Italian prodco Brand Cross has tapped Mondo TV Studios to manage distribution for its new 2D-animated series Leo’s World everywhere in the world except Italy, Vatican City, Malta and San Marino Republic.

The first season (10 x 12 minutes) is a co-production with Italian pubcaster RAI Kids, and will debut there November 28 on linear channel Rai Yoyo and OTT platform RaiPlay.

Leo’s World stars a young boy on the autism spectrum who goes on adventures with his clever dog and beloved puppet in an imaginative parallel world where Leo learns to manage his emotions in fun, new ways. 

The series uses themes of play, imagination and exploration to teach children and teens with autism new routines and habits to help them overcome the barriers they encounter during everyday life.

Emanuela Cavazzini and Eleonaora Vittoni are the co-creators of Leo’s World, with Dario Piana directing. Paolo Moderato, a behavior analyst and emeritus psychology professor, consulted during development.

Brand Cross plans to adapt the IP for products spanning publishing, NFTs and educational apps. The company got a jump on brand-building in September, when it released the first Leo’s World book through Italian publisher Mondadori, and a mobile game is set for release in February 2023.