Paris– MIPJunior announced that the first 2017 MIPJunior World Premiere TV Screening will be “Thomas & Friends: Big World! Big Adventures!”produced and distributed by Mattel Creations. The Junior premiere which is usually reserved for debuting series, will mark the grand unveiling of a huge transformation in content for the world-famous children’s show.
“Thomas & Friends: Big World! Big Adventures!” (26 episodes x 11mins) sees iconic train engine Thomas traveling farther than ever before, taking kids on a journey of wonder and curiosity as he adventures around the world to experience new countries, learn about other cultures and, of course, make new international friends along the way. The show will have a more contemporary feel and increased, global appeal for preschool viewers.
In addition to Thomas’ expanded adventures, audiences will also enjoy seeing several aspects of the show that have been evolved to appeal to contemporary viewers: An all-new format series, faster-paced plots, increase in humour, more action and adventure-based storylines with several new fantasy and musical elements.
Mattel’s Chief Content Officer, Catherine Balsam-Schwaber, says: “We are delighted to receive a World Premiere TV Screening at Reed MIDEM’s MIPJunior, which is the perfect platform to showcase our newly-refreshed series. The updated format will make Thomas & Friends content more entertaining, inclusive, meaningful and global, whilst ensuring all the favourite characters and storylines that fans around the world love remain at the heart of the action.”
“We feel so privileged to showcase the new version of Thomas & Friends at MIPJunior!” declares Lucy Smith, Director of MIPJunior. “It’s such an iconic brand and TV show with a strong international presence and that’s very inspirational for our audience.”
Thomas the Tank Engine was created over 70 years ago and that story quickly grew through content to become the award-winning global brand franchise it is today, with multiple touch-points and formats, including apps; toy consumer products; publishing; live attractions and much more.
The exclusive premiere will unveil brand-new content from the forthcoming series, as well as a behind-the-scenes peak of the production alongside a Q&A with the creators and producers of the show.
