Decode lines up preschool push for Cannes

Children's TV indie Decode Entertainment will launch two new series at this year's Mip-TV, as part of a drive by the Canada and London-based production company to firmly establish itself in the preschool market.

Save 'Ums is a 26×26' animation executive produced by creator and writer Dan Clarke of the Dan Clarke Company (Brats of the Lost Nebula). The 3D animation is produced by CORE Digital Pictures, which also created the animation for Decode's Angela Anaconda.

The show features a cast of preschool action heroes – guided by the voice of Mr Thingama Bob – who encourage children to learn about problem solving and new technology.

Decode is also launching Franny's Feet (pictured), a 13×26' preschool series also animated by CORE Digital. It tells the story of a five-year-old girl who goes on magical adventures each time she tries on a new pair of shoes at her grandfather's shop.

Decode Entertainment's vp of production and development Beth Stevenson said: {We are very excited to take story-telling to a younger audience. We have learned that great stories work well for all children, from the oldest down to the youngest.

{It's a great challenge for us to create new shows for preschoolers which make learning fun. Save 'Ums and Franny's Feet are both very different but we're confident that they will appeal to a wide audience of younger viewers.{