Two more animation studios have joined the growing list of companies that have snagged funding from Epic Games’ US$100-million MegaGrants program.

The latest recipients—Malaysia’s Lil Critter Workshop (Hogie the Globehopper) and Scribble Studios—will use the grant to co-develop a new CG-animated series called Billy Fei and the Cloud Trials using Epic’s real-time rendering platform, Unreal Engine. Lil Critter and Scribble have not disclosed the value of their MegaGrant funding.

Set for delivery in 2023, Billy Fei and the Cloud Trials is a 26 x 22-minute action-adventure series targeting six- to 10-year-olds, and centers around a group of unlikely heroes who must compete in a physically demanding and mentally challenging tournament.

Lil Critter and Scribble have hired comic writer and author Cavan Scott (Adventure Time, Star Wars: The High Republic) to develop the show’s story and scripts. Canadian producer/distributor Bejuba! Entertainment (Wishfart) is also on board as international distributor. According to Bejuba! president Tatiana Kober, the studios are looking for financing to move the IP into production, eyeing multiplatform opportunities across TV, streaming, social media, video games and consumer products.

More and more kids prodcos have been turning to real-time animation software such as Unreal in order to save time and money on productions of late, including Cyber Group Studios, Relish and TRICK 3D.