First Original Production Set for International CBeebies

CANNES: BBC Worldwide has announced the commission of the new live-action kids’ series Penelope K, By The Way, its first original production for the international CBeebies channel that will debut in Australia next year.

Developed by Sydney-based Blink Films and pitched to CBeebies by award-winning producer Michael Bourchier, the series is also headed to CBeebies in the U.K. and around the world. The show was selected from more than 100 submissions, following the launch of the international channel’s inaugural local production initiative in Australia earlier this year. The 25×12-minute Penelope K, By The Way is targeted at 4- to 6-year-olds.

“Penelope K, By The Way is an incredibly creative concept with extraordinary depth and vision," said Michael Carrington, the controller of CBeebies UK. "Michael’s understanding of the inquisitive minds of our preschool aged audience shone through both on the page and in the face-to-face pitch session.” 

“I’m so pleased that CBeebies’ first local production is now officially underway, and look forward to working with the prodigiously talented producer Michael Bourchier," commented  Brendan Dahill,the director of television at BBC Worldwide Channels Australasia. "I love his ideas and how he aims to execute them, and eagerly anticipate introducing Australian and international audiences to Penelope K.”