New endeavor for former Hanna-Barbera president and executive producer on shows like ‘Adventure Time’ and ‘The Fairly OddParents’ is positioned to serve the increasing demand for adult and kids’ animation programming; business kicks off with a first look deal with VIS KIDS.
Animation veteran Fred Seibert has launched FredFilms, a new production company that aims to tap into the increasing demand for premium adult and kids’ animation programming for both traditional linear networks and a wide range of streaming platforms. A first look deal has already been finalized with VIS KIDS, a division of ViacomCBS Networks International; announcements of additional projects is expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.
Seibert has served as executive producer for popular animated series including Pendelton Ward’s Adventure Time and Bravest Warriors (Cartoon Network and Cartoon Hangover), Butch Hartman’s The Fairly OddParents (Nickelodeon), Kevin Kolde’s and Warren Ellis’ Castlevania (Netflix), and Natasha Allegri’s Bee & Puppycat. While serving as president of Hanna-Barbera, he oversaw the development of a string of hits from The Powerpuff Girls to Dexter’s Laboratory. He has also helped discover some of the best talent in animation including Craig McCracken, Genndy Tartakovsky, Pendelton Ward, and Seth MacFarlane.
Seibert has overseen many successful television brands in the industry. As the founding creative director of MTV, he developed the “I Want My MTV” campaign. He also architected the original Nickelodeon and Nick-at-Nite branding and promotion. Seibert continues to serve in an executive producer on two Netflix projects – Castlevania which will launch its fourth season later this year, and the cult sensation Bee & Puppycat whose new iteration Bee & Puppycat: Lost in Space is coming soon to Netflix.
“Animation is having yet another golden age, driven, as always, by new technologies,” commented Seibert. “The rise of streaming platforms has given animation studios a whole new landscape to have their innovative voices and stories told. And the success that many projects are finding in streaming, both adult and kid targeted series, has re-opened the eyes of executives at linear networks to invest in animation. With that said, I thought now was the perfect time to set up a new production company in which I can focus 100% of my energies on what I truly love to do: nurture fresh talent and emerging voices, and help bring to life amazing, cutting-edge animation.”
"At VIS KIDS, we are committed to the development of new creative partnerships and deepening our relationships with talent to bring unique, fun and creative stories to life,” remarked Nina Hahn, Head of VIS KIDS and Senior Vice President, Production & Development, Nickelodeon International. “We look forward to our partnership with Fred Seibert and FredFilms, as we further this commitment and establish VIS KIDS as an industry leader in kids’ content.”
Seibert is currently building out his executive team. Former Crunchyroll writer/producer and seasoned graphic novel editor, Casey Gonzalez has been named development director and Sarah Kessler as manager, development.
Source: FredFilms
