The Jim Henson Company

September 23, 2009 World Screen
Sam Ewing
Head, International Programming
 
 

What are some of your top properties for MIPCOM?

 

We will be offering a slate of new animated preschool properties, including Sid The Science Kid and Dinosaur Train that air on PBS in the U.S. Additionally, for the first time we will be distributing our world renowned Family Classics and Fantasy library of titles that include the hit, Emmy-Award winning series Fraggle Rock and the BAFTA Award-winning Jim Henson’s The Hoobs. We will also be at the market introducing a new series at MIPCOM to potential co-production partners, Pajanimals, a live-action musical series produced by The Jim Henson Company and 4Kids Entertainment.
 
 

Why will these programs appeal to buyers?
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Each of our new properties have has unique creative qualities that feature “spot on” characters that speak to our childhood sense of fun. The standards that were created by Jim Henson are still implemented today, and we have a solid reputation of delivering the highest quality of entertainment and educational values in our programming.
 
 

What are some of the trends you’re currently seeing in this market?

 

We are seeing an increasing number of children’s buyers attending the market, particularly from Asia. I think or would like to think that buyers are now gravitating more towards fresh new series that an ‘edutainment’ value to the table. We have received such amazing responses from buyers worldwide with our series that fit this style of programming, Dinosaur Train and Sid The Science Kid. Additionally, buyers are always interested in properties that have built-in brand equity. We are in an excellent position to offer classic brands such as Fraggle Rock and The Hoobs, and we feel they still have the qualities that will resonate with an all-new generation.
 
 

What are your goals and expectations MIPCOM?

 

Our goal at MIPCOM is to showcase the breadth of programming that The Jim Henson Company is now distributing. Since reintroducing ourselves to the international marketplace last year, we are growing tremendously and are in a position to deliver new and exciting programming to buyers as well as our treasure trove of Family Classics. We want all the key buyers around the world to become acquainted, if they are not already, with our library, which includes The Storyteller, Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss and more. Of course, we also hope to seal a few deals there.”
 
 

Is there any other information you would like to share regarding your plans for MIPCOM?

 

I would like to encourage children’s programming buyers to visit The Jim Henson Company’s new stand located at LR1.05. It would be our pleasure to present these incredible series.