First proprietary preschool series for BBC Kids, “Nico Can Dance!” features traditional 2D animation and a live action host.
Vancouver, BC -- Atomic Cartoons is growing its hybrid offerings with the studio’s first preschool television series, Nico Can Dance! now in production for BBC Kids and Knowledge Network.
Using a combination of traditional 2D animation and a live action host, Nico Can Dance! features a fantastical world brought to life for young children through movement and dance. The focus of the series -- which was created by Rachel and Rafael Franco and developed and produced by Atomic Cartoons - is to create a fun environment for kids, which encourages them to be active.
“We’re delighted to be able to grow our hybrid pipeline with this great new preschool series,” says Rob Davies, partner, Atomic Cartoons. “This show comes directly from our efforts to support in-house creativity, and significantly diversify our development slate, as the animation landscape continues to change.”
Nico Can Dance!, which went from pitch to production in a record 11 months, features 65 two-minute episodes showcasing a “fantastical world of nature and color” where the live action host (played by Rachel Frost Franco) teaches Nico, an animated cat, how to dance while their own movement creates the world around them. The multi-platform series is based on Franco’s previously-developed dance curriculum for children. Also planned are related apps that further the themes of movement and activity.
“Our main goal is to get children moving,” says Rafael Ziah Franco, co-creator and director of Nico Can Dance! We wanted to create something that both children and their caregivers could relate to -- Nico Can Dance! allows audiences to engage with the show and each other.”
Both Knowledge Network and BBC Kids are broadcasters on the series and episodes will air in the fall. Atomic Cartoons is a full service award winning independent animation company based in Vancouver. Atomic creates and produces both original properties such as Atomic Betty and Pirate Express, as well as co-productions like Ella the Elephant, Little Charmers and Rocket Monkeys.
Source: Atomic Cartoons