Based on stories of black artists during the 1930s-1960s, the animated series details the rise to fame of Jimi Hendrix; The Jackson 5; BB King; Ike and Tina Turner; Little Richard; Aretha Franklin; Redd Foxx; Richard Pryor; and others.
David Steward II’s Lion Forge Entertainment (Academy Award-winning Hair Love) has partnered with Folktellers Studios to develop and produce an animated series based on “Hero’s Journey the Series” -- a set of stories that explore the rise to fame of prominent black artists during the segregation era.
The series follows the legendary tour route of juke joints and theatres, known as the “Chitlin Circuit,” that spread across the country from the 1930s through the 1960s, where black artists and musicians played and entertained crowds of loyal fans. Seen through the eyes of circuit emcee, Theophilus George Odell (“Gorgeous” George), viewers will learn the exciting origin stories and discover the music of Jimi Hendrix; The Jackson 5; BB King; Ike and Tina Turner; Little Richard; Aretha Franklin; Redd Foxx; Richard Pryor; and others.
Hero’s Journey the Series is the second collaboration between Lion Forge and Folktellers. The two companies are also developing and producing an animated series based on Josef Bastian’s multiple award-winning “Excerpts from an Unknown Guidebook” book series, which follows a group of teenager storytellers as they cross worlds and dimensions to fight the forces of darkness.
Lion Forge Entertainment recently expanded its production slate to include live-action as well as animation and named veteran family entertainment executive Stephanie Sperber President and Chief Content Officer. The company develops and produces animated and live-action content targeting the kids & family and YA audiences.
“We could not be more excited to work with Lion Forge on this project,” said Folktellers Studios Executive Producer Stephen Sadler. “We are about to embark on a journey through time, to unearth numerous stories that have never been told before. This series is vibrant combination of adventure, music, and history that will engage audiences both young and old.”
Steward II said, “At Lion Forge, we pride ourselves in telling the stories of the underrepresented, while bringing exciting and diverse entertainment to the world. The ‘Hero’s Journey the Series’ franchise does just that, resurrecting the lives and music of black artists, who had to struggle through a very turbulent time in our collective history. We have found the perfect partner in Folktellers Studios to bring these stories to life.”
Lion Forge Entertainment is represented by Activist Artists Management.
Source: Lion Forge Entertainment
Whitney is a freelance writer focusing on VFX-driven fantasy film & TV as well as preschool animation.
