Henson to Develop “Imaginocean” Animated Series
HOLLYWOOD, CA — The Jim Henson Company is in development on a new animated children’s series, Imaginocean, based on the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway musical, John Tartaglia’s ImaginOcean. The musical underwater adventure series (52 x 11’) will be brought to life using the Emmy Award-winning Henson Digital Puppetry Studio, a proprietary technology that allows digital characters to be puppeteered in real time.
Set amidst a vibrant underwater world of boisterous characters and bottomless adventure, Imaginocean is told from the point-of-view of an eccentric and charming young fish named Dorsel, performed by the Tony and Emmy-nominated Tartaglia (Disney Channel’s Johnny and The Sprites). The character driven and story-based series is full of comedy, friendship and music; and features a social-emotional curriculum that engages viewers as Dorsel and his pals learn how one small ripple can create a wave throughout an entire deep blue sea.
“John’s imagination and creativity have brought Imaginocean’s incredible and engaging undersea characters to life in a fun and adventure-filled environment,” said Lisa Henson, CEO of The Jim Henson Company. “John’s humor and music-filled story is a perfect fit for us. It has been amazing to work with John on translating this stage production into a captivating television series for young viewers.”
The Imaginocean television series will be executive produced by Lisa Henson and Halle Stanford for The Jim Henson Company, with John Tartaglia, Jill Shinderman and Michael Shawn Lewis executive producing for Jellyfish Jive Productions, LLC. The Jim Henson Company will be meeting with potential co-production partners at the upcoming MIP-TV.
