BAFTA winning and Emmy nominated Belfast-based studio Sixteen South has announced that Disney Junior Europe, Middle East, Africa & Australia/New Zealand has picked up its brand new animated series ‘Claude’ (52 x 11’) The series has just gone into production and is due to air in 2017.
‘Claude’ was developed for television by Sixteen South’s Colin Williams and Michelle Forde. It is produced by Williams with funding from Northern Ireland Screen's Screen Fund via Invest NI, directed by Tim Harper with music by Mark Gordon.
Based on the best-selling series of books by Alex T. Smith, ‘Claude’ follows the humorous adventures of a little beret-clad dog, Claude, and his faithful sidekick Sir Bobblysock. Published by the Hachette Children’s Group, the books sell in 16 languages across five continents.
Aimed at children at the upper end of the pre-school age range, the new series is adapted for television by Sixteen South in a distinctive 2D hand-drawn style, bringing to life the unique visual style of the original books.
Sixteen South’s Creative Director, Colin Williams says: “We fell in love with Claude when we first saw the books and we’re thrilled that Disney have fallen in love with him too. We’re delighted that our little four-legged hero will be popping up on Disney Junior all across the world and we know that his fun stories and silly humour will appeal to children everywhere!”
Another project on Disney EMEA’s slate that has Northern Irish connection is live-action teen series ‘The Lodge’, which is currently shooting in Ballynahinch, County Down.