With MIP Junior / MIPCOM just around the corner, Josh Selig’s China Bridge Content has announced back to back partnerships on cuddly new kids’ series ready to debut for global buyers next week.
China Bridge has teamed up with global kids’ IP EdTech company KidsLoop to deliver the new spinoff of its preschool hit franchise Badanamu, My Friend Bada. The series is created by KidsLoop Creative Directors Joey Lee and Ayoung Ra (Batanamu Cadets, Banamu Stories) and multi-Emmy-winning creator Selig (Wonder Pets!, Small Potatoes). The show features an educational curriculum with a focus on Cognitive Flexibility and Content Knowledge that was written by the show’s Director of Research, Beth Richman, Ed.M. (Sesame Workshop, Super Wings). Selig wrote the pilot and has signed on as showrunner.
Having been an executive producer on Super Wings, Selig has a record of turning South Korean toons into global franchises. “I have always been a big fan of South Korean design so I was thrilled to join this exceptionally talented creative team in Seoul and support the iconic Badanamu brand with world-class writing and a robust educational curriculum,” said Selig. “My Friend Bada has all the makings of a global media and licensing mega-hit, and I can’t wait to share the project with buyers and toy companies at the upcoming markets.”
Synopsis: Bada, a cute puppy-like creature, takes the viewer on creative journeys inspired by a single theme such as Food, Music, Vehicles or Art. Bada always greets the child-viewer outside his unique home, the Bada Cabana, and then heads off to an exciting new destination like a music concert, the beach or even the moon! Bada is joined by his best friends Mimi and Abby, who help Bada overcome a variety of challenges they face along the way. When they arrive at their destination, Bada leads his friends and the viewers in a big sing-along about the day’s theme. There is never any “fourth wall” on My Friend Bada, which encourages the children watching to feel less like viewers and more like Bada’s good friends.
“Badanamu has gone from strength to strength over the past five years and we’re certain that My Friend Bada, with its strong international team, will carry Bada and his friends to exciting new heights,” said Mark Law, CEO of KidsLoop. “We are delighted to be partnering with Josh and his team at China Bridge Content. They have shown again and again that they who know how to make innovative, meaningful preschool content that connects with kids all around the world.”
China Bridge has also teamed up with another global kids & family entertainment major, Toonz Media Group, which has come on board for the new original comedy series Peaches & Creaminal (52 x 11′). Both companies will be in Cannes to preview the project for six- to nine-year olds during MIP Junior / MIPCOM.
Peaches & Creaminal was co-created by Chen Chen (Luo Bao Bei) and Selig. The theme song was composed by Tony Award winner Larry Hochman (The Book of Mormon, Wonder Pets!) and the pilot scripts were written by Josh Selig and Emmy Award winner Billy Lopez (Welcome to the Wayne, Wonder Pets!). The show was designed by Gary and Kenny Plummer.
Synopsis: This animated comedy centers on an outspoken eight-year-old girl who travels the world with her very large talking bulldog. In each episode, Peaches and Creaminal arrive in a new country, where Creaminal’s lack of impulse control gets them into playful trouble. Whatever happens — and something always does — Peaches forgives Creaminal and says, “You don’t have to be perfect to be loved.” This is a comedy about what makes us human and what makes us, well, dogs.
Peaches & Creaminal is the first original series from China Bridge Content whose mission is to build creative and business ties between China and the world in the media sector. “I am absolutely thrilled that our first China/U.S. collaboration Peaches & Creaminal has found a home with Toonz Media Group,” said Selig. “Although we received multiple offers for this project, we chose Toonz because their team provides a powerful mix of creative leadership, production expertise, and unrivaled access to markets around the world.”
P. Jayakumar, CEO, Toonz Media Group added, “It’s difficult to find a comedy whose jokes can work in North America, Europe, and Asia. Peaches & Creaminal is the funniest show we’ve seen in a long time, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with Josh and his team to bring the series to kids everywhere.”
Launched in 2021 by 12-time Emmy Award winner Josh Selig (The Wonder Pets!, Small Potatoes, Super Wings, P. King Duckling), China Bridge Content helps international companies get a foothold in mainland China and Chinese companies expand their reach into the global market. Selig is also the founder and former CEO of Little Airplane Productions (acquired by Studio 100 Group) and has written for The New York Times, The China Daily and Animation Magazine.
