Today, global entertainment company Toonz Media Group announced it is producing a feature film adaptation of bestselling kids’ book Santa on a Panda, written by Parker Jacobs of the Dumb Idea Group. The project will be produced and executive produced by multi-Emmy Award winner Brian A. Miller (Adventure Time, Regular Show, Primal, Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends).
“We are thrilled to join hands with multi-Emmy Award-winning Brian A. Miller and Yo Gabba Gabba fame Parker Jacobs on this exciting project,” said P Jayakumar, CEO of Toonz Media Group. “We are convinced that Santa on a Panda has all the ingredients for a global recognition and bring more accolades to this award-winning team.”
Miller commented, “With a talented creator like Parker Jacobs, and terrific partners like P Jayakumar, the Dumb Idea Group and pitch perfect writing, I know Santa on a Panda will reach its full potential harnessed by top end talent and built on a Christmas wonderland made of equal parts adventure, humor and heart; it’s a dream to be a part of building this into a time honored family tradition.”
Synopsis: Based on the children’s book and song, Santa on a Panda will transport audiences of all ages to a holiday wonder world where Santa must team up with a most unusual ally to save Christmas: With all of Santa’s reindeer missing and Mrs. Claus on a one-woman mission to find them before Christmas Eve, Santa must work against all odds and join up with his most extraordinary friend, a flying Panda! Will they make it in time to save Christmas?
With this race against time holiday action-adventure, that celebrates the true heart of Christmas, Parker Jacobs has brought his unique storytelling approach with a standout musical soundtrack full of laughter, thrills, overcoming obstacles and celebrating friendship. Above all Santa on a Panda is a celebration of the joy of giving, the importance of family and friends. Santa’s sleigh ride has never been more thrilling — it’s an outer space race with you along for the joyful ride!
“I’m a little nutty about Christmas! I have spent years collecting obscure Christmas legends, songs and kitsch that all blend into this funny little story that is Santa on a Panda,” Jacobs shared. “Similar to our approach with Yo Gabba Gabba!, it all starts with a desire to entertain our own kids, the kids within ourselves, and then share it with the world. I’m thrilled to share this with you. It’s going to be a whole lot of fun.”
Dumb Idea Group added in a statement, “Dumb Idea Group is thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with our cherished property, Santa on a Panda. We look forward to seeing a new holiday tradition through the fusion of whimsy and holiday magic. As a company that has deep roots in consumer products, and crafting visual narratives, we’re delighted to be partnering with Toonz and our amazing producer Brian A. Miller at the helm of Santa on a Panda. Their passion, expertise, and commitment to the journey will be instrumental in shaping this project into a success. Get ready for a heartwarming and visually stunning adventure that will capture the spirit of the season like never before!”