Studio sketches and behind-the-scenes shots reveal a first look at Zog, the friendly orange dragon who will be the star of a brand new BBC animated comedy adventure.
Zog is the first-ever TV series from iconic Gruffalo creators Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, aiming to teach young kids to ‘Be More Zog’ and deal with everything from grief and anxiety to bravery and empathy.
Miss Austen star Patsy Ferran, House of the Dragon actor Samson Kayo and Skins actor Will Merrick head up the voice cast, alongside Anthony O’Donnell and Colin McFarlane. Landing on screens this weekend, the series is based on the award-winning films Zog and Zog and the Flying Doctors, which featured voices from Sir Lenny Henry, Kit Harington and Rob Brydon, and books by bestselling author and illustrator Donaldson and Scheffler.
View 3 ImagesZog is the first TV series from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
The Zog books are about a dragon who acts as a roaring air ambulance for Doctor Princess Pearl and Sir Gadabout the Great, treating patients across their fantastical world. The titles have sold 5.5 million copies worldwide, second only to The Gruffalo.
In the TV series, each episode will bring a new care challenge – from an ogre sprouting mushrooms and a unicorn with anxiety, to a rock monster, naughty gnomes and a judgmental fish, with ailments from laughing disease to dance fever.
Patsy Ferran, who plays Princess Pearl, says: “The show’s ambition to create something that is both entertaining and sophisticated with nuanced humour, profound lessons, beautiful animation and aspirational characters is something to be admired.
View 3 ImagesIt will land on screens this weekend
“There’s one episode that’s incredibly moving. It encourages compassion and understanding. An acknowledgement that life can sometimes be difficult and that’s okay.”
Samson Kayo, who plays Zog, says: “I have always been a fan of Julia Donaldson books growing up so it was a no brainer when I was asked to be a part of her Multiverse.
“Zog is not the most polished flying doctor, but he teaches us that anything is possible.” Will Merrick, who plays knight-turned-doctor Sir Gadabout, adds: “The message of the scripts is so clear and positive, to try to be nicer to each other, to realise we all make mistakes. To be kind.”
A 52-episode CGI show, the production was not without its challenges. Series director Sarah Scrimgeour says: “The Magic Light Picture specials are beautifully crafted, lovingly made films – and they take a long time to make, for good reason.
“A 52-part series is a completely different beast. You’re trying to maintain a similar level of quality and charm, but at a pace that is genuinely relentless.
“It’s a constant balancing act, and one you never really stop thinking about. We wanted to create something warm, tactile and almost handmade – like stop-motion, rather than using technology for the sake of it.”
She adds: “What’s special about Zog is that it deals with very real, sometimes quite complex emotions – anxiety, loneliness, insecurity, even grief – but it does so in a way that’s accessible and gentle, without ever losing its sense of fun and adventure. That’s a hard balance to strike. I hope kids come away feeling like they’ve made new friends.
“I’m proud of the themes we tackle. This isn’t a conventional kids’ show that plays it safe.” Series producer Vici King says: “I have always felt there was a world beyond the Zog and the Flying Doctors book. These characters and these books/films set up a world ripe for stories with beautiful values about caring for others and being true to yourself.
“We made the second film during the pandemic which felt very poignant, when healthcare professionals were heroes. When Julia expressed interest after the second film was released, we jumped at the chance to explore what a series could be.”
*Zog starts on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Sunday 17th May at 12.20pm and on CBeebies on Monday 18th May at 4.50pm.
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