Cyprus-based Pixel Giants has launched a Kickstarter campaign for The Olive Bunch — a new 2D animated series following the adventures of three close friends growing up on the beautiful, enchanting Mediterranean island the studio calls home. The campaign is aiming to raise €15,000 (Rs.13,32,615 INR) in an all-or-nothing bid to fund the production of a trailer.
Co-created by art director Katerina Pantela and producer Maria Pavlou, The Olive Bunch draws from the talented creative team’s personal childhood experiences of endless summers, building treehouses and playing games amidst the beautiful olive groves of Cyprus. Best buddies Amira, Stephano and Yani enjoy their rural island life and mischievous explorations as they search for their place in the world. Their journeys are laced with folk tales, comedy and mystery.
The show is the second series to be pitched by Pixel Giants at Cartoon Forum. The team developing The Olive Bunch has worked on animated series and short films for worldwide brands like Disney XD, Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, Amazon Prime and Netflix and have also been nominated for BAFTA, Emmy and Annie Awards.
In addition to Pantela (VP of ASIFA Cyprus), who recently worked on feature film Titina (Mikrofilm) and is art director/designer of the first Cypriot animated series Magic Molly (in development), and Pavlou (creator-producer, Magic Molly; director, Dragon Recipes), the key creative team includes series director/storyboard artist Magnus Kravik (Daytime Emmy Award winner for Vampirina opening titles) and lead character animator Michael Papanicolaou (Danger Mouse, Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja).
Pixel Giants are incentivizing backers by preparing a tempting range of limited edition goodies and services — from digital stickers and artwork to tees, training videos, personalized content and even a trip to Cyprus — as rewards for all levels of support, from €10 to €3,000.
The studio has set stretch goals of €20,000 (initial pre-production for pilot), €35,000 (finalize pre-production of pilot) and €65,000 (production & post-production of pilot).
