Protocol Entertainment Inc. and Crawford Productions Pty Ltd. Announce New Adventures for the Hit TV Series.
Series to be filmed on Location in Australia & Casting scheduled for Toronto and Melbourne.
TORONTO August 13th, 2007 —The Saddle Club™ heroines Stevie, Lisa and Carole – are getting back in the saddle for 26 new half-hour episodes of fun, friendship and horses. The popular live-action TV series about three 12-year-old girls and their horses, based on the best-selling books by Bonnie Bryant, has captured the hearts and imaginations of kids around the world.
A book, television, licensing and merchandising success story The Saddle Club™ is a global brand with a loyal following. “Millions of fans of The Saddle Club™ have been eagerly waiting for this moment,” said Nick McMahon, CEO of Crawford Productions. “They will be thrilled that their favorite series is going back into production with new stories and new stars.”
The live-action series follows the adventures of Stevie, Carole and Lisa the girls who formed the Saddle Club at Pine Hollow Stables, The Saddle Club members seem to have it all a great riding stable, amazing teachers, beautiful horses, acres of trails to ride and loyalty to each other. But added to the excitement of the horse world, learning to ride and caring for their horses are the challenges each girl faces on her individual journey of self-discovery and growth.
“The Saddle Club™ appeals to young girls because they see the series heroines as role models for a positive self-image, loyalty to friends and an active lifestyle,” said Steve Levitan, CEO and president of Protocol Entertainment. “The kids in the series confront real-life situations and no matter what adventures come along the Saddle Club members believe: Together, they can do anything! We think that’s a great message to send to all kids.”
Since the publication of Horse Crazy, the first book by children’s author Bonnie Bryant, more than 16 million books in the 110-title series have been sold worldwide. The success of the books inspired the hit TV series, licensing and merchandising. The TV series first premiered in 2001 on the ABC Network in Australia, YTV in Canada and followed by the Discovery Kids Channel in the U.S.
The Saddle Club™ is currently seen in over 14 countries. Eaton Films ltd. (UK) has been a partner and international distributor for The Saddle Club™ franchise beginning with the first two series and will be for Series 3 The Saddle Club Rides Again. “We are extremely proud to be associated with a high-quality global children’s brand that inspires positive values and a love of horses,” said Judith Gordon, CEO and proprietor of Eaton Films.
In 2006, Girl Power Meets Horse Power, the first 26 half-hour adventures of The Saddle Club™ were launched on public television stations across America through American Public Television (APT Exchange) in association with Connecticut Public Broadcasting, Inc. (CPTV). The second series The Girls Are Growing Up will premiere on public television stations on September 1, 2007. In Canada, The Saddle Club™ is currently available on TVO/Ontario and Knowledge Network/BC.
Protocol Entertainment, Inc. is one of Canada’s most celebrated producers of popular and critically-acclaimed children’s entertainment television programming.
The company is recognized worldwide for producing high quality, audience and award-winning series for kids and families based on best-selling book properties. The company that produced the smash hits Goosebumps™, Animorphs™, Dear America™ (with Scholastic Productions, Inc.) and co-producer of The Saddle Club™ television series, Protocol Entertainment, Inc. is based in Toronto.
Crawford Productions Pty Ltd. is Australia’s most established and respected television production company. Part of the WIN Group one of the most significant and diverse privately owned media organizations in Australia today, the Crawfords name is synonymous with high quality, locally-produced entertainment. Crawfords Australia pioneered television in Australia, with programs ranging from police dramas, sitcoms, mini-series and children’s drama.
Based in Melbourne, the company has produced over 4,000 hours of television programming, including the internationally acclaimed The Flying Doctors.
Press release, August 13, 2007
The Saddle Club Series 3 in Development Due to Worldwide Demand
Crawford Productions Australia and Protocol Entertainment Canada, are pleased to announce they have commenced development of the next series of the popular girls television series, The Saddle Club.
Steve Levitan, President and CEO of Protocol Entertainment said, ‘We are really excited about the gathering momentum behind The Saddle Club television series. It’s the most popular and highest repeated show on Discovery Kids and GoodTimes Entertainment is about to release the first of two new video movies that are sure to increase the popularity of the franchise.’ Levitan said that it is gratifying to produce a show that fills in a distinct gap in the spectrum of programming available for tween girls.
Nick McMahon, CEO of Crawford’s said, ‘Following the overwhelming audience response to Series 1 and 2, this is an obvious progression of The Saddle Club brand which has been widely embraced by young girls all over the world. Eagerly awaited by fans and broadcasters alike, Series 3 promises to continue the classic, much loved themes of friendship, horses and adventure established in Bonnie Bryant’s best-selling books.’
In Australia the show has spawned a successful children’s brand with categories including fashion and accessories, toys, website, live events, music, publishing and DVDs. Besides Australia, The Saddle Club is broadcast in Europe and North America, and is the longest running and most rotated show on the USA’s Discovery Kids TV.
Crawford Productions Press Release April 13, 2005
