Target picks up Punky, will give half of royalties to charity

Target Entertainment has picked up rights to Punky, the first animated series with a character with Down Syndrome as the lead character, and will give half of sales royalties to a Down Syndrome charity.

The 20x7mins 2D animated series is produced by Ireland’s Monster Animation and written by Andrew Brenner, best known for creating Humf. It follows the everyday adventures of Punky, a six year old who lives with her mum, brother, granny and pet dog.

The show has had strong reviews since debuting on Irish free-to-air broadcaster RTE and Target Entertainment will launch it internationally at MIPCOM Junior. Half of sales royalties will be donated to Down Syndrome Education International, which pioneers inclusion at schools for all children with Down Syndrome.

Target CEO Alison Rayson told TBIvision: “Punky is such an important series for all families with children who have learning difficulties. Punky shows the world that having Down Syndrome is not a negative thing and that children with Down Syndrome can have as fulfilling and regular a life as those without.”

Gerard O’ Rourke, Punky‘s says: “Punky is not a Down Syndrome person, but a person with Down Syndrome. If we can pass this message to our next generation through Punky then we have created a very worthwhile TV series”.