The Gruffalo, Stick Man & More Landing on Ukids App

UYoung in China has acquired six films from Magic Light Pictures for its educational Ukids app and SVOD service.

Among the titles included in the deal are The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child, Room on the Broom, Stick Man, The Highway Rat and Zog. Based on the children’s picture books written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, the films were first broadcast to audiences on the BBC in the U.K. as a part of its Christmas schedules, for which Magic Light has produced a new festive special each year for the last seven years.

Ukids is UYoung’s recently launched safe, one-stop service featuring global children’s programming for Chinese families aimed at helping to teach children to speak English through developmental content. It is available on OTT, iOS, Android mobile and tablet. Containing specially curated content chosen for its educational value—ranging from STEM, arts and crafts, nature and socio-emotional programming, the dedicated children’s app has English-language learning elements that have been developed in partnership with the British Council.

Clara Yang, VP of international business and newly appointed general manager for Ukids, said: “We are delighted to have added these wonderful films from Magic Light to our Ukids portfolio. They are perfect for the platform’s aim of providing educational and entertaining content in a safe and happy environment to help children grow and develop, and are yet another example of our ability to acquire top-class content from leading international production companies.”

Muriel Thomas, Magic Light Pictures’ head of international distribution, said: “The Gruffalo’s films and subsequent TV specials have a huge international appeal and we are thrilled to have signed our first deal with UYoung to bring these wonderful stories to a whole new audience.”