9 Story Media producing 2D animated series based on 2006 comedy Open Season

Open Season: Call of Nature is being made by Brown Bag Films

Canada’s 9 Story Media Group is producing a new 2D animated series based on characters from Sony Pictures Animation’s 2006 comedy film Open Season.

Open Season: Call of Nature (52×11’) will premiere on the ABC in Australia, Wildbrain in Canada, Discovery Kids in Latin America and France Télévisions in 2024.

Produced by 9 Story’s animation studio Brown Bag Films in Toronto, the project follows a loveable, risk-averse bear and a fast-talking, impulsive deer as they embark on an adventure to create a new home after stumbling upon an abandoned summer camp. It is aimed at kids aged six to 11.

Production is already underway on the show, which is directed by Mark Thornton (Total Drama Island, True & the Rainbow Kingdom) and Todd Kauffman (Total Drama Island, Grojband).

The executive producers on the series include Sony Pictures Animation producer Rick Mischel (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs series) alongside 9 Story’s Vince Commisso, Natalie Osborne and Blake Tohana. Alan Keane (Space Chickens in Space) is the executive story editor.

9 Story Distribution International is handling worldwide distribution rights, while 9 Story Brands holds worldwide merchandising rights. The Canadian company has already licensed US home entertainment and worldwide master toy rights to Sony Pictures Animation.

The original film grossed around US$200m at the box office following its release in 2006 on a budget of around US$85m.

“Open Season is a classic animated film franchise that has entertained kids all over the world since debuting in 2006,” said Commisso, president and CEO of 9 Story.

“We are thrilled to be working with Sony Pictures Animation to bring their beloved characters to new audiences with a brand-new action-packed comedy series.”