TeamTO, creator of innovative children’s entertainment, is proud to announce the sale of its animated pop music documentary series Behind the Beats to RAI (Italy) and KiKA (Germany), who join co-production partner France Télévisions as the first major linear channels to air the series in Europe. The sales coincide with the official selection of the series and its presentation at the Annecy 2024 International Animated Film Festival.
Behind the Beats (26 x 5’), the only animated history of pop music, premiered on France Télévisions in 2023. RAI premiered the series in Italy in February 2024 and KIKA will follow in the coming months.
Behind the Beats (26 x 5′) is a family-friendly animated documentary that tells the stories of how talented musicians with incredibly different styles came together, revealing the often unexpected origins of new musical genres. Each episode of the series features three songs that explore the history of movements such as New Wave, Rock’n’Roll, G-Funk, Reggae, Electro Pop and Trap. Sample episodes include Punk Meets Disco and Gangsta Rap Meets P-Funk.
Sebastian Debertin, head of international content, acquisitions and co-productions, management and programming department, at KiKA, the children’s channel of ARD and ZDF, says: ‘“Behind the Beats” is a fantastic way to introduce children and family audiences to the world’s musical heritage. This unique new series will quickly win over KiKA’s audience by taking them on a colorful and inspiring journey, behind the scenes and behind the scenes of key trends in world music, featuring techno, punk, salsa, pop, grunge, soul and funk. KiKA is keen to present the remarkable and inspiring stories of great artists and unique characters, including music pioneers such as Kraftwerk. The series even features some heroes of my own adolescence, such as The Ramones and Debbie Harry, as well as today’s biggest stars, such as Dr. Dre. Behind the Beats is programming with a lot of groove’.
Luca Milano, director of Rai Kids, commented: ‘Discovering how the most famous pieces of pop music were born, the styles and genres of music we listen to every day is a fun and educational experience. That’s why, as a public broadcaster, we are pleased to host the animated series “Behind the Beats”, an innovative and stimulating project. The series also has the advantage of uniting generations: that of adults who witnessed the success of great pop and rock artists, and that of younger people who enjoy discovering the context and background of the music they still love today’.
Produced in a modern graphic music video/video game style, Corinne Kouper, executive producer of TeamTO, explains: ‘“Behind the Beats” offers more than just a unique look at great musical moments: it inspires viewers to explore their own creativity, showing how so many artists began their careers in unusual ways’.
The series’ title track, We Are Family, is the iconic Nile Rodgers & Bernard Edwards classic, revisited by Yeti Beats in collaboration with Nile Rodgers himself, featuring Snoop Dogg and vocals by Sheléa.
Created by Baptiste Jaquemet, Behind the Beats is produced by Corinne Kouper (TeamTO) and Emmanuel Deletang (22D Media Group), in collaboration with France Télévisions.
