Germany’s ZDF has officially joined the burgeoning international co-production of the 2D animated preschool comedy series, Hold on Gaston!, solidifying its position as a significant European collaboration. This strategic partnership brings the acclaimed German public broadcaster aboard alongside existing co-producers Vivi Film of Belgium and VRT Ketnet. The move further expands the series’ global reach, with pre-sales already secured in key territories including France, Canada, Denmark, and Iceland, underscoring the project’s strong market appeal and Dandelooo’s robust distribution capabilities. Dandelooo, the Emmy Award-winning French animation production and distribution company, is spearheading the worldwide distribution of the series.
The animated series, Hold on Gaston!, is an adaptation of the immensely popular "Little Unicorn" book series, authored and illustrated by Aurélie Chien Chow Chine, and published by Hachette Enfants. This literary success, which has garnered over 1.7 million copies sold in France alone since its 2018 debut and boasts 55 published titles translated into 28 languages, provides a rich narrative foundation for the animated adaptation. The television series will comprise 48 episodes, each running for 11 minutes, complemented by two standalone 22-minute TV specials. Designed for children aged 5-8, the series aims to captivate young audiences with its vibrant storytelling and relatable themes.
Production is currently underway at Dandelooo’s animation studio, Ooolala, under the direction of Grégory Leterrier. The delivery of the series is slated for late 2027, a timeline that reflects the meticulous attention to detail and quality expected from a high-caliber preschool production.
A Collaborative European Endeavor
The inclusion of ZDF marks a significant milestone for Hold on Gaston!, demonstrating a united front among leading European broadcasters and production houses. This collaborative spirit is crucial in the competitive landscape of children’s programming, allowing for shared investment, creative input, and wider audience access. Vivi Film and VRT Ketnet have been integral to the project’s development from its earlier stages, contributing their expertise and market insights. The addition of ZDF further strengthens the series’ European footprint and reinforces its commitment to delivering high-quality, culturally relevant content for young viewers.
The pre-sale agreements with TV5 Monde France, TFO in Canada, DR in Denmark, and Iceland’s RÚV highlight the series’ broad international appeal even before its official launch. These broadcasters represent diverse linguistic and cultural markets, indicating that Gaston’s adventures are poised to resonate with children across a wide spectrum of backgrounds. Dandelooo’s proactive approach to securing distribution partnerships underscores its strategic vision for the series’ global success.
The Enchanting World of Gaston
At the heart of Hold on Gaston! is Gaston, a delightful little unicorn characterized by his vibrant, multicolored mane, a round, cuddly belly, and a horn that perpetually points towards the unknown. Gaston is a creature of profound emotion, and when these feelings become overwhelming, he embarks on exciting and colorful journeys. These adventures, shared with his friends in the whimsical world of Univille-on-Joy, provide a unique opportunity for young viewers to explore and understand their own emotional landscapes. The series’ narrative structure, designed to translate complex emotions into accessible and engaging visual experiences, is a key element of its educational and entertainment value.
The source material, Aurélie Chien Chow Chine’s "Little Unicorn" series, has already established a loyal following due to its charming characters and its gentle exploration of childhood experiences. The transition to animation is expected to amplify these qualities, bringing Gaston’s world to life with dynamic visuals and engaging character interactions. The series’ focus on emotional intelligence and social-emotional learning is particularly relevant in today’s educational landscape, where equipping children with the tools to navigate their feelings is paramount.
Official Statements and Strategic Vision
Yann Labasque, Head of Youth Programming at TF1 Group, expressed considerable enthusiasm for the collaboration. "We’re thrilled to collaborate with Dandelooo to bring ‘Little Unicorn,’ the beloved book series by Aurélie Chien Chow Chine, to life on screen," Labasque stated. He elaborated on the series’ alignment with TFOU’s mission: "Gaston’s journey is a perfect fit for TFOU’s mission: to create stories that entertain and give kids the tools to understand their emotions. This series is not just an adaptation—it’s a whimsical comedy for young viewers to explore with energy and benevolence the ups and downs of growing up." This statement underscores TF1’s strategic commitment to content that is both entertaining and developmentally beneficial for children.
Telidja Klai, Content Manager at VRT Ketnet, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the series’ unique attributes. " Hold on Gaston! has very funny, warm, and happy storytelling, the most original characters, very beautiful high-quality design, and very positive values matching the values of Ketnet," Klai commented. She further emphasized the series’ pedagogical strengths: "The focus on social-emotional development of children, the translation of emotion into colors, and the way of dealing with emotions is positive, unique, and an added value in Ketnet’s portfolio." This perspective from VRT Ketnet underscores the series’ potential to contribute significantly to children’s emotional literacy.
Veerle Appelmans, Producer at Vivi Film, noted the significance of this second collaboration with Dandelooo. " Hold on Gaston! marks the second series co-produced by Vivi Film with Dandelooo, following the success of Upside Down River," she remarked. Appelmans detailed the series’ appeal and Vivi Film’s role: "Aimed at upper preschoolers, this vibrant series brings a fresh emotion-driven approach that sparks adventure, emotional insight, and plenty of laughs. We’re thrilled to contribute to the animation and create a Flemish dub to bring the series to young audiences in Flanders!" This highlights Vivi Film’s commitment to localizing content and its proven track record with Dandelooo.
Dandelooo: A Leader in Animation Production and Distribution
Founded in 2010 by Jean-Baptiste Wery and Emmanuelle Pétry, Dandelooo has rapidly established itself as a prominent player in the animation industry. The Paris-based company specializes in producing and distributing animated programs for both television and cinema, with a portfolio that includes successful titles such as The Treehouse Stories, Billy the Cowboy Hamster, and The Upside Down River. Its industry recognition is substantial, having been named Best European Producer by Cartoon Media in 2018 and receiving the 2024 Procirep Award for Best French Animation Producer.
Dandelooo’s production operations are primarily centered in France through its studio, Ooolala. The company’s 2025 production slate is robust, featuring the second season of Billy the Cowboy Hamster for France Télévisions, the first season of Max and Bunny for Canal+, and the highly anticipated Hold on Gaston! for TF1. Beyond creative output, Dandelooo is also committed to sustainable production practices, including the development of low-carbon animated works and the creation of a carbon calculator named "Carbulator," reflecting a growing industry trend towards environmental responsibility.
The company’s distribution arm is equally impressive, managing international sales for its original productions as well as third-party content. Dandelooo’s catalog boasts prestigious accolades, including an International Emmy Award for The Treehouse Stories and a Jury Prize at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival for Mum is Pouring Rain. In a strategic expansion, Dandelooo launched Dandelooo Cinéma in January 2024, a division dedicated to feature films. Its inaugural release, Hola Frida!, offered a fictionalized childhood narrative of Frida Kahlo to a global audience. The division’s current offerings also include Born in the Jungle, My Life in Versailles: The Movie, and Billy the Cowboy Hamster, with plans for further cinematic releases.
Market Implications and Future Outlook
The strong international co-production and pre-sale momentum for Hold on Gaston! suggests a promising future for the series. The involvement of a major public broadcaster like ZDF, alongside other key European players, not only secures significant financial backing but also guarantees widespread broadcast reach across the continent. This collective investment mitigates financial risk for individual partners and fosters a shared commitment to the project’s long-term success.
The series’ focus on emotional intelligence aligns with a growing demand from parents and educators for content that supports children’s holistic development. In an era where digital media consumption is pervasive, the need for well-crafted, educational, and values-driven programming is more critical than ever. Hold on Gaston! appears well-positioned to meet this demand, offering a blend of entertainment and essential life lessons.
Dandelooo’s strategic expansion into theatrical distribution with Dandelooo Cinéma also indicates a broader ambition to leverage its intellectual properties across multiple platforms. This integrated approach, from production to global distribution and theatrical releases, allows the company to maximize the value of its content and build enduring brands. The success of Hold on Gaston! could serve as a springboard for further international co-productions and adaptations of popular children’s literature, reinforcing Dandelooo’s reputation as a key innovator in the global animation industry. The series’ projected late 2027 delivery means it will enter a market with a clear need for fresh, engaging, and emotionally resonant preschool content.
