Odo flies to KiKa, Milkshake!

Odo comes from Sixteen South and Letko

German children’s channel KiKa, owned by pubcasters ARD and ZDF, and UK broadcaster Channel 5’s kids’ programming block Milkshake! have boarded forthcoming animated preschool series Odo as coproducers.

Produced by Belfast-based Sixteen South and Poland’s Letko, Odo (52×7’) is a hand-drawn animation about a little owl who is determined to prove that, despite his size, he is every bit as capable as all the bigger birds.

The series aims to teach self-efficacy and social skills to children aged three to five, while dealing with themes such as immigration, racism and respect for others.

Currently in production, Odo is set to premiere on KiKa and Milkshake! this summer. Exec producing are Sixteen South creative director Colin Williams, Letko CEO Jakub Karwowski and KiKa head of fiction, acquisitions and coproductions Sebastian Debertin. Louise Bucknole, VP of kids’ programming at C5 parent ViacomCBS Networks International UK and Ireland, exec produces for Milkshake!.

Sixteen South’s Williams said: “When we created Odo in 2018, we were really concerned at the growing levels of anxiety and depression in children. After what our kids have been through in the last 12 months, now more than ever, this really is a show for its time.

“We’re thrilled to have lots of new voices in our writing team and we’re not shying away from telling stories that need to be told – stories addressing racism, welcoming the migrant, adoption, loneliness and friendship groups. Odo is a cheeky but loveable character with bags of self-belief.”