Lion Forge Entertainment and Penguin Young Readers have struck a new TV and film development pact to produce adaptations of several children’s books.
The deal will allow the entertainment company to develop and adapt a slate of titles from the division of Penguin Random House — and one of the industry’s leading children’s book publishers — into animated and/or live action properties. Titles currently selected for development span readership ages three to 12 and come from Penguin Workshop, Grosset & Dunlap and Viking.
“The creative team at Penguin Young Readers are as passionate about storytelling and world-building as we are at Lion Forge,” said Lion Forge Entertainment president and chief content officer Stephanie Sperber. “Their publishing list aligns perfectly with the content we bring to market, and we are eager to develop these books for kids and family audiences globally.”
That list initially includes Brian McCann’s Wannabe Farms, Tyler Knott Gregson...
The deal will allow the entertainment company to develop and adapt a slate of titles from the division of Penguin Random House — and one of the industry’s leading children’s book publishers — into animated and/or live action properties. Titles currently selected for development span readership ages three to 12 and come from Penguin Workshop, Grosset & Dunlap and Viking.
“The creative team at Penguin Young Readers are as passionate about storytelling and world-building as we are at Lion Forge,” said Lion Forge Entertainment president and chief content officer Stephanie Sperber. “Their publishing list aligns perfectly with the content we bring to market, and we are eager to develop these books for kids and family audiences globally.”
That list initially includes Brian McCann’s Wannabe Farms, Tyler Knott Gregson...
- 9/14/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ashley Avis To Helm ‘City Of Angels’ Romance Based On Wim Wenders’ ‘Wings Of Desire’ For Warner Bros
Exclusive: Filmmaker Ashley Avis (Black Beauty) has been tapped to write and direct the romance City of Angels, based on Wim Wenders’ 1987 classic City of Angels, for Warner Bros, Atlas Entertainment and Perez Pictures.
This reimagining of Wenders’ romantic fantasy, which won him the Cannes Film Festival’s prize for Best Director, will follow the journey of a guardian angel who falls in love with a mortal man, a lonely jazz musician in Manhattan she is tasked to guide. It’s the second remake titled City of Angels to emerge from Warner Bros on the heels of Brad Silberling’s 1998 film, starring Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan, which grossed over $198M worldwide.
Atlas Entertainment’s Charles Roven produced that pic and will also produce the new take alongside Rebecca Steel Roven Oakley, as well as Paul Perez (Warner Bros/HBO Max’s Father...
This reimagining of Wenders’ romantic fantasy, which won him the Cannes Film Festival’s prize for Best Director, will follow the journey of a guardian angel who falls in love with a mortal man, a lonely jazz musician in Manhattan she is tasked to guide. It’s the second remake titled City of Angels to emerge from Warner Bros on the heels of Brad Silberling’s 1998 film, starring Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan, which grossed over $198M worldwide.
Atlas Entertainment’s Charles Roven produced that pic and will also produce the new take alongside Rebecca Steel Roven Oakley, as well as Paul Perez (Warner Bros/HBO Max’s Father...
- 4/13/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Lion Forge Animation, the company behind the Oscar-winning Hair Love, has been rebranded as Lion Forge Entertainment as it is expanding its slate to include live-action in addition to animation. It has named veteran family entertainment executive Stephanie Sperber its President and chief Content Officer.
Sperber is joining Lion Forge after recently leaving Imagine, where she was president of Imagine Kids+Family, a division she helped launch. She will report to CEO David Steward II, who founded Lion Forge Animation in 2019, and COO Edward Hamati.
“Stephanie’s unparalleled experience, creative instincts, industry relationships, business acumen and work ethos will be a driving force for Lion Forge and pave the way for us to enter exciting new frontiers,” Steward said. “The Lion Forge brand has stood for diversity and representation in animation for the past four years, and I’m thrilled to take that brand and that mission into the live action series and feature space.
Sperber is joining Lion Forge after recently leaving Imagine, where she was president of Imagine Kids+Family, a division she helped launch. She will report to CEO David Steward II, who founded Lion Forge Animation in 2019, and COO Edward Hamati.
“Stephanie’s unparalleled experience, creative instincts, industry relationships, business acumen and work ethos will be a driving force for Lion Forge and pave the way for us to enter exciting new frontiers,” Steward said. “The Lion Forge brand has stood for diversity and representation in animation for the past four years, and I’m thrilled to take that brand and that mission into the live action series and feature space.
- 3/22/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Stephanie Sperber has stepped down from her post as President of Imagine Kids & Family after four years to focus on producing. In the interim, the label’s slate will be overseen by Karen Lunder, President of Imagine Features, and Kristen Zolner, President of Imagine Television.
Sperber helped get Kids & Family off the ground; she was brought in by Imagine Entertainment principals Brian Grazer and Ron Howard to run the unit at its January 2019 launch.
Since then, the company has found success with Tiny Chef, investing an the emerging digital IP, which Sperber had found, and scaling it up with a TV series on Nickelodeon and other brand extensions. Imagine Kids & Family’s first live-action series, The Astronauts, earned an Emmy nomination for Children’s or Family Viewing Series. Animated series Bossy Bear just premiered on Nick, and coming up are original movie The Slumber Party for Disney+ and animated...
Sperber helped get Kids & Family off the ground; she was brought in by Imagine Entertainment principals Brian Grazer and Ron Howard to run the unit at its January 2019 launch.
Since then, the company has found success with Tiny Chef, investing an the emerging digital IP, which Sperber had found, and scaling it up with a TV series on Nickelodeon and other brand extensions. Imagine Kids & Family’s first live-action series, The Astronauts, earned an Emmy nomination for Children’s or Family Viewing Series. Animated series Bossy Bear just premiered on Nick, and coming up are original movie The Slumber Party for Disney+ and animated...
- 3/9/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: In a highly competitive situation, Imagine Kids+Family has landed the filmed content rights to Ali Standish’s upcoming multi-book series The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall, which tracks the imagined origins story of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s fictional characters, for development as a TV series that builds an integrated Arthur Conan Doyle universe spanning all his works.
The series follows a young Arthur Conan Doyle as he leaves his family to attend Baskerville Hall, a school for the extraordinarily-gifted, where he will seek to solve many mysteries with the help of his new schoolmates and teachers. Here he’ll meet the characters that will become the inspiration for his many famous novels — including Professor Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson, and friends like James Moriarty. At Baskerville Hall, Arthur uncovers a mystery that will lead to an epic adventure and will be the springboard to the creation of an inter-connected and far-reaching Conan Doyle universe.
The series follows a young Arthur Conan Doyle as he leaves his family to attend Baskerville Hall, a school for the extraordinarily-gifted, where he will seek to solve many mysteries with the help of his new schoolmates and teachers. Here he’ll meet the characters that will become the inspiration for his many famous novels — including Professor Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson, and friends like James Moriarty. At Baskerville Hall, Arthur uncovers a mystery that will lead to an epic adventure and will be the springboard to the creation of an inter-connected and far-reaching Conan Doyle universe.
- 10/6/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Disney Branded Television has begun production on The Slumber Party, a Disney Original Movie based on Jen Malone’s popular teen novel The Sleepover, from Imagine Kids+Family, a division of Brian Grazer and Ron Howard’s Imagine Entertainment. Production got underway today in Atlanta.
Darby Camp (Big Little Lies), Emmy Liu-Wang (Raven’s Home), Valentina Herrera (Black Widow), Dallas Liu (Pen15) and newcomers Alex Cooper Cohen and Ramon Rodriguez star in the coming-of-age comedy, directed by Veronica Rodriguez (Let’s Get Married), and written by Eydie Faye (Fuller House).
The Slumber Party depicts the hilarious aftermath of a sleepover birthday party hypnotism gone wrong as best friends Megan (Camp) and Paige (Liu-Wang), along with soon-to-be step-sister Veronica (Cooper Cohen), wake up with absolutely no memory of the night before. Now they must retrace their steps to find missing birthday girl Anna Maria (Herrera) … and explain why there’s a flock...
Darby Camp (Big Little Lies), Emmy Liu-Wang (Raven’s Home), Valentina Herrera (Black Widow), Dallas Liu (Pen15) and newcomers Alex Cooper Cohen and Ramon Rodriguez star in the coming-of-age comedy, directed by Veronica Rodriguez (Let’s Get Married), and written by Eydie Faye (Fuller House).
The Slumber Party depicts the hilarious aftermath of a sleepover birthday party hypnotism gone wrong as best friends Megan (Camp) and Paige (Liu-Wang), along with soon-to-be step-sister Veronica (Cooper Cohen), wake up with absolutely no memory of the night before. Now they must retrace their steps to find missing birthday girl Anna Maria (Herrera) … and explain why there’s a flock...
- 9/27/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Imagine Kids+Family has picked up the film rights to Sarah Mlynowski’s Best Wishes book series with an eye on a movie franchise.
Best Wishes, the first book in the series to be published on Sept. 6 by Scholastic, follows Becca Singer, who is down on her luck, friendless and alone when a box arrives in the mail. Inside, Becca finds a bracelet and a mysterious note telling her to make a wish.
Wearing the bracelet, suddenly everyone wants to be Becca’s best friend and, as things quickly spin out of control, she starts to wonder whether she has a wish or a curse.
“Sarah has once again created an incredible world with her new series Best Wishes. We are looking forward to exploring the themes of friendship, a bit of magic and the comedy of middle school in creating a great new franchise,...
Imagine Kids+Family has picked up the film rights to Sarah Mlynowski’s Best Wishes book series with an eye on a movie franchise.
Best Wishes, the first book in the series to be published on Sept. 6 by Scholastic, follows Becca Singer, who is down on her luck, friendless and alone when a box arrives in the mail. Inside, Becca finds a bracelet and a mysterious note telling her to make a wish.
Wearing the bracelet, suddenly everyone wants to be Becca’s best friend and, as things quickly spin out of control, she starts to wonder whether she has a wish or a curse.
“Sarah has once again created an incredible world with her new series Best Wishes. We are looking forward to exploring the themes of friendship, a bit of magic and the comedy of middle school in creating a great new franchise,...
- 9/1/2022
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: HBO Max has rounded out its cast of series regulars for comedy pilot Wild Life, which is fronted by Izabella Alvarez in the role of Ciara.
The cast includes Nadine Velazquez (Queens), Annie Funke (The Offer), Nabeel Muscatwalla (Good Trouble), Ava Lalezardeh (The Pursuit), Brielle Barbusca (Young Sheldon), Cyrus Arnold (Diary of a Wimpy Kid), Jessi Case (Mother’s Day), Chrystal Campbell, and Beau Minnier.
From writers and executive producers Jason Ubaldi, Chris Peterson, and Bryan Moore, Wild Life follows a diverse group of high school teens who are struggling with personal and social issues who spend their school hours working at the local animal rescue as part of an alternative educational program.
While comedy comes from their quirky offbeat personalities and the unique setting of “high school at the animal rescue,” the series also will have heart as working with animals helps them deal with their personal issues with friends and at home.
The cast includes Nadine Velazquez (Queens), Annie Funke (The Offer), Nabeel Muscatwalla (Good Trouble), Ava Lalezardeh (The Pursuit), Brielle Barbusca (Young Sheldon), Cyrus Arnold (Diary of a Wimpy Kid), Jessi Case (Mother’s Day), Chrystal Campbell, and Beau Minnier.
From writers and executive producers Jason Ubaldi, Chris Peterson, and Bryan Moore, Wild Life follows a diverse group of high school teens who are struggling with personal and social issues who spend their school hours working at the local animal rescue as part of an alternative educational program.
While comedy comes from their quirky offbeat personalities and the unique setting of “high school at the animal rescue,” the series also will have heart as working with animals helps them deal with their personal issues with friends and at home.
- 6/21/2022
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The single-camera teen comedy Wild Life from Imagine Kids+Family has received a pilot order at HBO Max with rising star Izabella Alvarez set as the show’s lead.
From writers and executive producers Jason Ubaldi, Chris Peterson, and Bryan Moore, Wild Life follows a diverse group of high school teens who are struggling with personal and social issues who spend their school hours working at the local animal rescue as part of an alternative educational program. While comedy comes from their quirky offbeat personalities and the unique setting of “high school at the animal rescue,” the series also will have heart as working with animals helps them deal with their personal issues with friends and at home.
2022 HBO Max Series & Pilot Orders
Executive producers also include Brian Grazer, Ron Howard,...
From writers and executive producers Jason Ubaldi, Chris Peterson, and Bryan Moore, Wild Life follows a diverse group of high school teens who are struggling with personal and social issues who spend their school hours working at the local animal rescue as part of an alternative educational program. While comedy comes from their quirky offbeat personalities and the unique setting of “high school at the animal rescue,” the series also will have heart as working with animals helps them deal with their personal issues with friends and at home.
2022 HBO Max Series & Pilot Orders
Executive producers also include Brian Grazer, Ron Howard,...
- 5/17/2022
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Nickelodeon is expanding its preschool series slate with greenlights for Face’s Music Party, a music variety show that combines animation and live action featuring a reimagining of its beloved ’90s Nick Jr. mascot; animated series Bossy Bear, from husband and wife team David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim (UglyDolls) and based on the popular book series by Horvath; and animated series HexVet, based on the eponymous Boom!Studios graphic novels by Sam Davies.
The new series were announced Thursday during Nickelodeon’s virtual upfront presentation along with renewals for Big Nate (Season 2) and Blaze and the Monster Machines (Season 7).
The 13-episode interactive series Face’s Music Party will feature a reimagined Face, voiced by Cedric Williams (Hunter x Hunter) as host and VJ, playing modern pop hits and revamped nursery school classics to create the ultimate music party. Face’s Music Party will premiere this summer on Nickelodeon’s preschool platforms in the U.
The new series were announced Thursday during Nickelodeon’s virtual upfront presentation along with renewals for Big Nate (Season 2) and Blaze and the Monster Machines (Season 7).
The 13-episode interactive series Face’s Music Party will feature a reimagined Face, voiced by Cedric Williams (Hunter x Hunter) as host and VJ, playing modern pop hits and revamped nursery school classics to create the ultimate music party. Face’s Music Party will premiere this summer on Nickelodeon’s preschool platforms in the U.
- 3/24/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Cinco Paul is set to make his feature animation directorial debut on Winter Wonderland, the live action/stop motion animation film built around the classic holiday song. Pic is a collaboration between Imagine Kids+Family and Warner Music Group. Deadline previously reported that Paul would be writing original songs for the live action/stop motion picture.
Paul’s credits include co-writing with Ken Daurio the Despicable Me trilogy, Minions, Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears A Who, and The Lorax, and The Secret Life of Pets, as well as serving as the showrunner and songwriter for Schmigadoon! on Apple TV+. Those animated films have grossed over $4 billion at the box office.
The film is being shopped to find a home this week. Paul has created and written a live-action and stop-motion animated family film anchored by the classic holiday song, and featuring original songs written by him. Imagine Kids+Family and Wmg...
Paul’s credits include co-writing with Ken Daurio the Despicable Me trilogy, Minions, Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears A Who, and The Lorax, and The Secret Life of Pets, as well as serving as the showrunner and songwriter for Schmigadoon! on Apple TV+. Those animated films have grossed over $4 billion at the box office.
The film is being shopped to find a home this week. Paul has created and written a live-action and stop-motion animated family film anchored by the classic holiday song, and featuring original songs written by him. Imagine Kids+Family and Wmg...
- 2/24/2022
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: After co-writing Despicable Me and the Apple TV+ musical series Schmigadoon!, Cinco Paul will team with Imagine Kids+Family and Warner Music Group on Winter Wonderland. Paul has created and written a live-action and stop-motion animated family film anchored by the classic holiday song, and featuring original songs written by Paul. Imagine Kids+Family and Wmg (the song is controlled by Warner Chappell Music) will co-produce and co-finance the film.
The film will be produced by Imagine Entertainment Chairmen Brian Grazer and Ron Howard and Imagine Kids+Family President Stephanie Sperber, along with Wmg’s Charlie Cohen, President, TV & Film, Warner Music Entertainment, Meredith Milton, Wmg consultant and producer, as well as Kurt Deutsch, SVP, Theatrical and Catalog, Warner Chappell Music.
Said Wmg’s Cohen: “When it comes to joyful and poignant storytelling, there is no one better than Cinco Paul. We are incredibly excited to have him bring this...
The film will be produced by Imagine Entertainment Chairmen Brian Grazer and Ron Howard and Imagine Kids+Family President Stephanie Sperber, along with Wmg’s Charlie Cohen, President, TV & Film, Warner Music Entertainment, Meredith Milton, Wmg consultant and producer, as well as Kurt Deutsch, SVP, Theatrical and Catalog, Warner Chappell Music.
Said Wmg’s Cohen: “When it comes to joyful and poignant storytelling, there is no one better than Cinco Paul. We are incredibly excited to have him bring this...
- 8/11/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Since its inception in 1979, Nickelodeon has been forward thinking with its programming. Yet it took over 41 years for the network to go after the final frontier, a live action space travel show for kids. To make an ambitious show like that happen, they needed the right co-pilot, landing the director of Apollo 13, Ron Howard.
Howard serves as executive producer for The Astronauts, a new live-action kids series coming to Nickelodeon on Nov. 13. It’s the first kids series to come from Howard and Brian Grazer’s production company, Imagine Entertainment, which launched a new division in 2019 called Imagine Kids+Family, headed up by Stephanie Sperber. In early meetings between the network and production company, the prospect of doing a space show for kids was exciting to both parties.
“They said, ‘We don’t know quite how to do it, but maybe you guys do because you seem to like space,...
Howard serves as executive producer for The Astronauts, a new live-action kids series coming to Nickelodeon on Nov. 13. It’s the first kids series to come from Howard and Brian Grazer’s production company, Imagine Entertainment, which launched a new division in 2019 called Imagine Kids+Family, headed up by Stephanie Sperber. In early meetings between the network and production company, the prospect of doing a space show for kids was exciting to both parties.
“They said, ‘We don’t know quite how to do it, but maybe you guys do because you seem to like space,...
- 11/10/2020
- by Chris Longo
- Den of Geek
In today’s TV news roundup, Nickelodeon announced plans to bring YouTube’s Tiny Chef to its preschool platforms, and Court TV revealed that “Judgment With Ashleigh Banfield” will premiere Sept. 13.
Dates
Court TV has announced that “Judgment With Ashleigh Banfield” is set to premiere Sept. 13, with weekly episodes Sundays at 8 p.m. The show will delve into well-known and provocative trial cases, featuring interviews and information reveals meant to expand viewers’ knowledge bases on the famous court cases. Ashleigh Banfield, the show’s lead, was previously a legal analyst for CNN and MSNBC. She was also formerly a special contributor on Court TV. Featured cases on the show include those involving Casey Anthony, Jodie Arias, O.J. Simpson and Conrad Murray.
Greenlights
Nickelodeon has announced that “The Tiny Chef Show,” a viral YouTube channel, will be brought to the television network’s preschool platforms via a new series produced in association with Imagine Kids+Family,...
Dates
Court TV has announced that “Judgment With Ashleigh Banfield” is set to premiere Sept. 13, with weekly episodes Sundays at 8 p.m. The show will delve into well-known and provocative trial cases, featuring interviews and information reveals meant to expand viewers’ knowledge bases on the famous court cases. Ashleigh Banfield, the show’s lead, was previously a legal analyst for CNN and MSNBC. She was also formerly a special contributor on Court TV. Featured cases on the show include those involving Casey Anthony, Jodie Arias, O.J. Simpson and Conrad Murray.
Greenlights
Nickelodeon has announced that “The Tiny Chef Show,” a viral YouTube channel, will be brought to the television network’s preschool platforms via a new series produced in association with Imagine Kids+Family,...
- 8/12/2020
- by Eli Countryman
- Variety Film + TV
The Tiny Chef is heading to Nickelodeon. The network has given a series order to The Tiny Chef Show (working title), from Imagine Kids+Family, Tiny Chef Productions and Nickelodeon Animation Studio.
The Tiny Chef Show will follow the talented chef as he whips up tasty ‘weshipees’ and the world’s tiniest plant-based dishes from his tree-stump home. The series will premiere on Nick’s preschool platforms in the U.S., as well as Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. channels internationally.
Imagine Entertainment Executive Chairmen Brian Grazer and Ron Howard will executive produce the series with Imagine Kids+Family President Stephanie Sperber, as well as Kristen Bell, Morgan Sackett, and Tiny Chef creators Rachel Larsen, Adam Reid and cinematographer Ozlem Akturk for Tiny Chef Productions. The series is a co-production of Imagine Kids+Family, Tiny Chef Productions and Nickelodeon Animation Studio.
The Tiny Chef Show has developed a cult following through its...
The Tiny Chef Show will follow the talented chef as he whips up tasty ‘weshipees’ and the world’s tiniest plant-based dishes from his tree-stump home. The series will premiere on Nick’s preschool platforms in the U.S., as well as Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. channels internationally.
Imagine Entertainment Executive Chairmen Brian Grazer and Ron Howard will executive produce the series with Imagine Kids+Family President Stephanie Sperber, as well as Kristen Bell, Morgan Sackett, and Tiny Chef creators Rachel Larsen, Adam Reid and cinematographer Ozlem Akturk for Tiny Chef Productions. The series is a co-production of Imagine Kids+Family, Tiny Chef Productions and Nickelodeon Animation Studio.
The Tiny Chef Show has developed a cult following through its...
- 8/12/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
From VancouverFilm.Net, here is the Vancouver Film Production Update for June 2020, including features/ TV series temporarily suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic:
Features
Bonfire (Temporarily Suspended)
Local Production Company: No Clocks Productions Ltd.
Executive Producer: Tom Hammel
Producer: Jim Whitaker, Joe Roth
Director: David Lowery
Ellington (Temporarily Suspended)
Local Production Company: Swan Song BC Productions Inc.
Executive Producer: Shea Kammer, Jonathan King, Adam Shulman, Jacob Perlin
Director: Ben Cleary
Untitled Graham King Project (Temporarily Suspended)
Local Production Company: Cold Hut Production Ulc.
Executive Producer: Nicola Shindler, Graham King, Ken Kamins, Sally Wainwright, Colin Vaines
Producer: Nan Morales
Director: Nora Fingscheidt
TV Pilots
Kung Fu (Temporarily Suspended)
Local Production Company: 3253 Production Services Inc.
Executive Producer: Christina M. Kim, Martin Gero, Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Hanelle Culpepper
Producer: Ian Smith
Director: Hanelle Culpepper
LA Brea (Temporarily Suspended)
Local Production Company: Gep La Brea Inc.
Executive Producer: David Appelbaum, Avi Nir, Alon Shtruzman,...
Features
Bonfire (Temporarily Suspended)
Local Production Company: No Clocks Productions Ltd.
Executive Producer: Tom Hammel
Producer: Jim Whitaker, Joe Roth
Director: David Lowery
Ellington (Temporarily Suspended)
Local Production Company: Swan Song BC Productions Inc.
Executive Producer: Shea Kammer, Jonathan King, Adam Shulman, Jacob Perlin
Director: Ben Cleary
Untitled Graham King Project (Temporarily Suspended)
Local Production Company: Cold Hut Production Ulc.
Executive Producer: Nicola Shindler, Graham King, Ken Kamins, Sally Wainwright, Colin Vaines
Producer: Nan Morales
Director: Nora Fingscheidt
TV Pilots
Kung Fu (Temporarily Suspended)
Local Production Company: 3253 Production Services Inc.
Executive Producer: Christina M. Kim, Martin Gero, Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Hanelle Culpepper
Producer: Ian Smith
Director: Hanelle Culpepper
LA Brea (Temporarily Suspended)
Local Production Company: Gep La Brea Inc.
Executive Producer: David Appelbaum, Avi Nir, Alon Shtruzman,...
- 6/24/2020
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Imagine Kids+Family has partnered with Lion Forge Animation, the studio behind the Oscar-winning animated short film “Hair Love,” on a first look deal to create short form content, TV series and other digital content, Imagine Kids+Family announced Wednesday.
The projects in development will draw from the company’s existing IP and original ideas, including a series based on “Chippy Hood,” an animated series aimed at preschool kids that was made in partnership with South Korean animation studio Mostapes.
The other projects as part of the first look deal include “Puerto Rico Strong,” about the devastation after Hurricane Maria, and a series with the working title “Black Comic Anthology,” which featuring African American creators.
Also Read: 'Hair Love' Director Matthew A Cherry Signs First-Look Deal With Warner Bros Television
Productions will be executive produced by Imagine Kids+Family president Stephanie Sperber and Lion Forge Animation president Carl Reed and founder David Steward II.
The projects in development will draw from the company’s existing IP and original ideas, including a series based on “Chippy Hood,” an animated series aimed at preschool kids that was made in partnership with South Korean animation studio Mostapes.
The other projects as part of the first look deal include “Puerto Rico Strong,” about the devastation after Hurricane Maria, and a series with the working title “Black Comic Anthology,” which featuring African American creators.
Also Read: 'Hair Love' Director Matthew A Cherry Signs First-Look Deal With Warner Bros Television
Productions will be executive produced by Imagine Kids+Family president Stephanie Sperber and Lion Forge Animation president Carl Reed and founder David Steward II.
- 6/17/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Imagine Kids+Family is partnering with Lion Forge Animation, the company behind 2019 Oscar-winning animated short film Hair Love after the two companies struck a first-look deal.
The division of Brian Grazer and Ron Howard’s company will partner with David Steward II’s business to co-develop short-form project, TV series and digital stories.
Lion Forge Animation, which launched less than a year ago, produced Hair Love, the animated short directed by Matthew A Cherry and voiced by Issa Rae about a father’s attempt to do his daughter’s hair for the first time.
It has already identified a number of projects including Chippy Hood, Puerto Rico Strong and Black Comic Anthology (w/t).
Chippy Hood is an animated series, created in partnership with South Korean animation studio Mostapes, for pre-school kids set in a magical place where four little chipmunks, Chippy, Kong, Lala, and BamBam, look for opportunities...
The division of Brian Grazer and Ron Howard’s company will partner with David Steward II’s business to co-develop short-form project, TV series and digital stories.
Lion Forge Animation, which launched less than a year ago, produced Hair Love, the animated short directed by Matthew A Cherry and voiced by Issa Rae about a father’s attempt to do his daughter’s hair for the first time.
It has already identified a number of projects including Chippy Hood, Puerto Rico Strong and Black Comic Anthology (w/t).
Chippy Hood is an animated series, created in partnership with South Korean animation studio Mostapes, for pre-school kids set in a magical place where four little chipmunks, Chippy, Kong, Lala, and BamBam, look for opportunities...
- 6/17/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Nickelodeon plans to launch new series from Imagine Entertainment and Tyler Perry as well as introduce a “SpongeBob Squarepants” prequel series that includes contributions from the voice cast of the original series, all part of its latest bid under top executive Brian Robbins to lure kids and parents to it screens in an era when younger viewers have a dizzying array of other choices.
Robbins, who came aboard as head of Nickelodeon in late 2018, has been eager to inject Nickelodeon with some of the spirit it had when he produced some of its top series, like “Kenan and Kel” and “All That” (He revived the latter series for the network last year). Among his goals has been to launch more programs that can be “co-viewed,”or watched by kids and their parents together; showcase a more diverse range of stories, so that a range of kids from different backgrounds can...
Robbins, who came aboard as head of Nickelodeon in late 2018, has been eager to inject Nickelodeon with some of the spirit it had when he produced some of its top series, like “Kenan and Kel” and “All That” (He revived the latter series for the network last year). Among his goals has been to launch more programs that can be “co-viewed,”or watched by kids and their parents together; showcase a more diverse range of stories, so that a range of kids from different backgrounds can...
- 2/19/2020
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Nickelodeon has unveiled its 2020-2021 programming slate, its second under ViacomCBS Kids & Family president Brian Robbins, ahead of ViacomCBS’ earnings call later this week. Newly greenlighted series include The Astronauts, the network’s first co-production with Imagine Kids+Family, due for summer 2020 bow; a live-action The Loud House: A Very Loud Christmas! original movie based on Nick’s animated hit for Q4; and Big Nate, a new animated series based on Lincoln Peirce’s bestselling HarperCollins children’s books.
In addition, Nick is working on a spinoff of staple Henry Danger. Titled Danger Force, it stars the flagship series’ Cooper Barnes (Ray/Captain Man) and Michael D. Cohen (Schwoz) and introduces four new superheroes-in-training as they team to fight crime in their town of Swellview. The offshoot will premiere Saturday, March 28 at 8 Pm.
The newly ordered series join the previously announced CG-Animated SpongeBob SquarePants prequel series Kamp Koral and Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan,...
In addition, Nick is working on a spinoff of staple Henry Danger. Titled Danger Force, it stars the flagship series’ Cooper Barnes (Ray/Captain Man) and Michael D. Cohen (Schwoz) and introduces four new superheroes-in-training as they team to fight crime in their town of Swellview. The offshoot will premiere Saturday, March 28 at 8 Pm.
The newly ordered series join the previously announced CG-Animated SpongeBob SquarePants prequel series Kamp Koral and Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan,...
- 2/19/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Nickelodeon has renewed its “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” reboot for a second season, the network announced Tuesday, despite the show’s miniseries label.
The news came as part of Nickelodeon’s 2020 programming slate announcement, which also included the new action-adventure series “The Astronauts,” a new “Henry Danger” spinoff and a live-action “Loud House” holiday movie set to air in December.
Among the other shows renewed for the 2020-21 season are “All That” (additional 10-episode order for Season 1), the “Loud House” spinoff “The Casagrandes,” “Blue’s Clues & You,” “Paw Patrol,” “Blaze and the Monster Machines,” “Bubble Guppies” and the holiday competition series “Top Elf.”
The new projects join previously announced series “Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan” and the “SpongeBob SquarePants” prequel “Kamp Koral.”
Also Read: Nickelodeon's 'Legends of the Hidden Temple' Revived at Quibi
See the full slate and descriptions of each project below.
The Astronauts (working...
The news came as part of Nickelodeon’s 2020 programming slate announcement, which also included the new action-adventure series “The Astronauts,” a new “Henry Danger” spinoff and a live-action “Loud House” holiday movie set to air in December.
Among the other shows renewed for the 2020-21 season are “All That” (additional 10-episode order for Season 1), the “Loud House” spinoff “The Casagrandes,” “Blue’s Clues & You,” “Paw Patrol,” “Blaze and the Monster Machines,” “Bubble Guppies” and the holiday competition series “Top Elf.”
The new projects join previously announced series “Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan” and the “SpongeBob SquarePants” prequel “Kamp Koral.”
Also Read: Nickelodeon's 'Legends of the Hidden Temple' Revived at Quibi
See the full slate and descriptions of each project below.
The Astronauts (working...
- 2/19/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Imagine Kids+Family has cut a deal for rights to the children’s book and digital franchise “Kalamata’s Kitchen.”
The property was born in 2018 as a series of self-published books by co-creators Sarah Thomas and Derek Wallace. The pair have since inked a book deal with Random House Children’s Books for more titles to come in 2021.
“Kalamata’s Kitchen” revolves around an adventurous Indian girl who is eager to try a range of different foods from around the world. The goal is to introduce pint-sized eaters to new cultures through food. Imagine’s kidvid unit aims to develop an animated series for pre-schoolers, among other media ventures.
Stephanie Sperber, who is president of the kidvid arm of Imagine Entertainment, said the property is akin to a kid-friendly version of Anthony Bourdain’s foodie travelogues.
” ‘Kalamata’s Kitchen’ is like ‘Parts Unknown’ with a dash of magic for kids and parents,...
The property was born in 2018 as a series of self-published books by co-creators Sarah Thomas and Derek Wallace. The pair have since inked a book deal with Random House Children’s Books for more titles to come in 2021.
“Kalamata’s Kitchen” revolves around an adventurous Indian girl who is eager to try a range of different foods from around the world. The goal is to introduce pint-sized eaters to new cultures through food. Imagine’s kidvid unit aims to develop an animated series for pre-schoolers, among other media ventures.
Stephanie Sperber, who is president of the kidvid arm of Imagine Entertainment, said the property is akin to a kid-friendly version of Anthony Bourdain’s foodie travelogues.
” ‘Kalamata’s Kitchen’ is like ‘Parts Unknown’ with a dash of magic for kids and parents,...
- 2/6/2020
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Imagine Entertainment’s recently appointed CEO Rich Battista has left his position overseeing the company after spending less than four months in the role.
“Rich Battista has left Imagine Entertainment,” co-founders Brian Grazer and Ron Howard said in a joint statement. “We thank Rich for the time he spent working with us and the contributions he made, and we wish him the best going forward.”
Battista, a former executive at Fox and Time Inc. where he was president and CEO, was hired to run Imagine in late August and was tasked by Grazer and Howard to help expand the production company’s business.
Also Read: Imagine Entertainment Launches Kids and Family Division, Stephanie Sperber to Lead
With now seven different divisions within Imagine, including film, TV, streaming and documentary, as well as family and branded content, the company needed someone to effectively manage the disparate arms.
“It felt like we...
“Rich Battista has left Imagine Entertainment,” co-founders Brian Grazer and Ron Howard said in a joint statement. “We thank Rich for the time he spent working with us and the contributions he made, and we wish him the best going forward.”
Battista, a former executive at Fox and Time Inc. where he was president and CEO, was hired to run Imagine in late August and was tasked by Grazer and Howard to help expand the production company’s business.
Also Read: Imagine Entertainment Launches Kids and Family Division, Stephanie Sperber to Lead
With now seven different divisions within Imagine, including film, TV, streaming and documentary, as well as family and branded content, the company needed someone to effectively manage the disparate arms.
“It felt like we...
- 12/9/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Ron Howard and Brian Grazer are set to produce a feature film adaptation of Meika Hashimoto’s adventure novel The Trail. Their Imagine Entertainment production company has teamed up with Scholastic Entertainment to develop the project.
The Trail is a hiking adventure story that follows “a 12-year-old reeling from the loss of his best friend who decides to finish their bucket list without his family’s knowledge. That includes hiking the last 400 miles of the Appalachian Trail through Maine, one of its most challenging legs, where he learns how to survive, dodging bears and outrunning hunger, while finding a community of like-minded hikers.”
The project is being developed through Imagine’s Kids+Family division and Quinn Emmett will write the script. Imagine Kids+Family president Stephanie Sperber had this to say in a statement:
“The Trail came up as a book that perfectly fit the kind of story-telling Imagine Kids+Family wanted to do and,...
The Trail is a hiking adventure story that follows “a 12-year-old reeling from the loss of his best friend who decides to finish their bucket list without his family’s knowledge. That includes hiking the last 400 miles of the Appalachian Trail through Maine, one of its most challenging legs, where he learns how to survive, dodging bears and outrunning hunger, while finding a community of like-minded hikers.”
The project is being developed through Imagine’s Kids+Family division and Quinn Emmett will write the script. Imagine Kids+Family president Stephanie Sperber had this to say in a statement:
“The Trail came up as a book that perfectly fit the kind of story-telling Imagine Kids+Family wanted to do and,...
- 8/16/2019
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Imagine Kids+Family is teaming with Scholastic Entertainment to adapt into a feature film The Trail, the 2017 Ya novel written by Meika Hashimoto. Quinn Emmett has been set to write the script for the story, which revolves around a 12-year old boy who, after a tragic loss, sets off on the adventure of a lifetime to finish the Appalachian Trail.
Imagine Kids+Family president Stephanie Sperber and Scholastic Entertainment president Iole Lucchese and Svp and Gm Caitlin Friedman are set as producers. Imagine’s Katie Donahoe and Will Davis will serve as creative executives on the project.
The Trail, published by Scholastic Press, follows 12-year-old Toby who, reeling from the loss of his best friend and without his family’s knowledge, sets out to finish the final item on their List of All The Totally Awesome Things they planned to tackle this summer: hike the last 400 miles of the trail.
Imagine Kids+Family president Stephanie Sperber and Scholastic Entertainment president Iole Lucchese and Svp and Gm Caitlin Friedman are set as producers. Imagine’s Katie Donahoe and Will Davis will serve as creative executives on the project.
The Trail, published by Scholastic Press, follows 12-year-old Toby who, reeling from the loss of his best friend and without his family’s knowledge, sets out to finish the final item on their List of All The Totally Awesome Things they planned to tackle this summer: hike the last 400 miles of the trail.
- 8/15/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Ron Howard and Brian Grazer’s Imagine is teaming with Scholastic Entertainment for a feature adaptation of Meika Hashimoto’s adventure novel “The Trail.”
The movie project is being developed through the eight-month-old Imagine Kids+Family division. Quinn Emmett will write the script.
Imagine Kids+Family president Stephanie Sperber, Scholastic Entertainment president Iole Lucchese and Caitlin Friedman will serve as producers. Katie Donahoe and Will Davis will serve as creative executives on the project for Imagine.
“The Trail” follows a 12-year-old reeling from the loss of his best friend who decides to finish their bucket list without his family’s knowledge. That includes hiking the last 400 miles of the Appalachian Trail through Maine, one of its most challenging legs, where he learns how to survive, dodging bears and outrunning hunger, while finding a community of like-minded hikers.
“The Trail came up as a book that perfectly fit the kind of...
The movie project is being developed through the eight-month-old Imagine Kids+Family division. Quinn Emmett will write the script.
Imagine Kids+Family president Stephanie Sperber, Scholastic Entertainment president Iole Lucchese and Caitlin Friedman will serve as producers. Katie Donahoe and Will Davis will serve as creative executives on the project for Imagine.
“The Trail” follows a 12-year-old reeling from the loss of his best friend who decides to finish their bucket list without his family’s knowledge. That includes hiking the last 400 miles of the Appalachian Trail through Maine, one of its most challenging legs, where he learns how to survive, dodging bears and outrunning hunger, while finding a community of like-minded hikers.
“The Trail came up as a book that perfectly fit the kind of...
- 8/15/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Quavo is making his foray into the television space with a new animated franchise.
The Migos star is set to develop an animated series for kids aged 8-12, alongside Marginal Mediaworks and record labels Quality Control Music and Motown. The imagined world will be set in Atlanta’s hip hop music and culture scene.
“I have long seen how hip-hop as well as our music really impacts kids” Quavo said in a statement. “I’ve loved animation my whole life, whether on TV or in movies, and I wanted my first jump into this premium content world to be a show just for kids. It will definitely reflect the creativity, love and families in and around the nawf side of Atlanta, where we grew up.”
Quavo will serve as an executive producer on the series with Imagine Entertainment chairman Brian Grazer, Marginal Mediaworks CEO & founder Sanjay Sharma, and Imagine Kids+Family president Stephanie Sperber.
The Migos star is set to develop an animated series for kids aged 8-12, alongside Marginal Mediaworks and record labels Quality Control Music and Motown. The imagined world will be set in Atlanta’s hip hop music and culture scene.
“I have long seen how hip-hop as well as our music really impacts kids” Quavo said in a statement. “I’ve loved animation my whole life, whether on TV or in movies, and I wanted my first jump into this premium content world to be a show just for kids. It will definitely reflect the creativity, love and families in and around the nawf side of Atlanta, where we grew up.”
Quavo will serve as an executive producer on the series with Imagine Entertainment chairman Brian Grazer, Marginal Mediaworks CEO & founder Sanjay Sharma, and Imagine Kids+Family president Stephanie Sperber.
- 8/8/2019
- by Anna Tingley
- Variety Film + TV
Imagine Kids & Family has acquired film rights to Going Vintage, the bestselling Ya book written by Lindsey Leavitt. Kara Holden has been set to pen the adaptation of the teen romantic comedy.
The book, published in 2013 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens, centers on 16-year-old Mallory, a quirky and independent teen from Orange County. When she discovers her “perfect” boyfriend, Jeremy, is cheating on her with an online girlfriend, and their ugly breakup goes viral, she not only swears off boys but modern technology altogether. Inspired by a list of goals her grandmother made in 1962, Mallory decides to “go vintage” and return to a simpler time – using only the tech, clothing, music and means of entertainment from the early 1960s. She sets out to fulfill her grandmother’s teenage bucket list, but modern day problems and the resurfacing of her...
The book, published in 2013 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens, centers on 16-year-old Mallory, a quirky and independent teen from Orange County. When she discovers her “perfect” boyfriend, Jeremy, is cheating on her with an online girlfriend, and their ugly breakup goes viral, she not only swears off boys but modern technology altogether. Inspired by a list of goals her grandmother made in 1962, Mallory decides to “go vintage” and return to a simpler time – using only the tech, clothing, music and means of entertainment from the early 1960s. She sets out to fulfill her grandmother’s teenage bucket list, but modern day problems and the resurfacing of her...
- 8/7/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
After a competitive bid negotiation, recently launched Imagine Kids & Family has won the film adaptation rights to Lindsay Leavitt’s romantic comedy novel “Going Vintage.”
Kara Holden, whose credits include “Carrie Pilby” and “Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life,” will pen the adaptation. The film will be produced by Imagine Kids+Family President Stephanie Sperber, alongside 2 Friends Entertainment’s Nancy Steingard and Wendy Moss-Klein.
The book, published in 2013, follows a 16-year old who discovers that her “perfect” boyfriend is cheating on her with an online girlfriend. When their ugly breakup goes viral, she not only swears off boys but modern technology altogether. Inspired by a list of goals her grandmother made in 1962, she decides to “go vintage” and return to a simpler time to fulfill her grandmother’s teenage bucket list, but modern day problems have her questioning whether there has ever been a “simpler time.”
“I fell...
Kara Holden, whose credits include “Carrie Pilby” and “Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life,” will pen the adaptation. The film will be produced by Imagine Kids+Family President Stephanie Sperber, alongside 2 Friends Entertainment’s Nancy Steingard and Wendy Moss-Klein.
The book, published in 2013, follows a 16-year old who discovers that her “perfect” boyfriend is cheating on her with an online girlfriend. When their ugly breakup goes viral, she not only swears off boys but modern technology altogether. Inspired by a list of goals her grandmother made in 1962, she decides to “go vintage” and return to a simpler time to fulfill her grandmother’s teenage bucket list, but modern day problems have her questioning whether there has ever been a “simpler time.”
“I fell...
- 8/7/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Imagine Entertainment’s Kids and Family division has partnered with Breyer, a maker of collectible model horses and other toys, to develop a live-action horse-themed TV series.
The series will be executive produced by Imagine Entertainment chiefs Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, as well as Stephanie Sperber, president of Imagine Kids and Family. Ashley Avis, writer and director of the “Black Beauty” adaptation in development at Constantin Film, joins the project as showrunner and writer.
“As both a longtime equestrian and collector of Breyer horses, getting to be apart of creating this series is a very special opportunity,’ Avis said in a statement. “Breyer helped to inspire so much of my imagination and I hope to do the same for our future audiences through collaborative storytelling with these two truly eminent partners.”
Breyer got its start in 1950 as a molding company in Chicago that made model horses to top a mantlepiece clock sold by F.
The series will be executive produced by Imagine Entertainment chiefs Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, as well as Stephanie Sperber, president of Imagine Kids and Family. Ashley Avis, writer and director of the “Black Beauty” adaptation in development at Constantin Film, joins the project as showrunner and writer.
“As both a longtime equestrian and collector of Breyer horses, getting to be apart of creating this series is a very special opportunity,’ Avis said in a statement. “Breyer helped to inspire so much of my imagination and I hope to do the same for our future audiences through collaborative storytelling with these two truly eminent partners.”
Breyer got its start in 1950 as a molding company in Chicago that made model horses to top a mantlepiece clock sold by F.
- 7/10/2019
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Imagine Kids+Family has taken an equity stake in The Tiny Chef Show, an an online brand targeting kids and families built around the Tiny Chef character, a green, five-inch-tall chef with a round body and a striped apron who has his own Instagram feed and stop-motion animated video shorts on YouTube.
Launched on social channels last October, The Tiny Chef garnered national attention this past spring when actress Kristen Bell joined its army of fans. Bell, who has been promoting the character and its online adventures on social media, also formed a formal partnership with The Tiny Chef after discovering the property.
Imagine will now partner with The Tiny Chef Show creator, animator Rachel Larsen, along with co-creators Adam Reid and Ozlem Akturk and Bell, to develop the original short-form stop-motion animation Tiny Chef character across all platforms. Content development will include short-form,...
Launched on social channels last October, The Tiny Chef garnered national attention this past spring when actress Kristen Bell joined its army of fans. Bell, who has been promoting the character and its online adventures on social media, also formed a formal partnership with The Tiny Chef after discovering the property.
Imagine will now partner with The Tiny Chef Show creator, animator Rachel Larsen, along with co-creators Adam Reid and Ozlem Akturk and Bell, to develop the original short-form stop-motion animation Tiny Chef character across all platforms. Content development will include short-form,...
- 6/28/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
In a prolific career that has yielded numerous iconic movies, Ron Howard is set to direct his first animated film.
The project is one of four ambitious, original animated and live-action hybrid films he and Brian Grazer have set up through their company Imagine Entertainment, in a joint venture with Australian production engine Animal Logic.
Howard is attached to direct “The Shrinking of Treehorn,” a children’s book by Florence Parry Heide with illustrations from Edward Gorey, originally published in 1971. Paramount Pictures will release the film.
“I’ve long had this passionate point of view that Ron Howard should make a tentpole animated movie. That’s how this started,” said Zareh Nalbandian, Animal Logic’s entertainment CEO.
“It was serendipitous that Imagine was sort of evolving and growing, and Animal Logic was more and more committed to the development and production of our own intellectual property. We have a shared...
The project is one of four ambitious, original animated and live-action hybrid films he and Brian Grazer have set up through their company Imagine Entertainment, in a joint venture with Australian production engine Animal Logic.
Howard is attached to direct “The Shrinking of Treehorn,” a children’s book by Florence Parry Heide with illustrations from Edward Gorey, originally published in 1971. Paramount Pictures will release the film.
“I’ve long had this passionate point of view that Ron Howard should make a tentpole animated movie. That’s how this started,” said Zareh Nalbandian, Animal Logic’s entertainment CEO.
“It was serendipitous that Imagine was sort of evolving and growing, and Animal Logic was more and more committed to the development and production of our own intellectual property. We have a shared...
- 6/20/2019
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Imagine Entertainment is continuing to build out its kids and family division with the addition of a new Nickelodeon project.
Variety has learned exclusively that Imagine Kids & Family is developing an untitled scripted space series with the children’s’ network.
“Working with Brian, Ron and all the creative voices at Imagine to create this project for Nickelodeon is a dream come true,” said Brian Robbins, president of Nickelodeon. “They have an insatiable love for storytelling and content creation that resonates globally, and we’re excited to explore this new adventure together for kids and families.”
In the series, an almost-finished spaceship is about to launch into space with the world’s leading scientists to investigate a mysterious asteroid passing by earth. After a dare gone wrong, a group of kids accidentally launch the ship, putting them in the path of an asteroid. Without any proper training, they embark on a...
Variety has learned exclusively that Imagine Kids & Family is developing an untitled scripted space series with the children’s’ network.
“Working with Brian, Ron and all the creative voices at Imagine to create this project for Nickelodeon is a dream come true,” said Brian Robbins, president of Nickelodeon. “They have an insatiable love for storytelling and content creation that resonates globally, and we’re excited to explore this new adventure together for kids and families.”
In the series, an almost-finished spaceship is about to launch into space with the world’s leading scientists to investigate a mysterious asteroid passing by earth. After a dare gone wrong, a group of kids accidentally launch the ship, putting them in the path of an asteroid. Without any proper training, they embark on a...
- 6/18/2019
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, “Pulp Fiction” consumer products are coming, HollyShorts will offer a development deal, Sundance makes a FilmFreeway deal and “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” gets a release date.
Consumer Products
Miramax has partnered with White Space Entertainment to manage its film portfolio in the consumer product space starting with “Pulp Fiction,” Variety has learned exclusively.
“Miramax and their iconic films resonate across many audiences,” said Stephanie Sperber, CEO of White Space Entertainment. “We’re looking forward to kicking things off with a celebration of ‘Pulp Fiction’s’ 25th anniversary aimed at fans, collectors and film buffs.”
“Stephanie and her team are world-class,” said Miramax CEO Bill Block. “We are excited to have them as partners as we expand our global consumer products business, leveraging our unparalleled library titles as well as our new projects.”
White Space Entertainment exec VP Amy Taylor, who will lead strategic development for the account,...
Consumer Products
Miramax has partnered with White Space Entertainment to manage its film portfolio in the consumer product space starting with “Pulp Fiction,” Variety has learned exclusively.
“Miramax and their iconic films resonate across many audiences,” said Stephanie Sperber, CEO of White Space Entertainment. “We’re looking forward to kicking things off with a celebration of ‘Pulp Fiction’s’ 25th anniversary aimed at fans, collectors and film buffs.”
“Stephanie and her team are world-class,” said Miramax CEO Bill Block. “We are excited to have them as partners as we expand our global consumer products business, leveraging our unparalleled library titles as well as our new projects.”
White Space Entertainment exec VP Amy Taylor, who will lead strategic development for the account,...
- 6/1/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Imagine Kids & Family, the family-focused division of Imagine Entertainment, has won the rights to develop James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein’s “Max Einstein” books as an animated series, Variety has learned exclusively.
The series follows heroine Maxine Einstein (Max for short), a 12-year-old orphan genius living on the streets in New York City. While she doesn’t know if they’re for sure related, she often turns to her imagined ancestor Albert Einstein for advice. When a mysterious organization called the Change Makers Institute finds her, they recruit her to join their team of other young prodigies to solve some of the world’s toughest problems through science. While they all have their differences, they have to come together as a team if they’ll have any chance to defeat the evil endeavors of the Corporation.
Imagine Entertainment chairmen Brian Grazer and Ron Howard will executive produce along with Imagine Kids & Family president Stephanie Sperber,...
The series follows heroine Maxine Einstein (Max for short), a 12-year-old orphan genius living on the streets in New York City. While she doesn’t know if they’re for sure related, she often turns to her imagined ancestor Albert Einstein for advice. When a mysterious organization called the Change Makers Institute finds her, they recruit her to join their team of other young prodigies to solve some of the world’s toughest problems through science. While they all have their differences, they have to come together as a team if they’ll have any chance to defeat the evil endeavors of the Corporation.
Imagine Entertainment chairmen Brian Grazer and Ron Howard will executive produce along with Imagine Kids & Family president Stephanie Sperber,...
- 5/31/2019
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Imagine Entertainment chairmen Brian Grazer and Ron Howard have tapped Swati Shetty, formerly an executive with Netflix’s India team, to lead the company’s global expansion as executive vice president, international content, the company announced Monday.
Shetty was Netflix’s first India hire based in Los Angeles and served as director – international originals and acquisitions beginning in 2016. At Netflix, Shetty built the company’s catalog and original slate. Shetty also secured a global deal with Shahrukh Khan’s Red Chillies with a slate of original films including “Love Per Square Foot” and “Lust Stories.” She also worked on series such as “Sacred Games.”
“Swati will oversee international opportunities for global content and collaborate with our new divisions including Documentaries, Kids and Family, and Marginal Media as well as with Film and TV,” Michael Rosenberg, co-chair of Imagine Entertainment, said in a statement. “This role furthers our growth and expansion strategy,...
Shetty was Netflix’s first India hire based in Los Angeles and served as director – international originals and acquisitions beginning in 2016. At Netflix, Shetty built the company’s catalog and original slate. Shetty also secured a global deal with Shahrukh Khan’s Red Chillies with a slate of original films including “Love Per Square Foot” and “Lust Stories.” She also worked on series such as “Sacred Games.”
“Swati will oversee international opportunities for global content and collaborate with our new divisions including Documentaries, Kids and Family, and Marginal Media as well as with Film and TV,” Michael Rosenberg, co-chair of Imagine Entertainment, said in a statement. “This role furthers our growth and expansion strategy,...
- 5/6/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” star Stephanie Beatriz is the latest addition to the cast of the movie musical “In the Heights,” with producer Lin-Manuel Miranda announcing the remainder of the cast Tuesday.
Beatriz will play Carla and she’s joined by Daphne Rubin-Vega as Daniela and Dascha Polanco as a new character named Cuca.
On Monday, Olga Merediz, who plays Beatriz’s mother on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” also joined the cast as Abuela Claudia. Miranda made a cameo appearance in the latest season of “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” as Amy Santiago’s brother.
Also Read: Imagine Entertainment Launches Kids and Family Division, Stephanie Sperber to Lead
Jon M. Chu is directing the film adaptation based on Miranda’s play that he co-wrote with Quiara Alegría Hudes. He directs a cast that includes also Corey Hawkins, Anthony Ramos, Melissa Barrera, Leslie Grace, Gregory Diaz IV and Jimmy Smits.
“In the Heights” follows a bodega owner in...
Beatriz will play Carla and she’s joined by Daphne Rubin-Vega as Daniela and Dascha Polanco as a new character named Cuca.
On Monday, Olga Merediz, who plays Beatriz’s mother on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” also joined the cast as Abuela Claudia. Miranda made a cameo appearance in the latest season of “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” as Amy Santiago’s brother.
Also Read: Imagine Entertainment Launches Kids and Family Division, Stephanie Sperber to Lead
Jon M. Chu is directing the film adaptation based on Miranda’s play that he co-wrote with Quiara Alegría Hudes. He directs a cast that includes also Corey Hawkins, Anthony Ramos, Melissa Barrera, Leslie Grace, Gregory Diaz IV and Jimmy Smits.
“In the Heights” follows a bodega owner in...
- 4/16/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Imagine Entertainment has promoted Karen Lunder to president of Imagine Features, the company’s chairmen Brian Grazer and Ron Howard announced on Thursday.
In her new position, Lunder will continue to oversee the company’s feature film production and development. Lunder joined Imagine in the film division in 2017 and most recently served as the company’s executive vice president of production, which she was promoted to last August.
“It’s an exciting time to be at Imagine and to be a part of such a powerhouse group of people,” Lunder said in a statement. “Imagine has long been an important home for filmmakers and talent and I’m thrilled to [be] working with Brian and Ron to expand on the ways these exceptional storytellers can bring their ideas to the screen.”
Also Read: Imagine Entertainment Launches Kids and Family Division, Stephanie Sperber to Lead
Lunder is currently overseeing production of “Hillbilly Elegy,...
In her new position, Lunder will continue to oversee the company’s feature film production and development. Lunder joined Imagine in the film division in 2017 and most recently served as the company’s executive vice president of production, which she was promoted to last August.
“It’s an exciting time to be at Imagine and to be a part of such a powerhouse group of people,” Lunder said in a statement. “Imagine has long been an important home for filmmakers and talent and I’m thrilled to [be] working with Brian and Ron to expand on the ways these exceptional storytellers can bring their ideas to the screen.”
Also Read: Imagine Entertainment Launches Kids and Family Division, Stephanie Sperber to Lead
Lunder is currently overseeing production of “Hillbilly Elegy,...
- 4/4/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Imagine Kids & Family and Jimmy Patterson Books have struck a deal to develop five children’s books written by bestselling author James Patterson into film and TV properties. It marks the latest pact for Imagine Entertainment’s label since its launch in January, run by Stephanie Sperber and tasked with developing and producing film, TV and short-form digital content in the kids and family entertainment space.
The companies said Wednesday the titles being developed initially include Patterson’s series House of Robots, about a boy and his robot brother; the adventurer series Treasure Hunters; I Funny, about a middle school boy trying to become the world’s greatest stand-up comic; and the upcoming Ya novel Sophia, Princess Among Beasts.
They will be executive produced by Imagine Entertainment chairmen Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, Imagine Kids & Family president Sperber, and Patterson, Bill Robinson and Leopoldo Gout from James Patterson Entertainment.
Imagine...
The companies said Wednesday the titles being developed initially include Patterson’s series House of Robots, about a boy and his robot brother; the adventurer series Treasure Hunters; I Funny, about a middle school boy trying to become the world’s greatest stand-up comic; and the upcoming Ya novel Sophia, Princess Among Beasts.
They will be executive produced by Imagine Entertainment chairmen Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, Imagine Kids & Family president Sperber, and Patterson, Bill Robinson and Leopoldo Gout from James Patterson Entertainment.
Imagine...
- 3/6/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Imagine Entertainment has set a broad deal with author James Patterson to develop film, TV and digital projects based on his children’s books.
The deal calls for Imagine’s newly launched Imagine Kids and Family division to develop five titles from Patterson’s children’s book imprint with Little, Brown & Co., dubbed Jimmy Patterson Books. Projects in the development pipeline include Patterson’s “House of Robots” series, about a boy and his robot brother; adventure series “Treasure Hunters”; and “I Funny,” about a middle school boy who dreams of becoming a standup comedian. There’s also a young adult series about a warrior princess based on the upcoming novel “Sophia, Princess Among Beasts.”
Demand for high-wattage content aimed at kids and youth has skyrocketed in recent years as Netflix, Amazon and other streaming outlets have barreled into the kidvid space once dominated by Disney Channel and Nickelodeon.
The Patterson...
The deal calls for Imagine’s newly launched Imagine Kids and Family division to develop five titles from Patterson’s children’s book imprint with Little, Brown & Co., dubbed Jimmy Patterson Books. Projects in the development pipeline include Patterson’s “House of Robots” series, about a boy and his robot brother; adventure series “Treasure Hunters”; and “I Funny,” about a middle school boy who dreams of becoming a standup comedian. There’s also a young adult series about a warrior princess based on the upcoming novel “Sophia, Princess Among Beasts.”
Demand for high-wattage content aimed at kids and youth has skyrocketed in recent years as Netflix, Amazon and other streaming outlets have barreled into the kidvid space once dominated by Disney Channel and Nickelodeon.
The Patterson...
- 3/6/2019
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Imagine Entertainment has signed an exclusive deal to develop five of best-selling author James Patterson's books for children as TV, film and digital projects.
The deal will have the projects produced by the newly formed Imagine Kids & Family, founded earlier this year and run by Stephanie Sperber. Among the titles in development are the House of Robots series, about a boy and his robot brother; the adventure series Treasure Hunters; I Funny, about a middle-schooler and aspiring stand-up comic; and the upcoming Ya title Sophia, Princess Among Beasts, about a warrior princess who fights evil.
All come from Patterson's Jimmy Patterson ...
The deal will have the projects produced by the newly formed Imagine Kids & Family, founded earlier this year and run by Stephanie Sperber. Among the titles in development are the House of Robots series, about a boy and his robot brother; the adventure series Treasure Hunters; I Funny, about a middle-schooler and aspiring stand-up comic; and the upcoming Ya title Sophia, Princess Among Beasts, about a warrior princess who fights evil.
All come from Patterson's Jimmy Patterson ...
The far-right has now aggressively infiltrated the politics of countless nations, developed and otherwise, advocating malicious rhetoric that targets vulnerable groups, preaches ethnocentrism, and weaponizes religion. Outside of what happened in the United States in 2016, last year’s presidential election in Brazil, which crowned a candidate holding such extreme views, is a testament to the harmful powers of alarmist populism.
Although produced prior to the recent rise of these traditionalist forces in the country, Brazilian animated feature “Tito and the Birds” is a shrewd response to bigotry, packaged as a spooky adventure achieved through the integration of artisanal and digital techniques. The outcome is a stylistically singular treasure with tonal and aesthetic hints of Laika’s horror-inspired “ParaNorman” and the animated Van Gogh biopic “Loving Vincent.”
São Paulo native Gustavo Steinberg, the creative commander propelling the entire operation, co-directed the film with animators Gabriel Bitar and André Catoto. Steinberg made...
Although produced prior to the recent rise of these traditionalist forces in the country, Brazilian animated feature “Tito and the Birds” is a shrewd response to bigotry, packaged as a spooky adventure achieved through the integration of artisanal and digital techniques. The outcome is a stylistically singular treasure with tonal and aesthetic hints of Laika’s horror-inspired “ParaNorman” and the animated Van Gogh biopic “Loving Vincent.”
São Paulo native Gustavo Steinberg, the creative commander propelling the entire operation, co-directed the film with animators Gabriel Bitar and André Catoto. Steinberg made...
- 1/25/2019
- by Carlos Aguilar
- The Wrap
In today’s TV News Roundup, Syfy drops the first trailer for the second season of “Happy!” and Imagine Kids & Family sets a partnership with Four M Studios.
First Looks
Syfy has dropped the first trailer for season two of “Happy!” starring Christopher Meloni and Patton Oswalt. The new season premieres Wednesday, March 27 at 10/9c on Syfy. The series is written and executive produced by Brian Taylor and comic book writer Grant Morrison. Neal Moritz, Pavun Shetty and Toby Jaffe of Original Film, Meloni and showrunner Patrick Macmanus will also executive produce.
Wgn America has released the first trailer for “Gone,” a new twelve part limited detective series starring Leven Rambin as a former abductee who joins the FBI to solve more abduction cases at the request of the detective who saved her, played by Chris Noth. The series premieres Feb. 27 at 9/8c on Wgn.
Connected to the “Real Housewives” universe,...
First Looks
Syfy has dropped the first trailer for season two of “Happy!” starring Christopher Meloni and Patton Oswalt. The new season premieres Wednesday, March 27 at 10/9c on Syfy. The series is written and executive produced by Brian Taylor and comic book writer Grant Morrison. Neal Moritz, Pavun Shetty and Toby Jaffe of Original Film, Meloni and showrunner Patrick Macmanus will also executive produce.
Wgn America has released the first trailer for “Gone,” a new twelve part limited detective series starring Leven Rambin as a former abductee who joins the FBI to solve more abduction cases at the request of the detective who saved her, played by Chris Noth. The series premieres Feb. 27 at 9/8c on Wgn.
Connected to the “Real Housewives” universe,...
- 1/16/2019
- by Margeaux Sippell
- Variety Film + TV
Imagine Kids & Family, the recently formed division under Brian Grazer and Ron Howard’s Imagine Entertainment, and Meredith Corporation’s in-house TV production company Four M Studios, have partnered to mine Life Magazine’s archive of over ten million photos, many never before seen, to develop premium children’s television programming. The first project under the partnership is animated series Life For Kids, executive produced by Imagine Entertainment’s Grazer and Howard, Imagine Kids & Family President Stephanie Sperber, and Four M Studios’ Bruce Gersh and Bruce Robertson. Life falls under Meredith’s vast entertainment and lifestyle portfolio.
Life for Kids is a fresh take on informative entertainment for kids. The series will use images from America’s preeminent picture magazine, Life, as a jumping-off point to bring history to life in a new, fun, engaging way. Each animated episode presents a true story from Life’s archive, exploring topics of sports,...
Life for Kids is a fresh take on informative entertainment for kids. The series will use images from America’s preeminent picture magazine, Life, as a jumping-off point to bring history to life in a new, fun, engaging way. Each animated episode presents a true story from Life’s archive, exploring topics of sports,...
- 1/16/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Imagine Entertainment announced on Friday the company has launched a new kids and family division and tapped Stephanie Sperber to head the new banner. The announcement was made by Chairmen Brian Grazer and Ron Howard.
The division will develop and produce premium animated and live-action feature films, television series and short-form content across all platforms in the kids and family entertainment space, the company said.
Sperber, who has a long career building and monetizing kids and family businesses, IP and franchises, will serve as president of Imagine Kids & Family. She will also continue her role as CEO of the agency she founded, White Space Entertainment, which focuses on building kids franchises through consumer products and digital gaming.
Also Read: Imagine Entertainment Acquires Majority Stake in Marginal Mediaworks
“Our emphasis will be on great storytelling that appeals to global audiences and has the potential to grow into true franchises,” Grazer said in a statement.
The division will develop and produce premium animated and live-action feature films, television series and short-form content across all platforms in the kids and family entertainment space, the company said.
Sperber, who has a long career building and monetizing kids and family businesses, IP and franchises, will serve as president of Imagine Kids & Family. She will also continue her role as CEO of the agency she founded, White Space Entertainment, which focuses on building kids franchises through consumer products and digital gaming.
Also Read: Imagine Entertainment Acquires Majority Stake in Marginal Mediaworks
“Our emphasis will be on great storytelling that appeals to global audiences and has the potential to grow into true franchises,” Grazer said in a statement.
- 1/11/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Imagine Entertainment principals Brian Grazer and Ron Howard have launched Imagine Kids & Family, a new division that will be run by Stephanie Sperber. The label will develop and produce premium animated and live-action feature films, television series and short-form content across all platforms in the kids and family entertainment space.
Sperber has a track record in building and monetizing kids and family businesses, IP and franchises. She takes the post of Kids & Family president while she continues her role as CEO of White Space Entertainment. She founded that venture in 2015, and it focuses on building kids franchises through consumer products and digital gaming. Imagine Entertainment has been a client and continues to be, with White Space supporting all Consumer Products efforts that develop from the new Imagine Kids & Family content division.
“Our emphasis will be on great storytelling that appeals to global audiences and has the potential to grow into true franchises,...
Sperber has a track record in building and monetizing kids and family businesses, IP and franchises. She takes the post of Kids & Family president while she continues her role as CEO of White Space Entertainment. She founded that venture in 2015, and it focuses on building kids franchises through consumer products and digital gaming. Imagine Entertainment has been a client and continues to be, with White Space supporting all Consumer Products efforts that develop from the new Imagine Kids & Family content division.
“Our emphasis will be on great storytelling that appeals to global audiences and has the potential to grow into true franchises,...
- 1/11/2019
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Update, 12:15 Pm: I told you on Friday that Jeff Shell would be appointing Vince Klaseus to the new position of President of Universal Brand Development and today he did just that. “Vince is one of the best executives in the business at leveraging innovative strategies to create successful products, and he will be a terrific leader for this new division,” said the Universal Pictures chief today (see today’s full Universal announcement below) As I said last week, Partnerships and Licensing exec Stephanie Sperber will now report to Klaseus. Worldwide Home Entertainment prez Eddie Cunningham will not report to Klaseus but Universal Studios’ Home Entertainment’s content production arm chief Glenn Ross will. In fact Ross will now answer to both Cunningham and Klaseus, which sounds awkward.
Previously, Sept 5 Pm: Exclusive: There will be a new exec and a new gig announced next week by Universal Pictures boss Jeff Shell.
Previously, Sept 5 Pm: Exclusive: There will be a new exec and a new gig announced next week by Universal Pictures boss Jeff Shell.
- 9/8/2014
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline
Universal sent Stephanie Sperber an early vote of confidence on Monday, extending the contract of the president of Universal Partnerships & Licensing through June 2016. Sperber oversees all of Universal's global consumer products, digital licensing, theatrical and home entertainment promotions across all divisions of Universal Pictures as well as strategic marketing alliances for both Universal Pictures and Universal Studios Parks and Resorts Group. Her contract was set expire in 18 months. She will continue to report to Universal Pictures chairman Adam Fogelson. Universal's relationships with marquee brands and licensing partners have greatly expanded...
- 6/17/2013
- by Todd Cunningham
- The Wrap
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