French studio TeamTO has appointed director Chloe Miller and head writer Rebecca Hobbs to its new “girl-power” animated series Jade Armor, after switching out the original concept’s boy lead for a girl hero. The announcement was made by Corinne Kouper, Producer and Founding Manager of TeamTO.
Based on an idea by Pongo Kuo, Jade Armor (52 x 11) is an animated action-comedy about an unlikely hero with an even unlikelier set of powers — and one awesome, high-tech Jade Armor suit that can be a bit unpredictable. The concept was developed and presented at Cartoon Forum 2011 with a male lead (a sort of Ferris Bueller wearing Iron Man’s suit). But Kouper seized on the notion of recasting Jade as a female lead, bolstering the show’s girl-power theme with a girl-powered creative team.
“With its bubbly, feminine and brave heroine – descended from a long line of strong women – Jade Armor is a project very dear to my heart,” says Kouper, who serves as exec producer on the show. “This modern girl role model is a fun and important one for the kids space and interestingly appeals to boy audiences as well.”
Jade Armor is an action series with a lot of comedy, set in a picturesque yet contemporary world. Cho Yu is a modern day girl who stays busy at school and volunteering at an animal shelter. The last in a long line of strong, powerful women, Cho Yu’s life takes an unexpected turn when she receives a mystical suit of jade armor. With her best friends Yang and Lin and the magical Beasticons, Cho Yu battles for justice. A Bible and trailer will debut at Kidscreen. Delivery is planned for 2018.
Chloe Miller joined TeamTO in 2006, serving as first AD on Zoe Kezako, then head of graphic development for Babar and the Adventures of Badou, director of Angelo Rules and art direction lead for TeamTO’s feature Yellowbird.
Rebecca Hobbs is a veteran scriptwriter and developer. Her CV includes stints as VP for worldwide drama at Fremantle Media and four years as director of development for Disney Channels EMEA. She is now a freelance writer and development executive.
