Kids
Lincoln Butterfield inks publishing deal for animated concept RIP, M.D.
MUMBAI: Lincoln Butterfield Animation has signed a deal with Fantagraphics Books to publish a graphic novel series based on its newest animated television concept, RIP, M.D.
Veteran animation producer Mitch Schauer feels that RIP, M.D. is an edgy, teen-targeted property that takes a comical look at the real-life problems of monsters. Fantagraphics Books-a respected publisher of sequential art since 1976-plans to release the first volume of RIP, M.D. in 2010.
RIP, M.D. follows the adventures of Ripley Plimpt, an ordinary boy whose life turns upside-down when he discovers that monsters are not only real, but are also in need of his unique services. After he finds and repairs the broken wing of a tiny vampire bat, he is accepted into the monster world as friend, confidant and protector. To monsters around the world, Ripley simply becomes known as RIP, M.D. – Monster Doctor! “We‘re very pleased at the opportunity to pair RIP, M.D. with a Publisher that we clearly respect for what they have done with their own stable of comic book and graphic novel properties,” said Lincoln Butterfield partner and associate producer Joseph Walker. Lincoln Butterfield‘s growing catalogue of animation projects in development also includes the tween properties TAN (distributed by PorchLight Entertainment) and NIT: Neighborhood Investigation Team (debuted at MIPCOM in October), as well as mature titles like Venture Probe and When in Rome. Each of the company‘s properties offers the potential for multiplatform extensions, such as publishing, broadband, mobile and feature films.
Kids
Mukta Arts and Green Gold ink MOU to animate iconic film IPs
Kalicharan, Karz, Hero, Karma, Ram Lakhan to spawn animated shows plus features.
MUMBAI: When classic hindi movie meets animation, the result is a fresh reel of nostalgia with a cartoon twist. Mukta Arts Ltd. and Green Gold Animation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on animated shows and feature films drawn from Mukta Arts’ four-decade treasure trove of iconic IPs. The partnership taps Mukta’s SGM Animation Studio launched in 2025 as its dedicated animation and games arm and Green Gold’s proven track record in building scalable, homegrown franchises. Creative teams from both sides have already kicked off discussions, with the first project currently in development.
The slate will draw inspiration from landmark Mukta films including Kalicharan, Karz, Hero, Karma, Ram Lakhan, Khalnayak, Saudagar and Iqbal, plus character-led spin-offs from those universes. The aim is to reimagine these stories for today’s young, global audiences while preserving their emotional core.
Green Gold Animation (home of Chhota Bheem) founder and CEO Rajiv Chilaka said, “This partnership with SGM Studios allows us to apply our experience in building long-lasting animation IPs to a truly iconic film catalogue. Together, we aim to create animated worlds that are rooted in these legendary stories, yet designed to connect with today’s young, global audiences.”
Mukta Arts Ltd. filmmaker and founder Subhash Ghai added, “Mukta Arts has always believed in creating stories with lasting emotional value. Through animation, we are extending our IP into a new medium for the next generation.”
In an industry where timeless tales never go out of fashion, this collaboration promises to bring beloved characters back to life with a modern, animated glow proving that some stories are too good to stay in live-action. Stay tuned for the first animated frame to drop.
