JOEL COHEN JOINS GENIUS BRANDS’ “SHAQ’S GARAGE” CREATIVE TEAM

Genius Brands International, Inc. announced today an all-star production team to drive the development and production of the all-new animated comedy, action-adventure series for kids, “Shaq’s Garage,” starring Shaquille O'Neal, led by Academy Award-nominated writer Joel Cohen. “At Genius Brands, we continue to believe that the only way to create mega-hits, and ultimately build enduring mega businesses, is by hiring the most talented writers and producers that Hollywood has to offer,” Andy Heyward, Chairman & CEO of Genius Brands, said. “In Joel Cohen, the Academy Award-nominated co-writer of Pixar’s Toy Story, we knew we had found our talent.”

Currently in pre-production, the 26 30-minute episodes of “Shaq’s Garage” will premiere on Kartoon Channel! in the U.S. in fall 2021, starring O’Neal and a fleet of cartoon vehicles. Cohen serves as head writer and executive producer for the series, working alongside Michael Maliani, who contributed as director and producer. “When we pair the heart and humor from Joel, along with the directing brilliance of Mike Maliani, we are confident that Shaq’s Garage is going to become a major hit as well as a major entertainment franchise,” Heyward said.

The series will be executive produced by O’Neal, Cohen, Genius Brands, PRP, and ABG Entertainment. “All of the great vehicles that were in Shaquille O’ Neal’s imagination, suddenly came to life as Joel told us who each one was, and precisely why we would care about them,” Heyward said. “‘Toy Story’ has become not only one of the single most successful movie franchises in history but also a multi-billion dollar toy and licensing business.”

“Shaq’s Garage” will depict the secret adventures of O’Neal’s extraordinary collection of animated cars, trucks, and automobiles, all of which have their own unique ability and skill. The show displays and teches childrens about regions from all over the world.“I always loved Shaq, both the man and the athlete—happy to be playing for his team,” Cohen said.