Splash Entertainment
Splash Entertainment, LLC is an American animation studio founded in 1990 by producers Mike Young and Liz Young, specializing in the development, production, and global distribution of animated television series and feature films targeted at children and families.[1][2] The studio, originally established as Mike Young Productions, has built an extensive library comprising over 850 half-hours of episodic content and 22 feature films, with programming broadcast across more than 180 territories worldwide.[3][4] Key productions include the preschool series Chloe's Closet and Dive Olly Dive!, the tween-targeted The Twisted Whiskers Show, and the studio's first theatrical release, the 2016 computer-animated film Norm of the North, which achieved commercial success despite mixed critical reception.[5][6] In June 2022, Splash formed a joint venture with French animation company Cyber Group Studios to establish CyberSplash Entertainment, a Paris-based entity dedicated to co-producing original animated series and films for international audiences.[7] This partnership has expanded Splash's collaborative reach while maintaining its independent operations in Los Angeles, where it continues to employ hundreds of staff in animation and distribution roles as of late 2025.[8]History
Independent era (1990–2005)
Mike Young Productions was established in 1990 by animation producers Mike Young and Liz Young as an independent studio specializing in children's animated content.[9] The company quickly focused on developing and producing family-oriented series, with Bobby's World (1990–1998) serving as an early flagship project that helped establish its reputation in the animation industry.[10] Bill Schultz joined as a key partner in 2002, bringing executive experience from Film Roman to bolster development and production efforts.[11] During the mid-1990s, the studio expanded its portfolio with innovative co-productions that blended traditional and emerging animation techniques. Notable examples include The Hot Rod Dogs and Cool Car Cats (1995–1996), a high-energy series about anthropomorphic vehicles racing through adventurous worlds, co-produced with Dave Edwards Studio and Scottish Television.[12] This was followed by Star Hill Ponies (1998), a stop-motion series centered on magical equine characters in a Welsh-inspired setting, developed in collaboration with Bumper Films for S4C. The studio also ventured into CGI with Voltron: The Third Dimension (1998–2000), a revival of the classic mecha franchise featuring updated 3D visuals and storytelling, animated alongside Netter Digital Entertainment. In 1999, Angel Wings debuted as a direct-to-video Christian-themed series emphasizing moral lessons through angelic adventures, produced with Tyndale Entertainment and Sony Wonder.[13] The early 2000s marked operational growth, including the launch of an in-house distribution arm in 2002 under executive Regis Brown to manage international sales independently.[14] This initiative allowed greater control over global outreach for its growing library. On March 29, 2004, the studio created Taffy Entertainment as a subsidiary dedicated to rights management, worldwide distribution, and brand extension, named after partner Bill Schultz's favorite candy.[15] Taffy further expanded in August 2004 by adding a dedicated licensing unit to capitalize on merchandising opportunities for properties like the initial seasons of Clifford the Big Red Dog (2000–2003), a beloved educational series about a giant pet dog and his young owner, co-produced with Scholastic Productions for PBS Kids. These developments solidified Mike Young Productions' position as a self-sufficient player in children's animation before its acquisition by MoonScoop in 2005.MoonScoop acquisition and rebranding (2005–2013)
In October 2005, MoonScoop Group, a French animation company, acquired a 51% majority stake in Mike Young Productions (MYP) and its distribution subsidiary Taffy Entertainment, while founder Mike Young retained the remaining 49% ownership.[16] This partial acquisition aimed to leverage MYP's U.S.-based animation expertise with MoonScoop's European financing and co-production capabilities, enabling expanded international distribution and collaborative projects. Operational integration began immediately, with Taffy handling global sales for MoonScoop's portfolio, including enhanced marketing for MYP's ongoing titles.[16] Under this structure, the studio continued production on several established series while launching new ones, focusing on children's animation with themes of adventure, friendship, and fantasy. Key projects included the continuation of Butt-Ugly Martians (2001–2002), which wrapped post-acquisition distribution; an extended run of the animated Horrible Histories (2000–2001), adapting Terry Deary's books into educational sketches; He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (2002–2004), a reboot emphasizing sci-fi action; Code Lyoko (2003–2007), a cyberpunk adventure co-developed with French partners; Clifford's Puppy Days (2003–2006), a PBS preschool spin-off; Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks (2003–2007), an Irish folklore-inspired series; ToddWorld (2004–2008), promoting creativity and diversity; and the Bratz television series (2005–2008), targeting tween fashion and empowerment.[17] These efforts capitalized on the acquisition's resources, resulting in over 500 episodes across platforms like Cartoon Network, PBS Kids, and Nickelodeon. The studio also ventured into direct-to-video films, producing Bratz: Rock Angelz (2005) and Bratz: Genie Magic (2006) in partnership with MGA Entertainment, which introduced the doll line's characters in musical narratives blending pop culture and moral lessons.[18] These releases grossed millions in home video sales, strengthening brand synergies during the early integration phase. In March 2009, MoonScoop consolidated its U.S. operations by absorbing Taffy Entertainment into MYP, rebranding the combined entity as MoonScoop Entertainment, LLC, to streamline global branding and administration under a unified corporate identity.[19] This restructuring eliminated separate subsidiaries, centralizing production, distribution, and licensing in Woodland Hills, California, while maintaining Mike Young's leadership role.[20] The move supported ongoing series like Bratz and facilitated new co-productions, though it highlighted growing dependencies on the parent company's financial health. Challenges emerged as MoonScoop Group's European operations faced mounting debts from overexpansion and market shifts. In July 2013, the French parent entered judicial administration amid insolvency proceedings, freezing assets and disrupting international funding streams, though U.S. operations under MoonScoop Entertainment, LLC, continued independently without immediate shutdown.[21][22] This instability marked the end of the acquisition era, underscoring vulnerabilities in cross-border ownership structures for animation studios.Management buyout and independence (2013–2022)
In July 2013, MoonScoop's French parent company entered administration amid ongoing financial troubles, which served as the catalyst for efforts to separate and reclaim control of its U.S. operations.[21] In November 2013, Mike Young Productions filed a $5 million lawsuit against MoonScoop U.S. Holdings in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging breaches of contract, fiduciary duty, and intentional interference with Young's prior offers to repurchase the 51% stake in MoonScoop LLC, amid the parent's insolvency proceedings.[23] The administration process continued into early 2014, with the Paris Commercial Court approving the sale of MoonScoop's remaining assets to Ellipsanime on January 27, 2014, for approximately $820,000; this deal covered the French entity's library of over 1,000 hours of content but excluded the independent U.S. arm.[24] Shortly thereafter, on February 3, 2014, Mike and Liz Young finalized the management buyout, reacquiring full 100% ownership of MoonScoop LLC with backing from investor JokeBox Entertainment and new partner Nicolas Atlan as CEO; the entity was immediately rebranded as Splash Entertainment, restoring its independence and focus on children's animation production and distribution.[25] Regaining autonomy allowed Splash Entertainment to prioritize creative output without the constraints of the prior corporate structure, leading to a diverse slate of television series and films through 2022. Key continuing and new productions included the conclusion of ongoing series like Geronimo Stilton (2009–2017), Chloe's Closet (2010–2014), and Strawberry Shortcake's Berry Bitty Adventures (2010–2015), alongside fresh launches such as Lalaloopsy (2013–2015), Sabrina: Secrets of a Teenage Witch (2013–2014), Wild Grinders (2012–2015), Care Bears: Welcome to Care-a-Lot (2012), Care Bears & Cousins (2015–2016), Kulipari (2016–2024), We're Lalaloopsy (2017), and Woody Woodpecker (2018–2022). Earlier efforts like Hero: 108 (2010–2012), The DaVincibles (2011), and My Phone Genie (2012) also wrapped under the studio's renewed control, emphasizing preschool and action-adventure formats targeted at global broadcasters. Splash's expansion into feature films marked a significant milestone during this era, with the studio's first major theatrical venture, Norm of the North, released on January 15, 2016, by Lionsgate.[26] Directed by Trevor Wall and featuring voices by Rob Schneider and Heather Graham, the film followed a polar bear thwarting urban development in the Arctic but faced widespread critical backlash for its derivative storytelling, subpar animation, and lack of originality, earning a 6% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.[27][28] Despite the reception, it represented Splash's push into bigger-budget animation, grossing over $55 million worldwide and spawning sequels, while underscoring the studio's resilience in navigating independent production challenges.Cyber Group Studios partnership (2022–present)
On June 13, 2022, Splash Entertainment and Paris-based Cyber Group Studios announced the formation of CyberSplash Entertainment, a joint venture aimed at co-producing original animated series and feature films for children and families worldwide.[7] The Paris-headquartered entity combines Splash's North American animation expertise with Cyber Group's international distribution network to develop family-oriented content.[29] In February 2023, the partnership expanded when Cyber Group Studios secured exclusive worldwide distribution rights for Splash's television catalog, encompassing over 950 half-hours of animated programming.[30] This deal enhances global accessibility for Splash's existing library while supporting CyberSplash's production pipeline.[31] Post-2022, Splash has shifted focus toward collaborative projects under the CyberSplash banner, with no major new productions developed independently by Splash alone.[32] Joint efforts emphasize family-friendly animation, exemplified by the ongoing Kulipari series, which continued with new installments distributed by Splash through 2024.[33] As of November 2025, CyberSplash Entertainment remains active in global kids' animation production and distribution, with Splash retaining U.S.-based leadership under founder Mike Young.[8]Productions
Television series
Splash Entertainment has produced and co-produced a wide range of animated television series primarily aimed at children and families, spanning educational, adventure, and comedic genres. Many of these series were developed in partnership with publishers like Scholastic Productions and broadcasters such as PBS Kids and Cartoon Network, emphasizing themes of friendship, learning, and imagination. The studio's output during its independent era and subsequent partnerships contributed significantly to children's programming in the 1990s and 2000s. Under the 2022 CyberSplash Entertainment joint venture with Cyber Group Studios, the studio is developing new series such as the preschool show Family Rocks (announced 2022, in production as of 2025).[7] The following table enumerates key television series in chronological order, highlighting production years, notable episode counts, and brief overviews of their content and distribution.| Series | Years | Episodes | Description and Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bobby's World | 1990–1998 | 81 | A comedic animated series following the imaginative adventures of young Bobby Generic, narrated by Howie Mandel; distributed by Fox Kids and later Kabillion. Co-produced with Film Roman and Alevy Productions. |
| The Hot Rod Dogs and Cool Car Cats | 1995–1996 | 13 | An action-comedy series about anthropomorphic vehicles racing and solving mysteries; targeted at young boys, aired on Fox Kids. Co-produced with Air Programs International. |
| Star Hill Ponies | 1998 | 26 | Musical adventure series featuring magical ponies in a fantasy world; aimed at preschoolers, distributed internationally. Co-produced with Bumper Films.[34] |
| Voltron: The Third Dimension | 1998–2000 | 26 | CGI-animated revival of the classic mecha series, where pilots form the giant robot Voltron to battle evil; aired on Fox Kids. Co-produced with Bliss Pictures. |
| Angel Wings | 1999 | 13 | Short-lived series about a young angel learning life lessons; family-oriented, broadcast on YTV in Canada. Co-produced with Tyndale Entertainment and Sony Wonder.[13] |
| Clifford the Big Red Dog | 2000–2003 | 65 | Educational series based on the beloved books, focusing on a giant red dog and his friends promoting values like kindness; aired on PBS Kids. Co-produced with Scholastic Entertainment. |
| Horrible Histories | 2000–2002 | 26 | Animated children's series based on the Terry Deary books, featuring historical adventures with hosts Stitch and Mo; aired on CITV. Co-produced with Collingwood O'Hare Productions and Scholastic Productions.) |
| Butt-Ugly Martians | 2001–2002 | 26 | Sci-fi comedy about green aliens invading Earth via video games; targeted at kids, premiered on Nickelodeon. Co-produced with Mainframe Entertainment. |
| Funky Cops | 2002–2004 | 26 | Buddy-cop comedy with disco-era police officers fighting crime; aired on Fox Kids in Europe. Co-produced with MoonScoop Group. |
| He-Man and the Masters of the Universe | 2002–2004 | 39 | Reimagined animated action series set on Eternia, battling Skeletor; broadcast on Cartoon Network. Co-produced with Aspect Ratio and Mattel. |
| Code Lyoko | 2003–2007 | 97 | Hybrid 2D/CGI sci-fi adventure about kids fighting a virtual AI; aired on Cartoon Network and France 3. Co-produced with Antefilms and MoonScoop. |
| Clifford's Puppy Days | 2003–2006 | 65 | Prequel spin-off focusing on Clifford as a puppy learning social skills; educational for toddlers on PBS Kids. Co-produced with Scholastic Entertainment. |
| Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks | 2003–2007 | 60 | Irish farmyard tales framed as flashbacks, teaching life lessons; aired on PBS Kids. Co-produced with Brown Bag Films. |
| ToddWorld | 2004–2008 | 52 | Imaginative series about a boy and his shape-shifting dog exploring creativity; preschool-targeted on PBS Kids Sprout. Co-produced with Decode Entertainment. |
| Pet Alien | 2004–2007 | 52 | Comedy about a boy and his quirky alien pets causing chaos; aired on Cartoon Network. Co-produced with MoonScoop Group. |
| Bratz | 2005–2008 | 40 | Fashion-focused adventures of four teen girls solving mysteries; targeted at girls, broadcast on 4Kids TV. Co-produced with MGA Entertainment and MoonScoop. |
| Mix Master | 2005–2006 | 52 | Magical creature battles in a fusion world; anime-style for kids on Toon Disney. Co-produced with Studio OX and MoonScoop. |
| Growing Up Creepie | 2006–2008 | 52 | Horror-comedy about a girl raised by insects; aired on Discovery Kids. Co-produced with MoonScoop Group. |
| Dive Olly Dive! | 2006–2010 | 104 | Underwater adventures of a young submarine exploring the ocean; preschool series on PBS Kids Sprout. Co-produced with Yoram Gross-EM.TV. |
| Fantastic Four: World's Greatest Heroes | 2006–2007 | 26 | Superhero team fighting villains in action-packed stories; aired on Cartoon Network. Co-produced with MoonScoop Group and Marvel. |
| I Got a Rocket! | 2006–2007 | 52 | Sci-fi comedy with a boy and his sentient rocket ship; broadcast on Nickelodeon Australia. Co-produced with Atomic Cartoons. |
| Cosmic Quantum Ray | 2007–2008 | 13 | Galactic hero saving planets from evil; short series on Cartoon Network. Produced with MoonScoop Group. |
| Bunny Maloney | 2009 | 52 | Wacky platforming adventures of a rabbit hero; aired on Canal+ in France. Co-produced with MoonScoop Group. |
| Geronimo Stilton | 2009–2017 | 26 | Book-based adventures of a mouse journalist solving mysteries; family-oriented on Rai Due. Co-produced with MoonScoop Group and Atlantyca. |
| The Twisted Whiskers Show | 2009–2010 | 26 | Anthropomorphic animal sketches with humor; web series later on Kabillion. Produced with Splash Entertainment. |
| Chloe's Closet | 2010–2014 | 100 | Dress-up fantasy adventures for toddlers; aired on Sprout. Co-produced with MoonScoop Group. |
| Hero: 108 | 2010–2012 | 104 | Epic battles to free hidden animals in a mythical world; action for kids on Cartoon Network. Co-produced with MoonScoop Group. |
| Tara Duncan | 2010–2011 | 26 | Magical school adventures based on novels; fantasy for tweens on France 3. Co-produced with MoonScoop Group. |
| Strawberry Shortcake's Berry Bitty Adventures | 2010–2015 | 104 | Berry-themed friendship stories for girls; aired on Kabillion and Cookie Jar. Co-produced with American Greetings. |
| Gasp! | 2010–2011 | 52 | Educational series about a boy allergic to everything; preschool on PBS Kids. Co-produced with Cookie Jar Entertainment. |
| Zevo-3 | 2010–2011 | 26 | Superpowered teens fighting evil; action on Nicktoons. Co-produced with MoonScoop Group. |
| Super Sportlets | 2010–2011 | 26 | Sports-themed superhero kids; short series on online platforms. Produced internally. |
| The DaVincibles | 2011 | 52 | Time-traveling siblings protecting inventions; educational adventure on Cartoon Network. Co-produced with MoonScoop Group. |
| My Phone Genie | 2012 | 52 | Interactive stories via phone app tie-in; kids' fantasy on YouTube. Co-produced with MoonScoop Group. |
| Wild Grinders | 2012–2015 | 130 | Skateboarding adventures inspired by pro skater Rob Dyrdek; aired on Nicktoons. Co-produced with Wild Grinders Inc. |
| Care Bears: Welcome to Care-a-Lot | 2012 | 26 | Reboot with cuddly bears spreading care; preschool on The Hub. Co-produced with Hasbro Studios. |
| Code Lyoko: Evolution | 2013 | 26 | Live-action/CGI hybrid sequel fighting XANA; aired on Cartoon Network. Co-produced with MoonScoop Group (pre-buyout). |
| Lalaloopsy | 2013–2015 | 52 | Doll-based stories of friendship and imagination; targeted at girls on Netflix. Co-produced with MoonScoop Group. |
| Sabrina: Secrets of a Teenage Witch | 2013–2014 | 26 | CGI series blending magic and teen life; aired on Hub Network. Co-produced with Archie Comics and MoonScoop. |
| Care Bears & Cousins | 2015–2016 | 12 | Spin-off mini-series expanding the Care Bears universe; streaming on Netflix. Co-produced with Hasbro Studios. |
| Kulipari | 2016–2018 | 26 (across seasons) | Amphibian warriors battling scorpions in an Australian-inspired world; multi-season on Netflix. Co-produced with Ludo Studio.[35] |
| We're Lalaloopsy | 2017 | 22 | Mini-episodes of doll adventures; short-form for young children on YouTube. Produced internally post-buyout. |
| Woody Woodpecker | 2018–present (as of 2025) | 208 | Reboot of the classic prankster woodpecker in short comedic episodes; distributed on Kabillion and streaming. Co-produced with Universal.[36] |