Macmillan Publishers Boards MIMO Studios Animated Film “Pout-Pout Fish” by Like a Photon Creative (exclusive)

Production on MIMO Studios and animated adaptation of Like a Photon Creative by Pout-pout fish started production in Australia, with Macmillan Publishers embarking on the project, The Hollywood Reporter can advertise exclusively.

Based on the best-selling preschool picture book series by author Deborah Diesen and illustrator Dan Hanna, Pout Pout Fish: The Movie will feature an original adventure of The sulky fish – a titular character with a frowning face and a big heart – and various undersea friends as they navigate their undersea world. Called to New York Times bestsellers and top 10 children’s books by Time magazine, the Pout-Pout The franchise includes more than 40 titles and has sold over 10 million copies in print.

“At a time when demand for children’s and family content is at an all-time high, as evidenced by the overwhelming success of films like Super Mario Bros.we are so excited and honored to be able to partner with the incredibly talented Like a Photon Creative to bring the wonderful book series The sulky fish to life,” said Zarghami, founder and CEO of MIMO Studios. “With a string of wonderful adventures and incredible brand awareness, this is exactly the kind of project I envisioned when I started MIMO and it’s something that definitely could become a major franchise for us.”

Macmillan Publishers will serve as executive producer and financier on the project, which was originally acquired by Zarghami’s company in 2020. The book series, launched in 2008 and first published by MacMillan, was among the first announced plans for the Nickelodeon veteran’s full-service production and consulting company focused on children’s and family-friendly content.

“Macmillan is thrilled to be working with the brilliant teams at Like a Photon and MIMO Studios to bring our beloved picture book franchise to the screen,” said Jen Besser, president of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. “Over the past 15 years, The sulky fish has become a favorite of kids and parents alike, and this is the perfect next chapter.

Pout Pout Fish: The Movie was previously reported as part of a 3D animated television feature film deal, which also saw the acquisition of the serialized children’s podcast The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian. Original songs were to accompany Pout-Pout tales about the titular character of the story who faces various problems and challenges like water pollution and advocacy for others.

“Like a Photon Creative is incredibly excited to have the opportunity to bring the beloved world of Pout-Pout Fish history to life,” said Nadine Bates and Kristen Souvlis, co-founders of the Australian-based studio. “Not only is this film a uniquely fresh take on life under the sea, but the underlying concepts of self-acceptance and found family are very close to our hearts. We can’t wait to share this wonderful story with young audiences around the world.”

Other recently announced projects from MIMO studios include live-action projects Club Codean original property focusing on a relevant coding language and a film adaptation of the book series by Brittany Geragotelis The infamous Frankie Lorde.