BBC Worldwide to Rep New CBeebies Commission

LONDON: BBC Worldwide has taken on the global distribution rights for ZingZillas, a new commission for CBeebies.

The musical show for preschoolers heads to CBeebies in the U.K. in spring 2010. The 52×22-minute series goes into production this month, shooting at Pinewood Studios until December. BBC Worldwide has taken on the rights for TV, merchandise, DVD and publishing.

Neil Ross Russell, the managing director of children’s and licensing for BBC Worldwide, said: "ZingZillas is a break-through program that we’re incredibly proud to be part of. We have extensive expertise in creating innovative licensing programs for preschool programs and I’ve no doubt that ZingZillas will strike a chord‚ with preschoolers across the world."

The controller of CBeebies, Michael Carrington, commented: "It’s time for a new kind of music show on CBeebies which will funk up the channel and get all of our toddlers and tots grooving on down to the ZingZillas sound. From operatic arias to jumping, jiving tunes, ZingZillas will be the new name in music for the under-6s."

He added, "I’m also delighted that ZingZillas is being represented by BBC Worldwide, continuing our work to take CBeebies to an international audience."