ZDF Enterprises, Screen Queensland and Screen Australia have today announced the second season of hit live-action children’s series The Bureau of Magical Things from internationally-renowned producer Jonathan M. Shiff. The series is made for Network 10 locally, plus ZDF Germany and Nickelodeon.
The first season of The Bureau of Magical Things screened in over 170 territories and received the AACTA Award for Best Children’s Program in 2018. Season 2 continues the adventures of Kyra, a teenage girl who acquired magical powers when caught in a clash between an elf and a fairy. In this new series, when Kyra and Darra embark on a quest to find a legendary lost temple, Kyra’s orb magic accidentally awakens a dangerous object causing fairy and elf magic to malfunction. As the danger escalates, Kyra must risk everything to deal with a threat that endangers the entire magical world and brings her own identity into question.
Production will take place from December 2019 to July 2020 with the original cast to return for the 20-part series led by Kimie Tsukakoshi () as Kyra. Siblings Elizabeth Cullen and Julian Cullen () return as elf brother and sister on screen. Mia Milnes and Rainbow Wedell () also headline as fairies. Jamie Carter plays Kyra’s human friend and now a member of ‘The Bureau’, while Arnijka Larcombe-Weate returns as Kyra’s problematic bestie oblivious to the magical world.
The young cast are joined by experienced actors Christopher Sommers (Sweet Tooth, ), Nicholas Bell (Mission Impossible II, ), Steve Nation () and this season introduces Tasneem Roc (, , ).
Producer, Jonathan M. Shiff said, “Australian children, like children all around the world, love fantasy, mystery and adventure. It’s wonderful to build on the success of the first series with a story more magical and more epic as our young heroes seek answers to their mystery not only in Australia but across South East Asia. The extraordinarily talented Queensland cast and crew, plus the stunning local locations continue to help us to achieve the highest quality production values for a global audience.”
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, whose Government has supported the series through Screen Queensland said, “We are delighted to welcome back another season of The Bureau of Magical Things to Queensland. This production will film on the Gold Coast and Brisbane from February to June 2020 and create more than 200 jobs for cast and crew. Queensland continues to be the location of choice for major screen productions including The Bureau of Magical Things that will showcase our world-class screen industry capability and stunning locations. My government is proud to continue to support the screen industry because it creates jobs, boosts tourism and promotes our international reputation. I look forward to the next season of The Bureau of Magical Things.”
Screen Australia’s Head of Content, Sally Caplan said, “Jonathan M. Shiff has time and time again proven his ability to create enchanting children’s television and The Bureau of Magical Things has not only gained critical acclaim but has also captured the imaginations of children around the world. We’re thrilled to support the second season from the talented creative team who will bring this next magical adventure to life.”
Fred Burksen, President & CEO, ZDF Enterprises, said, “We have been working with Jonathan and his team for so many years, we consider them family. Side by side, we have managed to put smiles on the faces of children in almost every country on Earth. We are delighted that our extremely successful partnership with Jonathan M. Shiff Productions will now be continued with the second season of The Bureau of Magical Things.”
The Bureau of Magical Things season 2 is a Jonathan M. Shiff Productions project for Network 10, ZDF and Nickelodeon. Major production investment from ZDF Enterprises, Screen Queensland and Screen Australia. It is presold to Network 10 Australia, German public broadcaster ZDF and Nickelodeon, and is distributed worldwide by ZDF Enterprises.
ABOUT JONATHAN M. SHIFF PRODUCTIONS
Jonathan M. Shiff Productions is a world leader in live-action children’s fantasy drama with credits including the global smash hit H2O – Just Add Water and its spin off Mako Mermaids. In 2018, Jonathan was awarded a World Screen Kids’ Trendsetter Award in recognition of his leading contribution to the international television industry and for driving innovation in children’s programming. The first season of The Bureau of Magical Things is an international hit and is being viewed around the world via Network Ten, ZDF Germany and Nickelodeon worldwide. The series went on to win the AACTA Award for Best Children’s Program, plus the international 2019 Kidscreen Award Best New Series Tweens/Teens.
Jonathan M. Shiff Productions award winning content has screened in over 170 countries worldwide entertaining an audience of hundreds of millions and showcasing Queensland locations and lifestyle. Their Mako Mermaids series became the first ever Netflix Original live-action series for children. Graduates of Shiff’s productions include Liam Hemsworth and Margot Robbie, both seen as younger actors in The Elephant Princess. H2O stars Phoebe Tonkin (Bloom, Safe Harbour) and Claire Holt moved onto the US series The Vampire Diaries and its sequel The Originals; their co-star Luke Mitchell to The Code, Blindspot and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. They are amongst an impressive list of those who learned their craft and the business of filmmaking on Mr. Shiff’s sets.
