Filmmaker Josh Wakely’s Australia and US-based production company Grace has acquired world rights from Sony/ATV Music Publishing to the Beatles’ music catalogue for the animation series.

The deal follows a presentation by Wakely that Sony/ATV managing director Damian Trotter described as “too good to pass up”.

Wakely conceived of the animated series designed for children that uses original storylines interwoven with The Beatles songs to tell the story of young bugs in a magical, overgrown backyard.

“The idea emerged out of a deep love and respect for The Beatle’s music and a desire to create a timeless program that could be enjoyed as much by young children as their parents,” said Wakely.

The former writer on BAFTA-nominated Australian family series Lockie Leonard is also developing a series of features including Born To Run and musical rom-com Mixtape.

CAA and Hirsch, Wallerstein, Hayum, Matlof & Fishman represent Beat Bugs and are in talks with animation studios and distributors.