Village Gamer

Distribution360 has announced the sale of Blue-Zoo’s hit animated preschool series Olive the Ostrich (52 x 5’ episodes) to Nick Jr. in Australia and New Zealand, set to launch in early 2012. The series, narrated by Australian-born entertainer Rolf Harris, has been receiving stellar ratings since its September launch on Nick Jr. in the UK. Olive the Ostrich is owned and produced by UK studio Blue-Zoo.

Olive the Ostrich is a CGI animated series for kids about a young ostrich named Olive who goes on fun adventures to all sorts of amazing imaginary places. Animators bring to life real pictures drawn and submitted by children, which are then integrated into the TV show. Inquisitive and enthusiastic, Olive loves to solve problems and help people whenever she can. She’ll try anything once, which can get her into trouble, but always finds fun and inventive ways of getting herself out of it.

“Olive became an instant hit with preschoolers in the UK, and we’re excited to be working with our partners at Blue-Zoo to share this series with markets internationally,” says Stéphanie Röckmann-Portier, Head of Sales, Distribution360. “We’re looking forward to delighting Australian and New Zealand audiences with Olive’s curiosity as she embarks on all sorts of fun adventures.”

“We’re thrilled to add Olive the Ostrich to our Nick Jr. programming line-up for 2012,” says Hugh Baldwin, Director of Television and Digital Content for Nickelodeon Australia and New Zealand. “Rolf Harris is an Aussie icon, and there are parents out there who will have fond memories of his unique artwork and wobble-board music. Lending his distinct voice to narrate Olive adds a special dimension to the storytelling of this engaging series.  We’re sure it’s going to be very well-received by both Australian and New Zealand audiences on Nick Jr.”