Glasgow, Scotland-based natural history doc maker Maramedia is expanding into children’s content with CBeebies commission Gudrun The Viking Princess. The former head of BBC Scotland children’s production, Simon Parsons, will lead the indie prodco’s new Marakids brand.
By combining drama and factual entertainment, the new 20 x five-minute series incorporates a diverse group of Viking historical characters with wildlife and landscapes.
CBeebies controller Kay Benbow commissioned the series last month, and it will be shot on location in Scotland ahead of its 2018 expected air date. A Gaelic version for BBC Alba is also in the works.
Co-founded by Nigel Pope (CBeebies’ Balamory) and Jackie Savery, Maramedia has produced hit programs including BBC’s Highlands – Scotland’s Wild Heart and Hotel Armadillo for BBC Natural World and PBS.
Parsons joins the company as a seasoned writer, producer and award-winning documentary maker with more than 400 hours of network TV credits, including CBeebies show Teacup Travels.