James R | On 27, Nov 2014

Gortimer Gibbons’s Life on Normal Street arrives on Amazon Prime Instant Video on Friday 19th December.

“Gortimer, who?” you may be asking. That is precisely why the show is so intriguing. The series marks Amazon’s first live-action original kids’ TV series, but – more importantly – is its first commisssion from their open-door pilot submissions scheme.

Yes, that’s right. Anyone can write a pilot and send it in to Amazon Studios. In fact, they encourage it.

“We’re thrilled to bring to our customers something exceptional and truly distinctive in today’s kids landscape,” says Tara Sorensen, Head of Kids’ Programming at Amazon Studios.

The series, aimed at children aged 6 to 11, was created by nursery teacher and first-time writer David Anaxagoras, who submitted his script online, only to see it make through to Amazon’s line-up of original TV pilots – and then become greenlit following strong public feedback.

“I’m so happy that Amazon has allowed me to tell this very special story of a world through the eyes of a 13-year-old where things are still a little magical,” says David Anaxagoras.

Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street is a coming-of-age tale of friendship that centres around Gortimer and the bond with his two best friends, Ranger and Mel, as they chronicle their pursuits on Normal Street — an ordinary suburban neighbourhood that has a hint of something unexpected just beneath the surface.

“This is a dream I’ve had for a long time and the entire experience has felt natural and exciting—from my initial submission and the pilot being greenlit to working alongside talented minds pouring themselves into the project through the series’ production,” continues David.

The show is executive produced by Oscar winner Luke Matheny (God of Love), produced by Richard G. King (The League) and stars Sloane Morgan Siegel (Partners), Ashley Boettcher (Aliens in the Attic), Drew Justice (The Little Rascals Save the Day), and Robyn Lively (Saving Grace, Twin Peaks). Guest stars on the series include Supernatural’s Kim Rhodes.

“Luke and David have fully realised a nostalgic and cinematic adventure series that organically blurs the line between imagination and reality,” adds Sorensen, “which will resonate remarkably with kids and families.”

The show will follow Gortimer, a kid fiercely loyal to his best friends and family, as he embarks with Ranger and Mel on magical exploits triggered by their thirst for adventure. The upcoming season will bring the trio together to help the unluckiest kid on Normal Street, solve a mystery before a spooky spirit turns them into ghost stories, undertake a scavenger hunt through town to find the fabled lost treasure of Normal Street, and outsmart fate after some alarming advice from a fortune teller.

The show will premiere exclusively on Amazon Prime Instant Video, which costs £5.99 a month, on Friday 19th December. Here’s the trailer:

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