Source : PERTHNOW NEWS
Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground is creating an animated fantasy series for Disney+.
The production company, which started winding down its eight-year first-look Netflix deal to allow for a more independent approach, is joining forces with Disney for a music-driven original show for the streaming platform.
Higher Ground will work with Disney Kids and Family for the new show, which has the working title Journey.
It’s been created by Ice Age: Collision Course and Spies In Disguise’s Matt Munn, and focused on protagonist Journey, whose home city comes under threat when a protective energy shield starts to fail.
The young heroine ends up answering an enigmatic call leading her outside the safety of the city walls and into forbidden lands.
There, she discovers the truth about her father’s disappearance, and a powerful magic she holds within herself which could help save her people.
Ayo Davis, president of Disney Kids and Family, said: “Journey is an epic adventure anchored by a remarkable young heroine whose courage inspires those around her.
“At its core, it’s a story about resilience, self-discovery and the power of believing in something bigger than yourself — the kind of universal themes that have defined Disney stories for generations.”
Meanwhile, Higher Ground’s Head of Television Jessie Dicovitsky described the show as a project which is taking “bold swings”.
She added: “Combining adventure, imagination and music, Journey is a true original that takes bold swings.
“We’re proud to partner with Disney on this fantastical series and to build on Higher Ground’s history of delivering fun and meaningful stories for kids and families.”
Earlier this year, it was reported Barack and Michelle were transitioning their production company to become independent once the Netflix deal expires.
According to Deadline, the intention is to avoid looking into another studio pact, but the company will still collaborate with Netflix on existing projects.
Speaking at History Channel’s special edition of HistoryTalks in April, Barack said: “We were in partnership with Netflix.
“We’re in a process now of transitioning to a more independent [future] where we can work with a bunch of different studios.”
