London-based Snipple Originals, the original content arm of global production leader Snipple Animation, and veteran kids content production company Keith Chapman Productions, announce a partnership deal to co-create and develop ground-breaking 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. The project will be ready for pitching in October this year.
“I am thrilled to be working with the super talented team at Snipple on creating and developing Paco & the Pirate League,” said Keith Chapman. “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!”
The series follows the adventures of the world’s greatest soccer player/footballer, Paco, a 10-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 show incorporates timeless themes such as comedy and adventure, with thrilling soccer/football action and skills, which children across the world will seek to emulate.
The partnership has longer term ambitions to create more character-driven animated IPs for the upper preschool market.
“This deal represents a fantastic meeting of minds,” said Snipple CEO Kaine Patel. “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, head of Snipple Originals, added, “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!”
Snipple Group, under the leadership of founders Kaine Patel (CEO), Jonathan Tinsay (Studio Director) and Romy Garcia (Creative Director), works with the world’s biggest networks including Disney, DreamWorks, WarnerMedia, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon. Its portfolio includes evergreen titles such as Animaniacs, Green Eggs and Ham, DuckTales, Be Cool Scooby Doo, Phineas and Ferb and The Proud Family. Snipple Originals announced its formation in 2020, with £6 million funding from BGF. It is spearheaded by award-winning producer Karina Stanford-Smith as director of animation development.
Keith Chapman is one of the world’s most successful creators of kids IP, including Bob the Builder, PAW Patrol, Mighty Express and Fifi and the Flowertots.
