Pukeko, China prodco in WotWots spin-off

New Zealand-based prodco Pukeko Pictures has partnered with a Chinese entertainment group to produce a companion series to preschool hit The WotWots.

The WotWots airs in at least 100 countries

Kiddets will be a coproduction between Guangdong Huawen Century Animation Company and Pukeko under the terms of the recently signed copro treaty between China and New Zealand.

The two production houses will each have access to funding and incentives in line with those for national films in each country as a result of the treaty.

The scripts and design of the show will be developed in Wellington with Pukeko while the animation will be produced in Beijing.

WotWots follows two siblings from space who come to Earth in their steam-powered spaceship.

The series, originally produced for ABC in Australia and distributed by ABC Commercial, counts Thai PBS and Mediacorp Okto in Singapore among its broadcasters.

“The WotWots has been sold into more than 100 countries, including many Asian territories. With that proven universal appeal it’s time to grow and expand the franchise with a sister series that has an eye on the growing Chinese market,” said Martin Baynton, creator of The WotWots and the creative lead at Pukeko Pictures.

Guangdong Huawen Century Animation Company and Pukeko sign the copro deal