Nottage Productions’ The Misadventures of Master Moley has been picked in a deal with WarnerMedia to air in over 100 countries across EMEA to children’s platform Boomerang and select free-to-air channels.
The animated show, which has an all-star cast, is set to begin production later this year. The CG-animated series will have 52 episodes spanning 11 minutes each and will launch in 2021. Boomerang will air the 30-minute special Master Moley By Royal Invitation in November, ahead of the premiere.
“From the moment I first saw Master Moley, I loved the show,” said Dominic Gardiner of Jetpack Distribution, who struck the deal. “The moles are loveable, charming, and relatable characters with huge appeal for kids and families globally. The style of the animation is timeless, and I personally love that it’s a passion project based on James’ stories and powered by his vision and creativity. Master Moley has a real star quality and, of course, a stellar cast. At Jetpack, we look for heart and humour in the animated series we acquire, and the series offers both in abundance.”
James Reatchlous originally created Master Moley as an imaginative bedtime story for his children. The story revolves around an adventurous mole who lives in Moletown and is the keeper of a magical book which has the power to bring peace between humans and moles. The tale follows Master Moley’s quest with his friends.
The series is aimed at ages four and upwards, and includes an award-winning cast including Warwick Davis (Harry Potter, Star Wars, Moominvalley), Julie Walters (Mamma Mia!, Harry Potter, Billy Elliot), Gemma Arterton (Their Finest, Quantum of Solace), Richard E. Grant (Can You Ever Forgive Me?, Horrid Henry: The Movie), Togo Igawa (Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, Thomas & Friends) and Charles Dance (Game of Thrones, The Crown, Gosford Park).
Both the 30-minute special and the series are being produced by Tony Nottage, and executive produced by creator James Reatchlous and Warwick Davis. The special is directed by Leon Joosen (The Little Mermaid, Scooby Doo, Aliens in the Attic), written by Ricky Roxburgh (Tangled: The Series, Spy Kids: Mission Critical) and Arthur Landon (Side by Side, Idle-Hands), with animation provided by Cosmo-Giantwheel and musical score by award-winning composer Lorne Balfe (The LEGO Batman Movie, The Crown).
The special Master Moley by Special Invitation introduces viewers to Master Moley, as he becomes the keeper of a magical book and makes his first trip to The Great Above to seek help from the Queen of England. The special has won several awards at the Latitude Film Festival, LA Independent Short Film Awards and Global Shorts Awards.
The full series, The Misadventures of Master Moley will introduce viewers to new characters and the wider hidden world of MoleTown.