The one-hour special based on Jacqueline Woodson’s New York Times bestselling picture book is now in production at Thunderbird Entertainment’s Atomic Cartoons

Thunderbird Entertainment Group Inc. (TSXV:TBRD, OTC – THBRF) (“Thunderbird” or the “Company”) today announced that The Day You Begin, a brand-new animated original special from Atomic Cartoons, is heading to PBS KIDS. The special is currently in production at Atomic’s Vancouver studio.

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Brand-new animated special The Day You Begin, based on Jacqueline Woodson's New York Times bestselling picture book about four children as they experience their first day of school, is in production at Thunderbird Entertainment's Atomic Cartoons and is headed to PBS KIDS. (Graphic: Business Wire)

The Day You Begin is based on the New York Times bestselling picture book of the same name by Macarthur Fellow, National Book Award and Newbery Honor-winning author Jacqueline Woodson. The animated special (1 x 45’) follows kindergartners Angelina, Rigoberto, Oni and Andre on their first day of school, and is told from each of their points of view to create an interconnecting narrative. They each have different experiences in the same classroom, and throughout the course of the day at school, the kids learn what makes them unique and what connects them to others. With comedy and heart, The Day You Begin demystifies this universal experience for children and strives to inspire its viewers to celebrate their differences.

“Jacqueline Woodson’s incredible book not only encapsulates the excitement and trepidation experienced by children on their first day of school, but it also helps to show what entering a classroom for the first time is like, and showcases that kids’ uniqueness is a strength,” said Kristin Cummings, SVP of Originals, Atomic Cartoons. “We can think of no better broadcast partner than PBS KIDS for this project that aims to help kids with school readiness while thoroughly entertaining them.”

“The magic and excitement of the first day of school and how children start to define themselves within a community is the perfect topic for a family special on PBS KIDS,” said Adriano Schmid, VP, PBS KIDS Content, PBS. “We’re such fans of Jacqueline Woodson and The Day You Begin book, and we’re thrilled to embark on this production with our partners at Atomic.”

“The Day You Begin has been so beloved by so many kids in this country and around the world,” said Woodson. “I’m excited to see it come to animated life on screen, where even more young people can see — through the characters in this story — reflections of their own beauty and brilliance. PBS KIDS is the perfect place for this show.”

The Day You Begin is produced by Atomic Cartoons. Woodson and screenwriter Dana Chan (Alma’s Way, Santiago of the Seas, Dora the Explorer) co-wrote the script. Cummings and Jennifer Twiner McCarron serve as Executive Producers (EP) for Atomic/Thunderbird, alongside Woodson, Emmy-winning producer Maria Pepin and Matthew Berkowitz. Atomic’s Lori Massini and Joel Bradley are Co-EPs and Heather Renney serves as Supervising Producer.

The Day You Begin is the latest owned intellectual property (IP) announced by Thunderbird, and the Company manages and controls global media distribution rights to the special. Thunderbird Distribution will debut the special to prospective international buyers at global sales market MIPjunior/MIPCOM, taking place in Cannes, France, October 19 to 24, 2024.

Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release, which has been prepared by management.

About Thunderbird Entertainment

Thunderbird Entertainment Group is a global award-winning, full-service production, distribution and rights management company, headquartered in Vancouver, with additional offices in Los Angeles and Ottawa. Thunderbird creates award-winning scripted, unscripted, and animated programming for the world’s leading digital platforms, as well as Canadian and international broadcasters. The Company develops, produces, and distributes animated, factual, and scripted content through its various content arms, including Thunderbird Kids and Family (Atomic Cartoons), Thunderbird Unscripted (Great Pacific Media) and Thunderbird Scripted. Productions under the Thunderbird umbrella include Mermicorno: Starfall, Super Team Canada, Molly of Denali, Kim’s Convenience, Boot Camp, Sidelined: The QB and Me and Highway Thru Hell. Thunderbird Distribution and Thunderbird Brands manage global media and consumer products rights, respectively, for the Company and select third parties. Thunderbird is on Facebook, X, and Instagram at @tbirdent. For more information, visit: www.thunderbird.tv.

About PBS KIDS

PBS KIDS believes the world is full of possibilities, and so is every child. As the number one educational media brand for kids, PBS KIDS helps children ages 2-8 learn lessons that last a lifetime. Through media and community-based programs, PBS KIDS wants children to see themselves uniquely reflected and celebrated in lovable, diverse characters who serve as positive role models, and to explore their feelings and discover new adventures along the way. Families can stream PBS KIDS for free anytime, no subscription required. A large collection of mobile apps and pbskids.org provide accessible content that spark kids’ curiosity. PBS KIDS and local stations across the country support the entire ecosystem in which children learn and grow – including their teachers and caregivers, parents, and community – providing resources accessible anytime and anywhere. For more information, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes statements containing “forward-looking information” for purposes of applicable securities laws (“forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements are indicated by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “forecast”, “may”, “will”, “plan”, “project”, “should”, “believe”, “intend”, or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this document include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the intellectual property of the Company, plans to continue building out the Company’s operations with original series, anticipated launch date, and anticipated sales of The Day You Begin, and the performance, results and outcomes related to this title.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic and social uncertainties; legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; product capability and acceptance; and other factors set out in the “Risks and Uncertainty” section of the Company’s management discussion and analysis for the period ended March 31, 2024. The foregoing is not an exhaustive list. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to Thunderbird or that management believes to be less significant may also adversely affect the Company and the assumptions and estimates relied upon in connection with making the forward-looking statements contemplated herein.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release represent the Company’s views as of the date hereof and as such statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this news release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

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