The kid-focused JUNIOR division of German co-producer, distributor and L&M company ZDF Studios today announced a trio of animated series ready to find international broadcast and streaming homes in 2024.
“At the beginning of 2024, I am particularly proud to be one of the first members of our team to be able to focus our efforts on important discussions and activities for these new shows,” said Oliver Grundel, Director of JUNIOR, ZDF Studios. “Attending prominent events such as the Kidscreen Summit or SXSW, my primary focus will be on conversations around our upcoming project, Dougie Dolittle. This animated series is currently in development and we are actively seeking strong co-production and pre-buy partnerships to further develop and realise this wonderful concept in collaboration with our production company. However, we would also like to invite international partners to approach us with project proposals and encourage a spirit of collaboration and creativity.”
Dinomite & Lucy (39 x 11′), aimed at children aged six to nine, is now ready for distribution. The CG-animated series takes young viewers on a prehistoric adventure full of crazy ideas and childhood challenges. The heroes of the series are Dino, a resourceful young dinosaur, and his extraordinary pet Lucy, a headstrong cave girl, as they navigate childhood in the charming dinosaur town of Farnheim. Based on the children’s books by Ute Krause, the series explores themes of friendship, acceptance and overcoming differences.
Animation studios TRIKK17 and M.A.R.K.13 are co-producing Dinomite & Lucy with Fabriques d’Images. Toon2Tango is responsible for distribution in French-speaking territories, Italy, Iberia and China, while ZDF Studios is handling distribution in all other territories worldwide.
Klincus (26 x 22′, 3D CGI) revolves around themes of nature and balance while exploring the clash between modernity and tradition, all set in a steampunk fantasy world. The series is designed to appeal to a wide age range (eight- to 12-year olds) and features an adventurous storyline that transcends cultural boundaries.
Set in a magical world at the heart of the Great Forest, a steampunk fantasy world at the height of the Industrial Revolution, the series follows Klincus, a young orphan who has escaped from the factory of the wealthy industrialist Graylock. Klincus discovers the secret city of Frondosa, a refuge for little people, where he finds a new home and friends. The series explores the delicate balance between man and nature, with themes of adventure, friendship and difficult choices. It also represents the clash between modernity and tradition.
Klincus is an international collaboration between Showlab Srl, RAI Ragazzi, ZDF, Fabrique d’Images and Telegael.
In addition, ZDF Studios is seeking co-production/co-development partners for the upcoming 3D animated/CGI series and adventure comedy for six- to nine-year olds, Dougie Dolittle (26 x 22′). Produced by Caligari Film, this modern adaptation and standalone creation is inspired by Doctor Dolittle, and follows 14-year-old Dougie Dolittle, who has the unique ability to communicate with every creature on Earth.
The series follow Dougie as he navigates the challenges of living a ‘normal’ teenage life while acting as a bridge between the human and animal worlds. At the same time, he explores the idea that his extraordinary ability can be both a curse and a great gift, with a humorous take on the challenges he faces.
