Disney Junior greenlights kids’ series Firebuds under Craig Gerber deal

Disney Junior has greenlit an animated comedy-adventure series as the first project under Disney Branded Television’s overall deal with Craig Gerber, head of Electric Emu.

Created and exec produced by Gerber (Sofia the First), Firebuds is a music-filled series that follows a team of kids who are the children of first responders, and their talking vehicle sidekicks, as they embark on adventures together and help others in their community.

Slated to premiere on Disney Junior and Disney+ in 2022, each episode comprises two 11-minute stories and features at least one original song.

Matt Hoverman is story editor on Firebuds, with Krystal Banzon, Leanna Dindal, Jeremy Shipp and Norma Sepulveda making up the writing team. The directors are Kris Wimberly and Julius Aguimatang.

Gerber said: “Firebuds is about the spirit of community service and thinking about others before yourself. Just like our young heroes are trying to follow in their parents’ ‘tyre treads,’ we are hoping to inspire children to embrace volunteerism and helping others. It is personally a very meaningful show for me and the perfect way to launch this next chapter of my career with Disney.”