We have some very exciting news to share today—a homegrown announcement that is very close to our hearts—the animated preschool adventure Ladybird Lu, created by Brown Bag Films' Director Nicky Phelan has been GREENLIT!

Ladybird Lu will join Cartoonito, the newly announced preschool programming block launching this fall on Cartoon Network and HBO Max.

Phelan, best known for his work on Vampirina, Bing, Octonauts, and for his Oscar®-nominated short film Granny O’Grimm’s Sleeping Beauty, is also on board to direct the heart-warming 9 Story series, which is being produced here at Brown Bag Films.

Ladybird Lu, inspired by Nicky's mother’s experience running a preschool, will explore the everyday dramas of first friendships. The series is a funny and affectionate look at Lu and her friends as they learn to get along with each other in their new social setting of a preschool. Featuring original songs and grounded in a Montessori curriculum, Ladybird Lu stories are rooted in authentic interactions and experiences, inspired by conversations with preschoolers, their parents and teachers.

“It always struck me how funny and heart-warming it was to see a bunch of three-year olds learning how to navigate each other,” said series creator and director Nicky Phelan of Brown Bag Films. “This show is about a group of people, who happen to be preschoolers, learning to share space together. My goal was to create a series that parents, and kids can enjoy together – it’s essentially The Office for three-year-olds!”

Ladybird Lu is also an incredible example of our collaboration with 9 Story Media Group's Creative Affairs team, which led development efforts. Developing a series from one of our own in-house creatives, and taking it from pitch to final product has involved teams from Dublin, New York and Toronto. It's been an honor to accompany Nicky across all stages of this wonderful and rewarding journey, and we can’t wait to see the series take shape as it moves into production.

“The 9 Story Creative Affairs team is thrilled to bring Ladybird Lu to life with Nicky, key creative talent, and research,” said Angela C. Santomero, Chief Creative Officer for 9 Story. “The world needs this show – to give kids a voice and share stories that deal with life’s little lessons, drama, and comedy that come directly from preschoolers themselves!”

Read more about the Ladybird Lu series announcement via the Hollywood Reporter!

Cartoon Network, HBO Max Double Down on Preschool Fare https://t.co/dppl2io0YZ

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 17, 2021

And watch this space for more Ladybird Lu announcements to follow!