MIPTV Spotlight: WDR mediagroup

CANNES: Cooper the Sasquatch and Poppy the sugar glider have outdoor adventures in the puppetry comedy WildWoods, one of the kids’ highlights from WDR mediagroup (WDRmg).

“Shot in the woods all across Ireland, the real outdoor locations provide a backdrop that reinforces the series’ key messages of appreciating the wonder of nature and respecting the environment,” says Stefanie Fischer, the company’s head of content.

Timmi, meanwhile, combines live action with animation to tell the story of a boy who dreams of going to space. There is also Gigglebug, which centers on a little insect who is always optimistic. “Gigglebug is a true 360-degree brand” that originated as an app, says Fischer. “The series adaptation highlights that laughing is healthy and important.”

“WDRmg not only sells kids’ programs globally but also acts as an agency for licensing and merchandising,” she adds. “We offer comprehensive brand management for some of our kids’ programs across various platforms and countries.”

Among the non-children’s highlights from WDRmg is the comedy Suck It Up!, which tells the story of a back-office clerk who sets out to sell 60 vacuum cleaners in 30 days in order to save his department from unemployment. Fischer says the series has “a sense of humor unlike any other show currently on the market.”

Each episode of the reality show My Garden on a Plate sees an enthusiastic gardener prepare a three-course meal for five competitors, with each course featuring at least one homegrown ingredient. The winner walks away with money to pursue a garden-related dream.

In addition, WDRmg is selling format rights for the renovation series Made with Love, which Fischer says “comes to the rescue of couples in love who cannot agree on the interior design of their homes.”

She adds: “These latest additions showcase the strategy in building up our format catalog: we try to make it as diverse as possible.”