Channel 5 has announced a number of new commissions and acquisitions at The Children’s Media Conference in Sheffield.
The shows, including a new series from MacKinnon and Saunders, will air on its preschool strand, Milkshake!
Speaking at the Commissioner Conversations Pre-School panel, Louise Bucknole, General Manager, Kids & Family UK & Ireland at Paramount, said the fresh slate were part of its commitment to delivering “high-quality UK entertainment and educational content.”
Raydar Media/Mackinnon and Saunders are behind Mixmups (52×10”), which is the first disabled-led preschool offering commissioned by Milkshake! Created by Rebecca Atkinson, it “celebrates the magic of play in all children.”
The Mixmups received funding from the BFI’s Young Audiences Content Fund and is about 3 friends, the “Mixmups”. Neat and tidy Pockets, creative and inventive Giggle, and boisterous and physical Spin, along with their assistance pets, Roller Guinea and Yapette the guide dog, they all live in a wheelchair-accessible Helter-Skelter house in “Mixington Valley”.
Core themes include the joy of individuality, imagination, friendship and flexible thinking.
The other new commissions are Stan & Gran (52×11”) from Jellyfish Originals / Jolly Wise. A CG-animated series following the adventures of Stan Breakwater, a curious and excitable young nature lover, and his fun-loving, dynamic Gran.
Animal Care Club (25×11”) from eOne Unscripted, where children get a chance to get up close with all sorts of animals, from pets to zoo creatures.
In each episode, two different pairs of young carers team up with experts at a variety of locations around the UK.
“Milkshake! is a beloved brand for preschoolers and families in the UK with a compelling combination of top-rated UK power brands and new, highly anticipated children’s series,” said Louise Bucknole.
“We’re excited to announce our expanding lineup of content for 2023 and beyond, which will engage our preschool audience through universal themes of creativity, play, adventure, friendship and teamwork, to help them understand their world.”
