New mini-series for pre-schoolers during the Covid-19 lockdown starting on Friday
A brand new mini-series for pre-schoolers has been created and produced by Daily Madness Productions, a Dublin-based animation studio.
Featuring two little hedgehogs named Pins and Nettie, the series focuses on games to play at home during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Usually there is nothing Pins and Nettie love more than to go exploring in the suburbs where they live, but their usual adventures are now on hold. For the time being they need to stay home.
Pins and Nettie will launch on Friday (April 17) with a special episode called ‘Together and Safe’. ‘Together and Safe’ has been specifically created to acknowledge and identify feelings of anxiety (sadness, anger and fear) caused by the current Covid-19 crisis in a way that is suitable for the youngest of audiences. It will also step though a very simple mindfulness exercise designed to help empower children in moments of anxiety, which has been a key aspect in the development of the Pins and Nettie series.
The episode was written by co-creator Shannon George with the support of educational consultant Karen Leavitt to provide children and families with both reassurances and moments of joy to help them through our current situation. The episode features voice over work by Nicola Coughlan (of Derry Girls fame), who takes on the role of the narrator in the special.
Each following week, Pins and Nettie with their friend, the narrator, will learn about a new fun thing they can play either indoors or in their front garden. The episodes are targeted towards children under five, featuring lots of favourite games such as Simon Says, I Spy and Hide-n-Seek.
“Animation is an amazing tool for connecting to people and, right now, with children across the world experiencing social distancing and lockdown, being able to connect with our audience has never been so important,” said Lindsey Adams, co-creator and director.
“We want all the little ones at home to know they are not alone, that Pins and Nettie are experiencing the same situation too. We hope that with our two little heroes and their weekly activities, we can bring a bit of extra joy to families during this difficult time.”
Daily Madness will continue to release a new episode of Pins and Nettie every Friday on YouTube until lockdown is lifted. When children can safely return to their playgroups and visit their relatives and friends again, then Pins and Nettie will also return to their usual adventures further from home.