Production has started on Jamillah & Aladdin, a new series co-ordered by UK kidnets CBeebies and CBBC that is currently being filmed in South Africa’s Western Cape.

The animated show (52 x 14 minutes) is being produced by the UK-based Kindle Entertainment, Canada’s Mediamax and Toonz Entertainment in India.

Imira Entertainment, which was acquired by Toonz last year, will distribute the series worldwide (excluding the UK, Ireland and Australia).

A modern twist on the classic Arabian Nights story, Jamillah & Aladdin follows Jamillah, a 21st century London girl, who after finding a mysterious lamp in her attic, is transported back to ancient Baghdad by the lamp’s resident genie. There she meets Aladdin, who shows her a whole new world of adventure and magic.

The series was co-commissioned by CBeebies controller Kay Benbow and CBBC controller Cheryl Taylor. Michael Towner is the executive producer for CBeebies and Sue Nott is the executive producer for CBBC. Anne Brogan is the exec producer for Kindle Entertainment. The series is produced by Emma Stuart, the lead director is Rebecca Rycroft and the head writer is Kathy Waugh.