Top six compete for new kid’s series

There’s no shortage of ideas in children’s television. Over 100 pitches for a new Australian kids television series were received by BBC Worldwide Channels for its inaugural CBeebies Production Initiative.

Six finalists have been selected in the channel’s search for an upbeat, humorous television series that bridges the gap between four and six year olds:

* Dayne Dreamable – Steam
* Go Johnny Go – Beyond Productions
* Lester C Leggs – Jumpfront P/L & Animazing Productions P/L
* Penelope K (by the way) – Blink Films
* The Giggle Club – Buster Dandy Productions Pty Ltd
* The Greatest Show on Earth – Beyond Productions/The Content Agency

The successful producer will win funding of up to $250,000 per programming hour from BBC Worldwide Channels Australasia.

The commissioned production will premiere on CBeebies in Australia and the UK, and on CBeebies’ other channels in India, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Poland, Africa, Latin America and the U.S. Hispanic market.

“We were inundated with submissions, and each one exhibited quality and enthusiasm, and a thoroughness in addressing the brief“, said Michael Carrington, Controller of CBeebies, (UK)

“This was a great advantage in helping me grasp the core concept of each proposition – but it didn’t make choosing the shortlist any easier! I’m excited about the formal pitch session and the opportunity to delve further into each proposal,” continued Carrington.

“This initiative has been a brilliant opportunity for CBeebies to foster relationships with this vibrant part of the Australian production community, and will be the first of many opportunities for collaboration,” added Brendan Dahill, Director of Television, BBC Worldwide Channels Australasia.