European broadcasters unite for ’20 Dance Street’ animated series
A new animated adventure takes center stage
Two of Europe’s leading public broadcasters, Germany’s ZDF and France Télévisions, have joined forces to bring the CGI animated comedy-drama “20 Dance Street” to life. This exciting new series has been greenlit for production, with France Télévisions securing the series as a pre-sale. Additionally, Belgium’s RTBF has also picked up the series for its audience.
A collaborative effort
Produced by Federation Studios’ Cottonwood Media, “20 Dance Street” is set to be distributed internationally by Federation Kids & Family and ZDF Studios. The series will be introduced to potential buyers at the Unifrance Rendez-Vous in Le Havre and the Cannes Mipcom trade fair. With 26 half-hour episodes, it promises to be one of the most substantial new European premium animated series to hit the market.
Overcoming challenges in animation
The series is one of the few projects from last September’s Cartoon Forum to receive the green light for production. This comes at a time when producers face a challenging commissioning environment for animation, with state-owned TVs in Europe emerging as key players in placing regular orders.
A partnership with the Paris National Opera
Pre-production for “20 Dance Street” is set to begin this fall. The series is being created in partnership with the Paris National Opera, aligning it with previous Cottonwood productions like “Find Me in Paris” and “Spellbound”. Targeting a young audience aged 6-11, the series builds on the themes of diversity explored in “Spellbound”.
The journey of Maya
The story revolves around 11-year-old Maya, who leaves the Caribbean to join the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet School. This life-changing move sets her on a path to becoming a prima ballerina. The series follows Maya’s journey through her first year at ballet school, blending drama and comedy to create a compelling narrative.
“Her resilience and altruism shine through as she navigates the unknown far from home, driven by a single dream,” the synopsis reads. The series aims to resonate with young viewers by exploring themes such as friendship, abandonment, joy, and betrayal.
A modern adaptation of a beloved book series
“20 Dance Street” is based on the popular French children’s book series “20 allée de la danse” by Elizabeth Barféty. With 20 books published since 2016, the series brings a modern sensibility to the screen.
“Ballet used to be very elite and upper class. It has only recently opened up to diversity, led by the U.S. The idea of the show is to broaden its appeal,” said Cottonwood Media co-founders.
A talented team behind the scenes
The series is written and developed by Christel Gonnard, co-writer of the 2015 hit animated TV series “Heidi”. It will be directed by Romy Yao, an animator known for “Funan” and “Sherlock Gnomes”. Designs are by David François.
“6-11 is a crucial age group for kids’ animation,” observed Cottonwood Media. This allows the series to push the ultra-realism of dance scenes performed in motion capture by Paris Opera dancers, creating an immersive experience for young viewers.
A new chapter in ballet storytelling
“20 Dance Street” is described as a “new, exciting, and deeply moving ballet adventure,” said Nicole Keeb, Head of International Co-productions and Acquisitions, Children and Youth programs, ZDF. Following the success of “Find Me in Paris” and “Spellbound”, the team felt it was time to explore the world of ballet through animation, reaching a slightly younger audience.
“We were immediately captivated by the story of Maya and her friends and by how Elizabeth Barféty’s books will be adapted for the screen,” commented Arne Lohmann, VP Junior at ZDF Studios.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit 20 Dance Street.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the upcoming animated series “20 Dance Street”, highlighting its unique elements and the collaborative efforts behind its production. By delving into the story, production details, and the talented team involved, readers can gain a deeper understanding of what makes this series a promising addition to the world of children’s animation.