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by Theodore's Journey, LLC
Theodore’s Plate is the initial volume of the series, Theodore’s Journey. Set during the Christmas season, Theodore’s Plate introduces us to eight-year old Theodore, the precocious child of a peasant family that lives in the forest.
Welcome!
Theodore’s Journey is a series of children’s picture books, accompanied by extended animated episodes. The 30 Minute Animated Series follows the growth of a young boy as he learns valuable life lessons including generosity, patience, and tolerance.
Synopsis
Theodore’s Plate tells the story of Theodore, the youngest child of a poor peasant couple that live simply in the forest. The family’s most precious belonging is a set of plates hand-crafted for them by a local potter. One year, Theodore drops his plate, shattering it. Father mends the earthenware, and Theodore proudly uses his cracked plate at all holidays and special events.
On Christmas Eve, as the family prepares for their simple feast, there is a knock at the door. A Traveler is lost in the forest and Father invites him inside. Unknown to the family, the weary, cold Traveler is their ruler, King Edward, in disguise. The family offers their guest food and lodging for the night. The Traveler ‘s portion is served in a wooden bowl, as there are no more plates.
Theodore spontaneously exchanges his precious plate for the Traveler’s battered bowl. King Edward is deeply moved by Theodore’s generous act.
After dinner, everyone gathers around the Christmas tree. The family is very poor, so there will beno presents next morning. Their holiday tradition is to tell stories about their Christmas wishes. Each person describes their fantasy gift, then Theodore shares his dream: having a soaring falcon to train and love.
King Edward leaves early the next day, meeting King Robert to discuss peace between their realms. Upon sealing a treaty of friendship, King Edward returns to his castle. But he cannot forget the hospitality extended by the peasant household in the forest; particularly Theodore’s selfless act by exchanging his cherished plate for the Traveler’s worn bowl. Inspired by Theodore’s generosity, King Edward returns on Christmas afternoon, bearing presents for the entire family. King Edward brings a very special surprise for Theodore, a magnificent falcon!
The tale ends with the King pledging to dispatch his Master Falconer to teach the lad how to train and care for his avian best friend. That story is the subject of the next volume: “Theodore’s Falcon.”
Characters
Theodore
The Traveler / King Edward
Father and Mother
Falconer and Victor
Theodore with Brothers and Sisters
Meet Our Team
Stephen Wade Nebgen
Executive Producer/Author
Mr. Nebgen is the author of “Theodore’s Plate” and a producer with credits in film, television, theatre and music. Mr. Nebgen produced prominent Off-Broadway plays such as the 20th Anniversary Revival of "Fortune and Men's Eyes" and "Bert See's The Light" featuring Jack Black in his New York debut. Mr. Nebgen worked on Broadway productions including "Lettice & Lovage", starring Tony Award-winner Dame Maggie Smith, and Andrew Lloyd Webber productions of "Cats" and "Aspects of Love".
Mr. Nebgen is also an entertainment law attorney with 25 years of experience counseling clients in all aspects of the entertainment industry.
Matt Mazer
Executive Producer
Matt Mazer has been in the media and technology sector for over three decades, holding senior posts in marketing, systems integration, strategic alliances, and operations at a range of companies including: Walt Disney Pictures, De Laurentiis Entertainment Group, Goldcrest Films & Television, Sony Corporation of America and Nest Family Entertainment. As an executive, Mr. Mazer has worked on over 50 live-action, documentary and animated films. His independent family motion picture credits include the evergreen multi-film franchises ‘Swan Princess’ and ‘All Dogs Go to Heaven.’
Media brands advised by his extensive consulting practice include World Wrestling Entertainment, Dentsu, Sony Music Entertainment (Japan), USA Films, NASCAR, Loews Theaters, Michael Flatley’s ‘Feet of Flames’, Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey, Disney on Ice and ‘Clifford the Big Red Dog’, as well as organizations in the travel, hospitality, automotive, social services, toy, health care, and financial sectors.
Michael Cohen
Market Research
Why THEODORE’S PLATE Is Special
THEODORE’S PLATE provides several important differentiators from current animated TV fare:
- Set in the Renaissance, viewers of all ages will be immersed in the excitement and history of this period. The writers and producers have made a significant effort to make the background of the story accurate, informative and, most important, highly entertaining.
- With three original songs, as well as an original musical score, THEODORE’S PLATE offers an engaging, multi-sensory experience the entire family will enjoy.
- Based on the book by the same name, and the first installment in the THEODORE’S JOURNEY FRANCHISE, THEODORE’S PLATE has been developed to introduce viewers to the long-term animated TV series that follows Theodore on a wondrous journey through the world of falcons, knights, and kings. It’s a delightful story of exploration, discovery, and relationships.
- The timeless and heartwarming story of THEODORE’S PLATE will be a major new addition to the standard (and repetitive) holiday television programming.
- THEODORE’S PLATE offers important life lessons, woven into a dynamic, feel-good, and family-friendly story that audiences of every age will appreciate and enjoy.
- A strong, very well-received concept, story, and script for THEODORE’S PLATE, as evidenced by market research with our target audience.
- A full, multi-year story arc and production bible for the THEODORE’S JOURNEY television and book franchise. Currently, there will be the initial Animated Christmas Special, and a series of six books with attendant animated episodes are slated for publication and production, respectively, over the next 2 years.
- A full cast; production crew (above-the-line and below-the-line); marketing, publicity, legal, and distribution expertise; professional production studio; and editing facility.
- A professional musical score, including releasable “singles” that can be distributed for play on traditional, online, and satellite radio stations, as well as streaming platforms such as iTunes, Google Play Music, and Spotify.
$100,000
$25,000 Investment and Legal
$25,000 for Further Animation Development
$25,000 for Social Media and Marketing
$25,000 for Hiring Talent