Top challenges we overcame
We researched global talk-show structures and distilled them into a clear set of segments tailored to animation and Funko’s brand style.
CHALLENGE ONE
Building a talk-show format from scratch
CHALLENGE TWO
Creating a repeatable, scalable episode structure
We developed formats, segment lists, and beat sheets that gave every episode consistency while keeping space for character-specific jokes.
We shaped a structure that worked within the five-minute runtime, ensuring each episode had pace, rhythm, and comedic punch.
CHALLENGE THREE
Balancing comedy with the limitations of animation timing
We built beat sheets that prioritised pace and made every moment count.
CHALLENGE FOUR
Keeping episodes under five minutes without losing narrative impact
CHALLENGE FIVE
Translating segment concepts into tight, comedic scripts
We wrote concise scripts filled with witty dialogue, visual jokes, and strong character interplay.
We created a clear writing framework that Funko could reuse beyond the initial two-episode run.
CHALLENGE SIX
Maintaining consistency across multiple episodes and future scalability
Background
For a new animated web series, Funko wanted to bring their mascot, Freddy Funko, into a talk-show format, complete with celebrity guests in Funko Pop form, fast-paced skits, character-driven humour and authentic nods to beloved franchises.
They needed a writer who could shape the entire concept from scratch and deliver scripts that balanced comedy, structure, and strict IP accuracy.
Show format development
Funko knew they wanted a talk show starring Freddy Funko, but the format itself still needed to be invented. We began with deep research into talk shows across the US, the UK, and Europe, breaking down the recurring patterns: the cold open, the guest reveal, the comedic skit, the short interview, the game segment, and the closing gag. This helped us build a longlist of possible segments that could translate well into animation.
From there, we explored creative concepts tailored to Funko’s style. One of the standout ideas was a recurring game inspired by Top Gear’s Star in a Reasonably Priced Car, reimagined as Funko Pops racing to escape their boxes. We also proposed a “Pop Culture News” desk to keep each episode timely and fun.
Working closely with Funko, we refined these options into a final show blueprint: a tight, repeatable structure mixing interviews, skits, and character-led set pieces. This gave the studio a clear foundation for current and future episodes — consistent, scalable, and built for audience engagement.
IP research & Keeping characters authentic
With Batman & Robin and Freddy Kreuger selected as the first guests, we needed to ensure every line of dialogue respected the tone, rules, and personality of those franchises. This meant digging into character histories, speech cadences, and specific restrictions set by rights holders.
We reviewed character biographies, studio guidelines, and source material across films, animated series, interviews, and classic scenes. From this, we built character profiles for each guest, outlining what they would say, what they wouldn’t, and where the comedic boundaries sat.
This research directly shaped the humour and interactions. Batman’s seriousness became a running gag against Freddy’s enthusiastic hosting style. Freddy Kreuger’s darker undertones were adapted to fit Funko’s family-friendly tone without losing his iconic edge. Every joke and visual gag was carefully designed to pass approvals while staying entertaining.
The result was a format that felt playful but still authentic — staying true to beloved characters while working comfortably within Funko’s animated universe.
Beat sheet development
Once the structure and characters were finalised, we moved into beat sheets — detailed outlines mapping every moment of each episode. These ensured the narrative had rhythm and clarity before we ever wrote the scripts. Every joke, action, and transition was planned, giving Funko full visibility of how the story would play out.
After approvals, we wrote the scripts for the first two episodes. Each came in under five pages to meet the runtime constraint. The scripts blended fast-paced dialogue, comedic timing, visual gags, and interplay between Freddy and Huckleberry Hound, with guest moments tailored to Batman & Robin and Freddy Kreuger.
The scripts hit the right mix of humour, authenticity, and Funko charm — giving the animation team everything they needed to bring the show to life with confidence.
Result
The show format, segment concepts, and scripts were approved and produced into the first two episodes of The Freddy Funko Show.
The initial episodes — featuring Batman & Robin and Freddy Kreuger — achieved a combined 3.3 million views, validating the format’s appeal.
The strong audience response led Funko to commission a full season, establishing the show as a standout series in the pop culture animation space and proving the value of building a structure that’s fast, funny, and scalable.
Client's perspective.
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5/5:
CHOOSE PROJECT
