“TV Just Got a Heart: Mixmups Delivers Next-Level Inclusivity with Ultra Access on Milkshake!”
Move over, traditional TV — the future of preschool entertainment has officially arrived, and it’s more magical, customizable, and inclusive than ever. Channel 5’s Milkshake! and the trailblazing stop-motion series Mixmups have just dropped something revolutionary: Mixmups with Ultra Access™. This game-changing new format goes far beyond basic subtitles and audio descriptions to deliver an ultra-personalized, joyful viewing experience for every child — especially those with accessibility needs.
Starting today, 10 specially crafted episodes of Mixmups with Ultra Access are available on Milkshake!’s online platform. They don’t just accommodate kids with different needs — they celebrate them. Created by accessibility visionary Rebecca Atkinson and commissioned by Paramount’s Louise Bucknole, these episodes are powered by the interactive media wizards at Stornaway. And let’s just say: this isn’t your average cartoon update.
So, what exactly is Ultra Access™? Think of it like Netflix, but built specifically with inclusion in mind. Viewers can toggle features such as simplified visuals, lowered background audio, BSL (British Sign Language), emotional cues, and even play-along sensory props. It’s all about giving children — and the adults supporting them — a completely tailored experience that suits their unique learning and sensory styles.
And the star of the show? Meet Spin — the first-ever stop-motion character to sign in both Makaton and BSL with his adorable fuzzy paws. Talk about breaking barriers!
“The Mixmups team loves to bend the rules and reimagine what accessible animation can look like,” says creator Rebecca Atkinson. “We’re thrilled to introduce Ultra Access and give a whole generation of children — and the people who care for them — something truly magical and meaningful.”
Ultra Access isn’t just a cute add-on either. It’s a milestone moment in broadcasting — showcasing the power of Object-Based Media, where video and audio components are modular and can be rearranged to suit individual needs. For kids, that means every episode becomes a choose-your-own-adventure of accessibility.
Kate Dimbleby, co-founder of Stornaway, adds: “We created Stornaway to empower creators with interactive storytelling tools, and seeing Mixmups use this tech for such an inclusive mission is inspiring. This is innovation with heart.”
Mixmups has already been making waves since its 2023 launch as Milkshake!’s first animated series with disabled lead characters — created by a team with lived disability experience. Set in the playful, pastel-hued world of Mixington Valley, the show follows the lovable trio — Pockets, Giggle, and Spin — as they “Mix up the Magic!” with a wooden spoon and some boundless imagination. And yes, their sidekick pets Roller Guinea and Yapette the Guide Dog are just as charming.
Louise Bucknole of Paramount puts it best: “Inclusivity has been baked into Mixmups from day one. These Ultra Access episodes make that mission even more impactful — ensuring every preschooler, regardless of ability, can experience the joy of storytelling.”
Produced by Manchester-based animation legends Mackinnon & Saunders (of Fantastic Mr. Fox and Pinocchio fame) and supported by the BFI’s Young Audiences Content Fund, Mixmups is setting the gold standard for accessible, inclusive kids’ content.
So, whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just someone who believes in media that truly represents everyone, it’s time to Mix up the magic with Mixmups with Ultra Access™. Because every child deserves a show that speaks — and signs — directly to them. 💫
