New Kids’ Comedy in Production for CBBC, ZDF, Network Ten, Nick Australia

LONDON: Me and My Monsters, a new half-hour live-action kids’ series commissioned by CBBC in the U.K., ZDF of Germany and Network Ten and Nickelodeon Australia, is currently in preproduction.

The Jim Henson Company and Tiger Aspect Productions are working in partnership with Australia’s Sticky Pictures on this U.K./Australian co-production. The 26×30-minute series is slated for production in early summer 2010. The comedy stars human actors and three monster puppets. It tells the story of the Carlson family, who have relocated from Australia to the U.K. and find out that there are monsters living in their basement.

“Me and My Monsters fits perfectly with the irreverent productions The Jim Henson Company is best known for,” said Lisa Henson of The Jim Henson Company. “We especially love the challenge of creating outrageous and silly characters that through great performance and storytelling can connect with audiences of all ages around the world. Our team of artists and builders are already working to ensure that the series’ monsters meet our fans’ expectations and truly become every kid’s favorite playmates.”

Greg Brenman, executive producer and Tiger Aspect’s head of drama, commented, “Me and My Monsters is undoubtedly one of our most exciting projects ever. The international dynamic involving the collaboration of so many talented experts promises to deliver great characters, great stories and all-round fantastic entertainment with boundless global appeal.”

Justine Flynn, Sticky Pictures’ head of live action and producer on Me and My Monsters, added, “We are very excited to be launching the Sticky Pictures’ live-action slate with Me and My Monsters. This is a wonderfully strong comedy project and we’re thrilled to be working with such incredible co-production partners.”

Sue Nott, who is the executive for the series from the BBC, said: "It’s a comedy that hinges on the relationship between the young boy in the family and the monsters. It’s very visual and it’s got that Henson look, which will work right across the CBBC age range."

"This is an exciting collaboration between some of the world’s finest producers of children’s television, which Nick kids are bound to embrace," said Katrina Southon, the general manager of Nickelodeon Australia. "The concept of following ex-pat Aussie kids’ adventures in the UK gives the series a unique international appeal. And of course, with Henson’s puppet mastery providing the very entertaining monsters, we’re confident that Me and My Monsters is a hit show in the making."

Cherrie Bottger, the head of children’s programming at Network Ten of Australia, said, “Network Ten is thrilled to be a partner in this high concept, fantasy, children’s comedy Me and My Monsters. It is a wonderfully entertaining series and with the combination of children and monsters playing such a major role in the narrative I have no doubt this series will be compelling viewing for our audience.”