This year, MIA | Mercato Internazionale Audiovisivo presents a brand-new Animation Series Gap Financing Market, open to animated series projects from all over the world that are already supported by broadcasters or commissioners and have significant financing in place. The program includes Decision Makers from BBC Studios, ZDF Studios, France Télévisions, Gulli/M6, RTS – Radio Télévision Suisse, DR Børn, RTBF, Paramount, RAI, YLE, Blue Ant Media, DeAPlaneta, Federation, and Studio 100.
For preschoolers, the selection includes Coco Yoko, produced by Pipeline Studios and Zumbastico, a Canadian-Chilean co-production that encourages children to observe nature with curiosity and respect and learn to coexist with other living creatures; What’s Up Eesha?, a French-Belgian production by TeamTO Films and Umedia, centered on an independent young penguin and the comic adventures she shares with her friends; Cloudy & Stormy, produced by Laniakea Pictures, a dialogue-free comedy about two kawaii-style puppy sisters with very different personalities; and Mini Missions, produced by 20 Pictures to Midnight, which brings children closer to nature through scientific explorations of plants, animals and the ecosystems around them.
For school-age children and family audiences, the selected projects are Barry Loser, produced by BL Entertainment, part of Big Little Fish Television, an animated British comedy based on Jim Smith’s bestselling books; Doggyworld, produced by Pipeline Studios and Zumbastico, a Canadian-Chilean co-production that explores city life from the perspective of a country dog; Stories On The Road, produced by La Sarraz Pictures, an animated journey through Italian myths, traditions and folklore; Little Heroes, a French-Spanish co-production by Fabrique Fantastique and Peekaboo Animation in which two siblings travel back in time to meet notable historical figures as children; and Pet Pals in Dragon Land, produced by Gruppo Alcuni, a fantasy adventure spin-off of the popular Pet Pals series. Little Heroes celebrates role models from different cultures, backgrounds and abilities, showing children that anyone can make a difference.
For kids and tweens, the selection includes DragoXP, a Finnish animated comedy produced by Anima Vitae about a thirteen-year-old who is drawn into the world of the online game he is obsessed with; Myth Club, produced by Cartobaleno, about five preteen mythological characters training to become heroes and gods; Mega Tree Majokko, produced by Gigaciao, featuring three imperfect magical heroines in a world where technology has transformed nature; Bibioz Mysteries, produced by Druzina Content, a Brazilian supernatural adventure comedy exploring identity, belonging and acceptance; and Sophie, If You’re There Give Us a Sign!, an Italian-Belgian-Spanish co-production by Brand-Cross, 20 Pictures to Midnight and Digitoonz Entertainment, a gothic supernatural story about grief, family and a girl trapped in a dangerous world of ghosts that encourages audiences to look beyond prejudice toward those who are different.
For teen and young adult audiences, the selection comprises Juniper Mae, an Italian-British co-production by BBC Studios and Movimenti Production following a young inventor who embraces her creativity and becomes an unexpected heroine, challenging conventional gender roles; To Be Tween, produced by Graphilm Entertainment, an anthology addressing contemporary adolescent experiences including social withdrawal, eating disorders and cyberbullying; and Rapunzel, produced by Hathor Filmes, a Brazilian musical fantasy about a sixteen-year-old confronting social restrictions, the music industry and the supernatural power of her hair. Rooted in Black culture, the series tells a story of racial empowerment. Occupation: Witch, a co-production involving Greece, Ireland, Moldova and Portugal led by Lazy Sunday, is a fantasy adventure about political conspiracies, conflict and a young witch’s search for her own path. Representing Africa is Captain Shedeed, an Egyptian stop-motion series produced by Divine Touch Productions. Its protagonist is a father who discovers extraordinary powers as he tries to save his daughter and stop a biological threat that endangers children.
More at www.miamarket.it/en/
Read more: Cinema & Video International Issue #209
