ZDF Studios Licenses Animated Series ‘Sam and Julia’ to Several European Countries

Several European broadcasters have snapped up animated series “Sam and Julia,” about two adorable mice. ZDF Studios has licensed the children’s title to Czech TV, RTV in Slovenia and Slovakia, along with AMC and MTVA in Hungary.

Produced by Cielo Films and Superswiss Red in coproduction with ZDF, ZDF Studios, France Télévisions, Caribara and M.A.R.K.13, the series is airing in France (France Télévisions and Okoo) and the Netherlands (Avrotros/Zappelin) and will launch in early 2025 in Germany (ZDF/Kika).

“Sam and Julia” is based on the books by Dutch author Karina Schaapman. To date the 22 original titles have been translated into 27 languages and have sold over 1 million copies worldwide. Tying in with the books is a range of plush and arts and craft products that recently earned a nomination at Germany’s Top 10 Toy Awards.

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The TV series, launched this year, is the winner of two prestigious awards. The BolognaRagazzi Cross Media Award, which honors outstanding projects that have successfully transitioned from traditional publishing to other platforms such as television, cinema and video games, chose “Sam and Julia” for its meticulous craftsmanship, sustainable approach and captivating portrayal of childhood. The show also won the Pulcinella Award at Cartoons on the Bay and was shortlisted at the Annecy Festival.

Arne Lohmann, VP Junior, ZDF Studios, said: “Lovable, captivating, enchanting are words I would use to describe this animated series.  At the heart of it are very strong values, promoting sustainability and inspiring families to be creative, welcoming and kind. A worthy winner of impressive awards, I look forward to ‘Sam and Julia’ setting up The Mouse Mansion in even more territories in the near future.”

The show centers on Julia, a cute and speedy little she-mouse, who has moved from a distant island to a residential building, The Mouse Mansion, made of cardboard boxes, waste material and vintage fabrics. A stranger to this place, she is delighted to meet Sam who also lives there and is a welcoming and crafty little he-mouse.

Julia has only her mam while Sam comes from a large family but despite their different characters, the two become firm friends. The funny entertaining adventures they experience in and around The Mouse Mansion helps Julia integrate into this new environment where she feels more at home day after day, surrounded by her new neighbors and friends.