Unveiling 'Hidden Islands': A Journey into Nature's Secrets
SkyShowtime's Inaugural Animated Venture
SkyShowtime has officially announced the acquisition of its very first original animated series, titled "Hidden Islands." This family-friendly adventure aims to encourage children to engage with nature and foster a deeper connection with the outdoor environment. The series is slated for an exclusive launch on the platform later this year.
The Creative Minds Behind 'Hidden Islands'
This upcoming animated series represents the second collaborative effort, and the first on-screen production, from creators Madeleine Bernadotte and Karini Gustafson-Teixeira. Their prior work includes the co-authorship of the children's book "Stella and the Secret," published in 2019. "Hidden Islands" will comprise 20 episodes, each approximately seven minutes in length, and has been developed by a distinguished team with extensive experience in the field of children's animation.
A Tale of Mystery and Discovery
"Hidden Islands" follows the journey of three children who find themselves on a mystical archipelago. They soon realize that these are no ordinary islands, as they operate slightly out of sync with the rest of the world and harbor a profound secret. This secret holds the power to transform their lives and potentially save the world. The children must combine their ingenuity and collaborate to uncover cryptic clues, ultimately unraveling the mystery and finding their way back home.
Inspiring Young Minds: A Message from SkyShowtime
Kai Finke, SkyShowtime's chief content officer, expressed his enthusiasm for the new series, stating that "Hidden Islands" is a refreshing, enjoyable, and inspiring addition to their growing collection of original productions. He emphasized the series' focus on our relationship with the natural world, aiming to ignite curiosity and imagination in young audiences. Finke also highlighted the project's role in expanding their collaborations with storytellers and creatives in the Nordic region, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to share this remarkable show with families.
The Genesis of an Idea: A Conversation with the Creator
Madeleine Bernadotte shared insights into the origins of the project, revealing that she and Karini Gustafson-Teixeira began developing "Hidden Islands" during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their shared passion for nature, children, and storytelling served as the primary inspiration. Their objective was to craft an animated narrative that would not only ignite a sense of adventure but also impart crucial lessons about sustainability, survival, and the importance of caring for our planet. Bernadotte expressed her delight in seeing their story reach a wide audience through SkyShowtime and its partners.
Production and Creative Team
The animated series is being brought to life by OYA Copenhagen, the creative studio known for their work on "Mia's Magical Playground." Camilla Hammer and Sarita Christensen serve as executive producers, with Peter Egeberg directing the series. The script has been penned by Myles McLeod, Pelle Møller, and Evgenia Golubeva, ensuring a rich and engaging narrative.
Supported by Nordic Collaborations
"Hidden Islands" has received significant support from the Public Service Fund in Denmark. The development phase was financed by Midnight Sun in Sweden, with additional production financing provided by OYA Copenhagen in Denmark. This collaborative effort across Nordic countries underscores the region's commitment to producing high-quality children's content.
Joining the SkyShowtime Originals Lineup
Upon its premiere later this year, "Hidden Islands" will join a growing roster of Swedish SkyShowtime Originals. This includes titles such as "Where the Sun Always Shines" (Där Solen Alltid Skiner), "Veronika," "Schmeichel," and upcoming series like "The Trio" (Trion) and "National Homicide Unit" (Riksmord), further enriching SkyShowtime's diverse content offering.