Love Monster Animated Series in the Works

Canada’s Boat Rocker Studios, the BBC in the U.K. and UYoung in China have partnered to co-produce a new animated preschool show based on the Love Monster book series by British author and illustrator Rachel Bright.

The TV adaptation will center on the hairy, googly-eyed hero Love Monster as he searches for the right thing to do and, with the help of his friends, learns to follow his heart and builds his inner confidence. The 54×7-minute 2D animated series highlights the importance of kindness, empathy, connection and instinct.

Love Monster will premiere on CBeebies as well as on major Chinese broadcasters and digital platforms. Boat Rocker Rights will distribute the series and manage the global brand and licensing, excluding China and Southeast Asia, which will be managed by UYoung. The co-production was approved by China’s National Radio and Television Administration (CNRTA).

Jon Rutherford, managing director of Boat Rocker Studios, said: “We are very excited to enter our first co-production with both the U.K. and China. This is the first collaboration to come through our new offices in Hong Kong and London and forms part of our strategy to grow our footprint in Asia, in addition to solidifying our existing partnership with the BBC. We’re thrilled to unveil Love Monster to the global marketplace.”

Lisa Zhong, president of UYoung, said: “We are delighted to be embarking on our first-ever co-production with the BBC and Boat Rocker. The deal is even more significant as it is also the first-ever U.K./China animated co-production. UYoung is always keen to establish stronger ties with international producers and broadcasters to extend its international reach. And with this inaugural co-production approval from CNRTA, gained as a result of our high standards and prestigious position in the Chinese market, we will be able to fully maximize its broadcasting exposure to the benefit of all parties.”

Cheryl Taylor, head of content for BBC Children’s, said: “Rachel’s warm and witty books will translate perfectly into a series for our youngest viewers. CBeebies celebrates inclusive behavior and Love Monster embodies a sense of collaboration. We are delighted to be working with Boat Rocker and UYoung, bringing a truly international collaboration to preschool screens right around the world.”

Bright added: “I’m thrilled that Love Monster is leaping from the page to the screen and delighted that it will be the result of a truly international collaboration. Love Monster himself found love by venturing out into the wider world and I hope the TV version will too.”