Site: Animation UK
BRIGHTON ZOO APPOINTS NEW CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Blue Zoo’s Regional Animation Hub Appoints George Sawyer as Creative Director
Brighton Zoo, the bold and agile sister to award-winning animation studio Blue Zoo, has appointed George Sawyer as Creative Director, a strategic hire that signals the studio’s accelerating ambition in digital-first content, multiplatform storytelling, and a widened reach beyond kids to young adult audiences.
The Brighton-based studio, which operates as a regional animation hub within the Blue Zoo group, has built its reputation at the convergence of creativity and technology in today’s dynamic content market. George’s appointment strengthens that positioning, bringing a rare combination of narrative craft, creative leadership, and cross-format experience spanning animation, live action, digital and branded content.
George Sawyer is a multi-award-winning writer, director and creative lead. His credits include the International Emmy-winning Horrible Histories and the BAFTA Scotland-winning The Brilliant World of Tom Gates. Known for combining strong narrative instincts with hands-on creative direction, he has developed innovative projects for broadcasters, studios and major global brands, working across scripted comedy, children’s television, and digital content.
“We’re really excited to be bringing George formally into the fold, following our recent collaboration on the Fugglers YouTube content. His appointment allows us to move with greater creative ambition on all fronts. George will lead on our digital-first social video and interactive productions, spearhead our cross-platform development slate, and push into content for older audiences. This is Brighton Zoo growing into its next chapter.”
Juliet Tzabar, Managing Director of Brighton Zoo
“I love telling stories, and I’m always looking for new and interesting ways to do that. What stood out to me about Brighton Zoo is its innovative, collaborative approach and a true instinct to develop ideas that work across multiple platforms. I want to deliver stories from a diverse range of voices that extend beyond traditional TV. I’m really excited to get started with Juliet and the team.”
George Sawyer, Creative Director of Blue Zoo
Since its inception in 2023 as a joint venture between Blue Zoo and Plug-in Media, Brighton Zoo has established itself as a regional powerhouse – delivering two series of Supertato for CBeebies, interactive games for BBC Bitesize and the Tate Gallery, and branded entertainment for companies including Tonies, Radio Flyer and Fugglers. Their episodic and shorts content for toy brand Fugglers has generated over 20 million views on YouTube and TikTok, with an average TikTok engagement rate of 11.68%, demonstrating the studio’s ability to build genuine audience connection beyond traditional broadcast. Through its innovative slate, the studio creates bold, platform-native stories that connect with young audiences through the channels they love – reflecting how they play, what they watch, and where they interact.
With George Sawyer now leading creative, Brighton Zoo is well placed to push further – developing new IP, targeting broader audiences, embracing new production pipelines, and continuing to redefine what a nimble, digitally-native studio can achieve.
MAGIC LIGHT PICTURES LAUNCHES STIRLING ANIMATION STUDIO
Magic Light Pictures has confirmed the launch of its new, wholly owned studio
Magic Light Pictures has confirmed the launch of Stirling Animation Studio (SAS) where the company will complete production of its landmark preschool series Zog for the BBC.
Following Wild Child Animation entering Administration, Magic Light acted swiftly to acquire the studio’s assets and production pipeline in order to safeguard crew roles, protect vital Scottish animation infrastructure, and ensure continuity of production.
Stirling Animation Studio keeps the highly skilled and experienced crew together, and SAS will complete production of all 52 episodes of Zog on schedule for delivery to the BBC and international partners.
“We’ve acted quickly to protect something valuable – a brilliant team, a major production, and a key part of Scotland’s animation capability. It’s been important to provide stability and renewed confidence for the crew at a critical time. The formation of Stirling Animation Studio will ensure completion of our Zog series and we hope it can also be a platform for future productions. We are already exploring ideas about the future so we can support the next generation of world-class animation talent in Scotland.”
Martin Pope and Michael Rose, co-founders of Magic Light Pictures
Based on the internationally bestselling books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Zog remains a cornerstone project for Magic Light Pictures and its partners, including the BBC, ZDF, BBC Studios and Creative Scotland.
CAKE Signs Deal with BBC Studios on Animation Family Sitcom ‘Nikhil & Jay’ for Poland, South Africa, Asia, and India
Leading kids’ entertainment specialist CAKE has announced a deal with BBC Studios for 2D animated family sitcom Nikhil & Jay
The agreement finalised by CAKE’s Director of Sales Julien Farçat will see the 52 x 11 minute funny family centred series launch later this year on CBeebies in Poland, South Africa, Asia and India.
Based on award-winning author Chitra Soundar’s book series, Nikhil & Jay is produced by King Banana TV (Yakka Dee!, Meet the Experts), Paper Owl Films (Pablo, Happy The Hoglet), exec produced and distributed by CAKE (Angry Birds Summer Madness and Supa Team 4) and with funding from Northern Ireland Screen. The series premiered in the UK on CBeebies and iPlayer in 2025.
A multi-award-winning series, Nikhil & Jay most recently won an RTS Northern Ireland Award for Children’s Animation as well as being nominated for a Rockie Award in 2025. The series is a finalist in the 6+ fiction category at this year’s Prix Jeunesse.
Nikhil & Jay follows the adventures of two dual heritage brothers and their loveable family. With both Indian and English grandparents, their life is a rich blend of customs, traditions, festivals, foods and music. A family sitcom written from a place of knowledge, love and authentic, lived experience of two cultures coming together, Nikhil & Jay celebrates the similarities and differences with funny and relatable stories, full of warmth, heart and humour.
The series stars British Tamil actor Charithra Chandran (Bridgerton, One Piece, Dune Prophecy, Alex Rider, How to Date Billy Walsh, Instructions for A Teenage Armageddon), Janine Duvitski (Old Jack’s Boat, One Foot in the Grave, Abigail’s Party, Benidorm); Mark Benton (Early Doors, Waterloo Road, Christmas Lights, Catterick, Shakespeare and Hathaway, The Syndicate) as well as a diverse team of writers, animators, composers and directors who make up Nikhil & Jay’s offscreen talent.
“Nikhil and Jay is a beautifully animated, world-class series and a wonderful addition to our slate. Featuring two dual-heritage brothers, it offers a joyful and authentic portrayal of everyday family life while strengthening representation of South Asian and multicultural families in children’s media. Created by the acclaimed production company behind Yakka Dee!, a cornerstone of CBeebies’ output, the show brings diverse stories to life with warmth and charm.”
Maga Diaz, Global Acquisitions Executive at BBC Studios
“We’re proud to see Nikhil & Jay continue its journey around the world. Its warmth, humour and authentic cultural storytelling make it a standout series, and we’re delighted to partner again with BBC Studios to bring it to new audiences.”
Dominic Gardiner, Managing Director Distribution at CAKE
‘TEAM NUGGETS’ BREAKS THROUGH AGAIN WITH MAJOR ITALIAN NETWORK DEAL
Serious Kids secures another major broadcast deal with RAI in Italy
Serious Kids has secured another major broadcast deal with RAI in Italy for both Season 1 and Season 2 of ‘Team Nuggets’. Targeted at 5-8 year olds, the gender neutral comedy series will air on RAI Yoyo and launch as a box set on RaiPlay on May 1st 2026.
Serious Kids also recently announced a deal with ZDF/Kika in Germany and RTVE in Spain and another new deal has just been closed with Midolala for China. All of this adding to the previously announced deals with NRK, SVT, YLE (Swedish service), RUV, Czech TV, RTV Slovenia, RTBF Belgium and RTS Switzerland.
Commissioned by DR from Sparre Production and co-produced with Godo Films for Canal + France, all 91 x 7’ CG animated episodes are ready for delivery. An episode from the first season has just won 1st prize for best short film at the Singapore Film & Script Festival adding to previous wins of the Pulcinella award for Best Animation for Upper Pre-School audiences and landing the runner up prize at the much lauded Prix Jeunesse International Awards.
The series also won both Best Children’s show and Most Innovative New Creation at Danish TV Prisen Awards show in 2024 and first prize at the 2024 Rotterdam Children’s Film Festival as well as being nominated for 12 more around the world.
Serious Kids acquired the worldwide content distribution rights (excl. Nordics and French Speaking Europe) from Sparre Production in 2024 following the case history presentation of the title at APD in Stuttgart.
‘Team Nuggets’ is a highly original CG animated comedy series created by Sparre Production in Denmark. It is a fast paced primary school comedy starring an ambitious young chicken, Karla, and a band of very volatile and diverse classmates. Navigating school life for the first time is a huge deal and emotions run high. Lessons and schoolyard games often spill into chaos which can only be calmed by working out the important stuff; like true friendship and self-control.
DR and Danish publishing house Gyldendal have already produced a series of books based on the characters e.g ‘How to Be a Good Friend’ as well as the school diaries of the key characters. A plush deal has also been signed with MAKI. The recently produced digital game ‘Fantastic Class’ has been short listed for a prize at Kidscreen 2026.
Despite being a brand new IP the show entered the top 10 on Canal + as soon as it was launched and on DR Ramasjang the series has an average 300k screenings per episode (based on a population of 6M). 60% of this number is made up a family co-viewing.
‘Team Nuggets’ was co-financed with the support of CNC, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Haute Savoie, Region Île de La Réunion, Creative Europe MEDIA, SOFICA, Cofiloisirs, Nordisk Film and TV Fund, and the NordVision Fund.
“It is fantastic to have RAI onboard. This yet another key platform we have secured for ‘Team Nuggets’ and we now look to the other major markets to look again at this ultra original series.”
Leila Ouledcheikh, Director of Global Distribution at Serious Kids
“We are so delighted to see our series travel to Italy, Spain and Germany, it is really rewarding to see ‘Team Nuggets’ scoring major broadcast platforms which will assist the roll out of further content, films and more.”
Irene Sparre, CEO of Sparre Production
TRIGGERFISH ANIMATION STUDIOS SELECTS BRISTOL FOR ITS UK BASE
Africa’s leading animation studio expands its UK operations with a new facility in animation hotspot: Bristol
Triggerfish, the award-winning African animation studio behind globally acclaimed productions including Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, Supa Team 4 and Star Wars Visions: Aau’s Song, today announced that it has selected Bristol as its UK base. The new premises in the Bristol city centre joins the studio’s existing locations in Cape Town and Galway, further strengthening Triggerfish’s growing international presence.
The Bristol office in the Royal Talbot Buildings provides their creative and technical teams a fully serviced facility with a state-of-the-art screening room, meeting rooms and community space. Bristol, recognised by UNESCO as a City of Film, was selected for its proud legacy in animation and creative media, the vibrancy of its city life, and its proximity to London.
“Establishing a base in Bristol was a natural choice given the city’s rich storytelling heritage and longstanding reputation for animation excellence. The move strengthens our operations in the UK and reflects our ambition to build a premium animation facility that harnesses the exceptional creative talent based in the city and surrounding areas.”
Natalie Adams, SVP Business Development at Triggerfish
“I am delighted to welcome Triggerfish to the West of England, the country’s fastest growing regional economy. The creative industries are a key sector for our future, so an award-winning global studio choosing our part of the world for their UK base is a real vote of confidence in our Growth Strategy. Bristol and the wider West are already world-renowned for animation and, with the support of Invest Bristol & Bath and partners across our region, this is a natural fit for Triggerfish. Working together with the wider cultural sector and investing our £25 million Creative Places Growth Fund, we will continue to create new jobs and opportunities for local people.”
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England
The studio will serve as a hub for creative development and physical meetings, while maintaining Triggerfish’s flexible, distributed approach to remote working. Most of the studio’s UK-based employees will continue to operate remotely, allowing the company to draw on talent from across the country.
Triggerfish’s commitment to nurturing British animation talent is also reflected in its participation in the BBC Ignite programme, the BBC’s flagship initiative designed to discover the UK’s next generation of animation creators. Launched in 2021, BBC Ignite provides selected creators with funding and development support in partnership with BBC Children’s & Education, with the potential for a full series commission.
As part of the programme’s second cycle, Triggerfish has been confirmed as one of a select group of production partners working alongside emerging creators as they progress to the final stage of development, helping to shape the next generation of homegrown British animation.
The opening of the Bristol office also brings Triggerfish closer to key clients and creative partners in the UK. The studio has long collaborated with Magic Light Pictures on their celebrated series of BBC One Christmas specials based on the beloved books of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Triggerfish has animated seven of the award-winning specials, including Stick Man, Zog, The Snail and the Whale, Tiddler and, most recently, The Scarecrows’ Wedding, which drew the highest Christmas Day audience on BBC One over Christmas 2025. Across the slate, the productions have won multiple honours, including two Children’s BAFTAs and two British Animation Awards.
Together, the Bristol and Galway offices strengthen Triggerfish’s international network, complementing its Cape Town studio and its growing roster of global collaborators and co-production partners.
POPCORN DIGITAL REACHES YOUTUBE MILESTONE
Cake’s Popcorn Digital surpasses 1 million subscribers on Cracké Youtube Channel
Popcorn Digital, the kids and family digital studio founded by CAKE, has surpassed 1 million subscribers on the official Cracké YouTube channel, marking a major milestone in the brand’s global digital growth.
Produced by Canadian-based award-winning studio Squeeze Productions, fun family-first non-dialogue comedy Cracké has built a strong following online through its warm, relatable storylines about the ups and downs of parenting. The achievement reflects sustained audience growth driven by consistent publishing and format optimisation for digital consumption. With strong co-viewing appeal for parents and kids, the channel has seen particularly strong performance from themed compilations and has been viewed over 470M times in the past 18 months.
Cracké follows the fun antics and over-the-top adventures of overprotective first-time daddy ostrich Ed who scrambles to keep control over his household. New to parenting and on his own with eight kids, Ed tries to be the best dad he can and luckily, his unlimited cartoon powers and ingenious creativity more than compensate for his lack of experience. The series, which also includes 52 x 1 minute shorts and the spin-off The Crows is distributed globally by CAKE, with YouTube management handled by Popcorn Digital.
Cracké has aired in 210 countries and territories including on Disney, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Teletoon, Tencent and Canal +. The new long form series Cracké Family Scramble is currently airing in US, Canada, Scandinavia, Belgium, parts of Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Games and licensing plans are in the pipeline.
“Cracké is a huge global hit for us at Popcorn Digital. Ed’s struggles are as relatable as they are hilarious, drawing fans of all ages from over 100 territories. This milestone is a testament to Squeeze Production’s singular comedic voice, and we’re proud to be their partner on such an engaging and accessible brand.”
Matt Lieberman, Head of Digital Content, Popcorn Digital
“It is an immense source of pride to see our original creation, born from the extraordinary talent of our studio’s artists, resonate across the globe and connect with so many people. Reaching this milestone is incredible, but this is truly just the beginning.”
Denis Doré, Squeeze’s Co-founder
Greater Manchester Animation Sector Report
Landmark North West Animation Survey highlights urgent need to treat animation as a priority sector
On Monday 9th March, the results of a major sector survey mapping the scale, growth and challenges of Greater Manchester’s animation, VFX, motion graphics, games cinematic and immersive media industries were published. The research was led by Manchester Animation Festival in collaboration with BBC Children’s & Education, MediaCity and the MediaCity Immersive Technologies Innovation Hub, following the launch of a landmark data‑gathering initiative in October 2025 designed to build the most comprehensive portrait to date of the region’s animation ecosystem.
The report makes compelling case for animation to be recognised as a strategic industry in its own right, rather than continuing to sit in the shadow of broader film and television policy. It presents Greater Manchester as one of the UK’s most significant animation hubs, with decades of accumulated skills, global relationships and cultural impact, but also warns that the sector is now under growing strain.
“With this regional report, Greater Manchester Combined Authority now have both the data and the unique opportunity to make real changes that benefit it’s internationally renowned collective of creatives working in the animation sector and to set to the blueprint for prosperity that the rest of the animation hubs across the UK can follow.”
Dr Steve Henderson, Festival Director at MAF and GMAS Survey Author
The findings show a region with a substantial and internationally significant animation ecosystem. Greater Manchester’s strengths extend well beyond one part of the screen sector, encompassing animation, VFX, motion graphics, XR and games-related work, supported by a recognised creative community and important industry platforms such as Manchester Animation Festival and Motion North. The report also highlights the importance of these events in supporting networking, confidence, recruitment and industry visibility.
Yet the report is equally clear that this is a sector facing real fragility. It warns that without targeted intervention, Greater Manchester’s animation industry could contract rapidly through the loss of freelance talent, erosion of skills and declining confidence in the viability of animation careers. That warning is backed by stark survey findings: 42% of freelancers said they feel less secure about their role in the industry, while 28% said they are actively seeking opportunities outside animation. Once lost, the report notes, the workforce and expertise will be extremely difficult and costly to rebuild.
The report also argues that animation is too often overlooked in policy despite offering something strategically different from much of the wider screen economy. While inward investment in film and high-end television brings jobs and short-term activity, the report notes that much of the long-term value and IP ownership can sit elsewhere. Animation, by contrast, is described as inherently IP-driven, capable of generating enduring brands, long-tail revenue and stronger local creative identity.
That distinction matters not only for Greater Manchester, but for the UK as a whole. The regional case set out here reflects a wider national problem: animation is often nominally included within the broader TV and film sector, but in practice receives far less tailored recognition and support. This is even though animation is a high-skill, high-value, innovation-led and export-facing industry, with business models and workforce structures that differ materially from live action.
The recommendations in the report are therefore significant. They call for animation to be explicitly recognised as a priority creative industry within local and regional strategies, and for any screen office, screen fund or related support mechanism to actively include animation rather than defaulting to live-action film and television. The report also recommends support for early-stage animation IP, retaining ownership within the region, tackling freelancer insecurity, and strengthening flagship events that support the wider ecosystem.
For Animation UK, this should be seen as both a regional wake-up call and a national policy signal. Greater Manchester is not an emerging cluster asking for special treatment; it is an established animation centre warning that a valuable and distinctive industry is being placed at risk by under-recognition and under-support. If this is happening in one of the UK’s leading animation regions, it should concern policymakers everywhere.
“Greater Manchester’s report shows clearly that animation is a high-value, high-skill, IP-generating sector that is too often overlooked in policy despite its cultural and economic importance. The regional picture it describes reflects a wider UK reality. If government is serious about backing the future of the screen industries, animation must be recognised as a priority sector in its own right before more skills, talent and creative capacity are lost.”
Kate O’Connor, Animation UK
Animation UK believes the implications go well beyond Greater Manchester. Across the UK, animation businesses and freelancers are under mounting pressure from weakened commissioning pipelines, fragile development routes and insufficient policy attention. The danger is that animation continues to be treated as an add-on to the wider screen sector, even though it is one of the UK’s most important indigenous creative industries — generating IP, building long-term value, developing specialist skills and contributing to both economic growth and cultural impact.
KELEBEK MEDIA SECURE PUBLISHING RANGE FOR ISADORA MOON
Oxford Children’s to publish a magical new TV Tie-In range for Kelebek Media’s smash-hit animated series
Oxford Children’s today announced the upcoming launch of the Isadora Moon TV tie-in publishing range, based on the smash-hit animated series created by Kelebek Media, based on the original world created in a series of books by Harriet Muncaster. Lou John from Oxford Children’s acquired world rights from Deborah Thorpe, Founder & Creative Director of Kelebek Media.
Publishing in May 2026, the range will debut with four picture books and four activity books for ages 4–7, followed by fourteen additional titles including early readers, in September 2026. With 32 books planned across two years, this marks an exciting expansion of the Isadora Moon universe.
“The success of Isadora Moon is down to its exceptional characters and rich storytelling. As well as our core publishing, we’re now proud to be expanding the reach of this key brand by bringing these gloriously entertaining TV tie-in stories, activity books and fiction to an even wider global audience.”
Lou John, Head of Children’s and Primary IP at Oxford Children’s
As Oxford Children’s celebrate ten sparkling years of Isadora Moon, with over 6.4 million copies sold worldwide, they are delighted to collaborate with Kelebek Media and build on the popularity of the Isadora Moon TV series, currently airing on Sky Kids in the UK, Warners Bros Discovery in the US and on broadcasters around the world.
The range features stunning artwork from the TV series across picture books, activity titles, early readers, and older-reader formats. Young fans can revisit beloved episodes through richly illustrated picture books or get creative with fun activity books, including a Search and Find book and a charming Fairy–Vampire flip book, filled with puzzles, games, colouring pages, sticker sheets, and other activities.
Whether fans are meeting Isadora for the first time through the TV series, the new TV tie-in product range, or the bestselling original 5-7 core chapter books, Oxford Children’s are encouraging children to explore storytelling in fun and imaginative ways, mirroring the ambitions of the National Year of Reading. As it marks this milestone year, the TV tie-in programme range represents a bold step in expanding the world of Isadora Moon.
“We’re very proud of our close collaboration with the fantastic team at Oxford Children’s to expand the hugely successful Isadora Moon publishing world. And we’re very grateful to Harriet for placing her trust in us. These books and activities extend the magic of Isadora beyond the animated series, inviting children to explore stories in playful accessible ways that spark imagination and nurture a lifelong love of reading.”
Deborah Thorpe, founder of Kelebek Media
“It’s super exciting to see Isadora in this new format which makes the Isadora Moon world accessible to even more readers! I love everything Kelebek Media have done to bring Isadora Moon to life in animation, and the animated version of Isadora is so cute! I love how they look on my bookshelf alongside my other books!”
Harriet Muncaster, author and creator of the world of Isadora Moon
CAKE TAKES STRATEGIC STAKE IN KIDSKNOWBEST
Strategic Partnership Unites Data, Community and IP to Build the Next Generation of Youth Brands
KidsKnowBest, the data-driven youth insights and influencer strategy company, today announced a minority investment from leading kids’ entertainment specialist CAKE, marking the start of a long-term strategic partnership between the two businesses.
The undisclosed investment reflects a shared ambition to connect youth audience intelligence with global IP development and distribution, creating a stronger foundation for building the next generation of youth brands.
Founder and CEO Joel Silverman retains full control of KidsKnowBest.
Founded in 2017, KidsKnowBest has built one of the most dynamic youth intelligence communities in the market, with thousands of kids and families across the US and UK providing ongoing first-party insight into behaviour, trends, brand affinity and cultural shifts.
This community powers the company’s position as the leader in global influencer strategy and execution in the kids’ space, enabling brands to move at the speed of youth culture with data-led clarity.
The partnership will see KidsKnowBest’s proprietary community insight and influencer capability working in close collaboration with CAKE’s global expertise in IP development, production, financing and distribution, bridging the gap between audience intelligence and scalable brand ownership.
Together, the companies will focus on developing and growing brands that resonate with young audiences today while building long-term global value.
“This is far more than an investment, it’s a strategic collaboration built on shared ambition. We’ve spent the last eight years building direct, meaningful relationships with young audiences. Our global community gives us real-time visibility into what kids care about, how they engage and where culture is heading. Partnering with CAKE allows us to connect that intelligence directly into the IP ecosystem. Together, we can move seamlessly from insight to influencer to global distribution, building brands with young people at the heart.”
Joel Silverman, Founder & CEO of KidsKnowBest
“What attracted us to KidsKnowBest was the strength of their community and the clarity of their data. They don’t speculate about youth culture, they’re embedded within it. By bringing their audience intelligence together with CAKE’s experience in developing and scaling global kids’ brands, we see real opportunity to build culturally relevant IP with long-term value.”
Ed Galton, CEO of CAKE
As youth culture becomes increasingly fragmented and creator-led, collaboration between insight, creators and IP owners has never been more important. This partnership positions both businesses to work more closely across development, brand strategy and international growth, combining community-powered data with global execution.
SERIOUS KIDS BUDDIES UP TO A NEW TASTE SENSATION
Tastebuddies set to launch at MIFA this year
Co-producers Pikkukala, Dibulitoon and Ink and Light have signed over the worldwide* content distribution and merchandising rights to their brand new 52 x 7′ 2D/CG blend animated series ‘Tastebuddies’ to Serious Kids and today announce the start of production which will see Serious Kids launching the first episodes at MIFA this year. (*excluding Spain, Finland and Ireland)
Leo is a six-year-old boy who spends quality time in the kitchen with Mum and Dad, (who are expecting a little girl very soon!) and his lovely grandmother. As a family with a diverse food culture, their motto is to ‘Eat the Rainbow’ and Leo does just that with the aid of the five Taste Buddies who are summoned by spinning the Tasty Wheel and embark on food finding adventures to help him complete his rainbow on the fridge at home.
Sweet Suzy, Salty Sam, Umami Umi and friends also explore emotional kid relatable themes that mirror Leo’s day.
Taste Buddies has been commissioned by RTVE, 3Cat, RTEJr, and YLE and is being produced in Spain, Finland and Ireland benefiting from additional funding from ICEC, Konstsafundet, MEDIA and Screen Ireland.
“We are delighted to announce both the start of production and the appointment of Serious Kids. The Taste Buddies is a great way for kids to explore all the tastes of the rainbow and how they work together. This is not a cooking show nor a nutritional guide but a mission to explore.”
Veronica Lassenius, Creator and Director of Tastebuddies
The scripts are story edited by Lena Byrne (Jessy and Nessy, Becca’s Bunch) and written by Jo Clegg, (Hey Duggee, Pip and Posy) Amy Stephenson, Shane Langan (Dorg van Dango, Silly Sundays) , Beatriz Iso, Amaia Ruiz (Spirit of the Forest, Superthings) Marta Armengol Royo (Royals Next Door, Elvis Riboldi), Emma Hogan (Maddie + Triggs, Nelly & Nora).
“We have big plans for supporting products including books (one has already been published in South Korea and Finland) as well as games, kitchen tableware and educational material. Ricardo Ramón and Jone Landaluze, producers at Dibulitoon Studio, are thrilled about the production of Taste Buddies because of its distinctive style and creativity. The series combines 2D and 3D animation with mixed-media sequences, as well as original music and voice performances by children. We are confident that these elements will make the series a truly special project.”
Tamsin Lyons, Ink & Light
“This is such a fun show, rooted in family life but also action packed with a CG and 2D blend that bounces off the screen with colour and texture. The series will complete production on the first 26 episodes by the end of this year and the following 26 in June 2027. We can’t wait to share this with everyone at MIFA.”
Genevieve Dexter, Founder and CEO of Serious Kids
“Teaching children to eat well is all about helping them to enjoy their food. Taste Buddies focuses on giving children the tools to “play with their food” in the best possible way. And in the process, have fun and enjoy eating better.”
Yago Fandiño Lousa, Director of Children’s Content, Clan RTVE
“Taste links the experience of food with a pleasant experience in a family setting that is, at the same time, exciting and full of adventure. These rewarding and well-narrated emotions are what ultimately give value to the social and healthy habit of eating properly, which is the underlying theme of the series”.
Xavier Romero, Head of Animation Co-productions, 3Cat
“I love this concept of introducing the notions of sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami to young children in a fun way. The pairing of food comedy and music sounds like a winning one to me.”
Eimear O’Mahoney, RTÉjr