London-based Snipple Originals, the original content arm of global production leader Snipple Animation, and veteran kids content production company Keith Chapman Productions have agreed a partnership deal to co-create and develop animated kids TV shows.

The first production from the creative partnership is in development, under the working title Paco & the Pirate League. The 2D animated show will target upper preschool aged children and combines the world’s biggest sport, soccer/football, with one of the most popular play patterns for that age group, pirates.

It follows the adventures of the world’s greatest soccer player/footballer, Paco, a ten-year-old cabin-boy living on the Golden Boot pirate ship. He’s the star player for Seadog Juniors the youngest team in the Seven Seas Super League, playing other pirate teams across the globe. Paco must use his unique soccer/football skills to overcome adversity and challenges, building his confidence and learning life lessons along the way.

The project will be ready for pitching in October this year.

The partnership has ambitions to create more character-driven animated IPs for the upper pre-school market.

Snipple Group, under the leadership of founders ceo Kaine Patel, studio director Jonathan Tinsay and creative director Romy Garcia works with  networks including Disney, Dreamworks, Warner Media, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon. Its portfolio includes much Animaniacs, Green Eggs and Ham, Ducktales, Be Cool Scooby Doo, Phineas and Ferb and The Proud Family.

Its original content division – Snipple Originals – announced its formation in 2020, with a £6m funding sum from BGF. It is spearheaded by producer Karina Stanford-Smith as director of animation development.

Keith Chapman creations include Bob the Builder, Paw Patrol, Mighty Express and Fifi and the Flowertots.

Snipple ceo, Kaine Patel, says: “This deal represents a fantastic meeting of minds. Keith is the ultimate kids TV veteran. This creative partnership has the vital chemistry to create brilliant, original kids shows that will become global break-out hits. The visible quality, even at this early stage, is something the kids TV market should feel excited about.”

Karina Stanford Smith adds: “The bringing together of Keith Chapman and Snipple offers a unique blend of ideas, creativity and experience. The team have loved working with Keith. We feel incredibly proud of what we’re doing here and I’m sure kids will love it too!”

Keith Chapman says: “I am thrilled to be working with the super talented team at Snipple on creating and developing Paco & the Pirate League. This is the show I wish I could have watched as a kid kicking my first football around. It will appeal to all kids of today, of all nationalities, and their parents too!”

 

 

Pippa Considine

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