‘Fairly Oddparents’ Creator Butch Hartman Launches New Animation Studio With Faith-Based Focus
Butch Hartman, creator of hit Nickelodeon series like The Fairly Oddparents and Danny Phantom, announced the launch of Butch Hartman Studios this morning. The independent studio will produce and finance “uplifting, original faith-based and mainstream programming for kids and families.”
The full-service production studio employs over 40 animation crew members including artists who have worked on previous Hartman productions. The company’s press release indicated that the crew is “working from locations around the globe” so it is unclear if the studio has a physical hub or what percentage of the crew is working in-house. Hartman colleague Taylor Bradbury is identified as a senior producer at the company.
In a statement, Hartman said:
Our stories and shows are created and curated with families in mind. We’re working with some of the best animators in the business, many of whom I’ve worked with on other shows, to offer an enriching experience suitable for children of all ages. Our mandate is to provide safe entertainment where kids can be enthralled, excited and encouraged to set their imaginations free. My Christian faith has convinced me that in a world of almost unbearable uncertainty, the importance of fun and empowering kids’ entertainment has never been more profound.
The studio’s initial production is the second season of The Garden Cartoon, created by Butch and executive produced by his wife Julieann Hartman through Garden Productions. The first season of the series is currently available on Angel Studios, as well as other streaming platforms through distribution partner N Circle Entertainment. Additionally, several Garden Cartoon movies, some of which are timed to Christian holidays, will be distributed by BMG-Global, distributor of family-friendly, faith-based films.
The studio’s development slate is privately funded. Among the projects in active development:
- Little Harp: A Guardian Angel school prepares new recruits to help kids down on earth. (Ages 3-8).
- Dragon Drive-Thru: Three little dragons run a fast-food stand in a medieval town. (Ages 5-8)
- Family Fusion: Can two super-science families live next door to each other without destroying the neighborhood? (Ages 6-11)
The studio’s new logo was also unveiled today:
