The Grimps, the new animated children’s program, was created by cartoonist and Queens resident Richard Sirgiovanni.Cartoonist/Creator and Queens residents Richard Sirgiovanni announced the launch and partnership search of what he considers to be the next big thing in the music business and children’s television. Also a musician, Sirgiovanni decided to create something original by combining his two passions Rock ‘n’ Roll and cartooning, created The Grimps.
By night they’re four cool, charming, irrepressible musicians on the verge of stardom. By day, they’re hairy, scary and tiny. A bit gruesome and a bit impish. They lived 500 years ago, cursed by the evil Spectar because he was jealous of their music and celebrity. So he cursed and turned them into ugly little grimps, to be banished from society for eternity. Half a millennium later their friend and wizard, Magic Alex, found a temporary spell to change them back to humans, but from only sunset to sunrise.
Sirgiovanni says the target audience is kids seven to 12 years old, but believes the interest will be broader extending to the parents and grandparents. The Grimps in some way is his tribute to his heroes in music and had fun by writing subtle references to the history of rock ‘n’ roll in the stories and names given for the characters.
To go a step further, Sirgiovanni hopes to have many musical pop icons and contemporary celebrities as voiceovers of the characters for the show. Some that have already shown interest are: Peter Noone, Keith Emerson, Mickey Dolenz, Todd Rundgren, Eric Burdon and others are being contacted.
Sirgiovanni is hoping to sign a deal very soon for The Grimps as an animated TV series and major motion picture. In addition to the show, he intends on producing original rock ‘n’ roll music to be presented to the public as The Grimps.
Working with Sirgiovanni on the music is Ron Alexenburg, former President of Epic and CBS Records. Alexenburg is iconic in the music business over the past 40 years. He’s responsible for launching acts including, Michael Jackson, Meatloaf, Boston, The Black Eyed Peas and many others.
The Grimps theme song called “We’re The Grimps”, was written and recorded by Ron Dante and Freddie Cannon. Dante is best known as the voice of the bestselling single in 1969, “Sugar Sugar” by The Archies. Cannon for “Palisades Park”. Musical production is being handled by Grammy award winning producer John Boylan. Boylan has produced Boston, The Eagles, Charlie Daniels, Linda Ronstadt as well as working on the The Simpsons and The Muppets.
“Children’s television has had a void in recent years with a popular show”, says Sirgiovanni. They never know when the next big thing will grab the kids… I think The Grimps will be it.