Toonstar will adapt HarperCollins titles as animated series, starting with Friendship List books
Toonstar, an AI-powered animation studio, signed a multi-year deal with HarperCollins Publishers to co-produce a series of original animated series based on select HarperCollins titles.
The collaboration marks HarperCollins’ expansion into digital animation. The first project to be developed under the pact is “Friendship List,” based on the tween/teen book series by Lisa Greenwald, which focuses on themes of friendship, self-discovery and dealing with the challenges of growing up. In addition, HarperAlley (the graphic novel imprint of HarperCollins) will publish a graphic novel based on the Toonstar “Friendship List” series.
Toonstar, founded by Disney and Warner Bros. veterans John Attanasio and Luisa Huang, said the partnership with HarperCollins “reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to meaningful stories.”
“HarperCollins has one of the most beloved catalogs in the publishing industry, with stories that have shaped people’s imaginations for generations,” said Attanasio, CEO of Toonstar. “We are honored to bring ‘Friendship List’ to life as an animated series. Our artist-centric approach ensures these beloved characters and stories stay true to the author’s vision, while our Ink & Pixel [AI] production technology enables rapid, high-quality production at scale, creating the opportunity to meet audiences where and when they enjoy content today.”
Liate Stehlik, CEO and publisher of HarperCollins’ U.S. trade division, said the company has “always embraced innovation that serves our authors and readers by finding new ways to bring great stories to readers wherever they are.” She said Toonstar’s “proven ability to translate beloved stories into compelling animation, while keeping artists at the center of the process, makes them the ideal partner to bring ‘Friendship List’ and other popular titles to new audiences in formats today’s families love.”
LA-based Toonstar is represented by WME and law firm Hansen Jacobson. The animation studio’s investors include Founders Fund, Greycroft, Snap and GFR.
