New Tween Series Coming to Family Channel

July 13, 2012 World Screen Top Stories

TORONTO: Canada’s Family Channel has commissioned Temple Street Productions’ new tween drama The Next Step.

The network will air 26 30-minute episodes of the single-camera scripted tween drama about dancers from The Next Step Dance Studio who are trying to win a regional competition. Principal photography of the series recently commenced.

Behind-the-scenes footage of The Next Step, commentary and character interviews will be part of a web series on Family Channel’s website.
 
“Temple Street has truly been able to develop an original idea with The Next Step and we can’t wait to expand upon the endless possibilities this series presents us with across all platforms,” said Michael Goldsmith, the director of original programming for Astral Kids. “Family Channel’s audience can expect a unique tween series dedicated to exploring the challenges competitive dancers face and look forward to high caliber performances throughout the first season.”
 
“The Next Step marks Temple Street’s own next step in youth programming,” remarked David Fortier and Ivan Schneeberg, the co-presidents of Temple Street Productions. “The show explores athletic excellence, team building and interpersonal drama all within a dance studio environment. With original songs and professional choreography, the series aims to celebrate elite young athletes, provide realistic and relatable drama and inspire the audience to engage with the characters and the world of dance. We think the reality-like format of the program also ‘keeps step’ with savvy tween audiences looking for unique programming.”