Ragdoll Productions

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Ragdoll Productions (or Ragdoll Ltd.) (and Ragdoll Productions Animations.) is a United Kingdom company that produces children's television shows. It was founded by Anne Wood in 1984, who later devised many of their phenomenally successful television series, seen (in the case of Teletubbies) in 111 countries and translated into 41 languages.

[edit] Popular productions

The following are some of Ragdoll's most popular productions, accompanied by a brief description and vital statistics:

Pob's Programme — first broadcast 1985, 3 series, 52 episodes. The company's first official production featuring Pob, who has large ears and a wooly jumper.

Rosie and Jim — first broadcast 1990, 8 series, 175 episodes. Children's comedy featuring two mischievous rag dolls who magically come to life when their owner, Neil, who owns a narrowboat, is away.

Brum — first broadcast 1991. 6 series, 78 episodes. About a small car that comes to life and goes around helping the inhabitants of the nearby town. Brum enjoyed particular success in Japan.

Open a Door — first broadcast 1992. An international project producing 5-minute children's films.

Tots TV — first shown 1993, 8 series, 276 episodes. The adventures of puppets Tilly, Tom, and Tiny. Tilly spoke French (Spanish in the American broadcast), thus introducing children to a second language. Earned Ragdoll two BAFTA awards.

Teletubbies — first broadcast 1997, 365 episodes. The phenomenally successful adventures of Teletubbies Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po.

BadJelly the Witch — first broadcast 2000. A cartoon based on the book by the late Spike Milligan.

Boohbah — first broadcast 2003. 104 episodes. An exercise program aimed at 3- to 8-year-olds.

In the Night Garden — First broadcast in 2007; intended for children aged 1-3 100x30m commissioned by BBC

Tronji — to be broadcast in 2008, is aimed at children aged 6-8. 30x30m commissioned by BBC

[edit] Shop

There was a Ragdoll shop in Stratford-upon-Avon (the town of William Shakespeare's birth) in Warwickshire, which stocks a range of merchandise relating to Ragdoll's television series (the shop has now shut down).