Studio B Productions announced on Thursday that the three major Canadian educational TV networks have acquired Martha Speaks for broadcast. TVO, Knowledge Network and SCN will air 40 half-hour episodes of the series, beginning this fall. The series has already been scheduled to launch in the U.S. on PBS KIDS in September. Aimed at kids 4-8, Martha Speaks is a co-production with Boston pubcaster WGBH.
Based on a popular children’s book by Susan Meddaugh, Martha Speaks follows the adventures of a brilliant dog who develops the ability to speak after consuming bowls of alphabet soup. Using her speaking abilities, Martha gets jobs, wears disguises, foils bad guys, wins contests, runs for office and orders lots of steaks. Because Martha has a natural love for words, the series helps young viewers develop their vocabulary through fun, comical episodes.
‘These Canadian TV sales are a great opportunity to build exposure for Martha Speaks,’ says Blair Peters, Studio B Productions’ exec producer. ‘We are excited to launch simultaneously in the U.S. and Canada by partnering with leading broadcasters in both countries.’
The past few months have been a busy period for Studio B, which was acquired by DHX Media recently. In addition to Martha Speaks, Studio B produces Ricky Sprocket ‘ Showbiz Boy, Being Ian, The Amazing Adrenalini Brothers!, Class of the Titans’ and George of the Jungle. In addition to Martha Speaks, Studio B will launch Kid vs. Kat, an original series with YTV. Visit www.studiobproductions.com for more info.
