Zodiak Kids, Zodiak Media Group’s children’s production and distribution arm, has inked a kids’ format deal with Turner Broadcasting Asia Pacific for their children’s magic show Tricky TV, an original programme created by The Foundation TV Productions Ltd, part of the Zodiak Media Group (ZMG). Produced in-house by Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific, the local version of Tricky TV will be called MagicSkool and will premiere on Turner's Indian kids' channel – POGO, this weekend (October 2). This 26x30’ series will be presented by local children’s celebrity Harun Robert, a.k.a. Rob. Turner Broadcasting has also optioned the format rights to produce a further 17 episodes.

MagicSkool, based on Tricky TV, is an interactive and witty show that presents magic in a fun and entertaining way, leaving the viewer amazed and enchanted. This high-energy magic show blends the mysterious world of illusion with witty entertainment. POGO’s celebrity host, Rob, will teach viewers simple step-by-step magic tricks, hidden camera tricks and brain teasers.

In the UK, two series of Tricky TV (23x22’ & 20x22’) have been produced by The Foundation, for CiTV. Presented by magician and TV presenter Stephen Mulhern, it showcases some of the coolest magic tricks around as well as revealing the secrets to some great tricks that can be tried at home.

This kids’ format deal follows the recent announcement that The Foundation, a subsidiary of Zodiak Kids, has produced a children’s version of the legendary adventure game show Fort Boyard. Other kids’ formats within Zodiak Kids’ portfolio include Mister Maker and The Buzzer.

Karen Vermeulen, SVP Global Sales and Co-production, Zodiak Kids comments: “We are delighted to have secured a further kids’ format deal, this time for our magic show Tricky TV. Tricky TV’s format has global appeal and we look forward to working closely with Turner Broadcasting on this new production, which I’m sure will be a success when it launches this Sunday.”

Layla Lewis, Director, Programming, Acquisitions and Development, Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific, Inc, said: “We are thrilled to have been able to partner with Zodiak Kids in order to produce a new and exciting version of the hit series Tricky TV, and together with our celebrity host Rob, is sure to excite the imaginations of our POGO viewers across India.”

Tricky TV has had international success being acquired by a number of broadcasters in several territories including: MBC (Middle East); Teletoon (France); Mediacorp in Singapore for Okto Channel, NRK Super (Norway); Super RTL (Germany); 365 media (Iceland); Digiturk (Turkey); Vrak TV (Canada); Disney Japan, Joongang Broadcasting Corp (South Korea); ATV (Hong Kong) and Pro Plus (Slovenia).

Zodiak Kids owns worldwide rights to Tricky TV finished programmes and formats.