PINGU™ Pingu, the internationally famous penguin, came to Hot in 2004 to a very enthusiastic studio response. Quite a contrast to the traditional method of using puppets with manipulable armatures – as used on “BOB the BUILDER” - PINGU uses solid representations of the characters in different poses, which are interchanged to compose the required movement. Originally created in Switzerland by Otmar Gutman, the series celebrates its 20th birthday this year. Centred around a young penguin, it follows the trials and tribulations of Antarctic family life, where babies are hatched by teaspoon and Father’s preferred hobby is knitting. Pingu’s heart is always on his sleeve and it's this huge emotional range that makes him so appealing to an audience and also an absolute joy to animate.