Cité Amérique, Happy Films and FremantleMedia Enterprises announce new Bookaboo series commissioned by CBC, CITV and ITV
MONTREAL, July 16, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Cité Amérique and Happy Films are co- producing 28 X 11 minute new episodes based on the popular character created by Happy Films' Lucy Goodman. Writers, Directors and Performers from both countries will participate in this great adventure. Production and post-production are based in Montreal. Shooting started June 29th and will run till August 31.
Aimed at 3-6 year olds, Bookaboo combines puppetry and live action. The series, promotes children's literacy by encouraging story-time in the home. It stars a world-famous drum-playing rock puppy called Bookaboo, who is unable to play until he has been read a story. Each episode sees a celebrity guest go backstage to the Bookabus to encourage Bookaboo to perform by sharing a picture book with him. The Canadian versions of the show will feature famous guests and include Canadian and British authors and illustrators to inspire parents and children alike to share books at home.
For the associated philanthropic project, Cité Amérique is proud to have First Book Canada as it's partner. After each episode, this charitable institution will ensure that all books generously donated by Canadian publishing houses will be properly distributed to disadvantaged children and adults with literacy problems .
Bookaboo has previously been a hugely successful show for CITV in the UK and has numerous coveted accolades such as: British Animation Award for Best Mixed Media series, Children's BAFTAs, the Broadcast Awards and the 2010 Prix Jeunesse Award. FremantleMedia Enterprises holds the global format and distribution rights (excluding UK and Australia) and licensing rights for the show.
The Canada/UK 80%-20% co-production is financed in Canada with the participation of CBC, CMF, the Rocket Fund, the Bell Broadcast & Media Fund and the Refundable Quebec Tax Credit for Audio-visual Production and the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit and in the UK by CiTV
ABOUT CITE AMERIQUE
It is one of the leading creators and producers of entertainment in Canada and is part of Attraction Media Group. Cité Amérique has produced over 25 feature films, more than 150 hours of drama for television gathering 55 awards in Canada and 35 throughout the world and reaching an audience over than 500 million. The company's expertise in pre-school/youth programming, includes series such as Dragon,
Station X, Wumpa's World, Ludovic and Doggy Day School and world award short Alex et les Fantômes.
About FME Kids & Family Entertainment
FME Kids & Family Entertainment division was founded in 2009 and has quickly become a worldwide leader in the family entertainment business. With 15 titles in production in collaboration with top producers on four continents, FME Kids & Family Entertainment is already one of the most prolific independent producers and distributors of content in the sector today. Its growing portfolio of content spans across four key genres: preschool, kids comedy, action/adventure and tween/teen fare. FME Kids & Family Entertainment is bringing to networks around the world innovative and exciting shows for television and new media platforms in live-action, 2D animation, CGI, stop-motion, puppetry and real-time animation with programming targeting demographics ranging in scope from preschool through high school.
About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, Internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages, plus five languages for international audiences. In 2011, CBC/Radio-Canada celebrated 75 years of serving Canadians and being at the centre of the democratic, social and cultural life of Canada.
Sylvie Deslauriers
514.824.0670 or [email protected]
Publicist, Cité Amérique
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