Animation and kids’ entertainment outfits Toonz Media Group and Driver Studios have joined forces to co-produce The Blahs. This new, original 3D animated series is designed to delight and engage 3-8 year-olds watching on YouTube, where 86% of U.S. kids watch entertainment.
The Blahs was created by Rob Kurtz and Dan Markowitz, the team behind Driver Studios’ award-winning Cool School YouTube channel, where The Blahs will launch on March 31. The 30-episode series will also be promoted on Toonz’ ChotoonzTV YouTube channel, reaching 11.1 million subscribers.
The comedy series is centered around original characters known as “The Blahs;” their rulers King Gray and Lord Blue; and their neighbor Joy, who spreads light everywhere she goes. Each episode aims to empower and encourage a child’s imagination and curiosity. In addition to the animated series, the characters and their world will pursue merchandising and licensing opportunities in 2024.
The Blahs was created with a platform-led mindset, specifically aimed at YouTube-viewing audiences. Using Driver Studios’ proprietary data tool, show creators can evaluate engagement to determine the themes that attract viewers, ultimately informing plots for future episodes.
“YouTube today is the leading platform where kids ages 2-12 discover content. In fact, streaming platforms look to YouTube for content acquisition and licensing opportunities,” said Scott Weitz, Founder & CEO, Driver Studios. “At Driver Studios, we’ve been ahead of this trend, developing high-quality kids and family entertainment designed specifically for this platform. Our in-house team created this original content and built it for where data tells us our viewers are watching. When you lead with human vision and support it with technology and data insights, the outcome is the ability to create and produce captivating content that scales. It’s an inspiring journey, and we’re thrilled to partner with the visionary Toonz team because they share our passion for creativity and driving innovation.”
“Leveraging the insights from deep viewership data with award-winning creative talent to drive storylines for animation places this partnership at the leading edge of the industry. Combining Toonz expertise in 3D animation and Driver Studios’ pioneering approach to content creation, programming is now built intentionally to meet viewers where they are,” said P Jayakumar, CEOof Toonz Media Group. “The possibilities are endless, and we’re delighted to collaborate with Scott, Rob, and the Driver Studios team.”
Series executive producers are Jayakumar and Bruno Zarka of Toonz Media Group; Driver Studios’ Weitz and Diana Horowitz; and Ross Venokur, the award-winning writer and director of Rally Road Racers (from the producer of Shrek). Gigi Meroni, the Emmy Award-winning composer of projects such as What’s New Scooby Doo?, Norm of the North 2-3 and Lala Oopsies, composed the music for the series. Toonz led the 3D animation while Driver Studios developed the original characters, concept art and visualization and scripts.
