Vancouver-based Global Mechanic Media continues to broaden its development slate for 2022 with new creative partnerships and preschool projects that will be ready just in time for MIPCOM & MIP Junior (October 15-20).
The boutique animation studio will be introducing the market to new shows including Wolf & Button (co-developed with GBH Kids and co-created by Kathy Waugh and Glen Berger), Oddly Kids (created by Montreal-based writer Angela Goulène), Shy Willow (in partnership with New York’s MiMO Studios and based on the popular book property by Cat Min), What On Earth (created by four-time Emmy-winning writer Lynn Brunelle), Junior Explorers Club (created by Cheryl Carlesimo) and Cup + Pup, the company’s own in-house creation by Tina Ouellette and Bruce Alcock.
“Our studio has always prided itself on creating meaningful content for young children, while we love pure comedies, it was time to greatly ramp up our fun and educational preschool slate,” shared CEO Ouellette. “Plus we know that great ideas come from strong partnerships which is why we have teamed up with some amazing companies and highly imaginative creators.”
Director of Development Eric Y. Lapointe added, “As we continue to see our original content business grow with funding, TV development deals and strong broadcast interest, we are now in a strong position to get projects over the finish line and into production.”
New Series from Global Mechanic:
Wolf & Button is an animated series co-created by the Emmy-winning team of Kathy Waugh and Glen Berger and co-developed by GBH Kids & Global Mechanic. Wolf & Button is for adventurous kids who aren’t yet old enough to cross the street. It’s about two best friends in the world and how the world looks and feels to these two little kids.
Oddly Kids, created by young multilingual Montreal-based writer Angela Goulène, is an animated series that focuses on things like autism, ADHD and basically anything that can make a child appear different explained in a kid-friendly way! Through the eyes of a brother and sister duo, Jonathan and Trixie, we learn about the differences between children, with a message of inclusion ultimately ending every short story. The idea is to show that, ultimately, the Oddly Kids and the other children aren’t so different after all.
Shy Willow is in partnership with New York’s MiMO Studios, who acquired and developed the project initially, and based on the popular picture book by Cat Min. This is an animated series that transports kids to a magical world where everyone works together to make dreams and wishes come true. Willow, a shy rabbit who lives in an abandoned mailbox, and her friends have one thing in common: the ability to make dreams and wishes come true for the children in the town.
What On Earth is an all new preschool co-developed by Lynn Brunelle (Bill Nye The Science Guy, Artopia). Imagine if the Earth was an actual character who decided to start posting on social media? She’d have a lot to say! Well, Earth is now on social media, sharing her inside scoop on the wild and wonderful things that call her home. This is an animated series with live action cutaways for curious kids, ages 5-8, who love to laugh!
Junior Explorers Club, a collaboration with Stone House Productions, is made for bridge audiences that inspire the “Junior Explorers” to appreciate their local libraries & discover a panoply of cultures. Ada, the friendly librarian, has traveled the globe and brings her well worn scrapbook to share culturally specific animated folktales and provide an imaginative portal to the world near and far.
Cup + Pup shows kids that a little help goes a long way and offers a charming animated series for 3- to 5-year olds that reveals how little kids can effect a big change in their distinct neighborhood through small acts of kindness. Cup + Pup are best friends and, alongside their caregiver Granpa Phil, every day becomes a new opportunity to learn how to be good citizens.
Since 2000, Global Mechanic has produced thousands of hours of animation for children’s series, films, commercials, digital media, and art projects. The studio has also worked in partnership with Nickelodeon, Netflix, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and PBS, including Emmy-winning series Fetch! with Ruff Ruffman and the award-winning interactive series, Scribbles & Ink. The company is led by principals Bruce Alcock and Tina Ouellette.
