The whimsical new comedy inspired by real-life preschool experiences is set to premiere on WarnerMedia’s newest preschool programming block Cartoonito
*This post was edited on April 3, 2023.
TORONTO – Feb. 17, 2021 – 9 Story Media Group is pleased to announce the greenlight of its new animated preschool series Lu & the Bally Bunch (78 x7’) which will join Cartoonito, the newly announced preschool programming block which is set to launch this fall on Cartoon Network and HBO Max. Lu & the Bally Bunch explores everyday dramas in the world of a three-year-old with a brand-new social life. The series will also be available on Cartoon Network and HBO Max services in LATAM and EMEA. 9 Story Distribution International will lead global distribution efforts, while 9 Story Brands retains global merchandising rights.
Produced by 9 Story’s award-winning studio Brown Bag Films, the new series 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 is also on board to direct Lu & the Bally Bunch, which is inspired by his mother’s experience running a preschool.
“It always struck me how funny and heart-warming it was to see a bunch of three-year olds learning how to navigate each other,” said series creator and director Nicky Phelan of Brown Bag Films. “This show is about a group of people, who happen to be preschoolers, learning to share space together. My goal was to create a series that parents, and kids can enjoy together – it’s essentially The Office for three-year-olds!”
“The 9 Story Creative Affairs team is thrilled to bring Lu & the Bally Bunch to life with Nicky, key creative talent, and research,” said Angela C. Santomero, Chief Creative Officer for 9 Story. “The world needs this show – to give kids a voice and share stories that deal with life’s little lessons, drama, and comedy that come directly from preschoolers themselves!”
“We are delighted to be partnering with Cartoon Network for the first time on a preschool IP and can’t wait to bring this preschool comedy to families,” said Alix Wiseman, SVP Acquisitions and Distribution for 9 Story. “Lu & the Bally Bunch is a rare gem which beautifully captures real-life moments and will put a smile on viewer’s faces.”
Exploring the everyday dramas of first friendships, Lu & the Bally Bunch is a funny and affectionate look at Lu and her friends as they learn to get along with each other in their new social setting of a preschool. Featuring original songs and grounded in a Montessori curriculum, Lu & the Bally Bunch stories are rooted in authentic interactions and experiences, inspired by conversations with preschoolers, their parents and teachers.
Executive producers for the series are Vince Commisso, Natalie Osborne, Angela C. Santomero, Cathal Gaffney, Darragh O’Connell, Jennie Stacey and Wendy Harris, with Rachel Kalban in the role of Consulting Producer, Head of Research and Curriculum.
ABOUT 9 STORY MEDIA GROUP
9 Story Media Group is a leading creator, producer and distributor of kids and family focused intellectual property. Its award-winning animation studio, Brown Bag Films, is recognized around the world for best-in-class brands such as Doc McStuffins, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Octonauts, Wild Kratts, Blue’s Clues and You and The Magic School Bus: Rides Again. The company’s international distribution arm, 9 Story Distribution International based in Dublin, represents 4,400 half-hours of animated and live-action programming, seen on some of the most respected international channels and platforms. Its in-house consumer products division, 9 Story Brands, builds international entertainment brands for kids, with expertise across creative, brand marketing, and licensing. 9 Story’s Creative Affairs Group creates, develops and produces award-winning branded properties using groundbreaking formative research. With facilities in Toronto, Dublin, New York and Bali, 9 Story Media Group employs 1000 creative and corporate staff. www.9story.com
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