New York, NY-- CBBC controller Cheryl Taylor has ordered a second helping (13 x 30') of the cutting edge multi-media comedy adventure series Strange Hill High. A co-production between FremantleMedia [1] Kids & Family Entertainment and CBBC in association with Factory Transmedia for CBBC (UK), the second series will air in 2014.
The news comes as FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment has announced that the licensing push for the show is in full swing with the signing of several UK licensees before an episode has even aired. Cooneen and Misirli have signed for underwear, nightwear and socks, whilst Spearmark has signed for lunchware, drinkware and tableware.
Series one of Strange Hill High is due to premiere on the channel this spring. Created for CBBC using an all-new innovative production technique combining puppets, and digital effects, Strange Hill High combines everyday classroom antics with fantastical and mysterious goings on.
Show production is led by Josh Weinstein (The Simpsons) and stars including John Thomson, Richard Ayoade and Caroline Aherne provide character voices. Strange Hill High’s eclectic roll call of characters has been designed and fabricated by Mackinnon & Saunders, a world-leading, stop-motion animation, model-making and puppet making firm in the North of England. Their creative talents have been showcased in numerous feature films such as Tim Burton's Corpse Bride and Wes Anderson's Fantastic Mr. Fox, as well as TV shows including Bob the Builder, Raa Raa the Noisy Lion and Rastamouse.
Set in an all-but-forgotten inner-city school with many secrets and mysteries, the show follows a team of three students who take it upon themselves to investigate all manner of bizarre and odd occurrences that seem to only happen at Strange Hill High… always with absurd and outrageous results.
Bob Higgins, EVP FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment said: “We are thrilled that CBBC has committed to a second season of Strange Hill High. This early pick up speaks volumes about the quality of the first season episodes and the incredible talent behind the show. It’s daring, distinctive, unlike anything currently on air and will have the audience in stitches. The reaction to the series has been incredible and the second commission and the signing of these licensees are testament to the faith the industry has in this stand-out show.”
Further licensees are expected to sign in the near future and the series has generated strong interest from international broadcasters.
Strange Hill High is co-produced by FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment and CBBC in association with Factory Transmedia for CBBC (UK). The series is executive produced by Sarah Muller for CBBC and Sander Schwartz and Bob Higgins for FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment. FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment manages international distribution for the series outside of the UK and manages other ancillary rights globally.
Source: FremantleMedia Enterprises
Links:
[1] http://www.fremantlemedia.com/