Chinese kids and family entertainment and licensing powerhouse Unicorn Entertainment has partnered with China Bridge Content on Centauri 5 (52×11”), a new animated space comedy for kids 6-11, the two companies announced in a joint statementUnicorn Entertainment has partnered with China Bridge Content on Centauri 5 (52×11”), a new animated space comedy for kids 6-11,. Centauri 5 is a collaboration between China Bridge Content Founder Josh Selig and Unicorn’s Founder Walter Hu. Selig was the US-based Executive Producer for Super Wings on Seasons 1 & 2 where he oversaw all pre-production at his former studio, Little Airplane Productions. Walter Hu was one of the leading forces behind the early growth of the Alpha Group which was one of the three companies behind Super Wings alongside Little Airplane and Korea’s FunnyFlux. Selig has once again partnered with Beth Richman, Ed.M. who created the original Educational Curriculum for Super Wings. Unicorn Entertainment and China Bridge Content will be giving global buyers a preview of this exciting new series during MIP Jr. and MIPCOM.
Centauri 5 follows the adventures of Titan, a Samoyed laboratory dog who was sent on a mission into deep space. When his mission was complete, Titan refused to return to Earth and, instead, he launched Centauri 5, a group of heroic former lab-animals committed to helping other vulnerable creatures throughout the universe. But Titan has another goal: To find his father, Roman, who was sent into space years ago and never returned. Titan is convinced that his dad is “out there somewhere.” Titan is supported by Sophie, a fierce and brilliant wildcat scientist; Limbo, a good-natured sloth who’s an expert in AI; Bitsy, a young red panda who is an empath and can feel what others feel, and; Drake, a robot who was discarded due to various design flaws which have rendered him a Luddite who believes technology is highly overrated.
Centauri 5 will be Executive Produced by Nancy Zha, the General Manager of Unicorn Entertainment who also hails from the Alpha Group where she worked closely with Walter Hu on content and media operation.
Centauri 5 was created by Unicorn Entertainment (Bubbles Hotel) and multiple Emmy Award-winning Creator Josh Selig (Wonder Pets, Small Potatoes, The Dog & Pony Show). The show features an educational curriculum with a focus on Space Science and Teamwork that was written by Beth Richman, Ed.M. (Sesame Workshop, The Dog & Pony Show, P. King Duckling). The show’s pilot script was written by Josh Selig who has also signed on as Co-Executive Producer. Josh has a proven track record of partnering on Chinese projects and turning them into leading global franchises. His previous successful Chinese co-pros include international hits Super Wings (KIKA, Sprout, Netflix) and P. King Duckling (Disney Junior, UYoung, CCTV).
Nancy Zha, General Manager of Unicorn said, “We believe the time is right for an interstellar comedy that combines the themes of space, teamwork and the well-being of animals. We are excited to be partnering with Josh Selig and his international team. They have shown time and again that they know how to create and produce projects that work in China and around the world.”
“I’ve known Walter Hu and Nancy Zha for over a decade and I have always been impressed by their deep understanding of the animation and toy businesses,” added Josh Selig, Founder and President of China Bridge Content. “Walter is a legend in the industry and was a key member of the Alpha Group’s early team. I’m thrilled to be working with him, Nancy, and the talented group of entertainment and licensing professionals at Unicorn Entertainment.”
