UK kids co-pro Claude sold to Disney and ZDF
- Published: 30 July 2008 16:00
- Author: Will Hurrell
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- Last Updated: 30 July 2008 16:00
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A pre-school animated series from UK production companies Dot to Dot and Red and Blue Productions has been sold to Playhouse Disney UK and ZDF in Germany.
Claude is a 52 x 10-minute series based on David Wojtowycz's award-winning illustrated books. It tells the story of a three-year-old polar bear called Claude Polarski who moves from his arctic home in Little Snowington to the big bustling city of Bearhampton.
Production on the series began last month and it will broadcast on Playhouse Disney UK later this year. Jonathan Boseley, vice-president of programming for the channel said Claude would delight pre-schoolers and their parents.
"We're looking to expand our UK acquisitions with hit shows such as Claude which engage and inspire pre-schoolers with great storytelling and characters," he said.
Claude is being animated in CelAction by Dynamo Productions in Cardiff. The series has also received support through the Media Programme, the EU's support programme for the European audiovisual industry, and the Welsh IP Fund.
Dot to Dot managing director Jo Killingly, who also devised and executive produced Get Squiggling for CBeebies, said: "So many children these days move to different countries where everything is new, and we thought this was a great hook for the series."
The worldwide distribution rights on the series are being handled by ZDF Enterprises and Claude will have its official international launch at Mipcom in October.
Red and Blue Productions managing director Marion Edwards' previous credits include CBBC's The Cramp Twins which she produced while working for Telemagination.
