Creator Claire Mundell, Justin Molotnikov, Brian Ward
First shown 2004
Production Company Blueprint Entertainment and Alberta Filmworks
Marnie finds four carved wooden toys in a shoebox.
Story
11-year old Marnie is given a shoebox containing four carved toys and discovers she can bring the toys to life – Alisa the Adder, Bruno the Bear, Edwin the Eagle and Wolfcane the Wolf. Marnie discovers the toys are really humans who were turned into toys by their master, Toledo and she reluctantly agrees to help them find the Book of Forbidden Knowledge which will turn the toys back into their human selves.
Why we chose it
Shoebox Zoo’s use of CGI and live action was new to television at the time and helped to create an atmospheric fantasy world.
Where it came from
Claire Mundell created the series to raise the profile of CBBC Scotland’s programming.
Where it went next
Shoebox Zoo ran for two series. The first series is set in Scotland and focuses on Celtic mythology while the second series is set in Denver and is based in Native American mythology.
The series ends with Marnie returning the shoebox to the junk shop she got it from, where the audience sees the junk shop owner begin his own adventure with the toys leaving the story open for possible further episodes.
Creator Claire Mundell, Justin Molotnikov, Brian Ward
First shown 2004
Production Company Blueprint Entertainment and Alberta Filmworks