Genius Brands International Inc. will develop an animated adventure series for children in partnership with SMAC Productions and Blue Origin, the space company started by Amazon.com Inc. founder Jeff Bezos.
Andy Heyward, chief executive of Genius Brands, which is based in Beverly Hills, will serve as an executive producer of “Blue Origin Space Rangers” along with Constance Schwartz-Morini, a founder of Marina del Rey-based SMAC Entertainment, parent of SMAC Productions.
The series will feature a diverse group of young people and include appearances by Bezos and Michael Strahan, the co-founder of SMAC Entertainment. Strahan flew into space aboard the Blue Origin’s New Shepard spacecraft a year ago.
“The Good Morning America co-anchor, former New York Giant and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee hovered more than 60 miles above the earth, along with five other passengers, including Laura Shepard Churchley, daughter of (late Mercury) astronaut Alan Shepard, for whom the Blue Origin rocket is named,” according to the New York Post.
Blue Origin Space Rangers will be groundbreaking for Genius Brands in its creative scope, Heyward said.
founder of SMAC Entertainment.
“Partnering with Blue Origin and SMAC Productions will create multiple touchpoints for kids and families to explore, learn, and deliver a one-of-a-kind space experience,” Heyward said in a statement. “We look forward to not just world-class storytelling, but inviting the voice talent of guest stars from the world of music, sports, influencers, and celebrity, young and old.”
Designed to inspire the next generation for the benefit of Earth, “Blue Origin Space Rangers” will feature junior astronauts and adult leaders, who will live, create, and experiment together as they explore the infinite possibilities of life in space, according to a release from Genius Brands.
“With the mission to spark curiosity and encourage creativity among kids and families, the series will take audiences on a journey to explore the universe, science, new worlds, and perhaps new beings. Students will develop their skills in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to tackle the challenges and opportunities of space for the benefit of Earth,” the company’s release added.
