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Nine, ZDF order more ‘Alice-Miranda’

Alice-Miranda – A Royal Christmas Ball.

The Nine Network and ZDF Enterprises, the commercial arm of German pubcaster ZDF, have co-commissioned a second animated telemovie based on the novels by Oz author Jacqueline Harvey.

SLR Productions is producing Alice-Miranda – A Royal Christmas Ball, the follow-up to Alice-Miranda Friends Forever, which premieres on Nine later this year after a cinema release next month through Village and Event Cinemas in Australia and New Zealand.

Produced by Yasmin Jones and written by Alexa Moses and Melanie Alexander, the plot follows Alice-Miranda Highton-Smith-Kennington-Jones, who has survived her first year at school and looks forward to the holidays, her birthday celebrations aboard a cruise ship and a royal Christmas ball to be held at their school celebrating Queen Georgiana’s silver jubilee.

But Alice-Miranda with the help of her friends must first catch a jewel thief, rescue Bony the pony, who’s been kidnapped, and uncover a scheme to bring down the Royal family.

Screen Australia is co-funding the telemovie, again directed by Jo Boag, which is targeted at six- to nine-year-olds.

Suzanne Ryan, SLR Productions CEO and executive producer, said: “We have had an overwhelmingly positive response to the first production’ and the return of partners, Screen Australia, Nine and ZDF Enterprises is testament to the local and international appeal of Alice-Miranda.”

Sally Caplan, head of content at Screen Australia, added: “Alice-Miranda is a shining example to younger audiences with her generosity, kindness and perseverance. This all-female creative team helmed by Suzanne Ryan and Jo Boag are at the top of their game. I’m excited to see them bring a new Alice-Miranda adventure to children and families here in Australia and internationally.”