Mae Martin Joins Hare of High Park as Narrator: A Boost for Canadian Kids' TV and Documentary Production
Mae Martin has been announced as the narrator for Hare of High Park, a preschool series that combines 3D animation and live action. The series, produced by Little Engine Moving Pictures and TVOkids, follows the adventures of best friends Hare and George and their animal friends in a setting inspired by Toronto's High Park. Martin, known for their work on the Netflix series Wayward, brings warmth and humor to the show, making them the perfect guide for young viewers.
The creators of Hare of High Park, Tarun Padmakumar and Joanna Fishbein, expressed their excitement about having Martin on board for the series. The show, which is run by Ben Mazzotta, features a Canadian cast including Baeyen Hoffman, Skylaa Balogh, Bruce Dow, and others. The funding for the series comes from various local sources, including Knowledge Kids, Canada Media Fund, and Ontario Creates.
The announcement of Martin as the narrator comes at a time when Canadian preschool and kids' series are facing challenges in funding support due to various factors, including the impact of the Online Streaming Act. However, with the recent commitment of $600 million in annual funding from the Canadian government to support the media and music sectors, there is hope for increased support for local indie production, including kids' TV and documentaries.
In addition to the news about Hare of High Park, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) announced the launch of two new non-fiction programming funds to support emerging producers and international documentary partnerships. The CBC Creator Catalyst Fund and the CBC Co-Production Fund will provide $7 million in funding to further support the production of local documentaries. These initiatives aim to strengthen the Canadian documentary industry and foster collaboration with international partners.
Overall, the addition of Mae Martin as the narrator for Hare of High Park and the increased funding support for Canadian media and documentary production signal positive developments for the industry. With a focus on supporting local talent and fostering creative partnerships, these initiatives are poised to contribute to the growth and success of the Canadian media sector.