Work has begun in France and Italy on the Frog Box and Red Monk production, commissioned by France Télévisions, Rai and ZDF, of the 26-episode adaptation of Bonnie Bryant’s best-selling literary franchise, with delivery scheduled for mid-2027.
Frog Box and Red Monk Studio, in association with Studio Moshi and ZDF Studios, have begun production on The Saddle Club, a 26-episode CG animated series based on the Bonnie Bryant’s book series that has sold more than 16 copies worldwide.
Commissioned by France Télévisions, Rai and ZDF, series production will be shared between France and Italy, with Superprod and Red Monk serving as production studios. Superights will handle worldwide distribution. Delivery is scheduled for mid-2027.
Aimed at children aged 6 to 12 and directed by Karin Kempf, the series revisits the world of Pine Hollow Stables with a fresh CG approach. Faithful to the spirit of the original books, it presents a contemporary take on friendship, adventure and coming of age within the equestrian world. The story follows Lisa, Carole, Stevie and their friends through a summer in the wilderness of Horseshoe Bay where horse riding, independence and the bond between children and horses take center stage.
According to Frox Box, by blending adventure, emotion and humor with an expressive CG style, The Saddle Club aims to position itself as a standout animated series within the international children’s landscape, while reinforcing the long-term collaboration between the partners that underlines their shared commitment to ambitious European animation.
“We are delighted to announce the adaptation of The Saddle Club into an animated series for the very first time,” said Stanislas d’Arc, Managing Director and Producer of Frog Box. “Our ambition is to pass on the iconic world of a franchise that has inspired generations of horse lovers and outdoor adventure fans to a new generation of children worldwide. With an outstanding creative team and such wonderful partners by our side, we are confident that The Saddle Club has a bright future ahead.”
Pedro Citaristi, CEO and Producer of Red Monk, said, “Launching production on The Saddle Club is a major milestone. This iconic property deserves a new life for today’s generation, and working with Frog Box, Superights and our European broadcasters allows us to raise the creative ambition. Our goal is a modern, cinematic series that stays true to the spirit of the books.”
Founded in 2005 by Olivier Dumont, Frog Box is a French animation production company dedicated to bringing together creative talent and animation studios across Europe to develop and produce international children’s TV series. The company has produced more than 300 half-hours of animated content, including multiple seasons of PJ Masks, co-produced with Hasbro Inc. and The Walt Disney Company, as well as Ricky Zoom.
Red Monk Studio, launched in 2017, is a production company and creative studio engaged in the production of animation and live action content. In 2021, the company became part of the Superprod Group and is currently involved in the production of international CG and 2D animated series, including Piripenguins, co-produced with Eaglet Film for BBC and Rai; Underdog, co-produced with Superprod Animation for Gulli/M6 and Rai; Lego Friends – The Next Chapter, produced by Passion Pictures Paris, for which Superprod and Red Monk handle the CG production; and Harrison and Me, produced by Superprod Animation for France Télévisions, for which Red Monk handles the 2D animation. Recent deliveries include Spirit Rangers Season 2, a Netflix original production, and Les Triplés, produced by Superprod Animation for France Télévisions. In live-action, the company produced Home Sweet Rome!, commissioned by HBO Max, Rai, WildBrain, BBC and ARD.
Delivery of The Saddle Club is scheduled for mid-2027.
Source: Frog Box
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
