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HarperCollins Publishers and AI-powered animation studio Toonstar have announced a multi-year partnership to co-produce original YouTube series based on HarperCollins titles.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
It marks the second announcement this week from the book publishing giant regarding a partnership with an AI-centered company. <\/p>\n
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<\/em> by Catherine Mann.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n For the Toonstar partnership, the first series planned is Friendship List<\/em>, 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\u2019s graphic novel imprint for kids and teens, based on the animation.<\/p>\n \u201cToonstar\u2019s 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<\/em> and other popular titles to new audiences in formats today\u2019s families love,\u201d said Liate Stehlik, CEO and publisher for U.S. Trade at HarpersCollins, in a statement.<\/p>\n HarperCollins said the process will be creator-led, but has not addressed<\/a> how authors will be involved or if they\u2019ll receive royalties, reports Publishers Weekly<\/em>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\nToonstar\u2019s partnership role<\/h2>\n