Toonz Entertainment is working with award winning international production houses Kindle Entertainment (UK) and Mediamax (Canada) on CBeebies and CBC co-commissioned Jamillah & Aladdin – a contemporary re-working of the classic Arabian Nights story. Jamillah & Aladdin revisits the classic tale that will appeal to audiences all over the world.
Speaking on this new show Toonz Media Group CEO P Jayakumar says: “Jamillah & Aladdin is an authentically Eastern story with worldwide appeal, taking elements of the mystical past and weaving them into a fresh, modern series for audiences today to enjoy. We are fortunate to be working with industry-leading partners on this project, from Kindle Entertainment and Imira to the renowned CBeebies and CBBC channels.”
The 14 minute long 52 episode series is co-financed by Mediamax’s parent company – Canadian finance and production group Mediabiz. The filming of the series commenced on location in South Africa’s Western Cape.
CBeebies’ acting director of Children’s and controller, Kay Benbow, says: “Jamillah & Aladdin will transport viewers to an enchanting world full of adventure and intrigue. The series is packed with wonderful stories that will delight and entertain our combined audiences.”
Cheryl Taylor, controller of CBBC further adds: “I am certain that children of all ages will be drawn to our two colourful protagonists. Jamillah is a modern girl who embraces each new adventure with intelligence and determination and Aladdin imbues each tale with customary mischief and charm.”
Aimed at a young audience, the series follows Jamillah, a 21st century London girl who stumbles upon a curious lamp in her attic, and is transported back to ancient Baghdad by the lamp’s resident comical genie. There she meets Aladdin, a street-smart young boy who knows the city like the back of his hand – who shows her a whole new world of adventure, excitement and magic. Accompanied by the genie, each episode sees feisty heroine Jamillah revisiting Baghdad where, together with Aladdin, she encounters a host of colourful characters – tricksters and travellers, fortune tellers and goatherds, and even the Sultan and his daughter the princess.