A Trip to Israel’s Rift Valley Inspires Creation of New Faith-Based Animated Series: Meet IESODO

Parents today are having a harder and harder time finding faith-based and values-centered entertainment for their kids. That opportunity inspired a project that is long overdue for the family entertainment industry: IESODO™ (pronounced “Yay-Sa-Doe”). Here at Catalyst, we had the opportunity to sit down with its creators: Jared Hankins, executive producer of IESODO and founder of Rizon Media; Eric Rollman, founder/CEO of Rollman Entertainment and former president of Marvel Animation; and Rob Loos, producer at Rollman Entertainment and producer and writer of McGee and Me. Here is what we learned:

IESODO™ means “The Way of Jesus” in Japanese and is the newest video series based on the most influential man of all time – Jesus – and the best-selling book of all time – The Bible. It offers an opportunity for families to bring Gospel stories into their homes through entertainment that teaches values and history at the same time.

“Jesus’ story of who He is can’t be found in the current entertainment market. IESODO™ helps to get the values He teaches to the people,” said Jared Hankins. “His teachings are good for anybody, anywhere, anytime, and we want to provide that wisdom to families.”

Once the idea of IESODO™ was birthed, Hankins joined forces with Eric Rollman and Rob Loos to begin on a journey to present Jesus’ life to the world.

“Our roles are clear.  Use our experience to do something big, inspirational, informative and transformational,” said Rollman, who has produced over 8,000 hours of kids’ and family television and movies.

And doing something big is just what IESODO™ will accomplish.

“People of faith will be reminded and appreciate the reflection of Jesus. People who aren’t of faith will appreciate the values, good teaching and entertainment,” said Hankins. “There truly is something here for everyone and for all ages.”

A few years ago, writer and producer, Rob Loos, was awarded the opportunity to visit Israel with a group of creators. While on this adventure, his upbringing, beliefs and the stories of the Bible came alive for him. During his time in Jerusalem and touring the area surrounding the Jordan River, Loos noticed something interesting…more birds than he had ever seen in his life. After learning that over 500 million birds migrate through the Rift Valley each year, Loos and the IESODO™ team were inspired to create the scenery and characters modeled after this setting.

“This is what the community of believers is all about,” said Loos. “We can come together on a basis of faith regardless of our shape, size or background.”

Throughout the IESODO™ series, viewers are introduced to a variety of characters, each a different type of bird and each representing a different character in the New Testament that Jesus encountered or taught. Iesodo, the main character in the series who represents Jesus, is a dove – a common symbol throughout the New Testament – and highly relatable for kids and parents alike.

“Overall, I hope we have the chance to make people’s lives a little better by watching IESODO™. Kids can go away with basic values and simple truths for their lives,” said Loos. “Through the video series, children can repeat and reinforce what they learned in Sunday school in a fun and entertaining way.”

As the creators place the finishing touches on the first episodes of this video series and distribution nears, the team behind IESODO™ is increasingly excited about the opportunity to share the life of Jesus. Through an entertainment experience with characters, animation and music that resonates with the entire family, IESODO™ is sure to become a part of the fabric of people’s lives.

To learn more about IESODO™, view the trailer and sign up for updates at http://iesodo.com. Additionally, follow on Twitter at http://twitter.com/Iesodo and Like on Facebook at http://facebook.com/Iesodo.

We can’t wait to present you to IESODO™: where fun and faith take flight!