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YouTube lines up lockdown originals

YouTube and YouTube Kids is planning a new slate of projects aimed to support, entertain and educate viewers around the world during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Susanne Daniels

Beginning in May, several new kids and family originals will be made available on YouTube and YouTube Kids, the Google-owned platform said.

The new originals will help “inspire kids’ curiosity, creativity, resourcefulness and resiliency during these unusual times,” it added.

Other projects include Locked Down (working title), a scripted series that will premiere in May and is described as a social media mystery in a social distancing era.

Created and produced by Toronto-based Sinking Ship Entertainment (Dino Dana, Endlings, Odd Squad), it follows a group of bored teens working together online to solve a mystery involving one of their neighbours.

Shot entirely via webcam and smartphone, Locked Down is a suspenseful look at how young people stay in touch while having to stay away, as well as what happens when boredom leads to suspicion.

YouTube will also live-stream various remote events such as Stream #WithMe in the UK on April 30, in which YouTube creators and stars will detail how they are coping with the lockdown experience.

It will encourage viewers to donate to NHS Charities Together to support the UK’s heath service and is made in partnership with Electric Robin, part of Endemol Shine UK.

“YouTube’s greatest strength is its ability as a global platform to build community and connection among people from all walks of life,” said Susanne Daniels, global head of original content for YouTube.

“We’re working to develop exciting new original content that is relevant, useful, and entertaining in order to deepen those connections and give people an outlet to come together.”

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