Yaya & Boo! Animated Series Part 4

Finding My Why

Before we get started, if you’re in France next week, I’m hosting a Grenobleevent! Please come say hi at Librairie Papeterie Arthaud. I’ll be there on Wednesday at 15h (3pm). I’d love to see you! Please bring your dog!

Ok hi! So I’ve been a little quiet here. Life stuff, you know how it goes. But also some good work stuff. I figured it was time to poke my head up and give you a bit of an update. Mostly about the animated series. And a few other things.

I want to take a minute to thank everyone who’s helped me along this journey so far. The animation industry is clearly packed with generosity. People who believe in what they do, people who want to see others succeed, people who want to share their knowledge. I won’t get started with naming everyone because it’d be too long, but you know who you are. Thank you.

Ok, let’s get into it: the show! I’ve been talking to a lot of people lately. Producers. Broadcasters. Animators. All generous with their time. They’ve all been saying the same thing: the animation world is in a slowdown. With no real sign of it picking up soon. But no one’s told me to quit either. Not that I was gonna. These voices have been so candid and honest and helpful. I’m very appreciative of industry people who want others to succeed. It’s reminded me that I can be that kind of person too, whenever I get the chance. Generosity is contagious.

I wouldn’t be doing this if it didn’t matter to me. And what keeps bubbling up is the simple fact that making something for kids is a bit of an opportunity and something of a responsibility. I don’t take that lightly. See, I’ve got these two dogs inside me (ha). The playful one who sees the absurdity and joy in everything (my inner Yaya), and the thoughtful, purpose driven dog that wants to make an impact (my inner Boo).

To make a show that’s fun to watch, it’s gotta be fun to make. The characters are already there: it’s Yaya and Boo! Two brothers in a big yellow van, rolling from coast to coast, running into all kinds of strange and wonderful adventures.

Somebody get these guys a TV SHOW! (I’m trying!)

But it needs a heartbeat too. That’s my inner Boo. That voice that wants to be useful. To make something that helps, even just a little. I know I’m leaning a bit heavy here, but that’s my inner Boo again. A little pensive all the time, below the playful surface. Here’s an excerpt from the pitch doc: “Each new episode welcomes a new game of hide-and-seek, and explores social emotional learning through colourful characters, grand adventures, and playful problem solving. They’ll learn how to work together, how to handle big feelings, and values that could benefit all viewers.”

So that’s where it’s at. A show that’s fun and silly and approachable. Something kids will love and parents won’t hate. But most of all, it’s gotta be fun. That’s the non-negotiable.

If you want to hear me talk about all this for way too long, check out the youtube update I made.

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A couple other quick things:

Grenoble Event

I’ve got an event in Grenoble on Wednesday June 11th at 15h. If you’re nearby, come say hi. I’d love to see you. Écureuil.

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Pre-order On the Go!

Pre-orders for my new book are still open! I’m putting together some little extras for folks who pre-order. More on that soon.

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YayaAndBoo.com!

I’ve been working on a new website for all things Yaya & Boo! The books, the show, and free downloads coming soon! Add a bookmark take a screenshot send to a friend print it out put it in your freezer so every time you grab ice cream you’re reminded of my new yayaandboo.com website.

Love you,

Andrew, Yaya, & Boo!