Award-winning content creator Marblemedia, co-founded by Fergus native Matt Hornburg, and The Jim Henson Company, an established worldwide leader in family entertainment, have partnered on a new live-action preschool series Hi Opie! Created by Barbara Slade (Angelina Ballerina, Rugrats) the series is scheduled to premiere later this year on TVOKids, and Knowledge Network.
Hi Opie! is scheduled to begin production of 39 seven-minute episodes (13 x 30 minutes) in March.
Distribution360, a Marblemedia company, will share television, DVD and digital distribution with The Jim Henson Company which will also oversee format rights, as well as all merchandising and licensing rights worldwide.
Targeted to Kids two and a half to five years old, Hi Opie! centers around the social emotional and intellectual escapades of five-year-old Opie, a puppet custom built by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.
Opie and his real kid classmates are in their first year of all-day kindergarten – uncertain just what to expect. With each new day, Opie learns more about himself, his friends and his two teachers.
Each story marks a new chapter in Opie’s personal growth as he participates in, struggles with and inevitably succeeds in kindergarten activities.
Although each story in Hi Opie! will present a clear and attainable goal, it is the process of learning through play – having fun, asking questions, experimenting with the consequences of one’s actions, persevering through adversity, imagining, and, of course, continuing to be curious – that leads to Opie’s personal growth.
“Transitioning from preschool to kindergarten can be challenging to young children and Hi Opie! can be a great tool for kids to learn how to negotiate through this new and exciting world,” said Lisa Henson, CEO of The Jim Henson Company. “Also, watching Opie’s experiences in kindergarten can encourage viewers to get excited to attend school, setting the foundation for a lifetime love of learning.”
“We’re thrilled to be working with The Jim Henson Company and Marblemedia to bring Hi Opie! to Ontario audiences,” says Patricia Ellingson, TVO’s creative head of children’s and parents’ media.
