WarnerMedia’s Rooster Teeth Productions and Albert Whitman Media have come together to co-develop and produce a slate of original animated series for global distribution, based on IP from the children’s book publisher’s library. The announcement was made by Rooster Teeth Studios head Ryan P. Hall and Albert Whitman Media president Attila Gazdag.
“We are excited to join with Rooster Teeth Productions in the development of Albert Whitman & Company literary works as animated series for global audiences,” commented Gazdag. “Rooster Teeth has achieved a great degree of success with its original shows, and we were impressed with their take on and passion for series adaptation of Albert Whitman’s book properties.”
The partnership commences with two literary works, Zapato Power from creator Jacqueline Jules and The Wish Library, from creator Christine Evans.
Zapato Power follows the adventures of Freddie Ramos, an ordinary kid growing up in a multiethnic city neighborhood who has always dreamt of becoming a superhero. When he’s given a pair of superpowered purple sneakers, his life is forever changed. Over the course of the series, Freddie learns how to use his newfound powers for greater good. Rooster Teeth and Albert Whitman Media will introduce the new series to market in time for MIPCOM 2021.
The Wish Library follows third-grader Raven and her friends as they discover that a little bit of magic can lead to a lot of mischief and in the end they have the power to face their challenges all along. Featuring light fantasy elements and lots of humour, The Wish Library responds to every child’s innate desire to wish their problems away.
“Rooster Teeth is delighted to expand its slate of animated properties to include Albert Whitman’s beloved books as we expand our storytelling efforts in the children’s genre,” added Hall. “Our mission has always been to spark long-lasting love with content franchises, and we are proud to say Rooster Teeth’s dedicated community of fans can now share their fandom across generations.”
Albert Whitman Media (AWM) is a subsidiary of Albert Whitman & Company. It is responsible for the development and production of original programming based on the parent company’s library of books for broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms across the world.