by Thinus Ferreira
There's sadly not been a single word from e.tv about it, but eMedia's e.tv and eToonz TV channels are adding three new South African animation series from the Gqeberha-based Media Seven production company from October.
The Pencil Tin, Nature Nerd as well as Gordon were all produced by Media Seven, a production company in Gqeberha.
All three kids animation series have a TV target audience of between 5 to 9, with themes built around wildlife and conservation, teamwork and friendship, as well as kindness and teaching personal responsibility.
The Pencil Tin has 5 narrated stories and 20 original songs across 25 episodes, looking at a group of characters - Pencil, Eraser, Red Crayon, Red Sharpener, Green Pen and Ruler - who learn about teamwork, counting, planets, good sportsmanship and kindness.
Polly Cordell developed the concept and stories and is the character designer.
The Pencil Tin is on eToonz (Openview 130 / DStv 311) daily from 1 October and on e.tv's Craz-e children's programming block from 14:30.
Nature Nerd is available in both English and isiXhosa versions, with Lwamkelo Tshikini voicing both language tracks across all 23 episodes.
Episodes start with an introduction from the nerd laboratory, followed by 5 animal facts, an interview with conservationists, and a summary.
Nature Nerd's English version will premiere on e.tv on 7 October at 15:00. Nature Nerd's isiXhosa version will premiere on Sunday 18 October at 17:30.
Gordon, about an Australian shepherd puppy, has 12 original songs through three narrated stories.
Gordon revolves around teamwork, kindness, friendship and learning responsibilities. Gordon starts on eToonz from 1 October and will also run during e.tv's Craz-e kids programming block in the afternoons at 14:30.
