MIFFY AND FRIENDS will debut on public television stations around the U.S. beginning July 7, 2007, led by the series' distributor, WLIW New York Public Television. The stop-motion animated series featuring the iconic bunny will air on WLIW21 in the New York metropolitan area Saturdays and Sundays at 8:00 am as part of a lineup that includes BOB THE BUILDER and THOMAS & FRIENDS. Based on the children's classic book series by Dutch author/illustrator Dick Bruna, MIFFY AND FRIENDS explores the everyday lessons and discoveries of a preschooler.
WLIW New York will distribute 21, 30-minute episodes to public television stations. For local airtimes, visit www.pbs.org/stationfinder.
The stop-motion animation production on MIFFY is done by Pedri Animation Studios in the Netherlands. The production partners are Mercis Media/Palm Plus Multimedia BV/Telescreen BV.
"MIFFY AND FRIENDS is a perfect fit for the public television family. The show's gentle approach to preschool basics is sure to be a hit with our youngest viewers and their parents," said Terrel Cass, WLIW New York president/gm.
The premiere episode, "Introducing Miffy and Friends," will feature:* Miffy's Musical Day -- Miffy learns to play the recorder. * Miffy's Colorful World -- Miffy and Melanie discover different colors.* Miffy and the Seasons -- Miffy and her class learn about the seasons of the year.* Miffy and the Great Summer Picnic -- Boris throws a surprise picnic for Barbara.* Miffy's Three Wishes -- Miffy wonders what she would do if a fairy granted her three wishes.
"We are extremely pleased to be working with WLIW on this world renowned brand," said Rich Collins, ceo of Big Tent Ent., the North American licensee agent for MIFFY AND FRIENDS. "We believe MIFFY will be an instant hit with the public television audience."
Miffy's distinct look and design is instantly recognizable around the world as her storybooks have charmed and delighted young children for generations. One of the world's largest brands for infants and toddlers, MIFFY AND FRIENDS has more than 10,000 brand related products and has sold about $1 billion at retail worldwide.
Big Tent Ent. (www.bigtent.tv) is a family entertainment company specializing in the integrated management of content that is derived from and/or created for new media. Formed in 2002, the company focuses on brand strategy, production, viral marketing, licensing and merchandising. Big Tent is the worldwide (excluding Asia) marketing and licensing company for viral sensation, DOMO. It is also the North American agent for popular brands, such as Habbo Hotel (www.habbohotel.com), one of the world's largest and hottest online destinations for teens, masters of freestyle motocross the Crusty Demons, the world's most popular series about girls and horses, THE SADDLE CLUB, world-renowned photographer Kim Anderson, children's properties, such as THE KOALA BROTHERS, a hit pre-school series airing on Disney Channel as part of its Playhouse Disney block; and MIFFY AND FRIENDS, one of the world's largest brands for infants and toddlers.
WLIW New York (www.wliw.org) is an innovator in broadcasting, production and distribution for public television. A leading producer of fundraising programming for PBS, WLIW brings U.S. audiences the popular Visions aerial series, cultural performance specials like TANGO: THE SPIRIT OF ARGENTINA and a 15-part series of cultural documentaries that includes profiles of Asian Indian, Mexican and Polish American communities. WLIW's groundbreaking independent distribution model brings U.S. audiences live daily broadcasts of BBC WORLD NEWS, CONSUELO MACK WEALTHTRACK and WILD CHRONICLES. WLIW is also presenting station for the award-winning PBS KIDS series, JAKERS! THE ADVENTURES OF PIGGLEY WINKS.
