GBI taps Lion King, Frozen talent for new series

California-based brand management company Genius Brands International is partnering with Rob Minkoff, director of Disney’s The Lion King, and Shane Morris, co-writer of Frozen, on the development and production of its new series Rainbow Rangers.

Minkoff will produce the 52 x 11-minute CGI preschool series, while Morris will serve as producer and head writer along with his partner Tim Mansfield. GBI’s Andy Heyward is executive producing.

GBI plans to premiere a Rainbow Rangers special in fall 2017, which will be followed by a full series launch in spring 2018. The company is currently developing a global licensing, merchandising and retail program that will coincide with the show’s launch.

Rainbow Rangers follows the adventures of seven magical girls who live on the other side of the rainbow and protect Earth from evil. GBI will unveil the property at next month’s MIP Jr. conference in Cannes, France.