9 Story Entertainment

Natalie Osborne
EVP, Business Development

What are some of your top properties for MIPCOM?

Survive This, an innovative reality series that encourages kids to challenge themselves, overcome their fears and develop practical life-long survival skills. Hosted by Survivorman Les Stroud, each episode tests endurance, wit and self-determination. Wibbly Pig, a prescool comedy. Based on Mick Inkpen’s multi-award winning literary franchise Wibbly Pig (over two million books sold worldwide), these humorous stories feature lovable Wibbly, a funny, inquisitive and engaging character who turns the simplest daily tasks and activities into a comedy routine. Returning series include Almost Naked Animals. Based on the popular website of the same name, this irreverent, fast-paced series features seven free-spirited animals in their underwear that run a beach-front hotel like kids at a summer camp—and do their best to make each day more fun than the last. Bash Boyz is a comedy-action show where a 16-year-old kid from the future finds himself taking orders from his 13-year-old whiz-kid Dad in the past, shedding a hilarious, interesting twist on the father/son dynamic. Meet the new odd couple for kids in Best Ed, a series about an unlikely friendship between a dog named Ed and a squirrel named Buddy. They’re not just friends; they’re best friends…one best Buddy…and one best Ed.  Futz! is a non-verbal classic cartoon, based on the whacked-out comedic adventures of our odd-looking strangely appealing iconic anti-hero, Futz. He’s ready for anything…but prepared for NOTHING!

Why will these programs appeal to buyers?

Our shows will appeal to buyers as they are returning series with a solid track record that have been sold and continue to do so. Survive This is in its second season production and we have exciting new episodes of Almost Naked Animals to share with international broadcasters.

What are some of the trends you’re currently seeing in this market?

I have noticed a revival of classic brands in kids TV. Have also noted that the economic situation has created really unique opportunities for independent producers, like us, to branch out to different genres like reality and comedy for kids, which we are doing.

What are your goals and expectations MIPCOM?

Again to reference the economy, it is simply a time where relationships are of extreme value, it is more important than ever to attend these markets, offering quality time to meet with existing clients and establish new relationships. And of course, a great opportunity to get a sense of new projects and properties that are available as well as, what is of the utmost importance to all distributors—to close sales!