A new series inspired by young children’s ‘extreme intense interests’ (EIIs) has entered production for the ABC.
Delivered in collaboration with Tilt Media, Cool Stuff with Fizzy & Suds is a pre-school factual series that features two animated bubbles that love to explore the real world from a young child’s perspective.
The hosts will guide young viewers through 26 different topics via a mix of 3D-animation and observational documentary techniques.
Drawn from research about young children’s EIIs in specific subjects, the series is designed to cater to all children, including those who are neurodiverse.
The creative team comprises director Genevieve Clay-Smith, producer Sam Griffin, executive producer Chris Hilton, and ABC executive producer Mary-Ellen Mullane. The series received major production financing from ABC in association with Screen NSW, and will be distributed by ABC Commercial.
Clay-Smith said the program was about “embracing and celebrating” the child mind.
“I think children will respond to this, as well as the authenticity with which we will speak to our young audience,” she said.
Griffin, who is Tilt Media’s head of unscripted, said it had been an “amazing experience” developing the series with Clay-Smith and the team at ABC Kids.
“Creating a brand-new multi-platform format for Australian kids is a genuine privilege, but the inclusive perspective that Genevieve brings makes it a special joy.”
ABC head of children’s Libbie Doherty said Cool Stuff with Fizzy & Suds was for kids who couldn’t get enough of “all the hot topics”, such as “diggers, dinosaurs, alpacas, ferries, [and] cows”
“We are super excited to be working with Genevieve and the Tilt Media team who have created a unique show with kids front and centre – speaking to their interests, in their language,” she said.
Cool Stuff with Fizzy & Suds will premiere on ABC Kids and ABC iview next year.