May 11, 2015 (Toronto, Canada) – Awarding-winning content creator marblemedia is pleased to
announce that its hit live-action preschool series, Hi Opie! returns to production for a second
season (39×7). Developed in partnership with TVOKids and produced in association with The
Jim Henson Company, the series has been renewed by TVO (Ontario) City Saskatchewan
(Saskatchewan) and Knowledge Network (British Columbia). Start of principal photography has
commenced in Toronto for Season 2.
The series centres around the social, emotional and intellectual escapades of Opie, a puppet
custom-built by the experts at Jim Henson’s Creature Shop™. As a kindergartner, Opie helps to
show kids how to make the transition from home to school, teaching them skills needed to have a
successful start in their educational careers. With each new day, Opie learns more about himself,
his real kid friends and his teachers. Each story marks a new chapter in his personal growth as
he learns through the process of play – having fun, asking questions, learning the consequences
of one’s actions and of course, being curious.
Season 2 is set to have new interactive elements that will expand on the popularity of the current
website and feature new activities including games and a mobile app.
“We were very excited by the positive response we received throughout the first season both
during broadcast and online,” said Mark Bishop Co-CEO and Executive Producer, marblemedia.
“We are eager to bring new episodes to audiences so they can embark upon more adventures
with Opie!. The new playground location is especially exciting as it will provide a new place for
motor skill development as well as mental and environmental learning.”
“TVO is thrilled to help teach preschoolers how to navigate their way through full-day kindergarten
with a second season of Hi Opie!,” said Pat Ellingson, Creative Head of Children’s & Parents’
Media, TVO. “A strong foundation can be set in kindergarten and Hi Opie! is a perfect example of
how TVOKids’ educational content inspires Ontario’s youngest minds to excel both inside and
outside the classroom.”
The series will be produced by marblemedia in association with The Jim Henson Company under
Executive Producers Mark Bishop and Matt Hornburg. Other executive producers include Pat
Ellingson, TVO’s Creative Head of Children’s & Parents’ Media, creator Barbara Slade
(Angelina Ballerina, Rugrats) and The Jim Henson Company’s Halle Stanford, Executive Vice
President of Children’s Entertainment. Returning for Season 2 is Co-Producer Lowell Dean of
Lolofilms Productions Inc., series Producer Lawrence S. Mirkin (Fraggle Rock) and Executive
Story Editor Kate Barris (Max & Ruby, Captain Flamingo). marblemedia’s Mik Perlus will also
serve as Co-Executive Producer on the series.
Season 1 of the series was recently licensed to Netflix in the United States, United Kingdom,
Australia and New Zealand. Worldwide distribution is handled by The Jim Henson Company,
other than in Canada, Australia and France, which is administered by Distribution360, a
marblemedia company.
For more information and updates, follow @HiOpie_TV or “like” Hi Opie! on
Facebook.com/HiOpie.TV and join the conversation with the hashtag #HiOpie.
About marblemedia
marblemedia develops, produces and distributes engaging multiplatform entertainment
experiences for audiences around the world. With nearly 250 hours of programming distributed in
more than 200 territories, marblemedia has been honoured by Playback Magazine with the 2013
Outstanding Achievement Award, in addition to being named Transmedia Producer of the Year
(2011) by the publication. marble has won a Canadian Screen Award, two Gemini Awards, been
nominated for an Emmy® Award and was identified as a Next Generation Content Producer
(2009) by The Hollywood Reporter. The company owns a 50-acre production ranch, operates a
Toronto-based studio, home to 50 staff, and an L.A. office. The company was co-founded by
Mark Bishop and Matt Hornburg in 2001. www.marblemedia.com | @marblemedia |
Facebook.com/marblemedia
About TVO
As the technological extension of Ontario’s public education system, TVO’s vision is to create a
better world through the power of learning. TVO provides learning opportunities for Ontarians
through innovative educational products, in-depth current affairs, groundbreaking documentaries,
and award-winning TVOKids resources both inside and outside the classroom. TVO is funded
primarily by the Province of Ontario and is a registered charity supported by sponsors and
thousands of donors. For more information, visit tvo.org.
About The Jim Henson Company
The Jim Henson Company has remained an established leader in family entertainment for over
50 years and is recognized worldwide as an innovator in puppetry, animatronics and digital
animation. Best known as creators of the world famous Muppets, Henson has received over 50
Emmy Awards and nine Grammy Awards. Recent credits include the Emmy®-nominated Sid the
Science Kid, Dinosaur Train, and Pajanimals, as well as the CG-animated preschool series
Doozers. Features include Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, as well
as The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, and MirrorMask. Television productions include Fraggle Rock, the
sci-fi cult series Farscape, the reality competition, Jim Henson’s Creature Shop Challenge, and
Henson Alternative’s No, You Shut Up! currently airing on Fusion.
With additional locations in New York and London, The Jim Henson Company is headquartered
in Los Angeles on the historic Charlie Chaplin lot, complete with soundstage and postproduction
facilities. The Company is home to Jim Henson’s Creature Shop™, a pre-eminent characterbuilding and visual effects group with international film, television, theme park and advertising
clients, as well as Henson Recording Studios, one of the music industry’s top recording facilities
known for its world-class blend of state-of-the-art and vintage equipment. The Company’s
Henson Alternative brand is currently touring Puppet-Up! – Uncensored, a live puppet
improvisational show.
https://www.henson.com
www.facebook.com/hensoncompany
www.twitter.com/hensoncompany
Molly Ray | Director of Communications | molly@marblemedia.com | 416.646.2711 ext. 232
