Germany, France, India team for toon

MIPCOM: Disney Channel Germany is coproducing a new children’s animated series together with India’s DQ Entertainment and French prodco Method Animation.

The 52-part CGI series 5 & It is an adaptation of children’s book 5 Children & It by Edith Nesbit. The story centres on the adventures of five kids on a beach holiday who befriend sand fairy Psammead, who is able to grant them one wish per day – but with unexpected consequences.

The show, which will be delivered in mid-2017, is also backed by Israeli channel Noga and has presold to Disney Channel France. It has attracted significant interest from broadcasters and licensing agents worldwide, according to its producers.

The production continues a long-standing collaboration between DQ Entertainment and Method Animation, with Seven & Me being the most recent show to emerge from the duo. The pair have also adapted classics such as Robin Hood and Peter Pan.

“5 & It will definitely be, thanks to the work of our two companies, a new evergreen property that all kids can wish for,” said Aton Soumache, CEO of Method Animation.

Ralf Gerhardt, Disney Channels executive programming director and deputy general manager, added: “The series will fit perfectly in the Disney Channel line-up for a young audience and is in line with Disney’s rich heritage of creative storytelling, with a new look, and great animation.

“Our main-character, Psammead, steals the show as a sand fairy with an attitude and we are certain that audiences will love him.”