We have completed our sizzle reel and created posters using the actual characters from each episode. Collaborator Studios, with Jacob and Arnold Pander (The Pander Brothers), did an absolute, amazing job with the reel along with Temple Gate Film’s composer, Rick Balentine, who created the powerful and emotional music score. To view the sizzle reel, please click the YouTube video on the sidebar of this website!
See a short synopsis for each episode below.
The Moon Drake production team believes so deeply in this wonderful anime production. The purposeful and vibrant energy it embodies, gathers us together across the world. It loves us, holds us, teaches us, encourages us to give of ourselves, helps us remember our normal goodness and reminds us that we are the light!
Yes, we are the light of the world, and we are reverently and wonderfully made! That is why we are here in this time! We are important and we can be brave!
Children will love these powerful and adventurous stories. They will learn that THEY are the hope for change. They will learn that THEY can make a difference right now!
We are LOVE. We are ONE. Nothing else is relevant.
Our FINAL CONTINENT POSTER, with episodes from Seasons 1 & 2, presents stories from the N. American Continent. We focus on the rich heritage, spirituality and respect for the earth by Native Americans and First Nation Peoples. I was humbled and blessed to write both of these stories that depict the Indigenous people of the continent where I live.
Episode 1.1, Way & Two Wolves, is from the Cherokee Nation. Waya is learning to be a warrior of his people, but he is troubled, rebellious and arrogant. He follows the wrong friends in his life and does not think of the consequences. But then, Waya is faced with a life-changing decision to protect his twin sister and an endangered white wolf pup – or go with his friend. In the end, his grandfather’s spirit comes to him with a message… it is time for him to make a choice.
Episode 2.1, Namid & Star Dancing, the Metis Nation. Ami is tragically left an orphan and must live in an unfamiliar place with strangers, her Metis family in Canada. But her journey through darkness turns into a brilliant light when she meets her Indigenous great-grandmother. The elder teaches her about her People and assures Ami she is stronger than she thinks, for everything on her path has meaning no matter how joyful or how hard it is.
I hope you have enjoyed this journey through the Moon Drake Continents for Season 1 & 2! We believe the stories are exquisite and powerful because they come from a heartfelt mission – indeed, the people involved in this project believe the world is destined to be a better place if we do our part.
WE LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK!
Jane
Our fifth poster, with episodes from Seasons 1 & 2, presents stories from the African Continent. It was my great joy to research and explore this continent with Martin Nuza, an incredible and experienced storyteller. We found this part of the world diverse and captivating, filled with intriguing wildlife, exquisite landscapes, spiritual energy, ancient history and unique cultures.
Episode 1.2, Lesadi & Her Star, is set in Kenya. There’s a reason this is the first Moon Drake episode… I wrote it in honor of my Kenyan daughter, Rose Atwenga, as I wanted to share her beautiful heritage! Our story unfolds with Lesadi, a Kenyan girl whose father has died. Her cruel uncle forces her to help him illegally poach lions and cheetah cubs. Through this adventure Lesadi is faced with a dangerous choice but discovers an unexpected hero.
Episode 2.2, Ali & His Dream, by Martin Nuza, takes place in Cairo, Egypt. Ali and his father are tour guides to the ancient pyramids. One night, the boy has a dream that takes him to another time and place and fills him with great joy. But when he awakens, something is missing from his life and his spirit, and he must do everything he can to find it.
All of our Moon Drake stories embrace human conflicts, the human spirit, and/or specific challenges impacting the earth. They show a diverse and glorious world, painting a picture of truth and love that gathers us all together as One. This is our quest.
IN THE GLOW OF THE MOON!
Jane
Our fourth poster, with episodes from Seasons 1 & 2, presents stories from the Australian Continent. It was such a blessing to focus on this continent with seasoned screenwriter and author, Martin Nuza. Each of these children’s stories depict dynamic characters and harrowing adventures through the intriguing cultures of Tasmania and New Zealand.
Episode 2.6, Koen & the Wandjina, by Martin Nuza, takes us on a spiritual journey into an ancient wilderness in Tasmania. It is a mystical adventure filled with Indigenous rituals and traditions. And in the end, when faced with great tragedy, our Earth Hero, Koen, must make a life-changing decision by rising to a place he’s never been before.
Episode 1.5, Ihaka’s Rainbow of the Sea. In this New Zealand episode, I address a debilitating, human conflict caused by an accident, which threatens Ihaka’s dream of one day helping the blue whale. But our discouraged character is ultimately lifted-up by his friends, and he reaches to a higher place. A place that changes everything and everyone.
We believe exploring the earth through the Moon Drake Series will open up a whole new world of understanding, compassion for diversity and acceptance of differences which is the key to true love and joy.
Please join us in this quest as we cannot achieve it without you.
MOON DRAKE WORLD!
Jane
Our third poster, with episodes from Seasons 1 & 2, presents stories from the European Continent from Bulgaria and Ireland.
Episode 2.3, Zhivka & Mitko, by the amazing Martin Nuza, tells the story of a young Bulgarian girl and her sidekick, Mitko the duck, as they stand up to a corruptive businessman who only cares about money… and causing soil and water contamination on their land. This is Zhivka’s quest, as an Earth Hero, to make things right.
Episode 1.3, by Irishman Mark Rickerby, Eamon & the Last Forest. This episode addresses deforestation and follows Eamon’s mission, to save the forest, to save friendships, and to save the elders in his life from losing something great… memories and love. Mark creatively weaves into the tale mystical beings from Irish folklore to make this story magnificent!
Every day we get a little closer to our quest – to share Moon Drake with the world! We believe these stories, shared simply and with dynamic characters, will help children see how important it is to love our earth and to love each other. Even children can make a huge difference when they realize their purpose.
We will continue our continent posters through the weekend! Happy 4th of July!
We are FLYING TO THE MOON!
Jane
Our second poster, with episodes from Seasons 1 & 2, presents stories from the South American Continent. As a writer, I was humbled to partner with Martin Nuza as we wrote the dynamic stories for South America.
Episode 1.4, Andrea & the Carpayo Campaign from Peru, by Martin Nuza, focuses on ocean pollution. This is a transformative story about an Earth Hero, Andrea, who sees an environmental challenge in her town, and she rises up to meet it head-on. She has a plan to change the world and help heal the Earth.
Episode 2.4, Rakesh & the Rain Dancer from Suriname, addresses the use of illegal gillnets. It was a wonderful experience writing this story and consulting with our amazing sister, Monique Wijngaarde, who has a direct connection to Suriname. Rakesh has a dream to be a skin diver, but he has no idea where his inexperience will take him or how he will answer the call to free the dolphins.
What a magnificent journey we walk with a dynamic animation and production team! Moon Drake is blessed to have some of the best people in the industry to support its clearly defined mission – to help the world become a better place.
Keep watching, there’s more to come!
WE ARE OVER THE MOON!
Jane
Over the next 6 blogs we are going to share the continent posters for Moon Drake episodes from Seasons 1 & 2. Our first poster is for the Asian Continent. Both of these beautiful stories were written by my friend and extraordinary writing partner, Martin Manuel Nuza
Martin was a writing marvel as he shared his wisdom and creativity in these two fantastic tales. Episode 1.6, Chinua & Bayarmaa, is about illegal golden eagle hunting in Mongolia. Chinua is a huntress, and she is a powerful female lead character with determination!
Episode 2.5, Arundhati’s Voice, is equally powerful as Arundhati stands up for her dreams no matter what. Her strength causes some in her family to be upset, but in the end, everyone rises to a different place and embraces this young girl’s heart. This was a difficult story to tell, but Martin presents it in the gentlest, most compassionate way.
More to come!
WE ARE REACHING FOR THE MOON!
Moon Drake Anime Series brings the power of diversity into the spotlight. It presents real experiences and lessons that will impact lives and stir hearts toward goodness and light. Like these four stories that show us how Indigenous cultural wisdom empowers the environmental, human and spiritual challenges we all face.
Eamon & the Last Forest – European Continent, Ireland – addressing deforestation and human conflicts.
Waya & Two Wolves – N. American Continent, Cherokee Nation – addressing spiritual conflicts and endangered wildlife.
Arundhati’s Voice – Asian Continent, India – addressing human rights conflicts.
Koen & the Wandjina – Australian Continent, Tasmania – addressing spiritual conflicts and growth.
Children will love and embrace the characters, the animals and the simple answers through discovery and self-interaction in the storylines. We are so grateful for all who are helping to bring this beautiful production to the children of the world.
#pazatree #brokenhandproductions #martinnuza #templegatefilms #gswf
By Jane L. Fitzpatrick – Yesterday we crossed a HUGE milestone for the Moon Drake Series. And, we are OVER THE MOON to be able to share with you that we have written twelve scripts, completing all the episodes for Season One of this production!
This is quite an accomplishment to have finished these twelve powerful stories within a six-month time period. It is also amazing that we stayed on our timeline and brought forth extremely thought-provoking, diverse and meaningful stories for children. Yes, they will be entertained, but mostly they will learn how we are all connected to the earth and each other.
So today we share Season 1, Episode 5, “Ihaka’s Rainbow of the Sea” – which takes place in Moeraki, New Zealand. It focuses on a 12-year-old Maori boy, Ihaka, who loses his hand in a tragic bicycle accident. He also loses Hope and the Will to continue on toward his dreams of helping to save the blue whales. But his physical therapist and resourceful friends have other plans, determined to make sure Ihaka finds meaning again. What unfolds is an experience none of them ever expected and a realization that changes, not just Ihaka’s life, but all of their lives.
The next phase for Moon Drake is our dynamite sizzle reel that shows the essence of this international production so that we can present the project to investors. In our heart of hearts, we believe this series is going to reach kids everywhere, all around the world. Please take a look at this project, share the website with your friends who may want to learn more. We thank you for your inspiration, vision and support, and especially for your belief in the dynamic potential of this anime series, Moon Drake!
We are REACHING FOR THE MOON!
Children's Anime Series 