Rodney, New Zealand-based La Luna Studios is set to launch five new animated kids' TV series. The two-year project, the largest yet for the fledgling studio, represents a significant step for the New Zealand entertainment industry.
"If New Zealand want to be leaders in the digital content arena, then companies should look at creating their own production instead of being just service providers for the rest of the world," said La Luna's founder and director Cris Casares, who noted that the series will create a significant bank of intellectual property for the company.
Full production for the series is about to begin, with an initial episode for each slated to be completed in early 2008.
Cesares stated that the series' creation was motivated by the desire to provide learning via fun for children worldwide. "The content and stories of a lot of TV series I watch with the kids is absolutely shocking. The animation, colors and sound effects give you a headache. I want kids to be left with a nice feeling and message, not an anxious one." All of the new series -- KEA, TANA, THE WISH, PRIDE AND JOY and LITTLE SOLAR STREET -- have been created with this strong vision and attitude in mind. "Connecting with kids' heads, hearts and humour is the ultimate winning recipe for all these projects," says Casares.
All of the series will incorporate an interactive component, involving free online educational activities and games for each show.
Following in the steps of other global companies and initiatives that support and enhance the well-being and development of children worldwide, Casares is planning to implement a charity donation for each episode broadcast.
