Mixmups, the first animated preschool series to feature disabled lead characters has now landed on Channel 5’s Milkshake! The series – made up of 52 episodes at 10 minutes each – is inspired by kids’ love of ‘mixing’ things together as a way of exploring.
It’s been developed and produced by Manchester’s Mackinnon & Saunders and created by Rebecca Atkinson, the founder of the viral #ToyLikeMe campaign which called for more diversity in children’s industries.
Mixmups centres around three friends, the Mixmups: neat and tidy Pockets; creative and inventive Giggle; and boisterous and physical Spin; alongside their lovable assistance pets, Roller Guinea and Yapette the guide dog. Together, they all live in a wheelchair accessible Helter Skelter house in Mixington Valley.
“In Mixmups, I wanted to create a universally appealing show which would burst from screens like a seaside candy store of creativity, bright, tangible, sweet, and funny; capturing the magic of play and the ability of pre-schoolers to disappear into their own imaginations, but with unprecedented attention to the lived experience of disabled children and families,” said Rebecca.
Developed and produced with support from the UK government funded Young Audiences Content Fund, which is managed by the BFI and in collaboration with Raydar Media, Mixmups is embarking on a licensing programme that has sustainability and positive change built-into it from the outset.
The team has outlined its plans to approach only licensing partners which or on a clear pathway of sustainable development, looking to work only with those taking the strides to reduce their environmental impact at every turn.
Louise Bucknole, general manager, kids and family, UK and Ireland, Paramount, said: “We are so proud to have commissioned the wonderful Mixmups for Milkshake. It’s a beautiful animation packed full of imagination and, what’s more, it’s a show accessible to every child. It’s been an incredible journey working alongside Rebecca and the team to bring this series to life and we’re so excited to introduce it to our Milkshake audience.”
