Toonz Media Group headquartered in Galway, Ireland and Be That Spark Corp, a joint venture between BLKBX Originals and Zuroam Media based in California, have joined forces in a groundbreaking co-production and co-distribution agreement for the upcoming 3D animated series, Little Sparks. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the entertainment industry, as it brings together the creative prowess of Toonz and the innovative storytelling of BLKBX Originals and Be That Spark Corp.
Little Sparks is based on the beloved and award-winning children’s book series A Little Spark by Chris Parsons, recipient of the esteemed Mom’s Choice Award Gold Medal for outstanding family-friendly media. This innovative partnership will see the adaptation of the cherished literary works into a captivating CGI animated series tailored for children aged four to eight years old. A subsequent feature film based on the book series is being planned as well.
Little Sparks marks the first animated series for BLKBX Originals, a media company stemming from the storied history of one of the leading creative agencies in Hollywood, BLKBX Creative Group and its CEO Frank Donner.
In addition to the animated series, Toonz Media Group will develop a companion mobile app and a thrilling Roblox game inspired by the Little Sparks universe. The mobile app will offer interactive storytelling, educational activities, and character customization, providing young audiences with an engaging and immersive experience. Meanwhile, the Roblox game will transport players into the enchanting world of Spark and his friends, offering a dynamic and interactive gameplay experience filled with adventure and wonder.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Be That Spark Corp on this exciting venture,” said Toonz Media Group chief executive officer P Jayakumar. “By combining our expertise in CGI animation 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.”
“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,” said BLKBX Originals president and BLKBX CEO Frank Donner.
“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 instil a sense of wonder and possibility,” said A Little Spark creator and Be That Spark Corp cofounder Parsons.
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.
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 closed by BLKBX Originals’ vice-president and Be That Spark Corp content co-head Emerson Machtus and Toonz Media Group chief executive officer P Jayakumar.