Toonz Media Group, a leading name in kids and family entertainment headquartered in Galway, Ireland, and Be That Spark Corp, a joint venture between BLKBX Originals and Zuroam Media based in California, have united forces to co-produce and co-distribute the upcoming 3D animated series, ‘Little Sparks’.
This partnership heralds a significant milestone in the entertainment industry, merging the creative expertise of Toonz with the innovative storytelling of BLKBX Originals and Be That Spark Corp, the company said in a press release.
‘Little Sparks’ is an adaptation of the cherished children’s book series ‘A Little Spark’ by Chris Parsons, a recipient of the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award Gold Medal for exceptional family-friendly media.
This groundbreaking collaboration will transform these beloved literary works into a captivating CGI animated series tailored for children aged 4 to 8 years old, with plans for a subsequent feature film adaptation.
This venture marks BLKBX Originals’ entry into the animated series arena, a move echoing the company’s distinguished history as one of Hollywood’s leading creative agencies, led by CEO Frank Donner.
Alongside the animated series, Toonz Media Group will develop a companion mobile app and an exciting Roblox game inspired by the “Little Sparks” universe. The mobile app will offer interactive storytelling, educational activities, and character customization, delivering young audiences an engaging and immersive experience. Meanwhile, the Roblox game will immerse players in the enchanting world of Spark and his friends, offering dynamic and interactive gameplay filled with adventure and wonder.
P Jayakumar, Chief Executive Officer of Toonz Media Group, expressed his delight at the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Be That Spark Corp on this exciting venture. By merging our CGI animation expertise with innovative digital experiences, we aim to create content that resonates with children and families worldwide. ‘Little Sparks’ embodies the spirit of imagination and camaraderie, inspiring viewers to embrace their inner spark and positively impact the world.”
‘Little Sparks’ follows the endearing journey of Spark, a timid 7-year-old mouse, and his lovable animal companions as they discover the power of imagination and unity in a whimsical fantasy realm inhabited by magical creatures. With themes of friendship, courage, and self-discovery, the series captures the essence of childhood wonder and the transformative potential of each individual to ignite positive change.
Frank Donner, President of BLKBX Originals and CEO of BLKBX, expressed his excitement for the partnership, stating, “From the first moment I connected with Chris Parsons and his Be That Spark universe, we believed there was something special here. We have plans for more books, school programs, music, video games, and so much more. We are delighted to launch our animation efforts with Chris’s characters and a partnership with Toonz Media Group; we couldn’t have a better steward of the Little Spark universe.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Toonz Media Group will exclusively handle global media content distribution rights across all platforms, including licensing and merchandising rights. Furthermore, Toonz will oversee the production process from pre-production to post-production, ensuring the highest quality and creativity standards are maintained throughout.
Chris Parsons, creator of ‘A Little Spark and co-founder of Be That Spark Corp, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to embark on this journey with Toonz Media Group. Together, we are committed to bringing ‘Little Sparks’ to life in a way that captivates audiences and instills a sense of wonder and possibility.”
The co-production is slated for release in 2025, coinciding with the development of the mobile app and Roblox game, offering fans a comprehensive and immersive entertainment experience.
The deal was finalized by Emerson Machtus, BLKBX Originals’ Vice-President and Co-Head of Content for Be That Spark Corp, and P Jayakumar, Chief Executive Officer of Toonz Media Group.