A new production company is ready to introduce itself to the global toon scene at MIPJunior and MIPCOM this fall, when Inanimatti Inc. debuts its launch IP Arky Arch Adventures. The studio is co-founded by avant-garde car designer Chris Bangle, and the animated project will be overseen by industry veteran producer Eric S. Rollman, the former President of Marvel Animation, Saban Entertainment and Fox Family Productions who launched Rollman Entertainment in 2010.
Inanimatti is developing an extensive narrative world created by Bangle and his partners, who include linguist Fiorella Marengo. The inaugural project based in this world, Arky Arch Adventures is a 13 x 20’ animated series for kids ages 6-12, where everyday objects come alive.
“Our primary objective with the Inanimatti is to create a universe of imagination based, of all things, on how car designers see the world as full of buildings and things that are alive,” Bangle explains. “We hope to encourage kids to see the world around them in a new and imaginative way, fostering a deeper appreciation for design and creativity, as well as teaching them the importance of accepting diversity and change in others as well as within themselves.”
Synopsis:
The comedy-adventure series follows Arky, a hopeful, young Roman Arch who embarks on a high-stakes journey across the planet Tredi to uncover his true Purpose … and save the world from devastation. The story takes place in the time of the Gothic Wars, where the “things” are alive and adventures ensue. In school, some classmates tease Arky because on the outside, he is “strange” for a Triumphal Arch — he was “made” of one block, without a real keystone — but inside, Arky is smart, thoughtful, courageous and resourceful. And, while that courage doesn’t blind him to the inherent dangers ahead, his passion to triumph along with his naturally endearing leadership qualities find him like a pied piper of friends of all shapes, sizes and archetypes equally fitting for adventure.
“Arky Arch Adventures captured my attention from the first image. It optimizes the medium of animation through a pioneering series filled with captivating characters, compelling storylines, and entertaining adventures,” says Rollman. “Equally compelling is that it also delivers meaningful themes in a way that kids everywhere will understand and relate to. Chris and his team of co-creators have created a concept that is truly a first in long-form animation, and we look forward to attending MIPJunior to introduce Arky Arch to the world.”
Bangle’s background is in car design, having spent 17 years as head of design at BMW, and known for reimagining the designs of BMW, Mini, Rolls Royce, Fiat and more. With a gift for imbuing inanimate objects with personality, he has been called “arguably the most influential auto designer of his generation” by The New York Times.
Rollman is an Emmy Award-winning producer with extensive credits in animation and live-action programming and decades of leadership experience. He works with clients across development, production, distribution and IP/franchise strategy, often tasked with the oversight of the day-to-day production. His current workload includes Sony Pictures Television’s prime-time animated series Good Times: Black Again (Netflix), Sausage Party: Foodtopia (Amazon), The Boys Presents: Diabolical (Amazon) and Hoagie Bros. (Fox). Recently, he produced RAID: Call of the Arbiter (10 x 5’) for Pixel United/Plarium Games, based on the billion-dollar RPG strategy game, RAID: Shadow Legends, which premiered May 18 on YouTube with over 24 million views to date.
Rollman is partnered with Misty Copeland’s Life in Motion Productions for the development of multiple projects and has worked with Activision, developing a slate of gaming IP into animated series, and advised Crayola, IDW, SeaWorld and Mattel. He is also co-founder and President of Generation Genius, the #1 fastest growing education company in America on the 2022 Inc. 500 List and recognized on the Time100 2023 list of World’s Most Influential Companies.
