The kids and family animation studio taps writing partners Cal Brunker and Bob Barlen for inaugural project, an animated adaptation of the children’s classic ‘Doctor Dolittle.’
Former Participant executive Christian McGuigan and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Timothy Reckart announced the launch of Sycamore Studios, a kids and family animation studio. McGuigan will serve as COO, handling the company’s strategy, business operations, and growth. Reckart, who serves as chief creative officer, will oversee creative direction, guide project development, and be tasked with ensuring the studio’s goal of creating quality stories is maintained.
The duo also announced the studio’s first project, the animated adaptation of the children’s classic “Doctor Dolittle” by Hugh Lofting. Writing partners Cal Brunker and Bob Barlen (Paw Patrol: The Movie and Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie) are set to write the screenplay. Sycamore Studio’s project slate includes both existing IP storytelling and originals.
“We see an immense opportunity in the growing demand for entertainment that families can trust,” commented McGuigan. “By crafting timeless stories beloved for both their content and their quality, we believe we can create the next great family entertainment brand. Collaborating with Bob and Cal, proven storytellers with a track record that speaks for itself, underscores commitment to creating films that will entertain and inspire. Doctor Dolittle is a perfect starting point—a character cherished for over 100 years, now ready to captivate a whole new generation.”
“As dads, Christian and I see every day how deeply kids engage with entertainment,” added Reckart. “The characters they meet and stories they experience live on outside the film and become part of day-to-day life at home, even helping to shape a kid’s own identity. We want our kids to grow up with the highest quality entertainment we can offer, which is why Sycamore is committed to beautiful, rich animation that supports relevant and meaningful stories.”
Before founding Sycamore Studios, McGuigan served as the VP of Global Content Strategy for Omnicom's Porter Novelli. Before that he was Participant Media VP where he began his career developing digital strategy and leading creative for integrated film marketing campaigns. He later helped lead Participant's in-house agency division. McGuigan is also an Emmy-nominated producer.
Reckart is an Oscar-nominated writer and director whose animated short film Head Over Heels was nominated for an Academy Award in 2013. Sony Pictures Animation released Reckart’s debut feature film, The Star, an animated retelling of the Nativity story from the point of view of the animals.
Brunker and Barlen are represented by Entertainment 360 and Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz.
Source: Sycamore Studios
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
