Milly, Molly

TV Kids
Weekly, February 19, 2008

ORIGIN: Milly, Molly is based on the international children’s
bestseller of the same name. Written by acclaimed author Gill Pittar and
illustrated by Cris Morell, the Milly, Molly books have sold more than 3.5 million
copies in 109 countries, with the series already translated into 26 languages.

DISTRIBUTOR: Beyond Distribution has been appointed
the worldwide distributor of Milly, Molly.

CREATORS: Milly, Molly is a co-production between Pacific
& Beyond in Australia, the Singaporean animation studio Scrawl Studios and
Milly Molly Holdings and is made with the participation of the Media
Development Authority of Singapore.

TV SHOW: Season one consists of 13×30-minute or
26×15-minute episodes. A second season of 13 half-hour episodes is in the works.

SYNOPSIS: Two beloved friends, Milly and Molly,
come to life in this animated series for children aged 4 to 8. Milly and Molly
may look quite different, but they are the best of friends.

This charming
series follows the adventures of the two heroines and their friends in a small
country town. Exciting, poignant and funny, Milly, Molly celebrates difference, and promotes
acceptance of diversity. Each episode has a subtle message about values such as
honesty, persistence and responsibility, as well as showing life skills like
dealing with bullying and forgiveness. Together, Milly and Molly face the world
and its complexities, but always manage to have fun.

EXECUTIVE
PRODUCERS: Choon Meng
and Ron Saunders

TV SALES: Since it was launched at MIPCOM Jr.,
sales have been concluded to Nickelodeon Australia, TV Ontario, TPS Jeunesse, Télé
Quebec, TVNZ, HOP!, YLE, NRK, MediaCorp and ATV, among others.

MAJOR TOY
LICENSEES: Newman
International Licensing, a leading licensing agency in New Zealand, is representing
Milly, Molly.

OTHER
PRODUCTS: All
publishing is handled by Milly Molly Group Holdings, which has been responsible
for the international success of the books to date.

STRATEGY
FOR ROLLOUT: This
month, the first season will be available to broadcasters. The second season is
going into production immediately for delivery at the end of 2009.

A host of
broadcasters are on board for season one. According to the show’s executive
producer, Ron Saunders, the appeal of the series lies in “the charming characters
and naïve visual style, coupled with the range of issues tackled in a warm,
non-threatening way totally suitable for the age-group.”

A key
component of the licensing and merchandising program is publishing, given the
series’ origin. “Publishing will be expanded in territories where the books are
already successful,” Saunders notes, “and a range of books will be released in
new territories to coincide with television releases.”

As the brand
gains awareness, “other merchandising, such as apparel, gifts and games,” will
hit the market, Saunders says.

“The property
has a strong educational appeal, because of the nature and depth of the content,”
he continues. “Appropriate partnerships will be sought in each territory to
develop material suitable for each of these markets. As Milly and Molly say: ‘We
may look different, but we think the same.’ This is a message which is becoming
more and more timely.”