Mae Martin to Narrate Preschool Series

Mae Martin, known for the Netflix series Wayward, will narrate the upcoming 3D animation and live-action preschool series, Hare of High Park. The show is a collaborative effort from Little Engine Moving Pictures and TVOkids, announced at the Banff World Media Festival.

Hare of High Park centers on two best friends, Hare and George, and their community of animal companions. Their adventures in a setting inspired by Toronto's High Park focus on discovering nature and friendship. The series aims to provide a warm and authentic experience for its young audience.

The production highlights broader concerns within Canada's children's television sector, which has experienced a significant decrease in funding. This decline is attributed to an advertising recession affecting broadcasters and a standoff with U.S. streamers and social media platforms regarding local production subsidies under the Online Streaming Act.

Despite these challenges, Hare of High Park has secured financing from various Canadian sources, including Knowledge Kids, Canada Media Fund, Ontario Creates, Rocket Fund Canada, National Bank of Canada, and TVOkids. The Canadian government has also pledged $600 million in annual funding to support the media and music sectors, including children's TV.

In related news, CBC announced $7 million in new funding for documentary programming at the Banff World Media Festival, establishing the CBC Creator Catalyst Fund and the CBC Co-Production Fund.