... with new adventures, new gadgets – and a new Stephanie!

Award-winning children’s TV series LazyTown is back in production for a third series of brand new 13 half hour shows following its acquisition by Turner Broadcasting in September 2011. Charting the adventures of action hero Sportacus, aspiring dancer Stephanie, resident villain Robbie Rotten and the rest of the LazyTown gang, the show once again stars its creator Magnus Scheving as Sportacus, with a new actress in the role of Stephanie.

Ten-year-old Chloe Lang, from Connecticut in the US and already a successful competition dancer, takes over from Julianna Rose Mauriello as Stephanie, the show’s lead female character, who is much loved by children for her bright pink hair, sunny disposition and dancing skills. “I‘m happy and honoured to take on this role and very excited to have the opportunity to live in Iceland for the next few months and work with the LazyTown crew,” says Chloe. “I have always looked up to Julianna - she was great on the show and I just hope I can perform to her standards.” Created as a concept nearly 20 years ago by Magnus Scheving, LazyTown is the only global entertainment brand dedicated to kids’ health. Its aim is to motivate kids and their families to make positive lifestyle choices in a fun, entertaining and inspirational way.

As well as the TV show, the brand encompasses live shows, music, games, radio, publishing, retail and community initiatives such as marathons, sports clubs, meet ‘n greets and government-backed healthy eating campaigns.

“I’m really excited about filming the new series, not least because Sportacus has got some really cool new gadgets to help him in his mission to get kids active and having fun in a creative way,” says Magnus.

Filmed as usual in the LazyTown Studios in Iceland, the special effects are being created this time round by Turner Studios in Atlanta, whose credits include Ben 10, Level Up, Matrix and X-Men.

The new series is being produced by Magnus Scheving and Björn Thorir Sigurdsson and directed by Magnus Scheving and Sigvaldi J. Karason.

“LazyTown is one of the most powerful kids’ brands in the world,” says Turner’s Chief Content Officer for EMEA Michael Carrington. “It’s not only great entertainment, but – thanks to Magnus – has had a huge impact on society’s fight against childhood obesity. The new TV series promises to be even bigger and better than before and will play an important role in our plans to build up and extend our pre-school channel Cartoonito.”

The first two series of LazyTown have also been acquired by Turner and will be transmitted on Turner channels before the new series airs in early 2013.