Toronto – February 28, 2023 – 9 Story Media Group is pleased to announce that it has entered into a development deal with Earth Rangers to create a new animated comedy series for kids 6-9. Earth Rangers is the largest youth conservation organization in the world, committed to empowering a new generation of environmental leaders. Together, 9 Story and Earth Rangers have commenced development on a new series designed to empower kids and their families in the face of growing anxiety over the state of the planet. In addition to the series, the teams are also working on a 6-episode serialized podcast (6 x 8-10 min).
Attached are head writer Mark Steinberg (Hotel Transylvania, Big Blue, Numb Chucks) and story consultant Nelu Handa (Run the Burbs, Baroness von Sketch Show, Odd Squad), who was recently selected as a participant of the CBC-BIPOC TV & Film Showrunner Catalyst program. Development is being led by 9 Story VP of Development Karen Fowler (Rosie’s Rules, The Electric Company, Scout and the Gumboot Kids, Dot) out of the Toronto studio.
Established in 2004, Earth Rangers has over 350,000 members and alumni across Canada and recently announced its expansion into the US. In addition to the Earth Rangers App and Earth Rangers Clubs, the organization is also active with in-school offerings and provides educator resources and professional development. Through a variety of programs and content, Earth Rangers empowers kids to become environmental leaders at home, in school and in their communities.
“I am a big believer in the Earth Rangers’ mission to create new generations of conservationists,” said Vince Commisso, President & CEO of 9 Story Media Group and board member of Earth Rangers. “We have a responsibility to future generations to fix what is happening with our planet. We also know from our experience working on Wild Kratts over the last decade, that kids are inherently passionate about the environment from an early age. Our goal with this partnership is to reach a slightly older audience and help maintain this passion for animals and the environment.”
“Earth Rangers has always strived to meet kids where they are – our live school assemblies, award-winning podcast and mobile app have successfully done that and we see this series as the next big piece of the puzzle,” said Tovah Barocas, President of Earth Rangers. “The passion and commitment of kids for protecting the environment never ceases to amaze me – creating a series that mirrors those qualities back to them through compelling characters and humour is guaranteed to resonate.”
“Partnering with Earth Rangers to build and activate a global community of engaged kids is thrilling,” said Karen Fowler, VP of Development for 9 Story. “It’s a blast developing this animated workplace comedy as part of that vision. Our podcast mini-series will be an appetizer for the show and capitalizes on Earth Rangers’ already significant and dedicated audience. Entertaining kids and amplifying the mission with actionable, connected takeaways is super satisfying and we are excited to find the right partners to take this out to global audiences.”
About 9 Story Media Group
9 Story Media Group is a leading creator, producer and distributor of kids and family-focused intellectual property. Its award-winning animation studio, Brown Bag Films, is recognized around the world for best-in-class brands such as Doc McStuffins, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Octonauts, Wild Kratts, and Blue’s Clues & You. The company’s international distribution arm, 9 Story Distribution International based in Dublin, represents 4,400 half-hours of animated and live-action programming, seen on some of the most respected international channels and platforms. Its in-house consumer products division, 9 Story Brands, builds international entertainment brands for kids, with expertise across creative, brand marketing, and licensing. 9 Story’s Creative Affairs Group creates, develops, and produces award-winning branded properties using groundbreaking formative research. With facilities in Toronto, Dublin, New York, and Bali, 9 Story Media Group employs 1000 creative and corporate staff. www.9story.com
About Earth Rangers
Earth Rangers is the largest youth conservation organization in the world, committed to empowering a new generation of environmental leaders. Earth Rangers instills environmental knowledge, positivity, and the confidence to take action in children. The free Earth Rangers app offers thousands of hours of education and activities that children can participate in at home and in their communities. Since 2020, members have completed over 724,000 environmental missions and raised over $500,000 for conservation. To learn more visit www.earthrangers.com.