News round-up: Netflix & Moonbug expand kids franchises; ‘Detention Adventure’ returns; Dantar inks first-look deal with Pilgrim

CoComelon

Netflix & Moonbug expand kids franchises

Netflix and US-UK kids content company Moonbug Entertainment are working an new animated preschool series and specials based on the CoComelon and Little Baby Bum franchises.

The shows, which will debut starting in 2022, will include 4 x 60-minute new nursery rhyme compilations and three seasons (24 x 7-minutes) of CoComelon Lane, which will see JJ and his friends heading on brand new adventures.

Little Baby Bum: Music Time (48 x 7-minutes) will meanwhile premiere in 2023, giving preschoolers the chance to explore rhythms, sounds and instruments.

René Rechtman, Moonbug co-founder and CEO, commented: “With so many options available to kids and families, the popularity of Moonbug’s series on Netflix speaks volumes. With original shows to fan-favorites like CoComelon and Little Baby Bum leading the charge, we want to give viewers even more opportunities to connect through their favorite characters, stories and nursery rhymes.”

Detention Adventure

‘Detention Adventure’ returns

Blue Ant International has secured global distribution rights (excluding Canada) to the third season of LoCo Motion Picture’s tween series Detention Adventure.

Production on the new season of the CBC Gem series got underway earlier this month in Toronto, with the team returning to uncover the secret hidden in Lawren Harris’ painting.

“We set out to create a tween series that offers a true co-viewing experience for families with jokes for both parents and kids. We’re proud to have accomplished that and more in this show,” said Lauren Corber, executive producer and president of LoCo Motion Pictures.”

Dani Behr

Dantar inks first-look deal with Pilgrim

Lionsgate-owned unscripted producer Pilgrim Media Group has inked a first-look deal with Dantar Productions to develop and produce unscripted TV series and formats across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms.

Founded in 2018 by Dani Behr and Tara Joseph, Dantar Productions is kicking off its partnership with Pilgrim with multiple series in development in the home and property space.

“Dani and Tara are talented and multifaceted artists with strong relationships in the entertainment business,” said Craig Piligian, president of Lionsgate non-fiction television and Pilgrim CEO and Chair. “Their company’s mission of serving as a home for discovering and nourishing creative voices and exciting unscripted stories aligns with ours, making them a perfect partner.”

Dis/Informed

ZDF takes QAnon doc

German pubcaster ZDF has acquired the Metrotone Media-produced documentary Dis/Informed, exploring the link between yoga and QAnon.

The 1 x 90-minute programme will examine why people can be vulnerable to conspiracy theories and look at the who the yoga and wellness movement has become caught up in QAnon.

Dis/Informed is narrated by disinformation expert Charles Kriel, who directs alongside Katharina Gellein Viken, with both having been behind last year’s People You May Know.

Abacus Media Rights has picked up worldwide distribution rights for the documentary, with the company’s MD, Jonathan Ford, commenting: “The number of people who follow the multitude of often contradictory claims of QAnon continues to grow exponentially.

“This documentary is a fascinating deep-dive into the contentious group’s wide-ranging allegations and their followers around the world which we are extremely pleased to offer our international clients.”