miraculous Corp reunites all facets of the globally acclaimed Miraculous franchise under the
same roof,” he said. “Everyone at the company is focused on the same mission, which is to elevate the global presence of the Miraculous brand, build out our universe of heroes and villains and amplify its influence worldwide.”
‘Miraculous Corp reunites all facets of the Miraculous franchise under the same roof’
Created by Thomas Astruc, Nathanaël Bronn and Jeremy Zag and co-produced until now by ZAG and Mediawan Kids & Family, Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug & Cat Noir has played in 150 territories since its debut in 2015 on platforms including Globo in Brazil, TF1 in France and Disney+ and Netflix worldwide. It also has a large digital footprint, with over 40 billion views on YouTube and 33 million
subscribers across 17 channels. Yeatman said: “This keynote is a great opportunity to share a sneak peek into Miraculous franchise’s next era that includes new TV series, feature films, digital series and games featuring our beloved characters as well as brand new heroes.”
Licensing and merchandising is also a key element of the new company’s remit. “We have more than 400 licensing partners worldwide,” he said. “The consumer products division focuses on developing products and experiences to give Miracu
Andy Yeatman
INNOVATING FOR THE FUTURE: THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY JW MARRIOTT GRAND THEATRE, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 12.00-12.30
Navigating a new era of kids content
THE KIDS TV business has been revolutionised in the last two decades through a combination of production advances, radical cultural shifts and platform launches. Against a backdrop of ongoing tumultuous changes, Ampere Analysis research manager Olivia Deane will provide MIPJUNIOR delegates with an overview of this fascinating new landscape and how the industry got here, in the Friday session Mapping Out A New Era Of Kids TV & Entertainment. Speaking to the MIPJUNIOR Preview ahead of her presentation, Deane said: “The way children consume content has changed massively over the past 20 years. From households with single screens, to a climate where children are viewing more than one kind of content on a single device at a time, commissioners are finding it more difficult to stand out than ever before. The goal of the session is to explore how the industry has changed, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for commissioners. I will also explore how the recent period of decline has affected kids commissions, helping delegates to find areas of growth and decide where best to concentrate their efforts.”
Looking at key trends, Deane said the introduction of streaming and OTT has led to more detailed insights into viewing behaviour than ever before. “Data intelligence has allowed commissioners to adjust their spending patterns to best fit customer preference. Unfortunately, kids TV isn’t a main motivating factor
for streaming subscription, and as a result global streamers have shifted original commissioning away from kids content. However, consumer data does show that although kids content isn’t enticing consumers to subscribe to a service, households with children are less likely to churn, making them important for streamers.”
She also notes a shift in the business that could favour public broadcasters. “Streamers are commissioning less original children’s content than ever before, in favour of purchasing high volumes of non-exclusive titles. This creates
‘Households with children are less likely to churn, making them important for streamers’
an advantage for those able to fund new kids content — in particular, public broadcasters, whose well-funded commitment to children’s TV gives them a unique advantage in the current climate.”
Deane also acknowledges that YouTube is an increasingly significant consideration: “Many parents still have safety concerns about the platform, but there has definitely been a shift towards more free-to-view social and online video content. With this in mind, one way to thrive is to adopt a YouTube-first business model. Cocomelon is the best
MAPPING OUT A NEW ERA OF KIDS TV & ENTERTAINMENT
JW MARRIOTT GRAND THEATRE, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 16.00-16.30
example, but there are other titles that have found success in the same way. I also think we’re seeing a shift away from commissioners fighting to keep their content off YouTube, to realising how powerful the platform can be for building a brand.”
In a competitive market, Deane said there is still merit in building strong brands. “The emergence of things like sludge content — where children consume more than one kind of media on a single screen — and ease of access to enormous volume of titles mean that children are less likely to be able to focus on individual brands for any period of time. However, titles based on strong brands and ‘worlds’ are more likely to succeed.”
MIPJUNIOR Happy Hour
KICK-START your weekend in Cannes with a visit to the MIPJUNIOR Happy Hour, an earlyevening event, at the JW Marriott, Palais Stéphanie Beach, on Friday, October 18, 17.30-18.30.
The Happy Hour is an opportunity to enjoy the company of early comers to MIPJUNIOR — including buyers, distributors and panelists participating in the various conferences across the weekend. As the sun sets over the beach in Cannes, the Happy Hour is the perfect moment to network with fellow professionals. All MIPJUNIOR delgates are welcome.
Olivia Deane
Diversity, creativity and profitability are key to being pitch-perfect
The focus for the MIPJUNIOR Pitch this year is pre-school, spotlighting content with potential for commissioning and multi-platform extension
THE MIPJUNIOR Pitch welcomes any creator or producer seeking to collaborate with co-production partners. It’s a springboard that offers an unrivalled opportunity to present projects to commissioning editors, financiers, buyers and distributors. Finalists pitch their projects to a prestigious jury of international decision-makers.
As well as targeting three- to sixyear-olds, entries to the Pitch were required to show creativity and originality in storytelling techniques, characters, look, story and themes. Other criteria included: worldwide appeal, potential for TV and multi-platform brand extension, potential for licensing and merchandising, awareness of the importance of meaningful content for this audience, D&I, mental health and sustainability.
A final key benchmark is that successful projects must be early-stage (0% to 25% financed) to in-development (from 25% to
The pitching process is moderated by Sallyann Keizer, managing director Sixth Sense
Media,
who said the Pitch is “my favourite session since it has great appeal for everyone, whichever part of the industry you work in. Editorial and commercial trends emerge, new formats and shows are shared. Being on the MIPCOM Diversify Awards Board, I am also excited at the rich, inclusive content that annually gets submitted.”
The high-powered jury includes Kate Morton, BBC senior head of children’s commissioning, zeroto-six, who said: “When young audiences get to discover and enjoy new programmes that make positive impact in their lives — that’s the ultimate value of this competition. The direct impact of increasing diversity, creativity and profitability is something that we are all invested in, and we see the limitless value it provides.”
On the hunt for “more animation”, Morton said: “I’m looking for international co-production deals like Maddie + Triggs, being made in Bristol by Sun & Moon with broadcasters including RTE & ABC. This deal is a good example of how we can plug the funding gap caused by rising costs and flat budgets and still commission culturally relevant content.”
Morton added: “International collaborations have only increased the creativity across the content. How productions come together influenced by the necessity to secure various funding streams has meant we’ve all had
to adapt, flex and push ourselves — and the result is a more diverse and creative industry.”
Other jury members include Amanda Gummer, founder and CEO, FUNdamentally Children; Luiz Filipe Figueira, head of licensed content, Grupo Globo; Rick Clodfelter, executive director, content acquisitions and partnerships, Disney Branded Television; and Maud Branly, children acquisitions director & international TV channels children programming director, M6/Gulli.
Gummer said she is looking for “shows that really engage children, meeting them where they are and taking them on a fun, developmental journey are key for me. Relatability and representa-
tion are also key — but these need to be done authentically.”
The 2023 winner was animation series The Adventures Of Team Pom from Wind Sun Sky Entertainment in Canada. CEO and founder Catherine Winder said winning the competition provided immediate awareness “with international buyers and studios taking notice. And for those that already knew us, it further strengthened our position as industry leaders in multi-platform storytelling.”
JW MARRIOTT GRAND THEATRE, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 14.45-16.00
MIPJUNIOR PITCH
Sallyann Keizer
Catherine Winder
Rick Clodfelter
Maud Branly
Kate Morton
Luiz Filipe Figueira
Moon Palace, Cancun, Mexico
19 → 22 Nov. 2024
‘One For All, and All For One’
MIPJUNIOR delegates are treated to a World Premiere Screening of The Three Musketeers on Saturday, a bold reimaging of the iconic and much-loved story by French author Alexander Dumas. Andy Fry reports
PRESENTED by Mediawan Kids & Family, the 52 x 11 mins CG-animated TV series The Three Musketeers brings the classic tale to life with an exciting modern twist: the legendary swashbucklers are now girls embarking on adventures to protect young King Louis XIII. Speaking to the MIPJUNIOR Preview, Katell France, general manager and chief content officer of Method Animation, part of Mediawan Kids & Family, said: “This fresh take opens up exciting new missions for The Musketeers. The twist is invigorating, inspiring and perfectly aligns with our commitment to diversity and modernity in our production choices.”
The characters first appeared in Dumas’s novel The Three Musketeers in 1844. In this version, 180 years later, “D’Artagnan, Athos, Porthos and Aramis are four free, fearless and loyal young girls who stand against anyone challenging young King Louis XIII or threat-
ening the Kingdom of France,” she said: “Tackling cunning plots and facing enemies often more powerful than themselves, these intrepid Musketeers, united by unbreakable friendship, overcome treacherous adversaries while chanting their iconic motto: One For All, and All For One.”
The durable Musketeers story has been told many times in many forms, and has even been reinvented in the past with dogs in the lead roles. France said the new female-empowered version of the tale is aimed at boys and girls aged six to 10 years old. With its strong brand recognition and universal themes, she said “the series is designed to establish a major franchise with significant international appeal”.
MIPJUNIOR delegates will have the opportunity to experience the premiere of the first two episodes of the series, presented by the creative team. “They will also gain insights into the behind-the-
WORLD PREMIERE SCREENING THE THREE MUSKETEERS
JW MARRIOTT GRAND THEATRE, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 16.00-16.45
scenes process and participate in a Q&A session with the team. This event offers a unique chance to explore the project’s international potential and its core essence, which is set to resonate with kids globally,” France said.
Distribution of the series is handleds by Mediawan Kids & Family, a leading European studio which now has in excess of 2,500 hours of kids content in its catalogue. Underlining the company’s belief in the sales potential of The Three Musketeers, France said: “Mediawan Kids & Family was involved at the origin of the project and successfully collaborated with key partners to bring it to life.”
The series is co-produced by Method Animation (Miraculous – Tales Of Ladybug & Cat Noir, Robin Hood: Mischief In Sherwood) along with Italian studio Palomar Animation, both part of Mediawan Kids & Family. The collaboration involves German broadcaster ZDF, ZDF Studios and also includes the participation of France Televisions & RAI Ragazzi (Italy).
Katell France
Content Highlights
Expand your Playground
KeynotesIP Garden
Saturday 19 Oct.
From 12:00 to 12:30 - Grand Theatre
Innovating for the Future: The MIRACULOUS Journey
Andy Yeatman CEO of Miraculous Corp USA and Global Operations, Miraculous Corp
Sunday 20 Oct.
From 11:15 to 11:45 - Grand Theatre
Beyond the Toy Box: Shaping the Future of Play
Josh Silverman
Chief Franchise Officer Mattel - USA
Friday 18 Oct.
From 16:45 to 17:30 - Grand Theatre
The Next Frontier: Adapting to Digital Shifts in Kids’ TV and Entertainment
Moderator:
• Emily Horgan, Director, E Horg Media Ltd. - Ireland
Speakers:
• Gregory Dray, Co-Founder, ANIMAJ - France
• Yannick Ferrero, SVP, Digital Distribution, Hasbro Entertainment - UK
• Marcus Holmström, CEO, THE GANG S.A - Portugal
• Jo Redfern, Independent Media Consultant - UK
Saturday 19 Oct.
From 11:15 to 12:00 - Suquet
The Strategic Art of Producing Kids’ Content today
Moderator:
• Adina Tartak Pitt - US Speakers:
• Ken Faier, CEO, EPICMEDIA - US
• Orion Ross, Vice President, International Animation, Disney Branded Television - UK
• Anna Shchur, Executive Producer - Spain
• Ailing Zubizarreta, VP Content Development & Creative Services, Cisneros Media - US
• Patricia Hidalgo, BBC Director Children’s & Education - UK
• Luca Milano, Director, RAI RAGAZZI - Italy
• Pierre Siracusa, Head of Children’s & Education, Head of Animation, France Télévisions - France
• Nicole Keeb, Head of International Coproductions and Acquisitions and Youth department, ZDF Kids - Germany
Sunday 20 Oct.
From 16:45 to 17:30 - Grand Theatre
Bring Your Creative Vision to Life: Unlocking the Potential of Kids’ IP
Moderator:
• Gary Pope, Co-Founder, Kids Industries and The League - UK
Speakers:
• Olivier Dumont, President, Hasbro Entertainment - UK
• Hélène Juguet, Managing Director, Ubisoft Films & Television - France
World Premiere Screening
Saturday 19 Oct.
16:00 - 16:45 - Grand Theatre
Mediawan KIDS & Family THE THREE MUSKETEERS
Do not miss the adventures of four young, free, exuberant, courageous and faithful girls standing up to anyone who dares defy the young King Louis XIII or who endangers the Kingdom of France. ONE FOR ALL, AND ALL FOR ONE!
What’s new from Korea?
The MIPJUNIOR Snack and Screen Korean New Project Showcase, hosted by KOCCA, features five new kids TV projects. Here’s a sneak preview of the content on show
BORA AND Unicorn Friends, from The Pinkfong Company, is a second spin-off series of Bebefinn, the nursery rhyme animated series about three siblings — Finn, Bora and Brody. The Bebefinn YouTube channel has more than 13 billion cumulative views with 40 million subscribers. The new series Bora And Unicorn Friends focuses on Bora, the eldest from the Bebefinn series, who steps into a Magic Wardrobe where she meets a unicorn who creates new styles for her. Bora’s imagination unlocks a world of adventure in a series that explores the the joy of believing in magic and celebrates diversity, while nurturing creativity and understanding of the self and others.
FoodRANGERS from MOnE Animation is a comic cooking adventure road movie series in which little chef Luna and food truck James travel the world with their friends in search legendary recipe book The Life Of A Cook. On their journey they learn about various world cuisines and hear fascinating stories, as they pass through fun and fascinating places like Cotton Candy Village, Broccoli Town, Ice Cream Village and Fast Food Town. Through cooking adventures, they get to taste wonderful food from around the world.
Cocobi is Kigle’s original character IP whose YouTube chan-
nels have amassed three billion views and eight million YouTube subscribers. Its 20 mobile games have reached six million downloads a month and have accumulated 80 million downloads. With increasing popularity in both mobile games and videos, Kigle is now preparing to create a TV series for three to five-year-olds. The series (40 x 7 mins) is based in a world where dinosaurs haven’t gone extinct. Instead, they have evolved and live in a world similar to ours.
Comma Studios’ The Shooting Star Travel Agency mixes fantasy with absurdist comedy, aimed at 10- to 15-year-olds. Sophie, the ultimate popular girl, transforms into a monster on her 12th birthday. To return to her normal self, she embarks on a magical wish journey designed by the eccentric duo, Pink Pig and Blue Bunny, who run the mysterious Shooting Star Travel Agency. Together, they navigate a fantastical virtual realm filled with challenges and self-discovery. As Sophie conquers each level, she uncovers hidden truths about herself, learns to embrace her flaws and her true feelings, and ultimately, discovers that being different is what makes her special. Magic Dice from 38ºC Animation Studio is an adventure fantasy series that allows its four main characters to enjoy both play and edu-
(clockwise from top) Bora And Unicorn Friends, Shooting Star, Cocobi, FoodRANGERS, Magic Dice
KOREAN NEW PROJECT SHOWCASE HOSTED BY KOCCA JW MARRIOTT GRAND THEATRE, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 12.00-12.45
cation simultaneously by solving challenges within a board game. The three friends, along with their younger sibling Emma, grow in responsibility and unity as they take care of Emma and come together to overcome crises. Rolling the dice presents the chil-
dren with suspense and excitement, and the unknown outcomes bring a further element of fun. In situations where what comes next is uncertain, the game is not only a means of play for children but also serves as a tool to develop co-operation and creativity.
8:30 - 9:15
MIPJUNIOR First Timer Tour
9:15 - 9:45
Theatre
Conferences and Events Programme 2024
16:00 - 16:30
17:30 - 18:30
MIPJUNIOR SCREENINGS LIBRARY
OPEN FROM 14:00 TO 19:00
ON FRIDAY FROM 08:30 TO 19:00 ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY For buyers only
Audience Successes across the Globe Presented by Glance
9:45 - 10:45
Matchmaking Area
Speed Matchmaking - Commissioners & Producers By Registration Only
10:45 - 11:15 Grand Theatre
Navigating AI Today
11:15 - 12:00 Suquet
The Strategic Art of Producing Kids’ Content Today
12:00 - 12:30
Andy Yeatman, , CEO of Miraculous Corp USA and Global Operations, Miraculous Corp “Innovating for the Future: The Miraculous Journey”
12:30 - 13:30
Renoir Networking Lounge Snack Lunch
9:30 - 10:15
Grand Theatre
European Public Broadcasters Uniting Forces
10:30 - 11:00
Suquet In Conversation with Commissioners Followed by 15’ Q&A
11:15 - 11:45
9:45 - 10:45
Matchmaking Area
Speed Matchmaking - Commissioners & Producers By Registration Only
Josh Silverman, Chief Franchise Officer, Mattel “Beyond the Toy Box: Shaping the Future of Play”
12:00 - 12:45
Grand Theatre
Korean New Project Showcase Hosted by KOCCA Snack lunch (by invitation only) served from 12:45 at the Renoir Terrace
14:30 - 15:00
Grand Theatre
Happiness Recession – Mental Emotional and Social Health (MESH)
Presented by FUNDamentally Children
15:15 - 16:00
Suquet
Co-Producing Kids’ Content: Keys to Success
16:00 - 16:45
MIPJUNIOR World Premiere Screening The Three Musketeers Presented by Mediawan Kids & Family
17:00 - 17:30
Grand Theatre
MIPJUNIOR Industry Showcase: Outsmart your Phone - Media Stamped Empowers Kids to Think while Scrolling Presented by Sinking Ship Entertainment
18:00 - 20:00
Majestic Hotel
MIPJUNIOR Opening Party Hosted by FOO Entertainment
14:45 - 16:00
Grand Theatre
MIPJUNIOR Pitch - Pre-school
16:15 - 17:00
Grand Theatre
Bring Creative Vision to Life: Unlocking the Potential of Kids’ IP
17:15 - 17:45
Grand Theatre
Finding, Engaging & Retaining Fans: Four Top Tips for your Future Audience
MIPJUNIOR thanks its sponsors & partners
Creating ‘better safe spaces for children’s on-screen activities’
THE MENTAL health of children is acknowledged to be one of the most critical challenges facing society in the post-COVID era. The role of the content industry in addressing this issue will be explored during the MIPJUNIOR session Happiness Recession – Mental, Emotional & Social Health.
Anchoring the session is Dr Amanda Gummer, founder and CEO of FUNdamentally Children. She told the MIPJUNIOR Preview that Happiness Recession will “explore the growing number of children with emotional challenges. It looks at the ways
in which quality, age appropriate content can help children develop emotional literacy and provide tools for children to navigate their emotions in the real world.”
Gummer believes the content industry recognises it has a key role to play: “Historically commissioners of children’s content haven’t been overly concerned about the emotional development of their audience, but I believe this is changing with evidence that children’s wellbeing is on a downward trajectory. Content creators can help children by ensuring emotions within their content are au-
Amanda Gummer
HAPPINESS RECESSION –MENTAL, EMOTIONAL & SOCIAL HEALTH
JW MARRIOTT GRAND THEATRE, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 14.30-15.00
thentic and openly expressed and discussed without stigma. Age-appropriate themes addressing emotionally charged issues that children can relate to can support their communication.”
Gummer said it is not necessary to have experts in children’s mental wellbeing in your team permanently, “but a basic understanding for all team members can improve efficacy and cohesion. Bringing in experts at key parts of the developmental process can ensure you’re adhering to best practice and utilising the latest research.” She added there is a compelling argument for giving kids screenfree time to develop emotional literacy. “But we can also provide better safe spaces for children’s on-screen activities and put pressure on platforms to protect children from inappropriate content.”
How to create successful IP for kids
CREATING successful kids’ IP is a lengthy process that requires a blend of knowledge, creativity, inspiration and boldness. For delegates seeking actionable insights into this fascinating area, MIPJUNIOR is featuring a must-attend session with kids industry leaders that have already walked this path, titled Bring Creative Vision To Life: Unlocking The Potential Of Kids’ IP.
Olivier Dumont is president of Hasbro Entertainment, a relatively new division which unites toy company Hasbro’s film, television, animation and digital media businesses. He said: “The goal of the session is to give tips to attendees about how to craft and pitch their IPs in a way
which has the best chance of attracting the interest of consumer products companies such as toy and video-game companies.”
As a result, Dumont said, “we will discuss how to embed play patterns in IPs and about world building, ensuring these IPs can generate interesting gameplay in digital gaming, for instance, while creating strong communities”. Also on the panel is Ubisoft Film and TV managing director Hélène Juguet. In this role, she leads the development and production of Ubisoft IPs into animated films, TV series and transmedia, and also oversees the division’s ambition to create original animated stories set in in the world, culture and community of gaming.
“During the session, we will give examples of IPs with interesting play patterns; and look at how IPs can organically lead to video games through strong commu nity involvement, and game play potential,” Juguet said.
Hélène Juguet
Olivier Dumont
BRING CREATIVE VISION TO LIFE : UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF KIDS’ IP
JW MARRIOTT GRAND THEATRE
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 16.15-17.00
NAVIGATING
JW
THEATRE, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 10.45-11.15
AI: will it help or hurt us?
WILL AI unleash a tidal wave of new creativity, or will it disrupt — and maybe destroy — everything we know and love about making TV and movies? These questions will be asked — and maybe answered — during the session Navigating AI Today, featuring independent producer and showrunner Evan Baily, of US company Consolidated Baily.
During the session Baily will look at some of the latest AI tools that could radically change the process of filmmaking and contemplate possible strategies for surviving the era to come.
Evan Baily
How digital IP could change the world of kids entertainment
IN THE MIPJUNIOR session The Next Frontier: Adapting To Digital Shifts In Kids’ TV And Entertainment, panelists will discuss the significant changes the kids TV and entertainment industry have undergone over the past two decades. The emergence and consolidation of new platforms — including streaming, gaming and digital — have meant that children’s attention is no longer focused on a single source. This means that the traditional IP value chain, from creation to monetisation, has evolved rapidly — and AI will accelerate that evolution.
Panelists, including: Gregory Dray of France’s Animaj; UK media consultant Joanne Redfern; Hasbro Entertainment’s Yannick Ferrero; and Marcus Holmström of Swedish
THE NEXT FRONTIER: ADAPTING TO DIGITAL SHIFTS IN KIDS’ TV AND ENTERTAINMENT
JW MARRIOTT GRAND THEATRE, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 16.45-17.30
gaming company The Gang, will discuss the digital ecosystem and how it has changed the kids’ industry, from creation to consumption. Moderator for the session is Emily Horgan, director of E Horg Media.
Marcus Holmström
Joanne Redfern
Gregory Dray
Yannick Ferrero
Lessons on how to engage and retain the fickle kids audience
ON SUNDAY afternoon at MIPJUNIOR, four experts from pioneering companies will help delegates unpack the trends and behaviours shaping the way children and families are consuming brands. Each will pick one trend, exploring what it means for brand owners and studios over the next decade.
The session will be moderated by Gone With founder Pete Robinson, who will introduce proceedings with data on how young audiences and families are discovering and consuming content. He said: “With so much uncertainty, we will endeavour to create clear and actionable insights relating to children, young people and family, and the media brands that serve them. By each focusing on one key trend, we’ll be able to go deep into why it is important and how content owners can build around it.”
For his own part, Robinson will be focusing on “how to identify your fans and build content and brand strategies to engage them. I will focus on the data and metrics to observe, that let content owners know how well they are doing
in meeting their fans’ needs. In the world of infinite content and niche communities, it has never been more important to build content for specific audiences with specific needs.”
Robinson is joined on the panel by WildBrain executive vice-president, audience engagement, Kate Smith; Moonbug vice-president, games and interactive, Ed Barton; and Toikido founder and CEO Darran Garnham, who will discuss how Toikido has been leveraging the power of web3 and Discord to create meaningful long term relationships with fans.
Speaking to the MIPJUNIOR Preview, WildBrain’s Smith added: “I hope those attending the session come away with an understanding of audience engagement and how to approach this as an IP owner. Today’s kids expect content at their fingertips and on screens everywhere they want to watch. It’s essential for brands to discover and reach audiences where they spend their time, be that streaming, gaming, linear or social.”
Kids content: from concept to completion
IN THE session The Strategic Art Of Producing Kids’ Content today, an expert panel will discuss how, in today’s dynamic entertainment landscape, producing compelling kids’ content requires a delicate balance of creativity, strategic planning, and effective partnerships. This session will delve into the process of creating engaging con-
tent for young audiences, from the initial concept development to securing the right partners to bring the creative vision to life. The sesssion is hosted by Adina Tartak Pitt and panelists include: Epicmedia CEO Ken Faier; Disney Branded Television vice-president, international animation, Orion Ross; Siesta Entertainment CEO, Anna Shchur.
FINDING, ENGAGING & RETAINING FANS – FOUR TOP TIPS FOR YOUR FUTURE AUDIENCE
JW MARRIOTT GRAND THEATRE, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 17.15-17.45
“How people consume media is at the core of the changes in the content industry — kids today are curating their own content seamlessly across platforms,” Smith said. “I’ll explore why and how brand owners should take advantage of this trend to engage and grow their audiences through an omni-platform strategy.”
THE STRATEGIC ART OF PRODUCING KIDS’ CONTENT
JW MARRIOTT SUQUET SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 11.15-12.00
Adina Tartak Pitt
Anna Shchur
Orion Ross
Ed Barton
Pete Robinson
Kate Smith
Darran Garnham
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What it would look like ‘if Ted Talks and TikTok had a baby’
SINKING Ship Entertainment, in partnership with co-production partner Global Citizen, presents Media Stamped at MIPJUNIOR, a documentary series designed to teach media literacy to tweens aged nine to 11. The show’s creator, writer and host is Nicole Stamp, a triple Canadian Screen Award-nominated television director and writer, and the recipient of a Toronto Arts Award for Excellence and Innovation in Theatre.
Media Stamped has been de-
scribed as what you’d get if “Ted Talks and TikTok had a baby”. The series is designed to help tweens “unpack the myriad messages they receive on social media and elsewhere”. For Sinking Ship, Media Stamped is “an important series for this moment in time for kids”. It is described as “a respectful conversation… playfully decoding the science of how the media impacts us”.
Topics range from “edited images to editorial bias; from scrolling
OUTSMART YOUR PHONE –MEDIA STAMPED EMPOWERS KIDS TO THINK WHILE SCROLLING JW MARRIOTT GRAND THEATRE, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 17.00-17.30
to trolling; from skibidi memes to self-esteem; and even how to train your social media algorithms so your feed will improve your mental health”.
“By the age of 12, most kids have already spent a year of their lives online — in a flood of advertising, social media, online bullying, world news and fake news,” Stamp said. “And right now our only defence is to turn off the screens — but that’s like building a fence around a swimming pool.
Media Stamped aims to teach them how to swim.”
Global Citizen is a non-profit with a wide social-media presence, often working with celebrities. A recent event in New York featured rappers Post Malone and Doja Cat, and Coldplay’s Chris Martin.
A chance to hear from the commissioners
THE IN Conversation With Commissioners session takes place on Sunday on the Suquet Stage at MIPJUNIOR. Speakers include Zia Sands, director content acquisitions, partnerships and coproductions kids and family EMEAWarner Bros. Discovery USA; and Yuanchang Sun, director of international co-production & IP investment (Kids), Alibaba-Youku. Sands said she will be “discussing company strategy and offering detail about internal processes when green-lighting a project to help producers and sellers to optimise their approach to pitching”. She will also explain “how Warner Bros. Discovery deals with requests and constraints from different territories, how they adapt to them, what sorts of shows work for the company and which do not, alongside
hers and Warner Bros. Discovery’s criteria for success”.
In the last six to nine months, Sands has commissioned the new animated series, Baby Lemmings, from kids producer Studio Hari. “Alongside that, I confirmed returning series, including the fourth series of Mr. Bean with Banijay, which was produced by Tiger Aspect; and series four of Grizzy And The Lemmings, also from Studio Hari,” she said.
At its heart, commissioning is all about reading the market, something that is not getting any easier given the range of entertainment options available to today’s children. “Kids are adept at discovering new content across different platforms and gravitating towards what they love,” Sands said. “We have access to more data across multiple platforms
which helps to support our editorial experience and ex pertise, to better anticipate what kids will love next. The kids market currently has a wealth of creative, fresh, and exciting new ideas, and we’re investing in a pipeline of 200 hours a year, of which 50% will come from our third-party partnerships, so, there is still a lot of opportunity.” She add ed: “We also acknowledge the
challenge of producers to fully fund a project and recognise
Yuanchang Sun IN CONVERSATION WITH COMMISSIONERS SUQUET, JW MARRIOTT, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 10.30-11.15
Nicole Stamp
Zia Sands
Delegates will leave ’confident, energised and inspired’
CO-PRODUCTION is the beating heart of the kids business — but how do you find the right creative and commercial partners, while delivering an end product that works for everyone? All will be revealed by a panel of kids co-production experts in the Saturday session Co-producing Kids Content: Keys To Success. Moderated by Justine Bannister, CEO of consultancy Just B, the session will give delegates a practical guide to targeting investors with tailored materials. “We want to help equip creatives and producers with the tools to finance their shows,” Bannister said. “We’ll reveal key strategies for co-producing standout kids’ content, including how to find the right partners for projects. We will also share tips for approaching investors and explore ways to leverage tax credits and funding in key territories.”
Panelists include Sarah Muller,
senior head of children’s commissioning seven-plus, BBC. She wants MIPJUNIOR delegates “to go home feeling confident, energised and inspired to pursue a co-production model for their next project. So many brilliant ideas and formats are stalled due to lack of knowledge about the co-production process. I’m hopeful this session will mean more brilliant productions will be enjoyed by young audiences.”
Muller said the industry is open to co-productions as it has become “a necessity”. A recent example of her own is the new series of Odd Squad. “We moved it to a UK production that has inspired the storylines and cultural relevancy for our UK audience, but also taking that influence across to audiences in America.”
Also on the panel is Christophe Goldberger, managing director, GoldBee, who said “co-productions are more global, interactive and
commercially strategic than ever before”. He added: “Co-productions now blend diverse cultural perspectives, while also spanning TV, digital platforms, games and apps — enriching storytelling.”
Another panelist, Philippe Alessandri, founder and CEO of Watch Next Media, said his firm delivered its first-ever tripartite co-production, Audrey’s Shelter, in June. “This col-
What plays best around the world
GLOBAL research firm Glance is hosting a session in which it will run through the highest-rated successes from around the world.
Leading the session, Glance client and research manager Candice Alessandra said: “Across 30 minutes, we highlight a selection of recently launched shows from around the world that have been successful with children, as well as a global view of some of the more established brands. Our work is based on TV and SVOD audiences.”
Giving the MIPJUNIOR Preview a sneak peek, Alessandra said: “The Loud House and Bluey
have been battling for the top spot over the past 18 months, with Paw Patrol completing the top trio in our rankings. Among recent series, keep an eye on Mystery Lane, Hello Kitty: Super Style and the spin-off Rubble & Crew. On Netflix, outside the licensed IPs, the recently launched series Bad Dinosaurs and Luz, the Brazilian live-action show, have performed well outside their original markets.”
She added: “A common thread highlighted in the session will be the concept of care, expressed in various forms and
CO-PRODUCING KIDS CONTENT: KEYS TO SUCCESS JW MARRIOTT SUQUET, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 15.15-16.00
laboration, with a production split of 70% France, 20% Canada and 5% Spain, was commissioned by seven public broadcasters: France Télévisions, ZDF, Clan, TVO Kids, TFO, Radio-Canada, and Knowledge. Despite the complexity of the co-production, it was a success due to the strong collaboration.”
at different levels. We’ve also observed a rise in shows where school settings take centre stage, for example Ketnet’s De Raad van Soekie, a mockumentary-style drama reminiscent of Abbott Elementary.”
Additionally, she said, “many new programmes emphasise inter-generational transmission of values, whether through passing down knowledge, particularly manual skills, or by reviving beloved childhood characters, as seen with Disney’s reimagined Ariel. Finally, the protection of fauna and flora is a key theme.”
KIDS AUDIENCE SUCCESSES ACROSS THE GLOBE JW MARRIOTT GRAND THEATRE, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 09.15-09.45
Christophe Goldberger
Candice Alessandra
Philippe Alessandri
Sarah Muller
Justine Bannister
Thanks
its 2024 sponsors & partners
‘Collaboration
and co-production is
not a nice-to-have but a must-have’
PUBLIC broadcasters today are grappling with significant financial constraints, especially in funding children’s content.
Collaboration has become a crucial strategy to sustain content production, bringing diverse perspectives and resources together to create IP that appeals to a broad audience while maintaining high-quality standards. However, when multiple public broadcasters with varying expectations collaborate, what are the core components they agree upon to bring successfully an European kids IP to life?
Hoping to answer this and other questions, in the session European Public Broadcasters, Uniting Forces, leading players in the sector will take to the JW Marriott Grand Theatre stage to tell MIPJUNIOR delegates about the critical role that collaboration is playing in sustaining content production.
Moderator for the session is Genevieve Dexter, founder & CEO, Serious Kids & Eye Present, and the panel includes: Luca Milano, Rai Trade; Pierre Siracusa, director of the youth and education team at France Télévisions; Nicole Keeb, head of international content, acquisitions & co-productions at ARD/ZDF KiKA; and Patricia Hidalgo, BBC director children’s & education.
Explaining their shared challenge, Hidalgo said: “Public
service broadcasters around the world share similar values and purpose. Our remit is to support children through the creation of video content that educates, informs and entertains. The rise of streaming and increased global competition makes our slates hungry for more content, but our budgets are not growing, this means we can’t afford to fully fund all our needs.”
‘Our budgets are not growing, this means we can’t afford to fully fund all our needs’
Patricia Hidalgo
As a result, she said: “Collaboration and co-production is not a nice-to-have but a must-have. Public service broadcasters have been coming together to secure rights and be able to afford commissioning home-grown IP. In this session, you will hear about our strategies, what we are looking to do to retain and attract children in our markets, what we have in common and what is important when bringing an idea to any of us.”
Hidalgo said there are plenty of examples that prove pubcaster collaboration works: “In the past few years we have co-commissioned or pre-bought quite a few series with RAI, France TV and ZDF. We have Home Sweet Rome (RAI, BBC), Theodosia (ZDF, BBC), Super Happy Magic Forest (BBC, RAI) and Big Lizard (France TV, BBC).”
In terms of making the model work, she said two main broadcasters is ideal. “And the key to a successful partnership is to share values, respect and trust each other.”
EUROPEAN PUBLIC BROADCASTERS – UNITING FORCES
JW MARRIOTT GRAND THEATRE, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 09.30-10.15
Pierre Siracusa
Luca Milano
Nicole Keeb
Patricia Hidalgo
Content for sale
On the following pages we highlight some of the content from around the world that is coming to MIPJUNIOR and onwards at MIPCOM CANNES
DANDELOOO
FRENCH animation producer and distributor Dandelooo brings comedy series Max & Rabbit (26 x 5 mins) to Cannes. Based on books by Astrid Desbordes, the 2D animated series, targeted at early pre-schoolers, is produced by Dandelooo. The series features fourand-a-half-year-old Max and his rabbit as they navigate everyday situations. The purple rabbit is not the cuddly toy everyone thinks it is, for Max it is a real rabbit. They talk to each other, confide in each other, give each other advice and console each other — as well argue with each other. The series tackles emotions and aims to help kids listen, accept, verbalise and find fun solutions for every problem.
ANIMA KICHENT
INDEPENDENT Spanish animation producer Ánima Kitchent offers 2D pre-school series Tippi T-Rex (26 x 5 mins) to buyers in Cannes. The series is currently in production and scheduled for a fourth quarter 2024 delivery, with an additional 26 five-minute episodes seeking co-production partners. Tippi is a four-year-old T-Rex who lives with her parents, and big brother Ryan, in a contemporary world inhabited by all kinds of dinosaurs and other prehistoric species. She has a lot of imagination and is infinitely curious about the world around her. Tippi loves to play with her best friends Pearl and Triceps, and loves to talk, even with Lucy, her T-Rex rap-singer doll.
Tippi T-Rex (Ánima Kitchent)
GOLDBEE
GOLDBEE, a kids and family distributor from Barcelona, introduces heartwarming animated upper-pre-school musical series DoReMi Dalimi at MIPJUNIOR and MIPCOM CANNES. Produced by Seoul-based Sunwoo & Company, in collaboration with KBS and Tooniverse, DoReMi Dalimi features the everyday adventures of five-year-old Dalimi, her parents and younger sister, her kindergarten pals, her wise grandfather and loyal pet dog, and includes 79 original songs. Two seasons, totalling 39 x 11 mins, are already available. A third season comprising 13 x 11 mins is in production, due for delivery in the first quarter of 2025. A licensing programme has rolled out in Asia, along with a strong online presence via social media, websites, online malls, games and magazines.
Max & Rabbit (Dandelooo)
DoReMi Dalimi (GoldBee)
STUDIO 100 INTERNATIONAL
STUDIO 100 International is premiering Dino Mates (26 x 11 mins) in Cannes. Produced as a mix of 2D and CGI animation by Mack Magic, commissioning broadcaster KiKA (both Germany), and B-Water Animation Studios (Spain), the series is targeted at six- to 10-year-olds and is based on a family attraction at Germany’s largest theme park, and a picture-book series. Sophie eagerly anticipates a summer of adventure with her daring Grandma Clara, while her younger brother Leo remains sceptical. Their summer takes a wild turn when they find dinosaur eggs. Once hatched, the dinosaurs display incredible talents, including rapid learning and speaking abilities. Sophie and Leo must then protect their new dino friends from those who would exploit them.
GREEN INK ANIMATIONNAL
IN CO-PRODUCTION with Gruppo Alcuni and RAI Kids, Italy’s Green Ink Animation is presenting the fifth season of 2D preschool series Mini Pet Pals & MiniDinos (26 x 6 mins). As the distinctive backgrounds and cultures of each set of characters come into contact in this series, they approach the subject of diversity in fresh and original ways, always co-operating and turning what seem like issues into opportunities for growth. And a sixth season is coming, entirely focused on the MiniDinos as they deal with three arrogant Dumdumsaurs. Another highlight is Gateway 66, a new live-action/animation series blending adventure with real science, thanks to experts from MUSE, the science museum in Trento. Two teen hosts set off to rescue a research physicist who somehow got trapped in another dimension.
AARDMAN
THE UK’s Aardman has acquired a range of third-party pre-school content for distribution, including: Big Lizard (52 x 7 mins), a new 3D/CGI comedy series about a young astronaut called Cosima and friend Big Lizard, with some light education about science and prehistory; Lí Ban (13 x 11 mins), a 2D anime series for seven- to nine-year-olds, featuring fantastical heroes and villains, including Celtic magic and the adventures of sassy 12-year-old, Lí Ban — with a second and third series, both 26 x 11 mins, currently in development; and Mojo Swoptops (52 x 11 mins), a 3D action and comedy series about Mojo and Bo, who are always ready to help out and have fun in their town, Swoppiton.
ABC COMMERCIAL
ABC COMMERCIAL’s Children’s & Family slate is headed up by new preschool series Fizzy & Suds (26 x 15 mins), celebrating all the enthusiasm of that age group. Other highlights include sci-fi coming-of-age series Planet Lulin (10 x 30 mins) and family series Show Me The Honey (7 x 30 mins). There are also new seasons featuring music entertainers The Wiggles, in Ready, Steady, Wiggle!, as well as a Wiggles country-music special. Also available is a new series of Gardening Australia Junior (20 x 15 mins), offering fun and practical ideas for kids and families to get outdoors and digging.
XILAM
ANIMATION
PIGGY Builders (52 x 11 mins) follows Cornelia, Cesar and Charlie, who are charismatic piggy siblings living in Fine Forest. While they are all different, they have things in common — they love building, solving problems, their community and each other. They learn that when they don’t work as a team, the projects they’re working on can go wrong. But when they work together, the impossible becomes possible. The preschool series aims to highlight team spirit, kindness and respect for others. French producer and distributor Xilam Animation’s partners for the project include France Télévisions, BBC and ZDF. Delivery is scheduled for the third quarter of 2025.
Mojo Swoptops (Aardman)
Piggy Builders (Xilam Animation)
Mini Pet Pals & MiniDinos (Green Ink Animation)
Dino Mates (Studio 100 International)
MERCURY FILMWORKS
BASED on a hit YouTube channel with over 200,000 subscribers and over eight million views, comes a new original animated anthology horror/suspense series for tweens and teens, Don’t Walk Home Alone After Dark (21 x 13 mins). A co-production between Canada’s Mercury Filmworks and France’s La Chouette, the series is a collection of modern folk tales that explore coming-of-age themes intended to be scary as well as heartfelt. The series embraces the crossover between podcast and lo-fi YouTube content that allows the audience to watch, listen or both. Each episode is a stand-alone mini-film, but all are part of a larger world.
ENCORE TELEVISON
AIMED at kids aged six to eight, Cirkus (26 x 22 mins) features a little girl who has always been told that she is too much — she laughs too loudly, has too many strange ideas and doesn’t fit in with any group. She invents a whimsical world and creates funny short films in which she plays all the roles. However, everything changes when a circus troupe sets up camp and she befriends the group of lovable misfits, even though they are not well-received by some villagers.
DOFALA
KOREAN animation studio Dofala highlights three shows in Cannes. Hero Riseman is a 3D animation series targeting children six to 14. Blending comedy and action, the show follows Scott, an part-time worker in Zero City who stumbles on a powerful Geostone, which thrusts him into a new role battling space monsters. Dino Powers is an action-packed comedy for kids aged five to 10, set in a future where genetic engineering has revived dinosaurs as pets. Kuang The Little Dinosaur, aimed at preschoolers, features a curious Tarbosaurus and his friends.
TOON2TANGO
KIDS and family specialist Toon2Tango brings a Cannes slate that includes: Agent 203 (26 x 22 mins), about Zoe, who finds out her dad used to be a secret agent protecting the planet from aliens, and then follows in his footsteps; Monster Loving Maniacs (52 x 11 mins), about three siblings trained as monster hunters by their grandfather; and The Wee Littles (46 x 5 mins), for three- to six-year-olds, about a family of very small creatures living in a forest. Available next year, and previewing in Cannes, is Hey Fuzzy Yellow (52 x 11 mins), a 2D series for kids aged three to five, with a magazine-style format based on early-education concepts. Scheduled for early 2025, Dinomite & Lucy (39 x 11 mins) is set in an alternative prehistoric world in which dinosaurs are the superior species, and Showtime is a 2D concept, soon entering production, about kids setting up their own musical-theatre show.
Dinomite & Lucy (Toon2Tango)
Hero Riseman (Dofala)
Cirkus (Encore Television)
Don’t Walk Home Alone After Dark (Mercury Filmworks)
FoodRANGERS
TV ASAHI
JAPANESE national broadcaster TV Asahi presents new kids’ animation series Obocchama-kun (26 x 22 mins/52 x 11 mins). The anime adaptation is a sequel to the original 1989 series and is based on the popular 1984 manga created by Yoshinori Kobayashi. Targeted at 6- to 11-yearolds, the 2D animation is produced by TV Asahi with Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI). Obocchama-kun is a comedy series about a crazy-rich boy and his outrageous school and family life.
Obocchama-kun (TV Asahi)
STUDIOS
KOREA’s Khazmodan Studios introduces Honyang. Honyang is a cat-like tiger that forms a unique bond with a human-like bear and a uniquely-coloured raccoon. The stories aim to inspire a world where everyone is celebrated for their uniqueness. There are two completed episodes available, with 15 scheduled by the end of 2025. Merchandise is also planned.
CAKE ENTERTAINMENT
NIKHIL & Jay (52 x 11 mins) follows the funny, relatable stories of two brothers who live with their mum, who is Indian Tamil by heritage, and dad, who is English and with both Indian and English grandparents, their life is a rich blend of customs, traditions, festivals, food and music. Created by author Chitra Soundar and based on her book series, Nikhil & Jay is produced by King Banana TV, Paper Owl Films and exec-produced and distributed by Cake. Full of curiosity, joy and a cheeky sense of adventure, Nikhil & Jay represents the everyday experience of dual-heritage children with heart, humour and family themes.
Nikhil & Jay (Cake Entertainment)
(MOnE)
Honyang (Khazmodan Studios)
KHAZMODAN
SERIOUS KIDS
SERIOUS Kids presents a brand-new series making its premiere screening in Cannes. Happy Town (50 x 7 mins), voiced by Spice Girls’ Mel B, is an animated preschool show about community and helping people. Everywhere you look in Happy Town, everyone is happy and on top of the tallest building in town, the colourful Happy Town sign shines like the sun. When even one of the townsfolk becomes unhappy, the light fizzes out, and that’s where a charming hedgehog, Pep, and his best friend Tabitha, the ladybird, begin their adventure to make the Happy Town sign shine bright again. Delivery is due at the end of this year.
BBC STUDIOS KIDS & FAMILY
A HIGHLIGHT for BBC Studios Kids & Family is The Primrose Railway Children (1 x 90 mins), a new classic story of mystery, adventure and family drama. Adapted by Tom Bidwell, it is based on Jacqueline Wilson’s novel of the same name, which is a modern reimagining of Edith Nesbit’s classic novel The Railway Children. The story follows Phoebe, her older siblings Becks and Perry and their mum who are living a comfortable life in Glasgow when suddenly they are uprooted and moved to the highlands of Scotland after their father mysteriously goes missing. A BBC Studios Kids and Family production for CBBC, the film will be distributed internationally by BBC Studios. Another priority is animation Supertato (52 x 7 mins), following the adventures of the potato superhero and his fruit and veggie sidekicks.
BEIJING TFF
BEIJING TFF is looking for co-production partners for its newly developed 3D CGI animation series Dragon Sisters (26 x 11 mins). The story happens after cosmic radiation transforms a drifting garbage island into a global menace of charming yet dangerous garbage monsters, and the young dragon sisters set out to capture and contain these creatures, turning environmental threats into collectible treasures.
PRESTIGO
CANADA’s Prestigo brings new series Your Life Without It (60 x 3 mins), a blend of animation and live-action aimed at 9- to 12-year-olds. In each episode, everyday objects like a fork, a sled, or a vacuum cleaner are interviewed, sharing their stories and perspectives. Through these humorous and informative interviews, the objects discuss their design, history, and purpose. The series airs on Télé-Québec and has already been greenlit for a second season of 40 episodes.
HG DISTRIBUTION
THE KIDS catalogue from Canada’s HG Distribution includes: PIN (50 x 3 mins/5 x 30 mins), an animated 4K series for teens committed to demonstrating the rudiments of economics using quirky humour and colourful characters; Ping & Roar (26 x 5 mins), a preschool sitcom available in English, Spanish, Hindi and German; Lotus & Cali (season one, 12 x 5 mins), in which the friends explore new universes inspired by a particular literary genre, with a new season (12 x 5 mins) due early 2025; and Comme Dans L’Espace (season 1, 13 x 30 mins/season 2, 13 x 30 mins), featuring two teenagers from a former secret bunker of the Space Agency, who are introduced to the science of the cosmos, through experiments on Earth.
Dragon Sisters (Beijing TFF)
PIN (HG Distribution)
The Primrose Railway Children (BBC Studios Kids & Family)
Your Life Without It (Prestigo)
Happy Town (Serious Kids)
CYBER GROUP STUDIOS
AIMING at children aged from six to 12, Cyber Group Studios will soon release its new e-sport animated series using 2D and the Unreal Engine, Alex Player (26 x 22 mins/ CGI/2D). Cyber Group Studios also reveals its first motion-capture series, in production, about a family of fire fighters, The McFire Family (52 x 11 mins). Additionally, Press Start! (52 x 11 mins/CGI), is coming soon, aimed at four- to seven-year-olds, set within the fastpaced cubic video game world of Super Rabbit Boy; and a fourth season of its Gigantosaurus introduces new roaring characters.
PVP DISTRIBUTION
ICONIX
PVP DISTRIBUTION is showcasing programming produced by PVP Media, as well as content from other producers. Highlights from the kids’ slate of the Canadian company include: Goose And Cloud (Dainty Productions); Let’s Play! With Biscuit And Coconut (Echo Media); Mini-Jon And Mini-Maple, The Spudragons and The Little Spudragon (Happy Camper Media); Woolly Woolly (Normaal Animation); and Jar Dwellers SOS (Pipeline Studios and Viskatoons).
WILDBRAIN
THE LATEST content from Korea’s Iconix is on offer in Cannes, including: the eighth season of the preschool series which fosters problem-solving and social development, Pororo The Little Penguin (26 x 11 mins), introducing some new characters to the snowy village and new magical environments — deep forest, underwater and dreamland; and the seventh season of Tayo The Little Bus (26 x 11 mins), with Tayo and his bus friends navigating new routes and everyday challenges in a bustling city.
APC KIDS
A NEW animated series brought to Cannes by Canada’s WildBrain is based on a classic Spike Milligan story and features a voice cast that includes Miriam Margolyes. Badjelly (13 x 22 mins), aimed at kids aged seven to 11 and set for delivery in early 2025, is the tale of two curious kids whose future is in the balance after their beloved cow is cow-napped. Will they be made into boy/girl soup to rehydrate the desiccated has-been, Badjelly? Or will they enlist the help of a paranoid sausage-hatted tree goblin, a rusty metal lion, an inhumanly strong worm and an ex-banana mouse to defeat evil and win a bonus giant? Distributed globally by WildBrain (excluding New Zealand) and commissioned by WildBrain Television’s Family Channel and New Zealand’s TVNZ, Badjelly is a co-production from Mukpuddy Animation, Sphere Animation and Cantilever Media.
PARIS-based APC Kids is launching three kids’ properties in Cannes. Lana Longbeard (52 x 11 mins) is a 2D animation produced by Zephyr (APC Kids’ production arm) and Copernicus Studios. Delivery is due mid-2025. Lana is a passionate 12-year-old who joins her Viking father and his motley crew on their adventures on the high seas. High Hoops (10 x 30 mins) is a live-action comedy produced by Can Can Productions. When Aoife O’Neill moves school she’s determined to be a cool girl and hang out with the popular crowd, except she can’t resist the challenge to join the school’s lame basketball team. Ewilan’s Quest (8 x 26 mins) is a 2D-animated fantasy adventure series produced by Andarta Pictures and Vivi Film, due for delivery at the end of 2025. At 13 Camille’s life takes a dramatic turn when she accidentally gets cast into the world of Gwendalavir, inhabited by creatures as extraordinary as they are dangerous.
Lana Longbeard (APC Kids)
Badjelly (WildBrain)
Gigantosaurus (Cyber Group Studios)
Let’s Play With Biscuit And Coconut (PVP Distribution)
Pororo The Little Penguin (Iconix)
The only video portal for the kids’ media industry.
AK ENTERTAINMENT
TWO TITLES head the Cannes roster for Korea’s AK Entertainment. Cocomong 3 sees Cocomong and friends searching for secret food full of healthy energy. On the journey they battle through crises together and finally they learn the importance of food and healthy eating habits in Refrigerator Land. In Birdy Friends the group learns the secrets of the Seed Vault and the Hug Tree. Dr. Mo tells them that the Hug Tree is the heart of the forest. Sadly, because of the Big Black Shadow the Hug Tree uses all its powers to save needy plants in other areas, which puts the Black Forest at risk of disappearing. Can the Birdy Friends help by solving the map’s riddle?
GRUPPO ALCUNI
THE BLACK Diamond Race (9 x 45 mins) is a 3D animated series for tweens, currently in production and releasing worldwide early next year. In co-production with RAI Kids, RTVE, Motion Pictures Entertainment and Broadvision Perspectives, the adventure features car road racing, which was taking Europe and India by storm in 1929. The elusive criminal Mister K devises a reckless rally race and, cajoling her Maharaja father into gambling a precious family heirloom, Rani pursues her dream to become a professional race-car driver. State-of-the art cars, three diamonds stolen from museums, and an old mystic with a bizarre prophecy are just some of the twists and turns in the quest to beat the bad guys to the finish line in the stunning landscape of India. Italy’s Gruppo Alcuni also highlights preschool series MiniDinos (26 x 6 mins), a 2D animation that sees the MiniDinos come up against the Dumdumsaurs, who wreak havoc on their prehistoric valley.
PAPER OWL FILMS
PAPER Owl Films’ fast-paced Celtic-inspired anime series Lí Ban (13 x 11 mins) is making its international debut in Cannes and launches on Cúla4/TG4 in Ireland and S4C in the Welsh language. Transformed into a mermaid and a sea otter, Lí Ban and her faithful dog Con spend centuries scouring the watery kingdoms of Celtic legend meeting gods, monsters, giants and wily humans as they search for answers to who they really are and why were they transformed. The series was made with funding support from Coimisiún na Meán and Northern Ireland Screen’s Screen Fund and Irish Language Broadcast Fund. It’s distributed internationally by Aardman.
THE WIGGLES
TWO SEASONS of preschool series Wiggle And Learn (40 x 30 mins), from The Wiggles enduring franchise, are available in Cannes. Wiggle And Learn explores crucial early childhood themes, offering comprehensive and engaging educational experience for preschoolers, focused on learning through the joy of music and play. The series draw from contemporary thinking on early childhood learning, with content that fosters active participation and engagement to generate the best learning experience.
MEDIA IM
LONDON-based distributor Media IM, which specialises in animation and family entertainment, has acquired a 2D preschool YouTube series. Media IM now represents all five seasons of Tatty And Misifu (72 x 5 mins), produced since 2020 by Barcelona-based ToyTownKids, to international linear and digital platforms, excluding YouTube, which is managed directly by the producer. Tatty is a little witch whose adventures with faithful friend Misifu the kitten combine fantasy and magic, accompanied by Lilly, Tatty’s giggly little sister, and grandma and her goofy furry companion Chewbarka.
The Black Diamond Race (Gruppo Alcuni)
Wiggle And Learn (The Wiggles)
Birdy Friends (AK Entertainment)
Tatty And Misifu (Media IM)
Define your future in The New Content Economy
MAGIC LIGHT PICTURES
BASED on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Tiddler (1 x 25 mins) is a festive film from Magic Light Pictures that will premiere on the UK’s BBC this Christmas. Tiddler tells the tale of a small grey fish who is lost in the big ocean until he gets saved by his own storymaking. The voice cast includes Hannah Waddingham, Lolly Adefope, Jayde Adams and Rob Brydon. Every day Tiddler tells a different story to his teacher and his friend Johnny Dory about why he’s late for school. His stories stretch from riding on seahorses or swimming around a shipwreck to being captured by a squid. Word of mouth helps them travel through the ocean and so when Tiddler gets lost, he realises they may help him find a way home.
MEDIATOON DISTRIBUTION
PARIS-based Mediatoon introduces Martin Morning: The Chinese Mystery (1 x 86 mins), an adventure feature film aimed at family audiences. Ready for delivery, the movie is a spin-off from the four-season animated series, distributed in more than 150 territories. Additionally, the distributor showcases two specials: Zoobox (1 x 26 mins), a preschool stop-motion adventure following a curious kangaroo; and Venice, The Most Ancient City Of The Future (1 x 26 mins), a kids and family time-traveling adventure tackling environmental issues.
RAINBOW GROUP
SUPERIGHTS
SUPERIGHTS’ highlights in Cannes include: Harrison & Me (52 x 13 mins), a comedy combining eco-friendly tips and the discovery of nature by two kids guided by Harrison, a plant being with a big heart; Silly Sundays (78 x 7 mins), a feel-good comedy series that centres around family trips; and Maelys’ Mysteries (30x13’), which follows Maelys, a 10-year-old girl, eager to solve mysteries with the help of her best friend Lucien.
HASBRO ENTERTAINMENT
CREATOR, producer and distributor Rainbow Group highlights Mermaid Magic (10 x 26 mins), a CGI-animated series for 8- to 12-year-olds, in Cannes. Mermaid Magic follows the adventures of fearless Princess Merlinda and her inseparable friends in Mertropia. The three warrior mermaids embark on a journey to the surface world, where they meet new human friends who will help them in the battle against the wicked pirate Barbarossa and his Sea Monsters. The Italian company also brings Gormiti – The New Era (20 x 22 mins), aimed at preteens, a live-action series mixed with CGI effects that features four young heroes, Scions, who work to save the fantasy realm of Gorm – and Earth itself – from war; and Winx Club (26 x 24 mins ), celebrating its 20th anniversary, a new CGI animated series that reimagines the tales of Bloom and her friends.
HASBRO Entertainment presents a multiplatform line-up that features season two of the original animated series Transformers: Earthspark (10 x 22 mins) for Paramount+ and Nickelodeon, promising a high stakes race to recover the Emberstone and save Earth once again. The newly released first-ever fully CG-animated movie, Transformers One further expands the brand’s universe by exploring the origins of the Autobots and Decepticons. Meanwhile, Peppa Pig celebrates its 20th anniversary with the brand’s biggest celebration yet, including a new cinema experience, a 10th season for Nick Jr, and a three-part Peppa Pig Wedding Party special featuring guest stars Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry. Hasbro is also exploring new platform opportunities including AVOD and FAST for global franchises including Transformers, Power Rangers, Dungeons & Dragons and My Little Pony.
Mermaid Magic (Rainbow Group)
Tiddler (Magic Light Pictures)
Silly Sundays (Superights)
Transformers: Earthspark (Hasbro Entertainment)
Martin Morning: The Chinese Mystery (Mediatoon Distribution)
KO DISTRIBUTION
JOINING the expanding library of kid’s content on Canada’s KO Distribution slate is Liam (12 x 30 mins), aimed at nine- to 12-year-olds and featuring the world’s most advanced humanoid. Although he looks like a normal 16-year-old, Liam was developed in secret at the Global Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (GAIL). One of his creators wants to reset him so he escapes, not knowing that a powerful weapon lurks deep inside him. Another new priority is About Mental Health (35 x 2 mins), an insightful series that fearlessly tackles the complex world of mental health, answering the pressing questions that today’s teenagers might have, from anxiety and body image to panic attacks, self- esteem,
ZDF STUDIOS
KIDS content brought to Cannes by Germany’s ZDF Studios includes: Dinomite & Lucy (39 x 11 mins), with teenage dinosaur inventor Dinomite and his unruly human friend; the second season of Surviving Summer (18 x 25 mins), featuring Summer, a Brooklyn teenager sent to live with her family in Australia; the third season of Zoom – The White Dolphin (52 x 12 mins); the second season of live-action Superhero Academy (20 x 15 mins); the second season of Spellbound (13 x 26 mins), set in the Paris Opera Ballet School; Clan - Choose Your Destiny (10 x 25 mins), about kids who turn their back on the Camorra through friendship, judo and the guidance of master Maddaloni; adventure animation Klincus (26 x 22 mins); the second season of live-action Theodosia (26 x 26 mins); mouse animation Sam And Julia (78 x 7 mins); and Tobie Lolness (13 x 52 mins/26 x 26 mins).
ZONE3
MONTREAL-based Zone3 is highlighting two live-action series for 4- to 7-year-olds at MIPCOM. Adventure In The World Of Worlds (96 x 26 mins) is a factual series and format. It follows Anais and Raphael, who discover the secrets of nature and animals as they take on missions set for them by their globe-trotting Uncle Dimitri. Live-action drama WhimsyWonder Island (195 x 26 mins) features a family that lives in a tropical-style hotel on a magical island that welcomes famous legendary creatures.
STUDIO HI
KOREA’s Studio Hi brings series Silvertown Heroes to MIPCOM CANNES. After the last battle, peace was restored, and the superheroes disappeared. Now, 40 years later, old enemies have reappeared. Superhero Gerald grits his teeth in anger, but he is now an old, powerless man, suffering more than the average person due to the excessive use of his superpowers in the past, and at this moment, an invitation comes to join the luxury senior town.
TENCENT VIDEO
LORD Of The Mysteries (13 x 35 mins), based on multi-million-selling web novels, unfolds in a captivating otherworld, a blend of Victorian Europe and steampunk style, where superhumans known as Beyonders coexist with ordinary humans. Unwittingly propelled into this world, the hero, a college student, transforms into a series of fantastical characters, gaining superhuman powers and facing forces for evil, as he searches for a way back home. Aimed at an audience of over 12s, this new animated series is brought to Cannes by Tencent Video.
