St. Louis-based Lion Forge Entertainment (Hair Love) has inked a first-look agreement with Nickelodeon Animation.

The deal gives Nick a first look at Lion Forge’s kids IPs across a range of animated content, including series, feature films and shorts. 

The companies have identified three projects for “potential development” under the deal. The companies are eyeing Born Driven, which centers around the first Black NASCAR driver Wendell Scott. It’s based on the upcoming same-name book by Lion Forge’s VP of production Saxton Moore, slated for publication in November. The companies also selected original comedy adventure Iron Dragon, which Lion Forge is developing with Jay Kim, CEO and director at South Korean studio Mostapes. 

Also in the mix is an animated series adaptation of the 2022 picture book Marley and the Family Band, by Cedella Marley. The story follows a young girl who uses music to connect with her new community after her family moves from Jamaica to Delaware. LA’s Polygram Entertainment, the film division of Universal Music Group (UMG), is already on board as co-producer with Tuff Gong Collective, a joint venture between UMG and Marley.

This deal could also potentially open opportunities for Lion Forge to develop and produce content based on certain Nick and Paramount IPs. As well, Lion Forge will have the option to co-finance the projects it brings to Nickelodeon.  

The partnership also includes a commitment to spotlight diverse voices, both on-screen and behind the scenes. Representation has been a primary focus for Lion Forge—a Black-owned studio led by CEO David Steward II (pictured left). He oversaw this Nickelodeon deal with president and CCO Stephanie Sperber (pictured right), who was hired earlier this year. Sperber brought several shows to Nickelodeon in her previous role as president of Imagine Kids+Family, including The Tiny Chef Show, Bossy Bear and The Astronauts.