Hollywood-based animation design studio 23D Films and production company Weller/Grossman have teamed to produce Paloozaville, an animated/live-action kids series created by and starring actor John Lithgow (3rd Rock from the Sun). The show will be a Kids Club feature on Mag Rack, Rainbow Media’s on-demand television network.
As the mayor of Paloozaville, Lithgow will lead children in creative projects that can easily be constructed from household items, found objects or inexpensive craft materials. Each episode will feature CG sets and a unique theme inspired by art, history, dance, music, literature or other cultural staples. Explaining the show’s title, Lithgow comments, ‘A plaooza is an invitation to a creative adventure, an activity that keeps kids from uttering those terrifying wrds, ‘I’m bored!”
Constructing the series’ whimsical virtual sets and animation is the work of 23D Films, which uses Adobe After Effects and various other tools to create architecture, vehicles and landscapes featuring wacky shapes, twisted angles and bright candy colors. ‘We needed the sets to explode with color but not compete with the live-action elements,’ notes 23D Films CEO Joe Russo. ‘Using bright, 2D plates integrated into 3D architecture achieved this in spades.’
Paloozaville is an extension of Lithgow’s series of Palooza activity books, published by Simon & Schuster. Lithgow has published six best-selling picture books for children and has used his Broadway pipes to produce two CD of children’s songs and perform concerts around the country.
With the slogan ‘TV for whatever turns you on,’ Mag Rack produces original entertainment exclusively for on-demand service. The network’s other offerings include The New Zoo Revue, So Smart!, Kaitie Brown @ Home, 24seven Gamer, Guitar Xpress, and The Pet Shop with Marc Morrone. More information is available at www.magrack.com. A reel of 23D Film’s work can be found at www.23dfilms.com.
Leave a Reply