Kids round-up: Canal+ orders CGI ‘Miffy’; Dandelooo & Tobo ink ‘Great White North‘ deal; ‘Fireman Sam’ & Polly Pocket’ renewed

Miffy

Canal+ orders CGI ‘Miffy’
StudioCanal is partnering with Mercis and Superprod Animation to develop and produce a new CGI series of the children’s animation classic Miffy, for Canal+.

The series, which will launch on the channel in 2025, is based on the rabbit character created by Dick Bruna in 1955 and featured in more than 30 books.

Francoise Guyonnet, executive managing director TV Series, StudioCanal, said: “We fully respect the legacy of this wonderful character and are delighted to be part of the transformation of Miffy who, while retaining the same iconic look, now has a fresh and contemporary vision.

The 78 x 7-minute series ,which is targeted at 3-5 year olds, is being distributed by Mercis in the Netherlands and Japan by StudioCanal and Superights in the rest of the world.

The Great White North

Dandelooo & Tobo ink ‘Great White North‘ deal

French animation production and distribution company Dandelooo has signed a distribution agreement with Tobo Media (Canada) for the, 2D hour-long animated winter special The Great White North.

The deal gives Dandelooo exclusive worldwide distribution rights, excluding French-speaking territories to The Great White North, the sequel to the mini-series and special Dounia.

The 2D special directed by André Kadi, produced by Tobo Media & Du Coup Productions (Canada), created by Marya Zarif and targeted at 6- to 9-year-olds, follows the journey of seven-year-old Dounia and her grandparents who forced to leave Syria, finally find a new home and new friends in Canada.

‘Fireman Sam’ & Polly Pocket’ renewed

WildBrain and Mattel have renewed Fireman Sam for a 16th season and Polly Pocket for a sixth season.

New international distribution deals have also been secured for previous seasons of both shows, which are based on Mattel brands, with the greenlights and distribution deals part of a multi-year co-development, production, distribution and licensing agreement between Mattel and WildBrain.

Fireman Sam and the Pontypandy Rescue Team will return in a new 26 x 10-minute season, which is scheduled to begin delivery in spring 2024, while Polly Pocket and her friends are back for a new 38 x 11-minute run, slated for delivery in summer 2024.

The new seasons of Fireman Sam and Polly Pocket are currently in production at WildBrain’s Vancouver animation studio.