CBeebies Controller Kay Benbow has commissioned a second series (26 x 22’) of hit pre-school action adventure series Tree Fu Tom. A co-production between CBeebies in-house and FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME), the new series will air in 2013. FME’s international sales push has also begun and a number of new broadcasters have been confirmed around the world.
Currently CBeebies’ number one show of the year to date (Source: BARB, consolidated data), Tree Fu Tom has been a huge hit for the channel since its launch in March this year.
FME’s global sales team have also been selling the show internationally and have recently concluded deals with France (Lagardere), Australia/New Zealand (Disney), Israel (HopTV), Eastern Europe (Minimax), Korea (EBS), Brunei (RTB) and throughout the Latin America territories (Discovery Kids), with more in discussion.
The series has already been sold to Italy (Switchover Media), Canada (Knowledge Network/BBC Kids), Norway (NRK), Belgium (VRT - Ketnet) and Finland (YLE).
Sander Schwartz, President of Kids & Family Entertainment, FME, said, “We are delighted the BBC has shown its continued commitment to Tree Fu Tom by signing a second series. The show has performed exceptionally well in the UK and is already delivering strong international growth. The 26 new episodes will allow FME to increase the global reach for the series and further cement the brand’s position as a powerhouse preschool property.”
Kay Benbow said, “Tree Fu Tom has been hugely popular with our young audience, getting them up off their sofas to move to the magic. We’re absolutely delighted to be commissioning a further 26 episodes so there will be plenty of amazing new adventures for Tom, Twigs and all the gang to enjoy.”
Aimed at 4-6 year olds, Tree Fu Tom combines innovative elements of heroic action, fantasy and magic, coupled with unique interactive physical activity. Set in an enchanted world where movement creates magic, viewers are encouraged to interact with the show through physical actions that have been devised and approved by movement development specialists to assist in the development of children. Former Doctor Who stars Sophie Aldred and David Tennant voice the lead characters Tom and Twigs.
With animation by award-winning Blue Zoo Animation, Tree Fu Tom is a co-production between FME and the BBC for CBeebies. The executive producers for the BBC are Jackie Edwards and Alison Stewart, and Bob Higgins and Sander Schwartz for FME. Tree Fu Tom was created by and is produced by Daniel Bays.
Source: CBBC