FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) and CBBC have announced the production of a new, multi-media, comedy series for kids ages 6-11 years-old. Strange Hill High is a 13 x half-hour comedy series produced with an all-new innovative technique combining puppets, stop-motion and CG, dubbed “hypervynorama”.

Set in an all-but forgotten inner-city school with a plethora of secrets and mysteries, the show follows a team of three students who take it upon themselves to investigate all manner of bizarre and other-worldly occurrences that seem to only happen at Strange Hill High.

FME will manage worldwide distribution of the series (excluding the UK), as well as the brand licensing, home entertainment and other ancillary rights on behalf of CBBC and FME’s Children & Family Entertainment division. Launching the brand at Licensing International Expo in Las Vegas, FME is actively pursuing partners across multiple licensing categories including vinyl toys, gaming, mobile, sponsorship, online, live events and more.

Bob Higgins, SVP Children & Family Entertainment, FME commented: “Strange Hill High is a rollercoaster ride of fun. With great characters, outrageous stories and a completely original, mind-blowing look, I think kids around the globe are going to wish their own schools were this absurdly entertaining. We are very excited to partner with CBBC on this fantastic series. Strange Hill High is a strong addition to our growing portfolio of family entertainment brands and further emphasizes FME’s mission to bring innovative and original content to kids.”

Sarah Muller, head of CBBC Acquisitions and Drama Development, added: “Strange Hill High is, quite literally an extraordinary show and I haven’t seen anything quite like it before. It’s quirky, contemporary and has big comedy ambitions with, we hope, a totally unique look and style. It’s going to be fun to make too and we’re looking forward to working closely with our partners FremantleMedia Enterprises to realise its potential.”

The characters of Strange Hill High will be designed and fabricated by Mackinnon & Saunders, a world-leading, stop-motion animation, model-making and puppet making firm in the north of England. Their creative talents have been showcased in numerous feature films such as Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride.

Chris Arrant

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