TORONTO – October 13, 2023 – 9 Story Media Group is pleased to announce that it has secured a season 2 greenlight from BBC and BYUtv for its live-action series A Kind of Spark, based on the award-winning book by neurodivergent author Elle McNicoll. The new season began filming last month in Northern Ireland.
The first season premiered on BBC (UK), BYUtv (US) and CBC (Canada) in April during World Autism Month and was touted as “revolutionizing onscreen autism” by The Guardian, and “groundbreaking in its portrayal of autistic women” by Digital Spy. In addition to commissioning broadcasters BBC and BYUtv, the first season has also been sold to NRK (Norway), YLE (Finland), SVT (Sweden), NPO (The Netherlands), TVNZ (New Zealand), and TFO (French Speaking Canada). ABC Australia, France Télévisions, CBC (Canada), and RTÉ (Ireland) pre-bought A Kind of Spark last year.
A Kind of Spark is produced by 9 Story Media Group for BBC and BYUtv with Gráinne McNamara (Malory Towers) serving as Executive Producer. The series was created for television by Anna McCleery (Free Reign, Secret Life of Boys) adapted from McNicoll’s book. Episodes are written by Anna McCleery, Elle McNicoll, Vicki Lutas, Karissa Hamilton-Bannis, and Scott Payne. Returning cast members include Lola Blue (Addie Darrow), Georgia De Gidlow (Keedie Darrow), and Caitlin Hamilton (Nina Darrow) who are also joined by Ella Maisy Purvis playing a new character, Bonnie.
A Kind of Spark is the first project to be put into production from 9 Story’s first-look deal with award-winning publishing company Knights Of, which focuses on improving inclusivity in children’s books, both on the shelf and behind the scenes.
A Kind of Spark is a heart-warming story about friendship, courage, and self-belief. Aimed at children 8-12, the second season continues to tell the inspirational story of Addie, a neurodivergent teenage girl. After successfully working with her town to honor and advocate for those who might seem different, Addie is determined to make the world around her a better place. But she soon learns that helping people in the present day can be more complicated than honouring people from the past.
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, and Blue’s Clues & You. 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 over 1000 creative and corporate staff. www.9story.com