Science underpins a new series in development from Toronto, Canada-based Heroic Film Company and Canadian pubcaster TVO. Doug’s Desk aims to capture the attention of the four to eight demo and takes place in a classroom that transforms into a variety of machines – think helicopters, submarines, rafts – each week. The magical transformation allows Doug and his friends – funny kid Marvin, Tasha, who only speaks in comparisons, and doubtful Barclay – to explore the science behind each of their trips.

For instance, in one ep Doug’s Desk becomes a mini-submarine that takes the class on an exploratory jaunt to the ocean’s floor, where they learn how little fish survive while surrounded by much bigger predators.

And if the concept sounds somewhat familiar, it may be because Heroic and TVO have tapped the creative talents of Magic Schoolbus writers John May and Suzanne Bloch to pen the series.

Heroic is targeting broadcasters in Australia, the UK and Asia to pick up the layered 2-D that has a CGI feel. Two, 11-minute eps are in full development and the preliminary budget is sitting at approximately US$300,000 per half-hour with a planned delivery in early 2009. The partners are also exploring the series’ L& M potential, especially in the science kit and educational toy categories.