Toronto-based Serial Maven Studios has inked a deal with Saskatoon’s Paxolotl Media and Winnipeg’s Zoot Pictures for global distribution rights to their 3D-animated preschool series Chums.

Chums (pictured) follows a young girl and her group of animal friends as they follow Indigenous traditions to explore the world around them. The series is produced in Cree and Ojibwe alongside French and English versions.

Serial Maven will be offering the series to buyers on all platforms, according to a release. The deal was brokered by Zoot Pictures’ Leslea Mair and Paxolotl Media’s Eric Jackson.

The first two seasons, comprising 18 x 22-minutes, have already been completed. Season two is set to premiere May 10 on APTN and APTN Languages, Citytv Saskatchewan and TFO in Anishinaabemowin and Cree. The series was greenlit for a 9 x 22-minute third season in September 2024.

The first two seasons were also previously picked up by SBS Australia’s National Indigenous Television channel.

Chums is written by Justina Neepin as well as Eric and Dennis Jackson, as well as by Justina Neepin. It is directed by Dennis Jackson, produced by Eric Jackson. Mair is onboard as executive producer.

The series is produced in association with APTN, Citytv Saskatchewan and TFO. It was developed with APTN, the Canada Media Fund and the Indigenous Screen Office (ISO).

Chums is produced with the participation of the Shaw Rocket Fund, the Canada Media Fund, the Saskatchewan Feature Film and Television Production Grant Program and the ISO as well as federal and provincial tax credits.

Image courtesy of Paxolotl Media, Zoot Pictures