New animation exec for ABC Kids TV
The ABC looks to life its profile in animated shows for kids.
- Published by David Knox
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- Filed under News
The ABC has hired its first dedicated children’s animation commissioner.
He is Chris Rose, currently London-based children’s IP giant Hit’s Vice President of development and programming.
Rose will be charged primarily with forging new international co-production partnerships and developing new cartoons for the ABC.
His previous positions include acquisitions roles at the BBC across nearly a decade. He then joined Hit in 2008 as director of programming and development before being promoted to VP two years later.
ABC’s controller of children’s TV Tim Brooke-Hunt told C21, “Chris is an incredibly well qualified person. He worked for the BBC and then ran a big development slate at Hit, where he got Mike the Knight (pictured) going. He’s a delightful guy and he’s going to be a huge success for us.
“We’ve been very strong in live-action, with shows like Dance Academy, but I want ABC to become a real leader in animation.”
Rose joins ABC Kids in April.
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- Tagged with Dance Academy, Mike the Knight
3 Responses
I would like the ABC3 to show old cartoons and live action shows that the ABC used to air a very long time ago (ie Banana Splits, Kimba The White LIon (and it’s sequel Leo The Lion), Ulysses 31. Belle & Sebastian, Sparkatus (Sun Beneath The Sea), Mysterious Cities Of Gold, The Little Prince (1970’s cartoon series), Monkey Magic, The Water Margin, The Twins Of Destiny, etc.
I quite like ABC4Kids on ABC2. However, the same can’t be said of ABC3. That channel seems a little wasted to me, especially how it only airs between 6am to 9pm daily. Maybe they could split the channel like they do with ABC2 (i.e. ABC4Kids daytime and ABC2 nighttime). Maybe have material for young people (18-25yo) like stuff from Triple J after 9pm. What about ‘Rage’ on weekends (even though it’s on ABC1 anyway). Bring back a ‘Recovery’-like show. What about educational programmes? Just suggestions.
The ABC3 really needs new cartoon series, with good characters and interesting stories. But I’m not that hopeful for change, especially since Australian companies struggle to produce decent cartoon series for older children.
So far the ABC has been mainly licensing Australian cartoon series (Dennis & Gnasher, Gasp, Sally Bollywood, Sumo Mouse), after they have been shown by commercial TV networks.
On a side note, Mike the Knight starts at 8:00 AM on the ABC2 next Monday (20th February 2012).