“MixMups” the preschool animated series with disabled protagonists

Channel 5's children's strand, Milkshake! announced today that it will be the broadcast home of MixMups, a groundbreaking preschool series with disabled protagonists, created by a team with lived experience of disability.

Developed and produced with the support of the UK Government funded Young Audiences Content Fund (YACF), which is run by the BFI, and in collaboration with Raydar Media, the 52 x 10 'stop-motion series for children aged three to five years shines a light on the different styles of preschool play and the joy of mixing objects and ideas to create stories.

The premise of the show is inspired by the love of all children to "mix" and combine items as a way to play, explore and discover, and is centered around three lovely friends, the MixMups: Clean and Tidy Pockets, Giggle Creative and Imaginative and rowdy and physical Spin, along with their adorable assistance animals, Roller Guinea and Yapette the guide dog, all live in a messy, wheelchair-accessible house in Mixington Valley.

Each episode sees the friends use their magical wooden spoon and mixing box to “mix the magic” of the game and transport themselves on a series of comic adventures. Through their young and imaginative minds they embrace a variety of ways to play, entertain each other and tackle daily problem-solving challenges with the help of the trunk-billed Lucky Loover Bird. The main themes include the joy of individuality, imagination, friendship and flexible thinking.

“We couldn't be more thrilled that the wonderful MixMups, a show that celebrates the individuality and distinct play styles and personalities of preschoolers, joins the Milkshake! align. It's critical for us that our young audience and their families see themselves reflected in our storytelling, so our MixMups cast has very different characters and when they meet, magical things happen, ”said Louise Bucknole, VP Children's Programming, Paramount UK and Ireland.

“It is also our first commission which, since its inception, has been entirely inspired and realized with the experiences of disabled children in mind. Working with Rebecca and a core production team who has experienced a disability, we are confident that we can bring a level of authenticity, understanding and commitment to the show like no other. We can't wait for Milkshake fans! fall in love with MixMup just like we did.

Now go into production, Milkshake! will premiere MixMups in March 2023.

MixMups was created by Rebecca Atkinson, the founder of the #ToyLikeMe viral campaign that called for more diversity in children's industries. The series will be produced by award-winning Manchester-based animation house Mackinnon & Saunders (Postman Pat, Raa Raa the Noisy Lion, Twirly Woos). The project initially received development support from YACF and converted into an issuing fee with Milkshake! last year.

“I'm over the moon that MixMups will be joining Milkshake! It was my dream to create a compelling show that draws on my experiences as a disabled person to create adorable characters and stories and really “mix” the disability representation aspect, ”Atkinson said. “As a child I loved mixing potions, food, cake mixes, colors and even toys in the bathtub! I hope MixMups inspires a generation of preschoolers to take the nearest wooden spoon and also to "mix the magic" of play. "

The commission was brokered by Raydar Media on behalf of MixMups Entertainment Limited, a joint venture between Toy Like Me, Mackinnon & Saunders and Raydar Media. A global licensing and merchandising program led by Raydar Media will be launched in 2023.