"Odo"
Sixteen South Rights announced that WarnerMedia Kids & Family has acquired "Odo", their warm-hearted and comic new preschool series, for its upcoming Cartoonito preschool programming block slated for HBO Max in the US and Latin America. Cartoonito, WarnerMedia’s biggest commitment to preschool in 100 years, launches this fall on HBO Max and Cartoon Network. Offering a modern approach to preschool programming, the block aims to support every child’s humanness by celebrating their unique selves.
"Odo" is set to premiere in the UK on Channel 5’s Milkshake! this summer, followed soon after by its launch on premier German PSB children’s channel KiKA and in other key territories. The 52 x 7’ hand-drawn 2.5D animation, which welcomes kids aged three to five to a world full of possibilities, is currently in production with co-production partners, Letko.
The series aims to teach young children self-efficacy and to believe in themselves. Comedic and warm, with gender neutral appeal, the stories also deal with important themes such as immigration, racism and respect for others, and show kids how to deal with setbacks in a meaningful way while promoting the development of social skills.
Colin Williams, Showrunner and creator of "Odo" at Sixteen South, said: “'Odo' has had a fantastic response even before it is completed and is already taking flight around the world. We’re delighted that he has now also landed on the mighty HBO Max Cartoonito strand and that his adventures will be seen by kids all across the Americas – and we hope that they will love him as much as we do!”.
Sixteen South Rights are managing the international distribution rights for "Odo" and Bulldog Licensing were recently appointed to represent the global licensing rights for the brand.
The WarnerMedia Kids & Family/Cartoonito deal follows recent sales of "Odo" to Canal+ France, ABC Australia, TVO-Kids! Canada, RTE Ireland, Mini Mini Poland, SVT Sweden, NRK Norway, S4C Wales and VRT Ketnet Belgium.