Cartoon Network Studios, Academy Award-winning filmmaker Matthew A. Cherry (Hair Love) and award-winning director, animator, and writer Chaz Bottoms (Dear John: Legendary Love Letters) have begun development on Battu, a coming-of-age musical comedy series about a young group of misfit dreamers who move to their own beat.

From the French ballet term meaning beat, Battu follows teenagers Otis and Jada – two gifted dancers in Chicago whose free-spirit and individuality often leave them as outsiders in the rigid world of mainstream dance. Together they find a home at a struggling hiplet (a style of dance combining hip-hop and ballet) studio and a family among the studio’s troupe of dancers and instructors.

Embracing the vibrant Chicago music scene, the soundtrack of the series will feature original music and punctuate the stories of our characters which will explore themes such as courage, self-empowerment, inclusiveness, perseverance, and the power of friendship. The project is based on Bottoms’ animated short film Battu: An Animated Musical that is currently in production.

Sam Register, President, Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Studios said: “Battu is unlike anything we have ever tried at the studio. This ambitious project brings together and celebrates two of our greatest storytelling mediums—animation and music. Matthew and Chaz are our perfect dance partners as we strive to tell authentic stories that both empower and entertain.”

Matthew A. Cherry said: “Chaz is one of the most exciting young voices in animation and we are thrilled to be working with Sam Register, Nicole Rivera and the rest of the Cartoon Network Studios team to develop Battu.”

Chaz Bottoms said: “I grew up on a healthy diet of Cartoon Network shows and to be working with them on Battu is a dream come true! This project is my love letter to the city of Chicago, animation, and musicals.”

Battu will be produced by Cartoon Network Studios. Sam Register, Matthew A. Cherry, Chaz Bottoms and Monica A. Young (Hair Love) serve as executive producers.