Amid a busy MIP week, our readers still made time to cast their votes for Limestone Animation—a newly launched banner with an R.L. Stine project already brewing in its fledgling slate.

GOLD STAR WINNER – Getting off to start so strong it’s almost spooky, ex-MarbleMedia staffers Sean Connolly and Donnie MacIntyre pulled back the curtain on Limestone Animation last week, revealing that their new Canadian studio already has a development deal in place for the first-ever animated adaptation of R.L. Stine’s work. Stinetinglers is a 2D retelling of the same-name anthology series. Two execs with a background in kids media, and an R.L. Stine project in the pipeline before the company even officially opens its doors? What a storied beginning!

And kudos to our four runners-up, who also had a great week!

9 Story Media Group and Scholastic Entertainment: Both companies are heading to MIPCOM with a few reasons to pop some champagne—including a first Gold Star nomination! First off, their new development slate includes some strong concepts that have already proven their market potential. From a CG adaptation of Maddy Mara’s Dragon Girls books (which have 4.1 million copies in print), to a long-form version of Paris & Pups, 9 Story and Scholastic are betting there are some hits in this latest batch of new projects. And let’s not forget that 9 Story also secured distribution rights to the white-hot Aussie series Do Not Watch This Show. 

Banijay Kids & Family – As far as duos go, Banijay and TheSoul are proving to be just as bankable as the classic canine-and-feline pairing that’s at the heart of their latest collab. The companies have partnered yet again, this time on a new co-pro about a cat and dog. Heading to YouTube later this year, Ava & Digger marks the first time Banijay has self-funded a digital-first property. (Previous effort Corpse Talk followed a different funding model as a YouTube Original.) Quite ambitiously, the project is designed to be “agile and responsive” by adapting to audience feedback and current trends in real time. It’s good to see established players like Banijay willing to experiment and try new things to reach the digital-native generations. 

Cory Williams – His hallmark digital-first kids series is gearing up to croc the world after helping to drive more than a billion views for the Just For Kids channel. Silly Crocodile will swim outside the familiar waters of YouTube for the first time soon—thanks to Epic Story Media spotting its strong broadcast potential and snapping up the distribution rights. Kudos to Williams, who independently nurtured and spearheaded every aspect of this six-year-old brand, from creation, to animation, to narration. 

Kavaleer Productions and Karrot Entertainment: What a week for the producers behind new preschool series MaeBee. BBC Children’s and Education greenlit this cute concept about a bee and her gnome bro who try to fill a book with all the stuff they learn in their garden. And then just days later, Kavaleer and Karrot shared that France Télévisions and RTÉ in Ireland have also come on board as broadcasters, with France TV Distribution selling the show outside of English-speaking territories. At a time when it’s so difficult to get shows off the ground, here’s one that should be flying high at MIPCOM on the strength of having three buyers on board.