DUBLIN – September 26, 2023 – 9 Story Distribution International is pleased to announce that its new animated preschool series Lu & the Bally Bunch (75 x 7 min) will be airing on CBeebies in 2024. The series premiered earlier this year on Cartoonito UK and LatAm and CBC Kids Canada, and will be launching on Cartoonito US, and across EMEA in the near future. Lu & the Bally Bunch has also been licensed to ABC Australia, TVNZ+ (New Zealand), SVT (Sweden), YLE (Finland), RTÉ (Ireland), and PCCW (Hong Kong).
Produced by 9 Story’s award-winning studio Brown Bag Films with the participation of Warner Bros. Discovery and CBC Kids, Lu & the Bally Bunch was created by Brown Bag Films’ director Nicky Phelan (Vampirina, Bing, Octonauts), Oscar®-nominated for his short film Granny O’Grimm’s Sleeping Beauty. Phelan also directed the series, which was inspired by his mother’s experience running a preschool from their home. 9 Story Distribution International holds worldwide distribution rights for the series and 9 Story Brands has worldwide consumer products rights.
“We are thrilled to bring Lu & the Bally Bunch into the BBC Children’s family,” said Joss Duffield, VP Distribution, EMEA. “Filled with catchy songs and first friendships, this show celebrates the relatable and often messy moments that happen in a preschool. We can’t wait for the CBeebies audience to fall in love with Lu and her friends.”
The series follows Lu, a little ladybird who has just started preschool with her new friends. Together they explore their brand-new social lives through play, music, big feelings, and even bigger fun. This animated dramedy for preschoolers takes place in Ballybug, a whimsical village where Lu meets friends Barnaby, Biba, Declan, Elodie and Gus. This slice of life series explores the fun, drama and messiness that ensues. Filled with music, humour and heart, Lu & the Bally Bunch is a celebration of friendship for preschoolers.
About 9 Story Distribution International
9 Story Distribution International is the international distribution arm of 9 Story Media Group, a leading content creator, producer, and distributor of kids & family-focused intellectual property. Recognized around the world for best-in-class brands such as Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood, Wild Kratts, Barney and Garfield and Friends, 9 Story Distribution International represents over 4,400 half hours of animated and live-action programming, seen on some of the most respected international channels and platforms. With facilities in Toronto, New York, Dublin, and Bali, 9 Story Media Group employs 1,000 creative and corporate staff. www.9story.com