ABC and ZDF Journey into the Super Happy Magic Forest

30 May, 2023

Banijay Kids & Family today announces its sales division, Zodiak Kids & Family Distribution, has agreed pre-sales with ABC (Australia) and ZDF and ZDF Studios (Germany) for its upcoming animation Super Happy Magic Forest. Produced by Tiger Aspect Kids & Family, with Movimenti Production (both Banijay Kids & Family companies), the recent sales follow the announcement of the project earlier this year, with broadcast partners BBC and Rai Kids, and pre-sale with Canal+, already confirmed.

Super Happy Magic Forest is a comedy quest adventure featuring five heroes, brought together by their mutual love of questing, picnics, and frolicking. Led by the outgoing and courageous faun, Hoofius, they battle villains, share journeys, and have a jolly good time along the way as they learn how to be true heroes and how to quest sensibly. The series is based on the popular picture books of the same name by Matty Long, which were first published by Oxford University Press in 2015.

Julia Rowlands SVP Sales, Co-Productions and Acquisitions Banijay Kids and Family says: “From the incredibly talented teams at Tiger Aspect Kids & Family and Movimenti Production, Super Happy Magic Forestis a funny and joyful series and it’s no surprise that it is generating so much interest internationally. Both ABC and ZDF are trusted homes in their respective markets for high-quality kids TV, so this is a perfect match for their audiences.”

Roberta Allan, Head Content Curation and Distribution ABC says: “We’re Super Happy to be bringing this delightful series to Australian audiences.”

Nicole Keeb, Head of International Co-productions and Acquisitions for Children and Youth at ZDF says: “ We are delighted to see how the skilled production teams brought the wonderful books of Matty Long to life. Our young audiences will be excited to join in on the fun of the Super Happy Magic Forest. It is fresh, funny and original. The series is simply the perfect fit for ZDF.“

The 52×11’ series will bring to life the world created in the books, in a colourful 2D animation for 7+ years. Series Director is Ruth Ducker (Oddbods, Floogals), Series Producer is Georgia Dussaud (Best & Bester, Watership Down), Head Writers are Ciaran Murtagh and Andrew Barnett Jones (Mr Bean: The Animated Series, Ninja Express), and Exec Producers are Tiger Aspect Kids & Family’s MD Tom Beattie (Mr Bean: The Animated Series, Corpse Talk) and Jeff ‘Swampy’ Marsh (Phineas and Ferb , Milo Murphy’s Law).