Little Airplane Productions’ most-recent series for preschoolers is looking to make a real difference in the world.
The Olive Branch is a series of 26 x 1 min. films that tell stories about conflict resolution, tolerance and mutual respect without using words. The series is being produced by Little Airplanes’ nonprofit Little Light Foundation and has been endorsed by the Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Simon Wiesenthal Center and UNICEF.
The series’ world premiere is set for June 1 on Nick Jr. in the United States. The first three episodes are getting an exclusive six-month window on Nick Jr. and also are available on a non-exclusive basis to more than 100 Nick networks around the world.
To ensure the series is seen as widely around the world as possible, Little Airplane is offering the show to broadcasters for the sum of one unit of local currency per episode.
‘After spending time working in the Middle East, I came to appreciate the enormous value of creating programming that fosters tolerance and mutual respect among children and adults,’ said Josh Selig, founder and president of Little Airplane Productions. ‘In order to reach the widest possible audience, we have designed The Olive Branch without words and have thereby eliminated the need for costly dubbing. This, combined with a minimal license fee, should help ensure that even the poorest of nations can benefit from the important messages of this series.’
‘Television plays a key role in determining how children learn to perceive themselves and one another,’ said Archbishop Desmond Tutu. ‘The Olive Branch is a wonderful example of television that will make a positive contribution to the world. It will be understood and appreciated by children in every country.’
In order to help cover production costs, broadcasters can choose to make tax-deductible contributions to Little Light Foundation. Individuals, corporations and foundations may also make contributions or participate in the ‘Grow A Show’ program that allows funders to participate in the development and production of an Olive Branch episode.
The Olive Branch is written and directed by Josh Selig. The series features traditional hand-drawn animation by Pablo Smith (The Wonder Pets!, 3rd & Bird) and is made entirely in Little Airplane’s New York studio. The music is composed by Emmy Award-winning composer J. Walter Hawkes.
