‘How To Train Your Dragon’ Producer Bonnie Arnold Signs First-Look Deal With Wildbrain

Kids and family company Wildbrain has signed an overall first-look deal with producer Bonnie Arnold (How to Train Your Dragon, Toy Story), and will work with her to adapt other properties from How to Train Your Dragon author Cressida Cowell.

Details:

• Arnold, who produced all three How to Train Your Dragon films for Dreamworks Animation, will spearhead several tv and film projects for Wildbrain.
• Among her first projects for the company, Arnold will oversee the adaptation of works by Cowell: the author’s most recent novel Which Way to Anywhere and the Emily Brown picture books. Wildbrain has exclusively optioned both properties. It was not announced whether the projects would be live action or animated.
• The Emily Brown series, featuring illustrations by Neal Layton, follows a young girl named Emily and her toy rabbit as they share numerous adventures while trying to help others. Which Way to Anywhere is the story of a young boy named K2 O’Hero and his twin sister Izzabird who share a magical family secret.
• Wildbrain CEO Eric Ellenbogen said in a release: “Bonnie is a treasure in the world of animation, combining not only outstanding creative and storytelling vision but also a keen commercial sensibility. Given her stewardship of the Dragons franchise, there’s no one better to bring Cressida’s splendid new novel, Which Way to Anywhere, to life on screen. Welcoming a producer of Bonnie’s exceptional taste and experience into the Wildbrain fold will further elevate our creative slate both in scope and ambition.”
• Arnold added: “I love the unconventional characters and exciting worlds that Cressida creates. I’m thrilled to be working with her again on such a fresh and imaginative story. Which Way to Anywhere has all the right ingredients—comedy, heart, and a little bit of magic too. Wildbrain is an ideal partner for this and Emily Brown. Eric and the wonderful team at Wildbrain Studios have so much experience creating outstanding family programming.”
• Wildbrain, headquartered in Halifax, Canada, has recently produced shows such as Snoopy in Space, Carmen Sandiego, Go, Dog. Go!, Chip and Potato, Sonic Prime, and Cartoon Saloon co-production Dorg Van Dango. Its extensive back catalog of around 13,000 half-hours includes Strawberry Shortcake, Caillou, Yo Gabba Gabba!, Inspector Gadget, and Johnny Test.