Pixel Zoo Expands into Original Content with Pixel Labs

Australia’s Pixel Zoo Animation Studios is expanding its footprint with the launch of Pixel Labs, a new creative content arm of the company. Emmy Award-winning kids television veteran Josh Fisher has joined the studio as Head of Development for Pixel Labs and will oversee a new Los Angeles-based office. The news was announced today by Pixel Zoo Founder and CEO, Paul Gillett, and Pixel Zoo Head of Studio, Sebastian Gonzalez.

“We’re excited to broaden our client business with the launch of Pixel Labs,” said Gillett. “The new division, which encourages artists and storytellers to push creative boundaries to bring new original worlds and stories to life, furthers MGA Studios’ vision of creating bold, global franchises that spark young kids’ imaginations both on and off the screen.”

Gonzalez added, “We are delighted to be working with Josh, whose creativity and vision have been central to this new venture. We already have a handful of co-productions in the works which are a mix of our IP and projects that have come to us from other creators around the world.”

Based in Brisbane, Pixel Zoo, whose parent company is MGA Studios, is known for its robust pipeline built to accommodate a wide range of styles and project scopes resulting in high quality kids and family entertainment for a variety of clients around the globe such as Hasbro, MGA Entertainment, Spin Master, eOne and Moonbug Entertainment.

With over 20 years of experience in content for young audiences, Josh Fisher has created, written and developed original projects for Netflix, Disney and Peacock. He served as Senior Manager, Kids and Family at Netflix overseeing Go, Dog, Go, Daniel Spellbound, Action Pack and the first original series consumer product strategy for Super Monsters. Prior to Netflix, he held creative executive roles at WildBrain/DHX and Spin Master, as well as Brandissimo! where he oversaw the NFL’s global youth strategy.

Under Pixel Zoo’s new Pixel Labs banner, the studio is developing original content, establishing new co-production deals and optioning children’s books and graphic novels for film, television series and digital and YouTube.

“I’m thrilled to be partnering with Paul, Seb and the incredibly talented and nimble team at Pixel Zoo,” said Fisher. “We’re excited to be working with a variety of talent around the globe on a strong slate of film, television and digital/YouTube projects designed to reach young audiences wherever they engage.”

Among the projects Pixel Labs currently has in various stages of development are:

The Secret Explorers – A new CG-animated action-adventure show for kids 4-7 based on the bestselling children’s book series of the same name which has sold over one million copies globally and has been translated into 17 languages. The series, a co-production with Spain-based global distribution house Liquid Rock, follows a group of diverse young adventurer heroes from around the globe who, when alerted to a problem in the world, leap into action, activate their explorer suits and use teamwork, technology and a sense of humor to save the day! MGA Entertainment is on board to develop a toy line and full-scale YouTube digital strategy.

You Wish – Based on Jeff Victor’s graphic novel from award-winning IDW Publishing, You Wish is a big adventure with big heart about a young girl who discovers that she is half-Genie and goes on a magical adventure into the genie realm to rescue her mom and reunite her family. Victor is on board as a consultant on the television series and movie in development.

Fixie Pixies – From Emmy Award-nominated creators Corey Powell (Amazon’s Do Re & Mi) and Aaron Simpson (Peacock’s L’il Stompers), is an animated home makeover show featuring three pixies who use magic to make over tiny, fantastical homes while also solving household problems for needy, whimsical creatures.

Kitty Witch – New original series with up and coming Australian creator, Samuel Keene about a young girl discovers her kitten, Kitty, is part of a secret coven of cat witches.