We had a chance to catch up with Ed Galton, CEO of the London-based global distributor and producer of kids and family series CAKE Entertainment to get a sneak peek at their fall market content slate. Here’s what he told us:
Can you give us a little bit of background about CAKE?
Ed Galton: CAKE is a global distributor and producer of kids and family series. We distribute over 1,600 half-hours of content, working with renowned producers from around the world as well as developing and producing shared and originated projects including Angry Birds: Summer Madness and Mama K’s Team 4 for Netflix.
Which new animated shows are you bringing to the fall markets this year?
- The new Total Drama Island series (26 half-hours) from Fresh TV, where contestants compete in a reality series. After 14 years and seven seasons, we return to the original concept of the island. The show has an updated cast of 16 quirky, iconic contestants, which reflect today’s teens. It strongly leans into diversity with a young writing team that represents each of the cultural perspectives with humour, energy and a fresh and funny voice. While the original series was the highest rated show on Cartoon Network, Total Drama continues to perform well for public broadcasters, premium pay channels and digital platforms alike.
- School-based comedy Dodo (20 x 11′), a funny, heart-warming portrayal of everyday school life told through the eyes of 11-year-old Joe Connolly, as he navigates the pitfalls of his first year at high school alongside his friends Frisbo, Pete and Lily, who help him triumph over adversity and survive another school day! While the series targets kids aged eight and up, Wildseed Studios have perfectly depicted the drama and awkward moments of school life with comedy and perception — and for adults, the memories of long-gone school days will come flooding back! It premiered on Sky Kids in the U.K. and is launching in the U.S. later this year.
- O.T. and the Beasties (50 x 5′) introduces preschoolers to the comic adventures and misadventures of a loveable robot called B.O.T. as he discovers new worlds and an assortment of bizarre beasties that inhabit them. This is the latest series from Ragdoll Productions (Teletubbies, In the Night Garden and Twirlywoos), whose reputation for producing high caliber IPs with global appeal is unprecedented in the preschool space. Dialogue light, its strong visual comedy coupled with wonderful storytelling is ensuring its strong performance on CBeebies.
- Jorel’s Brother (104 x 11′) follows the everyday adventures of an awkward and nameless nine-year-old boy, who is overshadowed by his more infamous sibling. Jorel’s brother tries to be as popular as his older brother Jorel, but while he ultimately lives to fail, he always finds an absurd solution when dealing with his unusual and eccentric family. Copa Studios’ multi-award-winning Brazilian comedy is now in its fourth season and has enjoyed huge success in Latin America on Cartoon Network, with its third season nominated for an International Emmy for Best Animated Series.
- Preschool show Tish Tash (52 x 5′) follows the adventures of a young bear called Tish, her bear family and her larger-than-life imaginary friend Tash, as they learn about the world around them, embarking on fun adventures while inspiring imaginative play and problem solving in young children. This show is a collaboration between South Korean animation shop Studio Gale, Singapore-based August Media Holdings, Philippines media group Synergy88 Entertainment and BAFTA and Emmy Award-winning, U.K.-based Karrot Entertainment, and this has given Tish Tash a truly global approach. The series will be launching on CBeebies in the U.K. this September.
What are the big priorities for your company for the rest of 2021?
On the distribution side, we are actively looking for high quality content that services all different areas of children’s entertainment from preschool through to six-to-12 and tweens. We recently announced the setting up of CAKE Productions and are focusing on taking our robust development slate of 15 titles and moving it into production. Titles include Bureau of Magic’s Dog Bird & Me and preschool musical series Cub Squad, created by Emily Chapman.
What do you love about working in animation?
Limitless storytelling, imaginative worlds, awe-inspiring creativity, tremendous artistry and of course, our partners, colleagues and friends, who keep our industry exciting,innovative and fun!
For more info, visit cakeentertainment.com.
