Cannes – Hi-5 Group has announced that it will be entering into a collaboration venture with Tri Viet Media to launch its first Asia adaptation of the popular children’s TV show Hi-5 in 2014. Production is slated for late October 2013 and the programme is set to air on HTV 3 in March 2014. 

Citing excitement for the new venture is Madam Le Thi Phuong Thuy, Chairperson of Tri Viet Media said: “We’re more than happy to be the official right partner of the Hi-5 shows in Vietnam. 

This opportunity will bring more choices, more fun, more education and moreover, higher quality to our kids in Vietnam on HTV3 channel from next year. Investment for kids is always important for our future.”

The local Hi-5 cast will be put together via a nationwide search that will span all major Vietnamese cities. Hi-5 Group will assist in the process by involving top production personnel from Australia who will judge the final candidates chosen to anchor the Vietnamese version. 

“Everything down to the set, costumes and lighting plans, how many songs to be adapted, the selection of cast members, is being discussed as we speak. We are so excited to work with the Tri Viet Team.” says Julie Greene, executive creative director and producer of the Australian Hi-5 since 2004.

The collaboration does not end on TV production and will be expanded into other areas including merchandising and licensing of the Hi-5brand name. Plans for a touring Hi-5 cast  across various cities nationally is also in the pipeline, and the idea is to create a 360 degree exploitation of the brand in the country.

“Licensing and merchandising co-branding with Hi-5 is a big fascination in Asia,” says Jaenani Netra, Hi-5‘s TV Sales Director, ”With such colourful designs and awesome sets in Vietnam, I believe it’s going to be a big hit.” 

Asia has consistently proven to be one of Hi-5’s biggest markets since the brand started in 1999. Vietnam will soon be added to the list of most toured regions with the inception of a local cast.

“Hi-5 has universal themes such as exploration, friendship, creativity and learning… These make the show accessible to almost any culture”, says Datuk Jared Lim, Chairman of Hi-5 Group, “We want as many children to enjoy the Hi-5 brand as possible. This also gives rise to many more opportunities for growth and expansion in Vietnam, which we’re really excited about.”