PARIS: French public education channel La Cinquième has launched a new daily TV program for pre-schoolers. Entitled Elastok, this 30-minute show uses a new technique to appeal to children. The show is hosted by an elastic-like virtual and real-time animated character, who introduces short learning sequences like songs on animated clips, French language lessons and segments from Sesame Street, and The Magic Pencil. The show, which airs at 7:45 a.m., was initiated by Philippe Chatel, head of youth programs for La Cinquième and produced by Id3D, a company specialized in 3D animation.

‘Elastok, the virtual unreal little character was created because it corresponds to children’s imaginations. He is able to transform into anything. In our youth program strategy, it also tends to differentiate La Cinquième from other channels. We want this show to entertain, educate and appeal to children,’ says Jean Mino, head of programming.