Netflix and DreamWorks Animation have announced a collaboration that looks to expand the streaming service’s original programming.
The entertainment entities have partnered to create an original children’s series inspired by the movie Turbo , set for big-screen 3D release this summer. The film was created by DreamWorks Animation, part of the DreamWorks empire co-founded by director Steven Spielberg.
Featuring voices by Ryan Reynolds and Paul Giamatti, Turbo follows the story of a small snail that develops super-fast powers in the wake of a freak accident.
An article by Reuters writes that the television series, titled Turbo F.A.S.T , will pick up where the movie ends. The show is slated to make its streaming debut on Netflix in December of this year.
In a statement announcing the deal, Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos said the following:
“Families love Netflix, so creating an original series for kids was a natural for us. DreamWorks Animation has a long track record of creating incredibly successful characters and stories that delight people of all ages.”
According to USA Today , Netflix hopes to gain viewership with its first original programming aimed at children. The streaming service added a Just for Kids section in 2011 and continues to increase focus on the young demographic.
For DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg, the collaboration is a logical one:
“Netflix boasts one of the largest and fastest-growing audiences in kids’ television. They pioneered a new model for TV dramas with House of Cards , and now together, we’re doing the same thing with kids’ programming. DreamWorks is thrilled to be part of the television revolution.”
In addition to the Turbo F.A.S.T original series, Netflix users will also be able to stream Turbo and other new DreamWorks Animation films soon.