Leading kids distributor Cake announced a three party co-venture with animation powerhouse Titmouse, Inc. and C3 Entertainment Inc. owners of The Three Stooges brand.
The three companies will team up to produce a brand new Three Stooges animated series, which Cake and Titmouse will start introducing to potential partners at Annecy, with C3 taking the project to LIMA as well.
Cake, CEO & creative director, Tom van Waveren said: “We are hugely excited about working with Titmouse and C3 Entertainment on such an evergreen franchise. We see great potential in a refreshed animated approach to this classic and we are looking forward to introducing it to potential partners at the forthcoming festivals.”
Produced by animation studio Titmouse, Inc. (Turbo FAST, Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja), it is the intention for the series to be directed by a broad group of established directors, who will each be asked to take the lead on several episodes. The pilot animatic was created with Christy Karacas (Superjail!) directing, other directors will be added in a second stage.
Titmouse, president, Chris Prynoski said: “I grew up watching The Three Stooges with my father. When I signed on to helm this new show, I made a blood oath to my Dad that I would treat the Stooges brand like it was a newborn baby Fabergé egg. With the cartoon making team we have lined up at Titmouse, it’s sure to be the most batty, bananas, insanely giggle-inducing version of the Three Stooges your eyeballs and brainhole have ever experienced. Dad, I won’t let you down!”
The 52 x 11 minute animated series is set to have the same broad family appeal that is associated with The Three Stooges classic brand, with the physical, visual and slapstick humour taken to whole new levels. With limited dialogue, the series will be ideal for international audiences and multiple platforms.
C3 Entertainment, president and CEO, Earl Benjamin said: “Joining forces with CAKE and Titmouse provides us with a great team to create a new brand extension for The Three Stooges that is contemporary, true to the brand and will appeal to kids and families all over the world.”
The Three Stooges is one of the most successful and recognisable brands worldwide enjoying nearly 100 years of success on stage, screen and television. Appearing in over 220 films, numerous TV appearances, a recent theatrical release, DVD releases and an international licensing and merchandising programme, Larry, Moe and Curly have maintained their popularity with audiences all over the world. Appearing regularly on television, their comedy classics continue to make people laugh, delighting old fans while attracting a new generation.