#United States #Hollywood #Halle Stanford #Jim Henson Company #7 Crow Stories

Halle Stanford's Dynamic New Chapter in Television Production

Halle Stanford, a celebrated Emmy Award-winning television producer, is embarking on an exhilarating new phase of her career. Known for her long-standing role as the President of Television at The Jim Henson Company, Stanford is re-establishing her own production company, 7 Crow Stories, making way for fresh and imaginative projects in the realm of children's entertainment. This shift is punctuated by a significant first-look deal with The Jim Henson Company, a partnership through which Stanford aims to bring a wealth of creativity to both young and family audiences.

For those unfamiliar, Stanford’s journey in the world of puppetry and children’s programming has been nothing short of remarkable. Throughout her three-decade tenure with The Jim Henson Company, she has successfully crafted over 500 hours of content that have reached more than 150 countries and amassed over 100 awards. Now, with her new venture, Stanford is poised to continue making waves in the industry.

Under the 7 Crow Stories banner, Stanford is set to develop a variety of projects that include both live-action and animated series. These productions will cater to preschoolers, families, and even primetime viewers. Some of the exciting titles already lined up include the much-anticipated primetime fantasy series Goblins, featuring actor Norman Reedus, and an animated series titled Lore Olympus based on the popular digital comic series from Webtoon. She's also working on a new series focusing on the beloved characters from Fraggle Rock.

At the forefront of her new projects is the live-action puppet series Jim Henson's Wowsabout!. Co-created alongside Dorien Davies, who has previously worked on Word Party and Julie’s Greenroom, this preschool-targeted show will follow two charming characters: Roxy, a guitar-playing hedgehog, and Ronald, a tree-loving pig. Together, they will embark on quirky adventures, discovering the wonders of the world around them—from the towering California Redwoods to art museums and even the Declaration of Independence.

The involvement of highly regarded professionals in the children's content arena adds gravitas to this series. John Tartaglia, already familiar to fans for his role in Fraggle Rock, will co-executive produce and lend his puppeteering skills to the characters. Moreover, the show collaborates with Dr. Dacher Keltner from UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, introducing a curriculum aimed at inspiring awe and curiosity in young viewers.

Speaking about her new chapter, Stanford expressed profound excitement: "I’ve had the incredible privilege to stand next to the Dark Crystal, party down in Fraggle Rock, and now, I’m beyond thrilled to create my dream show, Jim Henson's Wowsabout! My focus is on championing series that inspire awe, action, and imagination. I’m deeply grateful for this new chapter with The Jim Henson Company as we continue to innovate family programming."

The excitement extends within the Jim Henson Company. Lisa Henson, CEO, praised Stanford's contributions, highlighting her dedication to impactful storytelling that educates and entertains. “Over her decades of work … she has brought to bear the positive influence that television can have on generations of children,” Henson remarked.

The impact of Stanford's extensive experience and vision is expected to strengthen the Henson Company's offerings significantly. As Chris Lytton, COO and President of The Jim Henson Company, noted, “Having Halle Stanford … broadens our capabilities and strengthens our slate overall.”

With a commitment to creativity and collaboration, Halle Stanford is ready for this new chapter, ensuring that her imprint on children's television continues to inspire audiences far and wide. Stay tuned as she leads the charge in innovative family programming that promises to capture the hearts of viewers everywhere.