EXCLUSIVE: A show for budding Warren Buffetts is headed to market after ZDF Studios scored the distribution rights to Pipo, Pepa & Pop. The animated show teaches kids the basics of economics and finance using the principles of brainstorming and teamwork. In keeping with the theme, pioneering economist Adam Smith inspires a recurring character on the series, a Scottish elf who lives in a moneybox.
Pipo and Pepa are siblings and Pop is their dog. The trio have adventures and overcome problems together. Visually, the finance aspects are portrayed with stock market graphs that become the city skyline, percent signs that flutter in the skies turning into butterflies, and different currencies that become blooms of colorful flowers
The series was made for Italian pubcaster RAI and has been a hit on its linear and on-demand services. The show was created by sisters Fiorella Congedo and Maria Elena Congedo and produced by their Congedo CulturArte, a spin-off of Congedo Publishing. While the emphasis in the series is on fun, the producers were supported by scientific advice from the Financial Literacy and Inclusion Campaign established by the Financial Times.
“Pipo, Pepa & Pop is unique, not only because its goal is to educate young children about finance but also in the wonderful way it engages this age group in a topic that is considered dry and complicated,” said Marei Bruckmann, Director Junior, ZDF Studios. “We are excited to present this title to our many clients who are always on the lookout for top quality, entertaining and educational content for their junior audiences.”
