COTTONWOOD MEDIA PARTNERS WITH KEY PLAYERS TO PRODUCE KIDS’ SERIES "THEODOSIA"

Premium kids content producer Cottonwood Media and leading broadcasters ZDF, ZDF Enterprises, HBO Max and Globo have joined forces to co-produce the magical period Egyptology-themed adventure live action kids’ series "Theodosia". Federation Kids & Family (key distributor of Cottonwood Media’s content) and ZDF Enterprises will handle worldwide sales.

Set in 1906 and based on the highly-acclaimed books by New York Times best-selling author Robin L. LaFevers, "Theodosia" (26 x 30’) follows a young fearless girl who lives and breathes Egyptology at the turn of the century.  Alongside her feminist archaeologist mother and her father who runs a museum, Theodosia is a special girl whose powers enable her to see and transform ancient curses in a series of exciting magical adventures. 

With filming scheduled to commence April 2021, this premium live action series will be shot in a cinematic style in France and Belgium, and will be directed by Matthias Hoene ("Cockneys vs Zombies") who will be joined by other talented directors such as Alex Jacob ("Hollyoaks"). Executive Producers for "Theodosia" are Emmy award-winning Joe Williams ("Hank Zipzer’s Christmas Catastrophe") and Leila Smith ("Find Me in Paris").  The series is produced by Cottonwood Media’s David Michel, Cécile Lauritano and Zoé Carrera Allaix.

Joe Williams who is the head writer for the series commented: “When I first read ‘Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos’, I instantly fell in love with the world Robin LaFevers created. It’s been a real privilege and a lot of fun adapting the books for the screen with the help of a wonderful team. It has everything a writer could wish for - magic, mystery and Mummies!”

Nicole Keeb, Head of International Co-productions and Acquisitions, Children and Youth, ZDF, is delighted: “It was a long way from the first idea to realize the successful ‘Theodosia’ books for television to the start of shooting. But the work, effort and patience have paid off. Together with our international partners, we focus on big stories and big pictures. ‘Theodosia’ is to continue our successful ZDF live action productions such as ‘H2O’,’ Mako Mermaids’, ‘The worst witch’ and, of course, ‘Find Me in Paris’.”

Arne Lohmann, VP ZDFE.junior, ZDF Enterprises, adds: “After the successful cooperation during three seasons of ‘Find Me in Paris’, it was only logical to realize the book adaptation of ‘Theodosia’ jointly with Cottonwood. I am sure that Theodosia will build on the success of the book series as a TV adaptation and will inspire generations of children."

Co-founders of Cottonwood Media, David Michel, Cécile Lauritano & Zoé Carrera Allaix said: “Cottonwood’s German production office and ZDF originally spotted the potential for the ‘Theodosia’ books to be made into a TV series, especially as Ancient Egypt has always been shrouded in mystery, and intrigue that appeals to kids and adults of all ages.  Working with such exceptional broadcast partners and talent, ‘Theodosia’ will provide an amazing visual experience for the whole family.  Whether she is breaking curses or using her magic to extinguish negative powers, Theo’s adventures will ignite a passion for adventure and leave viewers craving more.”

Ana Carolina Lima, Head of Content at Globoplay said: “We are extremely happy with this partnership. 'theodosia' is Globoplay's first international children's live-action co-production. For this project we also had the essential support from Globo’s channels Kids Unit –Gloob and Gloobinho – both in curation and in artistic development. We are very enthusiastic and confident that ‘Theodosia’ will be another high-quality production that will soon be available on Globoplay and has great potential for engaging and amusing the Brazilian families.”