A children’s magazine brand is getting a digital makeover. Burda is turning "Lissy Pony" into a multilingual video series using generative AI. The first episodes will launch on YouTube this fall.
Burda Media is moving deeper into AI-driven content production by transforming its "Lissy Pony" brand into a video series for YouTube. The company is working with Black Forest Labs and audio AI specialist ElevenLabs to bring the popular children’s magazine property, managed by Burda’s Blue Ocean Entertainment, to animated life. The first episodes are set to debut in the fall, with initial releases in German, French, and Spanish.
As the official release partner for Black Forest Labs’ new AI model Flux 3, Burda is leveraging the technology to create a consistent audiovisual experience across multiple languages and episodes. Previously, "Lissy Pony" had been adapted into a comic using earlier versions of Flux. Now, the focus is on building a cohesive brand world through generative AI, with Flux 3 ensuring visual quality and character consistency throughout the series. A trailer for the project is already available.
ElevenLabs is providing the AI-generated voices for the characters, giving each one a distinct and recognizable sound that remains consistent across episodes and languages. Burda says this approach allows for efficient localization and international distribution without the high costs and time demands of traditional dubbing and production. Rebecca Gottwald, recently appointed Chief AI Officer at Burda Media, stated that Flux 3 enables the company to experiment with new creative formats and maintain high visual standards, while ElevenLabs’ technology completes the package with tailored voice work. She emphasized that this workflow allows Burda to bring its intellectual properties to video without the usual production barriers.
The company sees the "Lissy Pony" project as a demonstration of how generative AI can extend established media brands. Burda also announced plans to use these AI models beyond editorial IP, including for scalable brand campaigns and new product development.
Anthony Charbonnier, Head of GTM at Black Forest Labs, said Flux 3 gives content creators the tools to build new worlds and ensures character consistency across episodes and languages, allowing teams to focus on storytelling. Gordian Braun, Head of Growth EMEA & LATAM at ElevenLabs, noted that giving "Lissy Pony" characters their own voices in three languages from the start is crucial for maintaining a unified brand experience in every market. He added that Burda’s approach shows how European media companies can use this technology to expand internationally while retaining control over their brands.
