July 17, 2014
“HAUNTED MANSION” SPECIAL, INSPIRED BY POPULAR DISNEY THEME PARKS ATTRACTION, IN DEVELOPMENT AT DISNEY TELEVISION ANIMATION
— TV Animation Studio Continues to Expand Roster of Top Creative Talent with Production on Three Pilots and New Short-Form Series from Aaron Springer, Jhonen Vasquez and Jenny Goldberg, Jesse LeDoux and Matt Olsen, and Ryan Quincy; Extends Overall Development Deal with “Phineas and Ferb” Co-Creator and Executive Producer Dan Povenmire —
Disney Television Animation is in development on “Haunted Mansion,” a special for Disney Channel and Disney XD inspired by the popular Disney Parks attraction. Legendary horror genre artist and children’s book illustrator Gris Grimly (“Gris Grimly’s Wicked Nursery Rhymes”) is attached to executive produce and art direct with Scott Peterson executive producing, story editing and writing and Joshua Pruett consulting producing and writing, both of “Phineas and Ferb.”
The television animation studio continues to add to its deep roster of world-class artists and creators with three pilots and a new short-form series from Aaron Springer, Jhonen Vasquez and Jenny Goldberg, Jesse LeDoux and Matt Olsen, and Ryan Quincy, all currently in production for Disney XD. The studio has also extended an overall deal with Emmy Award-winning “Phineas and Ferb” co-creator and executive producer Dan Povenmire for development on new projects. Recently nominated for its ninth Emmy Award, “Phineas and Ferb” currently airs on Disney Channel and Disney XD with the television special “Phineas and Ferb: Star Wars” set to debut later this month.
The news was announced today by Eric Coleman, Senior Vice President, Original Series, Disney Television Animation.
Coleman said, “Over the past few years we have focused our strategy on making Disney Television Animation the home for the strongest talent in the business. We have steadily built our roster with both animation veterans and fresh voices, and have fostered an environment where artists support and inspire one another. This group will help us continue to deliver the great storytelling and beloved characters that the Disney animation legacy is known for.”
New pilots in production are:
“Billy Dilley’s Super Duper Subterranean Summer”
Creative Talent: Director Aaron Springer, whose credits include the Emmy Award-winning “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts and “SpongeBob SquarePants,” is creator.
Synopsis: Summer break takes an unexpected turn when Zak and Marsha end up stuck in uncharted land at the center of the earth with eccentric classmate Billy Dilley.
“Very Important House”
Creative Talent: Jhonen Vasquez, creator of cult favorite “Invader Zim” and character designer Jenny Goldberg (“Rick and Morty,” “Bravest Warriors”) are co-creators.
Synopsis: 11-year-old Frolie moves into the Very Important House and suddenly finds herself in the role of caretaker of the universe.
“Douglas Furs”
Creative Talent: Highly-regarded illustrator and former Sub Pop Records art director Jesse LeDoux and actor/writer Matt Olsen (“Sly Cooper”) are co-creators.
Synopsis: Deep in the woods, beyond human reach, exists the thriving animal community of Douglas where Barry the bear, the world’s least-handy handyman, takes it upon himself to fix all the town’s problems.
New short-form series in production:
“Future-Worm!”
Creative Talent: Director Ryan Quincy of “South Park” and IFC’s “Out There” is creator.
Synopsis: A boy creates a time machine lunch box and befriends a fearless worm from the future.
Disney Television Animation is an industry leader in the production of quality animated properties for television. The animation studio, led by Coleman and Lisa Salamone, Senior Vice President, Production, is home to hit, award-winning television series for Disney-branded channels and platforms worldwide including “Phineas and Ferb,” “Wander Over Yonder,” “Gravity Falls” and “Mickey Mouse.” Disney Television Animation is part of the Disney/ABC Television Group at The Walt Disney Company.
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