Brian Robbins‘ Big Shot Pictures has found its next big bet, and once again it will connect the creator economy to the world of animation.
Big Shot is developing a new animated series based on The Bucket List Family, AKA the Gee family (Garrett, Jessica and their three kids), who have traveled to more than 100 countries over the last decade, garnering millions of followers on platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok in the process.
The project with Big Shot will blend original animation with real-life footage from their adventures.
The family has since authored a children’s book, launched an app, and have their own “bucket list” eco-friendly island resorts, all built on what they create on YouTube and social media.
“The Bucket List Family has built a global audience of millions who don’t just follow along, they show up for everything Garrett, Jessica and the kids do,” said Robbins. “That kind of real, earned connection is exactly what great franchise IP is built on. We’re thrilled to be partnering with them to bring their adventures to life in animation and to build something that will resonate with families around the world.”
“This cartoon is something our team at Bucket List Studios has been working on for years,” added Garrett Gee. “We’re extremely excited to partner with Brian Robbins and Big Shot Pictures to bring this grand vision to life. We feel they are the perfect combination of traditional Hollywood and big network experience mixed with forward thinking and the speed of a young agile studio. Our goal with all of this is to share the lessons and values our family has gained during our own global explorations like bravery, kindness, and of course, family.”
Robbins, the former co-CEO of Paramount, launched Big Shot Pictures earlier this year, backed by around $100 million in venture funding, with a goal to develop shows on YouTube before building them into franchises that cross platforms. The initial slate includes a new take on Eloise at The Plaza, and earlier this month the company announced a deal with the popular YouTuber and streamer IShowSpeed to develop an anime series that will be written by One Piece showrunner Matt Owens.
The Bucket List Family is a family-friendly approach to that vision, combining the originality and creativity of creators, with Robbins and Big Shot’s desire to take them to new places, particularly with animation, given how popular that space is with kids and family fare.
“It’s been a decade since we sold everything and left home,” said Jessica Gee. “We were just two young parents who wanted to learn from different cultures around the world how to raise our family. Fast forward to today, 10 years later, 100 countries under our belt and a global audience. But it’s about so much more now than just a traveling family. This cartoon will amplify our original goal: What can we all learn from people, places and wildlife around the world? I can’t wait to share what we are creating with the Big Shot Pictures team!”
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