Educator and children’s author Danielle Lindner, CEO of Rethinking Inc. LLC, and acclaimed musician and film composer Benjamin Weinman, co-founder of mathcore band Dillinger Escape Plan, today announced that they are in development with a vibrant new children’s 2D animated series,
Jupiter Rocks! follows the life of guitar-playing seven-year-old Penelope Sing, whose life is uprooted when her mom becomes Earth’s Planet Ambassador to Jupiter. Penelope struggles to fit into a world full of “aliens” and her new neighborhood but finds her groove after she joins the school rock band. Along with her friends both new and old — who visit via the Jupiter speedy space shuttle — Penelope meets many challenges as she navigates living in a wacky new world, but uses humor, music and wit to rock and roll through it all.
“We created Jupiter Rocks! (JR) to not only showcase diversity and inclusion but to show our children that it is often our differences that become strengths! Every episode promises an exciting adventure where our main character and her friends solve their problems with creative and musical solutions. Much like I did growing up in an educational system that often didn’t reward the more ‘Right Brain’ kids out there,” said Weinman. “Our goal is also to create programming that can be enjoyed and discussed by both children and their parents, creating an opportunity for connection that will last a lifetime.”
The colorful, comical series presents relatable characters and stories which touch on key themes such as diversity and inclusivity, collaboration and friendship. Jupiter Rocks! also cultivates musical appreciation and encourages kids to make music for themselves, with an original soundtrack of specially written songs from Weinman.
Joint creators and producers Lindner and Weinman are currently in discussion with multiple broadcasters and distributors.
“There is a real buzz around Jupiter Rocks!, a unique new show in which the newest kid from Earth, Penelope, dazzles her new friends on Jupiter when she joins the school band. Her new sounds make the alien kids go wild!” Lindner enthused. “The series is a celebration of diversity and inclusivity as her friends in The Space Rocks collaborate to solve problems as they embark on some wacky adventures using Penny’s superpower, music! This feel-good show is sure to keep children and their parents entertained and we look forward to introducing Jupiter Rocks! to potential partners.”
Acclaimed children’s author, parenting expert and creator Lindner wrote and stars in Miss Danielle’s Preschoolbuds, a kids’ series adapted from her book series of the same name which is available free on Prime Video. Incorporating song, live action and interactive lessons that challenge, engage and entertain, the show follows everyone’s favorite teacher, Miss Danielle, as she is joined by the Preschoolbuds who learn about the world around them and what being a kid in Niceville is all about. (daniellelindner.com)
Weinman is an American musician, film composer and music manager, most notable for being the co-founder, lead guitarist and primary songwriter of Dillinger Escape Plan. He combines intricate speed with depth of feeling on his guitar, garnering admiration from guitarists worldwide, and was named one of the “100 greatest guitarists of all time” by Spin magazine. Weinman has performed with acts such as Nine Inch Nails, System of a Down and The Prodigy, and collaborated with rapper Wyclef Jean. Weinman also composed the scores for the films Alien Abduction, Red 48, The Survivalist and the upcoming film Banshee.
