Puffin Rock, Nelly and Nora and Inis Spraoi Make their Debuts on Irish Television
Irish animated series Puffin Rock, Nelly & Nora and Inis Spraoi have both recently made their television debut on RTÉJr.
Puffin Rock began its run on RTÉJr in January, coming from Kilkenny-based animation studio Cartoon Saloon, Derry-based studio Dog Ears and Penguin Books. Narrated by Chris O’Dowd (The IT Crowd, Moone Boy), Puffin Rock has been confirmed for a second series. Puffin Rock follows a family of lovable puffins living on a wild and beautiful Irish island. Young puffling, Oona, and her little brother, Baba, explore the island with their friends, and their stories are filled with laughter and adventure. Puffin Rock has a gently educational tone, appealing to 2"6 year olds and their parents.
Nelly & Nora made its debut on RTEJr in early February, and came from Dublin-based Geronimo Productions. The series received distribution deals from CBeebies and the largest broadcaster in Germany ZDF. Walker Books will produce a series of books based on the series. Nelly & Nora, aimed for preschoolers, follows the stories of two young sisters who spend their holidays and weekends with their parents at the family's mobile home in a camping park by the sea. The series features the voice of Ardal O’Hanlon (Father Ted) as the father of the girls.
Inis Spraoi debuted on February 16 on RTÉ Jr. Inis Spraoi -- international title Rockabye Island -- is a co-production between Magpie 6 Media and Monster Entertainment. This preschool show follows Sean, Roisin and friends on their adventures on a mystical island called Inis Spraoi. The children have a great time learning with their teacher, Mister O'Dear, who happens to be a deer!
Puffin Rock, Nelly & Nora and Inis Spraoi were funded by Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board.