CBeebies Gets Expanded Slate

CANNES: A host of new properties are set to roll out on CBeebies throughout 2011 and 2012, including Baby Jake and Jollywobbles, as well as the co-commission Andy’s Wild Adventures.

The 26×11-minute Baby Jake mixes live action with 2D photographic animation. It comes from Darrall Macqueen. The series debuts on Cbeebies this summer in the U.K. and international feeds at the end of the year. The 13×9-minute Jollywobbles is a comedy written, produced and directed by and starring Justin Fletcher (Something Special, Gigglebiz). The show debuts on the international CBeebies channel this summer. BBC Worldwide will also manage the international rights of the Scrumptious House show. The company also helped fund the in-house production of a number of upcoming CBeebies series. This includes a sixth season of Nina and the Neurons: Brilliant Bodies and a third series of Show Me Show Me.

For CBeebies in the U.K., BBC Worldwide has commissioned the brand-new wildlife series Andy’s Wild Adventures, produced by the BBC’s Natural History Unit. Andy’s Wild Adventures will premiere on CBeebies in the U.K. early 2012 and roll out on the international feeds of the channel after.

The deals have been secured by Henrietta Hurford-Jones, BBC Worldwide’s director of CBeebies’ investment. She said, “I have so far had the privilege of working with many talented kids’ producers on a number of varied and exciting projects. I’m always on the look out for something special, something that not only travels well across our markets but has that unique ability to captivate young viewers around the world. These titles have certainly captured my imagination and I have no doubt they will be global hits.

“Given the growing scale of our channels and the trust placed in the CBeebies brand around the world, it’s essential that we continue to increase our investment in original properties that uphold the brand’s promise to encourage young viewers to learn through play.”

Kay Benbow, BBC’s controller of CBeebies, added, “Andy is a wonderfully engaging presenter and this series will open up the world for our viewers as they join him on his global voyages of discovery and meeting animals in their own environment.”