Animation house Guru Studio (Pikwik Pack, Big Blue) together with cheerleading, dance and band apparel/camp/competition co. Varsity Spirit and production/brand management firm Foundation Media Partners announce the accelerated development of the brand-new animated series, Spirits of Ridgeway High.
Spirits of Ridgeway High follows the story of Melissa Mayfield, an optimistic cheerleader who wants to revive her school’s spirit. Her mission is to lead her last place cheer team to victory, but she soon discovers that cheer and music have secret magical powers. Melissa and her teammates will need to work together to master their powers to keep their school safe.
The show will star Morgan Simianer from Netflix’s hit documentary series Cheer. Siminier will also serve as an executive producer and cheer advisor on the project.
“I am beyond excited to be a part of this amazing project,” said Simianer. “As someone who knows firsthand the power of school spirit, I cannot wait for audiences to see the world we have created. This show is going to be a must-watch for anyone who loves animation, cheerleading and magic.”
Led by President and Executive Creative Director Frank Falcone, Guru Studio is behind some of the most recognizable animated children’s properties on screens, including the smash hit PAW Patrol, True and the Rainbow Kingdom, Ever After High and, most recently, the Sesame Street spin-off Mecha Builders.
“We are thrilled to partner with Varsity Spirit and Foundation Media Partners to bring Spirits of Ridgeway High to life,” said Falcone. “This show is a celebration of school spirit, teamwork and the power of determination. Morgan Simianer is the perfect fit to lead our talented cast, and we cannot wait for audiences to fall in love with the world we have created.”
Spirits of Ridgeway High is a first of its kind collaboration between these entertainment powerhouses. Varsity Spirit has been the driving force behind cheerleading’s transformation into the high-energy, athletic activity it is today. The organization continues to be an innovative global leader in growing the sport’s influence and profile while maintaining a commitment to the health and well-being of the millions of young people who participate through its educational curriculum and leadership in promoting safety standards — goals furthered by this new production.
“At Varsity Spirit, our mission has always been to promote school spirit and the values of teamwork, dedication and inclusivity that are at the heart of cheerleading. We are excited to partner with Guru and Foundation to bring this project to audiences everywhere,” said Bill Seely, President of Varsity Spirit. “This series not only embodies our commitment to the sport of cheerleading but also offers a unique brand extension and entertainment value for viewers of all ages. We believe that this series will inspire and uplift audiences while showcasing the athleticism and creativity of cheerleading in a fun and engaging way. We cannot wait to see the impact that Spirits of Ridgeway High will have and are proud to be a part of this groundbreaking project.”
Foundation Media Partners Founder & CEO Patrick Hughes noted, “Varsity Spirit and Morgan are the perfect partners to bring this to life. An industry pioneer, Varsity Spirit literally invented modern day cheerleading as we know it and brings a wealth of knowledge and marketing power to the table. And Morgan has undeniable talent, she’s uniquely positioned to tell a story that authentically captures the heart and soul of this sport. But what sets Spirits of Ridgeway High apart is the fact that it’s not just about cheerleading, it’s a powerful coming-of-age series that tackles important issues facing kids today.”
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