Leela's Island 'ranks the first partnership for Nelvana and Time Studios Kids & Family

Nelvana of Corus Entertainment, the world's leading international producer, distributor and licensee of animated and live-action content for children, and TIME Studios Kids and Family, the recently announced children's and family programming division of Emmy Award-winning TIME Studios, collaborated to develop the new original preschool series The island of Leela.

Marking the first development partnership between the two internationally acclaimed companies and the first preschool content deal for TIME Studios, the animated comedy-adventure series features a curious five-year-old named Leela who discovers she has inherited a gift that allows her to transform into any animal she wishes and see the world through her eyes, gaining a new perspective on her baby's problem.

"The island of Leela is a show that will help children learn to see the world from the perspective of others. As one of the first Afro-Latin girls to feature in a preschool animated series, Leela's Island will go a long way in addressing the lack of representation in children's content both in front of and behind the camera, "said Maria Perez-Brown, Head of Kids and Family, TIME Studios. "We are so excited to partner with Nelvana to bring this premier preschool facility to life."

The island of Leela was created and written by a team of esteemed different storytellers, including award-winning writer Fracaswell Hyman (Gullah Island of Gullah, Taina, Little Bill, The famous Jett Jackson) and Maria Perez-Brown (Gullah Island Gullah, mystery), developed in collaboration with writer Janice Burgess (The Backyardigans).

“We are incredibly passionate The island of Leela and I believe that Leela will become an icon for children all over the world, "said Athena Georgaklis, Head of Development, Nelvana." The caliber of talent behind this project is unmatched and is evident in the perfect blend of the series of moving and magical moments and a fierce and powerful storytelling. Working with the TIME team was a real highlight. "

Nelvana (nelvana.com) is handling the broadcast and licensing agreements for the series.