Independent producer Paper Owl Films and kids & family entertainment company CAKE have partnered with Crayola Studios on their new animated series Pablo: Boy Meets School which has been commissioned by BBC Children’s and Education and RTÉjr, with production funding from Coimisiún na Meán and Northern Ireland. The 40 x 11’ mixed media series is being produced at Paper Owl Films’ Belfast studio and is set to deliver in 2026.
Aimed at children aged 5-8, Pablo: Boy Meets School is a spin-off from the ground-breaking, multi award-winning and BAFTA-nominated Pablo, which premiered on CBeebies and RTÉjr in October 2017. The first children’s series to feature an autistic central character, Pablo became a global success, airing in more than 190 territories and in 35 languages. In his latest series, Pablo relies on his creative outlets to navigate the challenges of mainstream school and share his unique perspective.
“Starting school is a big moment for our audience and so important for families to see this represented in home-grown, culturally relevant storytelling, and it’s even more special from Pablo’s creative perspective,” said Kate Morton, Senior Senior Head of Children’s Commissioning, BBC.
Suzanne Kelly, Head of Children’s & Young People’s Content RTÉ added, “RTÉjr has been with Pablo and his animal friends on every step of this wonderful journey since 2017. Pablo has deftly navigated his way through those tricky early years and now it’s time for school. To watch how Pablo has grown and how the stylistic approach and animation style has evolved from series to series, has been a joy to behold. Pablo: Boy Meets School is a trailblazing series and authentically depicts what life can be like for all kids in those messy noisy fun filled years at school. RTÉjr is thrilled to continue supporting Pablo on the next step on his journey and we can’t wait to show it to our audience – We know they’re going to love it!”
Crayola Studios joins as co-producer on the new series, marking the studio’s first investment in production. The company will also act as the global merchandising and licensing partner for all Pablo IP. CAKE is on board as an executive producer and will manage all international distribution.
About Pablo: Boy Meets School:
Pablo’s creativity is more important than ever as he tries to make sense of a strange new world where his adventures spring from meeting the everyday challenges of mainstream school. By recording events in his sketchbook diary, Pablo processes his emotions and, through his drawings, is able to showcase his perspective on the world. Pablo’s imagination is endless and his perspective is unique, creating a new way for the audience to see the world.
Pablo: Boy Meets School reflects the real-life experiences of autistic children and is written and voiced by young autistic talent. With fun and humor at its heart, Pablo: Boy Meets School is more than just a comedy. It’s a new way of seeing the world.
“We are all delighted to go into production and create a series that will be so much more than an international comedy hit — it will change the world through the unique perspective of our wonderful Pablo,” said Gráinne McGuinness, Creative Director, Paper Owl Films. “This character is cherished by the entire team at Paper Owl and we are excited to collaborate with amazing talent in all parts of the production to bring these really funny stories to screen in a way that will celebrate the engagement of all kinds of minds together. We are so grateful to all our partners in helping us make this mission possible.”
The new series is produced by Paper Owl Films’ Creative Director Gráinne McGuinness and Managing Director Gavin Halpin alongside CAKE’s CEO Edward Galton, BBC Children’s Commissioning Executive Jo Allen, RTÉjr’s Suzanne Kelly, Crayola’s EVP Victoria Lozano, who oversees Crayola Studios, and Rick Glankler, CEO and Co-Founder of Goatfish.
“When we first heard about Pablo: Boy Meets School, we knew we had to be involved,” said Lozano. “Pablo draws in his sketchbook to help make sense of the world around him. His ability to see the world unencumbered by social norms fuels his curiosity and enables him to ask questions that give the audience a totally new perspective. Looking at and laughing at the world through Pablo’s eyes makes viewers ask Why, Why Not and What If. We are delighted to come on board this authentic and inspiring show, which is very close to the heart of what Crayola stands for.”
Galton added, “We are excited to partner with Paper Owl Films, Crayola Studios and the BBC on Pablo: Boy Meets School. This series continues Pablo’s legacy, offering a fresh and important perspective in children’s programming. We look forward to bringing this groundbreaking series to young audiences globally and fostering greater understanding and inclusion.”
