Zaya Toonz to release "Believe," first DVD in series, Oct. 15th

Contact: Julie Shutley, 972-267-1111, julie@alarryross.com 

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 10, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- Animation Studio, Zaya Toonz is helping take children and families on an amazing adventure through the Holy Land to experience the teachings of Jesus in a fun and creative way with the launch of its new animated DVD series "Iesodo," pronounced "Yay-Sa-Doe."

The first DVD in the series, "Believe" is arriving in Christian bookstores across the country on Oct. 15th.

"Our idea in developing 'Iesodo' is to share the teachings of Jesus through an animated series that will captivate audiences with lovable characters and memorable songs," said Natalie Hankins, mother of three and wife of Executive Producer Jared Hankins. "We hope families will genuinely like watching 'Iesodo.'"

"Iesodo," is a Japanese phrase meaning "the Way of Jesus." The series features a cast of lovable, beautifully animated birds who share the teachings of Jesus through stories with the universal principles of loving one another, conquering fear, and sharing. The birds live in a Cypress Tree on the shores of The Lake (Galilee), where they follow the teachings of a particularly wise white dove named Iesodo, who represents Jesus.

The first episode, "The Gathering," begins with narrator Rocky, representative of the biblical character Peter, describing the day when the birds first gathered to hear Iesodo's message of hope. In the second episode, "Believing is Seeing," Luke, a blind finch with no gift of flight, receives help from Iesodo to not only fly but also believe.

To view the trailer for "Believe," visit alarryross.com/newsroom/9964-2/trailers

"Iesodo" is a collaboration of animation experts with experience in both the children's and Christian markets. Directors for the series include Brian E. Ray, whose credits consist of "My Little Pony Tales" and "Ed, Ed, and Eddy," and Colin Brady, whose credits include "Toy Story," "Toy Story 2" and "A Bug's Life." Producer Eric Rollman, president of Rollman Entertainment, served as president of production for Fox Kids and Marvel, and writer/producer Rob Loos is an Emmy nominee and writer/producer for "McGee and Me" and "Touched by an Angel." "Iesodo" also features the voice of Erin Bethea ("Fireproof," "Amazing Love") as Maggie.

NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, please visit alarryross.com/newsroom/9964-2/. To request a review copy or schedule an interview, please contact Julie Shutley at julie@alarryross.com or 972-267-1111.