HarperCollins Publishers and AI-powered animation studio Toonstar have announced a multi-year partnership to co-produce original YouTube series based on HarperCollins titles.
It marks the second announcement this week from the book publishing giant regarding a partnership with an AI-centered company.
On Monday, HarperCollins division Harlequin said it entered a multi-year agreement to co-produce 40 animated micro-dramas with AI entertainment company Dashverse. Inspired by Harlequin Romance titles, the collaboration launches in April, beginning with an adaptation of A Fairy-Tail Ending by Catherine Mann.
The deals highlight how book publishers are turning to AI as a way to explore new modes of storytelling, but they are also generating backlash from those who are not thrilled about the effort.
Toonstar’s partnership role
For the Toonstar partnership, the first series planned is Friendship List, based on the young adult series of the same name written by author Lisa Greenwald. This series will be accompanied by a graphic novel from HarperAlley, HarperCollins’s graphic novel imprint for kids and teens, based on the animation.
“Toonstar’s proven ability to translate beloved stories into engaging animation, while keeping artists at the center of the process, makes them the ideal partner to bring Friendship List and other popular titles to new audiences in formats today’s families love,” said Liate Stehlik, CEO and publisher for U.S. Trade at HarpersCollins, in a statement.
HarperCollins said the process will be creator-led, but has not addressed how authors will be involved or if they’ll receive royalties, reports Publishers Weekly.
