SportsBlast, a producer of animated content for the Internet and traditional media, in partnership with Turner Broadcasting, announced the upcoming release of its animated series THE KELLYS. This special series of extended episodes was launched on NASCAR.com in conjunction with the MBNA NASCAR Race Points 400 at Dover International Speedway on Sept. 25.
THE KELLYS is the first animated series to takes fans behind-the-scenes and into the heart of a stock car racing family trying to win on the big circuit. The series was initially distributed as three-minute, mini-episodes through NASCAR.com in 2001 and 2002. This special re-release of THE KELLYS will feature around 18 episodes that are extended from the original series and optimized for broadband viewing.
"THE KELLYS represents where Turner is headed with broadband offerings," said Drew Reifenberger, evp of Turner Sports Interactive, the division of Turner Broadcasting that manages interactive properties. "Broadband usage has grown exponentially over the past four years. Given that short form, original programming will be a part of our broadband strategy, it seemed like a good time to reintroduce race fans to THE KELLYS."
The show boasts an all star cast, such as Emmy winner Nancy Cartwright, best known as the voice of Bart Simpson, and includes guest appearances from NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick. The episodes also feature animated character guest stars Camryn Manheim of ABC's hit series THE PRACTICE, Catherine Bell, from the CBS drama JAG and Academy Award winning R&B artist Isaac Hayes, who also provides the voice of Chef on Comedy Central's SOUTH PARK.
"Turner's release of this special series and their continuing support speaks to the universal appeal of THE KELLYS," said SportsBlast founder Cartwright. "The way we're doing this, bringing THE KELLYS to literally the entire world, will be awesome for fans and will introduce millions of new fans to the fun of stock-car racing."
THE KELLYS has received numerous industry and independent film awards, including a Silver Remi at WorldFest and a Gold at the Aurora Awards, and has received glowing reviews from multiple media sources including SPORTS ILLUSTRATED, USA TODAY, ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY, THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, VARIETY and ANIMATION MAGAZINE, among many others.
SportsBlast Llc. is a privately held animation and multimedia development and production company. SportsBlast creates content and shows for both the Internet and traditional media with a focus on animated entertainment for the sports world. For more information, contact Peter Kjenaas at (818) 882-7297 or at peter@sportsblast.com.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
