KidsCo hopes original productions will please operators

NBCU, Corus and Cookie Jar-backed kids network KidsCo is making its first foray into original long-form programming with animated series Sinbad in Space.

The 26x11mins series will be produced by KidsCo and Creative Image Partners and rollout across its networks in the second half of next year.

KidsCo global CEO Paul Robinson said that the channel would like to have at least one original series a year and that committing to investing in its own programming will help the channel secure wider distribution. “We have wide distribution and with the platforms left, mainly established DTH and cable players, we need to demonstrate that we are a long-term player and can compete on a like-for-like basis with the other kids channels in terms of content. Platforms need to see content that will define the channel and help differentiate it.”

KidsCo has invested in original short-form programming before in the shape of animated series Boo & Me, but this is the kids network’s first long-form series.  Robinson said: “By having your own, original programming you have something that truly fits your brand and in a world where there is a lot of clutter, the KidsCo brand needs to really stand for something. Secondly, in terms of rights, the situation is getting more complex and it is increasingly important to be able to control rights across all windows.”