DHX Media and King Bert Productions are producing a live-action series based on the Malory Towers book series by Enid Blyton. Malory Towers received a greenlight from CBBC — the BBC’s channel for kids ages 6 to 12 — and DHX Television’s Family Channel. The series follows 12-year-old Darrell Rivers as she leaves home for the first time to attend an all-girls’ boarding school.
“Malory Towers set the template for popular British boarding school stories and we’re delighted to bring this classic title to CBBC,” says Cheryl Taylor, head of content for BBC Children. “Darrell Rivers is a truly iconic character – sparky, independent and a fierce warrior against injustice. She shone a bright light on the potential of all girls at a time when expectations were very limited. The books have inspired generations of young readers and we can’t wait for our audience to meet Darrell and her friends.”
Principal photography on Malory Towers begins this month in Toronto, Canada, and will shift to the UK in September. The initial order calls for 13 30-minute episodes, which are set to debut in the UK and Canada next year.
There is no word yet on a global release plan, but DHX Media will serve as the international distributor for Malory Towers outside of the UK. The rights were acquired from Karen Lawler at Hachette Children’s Group, owners of Enid Blyton Entertainment and publisher of Malory Towers.
