Nickelodeon announced on Jan. 20 the first series that will be produced in the new state-of-the-art Viacom International Studios in Miami. The studio, which boasts two 15,000-square-foot stages and was completed in late 2015, will serve as a multiplatform production hub for all of Viacom’s brands.
I Am Frankie, originally produced as “Yo Soy Franky” by Nickelodeon Latin America in Colombia, was created by renowned Argentine writer Marcela Citterio.
The English language version, I Am Frankie, now is being adapted for global audiences by Catharina Ledeboer, who has written multiple Nickelodeon hits, including most recently Every Witch Way (which completed four seasons) and Talia in the Kitchen.
I Am Frankie, is the story of “Frankie” an experimental android who navigates the perils and wonders of being a teenager. Frankie looks like any other girl, but functions like the newest computer — complete with Internet access, extensive memory and a hard disk. Frankie goes to school and no one but the members of her family know her secret.
She adapts to the real world quite well, despite having no feelings or emotions, but all that changes when she begins to experience family life, make friends and have a boyfriend. Her biggest challenge will be to fall in-love without her operating system malfunctioning.
Already in development, production on I Am Frankie will begin in the second half of 2016. Nickelodeon has ordered 20 30-minute episodes that will be distributed to Nickelodeon’s global audiences spanning 160 countries and territories via the brand’s more than 80 channels and branded blocks.
Cyma Zarghami, president of Viacom’s Kids and Family Group, said, “Miami has been a content hub for Nickelodeon for some time, creating global hits such as Every Witch Way, among others. Our talented team in Miami is truly expert at the daily serialized format, and continues to innovate their approach to both content and platforms. I Am Frankie is a fresh and different format and has incredibly talented team behind it.”
Pierluigi Gazzolo, president of Viacom International Media Networks, Americas, added, “Viacom’s commitment to top quality productions is greater than ever before — as audiences continue to demand more and more content. I am delighted that this innovative new show is among the first to be produced in this new turnkey facility.”
