TV Kids July 2020

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TVKIDS

WWW.TVKIDS.WS

JULY 2020

Traci Paige Johnson / Mediatoon’s Jérôme Alby In-Demand Reports: Comedy, Adventure, Live Action & In-Development

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CONTENTS 6 TRACI PAIGE JOHNSON

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The co-creator of Blue’s Clues on bringing the show back for a new generation.

12 MEDIATOON TOONS IN Jérôme Alby, managing director of Mediatoon Distribution, discusses how the company is meeting the needs of broadcasters and platforms.

16 IN-DEMAND: COMEDY Spotlighting four shows that are making kids laugh.

22 IN-DEMAND: ADVENTURE Featuring a video-game hero who comes to life, real-life historical adventures, weather-controlling kids and new adventures in Oz.

26 IN-DEMAND: LIVE ACTION Real-life angst, action and drama for the tween and teen sets.

30 IN-DEMAND: IN DEVELOPMENT

Publisher Ricardo Seguin Guise Group Editorial Director Anna Carugati Editor Mansha Daswani Executive Editor Kristin Brzoznowski Associate Editor Chelsea Regan Editor, Spanish-Language Publications Elizabeth Bowen-Tombari Contributing Editor Elizabeth Guider Production & Design Director David Diehl Online Director Simon Weaver Art Director Phyllis Q. Busell Senior Sales & Marketing Manager Dana Mattison Sales & Marketing Coordinator Genovick Acevedo Business Affairs Manager Andrea Moreno Contributing Writers Steve Clarke Andy Fry Joanna Stephens Jay Stuart David Wood

These projects are looking for early partners.

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Ricardo Seguin Guise President Anna Carugati Executive VP Mansha Daswani Associate Publisher & VP of Strategic Development TV Kids ©2020 WSN INC. 1123 Broadway, #1207 New York, NY 10010 Phone: (212) 924-7620 Fax: (212) 924-6940 www.tvkids.ws

GET DAILY NEWS ON KIDS’ PROGRAMMING

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AUSTR T ALIAN CHILDRE EN’S TELEVISION PRE P SENTS

Distributed By Australian Children’s Television Foundation t | Email: info@actf.com.au | Web: W www.actf.com.au

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Traci Paige Johnson Blue’s Clues & You!

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wenty-three years since the original Blue’s Clues bowed on Nickelodeon (and then ran for six critically-acclaimed seasons), Traci Paige Johnson, together with co-creator Angela C. Santomero, ushered in an updated version of the series for today’s kids in Blue’s Clues & You! The remake once again follows the lovable pup Blue as she invites viewers to come along on clue-led adventures to solve a puzzle in each episode. Updates include CG animation for Blue and Magenta, a Handy Dandy Notebook with smartphone technology and updates to Mailbox and the original Thinking Chair. Johnson, who also provides the voice for Blue, talks to TV Kids about why now was the right time to reboot the series.

By Chelsea Regan

TV KIDS: Why did it feel like the right time to reintroduce Blue’s Clues?

JOHNSON: A lot of kids who grew up with Blue’s Clues or whose siblings grew up with Blue’s Clues are starting to have kids of their own. With the landscape the way it is now, with so much streaming and so much choice, well-loved brands have been coming back. We were always talking to Nickelodeon about bringing it back. The timing seemed right now. Also, with the state of the world, just having the comfort of things you loved as a kid coming back. We couldn’t be more thrilled about how well-received it’s been. It can be a little scary bringing back something that had such a big fan base, but so far, so good. We think that we [struck] the balance of keeping the classic but 7/20 WORLD SCREEN 39

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introducing the fresh. Blue is now CG-animated, so she looks more fluffy and huggable than ever. A lot of work and research went into the Handy Dandy Notebook phone. We didn’t want to make it all digital, but we knew that tablets and smartphones are in preschoolers’ environment and everyday world.

TV KIDS: What did you feel was important to keep similar to the original and what needed to be refreshed to appeal to today’s kids?

JOHNSON: We knew that changing the host would make a big difference. Even though we wanted to keep the iconic stripes of Blue’s Clues, just refreshing it. Then the Handy Dandy Notebook— again wanting to be more modern, but keeping true to the original show. But also, preschoolers should know that nothing trumps crayon and paper, drawing and thinking through those things.

And the Thinking Chair. We knew we wanted to keep that the same. A lot of the songs we kept and then some we kind of refreshed. Josh Dela Cruz was Aladdin on Broadway. When he holds a guitar, singing towards you or dancing, he just melts your heart. He’s so genuine that we introduced [the Handy Dandy Guitar] because of Josh and what his talents were. In Mailtime, we still get our old-fashioned letters and snail mail and packages, but Blue’s Clues & You! has already been renewed for a third season. we also get emails.

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TV KIDS: Were the play-along videos always a part of the plan in bringing the show back?

JOHNSON: Usually those play-along episodes or play-along videos are all animated, but they’ve created a whole technology where they have Josh on there. He’ll be on-camera and you can interact with him in a physical way. The empowerment that kids get in the play-along videos of being able to draw their own clues and color their own clues is fantastic. That ownership that the kids have is so empowering.

“With the landscape the way it is now, with so much streaming and so much choice, well-loved brands have been coming back.”

TV KIDS: What do you think gives Blue’s Clues its enduring appeal among kids and families?

JOHNSON: We were very signature and breakthrough in what we did 25 years ago. Looking different and sounding different, but also the message of empowerment and building self-esteem and breaking through that wall and truly connecting with our audience. The heart shows through the love of the show, and if anything, it’s even stronger now— the love of the show, and the heart and still being breakthrough in our visuals.

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Mediatoon Distribution’s Kid Lucky.

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Mediatoon

Toons In

Jérôme Alby, Mediatoon Distribution’s managing director, on how the company is filling the needs of kids’ broadcasters and platforms.

ediatoon Distribution offers a wide range of kids’ genres with a vast array of central themes targeting many different age groups of children.

From Tom and Lili and Sardine in Outer Space to the upcoming Kid Lucky—based on the Lucky Luke graphicnovel character—as well as Martin Morning, Little Furry, The Fox-Badger Family and Yakari, its catalog covers it all.

“Sardine in Outer Space takes place in space, Kid Lucky takes place in the Wild West; then there’s Martin Morning, which takes place in school, for example,” says Jérôme Alby, Mediatoon Distribution’s managing director. “That’s one of the key [aspects] of our catalog. And also the face value that these shows carry. A lot of them are book adaptations, which are good for the family; our catalog is mainly based on titles that are perfect for kids and families.”

Indeed Mediatoon’s slate includes shows with an educational component, ideal for kids staying home from school amid the global pandemic. Among the shows with high educational value on offer is Taratabong, the World of the Meloditties, which fea-

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tures talking instruments that teach kids about musical notes and the instruments that make them come alive. Alby also points to Quiz Time, “a quiz show in which Professor Zack asks questions to kids. In each episode, there are three themed questions— from geometry, simple mathematics, things like that.”

The content industry is also reckoning with the need to have more diverse stories to offer. And again, Mediatoon finds itself somewhat ahead of the curve. Yakari, for instance, follows a little Sioux boy who has the magical ability to communicate with

“Our catalog is mainly based on titles that are perfect for kids and families.”

—Jérôme Alby

animals. The Fox-Badger Family, produced by Ellipsanime and Dargaud Media, centers on the family that’s created when a badger falls in love with a fox and they move in together with his three badger offspring and her fox daughter.

“A very good thing about an animated show and animated characters is that they’re quite immune to viruses,” says Alby.

“For the time being, and we’re really crossing our fingers, our production lineup has not been affected by the coronavirus. So, my hope, my deepest hope, is that it won’t last too much longer and that we’ll continue that trend.”

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In-Demand: Comedy It’s arguably the most popular genre for kids, but also the hardest to get right. This report spotlights four series that succeed in making kids laugh: Dandelooo’s Stinky Dog, Superights’ Pat the Dog, Mediatoon Distribution’s Sardine in Outer Space and Serious Lunch’s Gigglebug.

Sardine in Outer Space Commissioned By: Canal+ Family, Télétoon+ Produced By: Toon Factory Rights Available: All rights available from Mediatoon Distribution.

Description: A 52x12-minute animated comedy based on the successful comics (13 volumes) by Joann Sfar, Emmanuel Guibert and Mathieu Sapin.

Pitch Perfect: The youngest and spunkiest space traveler in the entire universe! Follow Sardine, Little Louie and The Captain Yellow Shoulder’s intrepid crew in their never-ending fight against super villain Supermuscleman and his evil sidekick Dr. Krok. Aboard the Huckleberry spaceship, the joyous team will go on hilarious and quirky missions where imagination is the only limit.

Sales Contact: Jérôme Alby, Managing Director.

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Stinky Dog Commissioned By: France Television,TV3 Catalunya, RTBF Produced By: Folivari, Dandelooo, Panique!, Pikkukala Rights Available: All international rights are available from Dandelooo.

Description: Based on the successful series of books by Marc Boutavant (author of Mouk’s World Tour), published by l’ecole des loisirs in France.

The Stinky Dog series presents the hilarious and hectic adventures of a maverick mutt and a flattened cat. The 52x13-minute production is geared to kids 6 to 9 and family viewing.

Pitch Perfect: “Stinky Dog proves to the whole world that kindness is the new super power—despite his stupidity!” says Emmanuèle Pétry-Sirvin, director of development and international at Dandelooo. Gennarino Romano, head of sales and distribution, adds, “Do you want to discover Stinky Dog’s super power? Then, stick around Flatty Cat and the Parisian dog gang.”

Slot Winner: Over 1 million books sold in France, and a true international success: the books can be found all over the world, including in Germany, Italy, England, Canada, the U.S., Spain, Russia, the Netherlands, Turkey, Hungary and China. Dandelooo has sold the animated comedy to DR (Denmark), Huashi (China) and RTS (Switzerland).

Sales Contacts: Emmanuèle Pétry-Sirvin, Head of International; Mélissa Vega, Head of Sales & Distribution (Spain, Latin America, Middle East and Asia); Gennarino Romano, Head of Sales & Distribution (Germany, Italy and Central Europe).

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ntact:

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informatio For further

LUANA PERRERO for enquiries ROW luana.perrero@mondotvgroup.com www.mondotvgroup.com

ULLI STOEF for enquiries GAS, Scandic, BeNeLux and English speaking info@toon2tango.com www.toon2tango.com

Created by Damjan Mitrevski ©2020 Toon2Tango | Mondo TV | Vhouse animation

Created by Damjan Mitrevski ©2020 Toon2Tango | Mondo TV | Vhouse animation

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Pat the Dog Commissioned By: S1: Canal+, RTBF, Ketnet, RAI; S2: France TV, RAI, Disney France Produced By: Superprod, Animoka Rights Available: Superights represents worldwide rights.

Description: Tells the daily adventures of an ordinary little dog Pat and his owner Lola. Pat would do anything to save Lola’s day, overcoming the insurmountable thanks to his improvised plans and canine genius. Targeting kids 4 to 8, the show consists of 141 7-minute episodes, 4 22-minute specials and ten 1.5-minute shorts.

Pitch Perfect: Pat is a complete IP delivering a large volume of episodes. There are digital games available on mobile, Instagram and Adictiz. After the “Space Dog” mobile game entertained 45 million players worldwide, Pat the Dog is now back in a new freemium and kid-friendly game launched last month. A range of L&M products are in development.

Slot Winner: The program is on air in more than 180 territories. Partners on the show include Turner (EMEA & AsiaPac), Radio-Canada, Disney Channel (U.S., Germany, Spain, Russia, France, Holland), MTVA (Hungary), TV3 Catalunya (Spain), RTS (Switzerland), Discovery Latin America, YLE (Finland), Televisa (Mexico), Mango TV (China), TG4 (Ireland), RTP (Portugal), RTI (Ivory Coast) and Viu TV (Hong Kong). Season three and a movie are in development.

Sales Contacts: Nathalie Pinguet (Canada, Western Europe, Nordics, Russia, Australia); Jeromine Ader (Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa, inflight); Pedro Citaristi (Asia, LatAm, Southern Europe); Louise de Staël (U.S.).

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Gigglebug Commissioned By: YLE (Finland), SRF (Switzerland) Produced By: Gigglebug Entertainment Rights Available: Serious Lunch represents the series, with English-language and dialoguefree versions now available.

Description: Based on the award-winning mobile app of the same title (more than 1 million downloads worldwide), the 52x5-minute series for preschoolers is set in an enchanted forest with a little bug with an irresistible laugh—could a cartoon character spontaneously and irresistibly make you catch the giggles?

Pitch Perfect: Gigglebug’s heartfelt and positive stories deal with friendship, overcoming challenges and recognizing emotions. Everyone knows someone with a special laugh and Gigglebug’s is one of the greatest ever. It’s his gift, his innate ability and the key to transforming attitudes, which ultimately shakes loose every gummed-up situation he runs across. The stories are set in the oh-so enchanted Greendown Forest, where Gigglebug meets his young animal friends, all dealing with growing up issues. Our curricular approach is to show how humour can get you unstuck and how a positive attitude helps you do anything better.

Slot Winner: The series has been broadcast on Milkshake! (U.K.), RAI (Italy), SVT (Sweden), DRTV (Denmark), ERR (Estonia), ORF (Austria), Paka Paka (Argentina) and HOP! (Israel). It is among the top five highest-rated TV shows in Finland. The Gigglebug live show is the most popular kids and family show in Sony Music Finland’s roster, and the brand also enjoys new book publications annually.

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In-Demand: Adventure This spotlight on action-adventure shows features a video-game hero who comes to life, real-life historical adventures, weather-controlling kids and new adventures in Oz.

MeteoHeroes Produced By: Mondo TV Group, MOPI—Meteo Expert Rights Available: All rights available from Mondo TV Group.

Description: The adventures of six kids who use their superpowers to protect the planet from extreme weather events and pollution. The 52x7-minute 2D HD series is targeted at upper preschoolers (4 to 7).

Pitch Perfect: Features an international and diverse lineup of characters, storylines based on the science behind real weather events, comedy, adventure and a message of hope for today’s kids—that they can make a difference in the fight against pollution and climate change.

Slot Winner: Worldwide premiere on Cartoonito Italy as part of the channel’s Earth Day campaign Save The Planet, Be A Hero. MeteoHeroes’ digital channels reached over 10,000 impressions and 1,000 interactions on Facebook and Instagram on Earth Day alone. RSI in Switzerland is also on board.

Sales Contact: Luana Perrero, Head, Content Sales.

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Are You Tougher Than Your Ancestors?

Commissioned By: ABC for ABC ME Produced By: Flying Kite Pictures, Sticky Pictures Rights Available: All international rights available from Australian Children’s Television Foundation.

Description: A 10x24-minute live-action adventure series. This fun and immersive living history series pits the skills of today’s kids against the exploits of children from Australia’s past, to find out how they measure up.

Episodes see contemporary kids taking on the accomplishment of Cornish kid Robert Richards, female Olympic swimmer Wilhelmina Wylie, 24 hours of Lennie Gwyther’s epic 1932 solo ride from Leongatha to Sydney and teenage Afghan Aboriginal cameleer William Satour.

Pitch Perfect: Fun and fast paced, the series takes today’s kids on a wild ride back through time, where they learn as much about themselves as they do about history. Drawing from our rich indigenous and multicultural heritage, the series challenges stereotypes and allows our kids to experience the past in ways they never imagined. They wrestle with disgusting chores, master mind-bending challenges and perform incredible feats of ingenuity as they get down and dirty walking a mile in the shoes of our ancestors. At the end of each episode we find out whether they were up to the task—and what they discover might just surprise us all!

Sales Contacts: Roberta Di Vito, International Sales Manager; Tim Hegarty, International Sales Manager.

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Buck Produced By: VRT, Zodiak Belgium Rights Available: ZDF Enterprises holds international distribution rights.

Description: When a space commander from a video game turns up alive and kicking in the bedroom of a shy teenager, they turn to each other to survive in the real world. The target demo for this 32x15-minute action-adventure dramedy series is kids aged 9 to 12.

Pitch Perfect: Don’t we all sometimes dream of escaping reality and living in a different world and time? Elias, a 16-year-old boy who is suffering from the loss of his missing father, moves to a city suburb together with his mother and two older sisters: a new home, a new school, a new start. All of this change makes Elias feel insecure. Elias finds distraction in his computer game, in which his digital hero commander Buck never lets him down. When he plays, he has not to worry about his two older sisters, his single mother, the bully Dylan, the new school, the world. In his room no one hurts him. Until one day, Buck is standing next to his bed. From then on, nothing is as it was before! In this coming-of-age story, we follow Elias’s transformation into a confident adolescent, who dares to be who he wants to be: someone who stands up to the school bully, someone who doesn’t just let people push in front of him in the checkout queue, someone who isn’t too timid to reveal his feelings to the girl of his dreams. Meanwhile, Buck realizes that adapting to life on earth is going to be a far tougher mission. He will have to discover and get used to every aspect of life on earth.

Sales Contact: Peter Lang, VP, ZDFE.junior.

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Lost in Oz Commissioned By: Amazon Prime Video Produced By: Amazon Studios Rights Available: International sales are handled by Zodiak Kids.

Pay-TV and free-TV rights and VOD rights alongside linear ones are available in several countries with various dubbed versions accessible.

Description: Ideal for children aged 6 to 13 and perfect for family viewing, this 26x30-minute animated action-adventure series will make viewers travel to magical worlds!

Pitch Perfect: Based on the classic novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, this multi-award-winning series is a contemporary reimagining of an extraordinary universe. Twelve-year-old Dorothy Gale discovers her mother’s magical travel journal from Oz hidden beneath the floorboards of their Kansas home. When her insatiable curiosity gets the best of her, Dorothy activates the book, triggers a tornado, rips her house from its foundation, and whisks herself and her dog Toto to the mysterious and wonderful Emerald City. Dorothy and Toto need to collect enough magic in Emerald City to launch a return twister back to Kansas, but quickly learn that Oz is in the middle of the worst magic shortage in years.

Slot Winner: The series has sold to Discovery Kids (LatAm), Télé-Québec (Canada), ABC (Australia), SVT (Sweden), NRK (Norway), YLE (Finland), SIC (Portugal), MBC (Middle East), Disney (GAS & Russia), France Télévisions (France), EBS (South Korea), PTS (Taiwan), Global TV (Indonesia) and TVP (Poland).

Sales Contacts: Julia Rowlands (U.K., Ireland, German-speaking territories, CEE, Australia, New Zealand); Cecile Cau (Spanish- & Portuguese-speaking territories, Italy, Scandinavia, Middle East, Africa); Delphine Dumont (Frenchspeaking territories, North America, China); Diane Bernier (Asia).

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In-Demand: Live Action These live-action shows feature a transgender student (First Day), an aspiring boy band (Almost Never), the heirs to powerful vampire clans (Heirs of the Night) and a group of Gen-Z roomates (Flatmates).

Flatmates Commissioned By: BBC iPlayer Produced By: Zodiak Kids Studios Rights Available: The international sales are handled by Zodiak Kids. Pay-TV, free-TV and VOD rights are available outside the U.K. Description: Three girls, two boys, one flat. A 10x30-minute teenage sitcom commissioned for the BBC iPlayer. Perfect for tweens and teens.

Pitch Perfect: Flatmates follow the lives of young Gen Z’ers as they take their first uncertain steps into adulthood. Getting to grips with the next stage of growing up, the group wrestles with the expectation and anxiety of trying to fulfil the “Millennial Dream.”

Sales Contacts: Julia Rowlands (U.K., Ireland, German-speaking territories, CEE, Australia, New Zealand); Cecile Cau (Spanish- & Portuguese-speaking territories, Italy, Scandinavia, Middle East, Africa); Delphine Dumont (Frenchspeaking territories, North America, China); Diane Bernier (Asia).

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Almost Never Commissioned By: CBBC Produced By: Saltbeef TV Rights Available: Worldwide, excluding the U.K., from Dynamic Television.

Description: Brand-new boy band The Wonderland are about to lose the final of the most popular talent competition on television to all-girl band. Not only do the girls get the record deal and instant fame, they also get Sasha Small, a powerful and ruthless manager, who had backed the boys but drops them as soon as the result is announced. The Wonderland must now decide if they can prove her wrong by finding success the hard way—by earning it. The boys will have to overcome their overzealous parents, their own mistakes and Sasha’s obstacles to learn that success is a journey that doesn’t come quick or easy. Two seasons (26x30 minutes) available, with season three (13x30 minutes) in preproduction.

Pitch Perfect: One of CBBC’s most successful series ever, Almost Never broke audience records with incredible viewership on CBBC and on iPlayer. Featuring topnotch storytelling, a hit soundtrack and supported by an extensive social media strategy that engages and maintains audiences, Almost Never is event programming for teen and family audiences worldwide.

Slot Winner: Almost Never was the biggest box-set launch in CBBC history, with more than 11 million views on iPlayer in the first 12 months, and is currently the number one kids’ series in the U.K. Sales Contacts: Dan March, Managing Partner; Ryan St. Peters, Sales Consultant.

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First Day Commissioned By: ABC for ABC ME Produced By: Epic Films Rights Available: All international rights available from the Australian Children’s Television Foundation.

Description: It’s 12-year-old Hannah Bradford’s first year of high school. Hannah experiences all the excitement and fear associated with this transition, but her first day of high school is even more significant: it’s the first day she will wear a girl’s uniform to school and go by her chosen name, rather than the boy’s name she was given at birth. This live-action drama series consists of four 24-minute episodes and one 17-minute stand-alone special. First Day is based on the 2017 standalone episode of the same name. All four episodes in the new series can be viewed on ABC iview. Writer/director is Julie Kalceff. Kirsty Stark and Kate Croser are producers. Kalcef and Kate Butler are co-producers.

Pitch Perfect: First Day shows Hannah finding her way around a new school, making new friendships and getting stuck in her homework. As a transgender girl, Hannah not only has to navigate the challenges that come with starting a new school but find the courage to live as her most authentic self. Australian Children’s Television Foundation also has a Teaching Toolkit to accompany the series. This resource will support Year 6 and 7 teachers and students to explore the themes in First Day, and help students to prepare for, process and reflect on their own transitions to secondary school.

Sales Contacts: Roberta Di Vito, International Sales Manager; Tim Hegarty, International Sales Manager.

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Heirs of the Night Produced By: Lemming Film, Hamster Film, Maze Pictures, Maipo Film, ZDF Enterprises Rights Available: ZDF Enterprises handles worldwide distribution.

Description: In 1898, a prophecy warns the five remaining vampire clans in Europe that they need to unite or else they will become extinct. Joining forces is easier said than done. The last decades the clans have been fighting each other in the clanwars. Now the Elders will have to set aside their hostile feelings so their young Heirs can attend the vampire school that is created on the ship The Elisabetha. The Heirs will learn each other’s powers to become stronger than ever. They have to learn to trust each other and work together if they are to beat Dracula, who has awoken after a long sleep. The Heirs face challenges they have never met before. They need to survive all challenges, because they’re on a quest and it’s up to Alisa and the Heirs to save the world from eternal darkness.Targeted to kids 10-plus and family viewing, the show consists of 26 26-minute episodes. Based on the books Die Erben der Nacht by Ulrike Schweikert. NRK, AVROTROS and NDR are among the broadcasters on board.

Pitch Perfect: “Heirs of the Night combines coming of age, mystery and adventure in an addictive way,” says Arne Lohmann, ZDF Enterprises’ VP of ZDFE.junior. “The series is scary when it needs to be scary, and it’s fun when it needs to be fun. We made a broad show with many universal themes, and parents will also enjoy watching it with their kids. I am sure children all over the world will fall for our vampire kids, just as we have.”

Sales Contact: Arne Lohmann, VP, ZDFE.junior.

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In-Demand: In-Development The producers of the projects highlighted here are eager to sign up broadcasters or platforms as early-stage partners. Find out more about IoM Media Ventures & Hot Drop Films’ Grant’s Wishes, foo entertainment’s Miss Bellyfoo, Safi Productions’ Zayn & Zayna’s Little Farm and Zodiak Kids’ Bekaw.

Bekaw Produced By: Zodiak Kids Partner Potential: Zodiak Kids is seeking broadcast and coproduction partners.

Description: 2D animated character-driven comedy following an irrepressible chicken who was raised by crocodiles. Aimed at kids 6-plus, with 52 11-minute episodes planned.

Pitch Perfect: Bekaw is unforgettable! As the only chicken in a swamp full of much larger animals, he’s a mascot for any kid who feels like the odd-one-out.

He approaches life with boundless positivity and shows us in the funniest way possible that with the right attitude, there’s nothing you can’t handle.

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Miss Bellyfoo Produced By: foo entertainment Partner Potential: The company is focusing on securing the best TV coverage in all territories.

Description: A world of music, a magical place of adventure and wonder, welcome to Daba Diba Duba Land. Accompany special agent and supergirl Miss Bellyfoo on her adventures, supported by friends and a crazy professor, fighting the evil Mastermoll and his helpers, who only know one goal: to rule over Daba Diba Duba Land. Will Miss Bellyfoo be able to bring talented kids from planet Earth to Daba Diba Duba Land to charge energy into the crystal ball? Ideal for a wide audience, with crossover potential to hit upper preschool children and kids aged from 3 to 9. The series consists of 52 13-minute episodes.

Pitch Perfect: Miss Bellyfoo & The Daba Diba Duba Land is not only a colorful and ingeniously thought-out project for cinema, active TV series, casting show and amusement park, but also, according to the opinion of children’s scientists from Switzerland who examined the concept, a socially relevant and pedagogically valuable new dimension of entertainment. “Our mission is to support our children, who already have amazing and big visions and dreams as well as talent, self-confidence, motor skills and creativity,” says Chris Djuritschek, creator and director. “All of us, and especially the children, have to learn to deal with the fusion of reality and virtuality.

Miss Bellyfoo is a perfect ambassador for this great mission and to motivate talented kids.”

Contact: Oliver Helwig, Director, Sales & Licensing, foo entertainment.

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Grant’s Wishes Produced By: Created by Phillip Stamp and co-produced by IoM Media Ventures Inc. & Hot Drop Films.

Partner Potential: IoM Media Ventures Inc. and Hot Drop Films are looking for international broadcast or OTT partners that want the opportunity to make their viewers’ wishes come true. IoM is one of North America's leading animation studios, with a strong focus on original, premium content development and production. Founded in 2018 by industry veteran Dana Landry, IoM is based in Halifax with offices in Toronto and Los Angeles. Hot Drop was founded by Alan Keane and Shane Perez; two long-time industry professionals who have extensive experience working in development and writing and story editing shows for a number of high-profile international clients.

Description: Best friends Grant and Rai are new agents at the Department of Wish Fulfillment (DWF), a top-secret, supernatural organization tasked with actualizing wishes. This action-packed procedural comedy is a mix between Men in Black and My Name is Earl, exploring themes of “wants vs. needs” and “be careful what you wish for.” The 53x11-minute show is aimed at kids 6 to 9.

Pitch Perfect: Click here to see IoM Media Ventures’ Phillip Stamp, Hot Drop Films’ Alan Keane and producer Aaron Simpson discuss the creation of Grant’s Wishes and present the high-concept animated comedy and its main characters.

Contacts: Phillip Stamp, Aaron Simpson, Alan Keane, Kendra Lundy.

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Zayn & Zayna’s Little Farm Produced By: Safi Productions, an ethical and disruptive innovation incubation company based in London. Wa’qaar A Mirza is creator and director, Henry Becket is executive producer. Illustrated by Pablo Breh. Mirza, David Garbett and Hina Chaudri are co-writers.

Partner Potential: Thirty-four culturally diverse creatives come together to create this warm and charming animated adaptation. Safi Productions is seeking children’s broadcasters as partners on the preschool show.

Description: An animated series that follows the exciting adventures of a sibling duo on their family farm.

Engaging edutainment that introduces children to mindfulness, sustainability and diversity. Each episode is 11 minutes long, with three completed and a fourth in production. Target demo is preschoolers 3 to 6.

Pitch Perfect: Developed by a team of children’s entertainment experts from around the world, Zayn & Zayna’s Little Farm offers top-quality production with culturally diverse rich content, unique curated percussion music and a 360-degree product offering, including an Android and iOS app, a range of merchandise including books and an e-learning module. Currently proving popular in prerelease on YouTube, the channel has a growing fan base of 125,000 subscribers and 350,000 views, offering wholesome creative entertainment around mindfulness and environmental awareness.

Contact: Wa’qaar A Mirza, CEO & Founder, Safi Productions.

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