Mikros Image completes HD update of evergreen edutainment animated series created by Albert Barillé.
PARIS -- Independent French animation studio Procidis has secured a raft of sales for a new updated version of its evergreen edutainment animated series Once Upon a Time…Life (26 x 26’), the series which is part of the classic Hello Maestro umbrella brand (seven series of 26 x 26’).
Once Upon a Time…Life, aimed at a core audience of 6-10 year olds, has been freshly restored and updated in HD series for a contemporary audience by Mikros Image. Global broadcasters to acquire the new version include: Turner Broadcasting in Italy; France 4; RTBF Belgium; RTS in Switzerland; Israel’s IETV; Puls in Poland; and TV2 Hungary with further deals pending.
The announcement also comes just as the series is about to celebrate its 30th anniversary next year with new digital initiatives and consumer products planned, and a dedicated 360° marketing plan.
“The best children’s content is timeless in its appeal. Once Upon a Time…Life fits that category perfectly, with proven success in both broadcast and consumer products for more than 35 years,” said Hélène Barillé, President at Procidis. “We have upgraded the animation to ensure that it remains accessible for generations to come. With a slate of new broadcasters on board and with new licensees to announce we have the perfect way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the series.”
Since it launched 30 years ago, the original Once Upon a Time….Life has broadcast in more than 120 territories, and been on air non-stop in numerous countries around the world supported by a successful international licensing program which spans multiple categories. Procidis is also set to launch new consumer products range for the anniversary building on brand awareness with parents and grandparents to bring the characters and stories to a new generation.
Once Upon a Time…, which alongside Life features series on Man, Space, The Americas, The Discoverers, The Explorers and Planet Earth under the educational animation umbrella brand Hello Maestro. Procidis is updating all Once Upon a Time… strands into HD and has made sales of other Hello Maestro series in multiple territories around the world including France, Switzerland, Canada, Belgium, Finland, Poland, Hungary and Croatia.
The IP was created by Albert Barillé in 1978 and produced and distributed by Procidis. The series follows a humorous but wise man with a distinctive flowing beard who tells the story of humanity the lives and exploits of renowned explorers or inventors and/or the history of the Human body to bring knowledge and fun to young viewers.
Source: Procidis
