Animation veteran Butch Hartman, creator of Nickelodeon’s “The Fairly OddParents” and “Danny Phantom,” launched his own independent animation studio to produce and finance original faith-based and mainstream programming for kids and families. Butch Hartman Studios’ first production is the expansion of Hartman-created kids series “The Garden Cartoon.”
Exec produced by his wife Julieann through Garden Productions, “The Garden Cartoon” season one is available on Angel Studios and on various streaming platforms through distribution partner N Circle Entertainment. Now production is underway on season two while several “Garden Cartoon” movies, some timed to Christian holidays, will be distributed by BMG-Global. Capitol Records will continue to handle select songs from the series.
The studio’s privately-funded development slate also includes “Little Harps,” set at a Guardian Angel school that prepares new recruits to help kids on earth (aimed at ages 3-8); “Dragon Drive-Thru,” which follows a trio of dragons who run a fast-food stand in a medieval town (ages 5-8); and “Family Fusion,” whose logline asks, “Can two super-science families live next door to each other without destroying the neighborhood?” (ages 6-11).
“Our stories and shows are created and curated with families in mind,” Butch Hartman said. “Our mandate is to provide safe entertainment where kids can be enthralled, excited and encouraged to set their imaginations free. My Christian faith has convinced me that in a world of almost unbearable uncertainty, the importance of fun and empowering kids’ entertainment has never been more profound.”
Multi-hyphenate Hartman is an Emmy and Annie Award-nominated animator, writer, director, producer, illustrator, and actor. His show “The Fairly OddParents,” which first debuted in 2001, is among Nickelodeon’s longest-running television series of all time, behind “SpongeBob SquarePants.” Hartman followed that series with “Danny Phantom,” “T.U.F.F. Puppy” and “Bunsen is a Beast.”
The studio has enlisted roughly 40 animation crew members, including veterans of past Hartman productions, working remotely from locations around the world. Longtime colleague Taylor Bradbury is a senior producer at the company.
Butch and Julieann Hartman are also founders of Hartman House, a charitable, non-profit organization that benefits needy children and families around the world. The Butch Hartman Art Academy offers self-paced courses and personal coaching in animation. He is represented by The Gotham Group and attorney Noël Lohr Arbaut.
