NHNZ preps more kids TV, teams with CCTV

NHNZ and China’s CCTV will coproduce several new projects including two animated kids series.

Kiwi prodco NHNZ is best known for its factual output, but is also making kids fare. Under the terms of the 2014 Sino-NZ coproduction pact, it will team with CCTV animation to make 52x12mins Panda and Kiwi (WT).

It will follow Kiwi and Panda, iconic animals from New Zealand and China respectively, as they set out to save endangered species.

NHNZ and the Chinese state broadcaster will also coproduce a second 60x30mins season of ZooMoo Animal Friends, an adaptation of the NHNZ property ZooMoo for the Chinese market.

How the Silk Road Changed the World is a new copro covering more classical factual ground. The 3x60mins series will examine how the ancient trade route has shaped the modern world.

NHNZ managing director Kyle Murdoch said: “Growth in China has been a key focus for NHNZ and we are thrilled to have multiple China coproduction agreements in place.”

Speaking about NHNZ’s move more heavily into kids programming, chairman David Haslingden added: “The Sino-NZ Co-Production Agreement has given us a great opportunity to tap into China’s booming animation market.

“I’m really excited about the success of CCTV Animation co-production ZooMoo Animal Friends and the potential for our upcoming coproduction Panda and Kiwi.”