Tony Hawk, the renowned skateboard champion, is venturing into the world of animation with Skatebirds, an animated TV series developed in collaboration with Montreal’s Laughing Dragon Studios. Inspired by Hawk’s ‘Birdman’ nickname, the series is aimed at children aged 6-11 and seeks to celebrate the playful community of skateboarding while highlighting its adventurous nature.
Skatebirds will focus on a group of young skateboard enthusiasts who, interestingly, happen to be birds. These feathered friends come together to support their hometown and demonstrate that with unity, they can achieve anything they set their minds to. The show will emphasize themes of teamwork, friendship, and community, drawing inspiration from the elements that Hawk’s incredible feats helped cultivate within the skateboarding community.
Each episode of Skatebirds will run for 11 minutes, with plans to explore shorter-form content for platforms like TikTok and YouTube. This adaptation is a testament to Hawk’s versatility and creativity, having made significant contributions to the world of skateboarding over the years. From his groundbreaking ‘900’ trick to licensing his name for a popular video game franchise, Hawk has continually pushed boundaries and inspired others.
Expressing his excitement for this new venture, Hawk stated, “Skateboarding unites communities, gets kids active, and builds a sense of self-confidence while opening up limitless opportunities.” He believes that Skatebirds will resonate with a global audience, regardless of whether they are skateboarders themselves. This series promises to be entertaining and engaging for viewers of all ages.
Laughing Dragon Studios, a full-service 2D animation studio based in Montreal, has a track record of working on notable projects such as Apple TV+’s Central Park and Disney’s Disenchanted. In addition to Skatebirds, the studio is developing an array of innovative titles, including the madcap mythological series, Isaac & Friends. Laughing Dragon is also bringing to life an animated adaptation of Least I Could Do, a popular webcomic by the studio’s founder, Ryan Sohmer, and artist Lar deSouza.
Tony Hawk’s foray into animation with Skatebirds represents a unique blend of creativity, inspiration, and community. By combining his passion for skateboarding with the world of animation, Hawk continues to innovate and inspire, proving that his influence extends far beyond the realm of sports. Skatebirds is poised to captivate audiences worldwide with its heartwarming story of friendship, teamwork, and the boundless possibilities that arise when individuals come together.