France gets new Sesame Street in October

zanimum

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(New York, NY, and Paris, France, September 15, 2005): Elmo and a new Muppet character named Nac are saying, “Bonjour!” to the children of France. An original French program based on the award-winning children’s television program Sesame Street (a concept developed by nonprofit educational organization Sesame Workshop in the US in 1969), is now in production. Co-produced by public broadcaster France 5 and production company Expand-Drama, 5, Rue Sésame will launch as a daily series in October. Four other Muppet characters have been developed specifically for the French series.

Produced by renowned Film and Television Producer Georges Campana, in Studio VCF (Region Ile de France), 5, Rue Sésame, is a playful fictional series that presents educational messages to children in a context that reflects the daily lives of French children. The series is written, produced, and directed by local French talent to address the developmental needs of French preschoolers. 5, Rue Sésame’s educational focus is consistent with the national curricular approach and emphasizes learning across social, emotional, cognitive, and physical domains for young children.

5, Rue Sésame, comprising 75 episodes, features Muppet, regionally produced live action, and animation segments. The new Muppet characters include an energetic girl in a wheelchair named Griotte, who will be an active participant in all the fun on the street and will provide positive images of children with disabilities.

5, Rue Sésame merchandising, publishing, and promotions will be managed by France Television Distribution (FTD), the merchandising division of France Television, while AB Distribution will license the program throughout French-speaking territories in Europe.

“Expand-Drama has extensive experience in producing drama and youth programs,” explained Pierre Bertrand–Jaume, General Manager of Expand-Drama. “Today, no less than 60 writers, puppeteers, actors, technicians and directors are working on the original French version of the world famous Sesame Street. No doubt, our new hero Nac will very soon become a favorite among the pre-school audience.”

“France has always been a priority market for Sesame Workshop,” said Gary E. Knell, Sesame Workshop’s President and CEO. “We first provided local programming and licensed products in the 1970s, and have since seen the preschool media landscape evolve tremendously. We are excited to be re-entering the French market with two of the strongest partners in the television business—France’s number one preschool broadcaster and the most innovative production company—to deliver compelling educational television that serves the needs of today’s children.” Sesame Workshop is providing creative guidance for the series.

On-going plans for 5, Rue Sésame include program evaluation and research, and the development of educational outreach programs and interactive learning platforms.

Sesame Workshop is a nonprofit educational organization making a meaningful difference in children's lives around the world. Founded in 1968, the Workshop changed television forever with the legendary Sesame Street. Today, the Workshop continues to innovate on behalf of children in 120 countries, using its proprietary research methodology to ensure its programs and products are engaging and enriching. Sesame Workshop is behind award-winning programs like Play With Me Sesame and Tiny Planets and ground breaking multimedia productions in South Africa, Egypt and Russia. As a nonprofit, Sesame Workshop puts the proceeds it receives from sales of its products right back into educational projects for children around the world. Find the Workshop online at www.sesameworkshop.org.
 

The Count

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Wha??? A new SS France co-production???

But... Thought there already was a SS France co-production. I mean, I have entries for characters identified as Toccata and Mordecai from SS France, Toccata being Big Bird's female white-feathered French cousin.
Oh well... Let's get ready to welcome in a new batch of international SS Muppet characters to the world, Muppet family, and the listings as well!
 

zanimum

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The Count said:
Wha??? A new SS France co-production???

But... Thought there already was a SS France co-production. I mean, I have entries for characters identified as Toccata and Mordecai from SS France, Toccata being Big Bird's female white-feathered French cousin.
Oh well... Let's get ready to welcome in a new batch of international SS Muppet characters to the world, Muppet family, and the listings as well!
The original series was 1, rue Sesame and was only in the 1970s, as far as I know.
 
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