Siebenstein’s story of success

Within the last twenty years many a show made their glamorous debut just to disappear quietly and unnoticed shortly after. But “Siebenstein” celebrated their 20th anniversary in 2008, despite economic turmoil and dramatic changes in the media landscape. "Siebenstein" was able to prevail due to the fact that children find an island of comfort and security at the little junk shop while they nevertheless set off to discover the world in colourful and imaginative stories.

And of course, children and parents alike love Ms. Siebenstein and her fellow housemates: the cranky, speaking suitcase, and the cheeky, loveable, tousled and cuddlesome Rudi Raven who has long developed into one of the most famous characters of the ZDF children’s programme and the Ki.Ka. Within the last two decades, key elements remained unchanged while producers loved to experiment in details. The concept of the show stayed the same, but the speed changed. Today Siebenstein’s stories are fast-paced and densely-woven.

The concept of the “Siebenstein” series

A junk shop in the middle of Berlin provides the setting for all Siebenstein stories. Outside, reality rules – but the shop shelters a whole world of fantasy, for a wonderful trio of human, animal and object lives here: Ms. Siebenstein, the caring fairy of junk; Rudi, her cheeky inquisitive raven; and the much-travelled, highly-experienced Koffer the suitcase. The junk shop provides ample space for games and experiences, where a wardrobe becomes an elevator to another world, and a tent turns into a submarine exploring the depths of the ocean. Siebenstein’s junk shop conveys a sense of security, yet it is open to the outside world, due to its many customers who regularly drop in: children and neighbours, a plumber and an antique dealer, police officers and the manager of a flea circus, a tree fairy and even a prince. For the children watching TV at home, the junk shop with its three inhabitants is a familiar setting, a place where they feel secure and a starting point for little journeys into the unknown.

Siebenstein’s stories are always self-contained short stories. Each episode revolves around a central topic that is pursued throughout the stories and framework: big and small, brothers and sisters, holidays, arguments and reconciliation, to name but a few. Stories are told in pictures, cartoons, short films, puppet animations, computer animations and documentaries.