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´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide today announced the U.S. sale of the much beloved UK animated pre-school series, 3rd & Bird! to Disney Channel for its learning-focused Playhouse Disney programming block. Aimed at 3-5 year old children, the series will premiere in the U.S. in early 2011.

Disney Channel has secured broadcasting rights for all 50 x 10 minute episodes of 3rd & Bird! with one double episode, a 20-minute holiday special. The deal was brokered by Kate Livo, Director, TV Sales & Co-Productions for ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide.

3rd & Bird! was created by Josh Selig and is produced in London and New York by his company Little Airplane Productions.

Matt Forde, EVP Sales & Co-Productions, ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide, Americas said, "Disney is a valued partner and we believe this is the perfect home for 3rd & Bird!. We're eager to introduce U.S. audiences to Josh Selig’s delightful series that has captured the imaginations of pre-schoolers around the world."

Created in bold and colorful photo-puppetry animation – a style of animation uniquely created by production company Little Airplane – the vibrant treetop community of 3rd & Bird! is alive with singing, whistling and dancing. Each lovingly crafted episode is filled with music and songs revolving around the lives of adorable birds: Muffin Lovebird, Samuel and their friend Rudy, who live, learn and play in the branches of a beautiful majestic tree. Through stories told about diversity, tolerance or perseverance, the series helps children to develop social skills that are integral to the functioning of a healthy community.

Creator Josh Selig says, "I am absolutely thrilled that 3rd & Bird! will be joining the wonderful shows on Playhouse Disney. We have had such a great experience making this series with CBeebies and ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide so having our show air on Playhouse Disney is simply the icing on the cake!"

Each episode sees Muffin and her friends encountering a problem relevant to the pre-school age group, such as making new friends, learning a new skill or going somewhere for the first time. Although it addresses important social issues, the program is also clever, playful and full of comedy.

3rd & Bird! has been sold to a total of 17 territories including Canada and Spain and is a major ratings success in the UK where it has aired since Summer 2008. Fisher-Price is currently the master toy licensee for 3rd & Bird! Under the multi-year master toy license, Fisher-Price has global rights (excluding Asia) to develop pre-school, infant and toddler toys including electronic and non-electronic plastic figurines, toys, vehicles, playsets and feature and standard plush.

NOTES TO EDITORS
About Little Airplane
Founded by Josh Selig in 1999, Little Airplane Productions created and produced The Wonder Pets! for Nick Jr., (winner of the 2009 Japan Prize for Best Television Series), Oobi! for NOGGIN, and 3rd & Bird! for the ´óÏó´«Ã½'s CBeebies. Additionally, Josh Selig was the Head Writer for Little Bill on Nick Jr. He has received ten Emmy Awards for his writing on Sesame Street, and was the Resident Producer of the historic Israeli/Palestinian Sesame Street co-production (winner of the 1998 Japan Prize). Josh also writes a weekly column for Kidscreen Magazine called "Planet Preschool" which can be read at . For more information about Little Airplane Productions please visit .

Catherine Mirra/Christine Black

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