EXCLUSIVE: French content group Superprod, which previously worked on hit kids shows such as Batwheels and Paddington, and TFOU, the children’s programming arm of the TF1 Group, are partnering on animated show Vet Academy.
The show will follow the adventures of five young veterinary apprentices, known as the V Team, as they embark on rescue missions to save and heal animals in distress, such as a puma caught in a trap, a baby whale exposed to toxic chemicals and a panda being kidnapped by a mad scientist.
The original 3D CGI series consists of 52 episodes running 11-minutes each and is aimed at the four to seven-year-old demographic.
The young veterinarians in training will move heaven and earth to rescue and heal any animal in danger. Their school which is entirely dedicated to animal rescue and welfare is located on Harmony Island, a place of rich landscapes and extraordinary wildlife.
The original series is created by French director Charles Vaucelle (Pat the Dog, Oggy and the Cockroaches, The Daltons, Lucky Luke, Dogmatix and the Indomitables) and Matthieu Choquet, with story editing by Valérie Baranski.
It will be produced at Superprod’s studios in Paris, Angoulême, and Milan. Superights, the group’s distribution arm, will handle international sales.
“We are delighted to be working hand in hand with Superprod on this series, it’s a perfect combination of adventure and heartwarming stories which spring from the unique bond between children and animals,” said Yann Labasque, Head of TF1 group’s youth programming.
“Superprod has pulled together a team of exceptional artists and writers to create an unforgettable experience for our young viewers.”
Vaucelle said the series tapped into his own love of animals and family ties to the veterinary profession.
“I’ve always loved having pets at home and I know that children love to care about animals. Moreover, my wife is a veterinarian and for years, I’ve wanted to introduce children to this wonderful profession,” he said.
“I even hope that it will inspire future veterinarians. To make our apprentice vets’ missions more visual and exciting, I’ve designed V-suits, special suits that give them extraordinary abilities and protect them during their rescue missions. These suits are also equipped with numerous useful gadgets for diagnosing and providing first aid to animals.”
The series reunites Superprod and TF1 which first worked together on the 2014 series The New Adventures Of Lassie.
Superprod co-founding heads Jérémie Fajner and Clément Calvet said they wanted the series to both entertain and educate.
“With Vet Academy, we wanted to create a series that would not only entertain children but also raise their awareness of the importance of animal welfare and wildlife preservation,” they said. Adventure, discovery and fun are at the heart of this original creation. After collaborating with us on two seasons of family favorite Lassie, we are thrilled to work with the TF1 teams once again.”
TFOU is coming off a banner 2024, in which its programming across TF1 and TFX took attracted a 21%+ audience share for four to ten-year-olds, making it a market leader in France, according to Médiamétrie data.
