Moonbug Entertainment to Produce VeeFriends Franchise

Moonbug Entertainment and VaynerWatt have partnered to produce a content franchise based on the VeeFriends universe.

VeeFriends is a contemporary entertainment company that uses collectibles, events, games and technology to forge connections between consumers and its original characters, which inspire creativity, self-discovery and personal growth. Moonbug will produce a 2D animated show with the characters for children ages 6 to 11.

The show, titled VeeFriends, will see the characters compete in the VeeDome, an over-the-top challenge arena, to battle out the biggest issues facing tweendom. Every character who goes into the dome comes out stronger and more self-aware. Episodes are set to begin releasing in late summer 2024 as three-minute shorts on YouTube.

VaynerWatt is a production studio founded by Gary Vaynerchuk, Eric Wattenberg, and Matt Higgins. VeeFriends was created by Vaynerchuk.

“I built VeeFriends in order to help change the world through dynamic characters that were both virtuous and entertaining, engaging and enlightening,” Vaynerchuk said. “I am excited to work with Candle Media and Moonbug Entertainment, which share many of the same core values, to expand this franchise for new platforms and audiences.”

“Our companies share a vision to contribute to the development and enrichment of the next generation, which naturally allows for a strong partnership,” noted René Rechtman, co-founder and CEO of Moonbug Entertainment. “The VeeFriends characters and universe that Gary and his team have created will make a strong foundation for an engaging show, which our team is excited to develop.”

Andy Krainak, president of VeeFriends, commented, “VeeFriends is thrilled to be partnering with Moonbug to create a show that not only entertains but nurtures emotional intelligence. Through VeeFriends’ characters, we aim to inspire both empathy and competition, empowering the next generation to balance passion with emotional understanding.”

“With the VeeFriends universe, Gary and the VaynerWatt team have built an innovative, inspiring, digitally-native storyworld, which has galvanized a deeply engaged community around characters that espouse positive values,” added Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs, Candle Media co-founders and co-CEOs. “We are excited for Candle and Moonbug to join the VeeFriends family to further develop these unique characters into an innovative premium content franchise.”