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| Playhouse Disney Canada Commissions New Seasons and Seeks New Production Partners for Children's Programming |
| Posted
on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 - 07:44 PM |
Astral Media’s Playhouse Disney today announced that it will commission new seasons of the popular Canadian animated children’s series Franny’s Feet and The Secret World of Benjamin Bear, and is looking for production partners to create new, engaging and development-based programming for younger audiences. Commissioning new series and additional episodes of homegrown series further reinforces the network’s support of the Canadian production industry and enhances its robust programming slate, which offers original Canadian productions alongside the very best in children’s programming from Disney.
The funding for the development of new series comes from the Playhouse Disney Development Fund. This $1 million commitment to the production of made-in-Canada entertainment for younger children will be allocated over a four-year period, providing Canadian producers with a new broadcast partner and unique destination for quality children’s entertainment.
“We’re proud to contribute to the creation of some of the best children’s programming in the world with Franny’s Feet and The Secret World of Benjamin Bear,” said Kevin Wright, Senior Vice President, Programming, Astral Television Networks. “These series have resonated with our audience on Playhouse Disney, and we’re thrilled to offer new episodes to our viewers as of 2009. We’re also excited to be in a position to partner with the Canadian production community on new projects for younger children and look forward to putting new series into development and creating an enduring programming legacy for Playhouse Disney in Canada.”
As for existing series, production begins in fall of 2008 on the 13 half-hour episodes which will make up Season Three of Franny’s Feet, produced by Toronto-based Decode Entertainment. This Gemini®-nominated series, which has been licensed to over 150 countries, follows the adventures of Franny, who explores different world cultures with the help of her grandfather and his magical shoe-repair shop. When Franny tries on a pair of shoes, she is transported to different places around the world, learning new customs and making new friends at each stop. Commissioning this third season brings the total episodic library to 52 half hours.
Ottawa’s Amberwood Entertainment will begin production this fall on Season Four of The Secret World of Benjamin Bear. Season Four comprises 13 new episodes of this international hit series, which has been licensed to over 110 territories, and brings the total episodic library to 52. The Secret World of Benjamin Bear introduces children to a world where stuffed toys come to life when no one is looking. Together with his teddy-in-training pal Howie, Benjamin Bear works hard listening to and comforting children.
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