Jim Henson Company developing IAmElemental's female action figures into animated TV series
IAmElemental's female superhero action figures include (L-R) Series 1/Courage: Bravery, Honesty, Fear, Enthusiasm, Energy, Industry and Persistence; and Series 2/Wisdom: Creativity, Ingenuity, Curiosity, Logic, Exploration, Mastery and Oblivion. (Image Credit: IAmElemental)
New York-based toy startup IAmElemental has partnered with The Jim Henson Company to develop a new animated children’s television series based on IAmElemental’s pioneering female action figures geared specifically for children.
The series, as yet unnamed, will target children ages 6 to 12. The partnership permits the Henson Company to develop and produce it across all platforms, with Lisa Henson and Halle Stanford serving as executive producers.
Cited by Time Magazine as one of the 25 best inventions and 10 best toys of 2014, IAmElemental is comprised so far of two series of female action figures named for positive character attributes. Series 1/Courage was modeled on Joan of Arc and featured the figures named Bravery, Honesty, Fear, Enthusiasm, Energy, Industry and Persistence. With fourth century Greek mathematician/philosopher Hypatia as the muse, Series 2/Wisdom added Creativity, Ingenuity, Curiosity, Logic, Exploration, Mastery and Oblivion.
“Our conversation with the Henson Company began several months ago,” says IAmElemental CEO Julie Kerwin. “Their ‘superpowers’ of creativity and originality have inspired me both as a child and as an adult, and I couldn’t wish for a better partner to bring the IAmElemental messages of character strength and empowerment to a wider audience. I am confident that they understand the core concepts behind IAmElemental, and we will be working closely with them going forward to develop the show.”
In a statement, the Henson Company’s president of television Halle Stanford cited its “tradition of creating strong female heroes in our past and current television and film franchises” in saluting the teaming with IAmElemental.
“It will be our first foray into the superhero genre with a cast of powerful young women at its core,” said Stanford. “We are excited to introduce a unique and fresh superhero television series geared for children all over the world.”
Meanwhile, IAmElemental’s Series 2/Wisdom figures have been named as finalists for the Toy Industry Association’s 2018 Toy of the Year in the Action Figure category award. The company was also a 2017 finalist in two award categories, Action Figure of the Year and Rookie of the Year.