VIS KIDS FUELS MULTIPLATFORM GLOBAL CONTENT PIPELINE WITH NEW PARTNERS AND SLATE
Newly Launched Kids Division of ViacomCBS International Studios Announces Partnerships with Top Global Creators and Talent Across Live Action, Animation, Young Adult, and More
VIS KIDS Reveals New Brand Identity
NEW YORK/LONDON – FEB. 23, 2021 – VIS KIDS, a division of ViacomCBS International Studios, today announced several high-profile creators and talent partners tied to key projects in development amidst the Kidscreen Summit Virtual 2021. VIS KIDS is partnering with creative communities around the world to support its mission of being expert hit makers in the kids and family space, developing and producing content for Nickelodeon and the ViacomCBS ecosystem, in addition to third party buyers and partners. VIS KIDS also plans to expand its global footprint with the development and production of new formats across preschool, live action, animation and young adult, in regions such as the UK, Israel, Asia and Latin America. Additionally, the kids content studio, which launched October 2020, revealed its new brand identity.
"In launching VIS KIDS, we saw a great demand in the industry for creator driven, high quality and platform agnostic kids and family content across a wide genre – from preschool, to animation, to live action,” said Nina Hahn, Head of VIS KIDS. “We're excited to align with amazing creatives across the globe as we continue to establish VIS KIDS as a leader in the world of kids and family content, while fueling ViacomCBS's global content pipeline.”
The launch of VIS KIDS is the foundation for ViacomCBS International Studio’s plan to develop more than 30 new kids shows over the next three years. Projects in development include a variety of genres such as live action, animation, young adult, preschool, and more.
RETURNING SERIES
- Deer Squad - VIS KIDS is announcing a third season of hit global preschool CG-animated series Deer Squad, the adventure-rescue show on Nickelodeon that follows four, lovable, enthusiastic and heroic deer friends. This series is a result of a partnership between iQIYI, an innovative market-leading online entertainment service in China, Nickelodeon International and VIS KIDS.
- Spyders - VIS KIDS is announcing a second season of live-action series Spyders, which aired across Nickelodeon International channels, beginning 2020, to great success. This original series depicts three kids who uncover their parents’ top-secret operation and decide to form a task force of their own, named Spyders. The series originally debuted in Israel earlier in 2020, where it was well received by audiences as the most successful show for kids on TeenNick, exclusively on HOT Cable Network, in Israel in five years, achieving an average rating of 2.6 percent. It was also the #1 series on-demand during the time it aired. Spyders is a result of a partnership between Nickelodeon International and Ananey Studios, one of Israel’s leading production companies.
Earlier this month, VIS KIDS announced new series including:
- Ib The Dog (Season 2), a Paramount+ Original animated preschool series, made exclusively for the premium streaming service in the Nordics region. The series is produced in partnership with Danish animation company MiniCosmos.
- Marcelo, Marmelo, Martelo, a live action series for six to twelve year-olds based on popular Brazilian book series by author Ruth Rocha, in partnership with Coyote Producciones Cinematográfica.
- Gloria Wants to Know It All, an animated preschool series created in partnership with superstar Marc Anthony, Academy Award winning writer-director Juan José Campanella, Mundoloco Animation Studios and Lanugo Media.
CONTENT PARTNERSHIPS
In addition to the new and returning series, VIS KIDS is announcing a list of talent and creator partnerships representing the breadth and global diversity of VIS KIDS content. Partnerships include:
ANIMATION
- A first-look animation deal with UpperRoom Productions, a production company founded by actor and producer, John Boyega, known for starring in Star Wars, Red, White and Blue and Detroit. Through the agreement, UpperRoom will present three to five projects to the studio for consideration to develop into a long form series. Financial terms and the length of the deal were not disclosed.
- A first-look animation deal with Fred Seibert; Founder and CEO of FREDFILMS, and the driving force behind such iconic animation projects as Nickelodeon’s The Fairy OddParents and Cartoon Network’s Adventure Time. Through the agreement, FredFilms will present at least three projects to the studio with the goal of at least one being put into development.
- Continued collaboration with Israeli based Ananey Studios, a force in the kids content world, best-known for Netflix’s Greenhouse Academy, Rising, The Hood and Sky, with a focus on preschool animation and live action projects for six to ten year-olds.
- A female-led adventure comedy with Wildseed Studios, a multi-award winning studio producing scripted content for kids and young adults, and Tom Gran & Martin Woolley, BAFTA award-winning creators and animation duo. Wildseed’s award wins include a British Animation Award, British Writer’s Guild Award, Australian Writer’s Guild Award and more.
- A mixed media comedy show by Joel Mackenzie of Wildseed Studios and an award-winning content creator known for The Becky & Bagel Show
- A Korea-originated “fish out of water” comedy by Jiwan Yoon; Founder and Creative Director of ELECTURAL, a creative studio in South Korea
- A development deal with Argentine cartoonist and writer, Liniers, for an adaptation of an upcoming new book
LIVE ACTION
- Optioned the rights for ¡Socorro!, a children’s book from the late Argentine author Elsa Bornemann, who was one of the most acclaimed childrens' books writer in Latin America.
- A magical series from Orit Kuritsky, author of 24 Magic Tricks and a Cake
- A high-concept mystery series by Diane Whitley, Head Writer on Nickelodeon’s House of Anubis and Head Writer on Nickelodeon’s Hunter Street seasons three and four; and Hans Holsen, Writer on Nickelodeon’s All That and Nickelodeon’s Hunter Street
PRESCHOOL
- An animated series about citizenship and community by Daniel Bays, Creator and Showrunner of the international hit and twice BAFTA nominated preschool animated series Tree Fu Tom, and Creator, Developing Producer and Writer on hit CBeebies & Boat Rocker show Bitz & Bob
- A groundbreaking animated preschool series using innovative technology by Gili Dolev, Co-Creator, Showrunner and Supervising Director of Nickelodeon’s Zack & Quack and Daytime Emmy nominated Series Director of Nick Jr.’s Nella the Princess Knight; and Nigel Pickard, Former Controller of BBC Children behind CBeebies and CBBC, Former Director of Programmes for ITV Network and Executive Producer of Zack & Quack and Floogals
- A fun-filled animated quest series by Paul Weston; Former CEO / Chairman of Vivid, and founding member of Toys ‘R’ Us UK
DISTRIBUTION
ViacomCBS International Studios Distribution recently announced the addition of over 350 episodes of content to its sales catalogue from Ananey Studios. The newly added content includes teen live-actions series, and kids’ and preschool shows such as Craft Party (Hebrew and English versions) and Rescue Team. The recently launched kids’ sitcom Unsupervised and ground-breaking teen adventure series Rising and The Hood, are amongst the titles being newly distributed by VIS Distribution as finished tapes or available as format for adaptation.
Click here to learn more about VIS KIDS.
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| Ib the Dog |
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| Nina Hahn |
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ABOUT VIACOMCBS INTERNATIONAL STUDIOS
Introduced in 2018, ViacomCBS International Studios is a division of ViacomCBS Networks International that includes production of content for ViacomCBS brands and platforms, including Paramount+, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, Channel 5, Network 10, VIS, Telefe, Ananey and Porta Dos Fundos and for third parties, as well as sales and distribution of original productions, co-productions, formats sold for local adaptations and ready-made content. In 2020, VIS KIDS launched to further the expansion of the studio's global kids content pipeline. The content that ViacomCBS International Studios produces covers all genres, from pre-school to young adult and live action and animation, as well as soap operas, dramas, short and long-form comedy formats and feature film productions.
--Ends--
Official FredFilms press release:
ANIMATION LUMINARY FRED SEIBERT LAUNCHES NEW PRODUCTION COMPANY
Visionary Producer of Such Blockbuster Animation Hits as Adventure Time, The Fairly OddParents, Castlevania, Bravest Warriors and Bee & Puppycat to Develop Range of Long and Short Form Animation Series to Meet Heightened Demand for Animation from Linear TV and Streaming Platforms
Initial Projects Include First Look Deal with VIS KIDS, a Division of ViacomCBS Networks International; Seibert to Also Remain Executive Producer on Netflix hit Castlevania, and the Highly-Anticipated Return of Bee & PuppyCat Coming Soon to Netflix
New York, NY (February 23, 2021) – Fred Seibert, the driving force behind some of the most successful and iconic animation projects of our time, announced today he is launching a brand new production entity – FredFilms. The new company is designed to help meet the increased demand for premium adult and kid animation programming from traditional linear networks and a wide range of streaming platforms. For this new venture, Seibert has already struck a first look deal with VIS KIDS, a division of ViacomCBS Networks International, with additional projects expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.
Seibert’s credits and achievements have established him as a true legend in animation and a visionary in television branding. During his illustrious career, Seibert has discovered, cultivated and launched some the biggest and freshest animated series across TV and streaming networks. He has served as executive producer for such blockbusters as Pendelton Ward’s Adventure Time and Bravest Warriors (Cartoon Network and Cartoon Hangover), Butch Hartman’s The Fairly Oddparents (Nickelodeon), Kevin Kolde’s and Warren Ellis’ Castlevania (Netflix), and Natasha Allegri’s Bee & Puppycat (the most backed animated series in Kickstarter history). While serving as President of Hanna-Barbera, Seibert oversaw the development of a string of hits from The Powerpuff Girls to Dexter’s Laboratory. He has also helped discover some of the hottest animated talent on the planet including Craig McCracken, Genndy Tartakovsky, Pendelton Ward and Seth MacFarlane.
In addition to his success in animation, Seibert has overseen some of the most celebrated television branding achievements of all-time. As the founding creative director of MTV, he developed the unforgettable “I Want My MTV” campaign. Additionally, he architected the original Nickelodeon and Nick-at-Nite branding and promotion.
Out of the gate FredFilms has finalized a first look deal with VIS KIDS, a division of ViacomCBS Networks International. Through the agreement, FredFilms will present at least three projects to the studio with a goal of at least one being put into development. Seibert will also continue to serve in an executive producing role on two major Netflix projects – the breakout hit Castlevania which will launch its fourth season later this year, and the cult sensation Bee & Puppycat whose new iteration Bee & Puppycat: Lost in Space is coming soon to Netflix.
“Animation is having yet another golden age, driven, as always, by new technologies. The rise of streaming platforms has given animation studios a whole new landscape to have their innovative voices and stories told. And the success that many projects are finding in streaming, both adult and kid targeted series, has re-opened the eyes of executives at linear networks to invest in animation. With that said, I thought now was the perfect time to set up a new production company in which I can focus 100% of my energies on what I truly love to do: nurture fresh talent and emerging voices, and help bring to life amazing, cutting-edge animation,” said Seibert.
“At VIS KIDS, we are committed to the development of new creative partnerships and deepening our relationships with talent to bring unique, fun and creative stories to life. We look forward to our partnership with Fred Seibert and FREDFILMS, as we further this commitment and establish VIS KIDS as an industry leader in kids content,” said Nina Hahn, Head of VIS KIDS and Senior Vice President, Production & Development, Nickelodeon International.
Seibert is currently building out his executive team and has already brought on former Crunchyroll writer/producer and seasoned graphic novel editor Casey Gonzalez as his development director and Sarah Kessler as Manager, Development.
He is interested in hearing pitches from creators. More information about FredFilms can be found at fredfilms.com.
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From Animation News Network:
Fred Seibert Launches FredFilms
New endeavor for former Hanna-Barbera president and executive producer on shows like ‘Adventure Time’ and ‘The Fairly OddParents’ is positioned to serve the increasing demand for adult and kids’ animation programming; business kicks off with a first look deal with VIS KIDS.
In 2D, 3D, Anime, Business, Cartoons, CG, Digital Media, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All
Animation veteran Fred Seibert has launched FredFilms, a new production company that aims to tap into the increasing demand for premium adult and kids’ animation programming for both traditional linear networks and a wide range of streaming platforms. A first look deal has already been finalized with VIS KIDS, a division of ViacomCBS Networks International; announcements of additional projects is expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.
Seibert has served as executive producer for popular animated series including Pendelton Ward’s Adventure Time and Bravest Warriors (Cartoon Network and Cartoon Hangover), Butch Hartman’s The Fairly OddParents (Nickelodeon), Kevin Kolde’s and Warren Ellis’ Castlevania (Netflix), and Natasha Allegri’s Bee & Puppycat. While serving as president of Hanna-Barbera, he oversaw the development of a string of hits from The Powerpuff Girls to Dexter’s Laboratory. He has also helped discover some of the best talent in animation including Craig McCracken, Genndy Tartakovsky, Pendelton Ward, and Seth MacFarlane.
Seibert has overseen many successful television brands in the industry. As the founding creative director of MTV, he developed the “I Want My MTV” campaign. He also architected the original Nickelodeon and Nick-at-Nite branding and promotion. Seibert continues to serve in an executive producer on two Netflix projects – Castlevania which will launch its fourth season later this year, and the cult sensation Bee & Puppycat whose new iteration Bee & Puppycat: Lost in Space is coming soon to Netflix.
“Animation is having yet another golden age, driven, as always, by new technologies,” commented Seibert. “The rise of streaming platforms has given animation studios a whole new landscape to have their innovative voices and stories told. And the success that many projects are finding in streaming, both adult and kid targeted series, has re-opened the eyes of executives at linear networks to invest in animation. With that said, I thought now was the perfect time to set up a new production company in which I can focus 100% of my energies on what I truly love to do: nurture fresh talent and emerging voices, and help bring to life amazing, cutting-edge animation.”
"At VIS KIDS, we are committed to the development of new creative partnerships and deepening our relationships with talent to bring unique, fun and creative stories to life,” remarked Nina Hahn, Head of VIS KIDS and Senior Vice President, Production & Development, Nickelodeon International. “We look forward to our partnership with Fred Seibert and FredFilms, as we further this commitment and establish VIS KIDS as an industry leader in kids’ content.”
Seibert is currently building out his executive team. Former Crunchyroll writer/producer and seasoned graphic novel editor, Casey Gonzalez has been named development director and Sarah Kessler as manager, development.
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Originally published: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at 14:33 GMT.
Additional source: Deadline.
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