We're on Facebook!
26/07/10 10:29
We’ve set up home on facebook!
Come on over, come in and have a chat. We’re posting lots of news, chat and photos there, so come on over and sign up as a fan!
www.facebook.com/sixteensouth
Big City Park begins principal photography
13/04/10 01:20
Principal
photography began today, April 12th on
Big City Park, our new CBeebies show
promoting the rediscovery of outdoor fun.
Archie - Online press roundup
13/04/10 01:03
Here are a
selection of sites who ran the launch of Archie :
Muppetwikia
Alaninbelfast
Examiner.com
Worldscreen.com
Ni4kids.com
Clicksmarts.com
Cynopsis.com
NorthernIreland Screen
Muppetwikia
Alaninbelfast
Examiner.com
Worldscreen.com
Ni4kids.com
Clicksmarts.com
Cynopsis.com
NorthernIreland Screen
Archie joins Potto and Hilda in Sesame Tree!
13/04/10 00:38
A bright-eyed and bushy-tailed Muppet will be moving to Sesame Tree, Northern Ireland’s very own version of Sesame Street, when the second series debuts later this year.
Archie, a three and a half year old squirrel with a love of learning, will join friends Hilda and Potto on their adventures as they encourage children to explore the world around them, promoting respect and understanding through educational messages. The trio will answer questions on many topics posed by children and introduce local mini documentaries that showcase the diversity of life in Northern Ireland. Archie is played by local puppeteer, Mike Smith.
Currently being filmed in Northern Ireland, the new Sesame Tree TV series will be accompanied by educational outreach materials and a website.
The new character has been developed by the local Sesame Tree production company Sixteen South Television, and Sesame Workshop, the not-for-profit organisation behind Sesame Street. The series is due to air across the UK on CBeebies later this year.
Archie (short for Archimedes) is a squirrel with a big bushy tail, bright eyes and cool glasses. With a signature phrase of “Sweetily deet!”, he loves to learn new things, especially when it comes to counting and measuring. He is truly delighted to be friends with Potto and Hilda and loves the fact that every day in the Sesame Tree is filled with laughter, singing, learning and lots of silliness. Archie is like an adorable much loved little brother to Potto and Hilda. They encourage him to find ways to be less afraid if he’s frightened of something – or help him to prepare for a new challenge. The three friends are always looking out for each other.
Colin Williams, Executive Producer for Sesame Tree comments, “It’s great to be back filming Sesame Tree for its second series, even more so as we have our new character, Archie, to introduce to the sights and sounds of everyday life in Northern Ireland. Sesame Tree has been developed to support the new NI curriculum so Archie and his friends have an important role to play in educating young children. He is a very welcome addition to the Tree. It is really exciting to see Archie and Hilda out and about on location as part of the documentary filming with local children and families for our new series.”
The Sesame Tree project is funded by the International Fund for Ireland, which promotes integration and reconciliation throughout Northern Ireland and the southern border counties, and also by Northern Ireland Screen. The second series of Sesame Tree will be broadcast on CBeebies in late 2010.
CBeebies - Highlights 2010
13/04/10 00:34
The difference that Sesame Tree has already made...
13/04/10 00:24
In 2006 The American Ireland Fund began a partnership with Sesame Workshop to bring its proven programming promoting respect, tolerance and understanding, to the children of Northern Ireland. Thanks to the lead sponsorship of AIF donors, 26 episodes of Sesame Tree were developed and in 2008 the broadcast began. Today, this historic initiative is moving into an exciting second season.
The Opportunity Studies show that children as young as three years old in Northern Ireland have sectarian beliefs. Protestant and Catholic children have few opportunities to interact and learn about each other’s traditions. The American Ireland Fund identified Sesame Workshop as an ideal partner in addressing the needs of this next generation.
Sesame Workshop has created local co-productions of the show in over 30 countries. The Workshop collaborates with local educators and researchers to develop a curriculum and works with local producers, writers, musicians, actors and puppeteers to create impactful programs. Each program captures the fun and essence of the original program while depicting the unique culture of the country and caters to the educational needs of each audience.
What Difference Has It Made?
Aligned to the revised Northern Ireland Statutory Curriculum, Sesame Tree is now broadcast across the entire U.K.
The website: www.bbc.co.uk/ni/schools/sesametree offers interactive games that promote the development of decision-making skills. Local preschools have received outreach materials to continue the messages of tolerance and understanding to young students. Early follow-up studies conducted by Queen’s University, Belfast are showing that after watching Sesame Tree children are more willing to be inclusive of those from other backgrounds. Their understanding and interest in cultural events different from their own is increasing as well. The findings are encouraging and point to a need for this programming to continue.
From: http://www.irlfunds.org/your_money_at_work/projects_sesame2.asp
SixteenSouth at Kidscreen
09/02/10 03:15
Colin is at Kidscreen in the Hilton New York where he’s meeting lots of co-producers to discuss new children’s programme ideas.
Kidscreen is one of the biggest events in the children’s television industry calendar and features workshops led by the creme de la creme of preschool programming.
18” of snow is forecast for tonight.... which will be interesting...
We’re also launching our new show, a CGI animated 13 part series for 7-12 year olds called Metropolis Avenue which we’re very excited about.
SixteenSouth is growing...
08/02/10 03:15
It’s time to get out the toolbox and paintbrushes again.
We’ve just acquired another suite of production offices in Linenhall Street, Belfast which doubles our size and gives us lots of room to handle our two new productions.
Committed to creating children's television worth watching
17/01/10 16:01
Since SixteenSouth was formed in 2007, we’ve always had a passion for children’s television. In fact, that’s the reason the company was formed.
For the last three years we’ve also been developing factual programme ideas and formats, and while it’s a very exciting area to work in, we want to focus all of our energy and creativity on children’s television.
Many might say, and particularly in the middle of a horrendous recession that diversification is the key to survival.
We don’t agree, and from the 1st of January 2010 we are ceasing all development on factual concepts and focussing on children and family shows - the genre we love, are passionate about and enjoy so much.
We’re so encouraged by our two network wins for CBeebies in the last month and have a slate of brand new ideas that are at various stages of development, and that’s where we’re putting our love, sweat and tears.
To this end, we would prefer not to receive speculative scripts and treatments for documentaries and drama, however we’re more than happy to point anyone in the direction of fabulous factual producers.
Sesame Tree - More Press...
16/01/10 15:49
A
collection of press articles on the announcement of a
second series of Sesame Tree
NI4Kids - Sesame Tree grows a second series
International Fund for Ireland - Sesame Tree grows a second series
Northern Ireland Screen - Sesame Tree grows a second series
ClickSmarts - Sesame Tree grows a second series
4NI - Sesame Tree grows a second series
Sesame Family Robinson - Our Irish Eyes were smiling
The Ireland Funds - Sesame Tree
NI4Kids - Sesame Tree grows a second series
International Fund for Ireland - Sesame Tree grows a second series
Northern Ireland Screen - Sesame Tree grows a second series
ClickSmarts - Sesame Tree grows a second series
4NI - Sesame Tree grows a second series
Sesame Family Robinson - Our Irish Eyes were smiling
The Ireland Funds - Sesame Tree
Sesame Tree - Regional Film & Video Editorial
15/01/10 15:56
Sesame Tree - Irish News Educational Editorial
11/01/10 15:52
Sesame Tree - News Letter Editorial
08/01/10 15:54
Sesame Tree - Irish News Editorial
07/01/10 15:49
Sesame Tree - New Season Press Release
06/01/10 15:58
PRESS RELEASE : SESAME TREE GROWS A SECOND SERIES
New series of Northern Ireland’s version of Sesame Street to be screened across UK on CBeebies
It has been announced today (6 January 2010) that Sesame Tree, Northern Ireland’s very own version of Sesame Street is to return to TV screens across the UK next year with a second series.
Sesame Tree successfully aired on BBC Northern Ireland last March before being picked up by CBeebies and becoming a firm favourite of young children and their families across the UK.
Co-produced by SixteenSouth Television and Sesame Workshop, the producers behind Sesame Street, Sesame Tree aims to encourage children to explore and appreciate the world around them, promoting respect and understanding through engaging educational messages.
The new series, which is currently in development, has been acquired by CBeebies, and will once again be supported by educational outreach materials and an updated website. The project is being funded by the International Fund for Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen.
Making the announcement Gary E. Knell, President and CEO of Sesame Workshop said: “We are incredibly excited to be continuing with Sesame Tree, and to have this opportunity to further develop this project with our partners in Northern Ireland. Our initial series was just the first step for this project - we believe that Sesame Tree has a great deal more to offer in terms of bringing inspiring, relevant content to this generation of young children in Northern Ireland, and across the whole of the UK.
“Its success to date proves that its combination of engaging characters, humour and real life situations has struck a chord with local children and communities. It also shows that while the experiences of children in Northern Ireland shown in Sesame Tree may be unique, the underlying common themes which they relate to, such as: sharing, respecting difference, trying new experiences and learning about new people are relevant to all children.”
Michael Carrington, Controller, CBeebies said : "CBeebies is delighted to be associated with the Sesame Tree project for Northern Ireland and we are looking forward to working with our partners to help bring a second series and enhanced website to children across the UK."
Welcoming the news, Sesame Tree’s Executive Producer Colin Williams said: “We are thrilled that the next series of Sesame Tree will be broadcast on CBeebies - it’s a great opportunity to showcase the children and stories of life in Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK. Sesame Tree remains completely home-grown – written and produced in Northern Ireland by the very best of our local talent. Viewers of all ages can expect more great stories featuring our Sesame Tree residents, Potto and Hilda, with lots of local humour and short documentaries reflecting life in Northern Ireland through the eyes of a child.”
“The success of Sesame Tree across the UK and the international awards that the show has already won proves that appealing, high quality children’s programming is now made right here in Northern Ireland.”
The new phase of the project will be supported by a Belfast-based Project Manager, Fiona MacMillan, who will be responsible for developing Sesame Tree’s outreach activities and community relations programme.
Welcoming the second series, Fiona said: “The outreach materials launched to support the first series of Sesame Tree are already being used to great effect by teachers and parents across Northern Ireland. However, with the development of this second series, we hope to be able to more fully engage with a wider variety of community organisations and partners to extend the reach and impact of Sesame Tree.”
Sesame Tree’s educational content will continue to be aligned to the Northern Ireland Curriculum.
Funding for this phase of Sesame Tree is provided by the International Fund for Ireland, which promotes integration and reconciliation throughout Northern Ireland and the southern border counties, and Northern Ireland Screen.
Commenting on their support of this project, Denis Rooney CBE, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland, said: “Through creative, fun and educational story-telling, Sesame Tree shows children, from an early age, the commonalities among young people from Northern Ireland. We are delighted to be supporting the second series, as it fits well with our strategy to fund projects that will have a positive and lasting impact in helping children understand how to learn, live and work together.”
Richard Williams, CEO Northern Ireland Screen, states: “We are delighted to welcome Sesame Workshop back to Northern Ireland to produce the second series of Sesame Tree together with Sixteen South. We look forward to the making of this extraordinary second series and are sure that it will be as successful as the first. Northern Ireland Screen is very keen to fund children’s programming as part of our commitment to developing a sustainable and dynamic screen industry in Northern Ireland.”
Ends
CBeebies commissions a new series of Sesame Tree
06/01/10 03:12
We are so truly delighted that CBeebies have commissioned a second season of Sesame Tree! Season One achieved excellent ratings and it’s such an incredible privilege to produce another 20 episodes of this brilliant show with our friends, the people behind Sesame Street, the world’s number one preschool programme.
Broadcast date is provisionally Winter 2010
Big City Park commissioned by CBeebies
23/12/09 03:12
We’ve just received one of the best Christmas presents ever...
Anyone who has ever worked in television development will know that patience and perseverance are such difficult concepts to come to terms with. We have been developing Big City Park, our outdoors preschool show for almost two years, and it has taken more twists and turns than Silverstone. We teamed up with our wonderful friends at BBC Scotland to develop it as a co-production and for the last six months, we’ve been knee-deep in research, creating a new family of human and puppet characters and clocking up enough airmiles between Belfast and Glasgow to do a round-world trip. CBeebies liked our idea and funded a pilot episode, so we assembled an A-team and brought a brilliant consultant, puppet designer, director, producer, composer and production designer on-board to make our dream a reality.
We shot the pilot over three days in a Belfast park with a lead actress, three puppets and four children.... IN THE RAIN
We’re so tickled pink to have just had Big City Park commissioned by CBeebies. The channel has placed an initial order of 26 x 15 minute shows.
Big City Park is a celebration of the outdoors. It’s set in the park in a big city and encourages children to get outside, to splash, explore and have fun. It also encourages parents and caregivers to loosen the reins and unwrap our children from the cotton wool - and let them discover the freedom of being outdoors.
Big City Park goes into production right away with transmission on CBeebies from 6 August 2010.
Sesame Tree Wins another major International award
09/09/09 15:47
The Hugo Television awards are part of the Chicago International Film Festival and are awarded only to outstanding productions that achieve effective communications through technical excellence and creativity.
One of the most prolific and influential elements of the lives of millions, television has become a fixture of the American experience. The Hugo Television Awards have honored the important events, beloved personalities, and inspiring ideas that have shaped the unforgettable moments of television. Every year the most innovative members of the television industry submit their work to the Hugo Television Awards to be recognized as a leader in the field. Now is the time to be recognized for your part in influencing the ever-advancing field of television.
The Hugo Television Awards will continue to raise the standard of quality in all aspects of the medium. With new and exciting approaches continually influencing television programming and commercials alike, the Hugo Television Awards pay tribute to those who push the envelope and display mastery of their craft. And, only the most entertaining and informative work is awarded our top prize, the Gold Hugo. This year, we're proud to honor two companies with the Commitment to Excellence Award, for their outstanding contribution to the medium of television.
The Hugo Television Awards mission is to recognize the enormous technical and creative energy behind television commercials and productions and to highlight their importance in communications. Each year, we assemble panels of distinguished media professionals to judge our competitive categories. To insure fully qualified appraisals, we select judges who are familiar with the industry and intended audience of each entry. All aspects of the production's technical execution are evaluated for professionalism, creativity, and effectiveness in achieving its goals. The production budget is carefully considered; a resourceful use of limited funds is highly valued by our judges. Entries are judged against others in the same category, but judges have the right to recommend that no award be given in a category if entries do not meet the award criteria. In the event of a tie, two awards may be presented. Our annual list of winners is circulated around the world to distributors, educators, potential clients, and the press to insure winners receive maximum recognition.
We’re really chuffed that Sesame Tree won such a prestigious award in the ‘Children’s Series’ category.
Sesame Tree Wins Major International Award
14/03/09 01:44
We’re really chuffed.
Sesame Tree has been awarded the coveted CINE GOLDEN EAGLE award for best children’s programme in the 2008 awards in Washington:
Cine Website
Here’s what CINE say about what makes a GOLDEN EAGLE winner:
A production worthy of a CINE Golden Eagle will be clear and concise in its structure and writing, with strong visuals, sound elements, and editing. Visuals and sound will be creatively and appropriately employed, with camera work, audio recording, narration, music, and graphics of a high technical quality that support the writing and editing to achieve a cohesive final production that fulfills the stated purpose of the project. CINE Golden Eagle entries are judged against a high standard of excellence. Judging criteria include: storytelling, production value, artistry, purpose (communication to its intended audience) and overall excellence.
Renowned for the Golden Eagles it awards for excellence in the production of film, television, video and new media, CINE celebrated its first half-century in 2007. CINE continues to recognize and foster the highest quality of non-theatrical film and video production through its semi-annual competitions.
The CINE Golden Eagle Film and Video Competitions, held each Spring and Fall, involve hundreds of volunteer media and content specialists who judge entries in several moving-image genres. Over the years, the judging procedure has evolved into an efficient multi-stage jury process to determine which productions are deserving of the coveted CINE Golden Eagle Award. The CINE Golden Eagle Award acknowledges high quality production in a variety of content categories for professional, independent and student filmmakers. Each year, hundreds of jurors judge nearly 1,000 entries in 27 categories. The names and descriptions of the productions receiving awards can be found by visiting the winners’ page of this website. CINE has a remarkable track record for rewarding excellence, particularly among new and emerging filmmakers. Many prominent members of the film and television industry have received the CINE Golden Eagle Award, and for some — such as Ken Burns and Steven Spielberg — it was their first major award. Ron Howard was a teenager, Robert Zemeckis a college student, and Mike Nichols a young comic when each won his Golden Eagle, and hundreds of other distinguished filmmakers, producers and journalists have since followed in their footsteps, some in CINE’s early years (Mel Brooks, 1963) and others in the present day (Martin Scorsese, 2006). For members of the film and television industry, the CINE Golden Eagle Award is an acknowledgment of excellence and validation by their peers.
So, that’s nice to have.
Sesame Tree is 'Most Viewed' on YouTube Channel
06/03/09 01:26
Sesame Tree's ‘Share Necessities’ episode is Most Viewed on the Ulster American Society's YouTube Channel which features a selection of broadcast content originating from Northern Ireland.
Click here to view
Gerry Adams and his Cookie Monster watch
25/02/09 00:11
Gerry and the Cookie Monster
By Mark Davenport
Gerry Adams is in the United States, ostensibly telling Americans about the serious nature of the current deadlock. However I suspect that his real purpose is to go shopping for muppet memorabilia.
Apparently he ran in to the President of Sesame Workshop, Gary Knell, at last month's meeting of the Bill Clinton's Global Initiative group in New York. Sesame Workshop make the legendary Sesame Street and the local version, Sesame Tree with Belfast company, Sixteen South.
The SF President told the SW president that Sesame is "huge" here. Then Gerry showed Gary his wrist, on which he proudly sported a Cookie Monster watch. Mr Knell's view was that this was as good as it gets.
Sesame, of course, doesn't just appeal to republicans. When Gary Knell visited the Assembly earlier in the year, the Speaker Willie Hay presented him with an Ian Knox cartoon of 108 muppets outside Stormont.
Full story here on www.bbc.co.uk
Lots more press coverage...
20/02/09 22:58
Here is a
roundup of a selection of press articles on Sesame
Tree...
Another World Radio - Interview with Colin
Muppet Central - Sesame Tree on CBeebies
IFTN - Sesame Tree Wins CINE Golden Eagle
4ni - Sesame Tree Wins CINE Golden Eagle
NI Screen - Sesame Tree Wins CINE Golden Eagle
ClickSmarts - Full Press Release - Sesame Tree Wins CINE Golden Eagle
RuthEBabes - Sesame Tree Blog
ClickSmarts - Sesame Tree goes Back to School with Outreach materials
Alan in Belfast blog - Gerry Adams and his Cookie Monster watch
Another World Radio - Interview with Colin
News Letter - Paul Currie - Acting the Muppet
Potto and Hilda Cookies!
Muppet Central - Sesame Tree
Diamond Primary School - Singing in Sesame Tree
American Ireland Fund - Hilda Hare and Grover visit the conference
Another World Radio - Interview with Colin
Muppet Central - Sesame Tree on CBeebies
IFTN - Sesame Tree Wins CINE Golden Eagle
4ni - Sesame Tree Wins CINE Golden Eagle
NI Screen - Sesame Tree Wins CINE Golden Eagle
ClickSmarts - Full Press Release - Sesame Tree Wins CINE Golden Eagle
RuthEBabes - Sesame Tree Blog
ClickSmarts - Sesame Tree goes Back to School with Outreach materials
Alan in Belfast blog - Gerry Adams and his Cookie Monster watch
Another World Radio - Interview with Colin
News Letter - Paul Currie - Acting the Muppet
Potto and Hilda Cookies!
Muppet Central - Sesame Tree
Diamond Primary School - Singing in Sesame Tree
American Ireland Fund - Hilda Hare and Grover visit the conference
SixteenSouth at Kidscreen
16/02/09 22:58
SixteenSouth’s Colin Williams and Laura Campbell are just back from a very successful and fruitful visit to Kidscreen in New York where we announced some new properties from SixteenSouth.
KidScreen Summit is the largest and most important event of the year for the kids entertainment industry. In 2008, the conference set a new attendance record, welcoming 1500+ delegates from 43 countries.
Decision and deal makers in the kids business attend to engage in critical dialogue on issues that affect the industry; take advantage of some of the industry's best networking opportunities; recognize and understand current market needs, opportunities and challenges; learn more about key innovators and their vision; and find and share ideas that will drive their businesses forward.
Sesame Tree featured in Philadelphia Film Festival
13/01/09 23:54
A Northern Ireland Film Festival, organised by the Ulster American Society, will screen twenty films that have been made in Northern Ireland over the past five years.
The Ulster American Society aims to showcase positive, forward-looking films made in or about Northern Ireland to raise American awareness of today's Northern Ireland, to help rediscover the blend of Irish and Scots-Irish cultures and to promote increased American tourism, trade, and investment in Northern Ireland.
Cinemagic 2008
28/10/08 22:59
We’ve been asked again to host Puppet Workshops - and Potto and Hilda have been asked to host a very special Q+A session at this years’ Cinemagic festival.
Click here for the programme
Sesame Tree's Hilda in NYC
28/10/08 22:58
Hilda, one of our Sesame Tree characters (and Lesa, her wonderful puppeteer) was invited to visit New York recently to thank the principal sponsor of the project - the American Ireland Fund. The evening was a furry and fuzzy affair and included a skit with Sesame Street’s Grover and Hilda!
Here’s the link to the full story
Sesame Tree shortlisted for JAPAN PRIZE
03/10/08 00:13
The JAPAN PRIZE is the international contest for educational media and has been running since 1965. It is one of the media world's most respected awards and recognises excellence in educational broadcasting.
SESAME TREE has been SHORTLISTED in the TV SERIES category against very stiff worldwide competition.
The awards are presented at the NHK Broadcasting Center in Tokyo on October 28th. Fingers Crossed!
Here’s the link to the shortlist
2.6 million visits to Sesame Tree website in 1 month!
14/09/08 03:06
The Sesame Tree website clocked up 2.6 million page impressions in JUST ONE MONTH. Phenomenal!
Development slate
14/09/08 03:06
We're delighted to be awarded Slate Development funding from our friends in NI Screen. We're currently developing a strong slate of programmes for worldwide broadcast and are working through character development and storylines.
Sesame Tree at Cinemagic
14/09/08 03:05
Our fabulous muppeteers, Paul Currie and Lesa Gillespie along with the charming and wonderful Mike Smith are teaching a puppetry skills workshop at Cinemagic again this year - along with a very special appearance from Potto and Hilda.
CBeebies ratings...
14/09/08 03:04
They say that the proof is in the pudding. To be honest, none of us really like pudding, but we do like good programme ratings!
The CBeebies ratings are just in and we're delighted to hear that many, many boys and girls love to watch Sesame Tree!
The programme acheived up to 205,000 viewers which is 70% of the highest rated, long running programme on the channel.
Fantastic!
SixteenSouth appoints new Childrens' Consultant
14/09/08 03:03
We are over
the moon to welcome Laura Campbell as our new
Creative Consultant
Laura is a Derry girl who moved to London 12 years ago to work in childrens’ publishing. For the last 8 years, she has been at the top of her game, developing internationally successful pre-school programmes. She was most recently Head of Development and Production at Rubber Duck Entertainment (a division of Contender Entertainment Group) and was involved in the development and production of Peppa Pig - a hugely successful, BAFTA award-winning worldwide brand; Tractor Tom and Humf - which is about to be broadcast on Nick Jr and has already sold to several international broadcasters.
We are delighted to have Laura helping us develop lots of lovely new childrens’ shows.
Laura is a Derry girl who moved to London 12 years ago to work in childrens’ publishing. For the last 8 years, she has been at the top of her game, developing internationally successful pre-school programmes. She was most recently Head of Development and Production at Rubber Duck Entertainment (a division of Contender Entertainment Group) and was involved in the development and production of Peppa Pig - a hugely successful, BAFTA award-winning worldwide brand; Tractor Tom and Humf - which is about to be broadcast on Nick Jr and has already sold to several international broadcasters.
We are delighted to have Laura helping us develop lots of lovely new childrens’ shows.
CBeebies takes Sesame Tree!
14/09/08 03:03
Can it get any better...?
CBeebies have taken Sesame Tree for broadcast!
It will air daily at 10am and 1pm every weekday throughout August and will be heavily trailed and promoted through on-air presentation.
This is amazing news for us - and for the television production community of Northern Ireland. Sesame Tree was produced for a Northern Irish audience - with local humour, stories and strong accents. To see it being taken by CBeebies, the most revered childrens' channel in Europe is a huge compliment to everyone that was involved in making it such a great production. It's fantastic to hear Northern Irish voices on national childrens' television.
For a producer to have a programme taken by CBeebies is the ultimate goal. We are chuffed.
CBeebies have taken Sesame Tree for broadcast!
It will air daily at 10am and 1pm every weekday throughout August and will be heavily trailed and promoted through on-air presentation.
This is amazing news for us - and for the television production community of Northern Ireland. Sesame Tree was produced for a Northern Irish audience - with local humour, stories and strong accents. To see it being taken by CBeebies, the most revered childrens' channel in Europe is a huge compliment to everyone that was involved in making it such a great production. It's fantastic to hear Northern Irish voices on national childrens' television.
For a producer to have a programme taken by CBeebies is the ultimate goal. We are chuffed.
Sesame Tree goes network on BBC2
11/04/08 18:46
Wow! Sesame Tree has been taken by BBC network and is being shown on BBC2 every morning at 7.45am. It's being shown on terrestial - which means that every television in the UK (and most of Ireland) with an aerial can receive the programme.
This is amazing news and is something we couldn't dream of when we were making the show.
We're so delighted!
BBC iPlayer
06/04/08 00:59
The first show - 'The Bookworms move house' is currently on BBC's iPlayer.
Each week's show will be added - search under the childrens genre.
The Financial Times
06/04/08 00:53
The US and UK
editions of the Financial Times ran
this story today which also
features on FT.com discussing the impact of Sesame
Street worldwide with a focus on today's first
airing of Sesame Tree on BBC.
Sesame Tree website
04/04/08 22:04
The great new Sesame Tree website produced by BBCNI is now live.
And here's a summary of the series, programme by programme...
More Interviews
04/04/08 08:58
We've almost
lost count of the amount of television, radio and
press interviews we have given for Sesame Tree.
Everything from the Financial Times in New York, to broadcast journals and our own local press too.
This morning it was BBC World radio which went out quite literally across the world on two programmes, 'The Word Today' and 'World Update'.
Everything from the Financial Times in New York, to broadcast journals and our own local press too.
This morning it was BBC World radio which went out quite literally across the world on two programmes, 'The Word Today' and 'World Update'.
Sesame Tree - Transmission
29/03/08 23:22
Our
production of Sesame Tree will be shown on BBC2
Northern Ireland FIVE TIMES a week!
First episode transmission is Saturday 5 April and every week for 20 weeks.
Saturdays @ 6.15am and repeated at 6.45am
Sundays @ 6.15am and repeated at 6.45am
Tuesdays @ 2pm
So look out for 100 Sesame Tree airings starting 5 April!
First episode transmission is Saturday 5 April and every week for 20 weeks.
Saturdays @ 6.15am and repeated at 6.45am
Sundays @ 6.15am and repeated at 6.45am
Tuesdays @ 2pm
So look out for 100 Sesame Tree airings starting 5 April!
That's a wrap!
22/03/08 15:37
We've just delivered all 20 episodes of Sesame Tree to BBCNI for broadcast. We're enormously proud of them and are delighted that they are not only visually beautiful, but are woven around important educational and moral teaching.
The show is broadcast on Saturdays on BBC2 at 7.15am on Saturdays and repeated on Sundays at the same time.
First show is Saturday 5th April!
Irish News TV newsreel
22/03/08 04:05
Sesame Tree Press - 2008
12/03/08 03:39
Here is a roundup of current news stories online
about our Sesame Tree production (with grateful
thanks for our wonderful friends at our PR company!)
Sesame Tree on Wikipedia (we didn't create this!)
The Muppet Wiki
BBC - The official Sesame Tree website
BBC - Sesame Tree
BBC - Sesame Tree preview on iPlayer - 11 March 2008
BBC - From Stormont to Sesame Tree - 11 March 2008
BBC - Bert and Ernie in Belfast Debut - 11 March 2008
BBC - Sesame wannabes begin auditions - 25 September 2007
Belfast Telegraph - A specisl treat for the Duke - 12 March 2008
Belfast Telegraph - Meet the trio in the tree - 8 November 2007
Belfast Telegraph - Meet the Muppets - 26 October 2007
Belfast Telegraph - Ulster on way to Sesame Street - 10 October 2007
Belfast Telegraph - Sesame Tree - An open door for young stars - 25 September 2007
News Letter - Paul's acting the muppet - 4 April 2008
News Letter - Bert and Ernoe talk Norn Iron - 25 September 2007
News Letter - Children's show takes root in Ulster - 9 November 2007
Irish News - My Kind of job... - 10 April 2008
Irish News - Open Sesame for North's Muppets - 1 April 2008
Sesame Workshop - Muppets arrive in Belfast
Sesame Workshop - Residents of Sesame Tree unveiled
Sesame Workshop - Search begins for Sesame Tree Cast
The Stage - Branching out: The Sesame Tree - 4 April 2008
Northern Ireland Screen - Sesame Tree debuts on BBC - 13 March 2008
UK Film & Television news - Muppets mania in Belfast - 11 March 2008
Worldscreen.com - Sesame Tree to debut on BBC Northern Ireland - 11 March 2008
Virgin Radio - Duke Special & Sesame Tree
4NI - Northern Ireland's own Sesame Tree launched - 11 March 2008
Belfast Child - Bert and Ernie in Belfast debut - 11 March 2008
The Optimist - Bert and Ernie promote respect - 11 March 2008
Queens University - Sesame Street comes to Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive - Stormont for Sesame Street - 11 March 2008
Unreality TV - Sesame Tree comes to Northern Ireland
NI4Kids - Wake up to Sesame Tree - 4 April 2008
Alan in Belfast - Northern Ireland muppetry coming soon
The Ireland Funds
Sesame Tree on Wikipedia (we didn't create this!)
The Muppet Wiki
BBC - The official Sesame Tree website
BBC - Sesame Tree
BBC - Sesame Tree preview on iPlayer - 11 March 2008
BBC - From Stormont to Sesame Tree - 11 March 2008
BBC - Bert and Ernie in Belfast Debut - 11 March 2008
BBC - Sesame wannabes begin auditions - 25 September 2007
Belfast Telegraph - A specisl treat for the Duke - 12 March 2008
Belfast Telegraph - Meet the trio in the tree - 8 November 2007
Belfast Telegraph - Meet the Muppets - 26 October 2007
Belfast Telegraph - Ulster on way to Sesame Street - 10 October 2007
Belfast Telegraph - Sesame Tree - An open door for young stars - 25 September 2007
News Letter - Paul's acting the muppet - 4 April 2008
News Letter - Bert and Ernoe talk Norn Iron - 25 September 2007
News Letter - Children's show takes root in Ulster - 9 November 2007
Irish News - My Kind of job... - 10 April 2008
Irish News - Open Sesame for North's Muppets - 1 April 2008
Sesame Workshop - Muppets arrive in Belfast
Sesame Workshop - Residents of Sesame Tree unveiled
Sesame Workshop - Search begins for Sesame Tree Cast
The Stage - Branching out: The Sesame Tree - 4 April 2008
Northern Ireland Screen - Sesame Tree debuts on BBC - 13 March 2008
UK Film & Television news - Muppets mania in Belfast - 11 March 2008
Worldscreen.com - Sesame Tree to debut on BBC Northern Ireland - 11 March 2008
Virgin Radio - Duke Special & Sesame Tree
4NI - Northern Ireland's own Sesame Tree launched - 11 March 2008
Belfast Child - Bert and Ernie in Belfast debut - 11 March 2008
The Optimist - Bert and Ernie promote respect - 11 March 2008
Queens University - Sesame Street comes to Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive - Stormont for Sesame Street - 11 March 2008
Unreality TV - Sesame Tree comes to Northern Ireland
NI4Kids - Wake up to Sesame Tree - 4 April 2008
Alan in Belfast - Northern Ireland muppetry coming soon
The Ireland Funds
Obvious Caption Competition
11/03/08 03:54
The PR machine overheats
31/08/07 13:02
The Press release for Sesame Tree was released
yesterday and within the space of 24 hours, we had
recorded 1 x TV interview, 6 x Radio interviews and
given interviews to 10 newspapers. It all feels a bit
dizzy - but great!
Here are some links to the production online:
Sesame Workshop - Press Room
BBC NEWS - Sesame Street's new NI residents
UTV - Sesame Street comes to NI
Belfast Telegraph - Open Sesame as Street prepares to hit airwaves
The Stage - Sesame Street set for Northern Ireland remake
World Screen - Inferno Group to produce NI Sesame Street
Irish Playwrights and Screenwriters Guild - Hit Kids TV Show for NI
Bank Independent (USA)
Televisionpoint.com - SixteenSouth to produce Northern Ireland's Sesame Street (India)
Corks 96fm - Sesame Street comes to NI
Limericks Live 95FM - Sesame Street comes to NI
Dublins Q102 - Sesame Street comes to NI
and of course...
Slugger O'Toole - Big Bird for Belfast
Here are some links to the production online:
Sesame Workshop - Press Room
BBC NEWS - Sesame Street's new NI residents
UTV - Sesame Street comes to NI
Belfast Telegraph - Open Sesame as Street prepares to hit airwaves
The Stage - Sesame Street set for Northern Ireland remake
World Screen - Inferno Group to produce NI Sesame Street
Irish Playwrights and Screenwriters Guild - Hit Kids TV Show for NI
Bank Independent (USA)
Televisionpoint.com - SixteenSouth to produce Northern Ireland's Sesame Street (India)
Corks 96fm - Sesame Street comes to NI
Limericks Live 95FM - Sesame Street comes to NI
Dublins Q102 - Sesame Street comes to NI
and of course...
Slugger O'Toole - Big Bird for Belfast
Sesame Tree Commissioned
31/07/07 12:58
We are thrilled and delighted to be commissioned to create and produce Sesame Tree - the new Sesame Street Northern Ireland production for the people of Northern Ireland.
We have assembled a great team of writers, producers and researchers and are currently in pre-production, creating the show concepts and designing the two new puppets that we will feature (and the secondary characters that we have developed too). These will be built for us by the Jim Henson company in New York.
Does it get any better than this?