Shooting nearing completion on Telegael’s production, ‘Zoo Factor’, a new children’s puppet series. A parody of popular peak time talent-search series, ‘Zoo Factor’ is a talent competition with a difference. It features an assortment of exotic animals as the excited contestants hoping to get their first big break in showbiz.
Produced by Alan Nixon (Hotel!), Siobhán Ní Ghadhra (Growing Up Creepie) and John Brady (The Doorway) the 13 x 22 minute series is a co-production with multiple Emmy award winning Telegael and Cardiff based Calon TV, who created the series and are best known for ‘Superted’ and ‘Fireman Sam’. ‘Zoo Factor’ has been commissioned by CBBC for transmission in 2010. Filming on the series commenced in November and will continue until Christmas.
The ‘Zoo Factor’ host is a cuddly marsupial by the name of Hilly Wallaby. Each week Hilly will introduce a variety of wild puppet animals with unusual skills who compete against each other in front of the judging panel headed by Clive, a vain and lazy lion who, quite literally, eats acts for breakfast. He is joined by Celia, a glamorous showbiz seal and Barry, a monkey who is guaranteed to say something inappropriate. The compeititon is fierce because if you win you’re a champion but if you’re beaten, you’re eaten!
Simon Buckley is Chief Puppeteer for the series which is written by Mark Evans (The Saturday Night Takeaway, Strictly Come Dancing) and Will Ing (Pop Idol, 8 out of 10 Cats). The Executive Producers involved are Paul Cummins (Toddworld) of Telegael and Robin Lyons (The Princess and the Goblin) of Calon TV. Billy Keady (director, Paisean Faisean) is the show’s director of photography, Paul Noble (The Haunting of Hell House) is lighting designer and production design is by Tim Farrington (Art Director, Chicken Run).
The entire series has been filmed at Studio Solas in Inverin. Telegael are providing the HD filming equipment and post-production facilities. Post-Production will be continuing into 2010 for broadcast later that year.
Producer John Brady says: “We are delighted to have such an exciting project shooting here in Galway. We have been able to utilize local crew and talent who have been second to none in their commitment and passion for the project.”
