ZDF Studios has secured the international co-distribution rights to Be With Zee, a mindfulness-based 2D animated preschool IP from Canada’s Vérité Films in collaboration with New Zealand production partners Oddly Quiet and Media Tech Productions.
Vérité International Distribution and ZDF Studios are jointly managing the rights to the new series. Canada, Australia and New Zealand are the reserved co-production territories. ZDF Studios will manage Europe and selected international markets.
Season one, in production, includes 52 6-minute episodes, with a second round of 52 episodes in development. TVOkids, TFO, and Knowledge Network (Canada) and TVNZ (New Zealand) co-commissioned the show. The first half of season one is premiering this fall, with the second half slated for spring 2027.
Be With Zee is created by New Zealand writer, art director and children’s book illustrator Matt Haworth and was developed in consultation with experts in early childhood education and child psychology. Featuring an intentionally slower pace, it addresses themes such as emotional development, self-regulation, resilience and family connection.
ZDF Studios plans to commission a German-language version of the first season. The show will be available in English, French, Spanish and German, with digital as a key part of the distribution strategy. A plan for publishing, consumer products, licensing and community-building initiatives is also in the works.
“Be With Zee is exactly the kind of premium preschool property we are looking for as we continue to expand our international children’s portfolio,” said Oliver Grundel, Director Junior at ZDF Studios. “The series combines exceptional storytelling with themes that resonate strongly with modern families, including playful curiosity, connection and emotional resilience. What particularly excites us is its digital-first DNA and the long-term brand opportunities beyond television, spanning YouTube, community engagement, publishing, licensing and consumer products. Together with Vérité, we see tremendous international potential for this beautiful and meaningful brand.”
Virginia Thompson, EP at Vérité Films, added, “From the beginning, Be With Zee was conceived as more than a television series. It is a trusted companion for children and families, supporting emotional growth through warmth, imagination and gentle storytelling. We are delighted to partner with ZDF Studios, whose expertise in building and expanding children’s brands internationally makes them the ideal collaborator as we introduce Zee and Matua to audiences around the world.”
