TVKIDS
9 Story Media Group has entered a development deal with youth conservation organization Earth Rangers to create a new animated comedy series for ages 6 to 9.
With the new project, they seek to empower kids and their families as anxiety grows over the state of the planet. Mark Steinberg (Hotel Transylvania, Big Blue, Numb Chucks) is attached as head writer.
On board as story consultant is Nelu Handa (Run the Burbs, Baroness von Sketch Show, Odd Squad), who was recently selected as a participant of the CBC-BIPOC TV & Film Showrunner Catalyst program. Karen Fowler (Rosie’s Rules, The Electric Company, Scout and the Gumboot Kids, Dot), VP of development at 9 Story, is leading development.
The Earth Rangers organization was originally established in 2004 and now has over 350,000 members and alumni across Canada. In addition to the Earth Rangers app and Earth Rangers Clubs, the organization is active with in-school offerings and provides educator resources and professional development. It recently announced an expansion into the U.S.
9 Story and Earth Rangers are working on a 6-episode serialized podcast in addition to the animated comedy series.
“I am a big believer in the Earth Rangers’ mission to create new generations of conservationists,” said Vince Commisso, president and CEO of 9 Story Media Group and board member of Earth Rangers. “We have a responsibility to future generations to fix what is happening with our planet. We also know from our experience working on Wild Kratts over the last decade that kids are inherently passionate about the environment from an early age. Our goal with this partnership is to reach a slightly older audience and help maintain this passion for animals and the environment.”
“Earth Rangers has always strived to meet kids where they are—our live school assemblies, award-winning podcast and mobile app have successfully done that and we see this series as the next big piece of the puzzle,” said Tovah Barocas, president of Earth Rangers. “The passion and commitment of kids for protecting the environment never ceases to amaze me—creating a series that mirrors those qualities back to them through compelling characters and humor is guaranteed to resonate.”
“Partnering with Earth Rangers to build and activate a global community of engaged kids is thrilling,” added Fowler. “It’s a blast developing this animated workplace comedy as part of that vision. Our podcast miniseries will be an appetizer for the show and capitalizes on Earth Rangers’ already significant and dedicated audience. Entertaining kids and amplifying the mission with actionable, connected takeaways is super satisfying, and we are excited to find the right partners to take this out to global audiences.”
