Visional Pop Partners with FriendsWithYou to Develop ‘Happy World’Franchise for YouTube and Retail
Visional Pop, a new entertainment company focused on
developing animated intellectual property with digital creators, today announced a landmark
partnership with the acclaimed artist duo Samuel Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III of
FriendsWithYou to expand their celebrated ‘Happy World’ franchise. The collaboration will see
the development of the whimsical and positive world into an animated property for YouTube and
a multi-category consumer products line for ecommerce and retail.
This announcement comes on the heels of Visional Pop’s recent launch and its strategic
acquisition of YoBoHo, a global kids’ media company. Visional Pop will leverage YoBoHo’s
extensive distribution network, which boasts over 150 owned and operated YouTube channels,
to cultivate a global audience for the ‘Happy World’ characters and their message of positivity.
FriendsWithYou has long been dedicated to creating modern modes of spirituality with the
mission of having a positive impact on the world. Their work, which spans immersive
installations, sculptures, and animation, aims to connect people and spread a message of world
love and unification.
“FriendsWithYou’s ‘Happy World’ is a perfect embodiment of the creator-led, uplifting content we
are passionate about at Visional Pop,” said Benjamin Grubbs, director at Visional Pop. “Samuel
and Arturo have a proven ability to create characters and stories that resonate deeply with
audiences. We are thrilled to partner with them to bring ‘Happy World’ to a global community on
YouTube and build a meaningful consumer products business that allows fans to bring the joy of
the franchise into their everyday lives.”
The ‘Happy World’ franchise is a vibrant and cheerful universe designed to inspire love, a
connection to ourselves and each other, and to our living planet and all the creatures in it. The
upcoming animated property will follow the adventures of its delightful characters, bringing their
heartwarming narratives to life through a relaxing and joyful soundscape and through visually
rich storytelling. In tandem with the animated property, Visional Pop and FriendsWithYou will
develop a range of consumer products that capture the essence of the ‘Happy World’ brand.
“Our mission has always been to use our art as a tool to spread happiness and connection,”
said Samuel Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III of FriendsWithYou. “This partnership with Visional
Pop is an incredible opportunity to amplify the message of ‘Happy World’ and reach a broader
audience than ever before. The Visional Pop team share our vision for creating positive content
that can make a real difference, and we are excited to embark on this journey to bring ‘Happy
World’ to life in new and exciting ways, from animation to products that families can enjoy
together.”
FriendsWithYou has a distinguished history of impactful and celebrated projects. Their artwork
has been exhibited in museums and public venues worldwide, and they were the featured artists
in the 2018 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. In 2022, the City of Miami Beach acquired their
50-foot-tall monumental steel sculpture, “Starchild,” as a permanent artwork, installed at the
corner 41st Street and Pine Street Drive. The duo are also the creators of the hit animated
series “True and the Rainbow Kingdom” on Netflix and released a monograph of their work, We
Are FriendsWithYou, published by Rizzoli in 2014.
