Kimie Tsukakoshi in ‘The Bureau of Magical Things’ (Photo: Mark Taylor).
Nickelodeon has acquired Jonathan M. Shiff Productions’ live-action children series The Bureau of Magical Things, with the series set to premiere on October 8 in the US and to go on to air on its channels and branded blocks across 170+ countries and territories.
The 20 x 30 series was shot in Queensland with support of Screen Australia, Screen Queensland and City of Gold Coast, and first aired on Ten’s Channel Eleven in July. It was also pre-sold to German public broadcaster ZDF, with ZDF Enterprises taking worldwide distribution rights.
Kimie Tsukakoshi (The Family Law) stars as a Kyra, an ordinary teenage girl who is caught in a clash between an elf and a fairy then becomes magically transformed. Mia Elizabeth Cullen, Julian Cullen, Rainbow Wedell, Jamie Carter, Christopher Sommers, Melanie Zanetti and Nicholas Bell also star.
“The Bureau of Magical Things introduces a captivating fantasy world while promoting real world concepts like individuality, diversity and acceptance,” said Nickelodeon senior vice president, global acquisitions and content partnerships Layla Lewis.
“We think kids everywhere will find something relatable in these characters’ journeys to finding their true selves, while learning to embrace and accept what makes them different.”
On the sale, Shiff said: “We are thrilled to see The Bureau of Magical Things so strongly supported by Nickelodeon who will introduce it to a global audience. It’s a real delight to bring children all over the world into a story full of surprise and adventure brought to life by an extraordinary cast of magical heroes.”
ZDF Enterprises president and CEO Fred Burckse said: “We are delighted that The Bureau of Magical Things has found its global home with Nickelodeon. Coming from the magical studios of our long term partner Jonathan M. Shiff, the series will capture audiences all over the world and is a perfect complement to Nickelodeon’s portfolio of outstanding children’s programs.”
Jonathan M. Shiff Productions is also behind series H20 Just Add Water and its spin off Mako Mermaids, the latter of which was acquired by Netflix as its first Original live-action series for children.