Muriel Thomas: "We aim to foster curiosity and spark the imagination of young audiences"

For years, Magic Light Pictures has partnered with the BBC to launch captivating, animated specials that resonate with global audiences. The company continues to set a high standard in family entertainment with a legacy of producing content that delights both children and adults. In an exclusive conversation with Señal News, Muriel Thomas, International Distribution Director at Magic Light Pictures, reveals the strategy and values behind their award-winning productions.

What makes Magic Light Pictures'' animated specials so well-received by the audiences?
"Magic Light Pictures' specials are well-received due to the strong storytelling that resonates with children and adults, entertaining the whole family. The high-quality animation also plays a key role in bringing the stories to life with incredible, crafted visuals, alongside exploring timeless narratives. That ensures they remain relevant year after year. This combination of engaging stories, top-tier animation, and enduring themes has made the specials a beloved family tradition worldwide."

What are the central values you aim to share through your productions?
"We aim to foster curiosity and spark the imagination of young audiences, encouraging creative thinking and a sense of wonder. We are dedicated to producing visually striking, high-quality content that resonates with viewers, offering an engaging experience that can be enjoyed repeatedly. We focus on crafting thoughtful, imaginative content that inspires and entertains whilst upholding the highest standards of animation and storytelling."

Magic Light Pictures'' animated specials have earned numerous awards. What do those recognitions mean for the company?
"Receiving prestigious recognition from the International Emmys, BAFTA, and Oscars is incredibly meaningful. It serves as industry validation, confirming the quality of our work and that it resonates globally. Those recognitions help us attract top-tier talent and collaborators, broaden our visibility, and open doors to new audiences worldwide. It's a testament to our team's unwavering dedication to creating exceptional, timeless content that continues to engage and inspire audiences of all ages."

"Tiddler" is Magic Light's 12th animated special. How does it fit into your distribution strategy?
"It plays a key role in continuing to build our global footprint. This release helps us meet the growing demand from our long-standing partners, ensuring we consistently exceed expectations year after year. Having a brilliant catalog of 12 specials allows us to target new markets and territories, solidifying our presence and broadening our distribution channels."

Looking ahead, what are Magic Light Pictures' short and midterm goals?
"We want to stay ahead of market trends and adapt to shifts in audience preferences, particularly among the younger generation. We're always exploring new ways to innovate and keep our content fresh while remaining true to our core focus: delivering high-quality, engaging stories. We'll continue prioritizing strong, timeless storytelling that delights and resonates with our audience."

What are the key factors behind Magic Light Pictures' global expansion?
"The key factors behind our success include our focused approach to delivering a select number of high-quality projects, each with its own distinct voice and style. Our long-standing partnerships with major broadcasters around the world have been essential in building trust and ensuring longevity, helping us to consistently reach global viewers. Additionally, ensuring we are present across all the right platforms has played a pivotal role in broadening our reach and maintaining relevance in an ever-changing media landscape."