Featuring Judy Greer as “Luna,” New Multiplatform Media Property Encourages Kids to Learn About Cultures Around the World
Arlington, VA, May 9, 2018 – Today at the PBS Annual Meeting, PBS KIDS announced that the new animated social studies series LET’S GO LUNA! will premiere Wednesday, November 21, 2018. Produced by 9 Story Media Group’s award-winning animation studio Brown Bag Films and created by Emmy Award-winning animator, writer and artist Joe Murray (Rocko’s Modern Life, Camp Lazlo), this new multiplatform series will debut nationwide on PBS stations, the 24/7 PBS KIDS channel and PBS KIDS digital platforms.
Research shows that young children have limited exposure to social studies concepts in school. To help address this gap, LET’S GO LUNA! will encourage kids ages 4-7 to explore and appreciate cultures worldwide, and build global citizenship and social skills.
LET’S GO LUNA! follows the adventures of three friends – Leo, a wombat from Australia; Carmen, a butterfly from Mexico; and Andy, a frog from the U.S. – as they traverse the globe with their parents’ traveling performance troupe, “Circo Fabuloso.” At each of the Circo’s stops, Luna the Moon, voiced by Judy Greer, guides the trio as they get to know the local region and its people. The gang’s adventures take them through cities around the globe – from London to Cairo to Beijing – where they explore the food, music, art, architecture and other features that make each place distinctive. Episodes end with the kids back at the Circo Fabuloso and Luna back in the sky, with a reminder that there’s always more to see, learn and experience in every place they visit.
“LET’S GO LUNA! gives children a vibrant introduction to some of the most interesting aspects of life around the globe, helping them appreciate what may be the same, and what may be different, about people’s everyday lives,” said Linda Simensky, Vice President, Children’s Programming, PBS. “The show combines the humor, detail and artistry for which Joe Murray is known with one of the core values of PBS KIDS: to encourage children’s curiosity and invite them to learn more about the world.”
One of the few storyboard-driven shows for preschoolers, LET’S GO LUNA! is produced with the goal of providing children with an authentic, immersive cultural experience. Each episode includes two 11-minute stories that are developed in consultation with cultural advisors from each region the Circo visits. The writers then work with storyboard artists to create visually-driven narratives that highlight each city’s distinctive landscape and features. Songs capture regional musical styles and instrumentation, and interstitials feature traditional folktales associated with each location.
“In all of my experience in producing shows, LET’S GO LUNA! is the most important of my career,” said Joe Murray, series creator. “Its message to young kids of becoming globally aware has never been as needed as it is now. And how can you go wrong with the moon as your ambassador? From the writers, artists and production staff I get to work with, the culturally rich content, and PBS as the series’ home, all arrows point up for me.”
“We are thrilled to be working with PBS KIDS and the incredibly talented Joe Murray to bring LET’S GO LUNA! to life,” said Tanya Green, VP Production for 9 Story’s Brown Bag Films - Canada. “Joe’s unique designs and message of cultural appreciation are sure to be a hit with kids and parents around the world.”
The LET’S GO LUNA! television series is part of a multiplatform media experience that will also include digital content for kids, parents and teachers beginning in late 2018. LET’S GO LUNA! will offer a variety of games at pbskids.org and on the PBS KIDS Games App, as well as clips and full episodes across PBS KIDS’ streaming video platforms, including the PBS KIDS Video App. A LET’S GO LUNA! app will also launch in 2019. Parent resources will be available on the PBS Parents site, and PBS LearningMedia will offer classroom-ready materials for teachers, including video excerpts, games, tips and printable activities.
LET’S GO LUNA! is executive produced by 9 Story’s Vince Commisso and by series creator and showrunner Joe Murray. Dave Brown (Numb Chucks, Octonauts) is directing, with Julie Soebekti and Tanya Green of Brown Bag Films serving as supervising producers. 9 Story Distribution International is managing the worldwide distribution and merchandising rights.
About PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, offers children ages 2-8 the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, digital media and community-based programs. PBS KIDS and local stations across the country support the entire ecosystem in which children learn, including their teachers, parents and community. Provided by stations, the free PBS KIDS 24/7 channel and live stream is available to more than 95% of U.S. TV households. Kidscreen- and Webby Award-winning pbskids.org provides engaging interactive content, including digital games and streaming video. PBS KIDS offers mobile apps to help support young children’s learning, including the PBS KIDS Video app, which is available on a variety of mobile devices and on platforms such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Chromecast. PBS KIDS also offers parent and teacher resources to support children’s learning anytime and anywhere. For more information on PBS KIDS content and initiatives supporting school readiness and more, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
About 9 Story Media Group
9 Story Media Group is a leading creator, producer and distributor of kids and family-focused intellectual property. Its award-winning animation studio, Brown Bag Films, is recognized around the world for best-in-class brands such as Doc McStuffins, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Octonauts, Wild Kratts, Peter Rabbit and The Magic School Bus: Rides Again. The company’s international distribution arm, 9 Story Distribution International, represents 2,700 half-hours of animated and live-action programming, seen on some of the most respected international channels and platforms. With facilities in Toronto, Dublin, Manchester and New York, the 9 Story Media group of companies employs over 600 creative and corporate staff. www.9story.com
About Brown Bag Films
Brown Bag Films are one of the world’s most exciting, original and successful creative-led animation studios. With studio locations in Dublin, Toronto and Manchester, Brown Bag Films create cutting-edge animation for the international market. Brown Bag Films’ much-loved TV shows are viewed by millions of children worldwide and include Doc McStuffins, Top Wing, Vampirina, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Peter Rabbit, The Magic School Bus: Rides Again, Wild Kratts and Octonauts. Brown Bag Films are committed to producing the highest-quality, cross-platform animation with strong stories and engaging characters. Founded in 1994 by Cathal Gaffney and Darragh O'Connell, Brown Bag Films have worked with some of the world’s biggest entertainment names, including Disney, Nickelodeon, BBC, Amazon Studios, Netflix and more. www.brownbagfilms.com
Contacts:
Lubna Abuulbah, PBS; 703-739-8463; labuulbah@pbs.org
Sarah Morgan, Allison+Partners; 202-591-1126; PBS@allisonpr.com
