Starz Set To License The Hub’s “Dan Vs.” at this Month’s MIP-TV
Dan objects to just about everything in the world around him. That’s what makes him Dan, and what makes Dan Vs. one of the hits on The Hub television network in the U.S. Undoubtedly he’d find something to complain about with today’s announcement that Starz Media’s international sales unit, Starz Worldwide Distribution, will be licensing foreign distribution rights to the already-renewed animated comedy. Dan Vs. will be presented for the first time to international broadcasters at MIP-TV, April 4-7 in Cannes, France (RSV-25).
Today’s announcement comes on the heels of the news that the show will be back for a second season of 18 episodes on The Hub — the TV destination for kids and their families that is a joint venture of Discovery Communications and Hasbro, Inc.. Dan Vs. is a co-production of Starz Media’s powerhouse animation studio Film Roman and The Hatchery. Executive producers on the second season remain Dan Angel (Goosebumps, The Hub’s R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour: The Series, Door to Door) and Jay Fukuto, head of studio at Film Roman, whose production credits include The Simpsons, Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!, King of the Hill and The Goode Family.
In this animated series, Dan thinks the whole world is against him. Maybe it is, and maybe it isn’t — not even his laid-back friend Chris is totally sure. Maybe Dan’s just imagining it all. But, like Chris, you can’t help going along for the ride when Dan dreams up his wild plots to get even with whomever or whatever he thinks is out to get him.
“International buyers have already enthusiastically greeted Dan Vs., drawn in by this universal character and the show’s winning, unconventional humor,” said Starz Worldwide Distribution EVP Gene George. “We’re very happy that the show performed so well for The Hub in the U.S., and anticipate even more international buyers.”
Dan Vs.boasts a voice cast including Curtis Armstrong, Dave Foley and Paget Brewster. First season guest voice performances included Meredith Baxter and Michael Gross — in their first pairing since they co-starred in Family Ties — and Henry Winkler.