Television
May 7, 2003
Warner Bros. Animation To Partner With Grammy Award-Winner Macy Gray To Develop New Series
(May 7, 2003 – Burbank, CA) – Warner Bros. Animation and Grammy winner Macy Gray have signed a deal to develop an animated television series, “A Pretty Good Life,” based on an original concept developed by Gray in partnership with producer Stephen Belafonte, writer Monique Matthews and Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, who will executive produce under The Gotham Group banner. The announcement was made today by Sander Schwartz, President, Warner Bros. Animation.
Drawing on Gray’s own childhood experiences, the series will blend elements of music, adventure, comedy and real-world issues and feature a group of multi-racial kids growing up in and around Los Angeles. Gray will also voice the lead character as well as write and perform original music to be incorporated throughout the series.
“The prospect of working with someone as talented as Macy is something that we are very excited about,” said Sander Schwartz, President, Warner Bros. Animation. “This show will reflect Macy’s very unique style and bring a voice to children’s programming that is brand new and exciting.”
“I am confident that the combination of Macy Gray and Warner Bros. Animation will result in a hip, cutting edge show that will have kids glued to their television sets,” said Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, CEO, The Gotham Group.
The largest company representing animation and family entertainment talent in the industry, The Gotham Group boasts a roster of over 250 top writers, producers, content creators, illustrators, artists and directors. Gotham is currently producing a wide variety of feature film and television projects including film projects at Paramount and New Regency and television projects at Fox Broadcasting and Nickelodeon.
Warner Bros. Animation has been producing award-winning original programming since 1930, when it released its first cartoon, “Sinking in the Bathtub.” Since then, Warner Bros.’ Animation’s characters have set the standard for innovative, quality animation. Providing programming for network, syndication and cable television, online, home video and feature films, Warner Bros. Animation is highly respected for its creative and technical excellence, and maintaining the studio's rich cartoon heritage. The most honored animation studio ever, Warner Bros. Animation has garnered five Academy Awards, 30 Emmys, the highly coveted George Foster Peabody Award, an Environmental Media Award, the Parent's Choice Award, the Prism Award and numerous Annie Awards (honoring excellence in animation). # # #