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{{Short description|American animation television production studio}}
{{Infobox company {{Infobox company
| name = Frederator Studios | name = Frederator Studios
| logo = ] | logo = Frederator Studios logo.jpg
| logo_caption = Company logo from 2009 to present, debuting on '']''.
| caption = Company logo as of 2009
| former_name = {{Plainlist|
| type = ]
* Frederator Incorporated (1997–2009)
| industry = ]<br>]<br>]
| predecessor = Fred/Alan Chauncey Street Productions, Inc.
| foundation = {{Start date|1997}}
| founder = ]
| location_city = ], ]
| location_country = United States
| locations = 2 offices (2013)
| key_people = {{unbulleted list|Eric Homan (Creative Development)|Kevin Kolde (Supervising Producer)|Carrie Miller (Producer)}}
| products = {{unbulleted list|'']''|'']''|'']''|'']''|'']''|'']''|'']''|'']''|'']''|'']''}}
| revenue =
| operating_income =
| net_income =
| assets =
| equity =
| num_employees =
| homepage = {{URL|frederator.com}}
| footnotes =
}} }}
| type = ]
| owner =
| parent = ] (2012–present)
| industry = ]<br />]<br />]
| predecessor = Fred/Alan<br />Chauncey Street Productions, Inc.
| founded = {{Start date and age|1997|1|6}}
| founder = ]
| hq_location_city = ], ], U.S.
| key_people = {{unbulleted list|] (])|Kevin Kolde (] Production)|Isabel Bailin (Director of Development)}}
| products = {{unbulleted list|'']''|'']''|'']''|'']''|'']''|'']''|'']''|'']''|'']'' |'']''|'']''|'']''|}}
| services = ]<br />]<br />]<br />]
| divisions = ] (with Mixed Media Group)<br />Frederator Books<br />]
| website = {{URL|http://frederator.com}}
}}

'''Frederator Studios''' is an American ] ] studio founded by ] in January 1997.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://frederator.com/who/|title=Who? Frederator|website=Frederator.com}}</ref> It is a division of ], itself apart of ]' Canadian holding company ]. The studio's slogan is "Original Cartoons since 1998."

Frederator and Seibert have been credited with producing various, critically-acclaimed media projects, predominantly in animation suitable for general audiences.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mediavillage.com/article/the-bizarre-kickstarted-world-of-frederator-studios-gilbert-smith-jack-myers-and-claire-burden/print/|title=The Bizarre, Kickstarted World of Frederator Studios -- Gilbert Smith, Jack Myers and Claire Burden}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.awn.com/animationworld/fred-seibert-interview-part-1|title=The Fred Seibert Interview — Part 1|last=Strike|first=Joe|date=July 15, 2003|access-date=June 22, 2018|publisher=Animation World Network}}</ref><!-- need to find WHERE in this interview this focus can be found - brief searches have failed - I've not read the entire thing in detail. --> The studio has locations in ], where Frederator Digital is based,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://frederator.com/about/#where|title=Who are we?|last=<!-- no byline -->|date=<!-- no source date -->|website=Frederator Studios|publisher=Frederator Networks|access-date=June 22, 2018}}{{self-published source|date=June 2018}}</ref> and ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://frederatorstudios.com/about-frederator-studios/|title=About Us|last=<!-- no byline -->|date=<!-- no source date -->|website=Frederator Studios|publisher=Frederator Networks|access-date=June 22, 2018}}{{Self-published source|date=June 2018}}</ref>


In 2016, Frederator would be acquired by Canadian animation studio ], and merged into Wow! Unlimited Media where Seibert was Chief Creator Officer; he would remain at the company until August 2020. After departing, he would found a successor company, FredFilms, in February 2021.<ref name="deadline.com">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/02/animation-fred-siebert-launches-new-production-company-fredfilms-viacomcbs-streaming-1234698515/|title=Animation Vet Fred Seibert Launches New Production Company, FredFilms, And First-Look Deal With VIS Kids At ViacomCBS|date=23 February 2021}}</ref>
'''Frederator Studios''' is an independent American animation studio founded by ] in 1997, with its first series launching in 1998. The studio focuses primarily on artists who write their own shorts, series, and movies.<ref></ref> Their slogan is "Original Cartoons since 1998." The studio has locations in ] and ].<ref>{{cite web |title = About |url = http://frederator.com/about/#where |publisher = Frederator Studios |accessdate = March 7, 2013 }}</ref>


== History == == History ==
===Founding and early years===
The company was formed as '''Frederator Incorporated''' in 1997 (its first cartoons were released in 1998), and was housed at a temporary location of the ], in ], ].<ref></ref> Frederator's debut production was the cartoon short incubator, a television series called '']'', which later ] three series: '']'', '']'', and '']'', in addition to 51 original short cartoons by a group of creators including the first films by creators like ], ], ], ], Pat Ventura, ], and Carlos Ramos. ''Oh Yeah! Cartoons'' was based on Seibert's '']'' series of shorts from ] and ], which brought Hanna-Barbera its first hit series in 10 years, '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']''. Frederator has produced a total of 16 television series, and over 200 miniseries, including webisodes. The company is now in a producing partnership with Sony Pictures entertainment, and YouTube.<ref name="Siebert Fred">{{cite web|last=Seibert|first=Fred|title=Who are we?|url=http://frederator.com/about/|work=Frederator: Frederator Loves You|publisher=Frederator Studios|accessdate=October 23, 2013}}</ref>
Before Frederator, in 1983, Fred Seibert founded Fred/Alan, Inc. in New York City with his college friend ]; in 1988, Fred/Alan partnered with ] in Chauncey Street Productions to produce television programs for Nickelodeon, MTV, A&E, and CBS. The Fred/Alan firm closed down in 1992.


Seibert became the president of ] Cartoons in 1992, and created '']'', a showcase consisting of 48 shorts that aired on ]. In 1996, when Time Warner merged with Turner Broadcasting (owner of Hanna-Barbera), he left the studio.
In 2002, Frederator created a ] with producer ]'s ] and produced their first preschool series, '']''.


Frederator Incorporated was formed on January 6, 1997<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fredseibert.com/post/140602202596/frederator-begins-it-seemed-unlikely-id-stay-in|title=Frederator begins|last=Seibert|first=Fred|author-link=Fred Seibert|date=<!-- no specified source date -->|work=Tumblr|type=Blog|access-date=June 22, 2018}}</ref> (its first cartoons were released in 1998), and was housed at a temporary location of the ] in ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://archives.frederatorblogs.com/frederator_studios/2010/09/06/the-frederator-launch-1997/|title=The Frederator Launch, 1997.|last=Seibert|first=Fred|author-link=Fred Seibert|date=September 6, 2010|website=Discus|type=Blog|access-date=June 22, 2018|archive-date=April 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427141350/http://archives.frederatorblogs.com/frederator_studios/2010/09/06/the-frederator-launch-1997/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Frederator's debut production was the cartoon short incubator, a television series called '']'', which later spun off three series: '']'' (its first official series), as well '']'', and '']'', in addition to 51 original short cartoons from creators including ], ], ], ], Pat Ventura, ], and Carlos Ramos. ''Oh Yeah! Cartoons'' was based on Seibert's '']'' series of shorts from ] and ], which brought Hanna-Barbera its first hit series in 10 years, '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']''. Frederator has produced a total of 16 television series, and over 200 miniseries, including webisodes. {{As of|2013}}, the company was in a producing partnership with ] and ].<ref name="Siebert Fred">{{cite web|url=http://frederator.com/about/|title=Who are we?|last=<!-- no byline -->|date=<!-- no source date -->|work=Frederator: Frederator Loves You|publisher=Frederator Studios|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014184107/http://frederator.com/about/|archive-date=October 14, 2013|access-date=October 23, 2013}}</ref>
Frederator Studios created a ] and competition '']'' (now known as the ''Nicktoons Network Animation Festival'') for the ] network, which debuted October 24, 2004.


In 2002, Frederator created a joint venture for preschoolers named ] with producer ]'s ]. They produced their first preschool series created by ] for ], '']''.
In 2004 ] interned at Frederator Studios at its first ] location, and built their first blogging platform.<ref></ref> In 2007 he launched ] from a rented desk at Frederator Studios' ] offices, with chief engineer ].<ref>{{cite AV media |last1 = Karp |first1 = David |last2 = Alexandria |first2 = Julie |date = May 27, 2008 |title = David Karp and Tumblr |type = Video |url = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DK4pLXWkgMw |accessdate = February 24, 2013 |time = 1:30 |publisher = '']''|quote = Sometime in 2006, we had a couple of weeks between contracts and said 'Let's see what we can do, let's see if we can built this thing', and we threw together the first working version of Tumblr. }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbercovici/2013/01/02/tumblr-david-karps-800-million-art-project/2/ |title="Tumblr: David Karp's $800 Million Art Project" Forbes, January 2, 2013 |publisher=Forbes.com |date=2012-04-18 |accessdate=2013-04-17}}</ref> Seibert was one of Tumblr's first bloggers.<ref>http://archives.frederatorblogs.com/frederator_studios/2007/11/01/killing-them-softly/</ref>


Frederator Studios created a ] and competition '']'' (now known as the ''Nicktoons Network Animation Festival'') for the ], which debuted October 24, 2004.
On November 1, 2005, Frederator launched what it called "the first cartoon podcast."<ref name="feature"> ''Channel Frederator Blog''. October 25, 2005.</ref> Named Channel Frederator by ] (who also structured and edited the initial episodes), this weekly animation network features submitted films from around the world, and quickly became one of the top video podcasts on ]'s ]. In quick succession, The Wubbcast was launched for pre-schoolers in January 2006, and ''ReFrederator'' featuring vintage public domain cartoons in April 2006. Channel Frederator became the model for Seibert's media company ] and reaches almost 4,000,000 video views monthly.


In 2004, ] interned at Frederator Studios at its first ] location, and built their first blogging platform.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://frederatorblogs.com/adventure_time|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060419131458/http://frederatorblogs.com/adventure_time|url-status=dead|archive-date=2006-04-19|title=Frederator Studios Blog|date=2006-04-19|access-date=2018-08-22}}</ref> In 2007, he launched ] from a rented desk at Frederator Studios' ] offices, with chief engineer ].<ref>{{cite AV media |last1 = Karp |first1 = David |last2 = Alexandria |first2 = Julie |date = May 27, 2008 |title = David Karp and Tumblr |type = Video |url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DK4pLXWkgMw |access-date = February 24, 2013 |time = 1:30 |publisher = ]|quote = Sometime in 2006, we had a couple of weeks between contracts and said 'Let's see what we can do, let's see if we can built this thing', and we threw together the first working version of Tumblr. }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbercovici/2013/01/02/tumblr-david-karps-800-million-art-project/2/ |title="Tumblr: David Karp's $800 Million Art Project" Forbes, January 2, 2013 |magazine=Forbes.com |date=2012-04-18 |access-date=2013-04-17}}</ref> Seibert was one of Tumblr's first bloggers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://archives.frederatorblogs.com/frederator_studios/2007/11/01/killing-them-softly/|title=Frederator Studios Blogs {{!}} Fred Seibert's Blog {{!}} Killing them softly.|website=archives.frederatorblogs.com|access-date=2018-08-22|archive-date=2013-10-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003095509/http://archives.frederatorblogs.com/frederator_studios/2007/11/01/killing-them-softly/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On June 25, 2007 '']'' article announced the studio had formed ], dedicated to creating animated feature films budgeted under $20 million.<ref name="feature">McNary, Dave. . ''Variety''. Mon, Jun. 25, 2007.</ref> Frederator's first feature is set up at ], co-produced with ]' ]. They have also set up their first two animated features in a first look production arrangement for ].<ref>Mclean, Thomas J. </ref>


On November 1, 2005, Frederator launched what it called "the first cartoon podcast."<ref name="feature"> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101214235410/http://frederatorblogs.com/channel_frederator/2005/10/28/welcome/ |date=2010-12-14 }} ''Channel Frederator Blog''. October 25, 2005.</ref> Named Channel Frederator by ] (who also structured and edited the initial episodes), this weekly animation network features submitted films from around the world, and quickly became one of the top video podcasts on ]'s ]. In quick succession, The Wubbcast was launched for pre-schoolers in January 2006, and ''ReFrederator'' featuring vintage public domain cartoons in April 2006. Channel Frederator became the model for Seibert's media company ] and reaches almost 4,000,000 video views monthly.
The studio produced its first original internet cartoons with independent animator Dan Meth. ''The Meth Minute 39'' launched on September 5, 2007, featuring 39 of Meth's original character shorts. (The first cartoon was "Internet People," a video on the viral video sites ] and ] that featured some of the best ] and internet people.) A spin-off, ''Nite Fite'', debuted in October 2008. These series have totaled over 35,000,000 video views to date.


On June 25, 2007 '']'' article announced the studio had formed ], dedicated to creating animated feature films budgeted under $20&nbsp;million.<ref name="variety">McNary, Dave. . ''Variety''. Mon, Jun. 25, 2007.</ref> Frederator's first feature is set up at ], co-produced with ]' ]. They have also set up their first two animated features in a first look production arrangement for ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cartoonbrew.com/feature-film/sony-and-frederator-to-develop-animated-movies-16439.html|title=Sony and Frederator to develop Animated Movies|publisher=]|author=Jerry Beck|date=September 10, 2009|access-date=July 24, 2018}}</ref>
'']'', the latest Frederator series of short cartoon series, began airing on Nicktoons in 2009;<ref></ref> it spawned two TV series, '']'' and '']'', as well as the web series, '']''.


===Expansion into web animation===
Frederator announced its new ] and adult production label, ] in February 2012.<ref></ref> Frederator is producing two animated series exclusively for the Internet: '']'', created by ] and '']'', created by ].<ref></ref> ''Bravest Warriors'' premiered on November 8, 2012 and ''SuperF*ckers'' premiered on November 30, 2012. Each series consists of twelve five-minute episodes and will air through 2013. Frederator also announced a fifth cartoon shorts incubator, which will feature 39 shorts dubbed ''Too Cool! Cartoons.''<ref>http://www.youtube.com/user/CartoonHangover</ref>
The studio produced its first original internet cartoons with independent animator Dan Meth. ''The Meth Minute 39'' launched on September 5, 2007, featuring 39 of Meth's original character shorts. (The first cartoon was "Internet People", a video on the viral video sites ] and ] that featured some popular ]s and internet people.) A spin-off, ''Nite Fite'', debuted in October 2008. These series have totaled over 35,000,000 video views to date.


'']'', the latest Frederator anthology series, began airing on Nicktoons in 2009;<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=http://www.animationmagazine.net/internet/frederator-launches-new-cartoon-hangover-channel/|title=Frederator Launches New Cartoon Hangover Channel|website=www.animationmagazine.net|date=21 February 2012|language=en-US|access-date=2018-08-22}}</ref> it spawned two TV series, '']'' and '']'' (the first Frederator production not for ] and the first and only series made for ]), as well as the web series, '']''.
In July 2013, Cartoon Hangover premiered the first part of the 10-minute short film, "Bee and PuppyCat," created by Adventure Time alum ]. Due to its popularity, in November 2013 Frederator launched a ] to fund a first season of the series,<ref>https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/frederator/bee-and-puppycat-the-series</ref> which was successful and raised $872,133 toward more episodes of the show. The project became the most funded animation and webseries Kickstarter ever, and the fourth most-funded Film/Video project.<ref>http://www.tubefilter.com/2013/11/14/bee-and-puppycat-kickstarter-web-series-record/</ref>

Frederator Studios became a division of parent Frederator Networks when founder ] announced the company's new ] and adult production label, ] in February 2012<ref name="auto"/> and 18 months later started the ], a ](MCN) dedicated to helping individual YouTube animation creators distribute and monetize their owned and operated channels. At launch, Frederator produced three animated series for Cartoon Hangover: '']'', created by ]; '']'', created by ]; and '']'', an incubator featuring content from different animators.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://hangover.cartoonhangover.com/post/25132605493/you-probably-know-i-founded-frederator-studios-to|title=Cartoon Hangover — To get a Too Cool! greenlight, we'll ultimately...|website=Cartoon Hangover|access-date=2018-08-22|archive-date=2012-07-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710013249/http://hangover.cartoonhangover.com/post/25132605493/you-probably-know-i-founded-frederator-studios-to|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Bravest Warriors'' premiered on November 8, 2012 and ''SuperFuckers'' premiered on November 30, 2012.

In July 2013 as part of ''Too Cool! Cartoons'' Cartoon Hangover premiered the first part of the 10-minute short film, '']'' created by ]. Due to its popularity, in November 2013 Frederator launched a ] to fund a first season of the series,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/frederator/bee-and-puppycat-the-series|title=Bee and PuppyCat: The Series|website=Kickstarter|language=en-US|access-date=2018-08-22}}</ref> which was successful and raised $872,133 toward more episodes of the show. The project was the most funded animation and web series Kickstarter at the conclusion, and the fourth most-funded Film/Video project.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tubefilter.com/2013/11/14/bee-and-puppycat-kickstarter-web-series-record/|title='Bee And Puppycat' Raises $872,133, Breaks Kickstarter Record|date=2013-11-14|work=Tubefilter|access-date=2018-08-22|language=en-US}}</ref>


In 2013, Frederator launched a digital-only ebook company, Frederator Books. Frederator Books published its first title, "The Lieography of Babe Ruth" in March 2013.{{citation needed|date=December 2013}} In 2013, Frederator launched a digital-only ebook company, Frederator Books. Frederator Books published its first title, "The Lieography of Babe Ruth" in March 2013.{{citation needed|date=December 2013}}


In 2014, Frederator announced the launch of The ], ]<ref>http://www.thevideoink.com/news/simons-cat-new-home-channel-frederator-networks/#.UyhbtPSwLq5</ref> (MCN) of independently-owned animation channels on YouTube. Since its start, Channel Frederator Network has generated more than one billion views, and averages more than 30 million views a month, across its network of more than 200 channels.<ref>http://www.awn.com/news/simon-s-cat-joins-frederator-network</ref> Some of its leading channels are ] (just over 1 million subscribers), ] (over 1 million subscribers),<ref></ref> and ] (over 2,800,000 subscribers),<ref>http://www.thewrap.com/simons-cat-youtubes-second-biggest-animation-channel-new-home/</ref> which is ]'s #2 animated channel.<ref>http://www.deadline.com/2014/02/youtubes-channel-frederator-network-forms-animation-pact-with-simons-cat/</ref> Once part of the network, Frederator handles all advertising and distribution for its channels on YouTube, promoting the show and its licensed merchandise.<ref>http://streamdaily.tv/2014/02/19/simons-cat-joins-animation-mcn-frederator/?utm_source=stream-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=simons-cat-joins-animation-mcn-frederator</ref> In 2014, Frederator announced the launch of ], a ] (MCN) of independently owned animation channels on YouTube.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thevideoink.com/news/simons-cat-new-home-channel-frederator-networks/|title=Simon's Cat Has a New Home at Channel Frederator Networks - VideoInk|date=2014-02-19|work=VideoInk|access-date=2018-08-22|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150405185206/http://www.thevideoink.com/news/simons-cat-new-home-channel-frederator-networks/|archive-date=2015-04-05|url-status=dead}}</ref> Since its start, Channel Frederator Network has generated more than one billion views, and averages more than 30&nbsp;million views a month, across its network of more than 200 channels.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.awn.com/news/simon-s-cat-joins-frederator-network |title='Simon's Cat' Joins Frederator Network &#124; Animation World Network |access-date=2014-03-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329005756/http://www.awn.com/news/simon-s-cat-joins-frederator-network |archive-date=2014-03-29 }}</ref> Some of its leading channels are ] (just over 1&nbsp;million subscribers), ] (over 1&nbsp;million subscribers),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-fred-seibert-bee-puppycat-20131217-story.html|title=Fred Seibert foresees 'next golden age of animation' on Internet|last=Verrier|first=Richard|website=]|date=18 December 2013|access-date=2018-08-22}}</ref> and '']'' (over 2,800,000 subscribers),<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thewrap.com/simons-cat-youtubes-second-biggest-animation-channel-new-home/|title=YouTube's 'Simon Cat' Finds a New Home|date=2014-02-19|work=TheWrap|access-date=2018-08-22|language=en-US}}</ref> which is ]'s #2 animated channel.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2014/02/youtubes-channel-frederator-network-forms-animation-pact-with-simons-cat-685586/|title=YouTube's Channel Frederator Network Forms Animation Pact With 'Simon's Cat'|last=Lieberman|first=David|date=2014-02-19|work=Deadline|access-date=2018-08-22|language=en-US}}</ref> Once part of the network, Frederator handles all advertising and distribution for its channels on YouTube, promoting the show and its licensed merchandise.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://streamdaily.tv/2014/02/19/simons-cat-joins-animation-mcn-frederator/|title=StreamDaily » Archive » Simon's Cat joins animation MCN Frederator|website=streamdaily.tv|access-date=2018-08-22|archive-date=2018-08-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180822213942/http://streamdaily.tv/2014/02/19/simons-cat-joins-animation-mcn-frederator/|url-status=dead}}</ref>


As of 2016, Mexican animation studio ] and Frederator Studios have launched a new ] network, called Átomo Network, focusing on Spanish-language content.<ref name="variety-frederator">{{cite news|last1=Spangler|first1=Todd|title=Frederator, Anima Estudios Launch Spanish-Language YouTube Animation Network (Exclusive)|url=https://variety.com/2016/digital/news/frederator-anima-estudios-youtube-spanish-animation-1201709330/|access-date=18 February 2016|work=]|publisher=Penske Business Media, LLC.|date=18 February 2016}}</ref>
== Productions ==


===Acquisition by Rainmaker; Wow Unlimited merger, and Kartoon Studios ownership===
In December 2016, Canadian studio ] (now, and originally known as, Mainframe) acquired Frederator Networks. Together with Ezrin Hirsh Entertainment (EHE), the three would be merged into the holding company ].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.awn.com/news/rainmaker-entertainment-acquires-frederator-rebranding-wow|title=Rainmaker Entertainment Acquires Frederator, Rebranding As WOW!|last=Wolfe|first=Jennifer|date=October 26, 2016|access-date=June 22, 2018|publisher=Animation World Network}}</ref>

In August 2020, it was announced Fred Seibert would resign as CEO of Frederator Studios. ], co-founder of Canadian studio ], would take over.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/features/news-bytes-archer-clips-taafi-call-d23-dives-into-howard-wow-reorg/|title = News Bytes: 'Archer' Clips, TAAFI Call, D23 Dives into 'Howard', WOW! Reorg|date = 27 August 2020}}</ref>

On October 27, 2021, ] (now Kartoon Studios) announced that it had agreed to acquire Wow Unlimited Media for C$66 million (US$53 million), with the transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2022.<ref>{{cite news|title=Genius Brands International to Acquire WOW! Unlimited Media|url=https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/101022|date=October 27, 2021|access-date=December 29, 2021}}</ref> The acquisition was completed on April 7, 2022.<ref>{{cite web|title=Genius Brands International, Inc. Completes Acquisition of Wow Unlimited Media Inc.|url=https://www.gnusbrands.com/news/press-releases/detail/1158/genius-brands-international-inc-completes-acquisition-of|website=]|date=April 7, 2022}}</ref>

In January 2023, 50% of the rights to ''Bravest Warriors'' and ''Bee and Puppycat'' was sold to Japanese studio ].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://worldscreen.com/tvkids/toho-invests-in-frederator-brands/ | title=TOHO Invests in Frederator Brands | date=4 January 2023 }}</ref>

== Filmography ==
{{see also|Frederator cartoon shorts filmography}}
===Television series=== ===Television series===
'''For ]:''' '''For ]:'''
* '']'' (1998–2001) * '']'' (1998–2002) (co-produced with ])
* '']'' (2001–present) * '']'' (2001–2017) (co-produced with Nickelodeon Animation Studio and ] for seasons 6–10)
* '']'' (2002–2008) * '']'' (2002–2008) (co-produced with Nickelodeon Animation Studio)
* '']'' (2003–2009) * '']'' (2003–2009) (co-produced with Nickelodeon Animation Studio)
* '']'' (2009–2014) (co-produced with Nickelodeon Animation Studio)
* '']'' (2006–2010)
* '']'' (2009–2014)


'''For ]:''' '''For ]:'''
* '']'' (2004–2009) * '']'' (2004–2009) (co-produced with Nickelodeon Animation Studio)
* '']'' (2008–2009) * '']'' (2008–2009) (co-produced with Nickelodeon Animation Studio)
* '']'' (2009) * '']'' (2009) (co-produced with Hawaii Film Partners, Project 51 Productions and Showcase Entertainment)


'''For ]:''' '''For ]:'''
*'']'' (2017–2021) (co-produced with ], ] Productions for seasons 3–4, ] and Project 51 Productions)
*'']'' (1995–2001)
*'']'' (2022) (co-produced with ])
*'']'' (2010–present)


'''For ]:'''
===Online series (])===
*'']'' (2020–2021) (co-produced with Cartoon Network Studios)
'''Shows:'''
*'']'' (2023–present) (co-produced with Cartoon Network Studios)
* '']'' (November 8, 2012)
* '']'' (November 30, 2012)
* "]" (TBA 2014)


'''Other productions'''
===Shorts===
*'']'' (2010–2018) (co-produced with ] for ])
* '']'' created by Mike Rosenthal (April 4, 2013)
*'']'' (2017–2018) (co-produced with ] for ])<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/nelvana-brings-first-bravest-warriors-broadcast-season-on-mip-quest/|title=Nelvana Brings First 'Bravest Warriors' Broadcast Season on MIP Quest|website=www.animationmagazine.net|date=3 April 2017|language=en-US|access-date=2018-08-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animationmagazine.net/top-stories/vrv-heralds-bravest-warriors-s4-with-documentary/|title=VRV Heralds 'Bravest Warriors' S4 with Documentary|date=13 December 2017|website=Animationmagazine.net|access-date=13 December 2017}}</ref>
* '']'' created by Mel Roach (May 2, 2013)
* '']'' (2019) (co-produced with ], ] and ] for ])<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://kidscreen.com/2017/02/13/amazon-orders-pair-of-new-originals/#|title=Amazon orders pair of new originals|access-date=2018-08-22}}</ref>
* '']'' created by Tom Gran and Martin Woolley (May 30, 2013)
*'']'' (TBA) (co-produced with BuzzFeed Animation Lab for ])<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2023/06/buzzfeed-animation-and-frederator-to-serve-up-a-new-series-called-chikn-nuggit/|title=BuzzFeed Animation and Frederator to Serve Up a 'Chikn Nuggit' Show|website=www.animationmagazine.net|date=20 June 2023|language=en-US|access-date=20 June 2023}}</ref>
* '']'' (Part 1 July 11, 2013, Part 2 August 7, 2013)
* '']'' created by Kelly Martin (September 12, 2013)
* ] created by Chris Reineman (July 17, 2014)
* '']'' (June 26, 2014)
* ] created by Jesse Moynihan and Justin Moynihan (July 31, 2014)
* ] created by Jiwook Kim (2014)
* ] created by Andy Helms (2014)


===Feature films=== ===YouTube series===
]:
* ''The Meth Minute 39'' (September 5, 2007)
* ''Cartoon Conspiracy'' (April 24, 2014)


]:
====Television films====
* '']'' (November 8, 2012)
* '']'' (2003)
* '']'' (2004) * '']'' (November 30, 2012)
* '']'' (April 4, 2013)
* '']'' (2004/2006, co-production with ] and ], crossover three-part special with '']'')
* '']'' (November 6, 2014)
* '']'' (2008, co-production with ], ] and ])
* '']'' (November 7, 2017)
* '']'' (2009, co-production with Bolder Media, Film Roman and Starz Media)
* '']'' (2009)
* '']'' (2011, co-production with ] and ])
* '']'' (2012, co-production with ]. and ])


====Theatrical films==== ===Films===
* '']'' (2002, produced in 2000) (co-produced with ])
* '']'' (TBA; co-production with ], ], and ])
* '']'' (2003, produced in 2000) (co-produced with Nickelodeon Animation Studio)
* ''The Seven Deadly Sins'' (TBA)
* ''Abra-Catastrophe!'' (2003) (co-produced with Nickelodeon Animation Studio)
* ''Channel Chasers'' (2004) (co-produced with Nickelodeon Animation Studio)
* '']'' (2004/2006) (co-produced with ], ], and Nickelodeon Animation Studio, the crossover three-part special with '']'')
* '']'' (2005) (co-produced with Nickelodeon Animation Studio)
* '']'' (2005) (co-produced with Nickelodeon Animation Studio)
* '']'' (2008) (co-produced with ] and ], credited as ])
* '']'' (2009) (co-produced with Film Roman and Starz Media, credited as Bolder Media)
* '']'' (2009) (co-produced with ] and Nickelodeon Animation Studio)
* '']'' (2011) (co-produced with Billionfold, Inc. and ])
* '']'' (2012) (co-produced with Billionfold, Inc. and Pacific Bay Entertainment)
* '']'' (2014) (co-produced with Billionfold, Inc. and Pacific Bay Entertainment)


==See also== == See also ==
*]
{{Portal|New York City|Greater Los Angeles|Companies}}
*] *]
*]
*]


==References== ==References==
Line 114: Line 134:


==External links== ==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.frederator.com}} *{{Official website|http://frederator.com/}}
* Frederator @ IMDB *
* "Fred Seibert foresees 'next golden age of animation' on Internet" interview (2013) *"Fred Seibert foresees 'next golden age of animation' on Internet" interview (2013)
* "The Story of Kids TV Mastermind Fred Seibert: Cultivating a whole new generation of weird in animation" interview (2013) *"The Story of Kids TV Mastermind Fred Seibert: Cultivating a whole new generation of weird in animation" interview (2013)


{{Frederator Studios}} {{Frederator Studios}}
{{Animation industry in the United States}}


]
]
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Latest revision as of 00:33, 10 December 2024

American animation television production studio
Frederator Studios
Company logo from 2009 to present, debuting on Fanboy & Chum Chum.
Formerly
  • Frederator Incorporated (1997–2009)
Company typeDivision
IndustryAnimation
Television production
Film production
PredecessorFred/Alan
Chauncey Street Productions, Inc.
FoundedJanuary 6, 1997; 27 years ago (1997-01-06)
FounderFred Seibert
HeadquartersNew York City, New York, Burbank, California, U.S.
Key people
Products
ServicesTraditional animation
Stop-motion animation
CGI animation
Flash animation
ParentFrederator Networks, Inc. (2012–present)
DivisionsBolder Media (with Mixed Media Group)
Frederator Books
Channel Frederator Network
Websitefrederator.com

Frederator Studios is an American animation television production studio founded by Fred Seibert in January 1997. It is a division of Frederator Networks, Inc., itself apart of Kartoon Studios' Canadian holding company Wow Unlimited Media. The studio's slogan is "Original Cartoons since 1998."

Frederator and Seibert have been credited with producing various, critically-acclaimed media projects, predominantly in animation suitable for general audiences. The studio has locations in New York City, where Frederator Digital is based, and Burbank, California.

In 2016, Frederator would be acquired by Canadian animation studio Rainmaker, and merged into Wow! Unlimited Media where Seibert was Chief Creator Officer; he would remain at the company until August 2020. After departing, he would found a successor company, FredFilms, in February 2021.

History

Founding and early years

Before Frederator, in 1983, Fred Seibert founded Fred/Alan, Inc. in New York City with his college friend Alan Goodman; in 1988, Fred/Alan partnered with Albie Hecht in Chauncey Street Productions to produce television programs for Nickelodeon, MTV, A&E, and CBS. The Fred/Alan firm closed down in 1992.

Seibert became the president of Hanna-Barbera Cartoons in 1992, and created What a Cartoon!, a showcase consisting of 48 shorts that aired on Cartoon Network. In 1996, when Time Warner merged with Turner Broadcasting (owner of Hanna-Barbera), he left the studio.

Frederator Incorporated was formed on January 6, 1997 (its first cartoons were released in 1998), and was housed at a temporary location of the Nickelodeon Animation Studio in North Hollywood, California. Frederator's debut production was the cartoon short incubator, a television series called Oh Yeah! Cartoons, which later spun off three series: The Fairly OddParents (its first official series), as well ChalkZone, and My Life as a Teenage Robot, in addition to 51 original short cartoons from creators including Butch Hartman, Rob Renzetti, Tim Biskup, Larry Huber, Pat Ventura, Seth MacFarlane, and Carlos Ramos. Oh Yeah! Cartoons was based on Seibert's What a Cartoon! series of shorts from Hanna-Barbera Cartoons and Cartoon Network, which brought Hanna-Barbera its first hit series in 10 years, Dexter's Laboratory, Johnny Bravo, Cow and Chicken, I Am Weasel, The Powerpuff Girls, and Courage the Cowardly Dog. Frederator has produced a total of 16 television series, and over 200 miniseries, including webisodes. As of 2013, the company was in a producing partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment and YouTube.

In 2002, Frederator created a joint venture for preschoolers named Bolder Media with producer Susan Miller's Mixed Media Group, Inc.. They produced their first preschool series created by Bob Boyle for Nick Jr., Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!.

Frederator Studios created a television series and competition The Nicktoons Film Festival (now known as the Nicktoons Network Animation Festival) for the Nicktoons Network, which debuted October 24, 2004.

In 2004, David Karp interned at Frederator Studios at its first Manhattan location, and built their first blogging platform. In 2007, he launched Tumblr from a rented desk at Frederator Studios' Park Avenue South offices, with chief engineer Marco Arment. Seibert was one of Tumblr's first bloggers.

On November 1, 2005, Frederator launched what it called "the first cartoon podcast." Named Channel Frederator by David Karp (who also structured and edited the initial episodes), this weekly animation network features submitted films from around the world, and quickly became one of the top video podcasts on Apple Inc.'s iTunes. In quick succession, The Wubbcast was launched for pre-schoolers in January 2006, and ReFrederator featuring vintage public domain cartoons in April 2006. Channel Frederator became the model for Seibert's media company Next New Networks and reaches almost 4,000,000 video views monthly.

On June 25, 2007 Variety article announced the studio had formed Frederator Films, dedicated to creating animated feature films budgeted under $20 million. Frederator's first feature is set up at Paramount Pictures, co-produced with J. J. Abrams' Bad Robot. They have also set up their first two animated features in a first look production arrangement for Sony Pictures Animation.

Expansion into web animation

The studio produced its first original internet cartoons with independent animator Dan Meth. The Meth Minute 39 launched on September 5, 2007, featuring 39 of Meth's original character shorts. (The first cartoon was "Internet People", a video on the viral video sites YouTube and MySpaceTV that featured some popular Internet memes and internet people.) A spin-off, Nite Fite, debuted in October 2008. These series have totaled over 35,000,000 video views to date.

Random! Cartoons, the latest Frederator anthology series, began airing on Nicktoons in 2009; it spawned two TV series, Fanboy & Chum Chum and Adventure Time (the first Frederator production not for Nickelodeon and the first and only series made for Cartoon Network), as well as the web series, Bravest Warriors.

Frederator Studios became a division of parent Frederator Networks when founder Fred Seibert announced the company's new YouTube funded channel and adult production label, Cartoon Hangover in February 2012 and 18 months later started the Channel Frederator Network, a multi-channel network(MCN) dedicated to helping individual YouTube animation creators distribute and monetize their owned and operated channels. At launch, Frederator produced three animated series for Cartoon Hangover: Bravest Warriors, created by Pendleton Ward; SuperFuckers, created by James Kochalka; and Too Cool! Cartoons, an incubator featuring content from different animators. Bravest Warriors premiered on November 8, 2012 and SuperFuckers premiered on November 30, 2012.

In July 2013 as part of Too Cool! Cartoons Cartoon Hangover premiered the first part of the 10-minute short film, Bee and PuppyCat created by Natasha Allegri. Due to its popularity, in November 2013 Frederator launched a Kickstarter to fund a first season of the series, which was successful and raised $872,133 toward more episodes of the show. The project was the most funded animation and web series Kickstarter at the conclusion, and the fourth most-funded Film/Video project.

In 2013, Frederator launched a digital-only ebook company, Frederator Books. Frederator Books published its first title, "The Lieography of Babe Ruth" in March 2013.

In 2014, Frederator announced the launch of The Channel Frederator Network, a Multi Channel Network (MCN) of independently owned animation channels on YouTube. Since its start, Channel Frederator Network has generated more than one billion views, and averages more than 30 million views a month, across its network of more than 200 channels. Some of its leading channels are FilmCow (just over 1 million subscribers), Cartoon Hangover (over 1 million subscribers), and Simon's Cat (over 2,800,000 subscribers), which is YouTube's #2 animated channel. Once part of the network, Frederator handles all advertising and distribution for its channels on YouTube, promoting the show and its licensed merchandise.

As of 2016, Mexican animation studio Ánima Estudios and Frederator Studios have launched a new YouTube network, called Átomo Network, focusing on Spanish-language content.

Acquisition by Rainmaker; Wow Unlimited merger, and Kartoon Studios ownership

In December 2016, Canadian studio Rainmaker Entertainment (now, and originally known as, Mainframe) acquired Frederator Networks. Together with Ezrin Hirsh Entertainment (EHE), the three would be merged into the holding company Wow Unlimited Media, Inc..

In August 2020, it was announced Fred Seibert would resign as CEO of Frederator Studios. Michael Hirsh, co-founder of Canadian studio Nelvana, would take over.

On October 27, 2021, Genius Brands (now Kartoon Studios) announced that it had agreed to acquire Wow Unlimited Media for C$66 million (US$53 million), with the transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2022. The acquisition was completed on April 7, 2022.

In January 2023, 50% of the rights to Bravest Warriors and Bee and Puppycat was sold to Japanese studio Toho International.

Filmography

See also: Frederator cartoon shorts filmography

Television series

For Nickelodeon:

For Nicktoons:

  • Nicktoons Film Festival (2004–2009) (co-produced with Nickelodeon Animation Studio)
  • Random! Cartoons (2008–2009) (co-produced with Nickelodeon Animation Studio)
  • Ape Escape (2009) (co-produced with Hawaii Film Partners, Project 51 Productions and Showcase Entertainment)

For Netflix:

For Max:

Other productions

YouTube series

Channel Frederator:

  • The Meth Minute 39 (September 5, 2007)
  • Cartoon Conspiracy (April 24, 2014)

Cartoon Hangover:

Films

See also

References

  1. "Who? Frederator". Frederator.com.
  2. "The Bizarre, Kickstarted World of Frederator Studios -- Gilbert Smith, Jack Myers and Claire Burden".
  3. Strike, Joe (July 15, 2003). "The Fred Seibert Interview — Part 1". Animation World Network. Retrieved June 22, 2018.
  4. "Who are we?". Frederator Studios. Frederator Networks. Retrieved June 22, 2018.
  5. "About Us". Frederator Studios. Frederator Networks. Retrieved June 22, 2018.
  6. "Animation Vet Fred Seibert Launches New Production Company, FredFilms, And First-Look Deal With VIS Kids At ViacomCBS". 23 February 2021.
  7. Seibert, Fred. "Frederator begins". Tumblr (Blog). Retrieved June 22, 2018.
  8. Seibert, Fred (September 6, 2010). "The Frederator Launch, 1997". Discus (Blog). Archived from the original on April 27, 2019. Retrieved June 22, 2018.
  9. "Who are we?". Frederator: Frederator Loves You. Frederator Studios. Archived from the original on October 14, 2013. Retrieved October 23, 2013.
  10. "Frederator Studios Blog". 2006-04-19. Archived from the original on 2006-04-19. Retrieved 2018-08-22.
  11. Karp, David; Alexandria, Julie (May 27, 2008). David Karp and Tumblr (Video). Wallstrip. Event occurs at 1:30. Retrieved February 24, 2013. Sometime in 2006, we had a couple of weeks between contracts and said 'Let's see what we can do, let's see if we can built this thing', and we threw together the first working version of Tumblr.
  12. ""Tumblr: David Karp's $800 Million Art Project" Forbes, January 2, 2013". Forbes.com. 2012-04-18. Retrieved 2013-04-17.
  13. "Frederator Studios Blogs | Fred Seibert's Blog | Killing them softly". archives.frederatorblogs.com. Archived from the original on 2013-10-03. Retrieved 2018-08-22.
  14. Welcome. Archived 2010-12-14 at the Wayback Machine Channel Frederator Blog. October 25, 2005.
  15. McNary, Dave. Toon trio starts Frederator. Variety. Mon, Jun. 25, 2007.
  16. Jerry Beck (September 10, 2009). "Sony and Frederator to develop Animated Movies". Cartoon Brew. Retrieved July 24, 2018.
  17. ^ "Frederator Launches New Cartoon Hangover Channel". www.animationmagazine.net. 21 February 2012. Retrieved 2018-08-22.
  18. "Cartoon Hangover — To get a Too Cool! greenlight, we'll ultimately..." Cartoon Hangover. Archived from the original on 2012-07-10. Retrieved 2018-08-22.
  19. "Bee and PuppyCat: The Series". Kickstarter. Retrieved 2018-08-22.
  20. "'Bee And Puppycat' Raises $872,133, Breaks Kickstarter Record". Tubefilter. 2013-11-14. Retrieved 2018-08-22.
  21. "Simon's Cat Has a New Home at Channel Frederator Networks - VideoInk". VideoInk. 2014-02-19. Archived from the original on 2015-04-05. Retrieved 2018-08-22.
  22. "'Simon's Cat' Joins Frederator Network | Animation World Network". Archived from the original on 2014-03-29. Retrieved 2014-03-28.
  23. Verrier, Richard (18 December 2013). "Fred Seibert foresees 'next golden age of animation' on Internet". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2018-08-22.
  24. "YouTube's 'Simon Cat' Finds a New Home". TheWrap. 2014-02-19. Retrieved 2018-08-22.
  25. Lieberman, David (2014-02-19). "YouTube's Channel Frederator Network Forms Animation Pact With 'Simon's Cat'". Deadline. Retrieved 2018-08-22.
  26. "StreamDaily » Archive » Simon's Cat joins animation MCN Frederator". streamdaily.tv. Archived from the original on 2018-08-22. Retrieved 2018-08-22.
  27. Spangler, Todd (18 February 2016). "Frederator, Anima Estudios Launch Spanish-Language YouTube Animation Network (Exclusive)". Variety. Penske Business Media, LLC. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
  28. Wolfe, Jennifer (October 26, 2016). "Rainmaker Entertainment Acquires Frederator, Rebranding As WOW!". Animation World Network. Retrieved June 22, 2018.
  29. "News Bytes: 'Archer' Clips, TAAFI Call, D23 Dives into 'Howard', WOW! Reorg". 27 August 2020.
  30. "Genius Brands International to Acquire WOW! Unlimited Media". October 27, 2021. Retrieved December 29, 2021.
  31. "Genius Brands International, Inc. Completes Acquisition of Wow Unlimited Media Inc". Genius Brands. April 7, 2022.
  32. "TOHO Invests in Frederator Brands". 4 January 2023.
  33. "Nelvana Brings First 'Bravest Warriors' Broadcast Season on MIP Quest". www.animationmagazine.net. 3 April 2017. Retrieved 2018-08-22.
  34. "VRV Heralds 'Bravest Warriors' S4 with Documentary". Animationmagazine.net. 13 December 2017. Retrieved 13 December 2017.
  35. "Amazon orders pair of new originals". Retrieved 2018-08-22.
  36. "BuzzFeed Animation and Frederator to Serve Up a 'Chikn Nuggit' Show". www.animationmagazine.net. 20 June 2023. Retrieved 20 June 2023.

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