SkyShowtime has acquired its first original animation series, family adventure “Hidden Islands,” which encourages children to explore nature and connect with the outside world. The show will launch exclusively on the service later this year.
The series is the second project, and first on-screen production, from Madeleine Bernadotte and Karini Gustafson-Teixeira, who previously co-wrote their children’s book, “Stella and the Secret,” in 2019. It will consist of 20 seven-minute episodes and has been brought to life by an award-winning team with extensive experience in children’s animation.
“Hidden Islands” tells the story of three children who end up on a mythical group of islands and soon realize that this is no ordinary place: the islands are slightly out of sync with the rest of the world, and they hold a big secret – a secret that will change their lives and which could save the world. The three children must use all their wit and work together to find hidden clues that can help them unravel the mystery and get back home.
Kai Finke, SkyShowtime’s chief content officer, said: ” ‘Hidden Islands’ marks our first animated original series and is a fresh, fun, family-friendly and inspiring addition to our growing slate of SkyShowtime productions. Exploring our connection with the natural world, the series aims to spark curiosity and imagination in young minds. With this prestige project, we’re excited to further expand our collaboration with storytellers, creatives and partners in the Nordics. We can’t wait to share this wonderful show that the whole family can enjoy with our audiences.”
Bernadotte said: “Karini Gustafson-Teixeira and I began developing this project during COVID, inspired by our shared love of nature, children and storytelling. Our aim was to create an animated story that would spark a sense of adventure while also conveying important lessons about sustainability, survival and caring for the planet. It is wonderful to see the story now being brought to so many children through SkyShowtime and its partners.”
The animated series is produced by OYA Copenhagen, the creative studio behind “Mia’s Magical Playground,” with executive producers Camilla Hammer and Sarita Christensen. The series is directed by Peter Egeberg and written by Myles McLeod, Pelle Møller and Evgenia Golubeva.
“Hidden Islands” is produced with support from the Public Service Fund in Denmark. Development financing was provided by Midnight Sun in Sweden, with production financing from OYA Copenhagen in Denmark.
The series will premiere on SkyShowtime later this year, joining the growing lineup of Swedish SkyShowtime Originals, including “Where the Sun Always Shines” (Där Solen Alltid Skiner), “Veronika,” “Schmeichel,” upcoming series “The Trio” (Trion), “National Homicide Unit” (Riksmord), and more.