Press release from ABC TV
ABC TV is currently in negotiation with Southern Star Entertainment to create a 3D animated series of Bananas in Pyjamas.
ABC’s Executive Head of Children’s Tim Brooke-Hunt, says the much loved series is one that many children have grown up with, an experience ABC TV is determined to offer pre-schoolers for many years to come.
“Animating the Bananas series allows us to present this classic show in a fresh, contemporary format, designed specifically to appeal to today’s generation of young children. It also gives us the opportunity to broaden the existing world of the Bananas,
while retaining their relationships to Rat and the Teddies”.
The proposed animated series will remain completely true to the essence of the original Bananas in Pyjamas. ABC TV has been involved in the creative development of the project from its inception and will maintain editorial and creative control over all elements of the production. All creative and conceptual work will occur within Australia.
The original format Bananas in Pyjamas will continue to screen on ABC TV. However, the ABC cannot afford to fully fund high quality and expensive projects such as this new series. As with all our high end children’s and adult projects we seek to work with Australian based production companies and international distributors to ensure the highest possible production standards, attract the finance and help sell the finished productions around the world.
The ABC will retain ownership of the original Bananas programs and the new animated series, which will only be broadcast on ABC TV in Australia. ABC and Southern Star will work jointly on international television sales and merchandising.