ABC Australia On Board twofour’s Story Train

CANNES: Driver Dan’s Story Train, an animated series that has been airing on CBeebies since January, is headed to ABC TV in Australia, via a deal clinched by Abu Dhabi’s twofour54.

The deal for the CGI animated series was concluded by the commercial division of twofour54 ibtikar, twofour54’s business incubator. The show is a strategic partnership investment for twofour54 with 3Line Media. It is slated to roll out in Australia on ABC For Kids later in the year. According to twofour54, Driver Dan’s Story Train is the first CGI animation/live action children’s property to be produced in both English and Arabic. The upcoming Arabic version is being produced by Blink Studios and featuring local children.

Announcing the latest news on the show, Wayne Borg, the COO at twofour45, stated: “We invested in Driver Dan because the format enabled the program to be fully localized for the Arab world. With production under way in Abu Dhabi and discussions with Arab broadcasters progressing well, the reception Driver Dan has already enjoyed shows its immense appeal and potential. We look forward to the brand gaining momentum around the world and anticipate that Driver Dan’s Story Train will reach new audiences of preschoolers who will embrace story play.”

Barbara Uecker, the head of programming and acquisitions for children’s TV at ABC, added: “I’m very much looking forward to welcoming Driver Dan into our ABC For Kids family. I’m sure that Australian kids will enjoy watching him on the ABC.”