Ulster Orchestrato do Puffin Rock

Puffin Rock is a pre-school television series currently being animated in Derry and Kilkenny for transmission on RTÉ Jr and Nick Jr early in 2015. The series is produced by global publisher Penguin Books, Cartoon Saloon and Dog Ears.

Charlene Hegarty, Director of Publishing at Smalltown America Music: “Puffin Rock represents a completely new way of generating music for picture, commercially, within Northern Ireland and we are immensely proud to be the first agency to engage the Ulster Orchestra on this type of project. The depth of talent and the quality of musicianship they possess adds a real magic to the show’s score. We’re indebted to the Ulster Orchestra and the technical team at BBC who have made this production possible.”

Fionnuala Dane, Managing Director of Dog Ears: “We are really excited to be working with Smalltown America on the music for Puffin Rock. The songs they’ve created are really beautiful as are the gorgeous themes and arrangements.

“When they suggested working with the Ulster Orchestra we all jumped at the chance. It’s a huge opportunity for us to add an extra layer of lush music to the series. “The production values of the entire show are very high so the collaboration is a perfect fit for us. We’re proud of our association with the Orchestra and delighted to work collaboratively with other creative companies in Northern Ireland, it’s a great chance to showcase the talent here.”

Richard Williams, CEO, Northern Ireland Screen: “Puffin Rock just gets better and better. The addition of the Ulster Orchestra to record the score will bring a whole new dimension to this gorgeous, rich series. Northern Ireland Screen is delighted to have played our part in the development of this new collaboration between the moving image and music.”

Francesca Dow, MD of Penguin Random House, Children’s, UK, said: “This is great news for Puffin Rock. Music will add a wonderful dimension to the animated series and we’re thrilled that The Ulster Orchestra are involved with the production. This is an exciting project and we’re delighted to be able to bring our expertise of storytelling to help shape the programme.”

Paul Young, CEO of Cartoon Saloon: “Its really amazing to be able to work with the Ulster Orchestra, a full symphony orchestra, on a TV series and our thanks to our co-producers Dog Ears and Northern Ireland Screen for making this happen.”