New African-Based Preschool Series in the Works

LONDON, June 26: Tiger
Aspect Productions has been commissioned by CBeebies in the U.K. and Playhouse
Disney in the U.S. to produce the new animated series Tinga Tinga Tales, with Entertainment Rights managing the worldwide
distribution rights for the brand across all media.

The series will feature
stories adapted from African folklore, told through the eyes of Africa’s
diverse animals. Tiger Aspect, in association with Homeboyz in Nairobi, has set
up a fully equipped animation studio in Kenya, with local designers, writers,
musicians and animators set to work on Tinga Tinga Tales. Delivery is slated for fall 2009 into 2010.

Claudia Lloyd, Tiger
Aspect’s head of animation and children’s, said, “Wonderful African animal
stories, with great characters, songs and visuals. Children in Singapore, San
Diego, Sierra Leone or Sydenham will love it. Producing the series out of
Africa couldn’t be more exciting.”

The controller of
CBeebies, Michael Carrington, added, "Tinga Tinga Tales is one of those exciting projects that has a
unique style and engaging tone of voice for which Tiger Aspect is synonymous.
We're sure British children are going to come to love these African stories,
inspired by rich indigenous artwork."

Deborah Dugan, the CEO and
president of Entertainment Rights for North America, commented: “With its
stunning visual style and unique approach to storytelling, Tinga Tinga Tales is a standout that will resonate with kids around
the world. We are delighted to be working with Playhouse Disney and CBeebies to
launch the show, and proud to be part of such a ground-breaking project.”

—By Kristin
Brzoznowski