Channel 5 builds Treehouse in nature-themed preschool commission for Milkshake!

Treehouse features live action combined with 2D animation

Paramount-owned Channel 5 in the UK has commissioned a nature-themed, sustainably produced preschool series called Treehouse for its Milkshake! programming block.

Produced by UK prodco Treehouse Productions, Treehouse was created by CEO Ryan Dean and Lowri Williams. Filmed in live action, featuring a mix of actors in costume and puppetry, and using 2D animation, the 30×7’ series celebrates nature while exploring the themes of kindness, inclusion and empathy, as the characters navigate the world around them.

Treehouse centres on a curious young squirrel who lives in a magical treehouse in the heart of the countryside with a mischievous mouse and a nosey woodpecker. Each episode follows the squirrel as he visits other woodland creatures via the magical wall of windows. On his adventures, he learns valuable lessons and new skills that he teaches to his friends when he returns home.

The characters are non-verbal and communicate physically, with narration provided by Milkshake! presenter Olivia Birchenough.

Treehouse is produced at RD Studios, of which Dean is also CEO, in a London facility powered by zero-carbon energy. The sets are built from recyclable cardboard that is later pulped and repurposed.

Dean said: “My vision when building RD Studios was always to establish a completely sustainable film studio, capable of producing shows that reflect those values. Treehouse is a testament to that commitment, offering children live-action content that is both educational, entertaining and sustainably produced.”

Williams is the writer on the series, with Lilly Pollard producing and Jamie Langton directing. The costumes are created by Plunge Creations’ Tim Simpson (The Masked Singer), while the live-action sequences are blended with animation and special effects from studio Beakus (Big Lizard, Yakka Dee).

Serious Kids holds the international distribution rights to Treehouse, which will air on Milkshake! next year.