Sesame Street says 'Bonjour'
Staff -- Kids Today, 10/1/2005
New York— "Can you tell me how to get, how to get to Sesame Street?" That familiar question, sung by American children since 1969, now has a new answer: France.
An original French program based on the award-winning TV show is now under way, co-produced by public broadcaster France 5 and production company Expand-Drama.
"5, Rue Sésame" will launch as a daily show this month, featuring Elmo, a new Muppet named Nac, and four other characters developed specifically for the French series. One is an energetic girl in a wheelchair named Griotte.
It is a playful fictional series that presents educational messages to children in a context that reflects their daily lives.
"Today, no less than 60 writers, puppeteers, actors, technicians and directors are working on the original French version of the world famous Sesame Street," said Pierre Bertrand-Jaume, general manager of Expand-Drama. "No doubt, our new hero Nac will very soon become a favorite among the preschool audience."
"5, Rue Sésame" consists of 75 episodes, with segments featuring Muppets, regionally produced live action and animation.
France has always been an important market for Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization that developed Sesame Street.
"We first provided local programming and licensed products in the 1970s, and have since seen the preschool media landscape evolve tremendously," said Terry Fitzpatrick, Sesame Workshop's executive vice president of distribution.
"We are excited to be re-entering the French market with two of the strongest partners in the television business — France's No. 1 preschool broadcaster and the most innovative production company — to deliver compelling educational television that serves the needs of today's children," he said.
Sesame Workshop is providing creative guidance for the series.
Merchandising, publishing and promotions of "5, Rue Sésame" will be managed by France Television Distribution, the merchandising division of France Television, while AB Distribution will license the program throughout French-speaking territories in Europe.
