Momolu and Friends is a 2D animated series co-produced between Ferly, Yellow Animation, and Digital Graphics, an Atmosphere Media company. The series goes straight into production in Finland, Canada and Belgium. Distribution in Germany, Austria and Switzerland will be handled by Atmosphere Media and the partners will jointly release the series on global channels from 2022.
Targeted at 2 to 4-year olds the series, with a diverse cast of cute characters, promotes a love of arts and crafts in young audiences, applying humor while also introducing them to important socio-emotional lessons. The IP was created by design specialist and arts educator Leena Fredriksson.
The series follows Momolu – a gentle, unassuming panda with a knack for stumbling into funny situations requiring his help. Each episode helps teach children how to problem-solve, manage challenges, and to work together to find solutions.
“The Momolu brand is one where we can let our imaginations take us to delightful places full of wonder. For this series, we’ve brought together some of the brightest people in the industry from Canada, Finland, and Belgium. These influences can be seen in essence of the series, but there is certainly a charming element of Nordic visual inspiration with Japanese and Asian vibes,” Laura Nevanlinna, CEO of Ferly says.
Peter Voelkle, CEO of ATMOSPHERE Media and Director Digital Graphics adds “The number of commissioning partners already on board and the fact that we go to production right away speaks for the momentum Momolu has already developed.”
“TVOkids is proud to present programming that helps set children up for success in school and life,” says TVO’s Director of Kids TV Marney Malabar. “By modeling problem solving and teamwork, Momolu and Friends will teach kids the skills they need to make a smooth transition from home to kindergarten. We’re so excited to introduce our viewers to Momolu!”
As the latest brand extension, Momolu and Friends joins Momolu Minis, 41 episodes of short-form animation visible on YouTube, Kidoodle.TV and Playkids. Also in the Momolu universe is the Momolu Learning Game, available globally on the AppStore and GooglePlay and on Nintendo Switch from 2021, as well as Momolu Minis Music on US radio network Pinna.FM, a series of Audiobook Originals with audiobook platform Storytel, and Momolu ebooks on multiple reading platforms including US-based Epic!.
Ferly was founded in 2017 by former Rovio Executives, its HQ is in Helsinki with teams working in Vancouver, LA and Stockholm. Ferly’s work includes the Momolu & Friends brand (including Momolu Minis), Angry Birds Blues and Angry Birds Bad Piggies. Ferly also represents LOL Surprise, Masha & The Bear, Molang, Cup of Therapy and more. Several projects are in development including long and short-form content with gaming entertainment company Star Stable.
Vancouver, BC, based Yellow Animation Ltd was founded in autumn 2018. The young company is comprised of an experienced team, who has worked in animation for years. The story of the team starts in 2012, when entertainment company Rovio Entertainment decided to produce its’ feature film The Angry Birds Movie in Vancouver, BC. During the years that followed, Rovio hired multiple team members to its Canadian office. Some of those team members decided to start to work with their own story world creation, leading to forming Yellow Animation Ltd.
ATMOSPHERE MEDIA was launched in 2018 by Peter Voelkle, who was the founder and former CEO of kids and family programming group TV Loonland AG. As soon as 2019, Atmosphere was nominated Investor of the Year by CARTOON MEDIA. The company has quickly become a leading investor, producer and content owner in the kids and animation universe and boosts an impressive production line-up. Atmosphere develops, produces and co-finances animated series and films, and pursues strategic investments in existing companies and assets. ATMOSPHERE MEDIA is based in Berlin, Zurich and New York, and is a part of Atmosphere Group, a media and technology holding founded by Voelkle. Atmosphere is co-owner of animation and VFX studio DIGITAL GRAPHICS near Liège in Belgium.
Digital Graphics has provided animation and visual effects services for more than 80 animation and film productions, among them various Oscar and César nominations and international award winners. In 2018, ATMOSPHERE MEDIA became co-owner of DIGITAL GRAPHICS along with Christian Delvigne, original investor and president of the company. DIGITAL GRAPHICS has since increased proprietary productions and co-productions of animation series and films and has quickly become a leading Belgian producer and animation studio. Digital Graphics is an accredited producer under the Belgian tax shelter system.
Since 1970, TVO has existed to ignite the potential in everyone through the power of learning. Through impactful digital education products, in-depth current affairs, thought-provoking TVO Original documentaries, and award-winning TVOkids content, we prepare Ontarians for success in school and life. As we mark our 50th year, TVO’s ongoing evolution as a modern digital learning and media organization prepares us to serve Ontarians for generations to come. TVO is funded primarily by the Province of Ontario, and is a registered charity supported by thousands of sponsors and donors. For more information, visit tvo.org and tvokids.com.