Shark On Wheels

What to look out for at this year’s MIPJunior

From hot new shows to presentations about AI, here’s a Kidscreen rundown of what’s happening in Cannes over the next few days.
October 13, 2023

Kidscreen is on location in the south of France as MIPJunior kicks off in sunny Cannes today.

The annual event caps off a summer that has been full of industry shake-ups, including two prolonged strikes and content budget cuts from streamers and broadcasters.

One focus of this year’s MIPJunior conference program is demystifying emerging technology and financing opportunities. And co-production is another hot topic, with two panels tackling the subject (Co-production Unpacked and Creating IP for Today’s Co-pro and Finance Market).

AI in entertainment—perhaps the most talked-about trend of 2023—will be in the spotlight on Saturday by way of a presentation that promises to deliver insights on how this tech can help a pipeline, and also the ethical considerations involved in its use. 

Also on Saturday, Ramsey Naito, president of Paramount Animation/Nickelodeon Animation, will no doubt address some of these topics in her keynote speech. This is a busy time for Nickelodeon as it brings Dora the Explorer back to the big screen in a short that’s currently running in theaters before PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie. And iconic franchise SpongeBob SquarePants is also marking its 25th anniversary next year.

On Sunday, the finalists of the 2023 MIPJunior pitch competition will take center stage. Ensemble comedies like Wild Skies Company (Studio Meala) and The Adventures of Team Pom (Wind Sun Sky Entertainment) are in the running, along with influencer-inspired toon Andy Wants To Be Famous from Cosmic Productions and France TV Distribution. Two other finalists are tackling ecology—the botanical comedy Flora (Birdo) and eco-documentary Kidz on Climate (KMTV).  

Themes of nature and animal protagonists are top of mind for several producers and distributors Kidscreen caught up with ahead of the event. They gave us a sneak-peek at new projects on their slates—with insights on each one’s L&M potential.

Shark On Wheels (pictured above) – 6 and up 
Producer: Sony Pictures Television – Kids (US)
Style: CG animation
Format: 11-minute episodes (number TBD)
Budget: TBA
Status: Seeking broadcasting and streaming partners.
Delivery: 16 to 18 months after greenlight
Synopsis: Set in an all-shark world, fin-tastic racers in “sharkified” vehicles battle it out on the racetrack for the ultimate prize—the coveted Megalodon Cup.

Producers Bryan Korn (Hilda) and Chantal Arisohn created this series with Deeki Deke (The Cuphead Show!) attached as writer. Best described as Wacky Races meets Formula 1: Drive to Survive, SPT Kids is betting big on the zany concept to stand out, both on the small screen and on toy shelves. “[This] world filled with lovable characters and fun cars [makes] the opportunity for various product extensions immense,” says Joe D’Ambrosia, SPT Kids’ EVP and GM. “Our goal with all of our properties is to create a concept—whether original or re-imagined—that can go beyond the screen to become a franchise with licensing extensions.”

Mr. Dog – 4 to 6
Mr Dog
Producer: Paper Owl Films (Ireland)
Style: CG animation
Format: 52 x 11 minutes
Budget: US$7 million
Status: A bible, look book, animation tests and two scripts are ready.
Delivery: 2026/2027
Synopsis: Based on Ben Fogle’s kids books of the same name, this project’s lead pooch is a well-meaning but haphazard member of a nature documentary crew. While heading outdoors on shoots, Mr. Dog uses the opportunity to help out wild animals facing problems.

Jetpack Distribution CEO Dominic Gardner, who is pitching the show at MIPJunior and handling global distribution, sees a strong demand for comedies with a deeper message. “It’s the right moment to steer audiences towards how they can help nature, one adventure at a time.”

Paper Owl’s creative director, Grainne McGuinness, says the series is well-suited for licensed costumes and toys. There are also opportunities for social media initiatives that give kids a chance to step into Mr. Dog’s shoes and create their own animal-themed documentaries.  

The Moonsons 2 to 6

The Moonsoons

Producer: Candy Castle Animation (UK)
Style: CG animation
Format: 52 x seven minutes
Budget: US$4.9 million to US$7.3 million
Status: Seeking co-producers, broadcasters and financing. Less than 25% of the project’s budget has been financed.
Delivery: 16 months after greenlight 
Synopsis: Here’s proof that a space squad can also be down-to-earth. While human beings are asleep, a group of eco-conscious aliens are hard at work cleaning up the planet, using tactics like recycling and upcycling. 

This sci-fi concept hails from the studio’s creative consultant Phil Tottman, who designed the series to teach preschoolers about environmental issues without being preachy. “Taking a top-down view of the issues we are having here on Earth not only better projects the bigger picture, it also places [kids] in a position where they want to do something about it,” he says.  

The series has L&M potential in all categories, but works especially well with enviro-friendly merchandising. Board games or mobile apps that “incorporate eco-inventing challenges” are high on Tottman’s licensing wishlist. Candy Castle is also in partnership talks with orgs like NASA and Blue Origin.

Flora’s Magic Toolbox – 3 to 6
Flora's Toolbox
Producer: Prestigo Storyverse (Canada)
Style: Live action
Format: 26 x 11 minutes
Budget: TBA
Status: In development with TVOKids (Canada); Prestigo is also seeking international partners.
Delivery: 2025
Synopsis: Based on an original concept by Karim Ayari, this preschool series is all about getting artsy. Flora and her toolbox work on a new activity in each episode, accompanied by animal friends (including a shy skunk named Broccoli) and catchy tunes.

The show’s creative premise and SEL themes could potentially translate into products like emotion flashcards and branded yoga mats, says Prestigo Storyverse CEO Daniel Coutu. For example, Flora’s toolbox could serve as a child’s pencil case or a lunchbox, while character-based costumes could become Halloween favorites, he notes.

Tune in Monday for the MIPCOM Cool New Shows feature from our latest issue of Kidscreen magazine, highlighting shows in development.

About The Author

Search

Menu

Brand Menu