Carl Reed Launches Composition Media Animation Studio
August 5, 2024
The global pandemic served as a catalyst for Carl Reed to set up Composition Media as it revealed “an unprecedented hunger for exceptional animated content,” he says. “Viewers were—and still are—absolutely voracious for fresh, engaging stories. This realization sparked the inception of Composition Media.”
Reed set out to build a solution that not only satisfies this craving but elevates the animated content landscape. “Our approach is twofold: First, we’re committed to crafting original, innovative stories from diverse and unique perspectives,” Reed says. “Second, we’re reimagining the production process itself, streamlining it to deliver captivating content more swiftly and meet the ever-growing audience demand.”
Composition Media is driven by a bold mission: “to push the boundaries of animation to entertain, enlighten and empower audiences everywhere,” explains Reed. “It’s more than just a statement; it’s the heartbeat of everything we do, inspiring us to continually raise the bar in the world of animation.”
The company’s current growth trajectory is fueled by an exciting lineup of innovative content that’s resonating with audiences. Black Sands, for one, is a comic book phenomenon that’s taken on a life of its own as a series. Fresh Beats, a collaboration with The Dr. Lisa Company, has made a splash with a simultaneous series launch and retail doll line release.
“The secret sauce to our success? We’re filling the gaps that have been unfilled in the industry for far too long,” Reed says. “We’ve tuned our ears to the ground, listening intently to what audiences have been clamoring for—content that’s been overlooked or left languishing on drawing boards, despite its potential for global appeal.”
The Composition Media approach is, above all, audience-centric. “Wherever possible, we’re throwing the doors to our development process open, inviting viewers to participate in creating content that fulfills unmet needs,” says Reed.
“Couple this with our ability to fast-track content from concept to screen, and you’ve got a recipe for the gains we’re seeing. We’re not just making content; we’re making content that matters, and we’re doing it at a pace that keeps up with audience appetite. That’s the bet we’re placing, and so far, we’re off to a great start.”
At MIPJunior and MIPCOM, Composition Media is showcasing a diverse portfolio. “Each of these projects brings something unique to the table, combining rich storytelling, cultural depth and stunning visuals that resonate with audiences worldwide,” Reed says.
The aforementioned Black Sands: The Animated Series is an anime-inspired series based on the popular comic. The show taps into Egyptian mythology, following a group of teenage demi-gods on an epic quest through ancient Kemet. “It’s a visual feast that blends action, adventure and cultural richness,” says Reed.
The preschool-targeted Lightning Buds is set in the vibrant seaside town of Lightning Cove and follows best friends Val and Mateo as they turn everyday moments into extraordinary adventures. “With its irresistible blend of island rhythms, heartfelt friendships and playful problem-solving, Lightning Buds creates a world so inviting, you can almost feel the sea breeze,” Reed says.
Scott and Spicy is another preschool gem, rooted in the Maori/Polynesian concept of Whakarongo Mai—the art of listening closely to others, the world around you and your heart. It chronicles the journey of 6-year-old warrior Scott and his unlikely best friend, a gentle giant axolotl named Spicy, as Scott works to complete his rites of passage.
Cody++ is a mind-bending adventure that turns reality on its head. When Cody discovers he can manipulate the world’s code, he unlocks a universe of possibilities—and dangers. Alongside his quick-witted friend Reese, Cody must master his newfound powers to prevent a digital warlord from reformatting the entire universe.
Little St. Nick, meanwhile, unwraps the origin story of Santa Claus “like never before,” Reed says. “The musical extravaganza follows young Nick on an epic journey that reveals the magic behind our most beloved holiday traditions. With toe-tapping tunes, heartwarming humor and a sleigh full of adventure, it’s not just a Christmas tale—it’s a year-round celebration of generosity, courage and the spirit of giving. Little St. Nick promises to be a new holiday classic that families will treasure for generations to come.”
Reed adds that Composition Media is revolutionizing kids’ content by tapping into unexplored perspectives and undiscovered creative talent. “This approach allows us to produce content that feels genuinely fresh and new in a market often saturated with familiar themes and styles,” he says. “We’re not just creating shows; we’re bringing truly original stories to life that resonate with today’s diverse, global audience.”
What sets the company apart, he says, is its ability to not only generate unique ideas but also bring them to market faster than ever before. “Our streamlined production pipeline is optimized at every step, from concept to screen. This means we can respond to market demands and emerging trends with unprecedented speed, giving buyers a competitive edge.”
He adds, “By speaking with us, content buyers gain access to a portfolio of diverse, innovative shows that can quickly fill gaps in their lineup and captivate young audiences. Our ability to blend fresh perspectives with rapid production makes us an ideal partner for those looking to stay ahead in the fast-paced world of children’s entertainment.”
In the year ahead, Composition Media will be laser-focused on several key areas. Reed explains: “We’ll continue bringing our current slate of shows to life. Simultaneously, we’re expanding our creative horizons. We’re looking for interesting co-production opportunities and also scouting fresh, diverse voices and IP with unexplored narratives that could become the next big hit in kids’ programming. By tapping into new cultural perspectives, we’re ensuring our content remains cutting-edge and relevant.”
The company’s production processes are also getting a turbo-boost, says Reed. “We’re fine-tuning every step of our pipeline to further enhance our ability to deliver high-quality content faster than ever, keeping us agile and responsive to audience demands and industry shifts.
“We’re also looking to explore new and emerging distribution platforms to amplify our global reach. This includes tapping into games as a broadcast platform, social media series releases and other unconventional approaches that may align with the evolving viewing habits of young audiences and offer access to new revenue sources.”
