Guru Aligns with TIME Studios on Scoops

TIME Studios’ Kids & Family division has boarded Scoops, a new animated educational comedy series from Guru Studio.

Geared to kids aged 5 to 8, the 52×11-minute show aims to teach kids about media literacy as it follows 8-year-old Ellerby and her best friend Olsen as they uncover the truth hidden behind rumors in their neighborhood. Ellerby will be featured in journalism literacy material distributed to over 3 million American children in partnership with TIME for Kids.

“Like so many kids today, Ellerby has a wild enthusiasm for asking ‘why’ and finding the truth,” said Frank Falcone, president and executive creative director at Guru Studio. “We’re thrilled to be working with an incredible team at TIME Studios and TIME for Kids, who have such a rich history of telling stories with integrity that get at the heart of our community.”

“We are excited to partner with Guru, an industry leader in animated storytelling, to ensure that Scoops adheres to important journalistic principles for kids,” said Maria Perez-Brown, head of kids and family at TIME Studios. “Skills such as media literacy and critical thinking are crucial for kids, especially when they are surrounded by technology and have access to massive amounts of information at such a young age.”

“Kids are never too young to be taught the fundamentals of news and media literacy, which is the mission of TIME for Kids in classrooms and homes across the country and around the world,” said Andrea Delbanco, editor in chief of TIME for Kids. “Children are innately curious. Teaching them critical-thinking skills at an early age will help them navigate the news and the world around them.”

The series is created by Fablevision’s Tone Thyne, with Guru’s Falcone and Rachel Reade Marcus and TIME Studios’ Perez-Brown as executive producers. Guru Studio will manage international distribution as well as merchandising and licensing rights.