Kids round-up: Momulu expands in Canada and Nordic co-pro; Guru Studio hires Lauren Leinburd as SVP business affairs

Momulu And Friends

Momulu expands in Canada and Nordic co-pro

TVOKids, Knowledge and SRC in Canada, along with YLE in Finland, have commissioned Finnish animation studio Ferly, Canada-based Yellow Animation and Belgium’s Digital Graphics to co-produce a new preschool series, Momulu And Friends.

The new 78 x 7-minute series is being distributed in Germany, Austria and Switzerland by Atmosphere Media and the partners will jointly release the series on global channels from 2022.

Aimed at 2-4-year olds, Momolu and Friends is a 2D animated series that follows Momolu – a gentle, unassuming panda with a knack for stumbling into funny situations requiring his help. Each episode helps teach children how to problem-solve, manage challenges, and to work together to find solutions.

The series is an extension of the existing Momulu brand that also includes the shortform series Momulu Minis available on YouTube, Kidoodle.TV and Playkids.

“The Momolu brand is one where we can let our imaginations take us to delightful places full of wonder. Obviously we love arts and crafts and we firmly believe encouraging children and families to get creative helps produce more well-rounded, self-confident people,” said Laura Nevanlinna, CEO of Ferly.

Lauren Leinburd

Guru Studio hires Lauren Leinburd as SVP business affairs

Toronto-based children’s content producer Guru Studio has appointed Lauren Leinburd as SVP of business affairs & general counsel.

In the newly created role, Leinburd will oversee all strategic and day-to-day legal operations at the company, working across all departments and productions. She will be based in Toronto and report to Guru Studio president and executive creative director Frank Falcone.

Prior to joining Guru, Lauren was VP and general counsel at Breakthrough Entertainment where she oversaw and managed all legal issues on behalf of the company including within its development, production and distribution divisions.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Lauren to Guru’s leadership team,” said Falcone. “Her deep experience and excellent ability to convey insight across a broad spectrum of entertainment related activities will provide steadfast guidance and help our busy teams keep pace with a range of new business activities.”