Finnish animation, publishing and licensing studio Ferly, together with Canada-based Yellow Animation and Belgium’s Digital Graphics / Germany’s Atmosphere Media, announced the commission of their new preschool show Momolu and Friends (78 x 7′) by TVOKids (Canada), Knowledge (Canada), YLE (Finland) and SRC (Société Radio Canada).
“The Momolu brand is one where we can let our imaginations take us to delightful places full of wonder. Obviously we love arts and crafts and we firmly believe encouraging children and families to get creative helps produce more well-rounded, self-confident people,” said Laura Nevanlinna, CEO of Ferly. “For this series, we’ve brought together some of the brightest people in the industry from Canada, Finland and Belgium. These influences can be seen in essence of the series, but there is certainly a charming element of Nordic visual inspiration with Japanese and Asian vibes. We’re looking forward to expanding the universe of Momolu and all of the stories that will come from it.”
The extension of the successful Momolu brand into a series is a co-production between Ferly, Yellow Animation and Digital Graphics, an Atmosphere Media company. The series goes straight into production in Finland, Canada and Belgium. Distribution in Germany, Austria and Switzerland will be handled by Atmosphere Media and the partners will jointly release the series on global channels from 2022.
Targeted at 2- to 4-year olds, Momolu and Friends is a 2D animated series with a diverse cast of characters. The series promotes a love of arts and crafts in young audiences, applying humor while also introducing them to important socio-emotional lessons. The IP was created by design specialist and arts educator Leena Fredriksson.
The series follows Momolu – a gentle, unassuming panda with a knack for stumbling into funny situations requiring his help. Each episode helps teach children how to problem-solve, manage challenges, and to work together to find solutions.
“Momolu is a delightful, sensitive series that young kids immediately fall in love with and it is a great brand franchise in the making,” commented Peter Voelkle, CEO of Atmosphere Media and Director of Digital Graphics. “The number of commissioning partners already on board and the fact that we go to production right away speaks for the momentum Momolu has already developed. We are delighted to work with our friends at Ferly and Yellow and look forward to a great time full of fun, humor and learning with our favorite panda Momolu and all his amazing friends.”
“TVOkids is proud to present programming that helps set children up for success in school and life,” said TVO’s Director of Kids TV, Marney Malabar. “By modelling problem solving and teamwork, Momolu and Friends will teach kids the skills they need to make a smooth transition from home to kindergarten. We’re so excited to introduce our viewers to Momolu!”
As the latest brand extension, Momolu and Friends joins Momolu Minis, 41 episodes of short form animation visible on YouTube, Kidoodle.TV and Playkids. Also in the Momolu universe is the Momolu Learning Game, available globally on the App Store and Google Play and coming to Nintendo Switch in 2021, as well as Momolu Minis Music on U.S. radio network Pinna.FM, a series of Audiobook Originals with audiobook platform Storytel, and Momolu ebooks on multiple reading platforms including U.S.-based Epic!.
