Premier Canadian animation studio Mercury Filmworks has optioned Hello, My Name Is Octicorn, an Amazon Book of the Year from debut authors Justin Lowe and Kevin Diller, which teaches kids about acceptance of themselves and others. Hello, My Name Is Octicorn is published by Balzer & Bray (Harper-Collins). The news was announced today by Heath Kenny, Chief Content Officer, Mercury Filmworks.
Octicorn is a funny, sweet, and disarming character who is half octopus and half unicorn! And while he is a fun, friendly fellow who likes the same kinds of things everyone does — like cupcakes, jet skiing and making friends — Octi has trouble finding friends because he is so unusual. So, Octi spends his time figuring out how his many talents make him feel unique and someone who would be appreciated by others. At parties, he can juggle with his tentacles. And at campfires, he can toast marshmallows on his horn.
Octicorn addresses feelings about being different and feeling like an outsider in a way that younger kids can relate to. School Library Journal stated, “For anyone who has felt like an outsider-and who hasn’t? Octicorn is a welcome friend. A fun choice for story time.”
Emmy Award-winning Josh Fisher (I Got a Rocket), who has deep experience creating and producing TV and successful content for young audiences, is on board as executive producer. Fisher was VP of Creative Affairs for Wildbrain/DHX; Senior Manager/Executive Producer at Spin Master overseeing development; and, following a two year stint at Netflix, he has been developing a slate of original IP with artists, writers and studios.
“We feel that in a time of emotional upheaval and unprecedented uncertainty, it is important to provide kids with content that helps them untangle their feelings associated with anxiety, celebrate their differences and laugh out loud,” commented Kenny. “Octicorn fits this goal perfectly, and we are excited to have Josh help us bring Octi’s story to life. We can’t wait to get started to bring Justin and Kevin’s clever stories to kids TV, and confident that kids everywhere will immediately fall in love with Octicorn.”
“We are excited to collaborate with Mercury Filmworks and Josh Fisher to bring Octicorn off the page and out into the world,” added Lowe and Diller.
“I immediately loved Justin and Kevin’s first book. The honesty of the character, who just feels a little awkward and uncomfortable, totally resonated with me. It made uncomfortable moments feel comfortable, warm, and funny,” said Fisher. “Mercury is a fantastic partner, they are taking the book from the page to the screen in a way that is perfectly Octicorn. I’m excited to share this adorable project that is all about acknowledging and accepting feelings and treating people how they want to be treated, with the world.”
