DECODE Lands Pre-MIPTV Sales

TORONTO/LONDON: On the heels of a second-season commission from CBeebies, Grandpa In My Pocket has been sold by DECODE Enterprises to three new international broadcasters.

Canada’s TVO, Australia’s ABC TV and Al Jazeera Children’s Channel have all taken on the series, which combines live action with special effects. The show explores the grandparent/grandchild relationship, and features the likes of James Bolam, Susan Jameson, Lisa Goddard, Rula Lenska and Meera Syal. DECODE holds TV, DVD and consumer products rights to the 52×12-minute series, which is developed and produced by Adastra Creative.

Michael Carrington, the controller of CBeebies, said: "I’m so proud of Grandpa In My Pocket, a new series which has quickly established itself as one of our most successful programmes of recent times. The high ratings are proof that there is a fantastic appetite for high-quality, narrative-driven comedy amongst young children. What I find is unique about Grandpa In My Pocket is its ability to connect with boys and girls of a wide age range—no doubt because it is universally funny."

Josh Scherba, the VP of distribution at DECODE Enterprises, added: "This is a series which is enjoyed by both kids and their parents. It’s incredibly well written with great performances and the child and grandparent relationship is acutely observed. The top ratings on CBeebies flag this as a must-watch show and we’re delighted to sign up further broadcasters internationally to send Grandpa overseas."