The German studio boards project as a co-production partner, joining current co-production partners Vivi Film and VRT Ketnet; pre-sales secured in France, Canada, Denmark and Iceland.
Germany’s ZDF has joined Hold on Gaston! as a co-production partner, expanding the international reach of the 2D animated preschool comedy series from Emmy Award-winning French animation production, distribution company Dandelooo, and TF1’s children’s programming block TFOU. Belgium’s Vivi Film and VRT Ketnet were already co-producers on the European project; pre-sales have been secured with TV5 Monde France, TFO, Canada’s French-language public broadcaster, DR in Denmark and Iceland’s RÚV. Dandelooo handles worldwide distribution.
Based on the bestselling “Little Unicorn” book series by author and illustrator Aurélie Chien Chow Chine, published by Hachette Enfants, Hold on Gaston! is a 48 x 11-minute series accompanied by two 22-minute TV specials for children ages 5-8. Directed by Grégory Leterrier, the series is currently in production at Dandelooo’s animation studio Ooolala, with delivery scheduled for late 2027.
Since its debut in 2018, “Little Unicorn” has grown to 55 published titles and more than 1.7 million copies sold in France alone. The series has also expanded internationally, with translations in 28 languages.
With his multicolored mane, round belly and horn always pointing toward the unknown, Gaston is a little unicorn bursting with emotion. When he is overcome by one of his emotions, Gaston takes children on a fun and colorful ride as the adventure with his friends begins in the whimsical world of Univille-on-Joy.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Dandelooo to bring ‘Little Unicorn,’ the beloved book series by Aurélie Chien Chow Chine, to life on screen,” Yann Labasque, head of TF1 Group’s youth programming, said. “Gaston’s journey is a perfect fit for TFOU’s mission: to create stories that entertain and give kids the tools to understand their emotions. This series is not just an adaptation—It’s a whimsical comedy for young viewers to explore with energy and benevolence the ups and downs of growing up.”
“Hold on Gaston! has a very funny, warm and happy storytelling, the most original characters, very beautiful high-quality design and very positive values matching the values of Ketnet,” Telidja Klai, content manager at VRT Ketnet, said. “The focus on social emotional development of children, the translation of emotion into colors and the way of dealing with emotions is positive, unique and an added value in Ketnet’s portfolio.”
“Hold on Gaston! marks the second series co-produced by Vivi Film with Dandelooo, following the success of Upside Down River,” Veerle Appelmans, producer at Vivi Film, said. “Aimed at upper preschoolers this vibrant series brings a fresh emotion-driven approach that sparks adventure, emotional insight and plenty of laughs. We’re thrilled to contribute to the animation and create a Flemish dub to bring the series to young audiences in Flanders!”
Founded in 2010 by Jean-Baptiste Wery and Emmanuèle Pétry, Dandelooo is a Paris-based production and distribution company specializing in animated programs for television and cinema. Its portfolio includes The Treehouse Stories, Billy the Cowboy Hamster and The Upside Down River. The company was named Best European Producer by Cartoon Media in 2018 and received the 2024 Procirep Award for Best French Animation Producer.
Dandelooo primarily produces its programs and films in France through Ooolala. Its 2025 production slate includes season two of Billy the Cowboy Hamster for France Télévisions, season one of Max and Bunny for Canal+ and Hold on Gaston! for TF1. The studio also produces in an eco-responsible manner, including low-carbon animated works and the development of the carbon calculator “Carbulator.”
Dandelooo also handles international distribution for its original productions and third-party content. Its awards include an International Emmy Award for The Treehouse Stories and a Jury Prize at Annecy for Mum is Pouring Rain. In January 2024, the company expanded into theatrical animation with Dandelooo Cinéma, a feature films division whose first release, Hola Frida!, introduced a fictionalized childhood story of Frida Kahlo to audiences worldwide. The company is also offering Born in the Jungle, My Life in Versailles: The Movie and Billy the Cowboy Hamster, with more titles to follow.
Source: Dandelooo
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
