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Zig and Zag return to RTÉ with brand new animation series on RTÉjr

 

#ZigandZag

All the family can watch the first five episodes exclusively on the RTÉjr App from 10am on Tuesday, 1 March. The show will also be broadcast each weekday at 5.45pm on the RTÉjr television channel beginning with a double bill on the same day.

The animation introduces a new generation of Irish kids to the comedy of these loveable aliens while parents can enjoy the nostalgia of having Zig and Zag back on the box.

The 26 episode series follows alien tween brothers Zig and Zag who crash land in humdrum suburbia and set up home. On their fun-filled adventures they make the most of what planet earth has to offer; with death defying stunts, crazy inventions and plenty of silly sibling stuff. The series has already attracted celebrity fans in the shape of the Kaiser Chiefs with singer Ricky Wilson and bassist Simon Rix recording the theme tune.

Speaking at the launch of the RTÉjr show, Zig and Zag said:

Zag: “OMZ! This is like the coolest thing ever, having our own animation series on TV! It’s the greatest thing since mackerel and banana smoothies!”

Zig: “Having your own animation series means you can go home and watch yourself on television without being actually in the television…I think? Ow! That’s making my head hurt!”

Zag: “But best of all is that we’re back on RTÉ children’s telly, our favourite place in the whole universe!”

 

 Sheila de Courcy, Channel Controller, RTÉjr commented:

Supporting Irish animation is hugely important to RTÉ and we’re delighted to have Zig and Zag debut on RTÉjr. Our viewers’ parents grew up with the original alien brothers and Double Z, Flickerpix and Jam Media have replicated the fun and mayhem for children today in a super new animation. Zig and Zag is the perfect opportunity for parents and children to watch TV together and share a laugh at tea-time. We’ve scheduled the series for 5.45pm on weekday evenings and I’m confident it will become part of the evening routine for many families.”  

 

Also speaking at the launch Ronan McCabe, Executive producer, Double Z productions said:

“It’s been over 20 years since Zig and Zag appeared on RTÉ young people’s television and we’re delighted to be back with this new series. We first approached RTÉ about this over five years ago and they immediately came on board and offered their support. Creating animation takes lots of time, effort and expense plus a whole lot of perseverance but having RTÉ’s backing in those early stages really helped to get this project on screen.”

Zig and Zag was produced by Double Z Enterprises, Flickerpix and Jam Media along with broadcasters RTÉjr and CBBC. The project has received funding from the Irish Film Board, Northern Ireland Screen, Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, Irish Tax Credit (Section 481) and UK Tax Credit.

ENDS

Date: Tuesday 23 February 2016

For more information contact:

Sarah Neville, RTÉ Television Press Office, 01-208-2872, 087-9800561 sarah.neville@rte.ie

Tara O’Brien, Communications Manager, RTÉ Television Press Office, 01- 2082287, 086 3544 481, tara.obrien@rte.ie

Images from today’s launch will be sent to picture desks and are available on request.

* The RTÉjr app is available free on IOS and Android.

Notes to Editor:

 

Zig and Zag

This animation series follows alien tween brothers Zig and Zag who crash land in humdrum suburbia and set up home. On their fun filled adventures they make the most of what planet earth has to offer; with death defying stunts, crazy inventions and plenty of silly sibling stuff. You’ll never have neighbours as out-of-this-world as Zig and Zag!

Zig and Zag is a classic combination of a loveable double act, hilarious gags and slapstick visual humour all wrapped up in a bright, vivid and funky animated sitcom directly aimed to tickle funny bones!

Format: 26 x 11 minute 2D animated series for 6 to 9 year olds.

About RTÉJr

RTÉjr is a dedicated Irish children’s channel on TV, radio, online and mobile. Launched three years ago, this channel is part of public service broadcaster RTÉ’s strategy in the development of services for young people. Completely advertisement-free, the channel is specifically for children aged 0-7, allowing viewers to watch, listen and play with brand new channels on television and digital radio from around 7am to 7pm daily. RTÉjr also offers online and mobile services which allow children to access original, entertaining and educational content that reflects their lives and is made exclusively for them.

RTÉjr is RTÉs award-winning service designed specifically for youngsters aged under 7 and their older friends and family.

RTÉjr is available on 4 platforms – TV, where it’s RTÉs third channel; Digital Radio; Online and Mobile. RTÉjr offers up to 34 hours of programmes for youngsters every day.

RTÉjr is an entirely commercial-free service and offers a mixed schedule of original and acquired programming.

RTÉjr aims to explore and reflect the world in which youngsters in Ireland are growing up and to bring them entertaining, educational and relevant content wherever they are.

RTÉjr tells a wide range of stories about what it’s like to be a child through the eyes of the child.

‘Education by Stealth’ one of our mottos – every programme introduces an idea, a character or an issue to youngsters in ways which are age appropriate and which they will engage with.

RTÉjr content can be used to develop watching, listening and motor skills, develop new language skills, learn about the environment, nature, community and diversity within our island, explore places and lifestyles different to one’s own. There are opportunities for youngsters to interact with RTÉjr through our website and mobile App, and for their parents, guardians and teachers to engage with RTÉjr through the RTÉjr facebook page.