Copernicus Studios developing animated horror comedy with ‘SpongeBob’ writer

Mr. Lawrence (Source: Copernicus)

Canadian animation firm Copernicus Studios is in production on Death Castle, a six-minute pilot short film from Mr. Lawrence, the lead writer of SpongeBob SquarePants and co-creator of spin-offs The Patrick Star Show and Kamp Koral.

The short film will act as a pilot episode for a new adult animation series that is currently in development.

Billed as The Office meets Frankenstein, Death Castle is a satire of scary monster movies paired with a screwball relationship comedy for adult audiences.

Craig Kellman, whose credits include Penguins of Madagascar and Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs 2, is the art director and is co-producing the film with Paul Rigg, president of Copernicus Studios, and Matthew Huerto, head of production at Copernicus.

The studio has previously worked on animated series and feature films including Curious George, Solar Opposites and Teen Titans GO!.

Paul Rigg, president and co-founding partner of Copernicus Studios, said: “It’s been a blast to bring together some of the finest minds in the animation industry to create something completely out-of-the-ordinary.

“Bringing Mr. Lawrence’s vision to life with such a unique animation style will be an incredible proof-point to create an amazing animated series in future.”