New York and Vancouver-based Big Bad Boo Studios (1001 Nights, The Bravest Knight) has partnered with U.K.-based children’s mental health initiative Hope Works to produce and distribute impactful content with a positive message to kids around the world this holiday season.
Started by Alison Stewart (BBC) and Lucy Murphy (Sky), the Hope Works program consists of 12 short films for children, one of which is produced by Big Bad Boo Studios. Other production partners include Sesame Workshop, Disney and DreamWorks. The short series will launch simultaneously on leading children’s networks around the world and via a dedicated YouTube channel. As a precursor, Hope Works launched the 12 shorts on World Children’s Day 2018 and held two launch parties in London’s Google offices and Big Bad Boo’s New York studios. Distribution partners include CBC, Kika, Hop Channel, Cartoon Network UK, Disney Channel and Oznoz VOD platform.
Big Bad Boo’s original production is titled Balloon Girl, and tells the story of a young girl’s compassion and how it changes a complete stranger’s day, showing that little things make a big difference. The animated, non-dialogue short was written by Daniel Errico and directed by Shabnam Rezaei.
The 12 shorts are aimed at children aged 5-12. While they vary in style and subject matter— ranging from preschool animation to documentary — they all offer young viewers around the world stories of hope, proving that through thoughtfulness, understanding and kindness children can make a difference in the world. The shorts can be viewed on the Hope Works YouTube Channel or on Oznoz.com and continue to be launched on partner channels worldwide.
