1001 markets: Independent production, ‘Universal Childhood’ and the Global Kids’ television industry

This article critically analyses the independent Vancouver-based animation company Big Bad Boo Studios and its programme 1001 Nights (Van de Keere, 2010). Placing Big Bad Boo Studios in the context of the global animation industry, the article considers the strategies that the small producer employs in order to compete against multinational corporations such as Disney and Turner. Using 1001 Nights as a case study, the article argues that Big Bad Boo offers a unique vision of global childhood founded on the common experiences of multicultural modernity that impact the lives of children across the world. Ultimately, Big Bad Boo puts forth this unique perspective in order to appeal to a wide swath of potential programme buyers, including both public and commercial broadcasters.