HBO Max and Cartoon Network Studios have announced two new animated kids and family commissions
Driftwood – Created and executive produced by Victor Courtright (Aquaman: King of Atlantis), the feature is billed as a “an original animated space opera with big laughs, heart and adventure for the entire family.” The series follows the journey of a mouse-like creature named Clover who must defeat the villainous overlord Thorn to save her home from a toxic fuel source. Along the way, Clover finds allies in Marigold and Caspia, and together the three defend the forest on the edge of infinity.
Invincible Fight Girl – From first-time executive producer-creator Juston Gordon-Montgomery (DC Super Hero Girls), Invincible Fight Girl is an action-comedy set in a world where where wrestling is more than just sports entertainment; it’s a way of life. The show follows Andy, a young girl with dreams of becoming the greatest-ever wrestler. With the help of cynical retired wrestler Aunt P, Andy adopts the moniker “Fight Girl” and begins training. Further support comes from Mikey, an aspiring wrestling analyst, and Craig, a schemer who is always looking for an angle.
SpongeBob SquarePants lost media enters the surface
When SpongeBob SquarePants was pitched to Nickelodeon by Stephen Hillenburg, a series of pages were created. This shows off Sponge Boy, Patrick, Squidward, and all the key elements of Bikini Bottom that would make up SpongeBob SquarePants.
The SpongeBob SquarePants pitch bible has been lost media ever since Stephen Hillenburg made it. Pages have come out every once in a while, but the full document hasn't been seen by the public until last year. In it, we get lost SpongeBob episodes and scenes, a surprise romance with Sandy Cheeks, different designs for The Chum Bucket and The Krusty Krab, and so much more!
Disney Junior and Disney+ fill their stockings for another 2 years
Hey A.J., based on the books by Martellus Bennett, is produced by LA-based Surfing Giant Studios in association with Disney Junior. The series features seven-year-old girl A.J., who uses her imagination to find excitement in ordinary activities. Bennett, Jeff “Swampy” Marsh and Michael Hodges will serve as EPs.
The kidscaster is also teaming up with Dublin-based Brown Bag Films on Robogobo. The series follows a group of adopted pets who become superheroes with the help of robo-suits from a kid inventor named Jax. Robogobo is being developed for TV by Matt Hoverman, who is also a co-EP and story editor, while creator Chris Gilligan also serves as an EP and supervising director.
LA-based Oddbot Entertainment will bring Broadway to the classroom with Kindergarten: The Musical, a co-pro with Disney Junior. The series enters the world of five-year-old Birdy who tackles everyday challenges by expressing her emotions through musical numbers. Creators Michelle Lewis and Charlton Pettus will serve as EPs along with Tom Warburton, Kay Hanley, and Dan Petty. Co-EP Laurie Israel is also attached as story editor.
The kidcaster is also co-producing SuperKitties with New York and London-based Silvergate Media to tell the story of four superhero kittens who take on bad guys and hope to make Kittydale a “pawesome” place. Creator Paula Rosenthal will serve as EP with Kirk Van Wormer attached as co-EP.
Two short-form series Me & Mickey and Winnie the Pooh (working title) were also announced. While the former will feature Mickey Mouse in a vlog-inspired format, the latter is described as a musical series starring Winnie the Pooh and his friends.
