Exclusive: Disney will launch CGI-animated series Morphle and the Magic Pets on March 20.
The Moonbug Entertainment and Disney Branded Television-created show will first debut in the U.S. on Disney Junior and Disney+ and then begin rolling out globally (excluding China) on the same platforms at a later date.
Morphle and the Magic Pets follows Mila and her stepbrother, Jordie, as they leap into a world of adventure with the help of Morphle, Mila’s magical and loyal pet who has the power to morph into whatever she imagines. The trio use their skills and smarts to keep magic pets out of mischief, solve problems and find ‘magic matches’ for each newcomer.
The series will comprise 52 seven-minute episodes and 50 three-minute shorts, and is being billed as an “evolution” from the original Morphle YouTube series with a new look and more in-depth storytelling.
Candle Media-owned Moonbug is known for creating and...
The Moonbug Entertainment and Disney Branded Television-created show will first debut in the U.S. on Disney Junior and Disney+ and then begin rolling out globally (excluding China) on the same platforms at a later date.
Morphle and the Magic Pets follows Mila and her stepbrother, Jordie, as they leap into a world of adventure with the help of Morphle, Mila’s magical and loyal pet who has the power to morph into whatever she imagines. The trio use their skills and smarts to keep magic pets out of mischief, solve problems and find ‘magic matches’ for each newcomer.
The series will comprise 52 seven-minute episodes and 50 three-minute shorts, and is being billed as an “evolution” from the original Morphle YouTube series with a new look and more in-depth storytelling.
Candle Media-owned Moonbug is known for creating and...
- 2/19/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
A bright-red, child-size magical morphing creature is heading to Disney platforms.
Disney Branded Television inked a deal with Moonbug Entertainment for 52 episodes of 7-minute CG series, “Morphle,” based on the YouTube short-form hit My Magic Pet Morphle. It’s the first partnership between Disney and Moonbug, whose properties include the CoComelon kids’ content juggernaut.
The comedy adventure series is slated to debut in 2024 exclusively on Disney+ and Disney Junior globally, excluding China. Under the agreement, Disney will also launch episodes of “My Magic Pet Morphle” on its platforms.
Moonbug was acquired last year in a 3 billion deal by Candle Media, a next-generation media roll-up venture headed by former Disney execs Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs and backed by private-equity firm Blackstone. Moonbug is headed by CEO René Rechtman, previously Disney’s international head of digital studios.
According to Andy Yeatman, Moonbug’s managing director of Americas and originals, talks with...
Disney Branded Television inked a deal with Moonbug Entertainment for 52 episodes of 7-minute CG series, “Morphle,” based on the YouTube short-form hit My Magic Pet Morphle. It’s the first partnership between Disney and Moonbug, whose properties include the CoComelon kids’ content juggernaut.
The comedy adventure series is slated to debut in 2024 exclusively on Disney+ and Disney Junior globally, excluding China. Under the agreement, Disney will also launch episodes of “My Magic Pet Morphle” on its platforms.
Moonbug was acquired last year in a 3 billion deal by Candle Media, a next-generation media roll-up venture headed by former Disney execs Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs and backed by private-equity firm Blackstone. Moonbug is headed by CEO René Rechtman, previously Disney’s international head of digital studios.
According to Andy Yeatman, Moonbug’s managing director of Americas and originals, talks with...
- 5/18/2022
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
HBO Max is expanding its kids and family programming slate with B-Loved, a ghostly romance two-part special event starring Peyton List (Cobra Kai), along with three live-action acquisitions, including all three seasons of Hank Zipzer, based on the book written by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver, inspired by Winkler’s life.
B-Loved (working title), from Endeavor Content and Wonder Worldwide, stars List as Bea, a free-spirited teenage ghost who forms a special friendship with the new boy in town, Cole, whose house she has been inhabiting for over 100 years. With the help of a magical ring that allows Cole to see Bea, they’ll rediscover the meaning of being alive, but also the importance of letting go. Written by Black List Nicholl Fellowship winner, Cesar Vitale, the special will be directed by Emily Ting (Tall Girl 2). It’s scheduled to premiere in time for Valentine’s Day 2023 on HBO Max.
B-Loved (working title), from Endeavor Content and Wonder Worldwide, stars List as Bea, a free-spirited teenage ghost who forms a special friendship with the new boy in town, Cole, whose house she has been inhabiting for over 100 years. With the help of a magical ring that allows Cole to see Bea, they’ll rediscover the meaning of being alive, but also the importance of letting go. Written by Black List Nicholl Fellowship winner, Cesar Vitale, the special will be directed by Emily Ting (Tall Girl 2). It’s scheduled to premiere in time for Valentine’s Day 2023 on HBO Max.
- 5/11/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
HBO Max and Cartoon Network has greenlit and acquired several projects for their kids and family live action slate, Variety has learned exclusively. The slate includes two specials based on Mattel’s American Girl franchise and a supernatural romance starring Peyton List.
The first American Girl special has the working title “American Girl: Corinne Tan,” inspired by the doll brand’s 2022 girl of the year and the first doll of Chinese descent. Miya Cech stars as 13-year-old ski enthusiast Corrine, who is still navigating her parents’ recent divorce while her 10-year-old sister Gwynn (Kai Cech), mom Judy (Michelle Krusiec), dad and stepdad Arne have adjusted to their new roles in this blended family. She discovers a new purpose when she challenges herself to train a rambunctious puppy named Flurry to become a search-and-rescue dog.
Angela Tortu serves as director. Fred Soulie and Phil Breman executive produce for Mattel Television while Larry Grimaldi,...
The first American Girl special has the working title “American Girl: Corinne Tan,” inspired by the doll brand’s 2022 girl of the year and the first doll of Chinese descent. Miya Cech stars as 13-year-old ski enthusiast Corrine, who is still navigating her parents’ recent divorce while her 10-year-old sister Gwynn (Kai Cech), mom Judy (Michelle Krusiec), dad and stepdad Arne have adjusted to their new roles in this blended family. She discovers a new purpose when she challenges herself to train a rambunctious puppy named Flurry to become a search-and-rescue dog.
Angela Tortu serves as director. Fred Soulie and Phil Breman executive produce for Mattel Television while Larry Grimaldi,...
- 5/11/2022
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Comedies “Insecure” and “Reservation Dogs,” as well as limited series “Dopesick” and “It’s a Sin,” are among the seven programs set to be recognized this year by the Television Academy as part of its 15th Television Academy Honors. The award showcases “exceptional television programs and their producers who have leveraged the immense power of television to fuel social change.”
This year’s honorees also include documentary/nonfiction series “Black and Missing” and “Taste the Nation: Holiday Edition,” as well as the documentary special “The Year Earth Changed.”
Among the topics this year’s honorees tackle: racism, law enforcement, addiction, AIDS, the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on nature, immigration, Native American representation, anti-Asian American hate, and the issues facing Black women.
“Now more than ever, television informs and galvanizes audiences around the world. These seven remarkable programs have enlightened viewers and advocated for some of the most significant issues facing our global community,...
This year’s honorees also include documentary/nonfiction series “Black and Missing” and “Taste the Nation: Holiday Edition,” as well as the documentary special “The Year Earth Changed.”
Among the topics this year’s honorees tackle: racism, law enforcement, addiction, AIDS, the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on nature, immigration, Native American representation, anti-Asian American hate, and the issues facing Black women.
“Now more than ever, television informs and galvanizes audiences around the world. These seven remarkable programs have enlightened viewers and advocated for some of the most significant issues facing our global community,...
- 4/28/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
“Insecure,” “Dopesick” and “Reservation Dogs” are among the programs receiving the 15th Television Academy Honors Award for inspiring social change, the organization announced Thursday.
The list of winners are as follows: two documentary and nonfiction series (HBO’s “Black and Missing” and the Padma Lakshmi-hosted “Taste the Nation: Holiday Edition”), a documentary special (“The Year Earth Changed” from Apple TV+ and BBC Studios), two limited series (HBO’s “It’s a Sin” and Hulu’s “Dopesick”) and two comedy series (Issa Rae’s “Insecure” and Taika Waititi’s “Reservation Dogs”).
Held annually since 2008, the entity — which is separate from the Emmy Awards — strives to honor the producers and TV shows who represent some of the most impactful programs aiming to raise awareness and education for their viewers on a variety of topics, including institutional racism, police brutality, AIDS, immigration, Indigenous rights, misogynoir, anti-Asian hate, climate change and the Covid-19 pandemic.
The list of winners are as follows: two documentary and nonfiction series (HBO’s “Black and Missing” and the Padma Lakshmi-hosted “Taste the Nation: Holiday Edition”), a documentary special (“The Year Earth Changed” from Apple TV+ and BBC Studios), two limited series (HBO’s “It’s a Sin” and Hulu’s “Dopesick”) and two comedy series (Issa Rae’s “Insecure” and Taika Waititi’s “Reservation Dogs”).
Held annually since 2008, the entity — which is separate from the Emmy Awards — strives to honor the producers and TV shows who represent some of the most impactful programs aiming to raise awareness and education for their viewers on a variety of topics, including institutional racism, police brutality, AIDS, immigration, Indigenous rights, misogynoir, anti-Asian hate, climate change and the Covid-19 pandemic.
- 4/28/2022
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- The Wrap
HBO’s ‘I May Destroy You,’ Comedy Central’s ‘The Daily Show’ Among TV Academy Honors 2021 Recipients
The Television Academy has unveiled recipients of its 14th Television Academy Honors, including HBO’s “I May Destroy You” and Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah.” The seven honorees also include “For Life,” “I Am Greta,” “Little America,” “The Social Dilemma” and “Welcome to Chechnya.”
“During one of the most challenging years in television history, these seven extraordinary programs illuminated and championed some of the most critical issues facing our communities,” said Television Academy Chairman and CEO Frank Scherma. “We are thrilled to be honoring programs and producers who are influencing social change around the globe.”
The Television Academy Honors are meant to single out “programs across numerous platforms and genres that elevate complex issues facing society,” the org said, Topics addressed in this year’s crop of programs include issues of racism, criminal justice, social justice, sexual assault, LGBTQ+ persecution, immigration and climate change.
Howard Meltzer,...
“During one of the most challenging years in television history, these seven extraordinary programs illuminated and championed some of the most critical issues facing our communities,” said Television Academy Chairman and CEO Frank Scherma. “We are thrilled to be honoring programs and producers who are influencing social change around the globe.”
The Television Academy Honors are meant to single out “programs across numerous platforms and genres that elevate complex issues facing society,” the org said, Topics addressed in this year’s crop of programs include issues of racism, criminal justice, social justice, sexual assault, LGBTQ+ persecution, immigration and climate change.
Howard Meltzer,...
- 5/3/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Updated with date, time of ceremony: The 13th Television Academy Honors will be hosted by Jameela Jamil as a virtual event and will stream live Tuesday, September 8 at 9 p.m. Et/6 p.m. Pt on the Television Academy’s website.
Winners of the honors, which recognize TV shows that shed light on complex issues and challenges facing our society, were announced in April, but the annual in-person ceremony was scrapped because of the coronavirus pandemic.
This year’s winners: documentary specials At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal (HBO) and 16 Shots (Showtime), limited series Watchmen (HBO) and Unbelievable (Netflix), drama series Queen Sugar (OWN) and comedy commentary program Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj (Netflix).
The TV Academy said Wednesday the ceremony will stream on TelevisionAcademy.com and that Erin Lee Carr (At the Heart of Gold), Susannah Grant (Unbelievable), Regina King (Watchmen), Damon Lindelof (Watchmen), Hasan Minhaj...
Winners of the honors, which recognize TV shows that shed light on complex issues and challenges facing our society, were announced in April, but the annual in-person ceremony was scrapped because of the coronavirus pandemic.
This year’s winners: documentary specials At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal (HBO) and 16 Shots (Showtime), limited series Watchmen (HBO) and Unbelievable (Netflix), drama series Queen Sugar (OWN) and comedy commentary program Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj (Netflix).
The TV Academy said Wednesday the ceremony will stream on TelevisionAcademy.com and that Erin Lee Carr (At the Heart of Gold), Susannah Grant (Unbelievable), Regina King (Watchmen), Damon Lindelof (Watchmen), Hasan Minhaj...
- 9/2/2020
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
The Television Academy announced the recipients of the 13th Television Academy Honors on Thursday, recognizing six TV shows that tackled difficult social issues with innovation and insight, including matters of mental health, sexual abuse, addiction, and race relations.
Among the honorees were two HBO projects, Damon Lindelof’s gripping “Watchmen,” which grappled with America’s brutal history of racism, and documentary “At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal,” which exposed the culture of abuse within the country’s women’s Olympic gymnastics team.
More from IndieWireTV Academy Compresses Emmy Schedule, Cancels FYCs, but Keeps September Ceremony DatesIndustry Leaders Press TV Academy for Fyc Calendar Clarity
Netflix also featured two honorees in “Unbelievable,” a limited series inspired by real life incidents that deals with sexual assault and victims of trauma within the criminal justice system, and “Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj,” a weekly comedy commentary series which features...
Among the honorees were two HBO projects, Damon Lindelof’s gripping “Watchmen,” which grappled with America’s brutal history of racism, and documentary “At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal,” which exposed the culture of abuse within the country’s women’s Olympic gymnastics team.
More from IndieWireTV Academy Compresses Emmy Schedule, Cancels FYCs, but Keeps September Ceremony DatesIndustry Leaders Press TV Academy for Fyc Calendar Clarity
Netflix also featured two honorees in “Unbelievable,” a limited series inspired by real life incidents that deals with sexual assault and victims of trauma within the criminal justice system, and “Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj,” a weekly comedy commentary series which features...
- 4/2/2020
- by Libby Hill
- Indiewire
The HBO miniseries “Watchmen,” Ava DuVernay’s drama series “Queen Sugar” and the Netflix comedy series “Patriot Act With Hasan Minhaj” are among the shows that have been chosen to receive the 13th annual Television Academy Honors, which were announced by the Academy on Thursday morning.
The other recipients of the award will be the Netflix miniseries “Unbelievable” and a pair of documentary specials, “16 Shots” and “At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal.”
The recipients were chosen for “impacting society through thoughtful, powerful and innovative storytelling,” according to a Television Academy release.
Also Read: Television Academy Delays Emmy Voting, Bans Campaign Events
The Television Academy Honors ceremony, which was to have taken place in April, has been postponed indefinitely because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Last week, it delayed nomination voting for the Primetime Emmy Awards for the same reason.
The winning programs were chosen by a jury...
The other recipients of the award will be the Netflix miniseries “Unbelievable” and a pair of documentary specials, “16 Shots” and “At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal.”
The recipients were chosen for “impacting society through thoughtful, powerful and innovative storytelling,” according to a Television Academy release.
Also Read: Television Academy Delays Emmy Voting, Bans Campaign Events
The Television Academy Honors ceremony, which was to have taken place in April, has been postponed indefinitely because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Last week, it delayed nomination voting for the Primetime Emmy Awards for the same reason.
The winning programs were chosen by a jury...
- 4/2/2020
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
The 13th annual Television Academy Honors awards ceremony, originally scheduled for April, has been “postponed indefinitely,” due to the ongoing coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. But the TV Academy has gone ahead and announced this year’s honorees.
The six programs set to be honored by the Television Academy this year are “16 Shots” (Showtime), “At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal” (HBO), “Patriot Act With Hasan Minhaj” (Netflix), “Queen Sugar” (Own), “Unbelievable” (Netflix) and “Watchmen” (HBO).
Per the TV Academy, the roster recognizes programs that were “meaningful and impactful” television in 2019 that “shed light on complex issues and challenges facing our society.” The two documentary specials, one drama series, two limited series and one talk series were chosen for tackling issues such as women’s rights, mental health, substance abuse and addiction, sexual abuse, race relations and gender discrimination.
“We are so pleased to recognize these extraordinary programs and...
The six programs set to be honored by the Television Academy this year are “16 Shots” (Showtime), “At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal” (HBO), “Patriot Act With Hasan Minhaj” (Netflix), “Queen Sugar” (Own), “Unbelievable” (Netflix) and “Watchmen” (HBO).
Per the TV Academy, the roster recognizes programs that were “meaningful and impactful” television in 2019 that “shed light on complex issues and challenges facing our society.” The two documentary specials, one drama series, two limited series and one talk series were chosen for tackling issues such as women’s rights, mental health, substance abuse and addiction, sexual abuse, race relations and gender discrimination.
“We are so pleased to recognize these extraordinary programs and...
- 4/2/2020
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
The Television Academy has elected new crop of members to its board of governors, including nine first-time members who will serve a two-year term beginning Jan. 1 2020 and concluding Dec. 31, 2021.
The freshman governors elected to their first-ever two-year term include Kim Coleman (Casting Directors); Jill Dickerson (Reality Programming); Jo Disante (Television Executives); Joe Earle, Cas (Sound); Joel Fajnor (Animation); Christie Lyn Lugo Leigh (Los Angeles Area); Luke Reichle (Costume Design & Supervision); Renee Villafan (Daytime Programming); and Derek Spears (Special Visual Effects).
Several members were also elected to two-year terms after a one or multiple-year absence from the governing body, including Kathryn Burns (Choreography); Tony Carey (Producers), and Ed Fassl (Sound Editors).
Rounding out the elections are governors who were re-elected to a second two-year term, including Lesley Aletter (Stunts); Bob Bergen (Performers); Daniel H. Birman (Documentary Programming); Scott Boyd, Ace (Picture Editors); Jeffrey A. Calderon; Rich Carter (Commercials); Terri D. Carter...
The freshman governors elected to their first-ever two-year term include Kim Coleman (Casting Directors); Jill Dickerson (Reality Programming); Jo Disante (Television Executives); Joe Earle, Cas (Sound); Joel Fajnor (Animation); Christie Lyn Lugo Leigh (Los Angeles Area); Luke Reichle (Costume Design & Supervision); Renee Villafan (Daytime Programming); and Derek Spears (Special Visual Effects).
Several members were also elected to two-year terms after a one or multiple-year absence from the governing body, including Kathryn Burns (Choreography); Tony Carey (Producers), and Ed Fassl (Sound Editors).
Rounding out the elections are governors who were re-elected to a second two-year term, including Lesley Aletter (Stunts); Bob Bergen (Performers); Daniel H. Birman (Documentary Programming); Scott Boyd, Ace (Picture Editors); Jeffrey A. Calderon; Rich Carter (Commercials); Terri D. Carter...
- 12/6/2019
- by Libby Hill
- Indiewire
The Television Academy has elected nine first-time members to its board of governors, it said today in revealing election results for the 2020-2021 term that begins January 1.
The new members who will serve a two–year term are Kim Coleman; Jill Dickerson; Jo Disante; Joe Earle, Cas; Joel Fajnor; Christie Lyn Lugo Leigh; Luke Reichle; Renee Villafan; and Derek Spears.
Governors elected to serve a new two-year term after a one or multiple-year absence from the TV Academy’s governing body are Kathryn Burns, Tony Carey and Ed Fassl.
Additionally, governors reelected to serve a second two-year term are: Lesley Aletter; Bob Bergen; Daniel H. Birman; Scott Boyd, Ace; Jeffrey A. Calderon; Rich Carter; Terri D. Carter; Keiren Fisher; Greg Kupiec; Judalina Neira; Glenn Rigberg; Jeff Russo; Jill Sanford; Lori H. Schwartz; John Simmons, Asc; Halina Siwolop; Steven Spignese; and Michael Spiller.
The full BoG list will be available on...
The new members who will serve a two–year term are Kim Coleman; Jill Dickerson; Jo Disante; Joe Earle, Cas; Joel Fajnor; Christie Lyn Lugo Leigh; Luke Reichle; Renee Villafan; and Derek Spears.
Governors elected to serve a new two-year term after a one or multiple-year absence from the TV Academy’s governing body are Kathryn Burns, Tony Carey and Ed Fassl.
Additionally, governors reelected to serve a second two-year term are: Lesley Aletter; Bob Bergen; Daniel H. Birman; Scott Boyd, Ace; Jeffrey A. Calderon; Rich Carter; Terri D. Carter; Keiren Fisher; Greg Kupiec; Judalina Neira; Glenn Rigberg; Jeff Russo; Jill Sanford; Lori H. Schwartz; John Simmons, Asc; Halina Siwolop; Steven Spignese; and Michael Spiller.
The full BoG list will be available on...
- 12/6/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
The Television Academy’s board of governors has voted vice chairman Frank Scherma to become its new chairman and CEO, a post he will take over from the outgoing Hayma Washington. The election was held Thursday night at a board meeting at which the TV Academy’s annual officer elections were also held.
Scherma, the president of RadicalMedia whose producer credits include music documentaries, Errol Morris’ The Fog of War, Broadway’s Shrek the Musical and IFC TV’s Stan Against Evil, was the lone candidate to step forward by the deadline when Washington said in October he would not seek a second term. Washington was the first African-American leader in the organization’s 70-year history.
The incoming chairman will serve a two-year term beginning January 1, 2019. Additional incoming officers elected Thursday include Steve Venezia, Vice Chair; Tim Gibbons, Second Vice Chair; Sharon Lieblein, Secretary; Allison Binder, Treasurer; and Mitch Waldow,...
Scherma, the president of RadicalMedia whose producer credits include music documentaries, Errol Morris’ The Fog of War, Broadway’s Shrek the Musical and IFC TV’s Stan Against Evil, was the lone candidate to step forward by the deadline when Washington said in October he would not seek a second term. Washington was the first African-American leader in the organization’s 70-year history.
The incoming chairman will serve a two-year term beginning January 1, 2019. Additional incoming officers elected Thursday include Steve Venezia, Vice Chair; Tim Gibbons, Second Vice Chair; Sharon Lieblein, Secretary; Allison Binder, Treasurer; and Mitch Waldow,...
- 11/16/2018
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
The Television Academy announced the newly elected members to its Board of Governors on Wednesday. The new additions will serve two-year terms beginning on Jan. 1, 2018 and ending Dec. 31, 2019. The governors who were chosen to serve their first-ever two-year term include: Lesley Aletter, Brenda Brkusic, Jeff Calderon, Rich Carter, Terri Carter, John Debney, Keiren Fisher, Greg Kupiec, Eboni Nichols, Laurie Parres, Christopher Reeves, Glenn Rigberg, Jill Sanford, John Simmons, Halina Siwolop, Steven Spignese and Michael Spiller. Members who were elected to serve another two-year term after a one or multiple-year absence from the Television Academy’s board are Bob...
- 12/27/2017
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
The TV Academy has elected 17 first-time members to its board of governors, it said today in revealing election results for the 2018-2019 term that begins Monday. The new members that will serve a two-year term: Lesley Aletter, Brenda Brkusic, Jeff Calderon, Rich Carter, Terri Carter, John Debney, Keiren Fisher, Greg Kupiec, Eboni Nichols, Laurie Parres, Christopher Reeves, Glenn Rigberg, Jill Sanford, John Simmons, Halina Siwolop, Steven Spignese and Michael Spiller. The…...
- 12/27/2017
- Deadline TV
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