Foundation Media Partners and Simon & Schuster: A new era of children’s entertainment
A groundbreaking partnership
In a significant move for the entertainment industry, Foundation Media Partners has inked a first-look deal with Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing. This collaboration aims to develop and produce film and television projects from Simon & Schuster’s extensive library, which spans over a century. The focus will be on adapting titles from Little Simon Chapter Books & Graphic Novels into animated and live-action properties.
A shared passion for storytelling
Patrick Hughes, the founder and CEO of Foundation Media Partners, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. “The creative team at Simon & Schuster are as passionate about storytelling and franchise building as we are at Foundation,” Hughes said. “Together, we’re looking to create a new standard for how stories are told and experienced by young audiences.” This deal provides Foundation with first-look rights to one of the most prominent and voluminous libraries in the world, opening up endless possibilities for new and exciting projects.
A focus on emotion and discovery
Amy Wilson, Foundation’s VP of development and production, highlighted the unique qualities that each adaptation will bring. “Each book we’ll adapt and develop with Simon & Schuster will be distinct in its own way but share emotion, comicality, and a sense of discovery,” Wilson noted. This approach aligns with Foundation’s commitment to reflecting these elements in children’s properties brought to the screen.
Building on a successful track record
Foundation Media Partners has a proven history of converting literary IP into successful film projects. Notably, they adapted and produced the animated feature hit Bad Guys, based on Aaron Blabey’s best-selling children’s book franchise, for Dreamworks Animation and Universal Pictures. Hughes is currently executive producing Bad Guys 2. Additionally, Foundation adapted Blabey’s Thelma the Unicorn book franchise as a feature film for Netflix.
Expanding into new territories
The brand management company is also behind Build-A-Bear’s entertainment expansion. This includes the animated Christmas film based on the best-selling holiday plush collection Glisten and the Merry Mission, released in theaters via a direct deal with Cinemark. Foundation is currently in production on the series Kabu with animation partner Laughing Dragon.
Enriching the storytelling experience
Valerie Garfield from Simon & Schuster expressed her excitement about the partnership. “We’re thrilled to be able to partner with Foundation Media to bring great characters and series to life in a new dimension for our avid readers,” Garfield said. She emphasized the belief that great content can coexist across many platforms, each enriching the storytelling experience.
A busy year for Foundation Media Partners
This deal with Simon & Schuster continues a busy year for Foundation Media Partners. They recently closed a deal to represent Varsity Spirit (a division of Varsity Brands) across multiple entertainment categories. This allows Foundation to broaden the reach of the brand through film, TV, music, live events, publishing, podcasts, documentaries, and hybrid content.
Personal reflections for enthusiasts
For cinema and TV series enthusiasts, this partnership is a treasure trove of potential. Imagine beloved characters from childhood books coming to life on the big screen or in a binge-worthy series. The emotional depth and comicality that Foundation aims to bring to these adaptations promise to create memorable experiences for both young audiences and nostalgic adults.
For music lovers, the potential for original soundtracks and musical adaptations is equally exciting. The integration of music into these projects could lead to new favorite songs and albums, enriching the overall experience.
In-depth analysis and distinctive comments
This collaboration between Foundation Media Partners and Simon & Schuster is more than just a business deal; it’s a cultural milestone. It represents a commitment to quality storytelling and the belief that great stories can transcend mediums. By focusing on emotion, comicality, and discovery, these adaptations have the potential to set a new standard in children’s entertainment.
The success of previous projects like Bad Guys and Thelma the Unicorn demonstrates Foundation’s ability to bring literary characters to life in a way that resonates with audiences. This new partnership is poised to build on that success, offering fresh and engaging content for a new generation.
the collaboration between Foundation Media Partners and Simon & Schuster is a promising development for the entertainment industry. It brings together two powerhouses in storytelling, with the potential to create unforgettable experiences for audiences of all ages. Whether you’re a fan of cinema, TV series, or music, there’s something to look forward to in this exciting new chapter.