TV Kids In-Demand: Live Action

As part of our new TV Kids In-Demand reports, we’re highlighting hot properties in live action: ZDF Enterprises’ Heirs of the Night, Dynamic Television’s Almost Never, Australian Children’s Television Foundation’s First Day and Zodiak Kids’ Flatmates.

Heirs of the Night

Produced By: Lemming Film, Hamster Film, Maze Pictures, Maipo Film, ZDF Enterprises
Rights Available: ZDF Enterprises handles worldwide distribution.
Description: In 1898, a prophecy warns the five remaining vampire clans in Europe that they need to unite or else they will become extinct. Joining forces is easier said than done. The elders set aside their hostile feelings and blood-bond their young heirs, so they can learn from each other and unite their powers. Targeted to kids 10-plus and family viewing, the show consists of 26 26-minute episodes. Based on the books Die Erben der Nacht by Ulrike Schweikert. NRK, AVROTROS and NDR are among the broadcasters on board.
Pitch Perfect: “Heirs of the Night combines coming of age, mystery and adventure in an addictive way,” says Arne Lohmann, ZDF Enterprises’ VP of ZDFE.junior. “The series is scary when it needs to be scary, and it’s fun when it needs to be fun. We made a broad show with many universal themes, and parents will also enjoy watching it with their kids. I am sure children all over the world will fall for our vampire kids, just as we have.”
Sales Contact: Arne Lohmann, VP, ZDFE.junior.

Almost Never

Commissioned By: CBBC
Produced By: Saltbeef TV
Rights Available: Worldwide, excluding the U.K., from Dynamic Television.
Description: Almost Never follows the ups and downs of a boyband, The Wonderland, as they juggle family, friends, school and relationships while working towards their dreams of pop stardom. Two seasons (26×30 minutes) available, with season three (13×30 minutes) in preproduction.
Pitch Perfect: One of CBBC’s most successful series ever, Almost Never broke audience records with incredible viewership on CBBC and on iPlayer. Featuring topnotch storytelling, a hit soundtrack and supported by an extensive social media strategy that engages and maintains audiences, Almost Never is event programming for teen and family audiences worldwide.
Slot Winner: Almost Never was the biggest box-set launch in CBBC history, with more than 11 million views on iPlayer in the first 12 months, and is currently the number one kids’ series in the U.K.
Sales Contacts: Dan March, Managing Partner; Ryan St. Peters, Sales Consultant.

First Day

Commissioned By: ABC for ABC ME
Producers: Kirsty Stark, Kate Croser
Rights Available: All international rights available from the Australian Children’s Television Foundation.
Description: It’s 12-year-old Hannah Bradford’s first year of high school. Hannah experiences all the excitement and fear associated with this transition, but her first day of high school is even more significant: it’s the first day she will wear a girl’s uniform to school and go by her chosen name, rather than the boy’s name she was given at birth. This live-action drama series consists of four 24-minute episodes and one 17-minute stand-alone special.
Pitch Perfect: First Day shows Hannah finding her way around a new school, making new friendships and getting stuck in her homework. As a transgender girl, Hannah not only has to navigate the challenges that come with starting a new school but find the courage to live as her most authentic self.
Sales Contacts: Roberta Di Vito, International Sales Manager; Tim Hegarty, International Sales Manager.

Flatmates

Commissioned By: BBC iPlayer
Produced By: Zodiak Kids Studios
Rights Available: The international sales are handled by Zodiak Kids. Pay-TV, free-TV and VOD rights are available outside the U.K.
Description: Three girls, two boys, one flat. A 10×30-minute teenage sitcom commissioned for the BBC iPlayer. Perfect for tweens and teens.
Pitch Perfect: Flatmates follow the lives of young Gen Z’ers as they take their first uncertain steps into adulthood. Getting to grips with the next stage of growing up, the group wrestles with the expectation and anxiety of trying to fulfill the “Millennial Dream.”
Sales Contacts: Julia Rowlands (U.K., Ireland, German-speaking territories, CEE, Australia, New Zealand); Cecile Cau (Spanish- & Portuguese-speaking territories, Italy, Scandinavia, Middle East, Africa); Delphine Dumont (French-speaking territories, North America, China); Diane Bernier (Asia).