Tech-savvy animated original series from Industrial Brothers and The Jim Henson Company is based on the book by author and executive producer Randi Zuckerberg.
NEW YORK -- Sprout, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment's 24-hour preschool network, announced the September 2016 premiere of Dot., a new original animated series based on the popular children’s book by Randi Zuckerberg and produced by Industrial Brothers (Yup Yups, Gummandos) in association with The Jim Henson Company (Pajanimals, Dinosaur Train) and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Targeting children ages four to seven, the series follows the inquisitive and exuberant tech-savvy Dot, who embarks on hilarious adventures to satisfy her imagination, curiosity and latest passion. For a girl as curious and creative as she, there’s no better way to spend the day than outside, exploring the world with her dog, friends, and any tool or tech that will help enhance their play and exploration.
This is the first animated show for New York Times best-selling author Randi Zuckerberg, who is also editor-in-chief of Dot Complicated, a modern lifestyle community and blog, and founder & CEO of Zuckerberg Media. Dot. was born from Zuckerberg’s passion of motivating and inspiring young girls to develop an early love and appreciation for technology, math and sciences. Matthew Fernandes and Tammy Semen, of Industrial Brothers, Lisa Henson and Halle Stanford of The Jim Henson Company, and Zuckerberg will serve as Executive Producers on the project. Yalda Uhls, director of creative community partnerships at Common Sense Media and a senior research scientist at UCLA’s Children’s Digital Media Center serves as curriculum consultant. The Jim Henson Company handles all media rights for Dot. outside of Canada and all consumer products rights for the property worldwide.
“We couldn’t be more delighted to add Dot to our Sprout family,” says Sprout network president Sandy Wax. “She exemplifies everything Sprout believes in, starting with the way she inspires her friends and family to experience new possibilities every single day.”
Combining responsible digital engagement with her child-like imagination, Dot is well versed in electronic devices, a true child of the 21st century. Just like Sprout viewers, she’s never lived in a world without the Internet, cell phones and tablets as daily touch points. The series is meant to inspire children by showcasing the way Dot uses technology as a tool to enhance her experiences and incorporate them into her playtime.
“Dot is relatable in every sense of the word; she’s that friend we all have who is energetic, adventurous and imaginative,” says Zuckerberg. “I see no better fit than Sprout for Dot and her gaggle of friends and family. I know viewers will love the television version of Dot, just as much as they love the storybook version.”
Source: NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment
Formerly Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network, Jennifer Wolfe has worked in the Media & Entertainment industry as a writer and PR professional since 2003.
