New set of new one-minute shorts created exclusively for YouTube puts young kids at the center of rescue missions; produced in collaboration with CBC Kids.
Guru Studio is expanding True and the Rainbow Kingdom with TRUE: Mini Rescues, the preschool franchise’s first original narrative short-form series created exclusively for YouTube.
Premiering this month on the official True and the Rainbow Kingdom YouTube channel and produced in collaboration with CBC Kids, the collection of all-new original one-minute adventures places young viewers at the center of rescue missions, inviting them to help True use quick thinking, teamwork, and her magical Wishes to save the day. Produced in both widescreen and vertical formats, the series is optimized for screens ranging from connected TVs to mobile devices.
You can watch the first episode here.
The series is created specifically for YouTube and marks a significant evolution for the franchise and its community of more than six million subscribers.
“YouTube has become one of the most important places for kids to discover and build lasting relationships with the characters they love,” Frank Falcone, President and Executive Creative Director of Guru Studio, said. “With TRUE: Mini Rescues, we’re embracing new storytelling formats that go beyond the traditional episodic story arc, creating bite-sized adventures designed for the way kids watch today. It’s an exciting opportunity to introduce a whole new generation to the world of True and the Rainbow Kingdom, while giving our longtime fans fresh stories and new ways to deepen their love of TRUE.”
The launch is part of Guru Studio’s broader digital strategy to expand the franchise for a new generation of preschoolers. In addition to Mini Rescues, the new True content rollout includes mindfulness and breathing exercises that launched in May, as well as two character-led comedy mini-series, Bartleby Bites and Yeti Yuks, launching later this fall. Support for the new series was provided by Ontario Creates.
Part of the company’s new True & You series, the mindfulness-focused collection is designed to support emotional wellness for children and families. The shorts include guided breathing exercises and ASMR-style relaxation videos that demonstrate simple everyday mindfulness practices with calming audio and gentle pacing that encourages viewer participation.
Guru Studio is a Toronto-based entertainment company focused on animated storytelling. Over more than 25 years, the company has worked on children’s properties including PAW Patrol, True and the Rainbow Kingdom, Mecha Builders, Pikwik Pack, Ever After High and Justin Time. Guru Studio recently finished production on My Magic Pet Morphle for Moonbug Entertainment and Disney+, and the family miniseries Charlotte’s Web with Sesame Workshop for HBO Max. The company also contributed visual development on the Academy Award-nominated animated feature The Breadwinner.
Source: Guru Studio
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
