The animated hosts of Canada’s Knowledge Kids for the past 10 years are getting their very first special in Luna, Chip & Inkie in The Festival of Wishes, premiering this month. The move nods to Knowledge Network’s ongoing commitment to quality children’s programming that entertains while supporting learning and social development.
“The Festival of Wishes is a milestone in the evolution of our Knowledge Kids animated characters,” said Rudy Buttignol, President and CEO of Knowledge Network Corporation. “We’re expanding the world of Luna, Chip and Inkie from branded elements promoting our other children’s programs, to fully developed personalities with their own voices and storylines. I’ve always thought we needed to create our own exclusive characters to cement a lasting bond with young kids, one trusted by their parents.”
The Festival of Wishes is set in the West Coast environment, with mountains, forests and lots of familiar, lovable wildlife friends. The charming, humorous half-hour animated musical special features the local voice talents of Ashleigh Ball (Inkie), Shannon Chan-Kent (Luna) and Vincent Tong (Chip) with music composed by the award-winning Daniel Ingram. The special was produced by Knowledge Network in collaboration with Vancouver-based Mainframe Studios.
“Working with Knowledge Network to bring their beloved characters to life in their first special was a delight for our studio,” said Michael Hefferon, President and Chief Creative Officer at Mainframe Studios. “Luna, Chip & Inkie will be one of those evergreen properties that brings joy and a positive message to kids and families of all ages every time it’s viewed.”
“This musical special captures everything that fans love about Luna, Chip and Inkie,” said Michele Paris, Knowledge Senior Manager of Children’s Programing. “Their sense of humor, perseverance and teamwork help them overcome a challenge and they get to solve a mystery. As the trios says: no problem’s too tough when we solve it together!”
The Festival of Wishes premieres September 21 in primetime on Knowledge Network in British Columbia. Viewers across Canada can watch on demand at knowledgekids.ca or by downloading the free Knowledge Kids streaming video apps.
The special serves as the pilot for a new animated series produced by Knowledge, currently in production and set to enter production in 2020.
