Smiley emoticon series in the works

A cartoon series based on the ‘Smiley’ emoticon is in the works, with former CBBC boss Theresa Plummer-Andrews and two French TV companies attached.

Smiley will be an animated TV series for 4-7s. Paris-based OuiDO! Productions (ALVINNN!!! and the Chipmunks) is to produce the show, with former CBBC and CBeebies head of acquisitions, animation and coproductions Plummer-Andrews overseeing development.

Distributor PGS Entertainment will handle international TV sales, while brand owner The Smiley Company will be an executive producer and handle all brand-related development.

The Smiley is one of the best-known characters in the world, but this will be the first time it has been used as the basis for a TV show.

“Working on a TV series for kids today enables us to spread our values to younger audiences throughout the world, making it a happier place,” said Nicolas Loufrani, CEO, The Smiley Company. “It’s a natural expansion, after 42 years of success, to give life to the famous brand founded by my father and the emoticons I created in 1997.”