According to MIPJunior’s TV screenings, which took place in Cannes, France mid-October, two Russian animated TV series, Be-Be-Bears and Fantasy Patrol became one of the world’s most popular kids’ TV shows for the first time ever in Russia’s history of animations. Reed MIDEM, the company organising MIPJunior, a specialised international screening library of audio & video technologies and TV content for kids and juniors, summarised the results of its most recent session. This fall’s MIPJunior featured over 1,300 animated series total and kids’ TV shows from all over the world.
MIPJunior determined the top 30 most popular projects based on the number of viewings by the international buyers of kids’ programs. This year’s top animated series included Be-Be-Bears (ranked 15th) and Fantasy Patrol (27th) created by Parovoz animation studio for the Digital Television Russia Company, and distributed worldwide by Signal Media. The Russian cartoons were ranked among leading projects from US, France, UK, and Germany. Be-Be-Bears is about Bucky and Bjorn’s amusing adventures. The two protagonists are quite different: brown bear Bucky invents gadgets and polar bear Bjorn loves nature.
The characters try to balance their respect towards nature with their interest in technical progress by experimenting with both, while using a positive attitude. They often get into sticky situations, but always overcome any hardships with the help of their friends. Effortlessly, young viewers learn about strategy and manners through the show’s games and sweet humour.
The story of Fantasy Patrol takes place in the mystical town of Fableton, filled with magical heroes, unusual adventures, and thrilling wonders. Four average young girls filled with energy, bravery, and superpowers, get into endless adventures while trying to balance the world of fairies within the human one. Valery is the sassy leader, Mary the brainy one, Snowy the whimsical dreamer, and Helena the girl with dynamite energy. Although they’re different, through their genuine relationships and modern gadgets, they monitor the magical mayhem which pops up amongst ordinary citizens, conquering any mission in their agenda together!
