DHX Television's Family Channel gets Savvy with authentic new girls' pop culture series from B-Minors

DHX MEDIA TO DISTRIBUTE SHOW WORLDWIDE

TORONTO, Sept. 22, 2015 /CNW/ - Family Channel has announced production will begin on Savvy, an empowering new pop culture series offering tweens a refreshing spin on the world around them. This sometimes cheeky and always stylish magazine-style show cleverly intertwines entertaining and aspirational segments from the worlds of music, fashion, DIY, and beyond. A new original series from B-Minors, Savvy showcases peer profiles, how-to videos, and feature segments, packaged into 20 x 30-minute episodes. Savvy begins shooting in Toronto in early October, and will debut on Family in Spring 2016.

"There's no doubt that we're seeing tween girls looking for daily inspiration and ways to stay current on the latest trends that impact their generation, making Savvy an almost necessary series for us to add to our programming lineup," said Michael Goldsmith, Vice President, Original Production, DHX Television. "The intelligent spin on girl culture that this series offers allows for fans with varying passions to enjoy content that is being created specifically with them in mind, appealing to their interests and packaged in a format that resonates with them." 

Savvy is born when three very different girls, who feel like they're drowning in a tidal wave of tutus, tiaras, and princess dresses, decide to take creative control of their situation. Despite their radically different backgrounds, music tastes and celebrity crushes, the girls put their fashion differences behind them and combine forces to create an online destination that reflects and celebrates their lives in an authentic way.

"Savvy doesn't tell girls how to think or act or dress. It's not about 'what's hot, what's not.' We want Savvy to be a sanctuary where a new generation of lead-don't-follow indie girls will be inspired and feel like they've found their tribe," says Producer Adrienne Reid. "That, plus super-cute cat videos, is Savvy in a nutshell."

Savvy introduces three young newcomers as hosts of the series: Tehya Silbermann, whose perfect mix of intelligence and kindness will have fans wanting her as a best friend; Sarah Webber, a musically-inclined, skateboarding, "techy," who is only comfortable when she stands out; and Spencer Barbosa, the up-for-anything, wide-eyed optimist, who brings a quirky small town perspective to the show. Together, they'll deliver stories that cater to their cyber-sophisticated audience, and will inspire them to have active and fulfilling lives offline as well.

Commissioned by DHX Television, and with international distribution handled by DHX Media, Savvy is executive produced by Sam Dunn and Scot McFadyen for Banger Films' kids division, B-Minors (Gaming Show (In My Parents' Garage), Big Ticket Summer Concert) and is led by series producers Jeni Besworth (Grizzly Cup, Big Ticket) and Adrienne Reid (Fashion Television). Banger Films is an award-winning film and television production company based in Toronto. In its first 10 years, Banger has produced feature documentaries, TV series, live concerts and kids' programs, which have been broadcast worldwide.

B-Minors is the full service kids' programming division of Banger Films. Responsible for the adventure-based competition show, The Grizzly Cup; the half-hour series on all things video games, Gaming Show (In My Parents Garage); the Big Ticket Summer Concert Special, a documentary that relives the electrifying, annual nationwide tour; and the recently rebooted, legendary video-game competition, the Nintendo World Championships. It's kids' TV made by big kids.

Family Channel offers the best in family television entertainment in a premium, commercial-free environment. Dedicated to celebrating family life and providing a daily vacation for children and their families, Family airs a unique mix of top-rated Canadian and acquired series, movies and specials. Family Channel subscribers also have access to Family OnDemand and Family Online at no additional cost, to see hit movies and series when they want them, where they want them. Visit us at Family.ca.

DHX Television is comprised of Family Channel, Family CHRGD, Family Jr. and Télémagino, and is part of DHX Media Ltd., a leading creator, producer, marketer and broadcaster of family entertainment. Dedicated to celebrating family fun, DHX Television delivers best-in-class programming through premium subscriptions and its original production mandate, and creates and produces captivating in-market events that appeal to Canadian families. DHX Television is home to world-renowned series including The Next Step, Degrassi: Next Class and Teletubbies. DHX Media Ltd. has offices globally, and is traded on the NASDAQ and Toronto Stock Exchange.  

SOURCE Family Channel

For more information, interviews, artwork, and to arrange set visits, please contact: Joanna Landsberg, Publicist - DHX Television, 416.977.7458, [email protected]; Jaime Bassett, Director, Communications - DHX Television, 416.977.7416, [email protected]