Distributor Hat Trick International is to representation production company Nannie Caddie and has secured rights for new format Play Time.
HTI has secured international rights for the format, which takes six neurodivergent comedians to visit a local primary school where they are challenged, in the course of one school day, to create and perform an original stage play that’s based entirely on the ideas of a neurodiverse group of 6- to 8-year-old school children.
Nannie Caddie founder Céin McGillicuddy recently directed format hit The Assembly for ITV, where thirty autistic, neurodivergent and learning-disabled people interview well known British personalities.
For Play Time, whatever characters, settings, stories and catchphrases the children come up with, they must quickly turn into a play that they then perform that very same day on the school stage for all of the children and their family and friends. Witty, heartwarming and full of joy, it’s a celebration of creativity, community and humour — expect chaos, connection, and maybe a few bum jokes.
The original format is based on a new commission from this year’s ITV Fresh Cuts programme which is designed as ‘a platform for extraordinary, authentic stories’ funded by ITV’s £80m Diversity Commissioning Spend.
It is an original idea from Nannie Caddie founders; writer and series director Céin McGillicuddy and writer/editor Andy Kinnear. The original commission is set to air on Monday November 10th on ITV1 and will also be available on ITVX and Youtube.
The episode features comedians Cariad Lloyd, Inel Tomlinson, Stuart Laws, Bec Hill, Aruhan Galieva and puppeteer Chris Barlow.
Sarah Tong, director of sales at Hat Trick International, said: ‘This format is hands down a feel good and joyous show at a time that demands exactly that. Our track record in rolling out iconic international formats is well documented, we know what works, how and where. Nannie Caddie has a unique ability to connect with audiences with ideas that cannot fail to touch hearts and funny bones. This show immediately caught our collective eye due to its ability to capture some of the timeless beats and laughs that come through viewing the world through children’s eyes combined with a completely fresh approach to finding fun and creativity with a neurodivergent group – we’re incredibly excited to present this to our trusted global broadcast partners.’
Director Céin McGillicuddy, who is himself autistic, says: “Play Time listens to children, reminding us of the important things. And Andy and I really believe that’s the sort of TV the world needs and wants right now. Positive, feel good, inspiring and empowering. With universal themes of humanity, community, creativity and comedy, this is truly something everyone can enjoy anywhere in the world, no matter your age or background. We’re delighted to partner with Hat Trick International as we know they’ll leave no stone unturned in getting this important format on air around the world.
Play Time joins other notable MipCom highlights on the HTI slate including a raft of health, crime, and talent led shows and premium drama series Dear Life (6 x 60 mins), commissioned by Stan Australia from award-winning production company Gristmill.
Nannie Caddie, an anagram of ‘Céin and Andy’ is an independent production company helmed by showrunner, writer and director Céin McGillicuddy and writer/editor Andy Kinnear, two best friends who have been collaborating for over 20 years since meeting at Bournemouth University. Andy and Céin have become notable in British television as co-writers and creators, developing original concepts and directing and editing them, respectively. Including the cult scripted comedy series Top Copers (BBC), Sexy Murder (BBC) and Law Man (C4), alongside a number of projects in active development.
Pippa Considine
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