Guru Studio Toronto-based Guru didn’t let lockdown stop it in 2020. The prodco managed to deliver Pikwik Pack earlier than expected, which allowed Disney Junior to move the premiere up on the schedule for a fall launch. Guru also partnered with Sesame Workshop on a new series for HBO Max called Mecha Builders, and helped deliver new PAW Patrol episodes for Nick Jr.
9 Story Media Group/Brown Bag Films
After moving 1,100 employees spread across five countries to a work-from-home structure, 9 Story Media Group/Brown Bag Films launched six series in 2020, including Blue’s Clues & You!, Clifford and a special of The Magic School Bus. The company also picked up nine Daytime Emmy Award nominations, including nods in the Outstanding Preschool Children’s Series and Outstanding Directing in a Preschool Animated Program categories.
Sesame Workshop
With lockdowns and unrest in mind, Sesame Workshop filmed an Elmo special featuring celeb guests and families playing and coping together at a distance, and rolled out three broadcasts on CNN helping to explain the current health and political climate directly to kids. This year also saw Elmo get his very own star-studded late-night talk show on HBO Max.
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