BBC Studios
BBC Studios is actively co-producing and greenlighting preschool animated content built on proven IP, with My Friend Maisy Season 2 its most recent greenlit project.
Each signal is one documented data point captured by our continuous pipeline: a trade-press mention, festival market activity, executive statement, or acquisition activity update. Higher signal volume means BBC Studios is generating more public market activity right now.
"I don't want anyone feeling they can't do it because they don't want to make a fuss. Please make a fuss. We will act on things if we hear things but we can't act on things unless we know. So please just let us know." — Peter Davey
BBC Studios greenlit a second season of My Friend Maisy in May 2026, co-producing with Trustbridge Entertainment, with work set to start on the coproduction later this year. The project is rooted in a property with 46-plus million book copies sold, signaling a clear appetite for preschool animated series backed by established, commercially validated IP. Rights are structured globally outside Greater China, where Trustbridge retains its own territory.
Over the past 12 months, BBC Studios has logged 99 total tracked records and closed at least one significant corporate acquisition: the remaining 49 percent stake in Sid Gentle Films, reportedly for around £16 million, giving it full control of that label. The combination of a slate-level greenlight in preschool animation and a production-company acquisition points to a distributor consolidating creative infrastructure while extending its children's content footprint.
Access to BBC Studios runs primarily through its established co-production and distribution channels. The organization tracks 97 decision makers across its production business, and its senior leadership has been publicly vocal about inclusive, accountable set culture since formalizing The Pledge across its entire production business in 2021. Prospective partners pitching preschool animated projects with proven IP provenance are best positioned to engage through formal co-production inquiries directed at the relevant genre team.
My Friend Maisy Season 2
Sid Gentle Films (remaining 49%; took full control)
"I don't want anyone feeling they can't do it because they don't want to make a fuss. Please make a fuss. We will act on things if we hear things but we can't act on things unless we know. So please just let us know." — Peter Davey
BBC Studios greenlit a second season of My Friend Maisy in May 2026, co-producing with Trustbridge Entertainment, with work set to start on the coproduction later this year. The project is rooted in a property with 46-plus million book copies sold, signaling a clear appetite for preschool animated series backed by established, commercially validated IP. Rights are structured globally outside Greater China, where Trustbridge retains its own territory.
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Does BBC Studios accept unsolicited scripts or pitches?
BBC Studios does not have a publicized open-door policy for unsolicited scripts. Based on current activity, the distributor is operating through structured co-production arrangements, as seen with the My Friend Maisy Season 2 greenlight alongside Trustbridge Entertainment. Prospective creators are advised to approach through a recognized production company or agent with an established relationship to the relevant BBC Studios genre team, rather than submitting cold.
What budgets does BBC Studios work with for preschool animation?
Budget figures for the My Friend Maisy Season 2 co-production have not been disclosed. The Sid Gentle Films acquisition, a separate corporate transaction, was reportedly around £16 million for the remaining 49 percent stake. For preschool animated series, BBC Studios typically structures financing through co-production partnerships, meaning budgets are shared across partners and territories rather than funded unilaterally. Specific per-episode or series budgets are not publicly confirmed in available coverage.
Which festivals or markets does BBC Studios attend to acquire content?
Available data does not specify which festivals or markets BBC Studios attends for acquisition activity. Given its scale as a global distributor with 97 tracked decision makers and a broad co-production slate, attendance at major children's content markets such as MIPJunior and Kidscreen Summit would be consistent with industry norms for a distributor of this profile. Confirming specific market presence is best done through direct outreach or trade press coverage closer to each event.
How do you reach BBC Studios decision makers?
BBC Studios has 97 decision makers tracked across its production business. The organization operates through formal co-production and distribution channels, and recent deals such as My Friend Maisy Season 2 have been structured as named co-productions with external partners. Senior leadership, including figures like Peter Davey, are publicly identified. Industry-standard routes include representation by a recognized agent or production company, direct outreach via BBC Studios' official co-production and distribution contacts, and engagement at major content markets.
What genres is BBC Studios focused on right now?
Current acquisition and greenlight activity points squarely at preschool animated series with established IP and proven commercial success. The My Friend Maisy Season 2 greenlight, based on a property with 46-plus million book copies sold, is the most recent confirmed signal. The acquisition of full control of Sid Gentle Films, known for drama production, also indicates broader scripted interests, but the clearest active mandate in available data is preschool animation built on recognizable, market-tested source material.
Is BBC Studios currently active as a buyer and distributor?
Yes. As of May 2026, BBC Studios greenlit My Friend Maisy Season 2 in co-production with Trustbridge Entertainment, with production set to begin later this year. The distributor logged 99 tracked records over the past 12 months and recorded a deal velocity signal of 6 in the most recent 30-day window. The Sid Gentle Films full acquisition, reportedly around £16 million, also closed within the past year. Activity levels and the latest signal date of May 19, 2026 confirm the organization is operationally active.
Profile compiled from publicly-available sources: trade press (Deadline, Variety, IndieWire, The Hollywood Reporter, Screen Daily), festival market reports (Cannes Marche, AFM, EFM, TIFF Industry), executive public statements, and acquisition announcements. Activity counters reflect signal volume from continuous pipeline indexing.
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