From a media release:
Awarding-winning content creator marblemedia is pleased to announce that its hit live-action preschool series, Hi Opie! returns to production for a second season (39×7’). Developed in partnership with TVOKids and produced in association with The Jim Henson Company, the series has been renewed by TVO (Ontario), City Saskatchewan (Saskatchewan) and Knowledge Network (British Columbia). Start of principal photography has commenced in Toronto for Season 2.
The series centres around the social, emotional and intellectual escapades of Opie, a puppet custom-built by the experts at Jim Henson’s Creature Shop™. As a kindergartner, Opie helps to show kids how to make the transition from home to school, teaching them skills needed to have a successful start in their educational careers. With each new day, Opie learns more about himself, his real kid friends and his teachers. Each story marks a new chapter in his personal growth as he learns through the process of play – having fun, asking questions, learning the consequences of one’s actions and of course, being curious.
Season 2 is set to have new interactive elements that will expand on the popularity of the current website (www.hiopie.com) and feature new activities including games and a mobile app.
The series will be produced by marblemedia in association with The Jim Henson Company under Executive Producers Mark Bishop and Matt Hornburg. Other Executive Producers include Marie McCann, TVO’s Executive In Charge, Children’s & Parents Media, creator Barbara Slade (Angelina Ballerina, Rugrats) and The Jim Henson Company’s Halle Stanford, Executive Vice President of Children’s Entertainment. Returning for Season 2 is Co-Producer Lowell Dean of Lolofilms Productions Inc., series Producer Lawrence S. Mirkin(Fraggle Rock) and Executive Story Editor Kate Barris (Max & Ruby, Captain Flamingo). marblemedia’s Mik Perlus will also serve as Co-Executive Producer on the series.
Season 1 of the series was recently licensed to Netflix in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. Worldwide distribution is handled by The Jim Henson Company, other than in Canada, Australia and France, which is administered by Distribution360, a marblemedia company.
