Broadcasters Nick Jr. UK and RTÉjr have signed-up Puffin Rock, a new animated children’s TV series, narrated by Chris O'Dowd.
Just announced at the international financing event Cartoon Forum, the major broadcaster Nick Jr. UK and RTEjr have bought Puffin Rock, an Irish animated children’s TV series developed with funding from the Irish Film Board and Section 481. The Irish animation industry had a very strong profile at Cartoon Forum this year with 12 Irish connected projects presented to the world’s top international financiers.
Commenting on the sales James Hickey, Chief Executive, Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board (IFB) said: “The Irish Film Board invested in Puffin Rock at an early development stage and we are really delighted to see both international and domestic broadcasters come on board the project. We are confident that the series will sell worldwide.”
Puffin Rock is a multi-platform brand that follows the adventures of a family of puffins living on a wild and beautiful Irish island. Pip, an adventure-loving young puffling, and the hero of the show, explores the island with her little brother Baba – making friends, hunting for food and trying to stay off the dinner menu. The TV series will feature 39 seven-minute episodes and Penguin will produce digital and physical format books, and products, to accompany it.
The series was co-produced by Oscar-nominated Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon, global publisher Penguin, and Northern Irish children’s media company Dog Ears.
'Puffin Rock' will be narrated by Chris O’Dowd (‘Moone Boy’, ‘Bridesmaids’ and ‘The IT Crowd’). As narrator, he will mix amusing observations with interesting facts about the wildlife on the island. O’Dowd is excited about his first foray into children’s TV: “I love the whole idea behind Puffin Rock and the style of the artwork. I can’t wait to be involved in it, but then I do love anything with Puffins.”
Pauline Macnamara, Executive Producer, Animation & Independent Commissioning RTÉ Young Peoples Programmes said: “Puffin Rock is a perfect fit for our new pre-school channel RTÉjr. We’re delighted to be bringing stories of Irish coastal wildlife and environment to young Irish children through the world of Pip, Baba and friends. We’re also excited about the creative talents Dog Ears and Cartoon Saloon have drawn together for this project. It bodes well for a very magical series which will capture the imaginations of children everywhere.’
Paul Young said: ‘RTÉjr and Nick Jr. are the perfect broadcasting partners for Puffin Rock, so we are delighted to add Pauline Macnamara, Tim Patterson and their teams to our production. Cartoon Saloon has worked with Chris O'Dowd on his show Moone Boy, so we're very excited to be able to bring his unique sense of humour and charming voice to Puffin Rock.’
Production will commence in September 2013 and delivery will begin in October 2014.
Crowe Horwath with section 481. Contact details for Crowe Horwath on IFTN .
For more information on the Irish Film Board go to their website.
Contact details for Cartoon Saloon on IFTN .
