BBC Worldwide Press Releases

BBC Worldwide Channels Australasia has short-listed six local children's productions for its inaugural CBeebies Production Initiative, in association with CBeebies in the UK. Finalists are invited to a formal pitch session in Sydney on Wednesday July 8.

BBC Worldwide Channels Australasia invited applicants to pitch an upbeat, humorous television series that bridges the gap between four and six year olds for its pre-school channel, CBeebies, a locally managed subscription version of the UK's most successful free-to air digital pre-school channel.

The shortlist was selected from over 100 entries. The finalists include:

• Dayne Dreamable – Steam
• Go Johnny Go – Beyond Productions
• Lester C Leggs - Jumpfront P/L & Animazing Productions P/L
• Penelope K (by the way) – Blink Films
• The Giggle Club - Buster Dandy Productions Pty Ltd
• The Greatest Show on Earth – Beyond Productions/The Content Agency

The successful producer will win funding of up to $250,000 per programming hour from BBC Worldwide Channels Australasia.

The commissioned production will premiere on CBeebies in Australia and the UK, and on CBeebies' other channels around the world (India, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Poland, Africa, Latin America and the U.S. Hispanic market).

"We were inundated with submissions, and each one exhibited quality and enthusiasm, and a thoroughness in addressing the brief", said Michael Carrington, Controller of CBeebies, (UK)

"This was a great advantage in helping me grasp the core concept of each proposition – but it didn't make choosing the shortlist any easier! I'm excited about the formal pitch session and the opportunity to delve further into each proposal," continued Carrington.

"This initiative has been a brilliant opportunity for CBeebies to foster relationships with this vibrant part of the Australian production community, and will be the first of many opportunities for collaboration." added Brendan Dahill, Director of Television, BBC Worldwide Channels Australasia.

Unsuccessful applicants are invited to attend a presentation and Q&A session on Tuesday July 7 to provide feedback and insights into how to improve their chances of a successful commission with CBeebies in the future.

NOTES TO EDITORS
About CBeebies
CBeebies provides a mixed-genre portfolio of pre-school and early-school programming created to encourage "learning through play" for boys and girls aged six and under.

Our audiences are curious, natural learners and they love to laugh. And we believe to be successful we need to provide them with programmes that are distinctive, high quality and original. Our portfolio blends music, movement, storytelling, arts & crafts, simple science, natural history, puzzles and animation, all in a fun but safe environment.

In the UK, CBeebies is currently the No. 1 children's preschool channel. Internationally, the channel launched in India in April 2007, followed by launches in Singapore, Hong Kong and Poland that year. In 2008, the channel has continued its international roll-out, with launches in Indonesia, Latin America, Africa, Australia and the U.S.

In Australia, CBeebies is an advertising-free, safe environment for children. The programming emphasises educational entertainment and is supported by the core BBC values, ensuring it’s trustworthy, reliable and informative.

Linda Deubel