Author: Mercedes Milligan

A Multiverse of Heroes Unite in ‘Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths’ Official Trailer
Based on the limited DC comic-book series by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez, join DC Super Heroes from across the multiverse in the first of three parts of DC’s new animated film Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part One, which marks the beginning of the end to the Tomorrowverse story arc. The official trailer for the new animated adventure has arrived, illustrating the cosmic threat facing heroes from different realities.

Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, DC and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, the film features some of DC’s most famous Super Heroes from multiple universes, including Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, who come together to stop an impending threat of doom and destruction.

The film will be available to purchase exclusively on digital (SRP $19.99) on January 9 and on 4K UHD in limited edition Steelbook packaging (SRP $47.99 U.S. / $54.99 Canada) and Blu-ray (SRP $29.98 U.S. / $39.99 Can.) on January 23. Fans will also be able to indulge in a range of bonus features, including interviews with the filmmakers on how they created a comprehensive universe across seven films.

Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part Two and Part Three will be available later in 2024.

Part One features returning popular voice cast members: Emmy winner Darren Criss (The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, Glee) as Superman & Earth-2 Superman, Stana Katic (Castle, Absentia) as Wonder Woman & Superwoman and Jensen Ackles (Supernatural, The Boys, The Winchesters) as Batman/Bruce Wayne. Aside from the returning voice cast, stars include Matt Bomer (White Collar, American Horror Story: Hotel) as The Flash/Barry Allen, Meg Donnelly (Legion of Super-Heroes, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,) as Supergirl & Harbinger, Jimmi Simpson (Star Trek: Prodigy, Westworld) as Green Arrow and Zachary Quinto (Heroes, Star Trek) as Lex Luthor.

Additional cast includes: Jonathan Adams as Monitor, Ike Amadi as J’onn J’onzz/Martian Manhunter, Amazing Man & Ivo, Geoffrey Arend as Psycho Pirate & Hawkman, Zack Callison as Dick Grayson/Robin, Alexandra Daddario as Lois Lane, Alastair Duncan as Alfred, Matt Lanter as Blue Beetle & Ultraman, Ato Essandoh as Mr Terrific, Cynthia Hamidi as Dawnstar, Aldis Hodge as John Stewart/Green Lantern & Power Ring, Erika Ishii as Doctor Light/Dr. Hoshi & Huntress, David Kaye as The Question, Ashleigh LaThrop as Iris West, Liam Mcintyre as Aquaman & Johnny Quick, Nolan North as Hal Jordan, Amazo & Homeless Man, Lou Diamond Phillips as The Spectre & Owlman, Keesha Sharp as Vixen and Harry Shum Jr. as Brainiac 5.

Justice League Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part One is produced by Jim Krieg and Kimberly S. Moreau and executive produced by Butch Lukic, Sam Register and Michael Uslan and directed by Jeff Wamester from a script by Jim Krieg. Casting and voice direction is by Wes Gleason.

Synopsis: Death is coming. Worse than death: oblivion. Not just for our Earth, but for everyone, everywhere, in every universe! Against this ultimate destruction, the mysterious Monitor has gathered the greatest team of Super Heroes ever assembled. But what can the combined might of Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, The Flash, Green Lantern and hundreds of Super Heroes from multiple Earths even do to save all of reality from an unstoppable antimatter Armageddon?!

Special Features

Physical and Digital
- Crisis Prime(r): The filmmakers reveal in detail their intricate plan to create a comprehensive animated universe across seven films, concluding with the events of the three-part adaptation Justice League Crisis on Infinite Earths.
- The Selfless Speedster: Explore The Flash’s legendary role in the Crisis on Infinite Earths comic series, the creative process that brought him to life in the animated adaptation, and the vocal performance behind his heroic and romantic story.
Digital Only
- Silent Treatment – Film Clip from Justice League Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part Two
December 5, 2023
Crunchyroll Anime Awards Announce Categories for 2024 Japanese Animation Celebration
Crunchyroll today revealed the categories for the 8th Annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards, which will return to Tokyo to celebrate the best in Japanese animation on Saturday, March 2, 2024. Winners will be voted in by anime fans around the world.

“Anime is a dynamic art form, offering an adventure for every kind of fan, and we are honored to celebrate the creative talent behind the medium that is captivating viewers around the world,” said Rahul Purini, President of Crunchyroll. “From the depth of artistry, nuanced storytelling, and pure joy that anime brings to so many, we look forward to gathering again in Japan to honor the best of anime this year.”

This year, the Crunchyroll Anime Awards have added three categories to reflect both the artistic excellence and variety of genres within anime. These new categories are Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography and Best Slice of Life. Categories for the 2024 Anime Awards are, in alphabetical order:
- Anime of the Year – This is the show that sets the standard for anime over the last year. Its compelling story, beautiful artistic execution, and unforgettable characters all combine in a unique way to create a masterpiece that deserves singular recognition. Whether the show was an unexpected hit, or delivered on fans’ high expectations, Anime of the Year embodies excellence.
- Best Action – This category rewards a show with action at its core. Featuring awe-inspiring scenes of heroes battling villains, life-threatening situations, or overcoming incredible odds, these anime get the pulse racing.
- Best Animation – Here we recognize anime that are visually stunning in the ways they bring their stories to life. No matter the style of animation, these shows put on a visual spectacle for viewers to enjoy, immersing audiences into previously unimaginable worlds.
- Best Anime Song – This category celebrates a song played during any part of an anime series, including the opening and ending sequences. Whether they make you move or move you, these are the songs that stay with you.
- Best Art Direction (New) – Art direction involves all things visual to create the look and feel of an anime. Color, design and animation style are only some of the considerations, as the tiniest of details must be kept in mind so that a show feels like a cohesive and distinct work of art.
- Best Character Design – This category celebrates artists who have either created iconic anime characters or breathed life into one from other sources. A designer who comprehends the essence of character design weaves narratives through the strokes of their drawings.
- Best Cinematography (New) – Cinematography focuses on the composition of individual scenes, paying particular attention to the use of light and shadow, camera angles, depth of field, and scene transitions. When combined together, these elements convey an anime’s narrative without saying a word.
- Best Comedy – Whether it’s a surprising fresh perspective, or the witty exchanges could’ve come from a comedy mastermind, the humor in these shows make you laugh out loud and have your side hurting by the end.
- Best Continuing Series – Sustaining excellence is no small feat, particularly when it comes to anime. This category celebrates the shows that hook audiences with their absorbing storylines, compelling characters, and attention-grabbing artwork.
- Best Director – Here we celebrate how a great anime and a great director are almost inseparable. Of central importance, directors work behind the scenes, conveying their vision to animators, making critical decisions and managing the creative aspects of production. The result? An approach that is uniquely theirs.
- Best Drama – These anime convey something essential about the human experience. Their mastery of building and relieving tension sets fans on the edge of their seats, feeling all their feelings, and compelling them to invest deeply in the characters and their stories.
- Best Ending Sequence – Similar to the opening, an unforgettable ending sequence pairs design and music to delight and surprise. Often a place where the art style can be taken in entirely new directions, a great ending sequence lets viewers catch their breath and enjoy small moments with a character.
- Best Fantasy – Best Fantasy is all about imagination, creativity and a bit of magic. These shows don’t just take us to other worlds, they craft deep, original universes full of mythical creatures where even the smallest detail is fueled by ideas that previously were unthought of.
- Best Film – A great film effortlessly captivates spectators from beginning to end. Here we celebrate non-episodic anime with runtimes longer than a standard episode, whether they were released in theaters, on DVD or online.
- Best Main Character – Whether hero, anti-hero or villain, a main character is the face of their series. But it’s not just their personalities or characteristics that make them beloved, it’s their well-developed stories and the journeys they take us on that make them worthy.
- Best New Series – While countless new anime are created each year, this category honors the series and spin-offs that stand out. These instant classics possess something unique that keeps viewers transfixed and passionately awaiting season two.
- Best Opening Sequence – Through striking visuals and irresistible music, a great opening sequence sets the tone for what’s to come. Whether it’s creating a quirky mood for an offbeat rom-com, or striking a dark and serious tone for suspense, a memorable opening has as much creativity and passion as the show it introduces.
- Best Original Anime – An original anime is not adapted from source material like manga or light novels; it is a new creation. These original works of art mesmerize audiences with the quality of their stories.
- Best Romance – A great romance can thaw the heart of the coldest cynic. These captivating stories draw us in and remind us of the best part of being alive. With their hopeful messages, these shows find a way to make you believe in the power of love.
- Best Score – A vital part of an unforgettable anime is the original music composed for it. A well-crafted score adds another dimension of depth and emotion to any scene, with compositions that are not only tightly associated with an anime, but can also stand alone as masterpieces of music.
- Best Slice of Life (New) – While these anime focus on everyday events, the best are anything but ordinary. Capturing quiet moments in breathtaking ways, these nominees provide relief from the frantic pace of the world, placing relationships — with all their emotion, humor and heartbreak — front and center.
- Best Supporting Character – This category celebrates a supporting character like they were number one. They come in all shapes and sizes, but the best among them can shine as brightly as their main character counterparts when called upon.
- Best Voice Actor Performance – Renowned voice artists breathe additional life into a character, adding depth and realism or re-envisioning what they sound like in a different language. Through their command of tone and the emotions their voices elicit, these talented artists help transform anime characters into anime icons. This award will be honored to voice actors across Arabic, Castilian, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese and Latin Spanish.
- “Must Protect at All Cost” Character – These are the characters that make the world feel like a kinder, more special place. Whether they’re an earnest protagonist who always gets back up or a pure-hearted cinnamon roll who holds a group together, these characters remind us that there are some things in life worth protecting.
Nominees for the 2024 awards will be selected by a panel of independent judges, made up of more than 100 global creatives, tastemakers, experts and influencers. This year’s roster of judges, which you can find here, is the Anime Awards’ largest and most diverse assembled to date. Nominees will be revealed January 17, 2024.

The eighth edition of the Anime Awards will take place at the Grand Prince Hotel ShinTakanawa in Tokyo on Saturday, March 2, 2023, with a live ceremony hosted by renowned voice actress Sally Amaki and popular entertainer Jon Kabira. Sony Music Solutions, part of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., will support Crunchyroll in the execution of the even, which will be streamed for global audiences.

More information can be found on the Anime Awards website and across Crunchyroll social channels.
December 5, 2023
DeAPlaneta Inks Rights Deal for Fantawild’s ‘Adventurer Carly’

DeAPlaneta Entertainmenthas signed a deal with leading Chinese studio Fantawild Animation Inc. (Boonie Bears, Boonie Cubs, Chicken Stew) for its CG-animated kids’ series, Adventurer Carly. DeAPlanet will be the property’s licensing agent and will manage all media & digital rights of kids animated series in all Western territories: Europe, Americas (all of North, Central and South America), Sub-Saharan Africa and Oceania (Australia/New Zealand).

Last October at the MIPJunior market, Adventurer Carly was the most-watched show in unique views by international buyers, among over 600 titles of children and family content. The series will start broadcasting in Western territories in 2024.

This agreement is in line with DeAPlaneta’s strategic efforts to collaborate with production and entertainment companies in Asia from early development to manage rights or co-produce properties with global potential in licensing, broadcasting, interactive and digital media.

“Adventurer Carly is pure action and adventure. The pacing, stories and animation are engaging for new digital audiences,” said Carlos Biern, Director of Distribution and Contents of DeAplaneta Kids & Family. “It’s hard to find properties with this potential that can make it outside of Asia. Fantawild and DeAPlaneta Entertainment have in common having turned the brands they have worked on into global successes and we believe this first collaboration can mark a long strategic partnership between our groups.”

Daisy Shang, Executive President at Fantawild, added, “We look forward to starting a working relationship with DeAPlaneta Entertainment. We believe we can achieve substantial mutual growth thanks to our supreme studio capabilities and the multifaceted footprint of our partners. We look forward to many projects together in the near future with our beloved Adventure Carly being the first of many.”

Adventurer Carly (52 x 13′, Kids 6-11) is Fantawild’s first foray into the action-adventure genre for children’s animation. The show follows Carly, an intrepid 14-year-old girl who’s trained as a wilderness survivalist and an archeology enthusiast by her father Zag. When Zag goes missing inexplicably, Carly joins forces with her friends Bobby and Morgan to search for her dad in a riddle-solving, non-stop quest around the ancient kingdom.

The show, which is also the first TV series Fantawild has created outside of the Boonie Bears franchise since its inception in 2011, has already been broadly distributed in China, released on Golden Eagle Cartoon, Jiajia Cartoon, KAKU Children and Youman Cartoon, among others, reaching #1 ratings several times and achieving the highest rating of the whole day in many channels. Additionally, Adventurer Carly has been No. 1 in the Children’s Program Broadcasting index ranking for three consecutive weeks, as well as No. 1 in the Children’s Program Hit List several times, on streaming platforms such as Tencent Video, iQIYI, Youku and Mango TV.

The show also amasses a significant online following, with its official account attracting a million followers, and 400 million views on related topics on Chinese social media platforms such as TikTok, Weibo, RED and Kwai. The main theme song has been covered by many influencers on short video platforms, generating more than 10 million impressions.

Fantawild is the creator of the three highest rated children programs in Chinese history. Theatrically, Fantawild feature films (Boonie Bears: the Big Top Secret; Boonie Bears: Blast into the Past; Boonie Bears: Entangled Worlds, among others) have earned more than $800 million worldwide.

December 4, 2023
Trailer: ‘Carol & The End of the World’ Kicks Off the Ultimate Bucket List
Today, Netflix announced a line up of guest cast who voice characters in the limited animated series Carol & The End of the World, premiering December 15 on the streamer. The show’s official trailer was also revealed.

Guest stars for the 10 x 30′ limited series include:
- Alison Brie
- Barkhad Abdi
- Danny Pudi
- Gillian Jacobs
- Kurtwood Smith
- Laurie Metcalf
- LeVar Burton
- Stephen Colbert
- Tim Heidecker
(L to R) Beth Grant as Pauline, Delbert Hunt as Michael, Martha Kelly as Carol, and Lawrence Pressman as Bernard in ‘Carol & The End of the World.’ [Netflix © 2023]
Created by Dan Guterman (The Colbert Report, Community, Rick and Morty), the series unfolds as a mysterious planet hurtles toward Earth, bringing humanity’s imminent extinction. While most feel liberated to pursue their wildest dreams, one quiet and always uncomfortable woman stands alone — lost among the hedonistic masses.

‘Carol & The End of the World is a love letter to routine. A show about the comforts of monotony. An animated and existential comedy about the daily rituals that make up the gaps that make up a life.’

— Creator Dan Guterman

(L to R) Kimberly Hébert Gregory as Donna, Mel Rodriguez as Luis, and Martha Kelly as Carol in ‘Carol & The End of the World.’ [Netflix © 2023]

‘Carol & The End of the World.’ [Netflix © 2023]

(L to R) Martha Kelly as Carol and Bridget Everett as Elena in ‘Carol & The End of the World.’ [Netflix © 2023]

The newly announced guest stars join a cast list comprising Martha Kelly, Beth Grant, Lawrence Pressman, Kimberly Hébert Gregory, Mel Rodriguez, Bridget Everett, Michael Chernus and Delbert Hunt.

Carol & The End of the World is executive produced by Guterman and Donick Cary (The Simpsons, Parks and Recreation, Silicon Valley), co-executive produced by Kevin Arrieta (Wilfred, The Last O.G.) Animation services are provided by Bardel Entertainment.
December 4, 2023
Trailer: ‘Mog’s Christmas’ Is Ready to Gift U.K. Viewers a Holiday Treat

Channel 4 (U.K.) has released the official trailer and first-look images for Mog’s Christmas, the new 2D-animated adaptation of Judith Kerr’s classic children’s book (HarperCollins Children’s Books). The holiday movie is produced by Lupus Films (The Tiger Who Came to Tea, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, Ethel & Ernest).

Synopsis: Mr. and Mrs. Thomas and their children Debbie and Nicky are busy making preparations for Christmas. With two Aunts and a jolly Uncle staying in the house, Mog, the beloved family cat, is feeling a bit ignored. When Mr Thomas and the two children arrive home with an enormous Christmas tree, Mog takes fright and scrambles onto the roof for safety. Regardless of the Thomas family’s attempts to rescue her, Mog refuses to come down. Despite everyone’s fears, Mog has a magical night in the snow with a cat themed Christmas dream, but will Mog arrive back home in time for Christmas Day?

(L-R) Debbie, Mr. Thomas, Mrs. Thomas and Nicky.

The voice cast includes Adjoa Andoh, Claire Foy, Benedict Cumberbatch, Miriam Margolyes, Maggie Steed, Zawe Ashton, Charlie Higson, Gareth Berliner, Judith Kerr’s daughter Tacy Kneale and newcomers Amelie Law and Teddy Skelton. The theme song for Mog’s Christmas, “As Long as I Belong,” is composed by David Arnold with lyrics by Don Black and performed by Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

Mog’s Christmas is commissioned by Gwawr Lloyd, Drama Commissioning Editor and Caroline Hollick, Head of Drama at Channel 4 in association with Universal Pictures Content Group and produced by Lupus Films’ founders Camilla Deakin and Ruth Fielding together with executive producers Juliet Matthews at HarperCollins Children’s Books, Judith Kerr’s children Tacy and Matthew Kneale and Ann-Janine Murtagh. It is directed by Robin Shaw (director, The Tiger Who Came to Tea; co-director, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt; asst. director, The Snowman and The Snowdog) and written by Joanna Harrison (adaptation, The Tiger Who Came to Tea; co-director, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt; co-writer & art director, The Snowman and the Snowdog).

The special is a Lupus Films production in association with Tabby Tales, HarperCollins Children’s Books and Universal Pictures Content Group for Channel 4 Television. The hand-drawn animation is created at Lupus Films’ studio in London. Universal Pictures Content Group will manage the global distribution and marketing for the animated special outside of Channel 4’s rights.

You can read more about the making of Mog’s Christmas in the January ’24 issue of Animation Magazine (No. 336), available soon.

December 1, 2023
Watch: WB Japan Drops New ‘Suicide Squad Isekai’ Trailer, Voice Cast & More

Warner Bros. Japan LLC today revealed the trailer, character art, main theme song and voice cast for Suicide Squad ISEKAI during a special livestream event on Warner Bros. Japan Anime’s YouTube channel. The all-new original anime series, based on the characters from DC, will be released globally in 2024.

The studio also revealed that the show’s opening theme will be “Another World,” performed by Tomoyasu Hotei — formerly of the hit J-rock band BOØWY.

Synopsis: In the crime-ridden city of Gotham, Amanda Waller, the head of A.R.G.U.S., has assembled a group of notorious criminals for a mission: Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Peacemaker, Clayface, and King Shark. These Super-Villains are sent into an otherworldly realm that’s connected to this world through a gate. It’s a world of swords and magic where orcs rampage and dragons rule the skies— an “ISEKAI”!

With lethal explosives planted in their necks, there’s no running or hiding, and failing the mission means a one-way ticket to the afterlife! Can Harley Quinn and her crew conquer this perilous ISEKAI realm?! Brace yourselves for the pulse-pounding saga of the elite task force known as the “Suicide Squad” as they embark on a jaw-dropping adventure!

Produced by Warner Bros. Japan and WIT Studio (Attack on Titan, Spy x Family), Suicide Squad ISEKAI is directed by Eri Osada with screenplay by Tappei Nagatsuki (Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World) and Eiji Umehara (Vivy – Fluorite Eye’s Song). The creative team also includes Akira Amano (character design draft), Naoto Hosoda (character design) and Kenichiro Suehiro (music).

A stage event featuring voice actors will be held at Tokyo Comic Con 2023 (December 8-10). Footage with English subtitles will be made available on Warner Bros. Japan Anime Official YouTube Channel.

Meet the Voice Cast

Anna Nagase, voice of Harley Quinn.

“Suicide Squad ISEKAI is happening for real!!!!!

I never believed I would be voicing a character as iconic as Harley Quinn. You never know what life has in store for you.
Harley is a cute girl full of love for her puddin’ (the Joker). Everything she does is for her puddin’ and that doesn’t waver even when she lands herself in ISEKAI.

With all the tenderness and pure love in my heart, I will do my best to cause havoc with my acting! Please look forward to it!”

Yuuichirou Umehara, voice of The Joker

“I’m honored to be playing the role of the Joker, a character so well-known by the world.

At first, I was worried about how to voice the Joker at first — a character that has been played by so many people, but there have been many different images of the Joker portrayed in many different works, so I decided to play the Joker as I saw fit this time. As a results, I really enjoyed the recording session in the end.

Before working on this anime, I watched movies such as The Suicide Squad and The Dark Knight trilogy. I have not been exposed to DC Comics’ works in the past, so it was a new experience for me and a chance to learn about a new world.
This anime is set in an alternative world or ISEKAI, a setting unique to today’s animation, and the villains who run amok as they please are a delightful sight to behold. I played the voice of the Joker in this world while keeping that in mind.

I hope you will enjoy the anime when it comes out.”

Reigo Yamaguchi, voice of Deadshot

“I couldn’t find a voice nor think clearly for my mind went blank when I heard I was casted as the voice of Deadshot. I am still a rookie in this industry, and I was very nervous to record the scenes surrounded by the star-studded voice actors. However, I remembered that Deadshot is a brave man who is always true to himself, so I went into the recording session with an open mind and without fear, just like him.

The passion and love of the creative staff visibly increased with each recording session.

With that in mind, I put my everything as an actor on the line to do the best I possibly can.

Whether you are a fan of anime or DC films, Suicide Squad ISEKAI will sure snipe at your heart so please look forward to its release!”

Takehito Koyasu, voice of Peacemaker

“Well well… Who could have imagined that Suicide Squad was coming to Japan in an anime style? Also, the central theme is ‘ISEKAI’!

Thunder-struck and earth-shattering … Two of the favorite genres united!

Happy! I am happy! I get to be part of it! My role is called ‘Peacemaker,’ who is a peace-loving villain! Oh wait. He is a villain, right? Of course, he is the worst! That’s how the story of Suicide Squad should be!

So, leave your morals somewhere and enjoy their rampage into ISEKAI world! You can’t help but see it now!”

Jun Fukuyama, voice of Clayface

“I am ecstatic that I got this role. One thing I always keep in mind during the recording is ‘elegance.’ I voiced him with elegance, but bold and powerful at the same time, with a pinch of humor. We are working on this title with a strong cast and crew so that you get to enjoy a different take on ISEKAI, as much as the Suicide Squad members.”

Subaru Kimura, voice of King Shark

“I was so happy that my Jaw(s) dropped!

I am such a huge fan of the Suicide Squad that I went see the movie as soon as it came out in cinemas. I was especially a big fan of the rugged yet cute and very strong King Shark, so I was happy to be chosen to play the role.

As King Shark is known for his unique speaking style, my script was filled with one syllable words and was hard to play the role with emotions. However, in the end my main aim was how to voice King Shark like the way he is, cute and rugged.

As a result, this is the lowest voice for Subaru Kimura. (Low, meaning the tone of the voice) I think the finished product is great! I strongly recommend watching this anime. Harley Quinn is cute!”

December 1, 2023
‘Mavka,’ One of the Year’s Top Indie Toons Worldwide, Shares Success Story at Cartoon Business

In a year that brought great darkness to the country, one animated celebration of Ukrainian culture has shone the light of its resilient spirited around the world. Produced by Animagrad studio (part of FILM.UA Group), Mavka. The Forest Song has become one of the most successful independent animated movies of the year.

Mavka is the first Ukrainian animated feature film to be released on such a broad global scale, screening in cinemas in 148 countries in an ongoing roll-out which recently brought it to Norway, Turkey, Latin America and Slovenia with 30-plus localized audio versions, and has earned more than $20 million in worldwide box office. The IP has also spawned a vast ‘Mavka Universe’ with a range of licensing and consumer products.

Earlier this month, the film’s producer Iryna Kostyuk and Tetiana Ruban, CEO of licensing agency Nerd (also part of FILM.UA Group) traveled to Las Palmas, Gran Canaria to discuss Mavka‘s journey with attendees of Cartoon Business 2023. The international animation professionals in attendance were the first to see a multilingual trailer celebrating the movie’s success, and learn what the future has in store for the charming nature spirit.

Kostyuk and Ruban spoke about some new plans for the development of the Mavka Universe: In addition to creating an animated series in collaboration with the French animation studio TeamTO (the project was selected to be pitched at Cartoon Forum in Toulouse in fall 2023), they are planning to create an animated sequel and a live-action feature film for the 12+ audience, depicting the origin of the mythological character — a story full of mysticism and originally, like many fairy tales, quite dark. The presenters also provided an in-depth analysis of the film’s success.

The idea of implementing a known female character from Ukrainian myths and legends (as well as from classic literature) into the universal language of animation originated in 2014. At that time, the film’s producers recognized that Ukrainians needed to see stories of their own on screen, as the demand among Ukrainian young audience for a local animated hero was growing. In 2017, the creators launched a first B2B teaser and Mavka becoae the first ever Ukrainian project to be selected to be pitched at Cartoon Movie in Bordeaux.

The team had to go through all the challenges of COVID and then, at the final stage of production, a full-scale Russian invasion started and the team had to finish the movie literally from bomb shelters and under occupation. Nevertheless, Mavka was delivered on schedule and as it was contracted in the international deals, and cinema-goers were able to enjoy it in the spring of 2023, first in Ukraine and then in 148 countries around the world.

Locally, the film marks a milestone in Ukrainian cinema. The release literally “rescued” the local industry during these challenging times and broke all the national records, becoming the highest-grossing Ukrainian film of all time and the top local animation release ever (topping all the major studio releases).

Mavka’s share of the total national box office in the first 10 months of 2023 stands at 9%, while its share of the box office among all Ukrainian releases in 2023 (10 months) is 51%.

Mavka. The Forest Song is the #3 highest-grossing release at the Ukrainian box office ever, only topped by franchise blockbusters Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) and Avatar: The Way of Water (2022). The animated film has been in theaters for 39 weeks and has already been released on a digital platform.

(Home viewers in North America can purchase the film on Digital or DVD thanks to Shout! Kids, which released Mavka in August.)

One of the key promotional activities for the Mavka Universe in Ukraine was a sweeping licensing campaign, in which the team at the Nerd licensing agency, led by Ruban, got dozens of national brands on board. Some collaborations were implemented in the production and post-production stages, enabling the Mavka brand to be in the spotlight for a long time. Now, the Mavka Universe involves more than 30 collaborations, with 350+ SKU in different categories: jewelry, snacks, beauty, clothes, toys, publishing, accessories, home decorations, supplies for children’s study and creativity, and more. Before and during its release, Mavka was everywhere: in stores, on billboards and storefronts, in coffee shops and retail space displays, and in shows and entertainment programs (including the dancing Mavka Stage Show, which toured 20 cities in Ukraine, Mavka’s offline themed Residence in Kyiv, and so on).

Internationally, Mavka has garnered positive reviews and impressive box office performances. In France, it claimed the #1 spot among the week’s newcomers, ranked as the #2 start of the year, and is among the top five highest-grossing movies of the premier week. In Italy, it stands as the fifth highest-grossing animated film of 2023, spending five weeks in the top three. Portugal also had an exceptional release, securing the #1 Best Independent Animated Opening of 2023 and the #2 Best Animated Opening of 2023.

Mavka was dubbed into 32 languages — following the example of the Ukrainian version, the film was voiced by local entertainment stars and thought leaders. Uniquely, all international engagements for the film included both the localized version and the Ukrainian version, so that millions of Ukrainian refugees all over the world could watch film.

For more news about the Mavka Universe, check out the official pages on Facebook and Instagram.

November 30, 2023
‘Invincible’ Studio Skybound Expands to Japan with Focus on Anime & Local IP

Skybound Entertainment (Invincible, The Walking Dead, Impact Winter) today announced the launch of Skybound Japan, a new division dedicated to expanding Skybound’s international presence and fostering creative collaborations focusing on Japanese IP within the Japanese entertainment industry. The move is aimed at growing the company’s global recognition and creating a foothold in a more robust market for animation, manga/comics and video games.

Over the last year, Skybound has been bolstering its plans in Japan; first with a significant investment in Remow, a global distributor of Japanese anime that was founded by publisher Shueisha, and most recently with its partnership with Fuji TV.

Skybound Japan’s first project under its new banner, in collaboration with Fuji TV, is Heart Attack, based on the Skybound original graphic novel series by Shawn Kittelsen (Injustice 2, Mortal Kombat) and illustrator Eric Zawadzki (House of El) released this fall. The sci-fi television series explores a post-pandemic world where gene therapy has saved the human race from disease — only to give birth to Variants: people with powers so unique, the government denies their human rights.

“We are incredibly excited to launch Skybound Japan and partner with some of the greatest creators in the world,” said Rick Jacobs, Managing Partner of Linear Content at Skybound Entertainment. “As lifelong fans of Japanese content, the opportunity to help bring these stories to life in live action and anime is a dream come true. The adaptation of Heart Attack is just the beginning of what we hope to achieve in the Japanese market.”

Skybound Japan will be led by Ash Nukui, producer of The Sniffer and Memoir of a Teenage Amnesiac, and formerly of Bandai Namco Group. Nukui brings deep knowledge of both the Japanese and international entertainment landscapes. The division will actively seek partnerships with local talent, creators and studios to foster a collaborative environment that will nurture innovative storytelling and play a pivotal role in bringing diverse and culturally relevant content to audiences worldwide.

skybound.com

November 30, 2023
‘Peppa Pig’ Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Multi-Country Cinema Event

Hasbro, Inc. announced today that Peppa Pig will jump into big-screen theaters for the character’s 20th anniversary — and her biggest cinema celebration ever — beginning February 2024.

The hour-long Peppa’s Cinema Party, will screen in English in cinemas in Australia, Canada, Ireland the United Kingdom and the United States, offering 10 exclusive never-before-seen Peppa Pig Season 10 episodes, including a three-part Wedding Party Special, of which one episode features the voices of Katy Perry as Ms. Leopard and Orlando Bloom as Mr. Raccoon. A party bus bonus episode will also be included, as well as new interactive entertainment featuring Peppa and her friends breaking into the real world through a mixture of animation and live-action featuring five brand new songs to sing along to and dances to move to.

All-new music from the theatrical event will also be available for parents and their own piglets to stream.

“As we celebrate 20 incredible years of making memories with Peppa, our team is proud to bring Peppa’s Cinema Party to the big screen across the globe, enabling fans to come along and join in the party,” said Esra Cafer, SVP Global Brand Management, Hasbro. “Peppa encourages kids and families around the world to jump in together with confidence, and this new cinema experience will bring those beloved characters to life in a new way.”

Tickets for this cinema-exclusive release will go on sale on December 7, 2023 at PeppaPigCinemaParty.com and in certain markets via Atom and Fandango. All new music will be available on music streaming platforms on February 2, 2024.

November 30, 2023
L.A. Animation Fest Presents ‘Night of Cartoon Voices’ Dec. 9

The Los Angeles Animation Festival (December 9-10) has announced a special event, a Night of Cartoon Voices, as part of its LAAF 2023 program at the Jaxx Theater in Hollywood (1089 N. Oxford Avenue).

The event on Saturday night, Dec. 9, will feature voice actors Eric Bauza, known for providing the contemporary voices of Looney Tunes characters Bugs, Daffy, Porky and Wile E. Coyote as well as voice work on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; Cheryl Chase, the long-running voice of Angelica in all Rugrats seasons, spinoffs and features; and, in a rare personal appearance, Tracy Grandstaff, the memorable voice of Daria on MTV’s long-running series.

In addition, there will be a special appearances by director/animator Max Winston of Rat Bat Studios, whose recent stop-motion animated Looney Tunes short Daffy in Wackyland has been charming audiences in recent festival screenings, and TikTok actor/impressionist sensation Jeremy Olenski, who is partnering with Cheryl Chase on a new podcast series.

The actors will be performing an array of live skits, including scenes from well-known movies. The panel is hosted by John Andrews, LAAF co-founder and the lead producer, as well as a supporting actor for Beavis & Butt-Head in its original run on MTV.

The LAAF weekend will also include two full days of screenings of the Selected Films in Competition, with highlights including the L.A. premiere of cult favorite Bill Plympton’s latest feature The Slide and Colombian-Brazilian adult sci-fi feature The Other Shape from director Diego Felipe Guzman, and an Awards Ceremony on Sunday evening. There will be live music and red carpet photo ops for filmmakers and friends. The Jaxx Theater features a lobby lounge with refreshments for purchase. Both evenings will end with a party event for attendees made possible by a donation from animation studio Titmouse, Inc.

November 29, 2023
Crunchyroll Sets ‘Solo Leveling’ Theatrical Premieres in Europe
Global anime outlet Crunchyroll announced today it is bringing Solo Leveling — the new anime series based on the hit Korean manwha by Chugong and illustrator DUBU (REDICE Studio) — to select theaters in Western Europe for special premiere screening events next month. Produced by A-1 Pictures in Japan, the highly anticipated adaptation has been tagged as one of the flagship titles of the streamer’s next season.

Solo Leveling will be available to stream on Crunchyroll in January 2024.

Special screenings premiering the show’s first two episodes (44 minutes total) will take place in three major metropolises:
- Paris, France at Le Grand Rex — December 11
- Berlin, Germany at the Colosseum — December 12
- London, U.K. at Cineworld Leicester Square — December 13
Tickets are on sale now; the London event page can be found here.

Synopsis: Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, but in Sung Jinwoo’s case, whatever killed him made him stronger. After being brutally slaughtered by monsters in a high-ranking dungeon, Jinwoo came back with the System, a program only he could see, that’s leveling him up in every way. Now, he’s inspired to discover the secrets behind his powers and the dungeon that spawned them.

Solo Leveling is animated by A-1 Pictures (Sword Art Online), with motion graphics by Production I.G (Attack on Titan, PSYCHO-PASS). The series is directed by Shunsuke Nakashige (Sword Art Online). Additional staff credits include music by Hiroyuki Sawano (Attack on Titan) and K-pop band TOMORROW X TOGETHER, character design by Tomoko Sudo, and monster design by Hirotaka Tokuda.

Japanese voice cast and characters:
- Sung Jinwoo voiced by Taito Ban
- Yoo Jinho voiced by Genta Nakamura
- Sung Jinah voiced by Haruna Mikawa
- Cha Hae-In voiced by Reina Ueda
- Choi Jong-In voiced by Daisuke Hirakawa
- Baek Yoonho voiced by Hiroki Touchi
- Go Gunhee voiced by Banjo Ginga
- Woo Jinchul voiced by Makoto Furukawa
English voice cast and characters:
- Jinwoo Sung voiced by Aleks Le
- Jinho Yoo voiced by Justin Briner
- Jinah Sung voiced by Rebecca Wang
- Hae-In Cha voiced by Michelle Rojas
- Jong-In Choi voiced by Ian Sinclair
- Yoonho Baek voiced by Christopher R. Sabat
- Gunhee Go voiced by Kent Williams
- Jinchul Woo voiced by SungWon Cho
sololeveling-anime.net
November 29, 2023
Incredible Film Introduces ‘A New Friend for Tummy Tom’

Ahead of the Asia TV Forum & Market (ATF), taking place December 5-8 in Singapore, Dutch sales agent Incredible Film has announced the second installment in its animated Tummy Tom movie collection: A New Friend for Tummy Tom. The first image from the 2D family adventure was released with the announcement.

Based on the bestselling children’s books, the series of movies is being produced by Amsterdam-based studios Phanta Animation (Miss Moxy) and BosBros (Princess Arabella). The starring character is a funny, inquisitive, adventurous and a slightly mischievous ginger tomcat. Together with his animal friends, he explores the world around him, just like a preschooler would.

A New Friend For Tummy Tom follows Tummy Tom and Cat Mouse on a beautiful snowy winter’s day, when a new dog on the block turns the lives of Tummy Tom and Cat Mouse upside down.

Tummy Tom (or Dikkie Dik) first appeared on the localized version of Sesame Street in The Netherlands in 1978, and Dutch publisher Gottmer started publishing the books by Jet Boeke’s in 1983. Since then, millions of Tummy Tom books have been sold around the world. In 2018, the popular kitty celebrated his 40th birthday.

incrediblefilm.com

November 29, 2023
MacFarlane’s Foul-Mouthed Bear Tackles High School in Official ‘Ted’ Series Trailer

Following the recently released teaser, Peacock today unleashed the Bostonian-accented adult comedy beast with the official trailer for Ted — a new live-action series starring the R-rated talking teddy bear made famous in the movies of the same name, created by Seth MacFarlane (Family Guy, American Dad!, The Orville).

As MacFarlane and co-showrunners Paul Corrigan and Brad Walsh put it: “[The Ted series] takes place in the ’90s but is based on the timeless truth that being 16 sucks. The only thing that makes it tolerable is going through it with a friend, even if that friend is a has-been magical teddy bear with a foul mouth and a proclivity for drug use.”

All seven episodes (one “supersized” premiere followed by six half-hours) of the event series will premiere exclusively on Peacock on January 11, 2024.

Synopsis: In this comedic prequel event series to the Ted films, it’s 1993, and Ted the bear’s (Seth MacFarlane) moment of fame has passed. He’s now living back home in Framingham, Massachusetts with his best friend, 16-year-old John Bennett (Max Burkholder), along with John’s parents, Matty and Susan (Scott Grimes and Alanna Ubach) and cousin Blaire (Giorgia Whigham). Ted may be a lousy influence on John, but at the end of the day, he’s a loyal pal who’s always willing to go out on a limb for friendship.

Ted is produced by UCP, a division of Universal Studios Group, MacFarlane’s Fuzzy Door and MRC. MacFarlane is executive producer, writer, director and co-showrunner as well as the voice of Ted; Corrigan & Walsh are exec producers, writers and co-showrunners. Exec producers are Erica Huggins, Alana Kleiman, Jason Clark and Aimee Carlson (Fuzzy Door Productions).

November 29, 2023
Trailer: ‘Pokémon Horizons’ Sets February Netflix Premiere for Brand-New Journey

Today, The Pokémon Company International announced that the new animated series, Pokémon Horizons: The Series, will premiere in the U.S. on February 23, 2024, exclusively on Netflix — just in time for Trainers to tune in as part of Pokémon Day celebrations. The annual fan-focused pop-culture event commemorates the launch of the original Pokémon video games on February 27, 1996.

Introducing a completely fresh adventure through the pocket-monster world, Pokémon Horizons transfers the narrative from Ash and Pikachu to new human protagonists Lika and Roy, who with their Pokémon partners Sprigatito and Fuecoco set off on action-packed adventures, encountering colorful characters like Freide and Captain Pikachu, and uncover mysteries around every corner.

“In celebration of Pokémon Day 2024, fans will be able to embark on an all-new Pokémon animated adventure when Pokémon Horizons: The Series premieres in more markets early next year,” said Taito Okiura, VP of Marketing for The Pokémon Company International. “With Pokémon Horizons: The Series being the first new animated series released in more than 25 years, both longtime Trainers and a new generation of fans can look forward to exploring the Pokémon world in a fresh and unique way.”

Synopsis: A new adventure is beginning within the wide world of Pokémon! Arriving at Indigo Academy, a girl named Liko receives her first partner Pokémon, Sprigatito. But she soon finds herself pursued by the Explorers, a mysterious group that’s determined to take the pendant necklace she wears. Liko isn’t on her own, though, as Friede, Captain Pikachu, and the other Rising Volt Tacklers offer her protection aboard their airship. Meanwhile, a boy named Roy dreams of becoming a Pokémon Trainer, unaware of the secret hiding within the Ancient Poké Ball he carries. As Liko, Roy, and the Rising Volt Tacklers set sail for new horizons, what kind of discoveries await?

Trainers can keep up to date on the new series at pokemon.com/horizons.

https://youtu.be/sU_4d8KImsk?si=J33W-7CAYdXyJz3t

November 29, 2023
Animated Short ‘Eeva’ Wins Best Film at INTERFILM Berlin

The 39th INTERFILM and 16th KUKI Festival came to a close on Sunday, November 19, having welcomed more than 18,000 visitors and more than 500 accredited international guests from the film industry to the Berlin double competition and industry-targeted InterForum event.

During an intimate awards ceremony at the at the Volksbühne’s Roter Salon, INTERFILM awarded the festival’s Best Film top prize to the 2D animated short Eeva (Croatia/Estonia), by Lucija Mrzljak and Morten Tšinakov. The film about a woman who continues to suffer because of her husband, even after his death, received €6,000 in prize money from Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg.

Jury statement:

“A grieving lady gives us an inside look into her world in this whimsical film with lots of funny twists that make us giggle. The feathered creatures are a lovely red line throughout the short, keeping us glued to the screen from the beginning to the end. The filmmakers have succeeded in making this beautifully stylized 2D animated short on such a high level that we were happily convinced the Berlin – Brandenburg Short Award for the Best Film worth €6,000 cash, sponsored by Medienboard Brandenburg should go to Eeva by Lucija Mrzljak and Morten Tsinakov.”

The Miracle

Another festival favorite, Nienke Deutz’s meditation on childlessness The Miracle (Belgium/France/Netherlands), received the Oscar-qualifying Best Animation award.

Jury statement:

“Belonging and the search for one’s own happiness lie at the core of this beautifully crafted animation in which a woman‘s loneliness and deep yearning for a family are in high contrast to her perfect holiday surroundings. The film’s strength emanates from its meticulous and distinctive artistry seamlessly blending hand-drawn 2D animation with stop-motion techniques. For its loving character portrait, very unique animation style and sensitive storytelling, the award for best animation worth €3,000 cash, sponsored by SAE Institue goes to The Miracle by Nienke Deutz.”

See the full list of INTERFILM winners here.

Swing to the Moon

At the for-kids KUKI .16 Young Short Film Festival Berlin, five prizes were awarded at the lively ceremony at Filmtheater am Friedrichshain.

The Best Short Film for Young Children award (€1,000 prize, sponsored by Ampelmann) went to the ESMA 3D student film Swing to the Moon (France), directed by Marie Bordessoule, Chloé Lauzu, Adriana Bouissié, Vincent Levrero, Nadine De Boer, Solenne Moreau and Elisa Drique. Already the winner of the Best Student Project Award at SIGGRAPH earlier this year, the CG project follows the adventures of a little spider, Témi, who tries by all means to reach the Moon.

Animation also featured in the Special Mentions selected by the KUKI jury, which included Seungbae Jeon’s Battery Mommy (S. Korea), Ainslie Henderson’s Shackle (Scotland) and Filip Diviak’s My Name Is Edgar and I Have a Cow (Czechia/Slovakia).

All the KUKI 2023 winning films can be found here.

INTERFILM Festival | KUKI Festival

Battery Mommy

Shackle

My Name Is Edgar and I Have a Cow

November 28, 2023
Remote Disney Animation Workers Make Historic Bid for Union from 6 Different States

A unit of 10 animation workers at Walt Disney Animation Studios (WDAS) working remotely across six states has filed to unionize and be represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and The Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839, marking a significant shift in the animation industry’s approach to remote work. These workers in “The Traveling Lab” filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on Monday, November 27 for an official unionization election.

“TAG’s remote worker organizing campaign is motivated by a basic principle — artists and writers who do the same work for the same studios should have the same rights and standards on the job, regardless of where they live,” says Organizer Ben Speight. “Walt Disney Animation Studios, and other union studios in L.A., have shown for years that world-class animation work can continue to be done remotely.”

While remote work became a viable option in the animation industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, existing collective bargaining agreements were not designed to accommodate this sudden shift. However, employers made some initial concessions allowing employees to work remotely on a temporary basis. Once Return to Work protocols were initiated, employers told many animation workers who chose to work remotely their working arrangements would fall outside contractual boundaries, jeopardizing workers’ union status.

The Animation Guild shares that during their last contract negotiations, the employers argued that addressing this issue was not a mandatory subject of bargaining. The Negotiations Committee representing the animation workers persevered, setting up a new sideletter in the agreement that affirmed the right of individuals hired in Los Angeles to work remotely outside the county and state, contingent upon employer approval. This meant that members could leverage their individual negotiations to secure Union coverage even when working remotely outside the state. However, many studios, including WDAS, chose not to extend the protections of a union contract to these remote workers hired outside of L.A. County, resulting in lower pay and limited benefits.

Historically, the Guild’s Membership has been limited to those residing and working in Los Angeles and contiguous counties. However, TAG has recently seen success organizing workers outside this area, including in New York, Virginia, Puerto Rico, Texas and elsewhere. Additionally, as a Local Union of IATSE International, The Animation Guild was granted national jurisdiction by IATSE’s General Executive Board in August 2023.

The Animation Guild invites remote animation workers interested in TAG membership from other studios to visit animationguild.org/remote-work and contact an organizer.

November 28, 2023
‘Peppa Pig’ Returns for Season 10 with New Character Voiced by Sandra Dickinson
Oinktastic news for fans of Peppa and all her animal friends: Hasbro’s global preschool smash Peppa Pig is coming back for Season 10! The all-new batch of episodes will premier on Nick Jr. on December 4 at 7 p.m. EST, introducing Granny Sheep — voiced by American-British actress Sandra Dickinson (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy [1981], Balto, Uncle, The Batman) — who moves in with Suzy Sheep and Mummy Sheep, creating the show’s first multigenerational family.

The Season 10 premiere will kick off a month-long “Peppa’s Holiday Pep-tacular” celebration on Nick Jr., with premieres of 13 brand-new episodes. Peppa Pig will air regularly weekdays, Monday through Friday, beginning December 4 through December 21.

Episodes include:
- “Grandpa’s Robot”: Grandpa Pig has built a robot to help with household tasks. The robot can dig holes and help carry drinks and Grandpa Pig!
- “Paper Games”: Madame Gazelle is teaching the children things to do with paper. They learn origami, games and paper animation.
- “Clouds”: Peppa and her family are at the seaside, but clouds keep blocking the sun and make it to rain!
- “Mr. Bull Digs Up The River”: Grandpa Pig is taking Peppa and George for a boat trip on the river. They meet Mr. Bull, who is digging up the river! Mr. Bull is using his digger boat to remove all the things that shouldn’t be there (like plastic bottles) and making the river nice for the fish to swim in.
- “Granny Sheep Moves In”: Today, Granny Sheep is moving into Suzy Sheep’s house! Granny Sheep is going to be staying in the attic of their house. When she arrives, she starts moving the furniture and replacing different ornaments. Mummy Sheep is very surprised to find everything out of order when she gets home!
- “Cardboard Boxes”: Another opportunity to meet Granny Sheep. It is a rainy day; Granny Sheep is playing in the garden with Peppa and Suzy. They decide to make things out of cardboard boxes. They build a hospital, biscuit factory and a station.
- “Clubhouse Takeaway”: Today, Peppa and her friends are at the clubhouse. They are playing pretend takeaway. The children give themselves different roles, including a cook and waiter. Once the pretend food is ready, they have a great time serving it to the parents.
- “Walkie Talkies”: Peppa and George are at Granny and Grandpa Pig’s house. They are playing with walkie talkies. Grandpa Pig teaches Peppa and George that you need to use code names to talk to each other. Policeman Panda picks up a strange signal, overhearing Pirate Hog and Jolly Face speaking to each other. He soon realizes they are talking in code! Policeman Panda follows the signals, where he is surprised to find Peppa and George in Granny and Grandpa Pig’s Garden.
- “Peppa’s Office”: Peppa is watching Mummy and Daddy Pig working in their office at home. She decides that she would like an office to work in too. Mummy Pig sets Peppa up with a little desk, chair, pen and paper in the cupboard under the stairs. It is very cramped, but Peppa loves it like this!
- “Little Swift”: It’s a very windy day and Peppa and her family are flying a kite when they find a little bird not flying, but on the ground. Peppa and her family take the bird to Doctor Hamster. At the vets, Doctor Hamster tells Peppa that the little bird is called a swift.
- “What Babies Do”: Peppa and her family are driving to Cousin Chloe’s house. Aunty Pig teaches Peppa all about babies, and even lets Peppa feed Baby Alexander. Everybody loves Baby Alexander!
- “Lenses”: Peppa hands Penny and Pedro the wrong glasses by mistake and they can’t see very well. Madame Gazelle then tells them the importance of lenses and how they’re in all sorts of things!
- “Igloo”: It is a snowy day. Peppa and George are playing in the garden. Daddy Pig helps Peppa, and George build their very own igloo. Penny Polar Bear comes to visit and is very impressed! Polar Bears love igloos, everybody loves igloos!
November 28, 2023
‘Craig Before the Creek’ Movie Sets Digital, DVD & Air Dates

The big adventures before the big adventures unfold in the new original animated movie Craig Before the Creek, based on the hit Cartoon Network series Craig of the Creek. The feature-length adventure originally announced in January 2022 by CN and then-HBO Max will launch on Digital platforms from December 11 and on DVD on March 26, 2024.

On air, Cartoon Network will debut Craig Before the Creek on Saturday, January 13 at 10 a.m. ET/PT and the next day on Sunday, January 14 at 10:30 a.m. ET/ PT. The network will also celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 15 with a marathon block of the original series, its spin-off Jessica’s Big Little World and Space Jam: A New Legacy, all leading to an encore airing of Craig Before the Creek.

Synopsis: Before he was Craig of the Creek, he was just Craig — a new kid in a new town. All Craig wants is to go back to his old friends at his old home. But when he learns that the nearby creek is hiding a lost treasure that could make his wish come true, Craig sets off on a journey to find it — navigating the perilous suburban wilderness, forging new friendships, all while being pursued by a fearsome band of pirates who are bent on destroying the Creek itself.

Craig Before the Creek features the voices of Philip Solomon as Craig, Noël Wells as Kelsey, H Michael Croner as JP, Vico Ortiz as Serena, Kimberly Hébert Gregory as Nicole, Byron Marc Newsome as Duane, Phil LaMarr as Bernard and Lucia Cunningham as Jessica.

Produced by Cartoon Network Studios, the film is directed by series creators Matt Burnett & Ben Levin and co-directed by Naija Porter. The screenplay is by Burnett & Levin from a story by Burnett, Levin, Tiffany Ford, Ashleigh Hairston, Dashawn Mahome, Naija Porter and Jeff Trammell. Executive producers are Burnett, Levin and Cartoon Network Studios/Warner Bros. Animation/Hanna-Barber Studios Europe head Sam Register. Rossitza Likomanova is supervising producer, Lisa Zunich is producer and Susan Varghese is associate producer.

Now in its fifth season, the Emmy, GLAAD- and NAACP Image Award-nominated Craig of the Creek sits among one of Cartoon Network’s top 10 series by reach, and among its top 15 series by hours streamed. (Over 13 million views in 2023.) The pilot episode debuted on the Cartoon Network app on December 1, 2017, and the show premiered on February 19, 2018. Jessica’s Big Little World, a spin-off series featuring Craig’s little sister Jessica, premiered in 2023 as part of Cartoon Network’s Cartoonito preschool block.

Craig Before the Creek will be available on December 11, 2023, to purchase Digitally from Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu and more (SRP $14.99). The DVD will be available March 26, 2024, to purchase online and in-store at major retailers (SRP $14.99 U.S. / $19.99 Canada); pre-orders are open.

November 28, 2023
‘A Crab in the Pool,’ ‘The House of Loss’ Win Top Prizes at GIRAF
The Quickdraw Animation Society, organizers of Calgary, Canada’s indie animation celebration GIRAF (Giant Incandescent Resonating Animation Festival), announced the winners of its 19th edition. This year’s top jury awards were given to Canadian directors Alexandra Myott & Jean-Sebastien’s A Crab in the Pool and to South Korean animator Jinkyu Jeon’s The House of Loss.

“Jurying a film festival like GIRAF demands that you give screening after screening your full attention, try to remember everything you saw, and then compare apples and oranges. After watching what felt like hundreds of short animations in the span of one weekend, with eyeballs glued open, it’s amazing that we are still able to form coherent sentences. Yet, here we are, and we have the incredibly warm and enthusiastic community around this festival and Quickdraw to thank for making this process fun and fascinating.

We knew making choices would be a challenge after seeing the quality and range of films in the first screening. Each one had something special to offer to audiences, whether it was a truly innovative style, a new technique, an original way of telling a story, or some ineffable charm. The three of us all have different tastes, concerns, and things that move us based on our own experiences. But we also enjoyed the opportunity to notice what makes a film work for us, and we embraced the challenge of articulating that to each other. We loved so many of the films for different reasons and are thrilled to honor these selections as ones that stood out.”

— GIRAF 2023 jurors Laura Harrison, Theresa Tam & Emily Pelstring

The winners are:

Best Canadian: A Crab in the Pool

“This film’s eccentricity had a purpose within the narrative and felt true to a child’s perspective. The transitions between fantasy and reality were handled beautifully. The meaning of the narrative was revealed slowly and with subtlety, offering audiences an emotionally moving window into the experience of grief. We also appreciated the details that transport us to suburban Quebec.”

Best International: The House of Loss

“The way this story is animated is bound with everything it asks the viewer to reckon with: generational divides; the inevitably changing world; care for the suffering. The film helps us access painful states of being in an uncompromising way, ultimately allowing us to be softened by the tenderness of holding loss without release or solution.”

Jury Honorable Mentions:
- Cut Knife Creek – Best Canadian
- Whatever Moves Is Alive – Best Dismembodiment
- Final Nail in the Coffin – Best Sense of Humor
- Garrano -Best Style
- Intersextion – Best Sound
Audience Award – Best Canadian: VRDLK: Family of Vurdulak

Audience Award – Best International: Electra

Audience Choice Runners-Up:
- Return to Hairy Hill – Best Canadian
- Shackle – Best Itnernational
More information for GIRAF available at giraffest.ca. Catch up with the Quickdraw Animation Society at quickdrawanimation.ca.
November 27, 2023
Sandbox Celebrates Smurfs’ 65th Year with New Games App

London-based learning businesses outfit Sandbox Group and IMPS, the worldwide licensor of The Smurfs, today announced a new educational kids’ app: The Smurfs – Educational Games.

“We are really proud to have been selected by the Smurfs to bring to life a learning app with their iconic characters to be enjoyed by kids around the world,” said Shan Eisenberg, Chief Commercial Officer of Sandbox Group. “Sandbox has extensive experience in leveraging our educational game know-how and in-house gaming studio for top IP brands and we are chuffed about the opportunity to help celebrate such a significant milestone.”

Celebrating the 65th anniversary of the classic cartoon, the app allows youngsters to explore the Smurfs’ Village and play 10 different mini-games covering a range of different learning areas. The game aims to develop creativity, number recognition, hand-eye coordination, memory and attention skills, and includes activities such as painting, music, puzzles, numbers and counting, mazes and well-known games like dominoes and word search.

Fabienne Gilles, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Consumer Products at IMPS – The Smurfs, says, “Edutainment occupies a central position within The Smurfs’ licensing program. They are powerful characters when it comes to communicating with kids and they always do it with a unique touch of smurf-fun! We are very proud to launch this new learn and play app with Edujoy and Sandbox Group.”

The collection was developed by Edujoy, a Spain-based company specializing in developing educational mobile games for kids of all ages. The studio has helped create some 100 educational games in collaboration with leading children’s brands like Masha and the Bear and Hello Kitty.

The Smurfs – Educational Games is completely free and is available for iOS and Android devices in five different languages: Spanish, English, French, Italian and Portuguese.

November 27, 2023