Tricon Expands Kids’ Offerings

TORONTO: Following its foray into the children’s programming genre with The Next Star, Tricon Films & Television has expanded its slate of entertainment for kids and families with some new acquisitions.

Joining the catalogue is the tween/teen sketch show The Paul Telner Project. The 10×30-minute series, from Let it Out Entertainment, is a fresh take on the traditional prank show. Between the prank segments are behind-the-scenes clips of Paul and his crew, which consists of Jason, his director and conspirator, and Byron, the business manager.

Also new to the Tricon portfolio is the festive family musical Christmas Dreams. Produced by Homer and Weiser Productions for CBC Canada, Christmas Dreams is an hour-long movie filled with holiday songs. The film features Ed Asner and Tom Cavanagh.

Tricon will also be selling two seasons of The Next Star. The young-superstar-seeking talent show is now in its sophomore season on YTV. In addition to distributing the finished show worldwide, Tricon is also selling format rights.

Carrie Mudd, the VP of distribution and development at Tricon, said: “We are expanding our slate for this market with some unique new shows. The Paul Telner Project is fast-paced and hugely entertaining, skewing to the older tween and teen bracket. Christmas Dreams is full of traditional winter magic and is a great co-viewing opportunity for the whole family to enjoy.”