ZDF Studios has joined Canadian production company Vérité Films for the international co-distribution of Be With Zee, a new preschool animated series currently in production with New Zealand partners Oddly Quiet and Media Tech Productions.
Under the new agreement, Vérité International Distribution and ZDF Studios will jointly handle international sales of the series. While Canada, Australia and New Zealand remain reserved as co-production territories, ZDF Studios will focus on distribution across Europe and selected international markets.
Be With Zee Targets Preschool Audiences
Created by New Zealand writer, art director and children’s book illustrator Matt Haworth, Be With Zee follows Zee, a young forest creature, and Matua, a nurturing parent-caregiver, as they navigate the everyday adventures and emotions of childhood.
Through comedy, imaginative play and gentle storytelling, the series introduces young viewers to emotional wellbeing, mindfulness and self-regulation. The production has been developed with input from early childhood education and child psychology experts.
The series adopts a deliberately slower pace and handcrafted-inspired visual style, while exploring themes including emotional development, resilience, family connection and managing feelings.
The first season consists of 52 six-minute episodes, with a second 52-episode season currently in development. The series has been co-commissioned by TVOkids, TFO and Knowledge Network in Canada, alongside TVNZ in New Zealand.
Episodes 1–26 are scheduled to premiere on TVNZ, TVOkids and TFO in fall 2026, followed by episodes 27–52 in spring 2027. Knowledge Network will join the rollout shortly afterward.
ZDF Studios Expands Be With Zee’s Global Strategy
As part of its international distribution plans, ZDF Studios is set to commission a German-language version of the first season. The series will be available in English, French, Spanish and German as part of its broader localization strategy.
Beyond traditional broadcasting, Be With Zee has been developed as a digital-first brand, with plans to expand onto YouTube and other digital platforms. The property is also being developed across publishing, licensing, consumer products and community engagement.
Oliver Grundel, Director JUNIOR at ZDF Studios, said the series fits the company’s strategy of expanding its international children’s portfolio while highlighting its storytelling and digital potential.
Vérité Films Executive Producer Virginia Thompson added that Be With Zee was conceived as more than a television series, describing it as a companion for children and families focused on emotional development through imagination and gentle storytelling.
With the international co-distribution agreement, Be With Zee joins ZDF Studios’ growing children’s catalogue as the company and Vérité Films prepare to take the preschool property to buyers across global markets.
