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54 TV KIDS
Rainbow 44 Cats / Regal Academy / Maggie & Bianca Fashion Friends The character-driven comedy 44 Cats is a new addition to Rainbow’s lineup. “44 Cats is a great physical, characterdriven comedy with strong storylines based on very powerful musical assets,” says Cristiana Buzzelli, the company’s senior VP of licensing and acquisitions. “It is about how cats see the world and is very easy for young kids to relate to, both boys and girls. Key themes are friendship and altruism, and the stories will promote tolerance and diversity and offer important life lessons.” Another highlight is the 26-episode second season of Regal Academy, about Rose Cinderella and her schoolmates, who are all descendants of fairytale characters. Rainbow’s first live-action show, Maggie & Bianca Fashion Friends, is also on deck. “We will showcase season three and two TV-movie specials,” Buzzelli says.
“Rainbow is showcasing a raft of new series that will appeal to wider audiences than ever.” 44 Cats
—Cristiana Buzzelli
Saban Brands Saban’s Power Rangers / Cirque du Soleil Junior—Luna Petunia / Rainbow Butterfly Unicorn Kitty The classic property Saban’s Power Rangers will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2018. “Power Rangers is the true definition of an evergreen property, having remained part of public consciousness and pop culture for almost 25 years,” says Leila Ouledcheikh, the senior VP of distribution and consumer products for EMEA at Saban Brands. “A huge driver of its enduring success is the relatability of the rangers; they are normal teens who can transform into awesome superheroes, meaning that generations of fans have been able to see themselves in our heroes.” Another highlight is the Netflix original Cirque du Soleil Junior—Luna Petunia, which targets a preschool audience. The animated comedy Rainbow Butterfly Unicorn Kitty centers on a cat named Felicity who gains the majestic powers of a rainbow, a butterfly and a unicorn.
“Targeting the preschool audience, Cirque du Soleil Junior— Luna Petunia is inspired by the curiosity, surprise and wonder of Cirque du Soleil.”
Cirque du Soleil Junior— Luna Petunia
Serious Lunch
—Leila Ouledcheikh
Operation Ouch!
Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter / Operation Ouch! / Art Ninja The sixth season of Operation Ouch! is on offer from Serious Lunch. Genevieve Dexter, the company’s founder and CEO, says the series “continues to be an extremely strong brand for us.” The show was recently picked up by Germany’s ZDF, and the local format in the Netherlands has been a “runaway success.” The English version of Studio Ghibli’s Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter is another highlight. “Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter is the only long-form animated series to come from the renowned Studio Ghibli,” says Dexter. “We are seeking a U.S. home for Ronja and Horrible Science on TV and home video now that the Amazon original holdbacks are coming to an end. We would also love to place Operation Ouch! and Art Ninja in the U.S. as well as in more Latin American territories.”
“Operation Ouch! is so clever and funny, it is able to transcend the usual boundaries limiting the distribution of factual entertainment.” —Genevieve Dexter
262 WORLD SCREEN 10/17