Blueprint taps Saperstein to start kids division
Fri, May 11th 2007
LOS ANGELES - Blueprint Entertainment has
unveiled plans for a new business unit dedicated to the development,
production and rights management of children's programming. And former
VH1/MTV Networks consultant Frank Saperstein has been tapped to head up
Blueprint Kids as SVP of animation and children's programming.
In his first week on the job, the 20-year industry vet, whose credits include Ren and Stimpy and Pee Wee's Playhouse, says the new division is primarily looking for new media- and licensing-friendly projects.
"A lot depends on what broadcasters are looking for, but it isn't
like we are going to have 20 shows about furry little animals rendered
in 2-D animation," says Saperstein. "We are also looking for
live-action pilots similar to The Suite Life of Zack and Cody and Lizzie McGuire."
While Blueprint has made its name with more adult-oriented fare, recent success with the Nat Geo co-pro Iggy Arbuckle has proved to Saperstein that the company is serious about kids.
With a recent influx of capital from Robert Lantos and Jeff
Sagansky, and the acquisition of worldwide distributor Oasis
International, Blueprint has been growing and Saperstein believes the
horizon is bright.
As for the current game plan, Saperstein's started sifting through
scripts and co-production proposals and hopes to have original content
in production within the next six months. Just how much content the new
division will produce, co-produce and/or acquire, remains a question.
"That will flow organically," he said. "We will see what comes our way."
Excerpted from Kidscreen
|
