CBC Kids is accelerating a new preschool series called Go Togo (27 x five minutes) for a fall launch. Created by Toronto-based Gazelle Automations co-founders Justin and Lindsay Lee (the married couple behind TVOKids series Miikshi), the concept brings together public transit vehicles and early math concepts. 

Production wrapped last month, with financing support from Canada Media Fund and Shaw Rocket Fund. Go Togo combines animatronic 3D-printed vehicles (including a streetcar and a bus) with 2D and stop-motion animation. In each episode, the vehicles have transit tasks to complete, including picking up passengers and exploring the city, and must use basic logic and math skills to solve the problems they encounter along the way. 

Go Togo stands out in the market of other vehicle-based shows for kids on the strength of its animatronic approach, says Lindsay Lee. “That’s a huge part of what appealed to CBC—they liked the fact that Gazelle produces this way, and that it feels like toys come to life.” The Lees were inspired to start developing Go Togo after visiting the Canadian Halton County Railway Museum and seeing its collection of old public transit vehicles. 

Says CBC Kids’ executive in charge of production Drew Mullin: “We’ve long admired Lindsay and Justin Lee’s remarkable talent. Their expertise as artists and model-builders is truly exceptional. What captivated us about this series is its practical approach, employing live-action puppets yet achieving a level of polish that rivals computer graphics. We’re convinced it will resonate with young viewers.”

In other news, CBC Kids has also renewed several series for second seasons. On the animation front, Happy Camper Media’s Mini-Jon and Mini-Maple and Verité Films’ Jeremy & Jazzy have both been reupped, as have live-actioners Bestest Day Ever with My Best Friend! (Lopii Productions), Macy Murdoch (Shaftesbury) and The Bravest Knight (Big Bad Boo Studios).