Vintage comic strip hero Dick Tracy is being adapted as a new animated series by Film Roman, which signed a development deal with Classic Media. This announcement follows on the heels of former AOL Time Warner exec Robert Friedman's appointment as president of Classic Media (AF February 18, 2003). Friedman said his mandate was to take his company's comic characters into the television and film mediums. The new series will reflect the modernist cartoon style of the original UPA series, and will follow the adventures of the legendary detective as he encounters a new crop of law-breaking villains. "The timing is perfect to return Dick Tracy to television. He is the classic detective who originally defined the genre," said Bob Higgins, SVP of production & creative affairs at Classic Media. Higgins was head of production for animated series at Sony Pictures Family Entertainment before joining Classic Media in 2002. A broadcaster has not been attached yet. Film Roman is a leading animation production company in North Hollywood, California working on such primetime hits as THE SIMPSONS and KING OF THE HILL, as well as Saturday morning and syndicated kids animation. For Film Roman's latest work check out www.filmroman.com. Classic Media, formed 18 months ago, acquires and manages entertainment properties. Its portfolio includes the UPA, Harvey Entertainment and Golden Books Entertainment libraries. Some of its properties include Mr. Magoo, Richie Rich, Casper the Friendly Ghost, Underdog and Lamb Chop. Classic Media also has an animated LASSIE series in development at Studio B Productions in Vancouver.
