Toonz Media Group has signed a worldwide distribution deal for “MechWest,” an independent CG-animated action-adventure series created by Dave Gallagher and produced by AnimSchool Studios.
The company is introducing the series to overseas buyers at the Annecy Animation Festival.
Set in the dieselpunk frontier world of Meridian, MechWest tells the story of teenage girl Pearl West, who befriends a mysterious coal-fueled robot called Six and embarks on a journey with her cowboy brother Pico and fast-talking friend Casey that upends the fate of the world. Gallagher developed the series with writers Noah Gallagher and Clifford James Taylor. The creative team also includes layout director Galen Chu (Ice Age: Collision Course, Ferdinand) and head of story Moroni Taylor (Super Mario Bros. Movie, The Iron Giant, Despicable Me). This series is aimed at children ages 7 to 12 and their family audiences.
One of the more unusual aspects of this production is its staffing model. The series was primarily created by recent graduates of AnimSchool, an accredited 3D animation school founded by Gallagher. Gallagher’s own feature credits include directing roles in the “Ice Age” series, “Rio,” “Robots” and “Horton Hears a Who.” The show has received more than 11 million lifetime views and won Gold and Silver Telly Awards and Gold and Viewer Choice Awards at the Collision Awards.
“We are very excited to partner with Toonz Media Group on the next chapter of MechWest,” said Gallagher. “Our team independently produces the series one episode at a time, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see the show resonate with viewers. Toonz brings a lot of international distribution expertise and a real passion for the series. They share our vision for the show’s broad appeal, and this partnership gives us the opportunity to introduce the show to new audiences and expand its global reach.”
Under the agreement, Toonz will distribute programming to both linear and non-linear channels around the world. With more than 25 years of experience in animation, live-action production and international distribution, the company also operates the MyToonz FAST channel and YouTube network, which reaches audiences through VOD and communications partnerships.
Toonz Media Group CEO Viswanath Rao said, “Excellent storytelling has always been at the heart of global entertainment success, and ‘MechWest’ is a powerful example of that. What Dave Gallagher and the team at Animschool Studios have accomplished is remarkable, creating a visually stunning and emotionally moving series whose strengths have already earned them a passionate audience. We are delighted to partner with the team and bring the series to a global audience.”
Gulshan David, Vice President of Feature Films at Toonz Media Group, said, “MechWest is a great example of the quality of animation, Dave and AnimSchool. “We were immediately distinguished by the world the team built, and the audiences who have already found it. We believe what they have achieved is rare for an independently produced series and has exactly what major global platforms and broadcasters are looking for. We are excited to bring ‘MechWest’ to the world stage, starting with Annecy.”
