BBC Children’s and Education has announced that The Underglow, the final commission from the first round of its Ignite animation programme, has started production. It has also named Hana’s Magic World as the first commission from Ignite 2.
Commissioned from the first Ignite initiative, The Underglow is produced for the BBC by Gigglebug and A Productions with support from YLE. The Ignite initiative was designed to champion original, creator-driven animation that connects with audiences and stands the test of time.
Patricia Hidalgo, Director of BBC Children’s and Education, said: “In a media landscape that is increasingly complex for children to navigate, it is more important than ever that the BBC continues to create and deliver high-quality content for young audiences. Our Ignite programme has played a vital role in bringing fresh, original voices into UK animation and transforming these ideas into trusted content that truly resonates with children both in the UK and around the world.
“The Underglow is a fantastic example of that ambition, full of warmth, humour and imagination, and its move into production demonstrates the real impact of Ignite. Through Ignite 2, we remain committed to championing bold British storytelling and supporting the next generation of UK creators.”
Selected from more than 1,000 pitches and following an extensive 18-month development period, The Underglow is one of three projects commissioned through the inaugural scheme. Other success stories from the Ignite programme include the already launched series of ‘Duck and Frog’, and ‘Captain Onion’s Buoyant Academy for Wayward Youth’ which is in full production and will be delivering next year.
Aimed at a preschool audience, The Underglow follows best friends Brewster and Riley, an adventurous, lightly comic double act, as they explore a magical world filled with curiosity, discovery and play. Set within a vibrant and inclusive community, the series celebrates connection and care, presenting a world where diverse characters support one another.
Anttu Harlin, Executive Producer and co-founder of Gigglebug said: “What I love about The Underglow is that it makes space for wonder. In a world where so much is explained, there’s real value in letting children sit with mystery and ask ‘what if?’. Creators Sam Morrison and Tanya Scott’s distinctly British pre-school style, combined with our Nordic sensibility of blending heart, humour and meaning, made this a natural creative match, and we’re proud to help nurture and bring that original vision to life.”
Katherine McQueen, Managing Director of A Productions, said: “We are very excited that production has begun on The Underglow, a beautiful and imaginative show that invites preschoolers into a magical, quirky world of discovery and play. This creator-driven project brings together an incredibly talented group of people, promising to deliver plenty of heart, humour and adventure.”
BBC Children’s and Education has also confirmed the first commission from its second iteration, Ignite 2. Hana’s Magic World is a CG animated preschool series that weaves British Sign Language (BSL) into its storytelling, with the ability to be easily adapted into international sign languages and audio translations.
Produced by Triggerfish UK, the series follows Hana, Lenny and Otis, three best friends, two of whom are deaf, as they explore the enchanting Magic World. In this magical setting, signing plays a central role in how the characters solve problems, communicate and care for their environment, helping to maintain balance and harmony in their world.
Leto S Meade, creator of ‘Hana’s Magic World’ said: “The Ignite process was an invaluable opportunity to work directly with commissioners who supported my vision every step of the way, trusted my instincts, and allowed me to stay true to the show’s creative heart. Ignite helped me build an incredible team who have elevated the quality of this project to something I am truly proud of. As it moves towards commission with the BBC, I’m hugely grateful for the opportunity to bring it to children who deserve to see themselves represented on screen, as well as those inspired by imaginative storytelling.”
Natalie Adams, SVP Business Development at Triggerfish, said:“Hana’s Magic World reflects what we value at Triggerfish, championing new directors and bold, meaningful storytelling. It’s imaginative, original and full of authentic representation, with deaf characters and sign language at its heart. Working with the BBC Ignite team and Leto has been a joy, creating something fresh and distinctive for preschool audiences.”
The Underglow is produced for the BBC by Gigglebug and A Productions in partnership with YLE. Hana’s Magic World is produced for the BBC by Triggerfish UK. Beth Gardiner is the BBC Commissioning Editor for both programmes.
Jon Creamer
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