e e e\ THE K7 REPORT
JUNE 2016
The K7 Little Report provides a regular update on the latest developments in children’s TV.
DIGBY DRAGON Nickelodeon
K7Media.co.uk
The K7 Little Report - June 2016 1 CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ...... 2 THE K7 KIDSLIST: JUNE 2016 ...... 3 THE LITTLE REPORT INTERVIEW: NEIL COURT ...... 7 NEWS...... 9 NEW LAUNCHES ...... 14 IN DEVELOPMENT ...... 17
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the June edition of The K7 Little Report.
June has been a big month for news in kids content, with new shows imminent from some of the traditional giants such as Disney and Nickelodeon, alongside a raft of major announcements from the newer players on the scene; as Netflix and Amazon reveal their forthcoming line-ups.
Elsewhere, even more new entrants are lining themselves up for a piece of the kids TV action. Toca Boca, highly regarded for its educational apps, is making a play for the SVOD market through its Toca TV platform. Though currently only available in Canada, we will watch this development with interest: Toca Boca was acquired in April by toy brand Spin Master, owners of the mighty Paw Patrol brand. As we maintain, the kids genre is evolving rapidly, and we hope that The K7 Little Report helps you to navigate your way through it.
Speaking of which, this month’s Little Report Interview will give you an insider insight as to why the genre is grabbing so much attention at present. Neil Court, of 9 Story Media and Brown Bag Films, has a long and illustrious track record in children’s programming but took a long-term break from the genre after leaving DHX back in 2006. Find out just what lured a legend of the kids TV business back in our exclusive interview.
As always The K7 Little Report also includes the K7 Kidslist; our monthly top picks from the kids TV and content from the international market.
If you’re working on something new or have an issue or topic that you’d like The K7 Little Report to feature, please contact [email protected]
The K7 Team.
The K7 Little Report - June 2016 2 K7 THE K7 KIDSLIST: JUNE 2016 Kidslist The K7 Kidslist is a monthly video showreel featuring the seven most interesting new kids shows on air. Click on the image to watch a clip of each title featured.
DIGBY DRAGON Nickelodeon
Synopsis - Nick Jr launches a new preschool show at the beginning of July when Digby Dragon hits the screen. Based on an original work from Sally Hunter h ps:// (Humphrey’s Corner), the 26 x 30’ CGI animation k7media.wis a.com/ series is set in the enchanted Applecross Wood where the eponymous dragon lives. Along with his medias/fvfw3lwhnq friends Chips, the scatter-brained squirrel, fairy Fizzy Izzy and Grumpy Goblin, Digby gets up to magical adventures around the woods, making new friends as he goes.
Date of First tx - 4 July 2016
Partners - Nickelodeon, Blue-Zoo, Aardman
K7 Says: New kids shows seem to be coming thick and fast at the moment, and with such fierce competition any edge is welcome. Though Digby Dragon uses CGI, the results have the distinct feel of the stop-motion animation that distribution partner Aardman is famed for, and this will no doubt add extra weight to what is already a very credible new preschool creation. K7 thinks Digby Dragon is destined to be a fire-breathing favourite.
ELENA OF AVALOR Disney Channel
Synopsis - Disney is about to launch its latest series, and in so doing will introduce the latest in a long line of h ps:// Disney Princesses. Launching 22 July, Elena of Avalor k7media.wis a.com/ follows the adventures of a plucky teenager; who after saving her land from an evil witch must rule her land as medias/qyyn0sl7zu crown princess, until she is old enough to take the mantle of Queen of Avalor.
Date of First tx - 22 July 2016
Production Company - Disney Television Animation
K7 Says: When the mighty mouse decides to launch a new princess, the pockets of parents the world over feel a nervous tremor. Not content with the huge global footprint that Disney already has, Elena of Avalor sees the brand pro-actively targeting Latin American kids: Elena is its first Latina princess. Expectedly, Latin culture is reflected throughout the series, and the show injects a subtle tone of telenovela drama into an otherwise familiar format. We predict that, by August, Elena merchandise will be unavoidable in shopping malls.
The K7 Little Report - June 2016 3 KAZOOPS CBeebies
Synopsis - June saw the launch of a new animation on CBeebies called Kazoops, which follows six year- old Monty and his pet pig Jimmy Jones as they h ps:// embark on adventures to challenge established k7media.wis a.com/ preconceptions about the world. The show takes in all manner of topics, from jealousy to whether tidying up medias/o34vlnw2t9 can actually be fun, and features songs in a variety of musical styles. The 72 x 7' series will also air on Netflix and Australia's ABC.
Date of First tx - 20 June 2016
Production Company - CBeebies, Cheeky Little Media
K7 Says: Plenty of animated pals go on journeys together, but Kazoops has taken on a more noble quest in attempting to explode the biased opinions which many take for granted, a worthy path to follow in today’s diverse world. The inclusion of Netflix as one partner is also a great way to propagate the show’s message, as well as making good commercial sense in bringing the show to more viewers.
SPACEPOP YouTube
Synopsis - Genius Brands International has partnered with YouTube on an original animated series. SpacePop is a fashion-themed musical series that h ps:// follows five young princesses who disguise k7media.wis a.com/ themselves as musicians in order to defeat an evil Empress who is trying to enslave the galaxy. The new medias/4k0q7ectcf tween girls-targeted property will also be made available on the Toon Goggles, PopJam, BatteryPOP and the Kid Genius channel on Comcast’s Xfinity on Demand platform.
First Available - 15 June 2016
Production Company - Genius Brands International
K7 Says: As We Are Savvy (featured later in this month's Kidslist) tries to take YouTube-style content and package it up into a kids TV format, SpacePop goes the other way around - with a traditional childrens animation, complete with songs and science fiction, launched exclusively via YouTube. For those born into a ‘digital universe’, there’s no reason for viewing to be tied to the TV, and SpacePop is ideally placed for such an audience.
The K7 Little Report - June 2016 4 TAKING THE NEXT STEP CBBC
Synopsis - CBBC has launched Taking the Next Step, a new dance talent show following young UK dancers as they audition for a guest role in the hit h ps:// dance show The Next Step. Hosted by Blue Peter k7media.wis a.com/ presenter Lindsey Russell, the 11-part series made its debut on Monday 13 June and saw judges medias/cxc0stv065 Kimberly Wyatt, John Partridge and director and choreographer Simeon Qysea start their quest across the UK to find the best talent.
Date of First tx - 13 June 2016
Partners - CBBC, Temple Street Productions
K7 Says: Generating brand awareness and loyalty is key to the longevity of shows, and diversification is an excellent way to achieve this. Reality competition Taking the Next Step is a deft way of spinning off from the brand established by teen drama The Next Step, while reinforcing its parent show’s popularity by creating potential future stars, in a never-ending cycle of pirouettes and melodrama.
TOCA TV
Synopsis - SVOD Toca TV launched in June, featuring around 1,000 hand-picked videos from around the world. As well as featuring Toca's own h ps:// content, the app from encourages kids to create their k7media.wis a.com/ own videos using the iPad’s recording function. medias/duabklgc5a Aimed at ages 5-9, the app also eschews third-party advertising and sponsored content. Toca TV is available only in Canada at present, rolling out internationally this autumn.
First Available - 23 June 2016 (Canada only)
Partners - Spin Master, Toca Boca
K7 Says: Toca Boca, alongside its partner business Sago Mini, has cornered the market in creating engaging educational apps for kids, apps that are damned cute, too. Toca TV isn’t merely a play for the much sought-after kids SVOD space, the company has used its experience in creating great apps to blur the line between watching video and playing a game. For kids it’s just ‘stuff on a tablet’, there’s little delineation between the two. We look forward to the platform’s international roll-out.
The K7 Little Report - June 2016 5 WE ARE SAVVY
Synopsis - Family Channel is aiming to empower young girls with brand new series We Are Savvy. The magazine-style show sees hosts Tehya, Sarah h ps:// and Spencer show their generation inspiring peer k7media.wis a.com/ profiles, crafty DIYs and interviews with some of the biggest leaders in pop culture. The YouTube-inspired medias/l7wepjzu6h series will also feature special guest appearances from celebrities such as Bailee Madison (The Fosters, Good Witch), Lennon & Maisy (Nashville), Alessia Cara, and more.
Date of First tx - 1 July 2016
Partners - DHX Television, Family Channel, B Minors (Banger Films)
K7 Says: We Are Savvy represents an interesting new development; a broadcast show taking its lead from the type of content prevalent on YouTube. This approach could well pay off, with young audiences familiar with YouTube stars being enticed back to linear broadcasts by channels playing the digital platform at its own game.
If you have any difficulties accessing the clips featured in the K7 Kidslist, please contact Joanne Allen via [email protected].
The K7 Little Report - June 2016 6 THE LITTLE REPORT INTERVIEW: NEIL COURT EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, 9 STORY MEDIA GROUP
Media entrepreneur Neil Court has a long and illustrious track record in children’s programming. A co-founder of both Nelvana Enterprises and Decode, which later became DHX, he has consulted for the likes of Jim Henson Company and Film Roman and is currently the Executive Chairman of 9 Story Media Group, amongst other roles. After leaving DHX in 2006, Neil took a break from children’s television but was lured back following a meeting with Brown Bag Films’ Cathal Gaffney in 2013.
K7: What was it about Brown Bag Films that drew you back to the children’s media sector? NC: They wanted to start creating their own IP. They needed someone who knew their way around that, and approached me about coming in as an advisor. So I did that and we started to build a development slate.
I was going to Dublin every week, spending a lot of time with Cathal, asking what he wanted to do, and because of that he asked me to join the board of directors at Brown Bag. So I was actually involved with Brown Bag as an advisor and board member before my partners in New York and I acquired 9 Story.
K7: And how did your involvement with 9 Story come about? NC: I’d been contacted by Zelnick Media Capital in New York, and they were starting to get interested in investing in the entertainment business, in IP-owning businesses, because of what was happening with Netflix and SVODs coming on the scene. As much as I always enjoyed working in the business it’s always been very tough because there’s always been far more suppliers than there were buyers. The deals were always tough, and then they got tougher. Zelnick called and said that with Netflix, Amazon and the other SVODs, his investors were hearing that the power is going to shift back to the IP owners, and could I help them find companies that would be interesting.
So I was looking around, actually at factual businesses, and I couldn’t really find anything that was big enough. Then I just happened to have a meeting with Vince Commisso, the CEO of 9 Story, in 2013 and he was looking to do something. It was an interesting business, it was growing nicely, and we felt it was a business we could acquire and then develop. We closed the deal in 2014, and I came in as Executive Chairman.
K7: And the two companies complement each other? NC: The companies were a perfect fit. 9 Story was a 2D animation business with distribution, and Brown Bag was a 3D CGI animation business with no distribution, so we ended up doing a deal and in August 2015 9 Story Media Group acquired Brown Bag. The theme across all of these things is that content is more and more the place to be with the expansion of new platforms. And that’s especially true in kids [media] where they’ve really gone for animation and kids programming.
The K7 Little Report - June 2016 7 K7: Kids media is almost an industry unto itself, with its own production cycles and distribution needs. What’s the main misconception that the wider TV industry has about children’s programming? NC: It has its own ecology, that’s right. I would say that a lot of people outside of children’s television think it’s all driven by licensing, and I would say it’s not. It’s really driven by content. It gives kids television a bad name if people think it’s all toy driven.
At Decode we did 30-odd series, we tried to get licensing hits but we never got one. DHX now has a licensing business because it bought one. They bought Yo Gabba Gabba. They bought Teletubbies. They didn’t grow organically into that business. But that’s the misconception, that it’s about selling toys and it’s simply not. It’s as much about scripts and talent as primetime stuff is. You have to have good showrunners, great ideas, great characters.
K7: As someone who has advised, invested in and purchased so many businesses, what is it that you’re looking for in a production company? NC: We are looking for companies right now. I’d say what we are looking for is those with great IP that they own, IP that already has a relationship with the consumer, if it’s books or some other way. For the new platforms, the new buyers in the world, these things are really important. At 9 Story we’ve done a big deal with Magic School Bus, which is an iconic American brand, they’re our partner on that and we’re going to carry it around the world. Those are the things they really like. It helps them if they have titles like that, that people recognise.
Live action is something we’re very keen on developing. We have a really great animation business, but we don’t do a lot of live action. Bringing live action stuff to us is important, people are looking for that kind of thing. We want to “super serve” our client base, and that’s one area where we don’t do as much.
Netflix does have a mandate to do more live action shows, so I think for that reason we’ll pay more attention to developing that. Back in the 90s and 2000s we did a lot of live action shows for Disney and Nickelodeon and that kind of dried up, but now there’s an opportunity to do those kinds of shows again. We are looking for talented companies that help us to do that.
K7: Finally, do you see Virtual Reality playing a role in the kids sector? NC: I think VR is going to cross over into everything. It has the potential to cross into our lives in a very profound way. There was a very interesting article in Wired. They’ve really nailed it. You really feel like you’re in that world, you can mix what’s actually in front of you with virtual reality elements.
I think that is a paradigm shift, not only in how we consume our entertainment but how we live our lives. It will be a big part of the kids business because it will be a big part of our lives. I don’t know how soon that will be, but it feels that’s the way it’s going.
The K7 Little Report - June 2016 8 NEWS
Hulu pens new deal with Disney- ABC Premium streaming service Hulu has formed a new content licensing deal with Disney-ABC Television Group, which will make over 500 episodes and 20 original movies available to stream from the service.
The Hulu Kids library will now include full previous seasons of Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD series, and will be the exclusive SVOD home to seven programmes including Disney Channel's K.C. Undercover and Disney XD's Gravity Falls.
“These new SVOD exclusive Disney titles mark yet another way Hulu is building an irresistible content destination for families" said Hulu's VP and Head of Content, Craig Erwich.
Netflix is launching five new kids' animations Netflix is launching five original animated series for kids and will also be renewing the popular Kong: King of the Apes for a second series in 2017.
The first of the new programmes is Skylanders Academy, launching in Autumn 2016. This animated action comedy by Activision Blizzard Studios follows the heroic adventures of the Skylanders team as they travel the Skylands universe. The show features the vocal talents of Eric Rodgers, Ashley Tisdale and Justin Long.
In 2017, Netflix is set to premiere Llama Llama, created by Genius Brands and based on the best selling pre-school book series by Anna Dewdney. Also set for 2017 is DreamWorks Animation's Spirit Riding Free, inspired by the Academy Award-nominated film Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron.
2018 will likely see the launch of Spy Kids: Mission Critical from The Weinstein Company, based on the popular family film franchise, Spy Kids. In addition, Silvergate's Hilda is set to premiere. The series follows the adventures of a young girl on her adventurous travels to the bustling city of Trollberg.
The K7 Little Report - June 2016 9 Studio Canal acquires Paddington Bear brand Studio Canal has acquired the rights to iconic children’s character Paddington Bear. The multi-million pound deal saw the Vivendi- owned French production and distribution giant buy Paddington and Company and The Copyrights Group, meaning it now has near full control of the brand globally. Studio Canal’s first move with the acquisition will be to develop a new animated Paddington Bear TV series. Michael Bond, Paddington’s creator, will keep publishing rights but has expressed no desire to add to the existing series of books.
BBC refreshes offering with new series' of Footy Pups and Art Ninja The BBC is bringing back popular kids' shows Footy Pups and Art Ninja for further series, with Dot To Dot Productions working on a second series of Footy Pups and a third for Art Ninja.
The new 30 x 15' series of Footy Pups, which is targeted at a 3-6 year-old audience, will continue with its focus of teaching basic sports skills and encouraging an active lifestyle. The show is hosted by footballer Rachel Yankey and narrated by well-known commentator John Motson.
In Art Ninja, host and animator Ricky Martin (not the Puerto Rican singer) teaches artistic skills alongside friends Sarah, Gavin and Michelle. The 10 x 30' series, which has a sitcom element, has proved to be a hit since its launch in 2015.
Aussie entertainers ‘Wiggle’ into 190 more territories New deals between ABC Commercial and various platforms have brought The Wiggles into 190 new territories.
Netflix and kids' app PlayKids have taken up Ready, Steady, Wiggle!, as have Ireland's TV3 and Indian channel DD National. The musical educational show has already had success on Australia's ABC KIDS, and the current series represents the group's eighth in various guises since its launch in 1998.
The K7 Little Report - June 2016 10 Kids CBC rebranding with host of new content, puppets and presenters Canadian pubcaster Kids’ CBC is rebranding, bringing a host of new content, presenters and puppet characters. The first change for the new CBC Kids network will see the departure of the its longtime host and associate producer Patty Sullivan. The rebrand will then focus on merging original digital content across CBC Kids online platforms and channels. The network will also launch a major search for new hosts and puppet characters, as first reported in our interview with CBC’s Martin Markle in the May edition of The K7 Little Report.
Octonauts producer secures Netflix order Netflix has ordered a new animated series based on a series of graphic novels from Luke Pearson. Hilda will follow the adventures of a blue-haired girl on her travels from her home in the magical wilderness to the lively city of Trollberg.
The series will come from Silvergate Media, creators of CBeebies’ Octonauts, in collaboration with Mercury Filmworks and will be available to stream early 2018.
New kids indie launches in Manchester (UK) For the first time since the launch of MediaCityUK in 2006, Manchester (UK) is playing host to a new independent production company which will focus on creating content for kids. Three Arrows Media has been created by Former CBeebies series producer Jon Hancock and ex Zodiak Kids Head of Development David Hallam, and will create, develop and produce content with a focus on children's live action.
The company's slate has launched with a deal to develop a new talent-led factual entertainment show with Discovery Kids APAC. In addition, Three Arrows has penned a development deal with CBeebies for a mixed-media factual series, and is soon to start production on space-themed preschool entertainment show Asra (for which it is a co-format owner) for welsh-language Channel 4 offshoot channel S4C.
The K7 Little Report - June 2016 11 CBeebies orders STEAM based show, Bitz & Bob PRE-SCHOOL CBeebies has ordered a new animated comedy adventure programme, Bitz & Bob, which aims to educate preschoolers on the topics of science, technology, engineering, arts and maths (STEAM).
Following the adventures of inventor Bitz and her younger brother Bob, the show will encourage kids to get involved with engineering and science-related experiments. Due to air in 2017, the 44 x 11' series is developed by CBeebies Productions along with FremantleMedia Kids & Family.
Australian kids novels come to life for Nine Network Australia KIDS SLR Productions & ZDFE Enterprises are working together to create an animated television dramedy adaptation of the popular Australian children's book series, Alice- Miranda. Aimed at viewers between the ages of six and nine, the 26 x 30' series will follow the adventures of the ten-year old Alice- Miranda and her two best friends at boarding school. The series will be broadcast on Nine Network in Australia.
Amazon's Just Add Magic set for return KIDS Live action kids series Just Add Magic has been renewed by Amazon for a second series, available exclusively on its subscription streaming service Prime Video.
An adaptation of the book of the same name by Cindy Callaghan, Just Add Magic follows three friends who come across a cook book with magic powers. The first Amazon Studios and Picrow-produced series broke records, becoming the the most successful Amazon Original Kids premiere weekend in terms of U.S. Prime Video streams and hours.
The K7 Little Report - June 2016 12 A Dog's Story takes an interactive approach to pet safety KIDS In New Zealand, almost 10,000 people are seriously injured by dog bites every year. The majority of these incidents involve young children and household pets, which are then put to sleep.
In order to try and minimise the problem, Auckland City Council has launched a unique form of Public Service Announcement. A Dog's Story is an interactive adventure for mobile devices which teaches children how to understand canine behaviour, and thus avoid actions that might lead a dog to feel threatened and attack.
Netflix acquires comic book adaptation The Deep KIDS The Deep, a CGI kids series based on Tom Taylor’s comic book, has been acquired by Netflix. US subscribers can now view the series, which follows the adventures of the Nekton family, a team of underwater explorers who live aboard a state-of-the-art submarine.
The show has previously broadcast in the UK on the CBBC channel, Australia’s Seven Network, Super RTL in Germany, and Family CHRGD in Canada.
Australia’s A-Stark Productions co-produced the series, with DHX media on board for distribution.
Amazon pilot season brings six new kids shows KIDS Amazon has revealed the line-up for its next pilot season, which includes six children's programmes. The children's slate includes an adaptation of the 1970s series Sigmund and the Sea Monsters, as well animated pilots The Curious Kitty and Friends, Jazz Duck, Morris and the Cow, Toasty Tales and Little Big Awesome. The new pilots launched 17 June 2016 exclusively on AMAZON Video in the UK, US, Japan, Austria, and Germany.
The K7 Little Report - June 2016 13 NEW LAUNCHES
Irish broadcaster 3e to include kids programming The familiar faces of Barney & Friends, Teletubbies and The Wiggles will be gracing Irish TV screens as the free-to-air 3e launches kids programming block 3Kids. The kids block will air during the hours of 7am-10am every day and is to be presented by Claire Flynn and Ollie Kelly.
3Kids will kick off on June 27 with the shows also available on TV3’s catch-up service, 3Player.
Kazoops bursts onto CBeebies K7 PRE-SCHOOL Kidslist June saw the launch of a new animation on CBeebies called Kazoops, which follows six year-old Monty and his pet pig Jimmy Jones as they embark on adventures to challenge established preconceptions about the world.
Produced by CBeebies and Cheeky Little Media, the show takes in all manner of topics, from jealousy to whether tidying up can actually be fun, and features songs in a variety of musical styles.
The 72 x 7' series will also be available on Netflix and Australia's ABC.
Abominable animation Eddie is a Yeti launches on Toon Goggles KIDS 3D animated short-form series Eddie is a Yeti has launched on the Toon Goggles SVOD platform, with the first five episodes now available to subscribers across 196 countries.
The series follows Eddie (a Yeti) and his best friend Polly (not a Yeti), who does her best to keep Eddie in disguise and entertained at all times. Aimed at kids aged 4-7, the show has a non-dialogue, action-based format.
Eddie Is a Yeti is co-produced by Toon Goggles and Mondo TV, which will also take care of overseas distribution and merchandising.
The K7 Little Report - June 2016 14 Hulu offers LGBT cartoon for kids KIDS SVOD Hulu has released a new animated short aimed at kids, depicting a gay relationship as normal and healthy.
Rosaline is a variation on the Little Red Riding Hood story, and follows the title character as she journeys through a forest to deliver lunch to her sweetheart. After facing the expected fairy tale threats along the way, she meets her Fairy Godmother who offers to conjure up a prince to save her. Rosaline turns down the offer, and continues to meet her sweetheart - revealed to be her girlfriend. The four-minute short comes from director Daniel Errico, who also penned The Bravest Knight Who Ever Lived, another children's tale which normalises same sex relationships.
Gummibär and Friends: The Gummy Bear Show to debut on YouTube KIDS Gummybear International is bringing the adventures of the animated bear character to the web.
Gummibär and Friends: The Gummy Bear Show debuted Friday 24 June 2016 and follows Gummibär and his friends Kala the Cat and Harry the Chameleon as they get themselves into a host of silly situations.
YouTube commissioned the 39 x 7’ series to air exclusively on its platform and the YouTube Kids app, whilst Toonz Animation will produce the series in collaboration with Gummybear International Inc.
Toca Boca's SVOD Toca TV launches in Canada K7 KIDS Kidslist SVOD Toca TV has launched, featuring around 1,000 hand-picked videos from around the world. As well as featuring Toca's own content, the app from encourages kids to create their own videos using the iPad’s recording function. Aimed at ages 5-9, the app also eschews third- party advertising and sponsored content. Toca TV is available only in Canada at present, rolling out internationally this autumn.
Canadian toyco Spin Master acquired the Swedish kid-focused app producer Toca Boca in April this year.
The K7 Little Report - June 2016 15 K7 Digby Dragon launches on Nick Jr Kidslist KIDS Nick Jr launches a new preschool show at the beginning of July when Digby Dragon hits screens. Based on an original work from Sally Hunter (Humphrey’s Corner), the 26 x 30' CGI animation series is set in the enchanted Applecross Wood where the eponymous dragon lives.
Along with his friends Chips, the scatter- brained squirrel, fairy Fizzy Izzy and Grumpy Goblin, Digby gets up to magical adventures around the woods, making new friends as he goes. While Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products will represent the property in the UK and Ireland, Aardman Animations has come on board as the global rights representative.
Family Channel promotes girl power with savvy new series K7 TWEENS Kidslist Family Channel is aiming to empower young girls with the brand new series, We Are Savvy. Debuting 1 July 2016, the magazine- style show sees hosts Tehya, Sarah and Spencer show their generation inspiring peer profiles, crafty DIYs and interviews with some of the biggest leaders in pop culture.
The YouTube-inspired series will also feature special guest appearances from celebrities such as Bailee Madison (The Fosters, Good Witch), Lennon & Maisy (Nashville), Alessia Cara, and more. Commissioned by DHX Television, and with international distribution handled by DHX Media.
CBBC Taking the Next Step in dance talent show TWEENS K7 CBBC has launched Taking the Next Step, a Kidslist new dance talent show following young UK dancers as they audition for a guest role in the hit dance drama The Next Step.
Hosted by Blue Peter presenter Lindsey Russell, the 11-part series made its debut on Monday 13 June and saw judges Kimberly Wyatt, John Partridge and director and choreographer Simeon Qysea start their quest across the UK to find the best talent. Produced by Temple Street Productions.
The K7 Little Report - June 2016 16 IN DEVELOPMENT
VIZ acquires Gakkimals rights San Francisco-based manga, anime and entertainment company VIZ Media will be developing an animated series of the Japanese children's property Gakkimals, under license from ShoPro.
The concept, of animal-musical instrument hybrids which have adventures and create great music, was created by Japanese production due PecanNuts, and is owned by producer Shogakukan.
ShoPro is a subsidiary of three of Japan's biggest publishers; Shogakukan, Shueisha and Hakusensha.
Frozen refuses to let it go Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell will reprise their roles for a Frozen spinoff story, which will play out across a series of animated shorts, book collection and digital collection. Frozen Northern Lights follows Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven as they take on an epic journey to restore the sparkle of the Northern Lights.
The original cast will return to cast the voices in four new animated LEGO shorts, which will air on Disney Channels and digital platforms later this year. A book, Disney Frozen Northern Lights: Journey to the Lights, will introduce readers to a new protagonist named Little Rock, whilst fans can carry on the fun through new activities on the Frozen website, as well as a Frozen-inspired Instagram account.
Stanley scurries onto the small screen PRE-SCHOOL Stanley the hamster will be brought to the small screen after Komixx Media Group acquired the global rights to the popular children’s books by William Bee. The hard- working hamster and his furry friends will also benefit from the guidance of creator and illustrator Ian Bilbey, who is on board as art director (Bilbey writes under the name William Bee).
Production is slated to begin next year at Komixx’s M&S Digital Studios in Manchester, UK.
The K7 Little Report - June 2016 17 Julie Andrews to explore performing arts on Netflix PRE-SCHOOL The Oscar-winning actress Julie Andrews, famed for her role in Mary Poppins, is producing and starring in a new pre-schooler series for Netflix.
Titled Julie’s Greenroom, the series focuses on "the wonderful world of the performing arts” with the help of new puppets from the Jim Henson Creature Shop. Also on hand to help Julie with topics such as acting, singing and dancing will be her young assistant Gus (Giullian Gioiello). The series, set to air in 2017, will feature many special guest appearances from stars like Alec Baldwin, Carol Burnett, Idina Menzel, Josh Groban and more.
New Cyber Group co-pro explores lives of kids globally KIDS A new co-production is in the works from Cyber Group Studios, Folivari and Winds entitled Menino and the Children of the World.
Combining live action and animation, the 52 x 7' series will follow young Menino as he travels the world to learn about the lives of other children, in order to teach viewers about diversity.
Global distribution of Menino and the Children of the World, which drew inspiration from documentary film On the Way to School and the animated movie The Boy and the World, will be managed by Cyber Group Studios.
Canada’s CBC Kids greenlights photography series KIDS CBC Kids has greenlit Snapshots, a new unscripted live-action series from FORTE Entertainment and Headtrip Films.
Set to air this September, the 6 x 30’ series encourages children to use photography to illustrate stories about themselves and the world they live in. Each episode will see three kids compete in a photography competition.
A companion website will also engage viewers by encouraging them to participate in the challenges seen in the series.
The K7 Little Report - June 2016 18 Netflix reveals first look of French novella adaptation The Little Prince KIDS Netflix has released a new trailer for The Little Prince, which was dropped by Paramount just one week before it was slated to premiere in cinemas across the USA.
The CGI animated film, which has been released in 50 countries across the globe to critical acclaim, is an adaptation of the 1943 French novella of the same name by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. It tells the story of a little girl whose eccentric neighbour introduces her to the extraordinary world of The Little Prince.
The Little Prince will debut on 5 August.
Animated travel show asks 'Who's There?' KIDS SVOYA Productions is currently developing a travel-themed kids series that will explore some of the most important countries in the world. Who’s There? is a 12 x 7’ animated series where each episode focuses on a different location.
The series aims to give kids information on the culture and history of the countries featured in a easily digestible way, as the show visits the likes of New Zealand, Indonesia and the United Kingdom. Distributed by MK- Distribution.
Sony plans animated Ghostbuters spin-off TV series KIDS Sony Pictures Animation is planning a Ghostbusters animated television spin-off. Set to launch 2018, Ghostbusters: Ecto Force will take place in the future, following a new generation of Ghostbusters in the year 2050 who capture ghosts globally with the help of new technology.
The news comes just a month before the theatrical release of the Ghostbusters reboot, which features an all female cast. The new series will be the third animated spin-off for Sony, following on from The Real Ghostbusters and Extreme Ghostbusters.
The K7 Little Report - June 2016 19 YouTube and Genius Brands partner on tween-focused musical series TWEENS Genius Brands International has partnered with YouTube on an original animated series. SpacePOP is a fashion-themed musical series that follows five young princesses who disguise themselves as musicians in order to defeat an evil Empress who is trying to enslave the galaxy.
The new tween girls-targeted property will also be made available on the Toon Goggles, PopJam, BatteryPOP and the Kid Genius channel on Comcast’s Xfinity on Demand platform. CEO of GBI, Andy Hayward, stated that the company are premiering the series on YouTube “primarily because of its popularity, as well as its forward-thinking approach to promotion.” Songs from the show will be available on iTunes.
Olmec will once again offer his wisdom TWEENS Dee Bradley Baker will return as the voice of temple god Olmec in Nickelodeon’s remake of Legends of the Hidden Temple. The 90’s game show, which is being made into a live- action TV movie, is already set to star original host Kirk Fogg as well as Isabella Moner, Colin Critchley and Jet Jurgensmeyer.
The movie plot will follow three siblings as they break away from a boring jungle tour and find themselves involved in a high-stakes adventure.
The TV movie is slated to premiere on Nickelodeon this autumn.
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