Amazon has ordered two new animated titles for its Amazon Original Kids Series slate: Pete the Cat, based on the award-winning book series, and Costume Quest, inspired by the hit videogames. Attached to the projects are top names in kids entertainment Jeff “Swampy” Marsh, Will McRobb and Frederator founder Fred Seibert. Both series are expected to debut on Prime Video next year.
“The creative talent behind Pete the Cat and Costume Quest have a sensibility and pedigree that will resonate well with our customers,” said Tara Sorensen, Head of Kids Programming at Amazon Studios. “We are thrilled to be working with such innovative and visionary thinkers in the business.”
Based on the award-winning book series by illustrator/creator and consulting producer James Dean, Pete the Cat is an animated kids series that has been ordered straight-to-series for 14 episodes. The show follows Pete the Cat, the coolest cat ever and his groovy guide to life—from rockin’ out with his guitar to riding a skateboard. Slated to voice Pete’s parents are musical luminaries Elvis Costello and Diana Krall.
The series is a co-production with Alcon Television Group and will be developed by Jeff “Swampy” Marsh (Phineas and Ferb) and Appian Way production company. Marsh will executive produce along with Alcon’s Andrew Kosove, Broderick Johnson, and Laura Lancaster, as well as Appian Way’s Jennifer Davisson. Alcon’s Ben Roberts will serve as producer, with Appian Way’s Nathaniel Posey as co-producer.
Harper Collins has published more than 34 Pete the Cat books, which have been translated into 13 languages and received 18 literacy awards, including the Theodore Geisel Seuss Award.
Costume Quest is based on the videogame series by Double Fine Productions (Psychonauts) and the world originally created by Tasha Sounart. Aimed at kids 6-11, the funny and mysterious animated series stars four kids facing off against the dark forces lurking in the shadows of their sleepy town of Auburn Pines. To overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, they must learn to unlock and master the magical powers of supernormal costumes—with each costume comes a new set of transformations and powers.
The series is executive produced by Will McRobb (The Adventures of Pete & Pete), who also serves as story editor, as well as Frederator Studios’ Fred Seibert (The Fairly OddParents), Kevin Kolde (Adventure Time) and Eric Homan (Adventure Time). Costume Quest is produced at Frederator Studios, a WOW! Unlimited Media company.
Amazon Original Kids Series are available for Prime members to stream (or download for offline viewing) using the Amazon Prime Video app for TVs, connected devices including Amazon Fire TV, and mobile devices, or online, at no additional cost. They are also available as part of the Amazon FreeTime Unlimited kids’ subscription service, exclusively on Amazon devices.
