Mercury Filmworks brings ‘The World of Gustavo’ to life

A new animated series based on Flavia Z. Drago’s beloved books

Mercury Filmworks, the creative force behind popular series like Netflix’s “Hilda” and Disney’s “The Lion Guard,” is embarking on an exciting new project. The studio is developing a 2D animated comedy series inspired by Flavia Z. Drago’s enchanting book series, “The World of Gustavo.”

The charm of ‘Gustavo, the Shy Ghost’

Among the books being adapted is the New York Times bestseller “Gustavo, the Shy Ghost,” which captivated readers upon its release in 2020 through Trustbridge Global Media’s Walker Books/Candlewick Press. The story’s unique blend of humor and heart has made it a favorite among young readers.

Setting the scene: Calavera Cove

The series is set in the supernatural suburbs of Calavera Cove, where Gustavo the Ghost and his friends—Leila the Witch and Vlad the Vampire—embark on whimsical adventures. Each character’s paranormal powers reflect their distinct personalities, adding depth and charm to their escapades. The show promises 52 episodes, each 11 minutes long, filled with delightful and spooky fun.

A seasoned showrunner at the helm

Robert C. Ramirez has been appointed as the showrunner for “The World of Gustavo.” Ramirez brings a wealth of experience, having written for “Mickey’s Tale of Two Witches,” “Minnie’s Bow-Toons,” and “Clifford’s Really Big Movie.” His directorial credits include “The Powerpuff Girls,” “Chip ‘n Dale’s Nutty Tales,” and “Tasty Time With ZeFronk,” the latter earning him an Emmy nomination. His expertise ensures that the series will be both engaging and high-quality.

Debut at MIPCOM/MIPJunior

Mercury Filmworks and Trustbridge Entertainment are set to debut “Gustavo” at MIPCOM/MIPJunior in Cannes later this month. This prestigious event will provide a platform to showcase the series to a global audience, generating buzz and anticipation.

Bringing the books to life

Chantal Ling, vice president of original series and co-productions at Mercury Filmworks, expressed her excitement about the project:

“We are thrilled to work with Trustbridge to adapt Flavia’s zany, offbeat world of Gustavo into this new preschool series. We like to describe it as the ‘paranormal Peanuts gang meets My Little Ghoulish Pony.’ Our goal is to blend the spooky elements with a sweet, humorous storyline filled with heart, exploring themes of bravery, loneliness, and friendship.”

Bob Higgins, president of Trustbridge Entertainment, echoed this enthusiasm:

“We can’t wait to introduce Gustavo to fans who already love Flavia’s books and to those meeting Gustavo and his friends for the first time. Working with Mercury Filmworks and Robert C. Ramirez on this series full of hilariously haunted adventures is a delight. It will help kids discover and celebrate their unique talents.”

Flavia Z. Drago’s vision realized

Flavia Z. Drago, the author of the original books, shared her excitement about the adaptation:

“The amazing teams at Trustbridge and Mercury have truly outdone themselves, capturing the heart of the books and characters and bringing them to life brilliantly! I’m beyond proud and thrilled to be part of this project filled with kindness, fun, and spookiness. I can’t wait for more people to feel the same excitement that I do!”

A deeper dive into the series’ appeal

The series’ appeal lies in its ability to balance spooky themes with heartwarming stories. By focusing on characters who are both supernatural and relatable, the show addresses important themes such as bravery, loneliness, and the power of friendship. This combination ensures that the series will resonate with both children and their parents, making it a must-watch for families.

Conclusion

“The World of Gustavo” promises to be a delightful addition to the world of animated series, offering a unique blend of humor, heart, and supernatural fun. With a talented team behind it and a beloved book series as its foundation, the show is poised to capture the hearts of viewers young and old.

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