Playground Productions Announces New Backyard Sports Video Game, First of Many Exciting Projects
Playground Productions, a leading full-service production company focused on creating top-tier content for children and families, has announced a major milestone with the development of a new video game in the Backyard Sports franchise. This project marks the beginning of a new chapter for the brand, known for its fun, humor, inclusivity, and sense of community for audiences of all ages.
In partnership with Mega Cat Studios, Playground Productions is working on a next-generation video game that will offer a fresh take on the classic Backyard games. The new title will feature all the beloved original characters, as well as some new additions, while keeping the comedy, diversity, accessibility, and fun that made the original titles fan favorites. The game will also teach kids sports rules and strategies, with difficulty levels designed to challenge both newcomers and long-time fans.
This new game builds on the success of Playground Productions’ October re-launch of Backyard Baseball ’97, which became a global top-seller on Steam. Following this, Backyard Soccer ’98 will be available for purchase on Steam and via Steam Deck starting November 27. Other retro titles such as Backyard Football ’99, Backyard Basketball ’01, Backyard Baseball ’01, and Backyard Hockey ’02 are now available for wishlist on Steam. Fans who follow the Backyard Sports franchise page will receive notifications about official game drops.
Lindsay Barnett, Founder & CEO, and Chris Waters, Chief Product Officer, lead Playground Productions with a mission to create media that resonates across generations. By combining cutting-edge technology and character IP, Playground is crafting engaging, educational experiences that entertain, educate, and inspire.
Looking ahead, Playground Productions and Mega Cat Studios are working to make classic Backyard Sports titles accessible for mobile devices, aiming to reach an even wider audience. This new video game is just the start, as Playground is planning many more ways for Backyard fans to connect with their favorite characters.
To stay updated on upcoming projects and game releases, visit the Backyard Sports franchise page on Steam, as well as www.backyardsports.com and www.playground-productions.com.
Matt Busch’s Sci-Fi Epic Aladdin 3477: The Jinn of Wisdom Coming to VOD and Digital January 3, 2025
After a long career as a pop culture artist, Matt Busch is stepping behind the camera to debut his first film, Aladdin 3477: The Jinn of Wisdom. With over three decades of experience as an artist for iconic franchises like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Lord of the Rings, Busch reimagines the classic Arabian Nights tale in a futuristic, global setting.
On January 3, 2025, audiences across North America can rent or own Aladdin 3477: The Jinn of Wisdom on Cable VOD and Digital HD platforms, including Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home through Buffalo 8.
Produced by Busch’s Kaleidoscope Koi Entertainment, the film stars Erik Steele, Christi Perovski, Aaron Golematis, Lin Zy, Jon Rick, Tony Miello, Brian Dalling, Jerry Hayes, Irfan Sheikh, Robert Shannon, and Sydney Solomon. Don’t miss the chance to experience this exciting new chapter in sci-fi adventure!
Aladdin 3477: The Jinn of Wisdom comes to VOD and Digital on January 3rd
Smile 2 Now Available on Fandango at Home – Watch the Certified Fresh Sequel Today!
Starting today, the terrifying sequel Smile 2, Certified Fresh™ with an 86% Critics Score on Rotten Tomatoes®, is available for streaming on Fandango at Home, Fandango’s video-on-demand service. Fans can purchase the film for $24.99 or rent it for $19.99.
Additionally, Fandango at Home is offering an exclusive Smile 2-Movie Collection bundle, which includes both Smile (2022) and Smile 2 for only $29.99.
Don’t miss out on the chilling thrills—head over to Fandango at Home now to watch Smile 2 and face The Entity today!
Teddy’s Christmas comes to VOD on December 3rd
TEDDY’S CHRISTMAS arrives on VOD and digital platforms on December 3, 2024. Directed by Andrea Eckerbom, this heartwarming holiday film follows eight-year-old Mariann, who discovers the magic of Christmas in her small Norwegian town.
While visiting a Christmas market, Mariann spots an adorable stuffed teddy bear on the top shelf of a carnival game booth, only to witness the unbelievable: the bear moves its head and sneezes. Feeling an instant connection, she wishes for the bear to be hers. However, when another person wins Teddy, the bear, along with his new hedgehog friend Bolla, embarks on a journey to reunite with Mariann, learning the true meaning of family and friendship along the way.
TEDDY’S CHRISTMAS is a charming family comedy, filled with holiday cheer and touching moments.
Written by Lars Gudmestad and Harald Rosenløw-Eeg, and produced by Thea Benedikte Karlsen and Kevin Karlsen, the film stars Zachary Levi, Marte Klerck-Nilssen, and Jan Gunnar Røise.
With a runtime of 76 minutes, TEDDY’S CHRISTMAS is a festive tale that will surely capture the hearts of audiences young and old this holiday season. Distributed by MPI Media Group and Capelight Pictures, the film is set to bring a little extra Christmas magic to homes everywhere.
The Britto Doc makes its debut on December 5th
Muse Storytelling, in collaboration with renowned artist Romero Britto, has officially released the trailer for The Britto Doc, a highly anticipated documentary that will debut in Miami during Art Basel on Thursday, December 5th. Along with the trailer, the team has unveiled a special poster created by Britto, which will also be available as a canvas print.
The Britto Doc has been over two years in the making and delves into the extraordinary life and career of Romero Britto, who holds the title of the most licensed and collected artist in the world. The documentary traces his humble beginnings in the slums of Recife, Brazil, where he painted with his mother’s nail polish on scraps, to his rise as a global icon whose vibrant, colorful works are celebrated worldwide. Britto’s journey is a powerful story of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of art, all infused with his signature warmth, optimism, and love for life.
Narrated by Britto himself, The Britto Doc features a five-part art installation that gives viewers an intimate look into his life and career. The documentary includes special appearances by a star-studded cast, including world-renowned opera singer Andrea Bocelli, actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, chef Daniel Boulud, Grammy-winning artist DJ Khaled, fashion designer Domenico Dolce, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Marc Anthony, TV personality Martha Stewart, and Brazilian soccer legend Ronaldinho.
Directed by Patrick Moreau (known for The New Hustle and Our Journey Home), The Britto Doc is executive produced by Lucas L. C. Vidal, Arthur Morrical, Caitlin Miranda, and Ben Everard.