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Created: 07 September 2022

Thomas the Train is getting a new friend, as the iconic British television franchise “Thomas & Friends” introduces its first character with autism, Bruno the Brake Car. The character is voiced by Chuck Smith, an autistic actor.

According to Mattel, Bruno will play a “vital role” in “Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go,” a reboot of the long-running animated series “Thomas & Friends” that debuted in 2021. Bruno will also appear in the franchise’s YouTube series, music album and “Thomas & Friends Storytime” podcast.

Mattel Television developed the character in collaboration with organizations including the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) and Easterseals Southern California, as well as writers and autism advocates Daniel Share-Strom and Aaron Likens.

Per Mattel’s character description, “Bruno is a joyful, pun-making brake car. He is great at his job and keeps big, heavy cargo steady with his strong brakes — a vital role in ‘Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go.’ Bruno rolls in reverse at the end of the train, which gives him a unique perspective on the world. Detail-oriented Bruno enjoys schedules, routine, and knows where all the tracks lead on Sodor. Bruno has stairs and a lantern on his bright, red exterior that indicate his emotional state, moving when he is excited or cautious. Bruno’s best day is one spent with his friends, who love and respect him for who he is, just as he loves them back. Through his on-screen presence, Bruno’s rich friendships and important work introduces audiences to a positive, neurodivergent role model. Together with key partners, Mattel carefully curated Bruno’s character to ensure an accurate fictional representation of an autistic child in the real world.”

In a statement to Variety, Chuck Scothon, Mattel’s global head of infant and preschool, said: “Thomas has been a beloved franchise for over 75 years. We know it has a special affinity with families that have children with autism and we felt it was really critical to make sure that all children can see themselves reflected in the ‘Thomas & Friends’ series.”

Added Share-Strom: “Positive representation is so important and characters like Bruno can change this in two ways. Number one, he’ll show autistic kids that they have the right to exist and that their challenges are legitimate, their strengths are real, and they are just as valuable to their families and communities as anybody else. At the same time, neurotypical kids and families will gain new insight into their autistic friends and family as Bruno challenges their preconceptions and gives them ideas for ways they can genuinely help people to live their best possible lives.”

“Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go” is available to watch on Cartoon Network, Netflix, Hulu and YouTube TV.

Source: Variety

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Created: 08 February 2022

Netflix has greenlit two new animated series, Not Quite Narwhal and Dew Drop Diaries, which join the streamer’s preschool line-up that includes Gabby’s Dollhouse, which recently launched Season 4 and just received an addition 20-episode order. All three series are produced by DreamWorks Animation. Each new series received a two-season order totaling 26 episodes each.

Also launched for Netflix’s youngest audiences is Bedtime Stories with Netflix Jr., an original podcast to help little ones drift off to sleep. Coming this Spring is Netflix Jr. Magazine, a free bi-monthly magazine for kids ages 2-5 featuring their favorite preschool series and characters they enjoy on the streamer.

“Kids absolutely love the world of Gabby’s Dollhouse, and we can’t wait to bring them even more,” commented Netflix director of preschool content Heather Tilert. “Along with these new series, we are continuing to build a home for kids with characters they know and love and new friends for them to meet.”

Not Quite Narwhal follows curious and fun-loving Kelp, who has always believed he's a narwhal like the rest of his family under the sea, until the day he makes the most amazing discovery - he’s actually a unicorn! Rather than choose one or the other, Kelp embraces being both a narwhal and a unicorn, juggling his day-to-day life as he figures out how to navigate his two worlds: the ocean and land.

The series is based on the like-titled children's book by Jessie Sima. Brian Roberts, Nakia Trower and Sarah Katin serve as co-executive producers.

Dew Drop Diaries follows a group of three-inch tall family fairies — or Dew Drops, as they’re known in the fairy world — who live inside teensy fairy houses on brownstone balcony gardens in “The Big City.” They have been assigned to human families to secretly help out around the house with the little things that can often fall through the cracks, like making sure your first lost tooth actually makes it under your pillow before bedtime or your favorite toy doesn’t get left behind at the park.

Rick Suvalle is the show’s creator/executive producer with Aliki Theofilopoulos also serving as executive producer.

Gabby’s Dollhouse brings together kids' love of unboxing videos, cats, miniatures, and dollhouse play. The show is a narrative-based activity series that “unboxes a story,” leading young viewers room to room through a fantastical dollhouse with mini-worlds, irresistible kitty characters, and delightfully quirky adventures. It’s the ultimate in dollhouse wish fulfillment... shrinking down and playing inside your own dollhouse world.

Co-creators and executive producers are Traci Paige Johnson and Jennifer Twomey.

Source: Netflix

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Created: 13 October 2020

Rick's previously unannounced new series for Mattel that he created has finally been revealed as a 2D reimagining of "Thomas & Friends." See the initial press release below...

From Business Wire:

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.-- Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) announced today that it has greenlit 104 11-minute episodes and two 60-minute specials for the “Thomas & Friends” television series over two seasons. The Company has partnered with Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana Studio, a leading international producer and distributor of children’s animated and live-action content, to co-produce the series starting with Season 25, which will premiere beginning in Fall 2021, and will introduce a new creative approach to the show, contemporizing the series for today’s families.

“Thomas & Friends” new creative direction builds on the long-standing success of the television series, which first launched in 1984. Starting with Season 25, the series will be animated in 2D. It will also build upon creative elements that have resonated with “Thomas & Friends” fans over the years by featuring comedic, playful stories and lessons told from Thomas’ point of view. Nelvana will help bring Thomas’ new 2D look to life, expanding upon Mattel’s existing relationship with Corus Entertainment, which serves as the Company’s Canadian licensing and broadcast partner for “Thomas & Friends.”

“‘Thomas & Friends’ enduring legacy and focus on the importance on friendship continue to resonate with global audiences, and we look forward to unveiling our new content to consumers next year,” said Fred Soulie, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Mattel Television. “Nelvana is the ideal production partner for the series, understanding the importance of staying true to Thomas’ ethos and heritage while bringing the franchise to life creatively in new ways for today’s kids.”

“As the exclusive broadcast partner and licensing agent of the treasured Thomas brand in Canada, we are delighted to deepen our relationship with Mattel by becoming their production partner on the re-imagined 2D series, which will introduce Thomas to a new generation of young audiences,” said Pam Westman, President, Nelvana. “With stunning animation and fresh new stories, the 2D series allows us to play up the humor in the show while honoring the legacy of the world’s most-adored blue tank engine.”

Executive producers for Season 25 of “Thomas & Friends” include Fred Soulie, Adam Bonnett and Christopher Keenan at Mattel, as well as Colin Bohm and Pam Westman at Nelvana.

Thomas was first created in 1945 by Rev. W. Awdry in stories for his son, Christopher. Today, the character is just as beloved by children as he was when he first chugged down the tracks. Thomas’ stories are currently told through the television series, toys, books, apps, live events and more.

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Created: 10 August 2020

After successfully launching the (still to be announced) reboot of a beloved franchise for Mattel (that will debut on Netflix in the Fall of 2021), Rick has left to produce a new preschool animated series that he created for DreamWorks. Stay tuned for more information. 

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Created: 23 January 2020

Rick has left his position as Staff Writer on Disney Junior's T.O.T.S. to Produce and Head Write a (still to be announced) new series for Mattel. The series is based on an existing and beloved franchise that Rick has rebooted and re-developed for a new generation. The series will debut on Netflix in the Fall of 2021. Stay tuned for more updates.