In a move that further demonstrates the impact of the mobile world on kids programming, French prodco OuiDO! Productions and Paris-based distributor PGS Entertainment have joined forces with the Smiley brand to develop an original kids series based on the famous logo.

OuiDO! (ALVINNN!!! and The Chipmunks, Sonic Boom) is set to produce the yet-to-be-titled animated series for kids four to seven years old with the former head of acquisitions, animation and co-productions for CBBC and CBeebies, Theresa Plummer-Andrews on board to associate produce and oversee development.

All international distribution rights for the upcoming program have been acquired by PGS (The Little Prince, Playmobil’s Super 4) and Smiley will lead all related brand development and serve as the show’s executive producer.

The series is expected to mix comedy, adventure and inspirational lessons that help kids understand a range of emotions.

Originally launched in 1971 by Franklin Loufrani through a newspaper promotion to showcase good news, the Smiley logo went on to become the face of the 1970’s peace and love movement and an icon for the rise of dance music in the 1980s.

Smiley picked up more steam in 1997 when Loufrani’s son Nicolas invented the first emoticons which would become the vocabulary for today’s digital generation.

The brand eventually spawned The Smiley Company which has registered the trademark in more than 100 countries and launched consumer products in more than 25 categories including apparel, home decoration, perfume, plush, stationery and publishing.

The TV series announcement comes on the heels of Saban and Jakks Pacific launching Emojiville, a new multiplatform IP and toy line based on emoji characters.