Toronto-based marblemedia, Aboriginal programming producer Big Soul Productions and Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) are collaborating with Mike the Knight creator Alexander Bar to develop the new animated preschool series Snow Joe.

Snow Joe, set in Snowflake Peak in the Mackenzie Mountains, follows a young Aboriginal boy who dreams of becoming a hero like the ones he hears about in his grandfather’s stories. Along with his pals, Buddy and Nina, he embarks on adventures with the help of “hero gear,” which is essentially a costume that helps each character embody the qualities of their spirit animal. Joe, for instance, dons a wolf-like hoodie that makes him feel more brave.

marblemedia’s interactive division will develop online and mobile elements to extend the brand online. Its partner company Distribution360 is handling international TV, interactive and format sales for the series.

marblemedia first began looking for potential Snow Joe partners when it shopped the series at MIPCOM in 2011.

From Playback Online with files from Lana Castleman