Netflix, The Beatles come together with Beat Bugs
Editor
| 11 February 2016
Subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) leader Netflix is teaming with Grace: A Storytelling Company, Thunderbird and Beyond Screen Production to launch in the summer original children’s series Beat Bugs.
The series features original characters and has been created by Josh Wakely, who will direct, write and produce the cartoon. Each of the five Beat Bugs has a distinctive personality, and they are said to be able to display the charm and energy of five knockabout, lovable kids. They are best friends who band together to explore and learn in an overgrown suburban backyard, which to them is their entire universe.
The animated series is inspired by the songs of the Beatles as covered by the likes of artists such as Eddie Vedder, P!nk, James Bay, Sia, The Shins, Of Monsters and Men, Chris Cornell, Regina Spektor, James Corden and Birdy. The series was made possible following a deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing for worldwide rights to record covers of the Fab Four’s song catalogue for the production. Among the songs featured include Help!, All You Need Is Love, Come Together, Penny Lane, Yellow Submarine, Lucy In the Sky with Diamonds, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, and Magical Mystery Tour.
“It’s a rare occasion to be presented with a truly one-of-a-kind children’s show that is so perfectly suited to Netflix,” said Andy Yeatman, director of original kid’s content at Netflix. “Josh and his team have not only developed a compelling children’s show filled with life lessons, but they’ve built a show that will transcend generations and have parents and grandparents enjoying right alongside their little ones.”
Wakely added: “Bringing Beat Bugs to life on Netflix and having a platform to re-imagine this universally acclaimed music for families around the world is an exhilarating and rewarding experience. Our partners have been fantastic in making this concept a vivid reality, and this is a great example of the innovative and fresh storytelling at the heart of Grace’s ethos.”