Author Mike Bauman has teamed up with U.S. studio Baboon Animation and Mexican animation outfit Demente, to develop his successful kids’ fantasy publishing title Venom Wars of the Desert Realm into a TV series. Baboon will develop the storytelling and humor for the screen based on the original IP, as well as tackling scripts; Demente will handle the animation.
Venom Wars of the Desert Realm (52 x 11’) is a 2D animated series aimed at children aged 7-11. The story follows three orphaned hares who are called upon by an ancient prophecy to rescue a kidnapped prince and stop a deadly force from conquering their desert home.
“We are delighted to announce the collaboration between multiple award-winning Baboon Animation and Demente on Venom Wars,” said Baumann. “Both studios are first-class producers and have a strong track record in creating shows that resonate with children. We are delighted that they have recognized the potential of Venom Wars and we look forward to partnering with them as we develop the Venom Wars franchise.”
Baboon Animation President Mike de Seve added, “I found these strong, young characters extra appealing from the moment I saw them. It’s a story of bravery, hope and family, played out on an epic scale while never losing its sense of humor for a second. What’s not to like?”
Founded by DreamWorks alumnus de Seve (Madagascar, Shrek 2, Shrek the Third), Baboon (baboonanimation.com) boasts accomplished worldwide animation writing and voicing teams, with 31 Emmys collectively. The studio is currently working on a number of projects, including a prequel film and series based on A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh (with IQI Media), Bek and the Bunnies (with Toon2Tango) and the just-announced Cheez N Nugget (with producer Fonda Snyder and creators Neta Holzer & Allon Zaslansky).
Guadalajara-based Demente (demente.studio) has worked with major international entertainment companies such as Warner Bros. Animation (Night of the Animated Dead), WildBrain (Animal Mechanicals), Mattel (Hello Kitty and Friends Mini Tales), Bardel, Bento Box and Titmouse, among others. Its slate also includes the first project under its pact with multiplatform lucha libre entertainment company Masked Republic, Legend of Luchasatsu.
