Home / Arts and Entertainment / AI Animation Studio Toonstar Partners with HarperCollins
AI Animation Studio Toonstar Partners with HarperCollins
2 Apr
Summary
- Toonstar and HarperCollins will co-produce animated series.
- The first series will be based on Lisa Greenwald's 'Friendship List'.
- Toonstar uses AI technology for fast, high-quality animation production.

AI-powered animation studio Toonstar has announced a significant multiyear partnership with HarperCollins Publishers. This collaboration aims to co-produce a slate of original animated series derived from HarperCollins' extensive catalog of books.
This strategic alliance signifies HarperCollins's deliberate expansion into the realm of digital-first animation. The inaugural project under this new pact will be an animated series adaptation of Lisa Greenwald's successful 'Friendship List' book series, which focuses on themes relevant to young readers. Additionally, HarperAlley, HarperCollins's graphic novel imprint, will publish a graphic novel companion to the 'Friendship List' animated series.
Toonstar, co-founded by former Disney and Warner Bros. executives John Attanasio and Luisa Huang, highlighted its artist-centered approach and proprietary Ink & Pixel AI production technology. This technology allows for rapid, high-quality animation at scale, enabling them to meet contemporary audience consumption habits. The partnership underscores a shared vision to broaden access to impactful narratives.
HarperCollins expressed enthusiasm for Toonstar's capabilities in translating beloved stories into engaging animated formats. The publisher views Toonstar as an ideal partner to introduce their popular titles to new audiences across various platforms, catering to modern family entertainment preferences. Toonstar, based in Los Angeles, is represented by WME and Hansen Jacobson.