For the younger set, YLE is seeking content for toddlers (ages one to three), lower preschool (ages three to four) and upper preschool (ages four to six). For these demos, Vicky Schroderus, executive in charge of international products and acquisitions at YLE’s children’s programs, is looking to acquire or pre-buy both 2D and CG animation.
“There should be a takeaway for kids that the parents can detect as well,” she says. “Not everything has to be educational or feature curriculum, but the shows should include values like friendship or collaboration.”
For the older set, YLE is targeting children ages seven to 10, as well as kids eight to 12. Schroderus says the channel is looking to co-produce live-action shows for these demos, with a focus on Finnish and Nordic productions (eventually, she says the company will expand that reach to all of Europe).
“Kids that age are moving a bit away from animation, which is why we’re shifting our focus a bit,” she says. “But we’ll still acquire animation for those kids, because it can work well. Comedy and adventure are key factors for all of our content for that target demo.”
Schroderus is looking to acquire content both for linear television and YLE’s digital platform YLE Areena, and she is also picking up rights for YouTube. Overall, she buys between 50 and 70 titles per year.
Team
Virve (Vicky) Schroderus Executive in charge of international co-productions and acquisitions at YLE’s children’s programs
Demographic
Toddlers (ages one to three), lower preschool (ages three to four), upper preschool (ages four to six), kids ages seven to 10 and kids ages eight to 12.
Format
2D Animation
3D Animation
CG Animation
Live Action
How to Pitch
Contact Schroderus through email or in person at markets through meetings. Pitches should include a short synopsis and a trailer or animation sample if they’re available. “The shorter the email, the better,” she says. “I’ll ask for additional materials if I find it interesting.”
