KIDS_01017_UPS-NEW_Layout 1 9/28/17 9:05 AM Page 2
32 TV KIDS
Australian Children’s Television Foundation Little J & Big Cuz / Little Lunch specials / Balloon Barnyard
Little J & Big Cuz
Screening for the first time at MIPJunior will be episodes of Little J & Big Cuz, a new animated series commissioned by National Indigenous Television (NITV) in Australia. The show tells the tale of 5-year-old Little J and 9-year-old Big Cuz, two Indigenous Australian children living with their Nanna and Old Dog. “In a world that is becoming increasingly in need of positive messages about multiculturalism, diversity and acceptance of others, Little J & Big Cuz has arrived at the perfect time,” says Tim Hegarty, international sales manager at Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF). The company is also showcasing Little Lunch specials, which were first introduced at MIPTV 2017, and Balloon Barnyard, a preschool program about a pair of donkeys who will do anything to help their farmyard friends.
“With everything from comedy to drama, shortform animation to factual, ACTF has something to suit all broadcasters of children’s content.” —Tim Hegarty
Beyond Distribution
Beat Bugs
Beat Bugs / The Dengineers / Ice Stars Five childlike insects go on backyard adventures in Beat Bugs, an animated Netflix show featuring covers of The Beatles songs. “This series crosses over different generations, so preschoolers to grandparents will be able to enjoy it,” says Munia Kanna-Konsek, the head of sales at Beyond Distribution. The show is currently in production on its third season. The Dengineers, meanwhile, is a CBBC hit in which an elite team makes amazing dens for children. “This visually exciting series aims to inspire, inform and educate,” says Kanna-Konsek. Then there is Ice Stars, another CBBC program, this one exploring the action-packed lives of young ice-skaters. “Our cast live and breathe ice, so nothing can get in the way of a dedicated group of young people with exceptional skating skills,” adds Kanna-Konsek.
Blue Ant International
“Music is the core element [in Beat Bugs], and each episode covers one song made famous by The Beatles.”
—Munia Kanna-Konsek
Teddies
Teddies / ZooMoo’s Wild Friends / Creature Mania! Working with Blue Ant Media’s recently acquired global production businesses NHNZ, Northern Pictures and Beach House Pictures, Blue Ant International has added more than 200 hours of children’s programming to its catalog that will be introduced to buyers at MIPJunior. Among the highlights is Teddies, which follows four teddy bears living in the world of Teddytown. There are also ZooMoo’s Wild Friends, Creature Mania! and Most Extreme: Alien Planet Earth. “We tip our hats to our premium production partners who have created strong and compelling stories to engage children of all ages,” said Solange Attwood, the senior VP. “Blue Ant International is honored to join the kids’ community, and our team is looking forward to representing titles such as Teddies and ZooMoo’s Wild Friends to buyers across all platforms worldwide.”
“MIPJunior marks the launch of our new kids’ and family offering.”
—Solange Attwood
240 WORLD SCREEN 10/17