ZDF Studios Boards Be With Zee for International Co-Distribution
Premium preschool mindfulness brand combines global growth potential with heartfelt storytelling and digital-first strategy
Mainz/Toronto, 28 September 2026
ZDF Studios has acquired international co-distribution rights for the new preschool series Be With Zee, a charming 2D-animated series currently in production by Canada's Vérité Films in collaboration with leading New Zealand production partners Oddly Quiet and Media Tech Productions.
Under the agreement, Vérité International Distribution and ZDF Studios will jointly manage international distribution. Canada, Australia and New Zealand remain reserved co-production territories, while ZDF Studios will focus particularly on Europe and selected international markets.
The first season comprises 52 x 6-minute episodes, with a second 52-episode season already in development. The series is co-commissioned by TVOkids, TFO, and Knowledge Network (Canada) and TVNZ (New Zealand). Episodes 1-26 are scheduled to premiere on TVNZ, TVOkids, and TFO in fall 2026, with episodes 27-52 launching on both broadcasters in spring 2027 and Knowledge following shortly after.
Created by New Zealand writer, art director and children's book illustrator Matt Haworth, Be With Zee has been developed in consultation with experts in early childhood education and child psychology.
Be With Zee follows Zee, a lovable young forest creature, and Matua, a nurturing parent-caregiver, as they explore the adventures, challenges and emotions of everyday life. Through comedy, gentle storytelling, and imaginative play, the series helps children identify, express and manage their feelings while offering practical mindfulness and emotional wellbeing tools for families.
Set against beautifully handcrafted-inspired visuals and an intentionally slower pace, Be With Zee provides a welcome antidote to the overstimulation of modern children's media. Addressing themes such as emotional development, self-regulation, resilience and family connection, the series speaks to a growing global demand for fun, engaging content that supports children's mental and emotional wellbeing.
To further strengthen the show's global reach, ZDF Studios plans to commission a German-language version of Season One. As part of a broader localization strategy, the series will be available in English, French, Spanish and German, enabling the content to connect more authentically with audiences across key international markets. This multilingual strategy provides a strong foundation for international sales and digital expansion.
Designed from the outset as a digital-first brand, Be With Zee extends far beyond linear television. Alongside broadcast distribution, the property is being developed for YouTube and other digital platforms, supported by a long-term creator and audience engagement strategy. Additional opportunities include publishing, consumer products, licensing and community-building initiatives.
Oliver Grundel, Director JUNIOR, ZDF Studios: "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. 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."
Executive Producer Virginia Thompson, 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."
---
About ZDF Studios
ZDF Studios is a commercial subsidiary of ZDF, one of the largest TV broadcasters in Europe. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Mainz, Germany, the ZDF Studios Group operates more than 30 direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates spanning TV production, distribution and services. The parent company, ZDF Studios, is responsible for global programme distribution, realisation of international co-productions, acquisition of licences and merchandising of successful programme brands under its own name, for ZDF and third parties. ZDF Studios has the largest German-language programme inventory in the world and a constantly growing range of international productions, consisting of series and mini-series, television films, documentaries and children's programmes.
The companies of the ZDF Studios Group cover the entire value chain from the development of scripted and unscripted TV content to production, marketing and monetizing, including TV and streaming licences as well as merchandising and online rights. The positioning of ZDF Studios as an integrated media company enables the development of innovative, outstanding and high-quality programmes and makes the Group an attractive workplace for German and international talent to flourish in a very inspiring and creative environment.
Contact ZDF Studios
Christine Denilauler (VP Marketing and Corporate Communications), ZDF Studios GmbH, Erich-Dombrowski-Str. 1, 55127 Mainz/Germany, tel.: +49 6131-9911130, email: christine.denilauler@zdf-studios.com, www.zdf-studios.com
About Vérité Films
Vérité Films is an award-winning, female-led Canadian production company and international distributor dedicated to creating and growing original brands with authentic voices and lasting audience impact. Over the past 25 years, the company has produced and distributed more than 400 episodes of acclaimed comedy, children's, animation and performing arts programming, earning over 130 international award wins and nominations. Its portfolio includes the iconic Corner Gas franchise, Jeremy and Jazzy, Louise Lives Large and Be With Zee. For more information, visit www.veritefilms.ca