The Dr. Lisa Company‘s toys and publishing division, EPI, has teamed up with animation studio Composition Media to release an animated series inspired by The Fresh Beats Collection on YouTube this fall.
The Fresh Beats Dolls is an animated series of six 3-minute shorts and centers around a titular girl group forming over the course of a EuroVision-style singing competition.
“It’s an honor to be working with Dr. Lisa Williams, a pioneering leader in the toy industry who shares the same commitment to bringing diversity to young audiences,” says Carl Reed, founder of Composition Media and producer of the Academy Award-winning short Hair Love. “By bringing The Fresh Beats Dolls to life, we’re expanding the opportunity for kids to experience these relatable and captivating characters in a new way.”
Each 10-inch doll in The Fresh Beats Collection features custom-blended skin tones and premium rooted hair with authentic textures, including patent-pending locs. From pop princess Bao BBY to non-binary hip hop queen Beigne au Lei and rock star Loxx, each doll embraces diverse and relatable personalities and stage-ready fashions. The dolls are available now at Target for $17.99 each.
“From being honored as a Doll of the Year finalist with the biggest names in the toy industry, showcasing our diverse line at Toy Fair, and preparing for our first animated series, this is a monumental week for EPI,” says Dr. Lisa Williams, CEO and Founder, The Dr. Lisa Company. “We’ve been working to expand into content behind the scenes for some time. Carl’s extensive experience and mission to highlight minority and underrepresented communities perfectly align with our vision — to ensure Black and Brown children see themselves reflected in toys and entertainment, embrace their beauty, and build their self-esteem.”
Williams is a 2023 Toy of the Year (TOTY) finalist in the Champion of Diversity and Inclusion category and the company’s The Fresh Beats Collection is a 2023 Doll of the Year finalist. Winners will be announced at the TOTY Awards tonight at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
The company will showcase The Fresh Beats Collection and more at Toy Fair in Booth No. 2779.
