Toy Story Writer Joel Cohen Boards Shaq’s Garage

Genius Brands International has put in place the production team for the animated series Shaq’s Garage, tapping Academy Award-nominated writer Joel Cohen (Toy Story, Garfield: The Movie, Evan Almighty, Cheaper by the Dozen, Daddy Day Camp).

Starring Shaquille O’Neal, Shaq’s Garage is currently in preproduction and will premiere on Kartoon Channel! in the U.S. this fall. Cohen serves as head writer and executive producer for the series.

Multi-Emmy Award-winning Michael Maliani (Where on Earth Is Carmen Sandiego?, The New Adventures of Madeline, Sherlock Holmes in the 22nd Century, Our Friend, Martin) is directing and producing. The series will be executive produced by O’Neal, Cohen, Genius Brands, PRP and ABG Entertainment.

Andy Heyward, chairman and CEO of Genius Brands, stated: “At Genius Brands, we continue to believe that the only way to create mega-hits, and ultimately build enduring mega businesses, is by hiring the most talented writers and producers that Hollywood has to offer. In Joel Cohen, the Academy Award-nominated co-writer of Pixar’s Toy Story, we knew we had found our talent. All of the great vehicles that were in Shaquille O’ Neal’s imagination, suddenly came to life as Joel told us who each one was, and precisely why we would care about them. Toy Story has become not only one of the single most successful movie franchises in history but also a multi-billion-dollar toy and licensing business. These phenomena can only come forth from the absolute best that Hollywood has to offer, who can create characters that kids of all ages can relate to and become engaged with. When we pair the heart and humor from Joel, along with the directing brilliance of Mike Maliani, we are confident that Shaq’s Garage is going to become a major hit as well as a major entertainment franchise!”

“I always loved Shaq, both the man and the athlete—happy to be playing for his team,” commented Cohen.