Toronto-based children’s entertainment leader Guru Studio (PAW Patrol, True and the Rainbow Kingdom, Pikwik Pack, Big Blue) has unveiled its latest project, Scoops, a new animated educational comedy series being developed with the support of TIME Studios’ Kids & Family division. The show will teach kids five-eight how to develop a lifelong practice of separating fact from fiction, whether it’s a schoolyard rumour or misinformation online.
“We are excited to partner with Guru, an industry leader in animated storytelling, to ensure that Scoops adheres to important journalistic principles for kids,” said TIME Studios head of kids & family Maria Perez-Brown. “Skills such as media literacy and critical thinking are crucial for kids, especially when they are surrounded by technology and have access to massive amounts of information at such a young age.”
Scoops follows eight-year-old fact-finder Ellerby, her best friend Olsen and their ever-present camera as their natural curiosity leads them to uncover the truth hidden behind rumors in their neighborhood. Whether Ellerby is digging into goofy questions like why the Paper Factory smells like dirty feet or exploring hard truths like why PJ’s parents decided to stop being married, she will use news-gathering skills designed to judge the credibility and reliability of the information.
The 52 x 11′ educational comedy brings a focus on media literacy, as Ellerby always adheres to her failsafe method for ensuring her reports are truthful, fair, and unbiased. TIME Studios and TIME for Kids Magazine bring nearly a century of journalism experience to the project designed to introduce children to the foundational journalistic concepts of truth and fairness. In partnership with TIME for Kids, Ellerby will be featured in journalism literacy material distributed to over three million American children.
“Like so many kids today, Ellerby has a wild enthusiasm for asking ‘why’ and finding the truth,” said Guru Studio president and executive creative director Frank Falcone. “We’re thrilled to be working with an incredible team at TIME Studios and TIME for Kids, who have such a rich history of telling stories with integrity that get at the heart of our community.”
“Kids are never too young to be taught the fundamentals of news and media literacy, which is the mission of TIME for Kids in classrooms and homes across the country and around the world. Children are innately curious. Teaching them critical-thinking skills at an early age will help them navigate the news and the world around them,” added TIME for kids editor-in-chief Andrea Delbanco.
Scoops is created by Fablevision’s Tone Thyne (Adventures of Napkin Man, Wonder Pets!, Go! Go! Cory Carson) and executive produced by Falcone and Rachel Reade Marcus for Guru Studio, and Perez-Brown for TIME Studios.
Guru Studio will manage international distribution as well as merchandising and licensing rights.