Jetpack Distribution has picked up worldwide distribution rights to comedy Welcome to Cardboard City from New Zealand-based Vinewood Animation.

The 20 x five-minute series follows a team of superheroes who fight monsters and aliens to protect Cardboard City. Jetpack also snagged distribution rights to the nine-minute special, Fire in Cardboard City. 

Aimed at kids six and up, the show blends 3D animation with motion capture to give it a cardboard look. Several famous faces pop up throughout the episodes, including New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Arden and Stone Roses’ lead singer Ian Brown.

The series premiered on New Zealand pubcaster TVNZ in 2019, while the special has been picked up by HBO Europe, NBC Universal (US), YLE (Finland) and RTP (Portugal). Since its launch, Welcome to Cardboard City went on to win Best Children’s Television Show at the New Zealand Television Awards in 2019.

Demand for tactile kids shows with unique looks, like claymation and paper, have been on the rise, though CG-animated projects continue to dominate the market.