The Pokémon Company International has announced that the BBC will broadcast Pokémon Horizons: The Seriesin December, introducing fans in the U.K. to the newest adventure in Pokémon animation. The first six episodes will air next month on iPlayer and CBBC. The U.K. will be one of the first international markets to debut the new series, which premiered in Japan in April.
It is the first time the BBC will broadcast a brand-new series of the franchise, following Pokémon’s BBC debut in 2021, when the corporation acquired a celebratory slate for fans in the brand’s 25th anniversary year: all 189 episodes of Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl, 142 episodes of Pokémon the Series: Black & White for iPlayer, 145 episodes of Pokemon the Series: Sun & Moon and eight feature-length movies for iPlayer and CBBC.
All previous 25 seasons of Pokémon animation have focused on the adventures of Ash and Pikachu, but now that Ash has finally become a World Champion, the stage is set for a new journey in Pokémon Horizons: The Series, which follows Liko and Sprigatito along with Roy and Fuecoco.
“We are delighted to continue our partnership with the world-renowned BBC to bring this hugely anticipated new season to U.K. viewers, free to air,” said Emily Arons, SVP of International Business for The Pokémon Company International. “We know that Pokémon’s massive U.K. fanbase can’t wait to catch their first glimpse of the enthralling new story arc, and we hope that the BBC’s huge audience will enjoy uncovering the mysteries of the Pokémon world along with Liko and Roy.”
Sarah Muller, Senior Head of Commissioning for CBBC, commented, “We know families love the world of Pokémon and we can’t wait to bring this all-new Pokémon animated adventure to the home of children’s programming in the U.K. and just in time for the festive season!”
Pokémon animation is broadcast in more than 160 countries and regions in more than 30 languages. The first 25 seasons spanned more than 1,200 episodes and 25 full-length movies.
Ninety-five Senses, the first animated short from husband and wife filmmaking duo Jared and Jerusha Hess (Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre), is receiving a limited four-week online For Your Consideration release. The 13-minute film is available to stream now for free through the Salt Lake City film accelerator program MAST’s Small Screenings platform.
The short stars Tim Blake Nelson, known for his roles in Coen Brothers films like O Brother Where Art Thou? and The Ballad of Buster Scruggs as well as his recurring performance as The Leader in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Nelson voices Coy, a folksy philosopher facing his own mortality on death row. As Coy bids a final farewell to each of his five senses, he reflects on his troubled past and dreams of a vibrant, multisensory afterlife.
Ninety-five Senses is directed by the Hesses and written by Chris Bowman and Hubbel Palmer, animated by six teams of artists from Latin America and the U.S. through the non-profit MAST. Producers are MAST co-founders Miles David Romney and Tori A. Baker.
The film won the Grand Jury award for animation from the Florida Film Festival, qualifying it for consideration for the 2024 Academy Awards. It has also been selected by 17 other Oscar-qualifying festivals around the world, winning awards at Animation Dingle in Ireland (Best International Professional Short), the Guadalajara International Film Festival in Mexico (Rigo Mora Special Jury Award) and the Flickers Rhode Island Film Festival (First Prize, Best Short Animation). It was also the sole animated Short Film nominee for the 2023 Humanitas Prize — the first animated short not produced by Disney/Pixar to be so recognized.
Ninety-five Senses is available to watch at smallscreenings.org now through December 11. Watch the trailer below.
DeAPlaneta Entertainment has struck a deal with production partners CJ ENM, Million Volt Animation Studios, Tencent Video and YGG Global to become the licensing agent and distributor in Europe and Latin America for Hero Inside, a new animated super hero action-comedy series set to screen worldwide through Warner Bros. Discovery outlets.
Hero Inside animates a childhood fantasy, unlocking a world where your favorite super hero can appear before you just by saying their name. The adventure begins after Scott, a cartoonist and free spirit, mysteriously vanishes after drawing 100 superheroes across 100 comic books, without ever publishing. His proofread books scattered across San Francisco, triggering odd occurrences. Mike, a 13-year-old boy, stumbles upon one of Scott’s books, Crying Man. When he casually says the hero’s name; Crying Man jumps out from the book, and his life changes completely. Other quirky heroes showcased in the series include Black Knight, Great Finger, Mummy Girl, Mr. Justice, Lucky and Sparkules.
Crying Man
Black Knight
Mummy Girl
Great Finger
The first season (11 x 13′) premiers in Latin America in November, following its market triumph in October as the third most-watched series by international buyers at MIPJunior 2023, out of 600-plus titles. Warner Bros. Discovery, which has commissioned the first two seasons of Hero Inside, plans to broadcast the series across multiple Latin American countries. From 2023 to 2024, the series will roll out across diverse territories including Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia, U.S.A. and Canada. Season 2 is already in production.
“The ultimate goal for Hero Inside is to become an iconic global superhero brand,” noted series director Joo-gong Meang, Founder & CEO of Million Volt. We plan to expand the universe of ‘Hero Inside’ beyond the animated series into feature films, spin-offs, games, comic books, and a range of products beloved by kids and audiences alike.”
Jong-min Yi, head of IP development for CJ ENM, added, “We deeply believe in excellency of the Million Volt’s crew and most of all, director Meang Joo-gong, who has already proven himself as a competitive director worldwide. We look forward to showing unique and creative characters and attractive stories of Hero Inside to more global audiences and we are a million percent sure that they will love it.”
Serving as Master Licensing Agent aside from Media and Digital Distribution Partner, DeAPlaneta Entertainment will work hand in hand with Warner Bros. Discovery to ensure an optimal launch for Hero Inside across LatAm and Europe.
“At DeaPlaneta Entertainment we know how difficult it is to find IPs capable of attracting a universal audience, whether in America, Europe or Asia,” said Diego Ibáñez Belaustegui, Chief Brand Officer of DeAPlaneta Entertainment. “Hero Inside, with its spectacular animation and its very human superheroes, achieves it thanks to a provocative proposal of frantic action that grabs you episode by episode.”
Mondo TV Group has signed a co-production agreement for the new children’s animated series Lola on Board, joining production partners TILE, Digitalcomoedia (both in Italy) and Toonzstation Mocca Studio (India).
TILE is led by Nicola Barile, an award-winning cartoon and documentary maker. Digitalcomoedia is a content production company for entertainment and industry which is establishing a global reputation for creating digital experiences. Toonzstation Mocca Studio creates entertainment content for various media and consumer platforms, with a strong focus on kids and families.
Lola on Board, a 3D CGI series of 26 x 7′ aimed at three- to-six-year olds, is currently well into the production phase. The first season will be available from summer 2024. The show will be distributed internationally by Mondo TV Group, Mondo TV Studios (which is now part of the Spanish group Squirrel Media), and Toonzstation for their respective territories.
The series follows the adventures of Lola, a little girl who spends part of her summer holiday with her grandmother Agata on the cruise ship Eloise. The ship’s crew, a friendly but slightly eccentric bunch, all love the resourceful, cheeky Lola, but she also has three very special friends: a seagull, a little monkey and a baby dolphin — and she can talk to them! While on the Eloise, Lola has fun adventures, discovers the world and learns about the natural world and the creatures that inhabit it.
The show highlights diversity and inclusion as well as sensitivity to issues of environmental sustainability.
“One little girl, seven seas, one thousand adventures! That’s what Lola on Board offers its young audience — and with the help of three highly regarded companies in their field we plan to bring to screens around the world a truly innovative, entertaining and educational show that is unlike any other,” said Mondo TV CEO Matteo Corradi.
Crunchyroll announced today that Makoto Shinkai’s critically acclaimed latest animated feature Suzume will begin streaming exclusively on its service on November 16. The award-winning film will be available in North America and all of Crunchyroll’s international territories (excluding Asia and France).
Synopsis: On the other side of the door, was time in its entirety—
Suzume is a coming-of-age story for the 17-year-old protagonist, Suzume, set in various disaster-stricken locations across Japan, where she must close the doors causing devastation.
Suzume’s journey begins in a quiet town in Kyushu (located in southwestern Japan) when she encounters a young man who tells her, “I’m looking for a door.” What Suzume finds is a single weathered door standing upright in the midst of ruins as though it was shielded from whatever catastrophe struck. Seemingly drawn by its power, Suzume reaches for the knob… Doors begin to open one after another all across Japan, unleashing destruction upon any who are near. Suzume must close these portals to prevent further disaster.
—The stars, then sunset, and the morning sky.
Within that realm, it was as though all time had melted together in the sky…
Never-before-seen scenery, encounters and farewells… A myriad of challenges await her on her journey. Despite all the obstacles in her way, Suzume’s adventure shines a ray of hope upon our own struggles against the toughest roads of anxiety and constraints that make up everyday life. This story of closing doors that connect our past to the present and future will leave a lasting impression upon all of our hearts.
Drawn in by these mysterious doors, Suzume’s journey is about to begin.
The English-language dub stars Nichole Sakura (Ghosts, Superstore, Star Wars: Visions) as Suzume Iwato, Josh Keaton as Souta, Jennifer Sun Bell as Tamaki, Joe Zieja as Serizawa, Rosalie Chiang as Chika, Amanda C. Miller as Rumi, Mela Lee as Miki and Cam Clarke as Munakata.
Suzume had its international premiere in February 2023 at the Berlin International Film Festival, marking the first time that an anime feature film screened in the coveted competition section in over two decades. The film was met with critical acclaim and went on to gross over $300 million worldwide during its initial theatrical run, making it the fourth highest-grossing anime film of all time. The film also earned a 96% critics score and 98% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The critically acclaimed film hit theaters globally in April of this year, and was distributed by Crunchyroll, in partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment, Wild Bunch International, Wild Bunch Germany, and Eurozoom (excluding Asia).
Suzume has recently been nominated at the World Soundtrack Awards for Discovery of the Year and the Asia Pacific Screen Awards for Best Animated Feature Film. The film was also awarded Outstanding Achievement in Music at the 46th Japan Academy Film Prize ceremony.
Prior to launching Suzume in theaters worldwide, Shinkai was well known for his prior feature films Your Name. (2016) and Weathering With You (2019). The latter was selected as Japan’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category of the 2020 Academy Awards and nominated in four categories in the 47th annual Annie Awards, including Best Animated Feature – Independent.
Suzume is produced by Shinkai’s CoMix Wave Films Inc. and STORY Inc. The creative team also included character designer Masayoshi Tanaka, animation director Kenichi Tsuchiya and art director Takumi Tanji.
Netflix Geeked Week ramped up the action for fans of mature animated storytelling this weekend, with more clips, trailers, teasers and first-looks at hot titles coming soon. Here’s a quick recap of the toon news (plus read about the new Geralt animated adventure, The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep, featuring original game voiceover actor Doug Cockle, in our previous post):
Blood of Zeus Season 2 got a first-look preview and an official clip. From Castlevania studio Powerhouse Animation, the anime-styled 2D series follows a commoner named Heron living in ancient Greece, who learns he is descended from the ruler-deity of Olympus, Zeus, and is destined to lead the fight against a demonic army. S2 will unleash the power of the demigod in 2024.
Speaking of supernatural monsters, the official trailer for the all-new anime series My Daemon dropped. Created by horror writer Otsuichi (Hirotaka Adachi) and animated by Igloo Studio in Thailand, the series takes place in the near future, and centers on a kindhearted human boy named Kento and a Daemon child called Anna, who set out on a grand adventure in hopes of saving Kento’s mother. Streaming November 23 worldwide. (netflix.com/mydaemon)
Otsuichi wrote the original story and script for the series, which is directed by Igloo CEO Nat Yoswatananont. The voice cast features Miyuri Shimabukuro (Kento Tachibana), Cocoro Kikuchi (Anna), Fumiko Orikasa (Kaoru Tachibana), Ayane Sakura (Kaede), Shou Okumura (Igisu), Wataru Hatano (Kouya Kokonoe), Naoya Miyase (Kiriko Nanbu/Restoration Daemon) and Jouji Nakata (Genjiro Houjou).
Geeked Week debuted a clip from the upcoming series Onmyoji, based on the Heian-period supernatural mystery novels by Baku Yumemakura and arriving on Netflix on November 28. In the Episode 1 clip, Abe Seimei (voiced by Daisuke Namikawa) and Minamoto Hiromasa (Shintaor Asanuma) meet for the first time. Produced by Marvy Jack studio, the anime adaptation is directed by Sobi Yamamoto and written by Natsu Hashiimoto and Yuiko Kato. The cast also features Yui Ishikawa as Tsuyuko, Kenji Hamada (Imperial Prince Atsumi), Rina Sato (Ashiya Doman) and Daisuke Kishio (Kamo Yasunori).
Synopsis: Yearning, obsession, burning desire… When people’s uncontrollable emotions begin to overflow, that is when they become demons.
In prosperous ancient Kyoto, court musician Minamoto Hiromasa, grandson of Emperor Daigo, visits the residence of the official onmyoji — the yin-yang diviners — in hopes of unraveling the mysteries of the demons that disturb the city. While there, he is introduced to a man perfectly suited for untangling these enigmas: the great onmyoji Abe Seimei, a man cloaked in an otherworldly aura. Hiromasa is vexed by Seimei’s lack of interest in the mundane world and his reluctance to help, but the two of them confront the demons at the cause of the incidents. They eventually find the onmyoji Ashiya Doman, who lurks in the shadows of the demons. Seimei and Hiromasa are joined by Hiromasa’s flute teacher Imperial Prince Atsumi, the emperor’s onmyoji Kamo Yasunori, and Lady Tsuyuko, who comes to accompany them as a result of a particular case. As their emotions intertwine like threads, will Seimei and Hiromasa be able to restore peace to the capital? The ordeal of these mismatched friends destined to share the same fate begins now.
Another upcoming anime was previews in a clip from Akuma Kun, based on the comic by Shigeru Mizuki, available to stream now. In the scene from the first episode, Akuma Kun (voiced by Yuki Kaji) and his partner, Mephisto III (Toshio Furukawa), face off against a demon for the first time. Rounding out the series voice cast are Ryoko Shiraishi as Sanae Kazama, Yumiri Hanamori (Mio Kazama), Ai Fairouz (Gremory), Yukiyo Fujii (Hina Asanagi) and Yuko Mita (The First Akuma Kun/Shingo Umoregi).
Akuma Kun is produced by Encourage Films, presented by Toei Animation, with a team including general director Junichi Sato, series director Fumitoshi Oizaki, series ouliner Hiroshi Ohnogi and supervising animation director Sakae Shibuya.
Synopsis: Strange requests often find their way to the doors of the Millenarianism Research Institute. The leader of the institute, Ichiro Umoregi, also known as “Akuma Kun,” is a prodigy that only comes along once every 10,000 years. However, he doesn’t know his real family. Along with his partner Mephisto III, Akuma Kun takes on mystical cases while digging into his own origins in this bizarre detective buddy story.
Continuing the animated exploration of Japan, we got a behind-the-scenes look at the “Making of a Warrior” for the recently debuted, critically acclaimed Blue Eye Samurai (read all about it here). The video offers an in-depth look at the show’s stunning fight choreography with Jane Wu (supervising director/producer) and Sunny Sun (stunt choreographer).
Bringing the popular game to life, the Exploding Kittens animated series dropped its official teaser trailer. Premiering on Netflix in 2024, the adventure unfolds as the eternal conflict between Heaven and Hell reaches epic proportions when both God and the Devil are sent to Earth … in the bodies of chunky house cats.
Starring Lucifer‘s Tom Ellis as the voice of GodCat, Abraham Lim, Lucy Liu, Ally Maki, Mark Proksch and Sasheer Zamata, the series is steered by showrunners Shane Kosakowski and Matthew Inman. Executive producers are Beavis and Butt-head team Mike Judge, Greg Daniels and Dustin Davis of Bandera Entertainment; executive producers Peter Chernin and Jenno Topping for the Chernin Entertainment Group; and executive producers and creators of the Exploding Kittens franchise, Elan Lee and Inman.
Creator Adi Shankar stepped in front of the camera for a BTS Featurette on the upcoming Devil May Cry anime series, announced during Netflix’s recent genre content event DROP 01. Shankar, who has also ushered the video game adaptation Castlevania and the Ubisoft-inspired recent launch Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix to Netflix screens, ofers fans a look into the making of the new series from video game studio Capcom and anime prodco Studio Mir.
The next installment (5 x 25′) of He-Man adventure, Masters of the Universe: Revolution, unveiled the official teaser spot, showcasing the clash of technology and magic as the hero of Eternia faces the forces of Skeletor! The second chapter of Kevin Smith’s revamped MOTU premieres in January 2024.
Featuring the voices of Diedrich Bader, Melissa Benoist, Liam Cunningham, Keith David, Mark Hamill, Lena Headey, Griffin Newman, William Shatner, Tiffany Smith, Tony Todd and Chris Wood, the series is executive produced by Smith, Ted Biaselli, Rob David, Christopher Keenan and Frederic Soulie. MOTU: Revolution is produced by Mattel Television for Netflix, with animation by the bustling Texas studio, Powerhouse.
Synopsis: It’s technology versus magic when He-Man and the heroic warriors face the forces of Skeletor and something more in Masters of the Universe: Revoolution — the new epic chapter in the battle for Castle Grayskull!
The newly mechanized Skeletor, armed with the might of Motherboard, attacks the heart of Eternia while Prince Adam grapples with a new responsibility and what that means for him as He-Man! Adam is forced to choose between the scepter or the sword, and a life as either the King or the Champion! Meanwhile, the new Sorceress Teela searches for the secret of Snake Magic in the mists of Darksmoke to rebuild a magic realm and help He-Man hold off the greatest threat Eternia has ever faced: the return of the despot Hordak, the ruthless leader of the Horde Empire!
Paying homage to the North American comics scene, the final trailer for Scott Pilgrim Takes Offarrived, giving fans a glimpse of the complicated romance blooming at the heart of the story. Coming to Netflix on November 17.
Based on the graphic novels by Canadian comicker Bryan Lee O’Malley, the 2D series follows Scott Pilgrim (voiced by Michael Cera), who is swept off his feet when he meets the girl of his dreams, Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). But ther’es a catch: Before he can date her, he must defeat her seven evil exes! …And then things get even more complicated.
And last but definitely not least, one of the icons of sci-fi cinema history gets its turn in the toon spotlight as Netflix announced Terminator: The Anime Series, coming soon! The teaser promises that, “On August 30th, 1997 … Two days from now … Everything changes.” — referring to the day the AI network Skynet usurped its human masters in the time-travelling cyborg blockbuster, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger (the highest grossing movie of 1991).
The project hails from Terminator prodco Skydance, Ghost in the Shell animation studio Production I.G and writer/executive producer Mattson Tomlin (who is also writing for the upcoming movies The Batman Part II, with Matt Reeves; Mega Man; BRZRKR; and Memetic).
Orange juice is $12 a bottle, but putting smiles on the faces of your favorite toon fans is priceless! (Psst! Prices given are rounded-up SRP, check retailers for the latest discounts.)
The big Disney100 anniversary has inspired a ton of exciting goodies. Topping the list is the limited edition Disney Legacy Animated Film Collection, a three-volume set featuring 100 films from Disney and Pixar, plus a collectible Wish lithograph, poster art booklet and Disney100 crystal Mickey ears hat. Only the very fortunate will unwrap the $1,500 set that’s already selling out [on shelves Nov. 14].
Not enough luxury, you say wealthily? Through in the anniversary LEGO Disney Castle [$400], vintage Mickey & Minnie Mouse Picnic Dooney & Burke Camera Bag [$230] or the timeless Walt Disney & Mickey Mouse “Partners” Statue Watch by Citizen [$375], all available at shopdisney.com.
For the person on your list who wishes every holiday was Halloween, there are lots of fun items celebrating the 30th anniversary of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas! Our top pick is the OST vinyl set from Walt Disney Records, which features very cool zoetrope artwork on the two LPs packed with Danny Elfman’s iconic songs. [Amazon, $35]
Team bunny also has a packed wish list this year thanks to Warner Bros.’ Celebrating Every Story 100th anniversary campaign! The consumer products department had a lot of fun coming up with new mash-ups of beloved WB properties, like the Funko Looney Tunes x Scooby-Doo line (gotta love the Pop! Ride Mystery Machine with Bugs Bunny [$35] or the WB Shop tees for Looney Tunes X Casablanca [$32] and Tom & Jerry x Singin’ in the Rain [$29].
The celebration also includes DVD collections — notably the six-disc The Looney Tunes Complete Platinum Collection, packed with 150 theatrical shorts [$20].
Partners like Mattel, Monogram, Loungefly, RSVLTS and BoxLunch all have special items inspired by WB faves like The Jetsons, The Flintstones, ThunderCats and more. Look, if the studio’s centennial isn’t the occasion to treat yourself to a Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine Eyeshadow Palette [BoxLunch, $20], what is?
Add to your friends’ libraries with delightful titles for all ages. Little ones can relive Asha’s journey with the Little Golden Book: Disney Wish [Random House Children’s, $6] or Elemental: A City for Everyone [Penguin, $17], while order readers will love any of the beautiful art-of-the-movie books for this year’s hits — recent releases include The Art of Wish [Chronicle, $45, Oct. 24], The Art of DreamWorks Trolls Band Together [Cameron, $50, Nov. 7] and The Art of Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix [Dark Horse, $50, Oct. 31].
There are also inspiring options for artists of all ages — from Quentin Blake’s kid-focused Start with a Scribbleto 3dtotal’s Fundamentals of Character Design and the splurge-worthy double box set set of Andrew Loomis’ Drawing the Headand Hands & Figure Drawing for refining figural skills. Maybe a new skill can hatch with the Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget Im-peck-able Crochet guide!
Give ’em something to Shout! about! The eclectic distributor has a number of new sets fans will be eager to unwrap, including Masaaki Yuasa: Five Films (GKIDS, Blu-ray, $100, available Dec. 19), Evangelion: 3.0 + 1.11 Thrice Upon a Time Collector’s Edition (GKIDS, 4K, $80) and Wallace & Gromit: The Complete Cracking Collection (Blu-ray, $25), to name a few.
Toys & Trinkets
Trolls Band Together Fashion Doll
Two kinds of hair, 15 accessories, endless possibilities! [Mattel, $25]
Nimona with Wings Plush
8″, also available in Shark form! [geemerch.com, $21]
Wish Star Light-Up Plush
14″ of huggable fun! [shopdisney.com, $35]
Elemental Clod Plush
9 ¾”; also available in Gale, Ember and Wade. [shopdisney.com, $25]
Spirited Away No-Face Ring
Sterling silver & enamel. [rocklove.com, $85]
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Sewer Lair Playset
20+ features and three levels to set battles between turtle and mutant action figures (sold separately) — includes Ooze! [Playmates, $96; action figure prices vary]
Chainsaw Man Pochita Otaku Lamp
16 colors, USB or battery operated. [store.crunchyroll.com, $35]
Krapopolis Hippocampus Pin
Hard enamel, confusing physiognomy. [toddland.com, $12]
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Marvel Legends Action Figures
With premium detail and articulation, The Spot 6″ collectible figure includes 5 accessories while Jessica Drew rocks interchangeable hands. [Hasbro, $25 each]
Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures Nubs Backpack
An adorable fuzzy pack for any youngling to tote! [shopdisney.com, $35]
Shrek Knit Beanie
For the special ogre in your life who already bought the matching Crocs. [aelfriceden.com, $30]
Moomin “House of Disaster” Foldable Water Bottle
An eco option for the softcore fashionista, inspired by Tove Jansson. [shop.moomin.com, €26]
Life-Sized Coraline with Button Eyes
Make a big, slightly unnerving impression by gifting this five-foot exclusive from Kidrobot. Comes with stand! [$380]
The Super Mario Bros. Movie Van Playset with 1.25″ Mario
Open the 7″ x 7″ vehicle to uncover a portal to the mushroom kingdom! [Jakks Pacific, $15]
Wallace and Gromit Calendar 2024
While Chicken Run and its new sequel are getting most of the attention this holiday season, let’s not forget Aardman Animations’ original stars, Wallace & Gromit. This colorful 2024 calendar will put the charming duo back into your daily lives each and every day of the year. [Gromitunleashedshop.org/uk, $12, plus tax and shipping charges]
Looking for more inspiration? Check out past editions of our monthly Must-Have Lists by clicking here!
Central & Easter Europe’s largest animation-focused pitching and networking event, the CEE Animation Forum, came to a close after two days of programming in Pilsen, Czech Republic (November 8 & 9). A total of 28 diverse projects reaching a total budget of €29 million were presented in the four main competitions, with the juries presenting awards to a total of 12 animated works.
“I am very proud of every team on the stage — from debuting students fearlessly stepping in front of a professional audience for the first time, to experienced filmmakers unveiling a multitude of highly ambitious projects. Their creativity and courage defined the essence of our CEE Animation Forum,” said Marta Jallageas, Managing Director.
My Little Heroes
CEE Animation Forum 2023 Winners
AUDIENCE AWARD
My Little Heroes
Director Javier Galán, producer Ivan Agenjo
Peekaboo Animation, Fabrique Fantastique | Spain, Belgium)
FEATURE FILMS
Nine Lives Left
d. Zacharias Mavroeidis, p. Maria Kontogianni
Wild at Heart | Greece
Jury statement: We feel the potential of the story (at least we are going to discover what cats think of us!). But we feel this isnot around the travel between childhood and teenager more about what we want for our life.
Rainy Days
SERIES/TV SPECIAL
WINNER: Rainy Days
d. and p. Ani Antonova Hristova
Austria, Bulgaria
Jury statement: We decided to give the main award to Rainy Days for its great potential and unusual main character. We see the
project as very original and poetic. We also appreciate the
personal aspect, since it’s female family business, artistic cooperation of two generations.
Special Mention:Dolls
d. Joachim Hérissé, p. Stéphanie Launay
Komadoli Studio | France
Jury statement: We decided to award Dolls with a Special Mention for its quality and originality. We appreciated its connection to the tradition of Czech puppet animation. We consider the project very artsy, a counterpart to consumerism and also a very personal endeavor.
Nightbloom
SHORT FILMS
WINNER: Nightbloom
d. Kata Gugić, p. Vanja Andrijević
Bonobo Studio| Croatia
Jury statement: For the quality of the artists’ research, their originality and their capacity to experiment with narrative through the creation of an entertaining and pop universe.
Special Mention: Be Still My Heart
d. Melinda Kádár, p. Bella Szederkényi
CUB Animation | Hungary
Jury statement: For the vulnerability of the process, the clarity of vision and risk taking, as an encouragement to push the surreal element further and deeper.
Stuck in a Wasp Nest
RISING STARS
WINNER: Stuck in the Wasp Nest
d. Agnes Milla Bereczki
Estonian Academy of Arts | Estonia
Jury statement: The jury was impressed by the professional
presentation and the author’s ability to process a personal
trauma with honesty and humor. They were captivated by its
original visuals and clear storytelling.
Special Mention: It’s (Not) Yours
d. Santiago Ordoñez
Estonian Academy of Arts | Estonia
Jury statement: This film tells a deep story with a minimalistic style. The jury was impressed by the maturity and the strong
atmosphere behind, as well as by the expressive sound design
that complemented the graphic visuals.
Eruption
CEE Animation Workshop
Riamise
d. Francesco Forti, p. Federico Turani
Ibrido Studio | Italy
Ciclic Residency
Nightbloom
d. Kata Gugić, p. Vanja Andrijević
Bonobo Studio | Croatia
TVPaint
Eruption
d. Zoe Nagy
MOME Anim – Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design | Hungary
Cartoon Movie – direct access
Dr. Howl
d. Joanna Jasińska-Koronkiewicz, p. Anna Mroczek, Wojtek Leszczyński, Przemysław Pilarczyk
Likaon, WJT | Poland
MouMoush – the King of Plastic
d. Milorad Krstic, p. Radmila Roczkov, Hermina Roczkov
Hungary
Young Horizons Industry – direct access
Rainy Days
d. and p. Ani Antonova Hristova
Austria, Bulgaria
Animarkt Stop Motion Forum – direct access
Dolls
d. Joachim Hérissé, p. Stéphanie Launay
Komadoli Studio | France
Audience Award winner, CEEAF2023
Series/TV Special winners
Short Film winners
Rising Stars winners
Feature Film winners
Financial support for the event was provided by the Czech Film Fund, Ministry of Culture Czech Republic, Audiovisual Producers´ Association (Czech Republic), Pilsen Region (Czech Republic) and the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design Budapest.
More information about CEE Animation Forum 2023 available at ceeanimation.eu.
Toronto-based production company Wildling Pictures announced today (Friday, Nov. 10) the launch of its new TV division, featuring a varied slate of IP and scripted series. The production company has produced a range of original live-action feature films, including Young Werther and See For Me. Wildling’s new TV slate will have a particular focus on high-end drama, kids, YA and family projects.
With an extended focus on diverse stories and animation, Wildling is prepping the adult animated series Hot Flash, based on the animated short film by Thea Hollatz, which debuted at Sundance Film Festival in 2020. The animated workplace comedy centers on a woman working as a television newscaster, who experiences a menopause-related hot flash just as she is about to go on air to report on a snowstorm.
Thirty-one Sixty Pictures is co-producing the project in Canada, with Kristy Neville serving as an executive producer. Adapting the story for TV, Wildling has attached cowriters Susan Coyne (Daisy Jones & The Six, Slings and Arrows) and James Schultz (Disappearance at Clifton Hill) to the project.
Hot Flash (2019) is available to rent or buy on Vimeo and available to stream on Plex.
Leading the flock for Wildling’s kids’ TV slate is the preschool animated series Professor Goose, based on the children’s book series by Paulette Bourgeois and illustrated by Alex G. Griffiths, currently in development with CBC. Professor Goose follows the adventures of Marie Curious Goose, Ph.D., as she fact-checks the science in her great-aunt Mother Goose’s stories.
Initial announcements for the company’s live-action series slate include an adaptations of the bestselling mystery-thriller A Death at the Party by author Amy Stuart, and the YA fantasy Clara Voyant from Rachelle Delaney.
Wildling’s Matt Code (Accused), Natalie Urquhart (Suits) and Julie Strifler (Easy Land) are executive producing the projects.
As the prodco continues to expand its TV division, it is looking to partner with broadcasters, studios, established directors and series creators, both domestically and internationally.
“Our team are proud to introduce Wildling’s selection of high quality IP and elevated scripted original series,” said Wildling Pictures Producer & President, Matt Code. “Having built a strong reputation within the feature film production space, we are delighted to be expanding our expertise with the launch of our original TV content. We are looking forward to working with some incredible talent, and introducing these projects to potential partners at Content London in a few weeks.”
Today, WIA (Women in Animation), a global advocacy organization championing equity for women and people of underrepresented gender identities in animation, announced its partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the world’s leading organization protecting and promoting culture for sustainable development and upholding human rights around the globe. The partnership represents their joint vision to empower and support our contingency in animation, VFX, and gaming, especially in developing countries.
WIA President Marge Dean participated in a signing ceremony with Ernesto Ottone R., UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture, on Friday, November 10, 2023, at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France. She was then a featured speaker at the UNESCO Partner’s Forum.
“The partnership between WIA and UNESCO is an opportunity to make global change at the intersection of gender justice, and art, technology, business, and culture,” said Dean. “New animation industries are developing around the world and, together, WIA and UNESCO can advocate for gender equity to be built into the foundation.”
Photos credit: Emmanuel Steinitz
Since its founding in 1946, UNESCO has collaborated closely with civil society organizations and other partners that support and advance its diverse activities and programs around the globe. UNESCO gives priority to gender equality in line with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. UNESCO’s gender message is clear: “Women and men must enjoy equal opportunities, choices, capabilities, power and knowledge as equal citizens. Equipping girls and boys, women and men with the knowledge, values, attitudes, and skills to tackle gender disparities is a precondition to building a sustainable future for all.”
Over the years, UNESCO has built up a valuable network of cooperation with civil society organizations having expertise in its fields of competence. In fact, civil society actors played a major role in the adoption of the UNESCOConvention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions in 2005. To date, UNESCO has partnered with more than 400 civil society partners, but this marks the first time the worldwide institution has partnered with an animation advocacy organization.
“Civil society actors played a major role in the development and adoption of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions in 2005,” said Toussaint Tiendrebeogo, Secretary of the UNESCO Convention. “Over the last decade, their role has only increased, as countries design and implement new cultural policies. Civil society organizations such as Women in Animation can drive the implementation of the UNESCO 2005 Convention on local, national, regional and international levels and ensure that the concerns of artists and cultural professionals — especially women — are heard.”
Jinko Gotoh
Both organizations agree that animation is a viable and sustainable employment opportunity for women around the world as well as an exceptional vehicle for sharing local cultural stories with a global audience.
“Animation is the perfect universal medium for telling culturally authentic stories that connect global audiences and show us not just the world as it is but the world as it could be,” said Jinko Gotoh, WIA Vice President. “WIA’s goal is to make sure that women and gender nonbinary people are reflected in those worlds, not just in the content but in the leadership and creative teams behind the industry as well as the stories.”
Through WIA’s global expansion efforts, partnering with UNESCO will open new opportunities for resources and connections in developing areas like Nepal, where WIA recently announced a partnership with WIA Nepal. WIA Nepal is led by Board President Sampada Malla and sponsored byIncessant Rain Studios, led by Founder/Co-CEO Kiran Bhakta Joshi and co-CEO Deepa Chipalu Joshi. They focus on helping young Nepali women and their families understand that there are viable career opportunities in animation and visual effects and to help those same women get into the industry by providing education scholarships.
The UNESCO Partners presentation was followed by a panel, featuring:
Marge Dean, WIA President
James Filippatos, Vice President for Global Public Policy at The Walt Disney Company
PBS KIDS today announced Carl the Collector, a new animated series now in production for children ages 4-8, and its first show featuring a lead character on the autism spectrum. The series was created by New York Times best-selling illustrator and author Zachariah OHora (My Cousin Momo!) and is produced by Fuzzytown Productions and Spiffy Pictures (Donkey Hodie, Nature Cat).
Carl the Collector animates stories which celebrate the diverse ways kids think and express themselves, while helping them develop a strong sense of self and community. The series is slated to premiere in Fall 2024 on PBS KIDS.
“Carl the Collector values inclusion and empathy, while modeling relationship-building and social skill development, wrapped up in humor, heart, and incredible visual design,” said Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President and General Manager, PBS KIDS. “We are excited for children to get to know Carl and his group of friends, who believe that the best experiences occur when we honor the things that make each of us unique.”
Creator and executive producer OHora commented, “My hope for Carl and his diverse group of Fuzzytown friends is that they will inspire neurodiverse and neurotypical kids alike to foster a world in which neurodiversity is not only recognized as a benefit to society, but is celebrated as exemplifying the full spectrum of what it means to be human.”
Carl the Collector follows the everyday adventures of Carl, a warm-hearted autistic raccoon who loves collecting things. His talents — a laser-focus pursuit of his goals, attention to detail and a distinctive way of looking at and experiencing the world around him — have helped him amass a collection for just about every occasion (e.g., the perfect fake mustache or a soft plushie for a friend in need), and come in handy for solving problems around the neighborhood with his friends. Carl has a lot of energy and is logical and precise, yet he often struggles with anxiety in new situations and has difficulty when things don’t go according to plan. Like all of his friends, he is learning that there is no right or wrong way to be himself.
Carl’s friends include both neurotypical and neurodiverse characters, each with different traits, behaviors, learning preferences, and challenges. In Fuzzytown, everyone is coming to understand something about themselves and each other. Carl’s best friend, Sheldon, is a beaver who is a flexible thinker with a knack for connecting people and looking out for the underdog. Lotta, a quiet and self-assured fox, artist, and musician, is also autistic. She experiences hypersensitivity to loud sounds, powerful smells, and certain food textures. Nico and Arugula are twin bunny sisters who, despite being identical in appearance, couldn’t be more different in personality. And Forrest, a hyperactive and impulsive squirrel with a tree nut allergy, is always up for an adventure — the more unexpected, the better.
“In today’s world, inclusivity and representation in programming is more important than ever, especially for the youngest of viewers,” said Caroline Bandolik, Supervising Producer and Vice President of Production for Spiffy Pictures. “We instantly fell in love with this beautiful Fuzzytown world Zachariah created, filled with engaging and relatable characters and funny, heartfelt stories.”
The series is animated by Emmy- and Annie Award-nominated Yowza! Animation (Welcome to the Wayne, Green Eggs and Ham). Bandolik (Nature Cat, Donkey Hodie) is supervising producer. Jesse McMahon (Nature Cat, Cyberchase, Magic School Bus Rides Again) is content producer. Adam Rudman (Nature Cat, Donkey Hodie, Sesame Street), Emmy-winning writer and co-founder of Spiffy Pictures, is head writer. The team of contributing writers include the Emmy-nominated TV and picture book writer Samantha Berger; advocate and actress Ava X. Rigelhaupt; Emmy-winning writer, director and puppeteer Joey Mazzarino; and award-winning children’s book authors Kelly DiPucchio and Bob Shea.
The series brings together a diverse production team of neurodiverse and neurotypical writers, advisors and voice talent. Advisors include Dr. Geraldine Oades-Sese, Ph.D, a licensed psychologist, children’s book author and Adjunct Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Dr. Stephen Shore, Professor at Adelphi University and adjunct professor at New York University Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development; and Deborah Farmer Kris, M.A., educator, author, parenting columnist and consultant for PBS KIDS for Parents.
“As an autistic person, I continue to be amazed at the level of detail and effort the team expends to assure that Carl and Lotta are authentic to the autistic experience,” said Dr. Shore. “In addition to being an interesting series, Carl the Collector will become a great tool for both autistic and non-autistic people to gain insight on autism. Although designed for young kids, I plan on using relevant excerpts to supplement my university teaching and presentations around the world.”
Dr. Oades-Sese noted, “It is about time for a children’s show like Carl the Collector, which embraces the diversity of children’s experiences and showcases an inclusive and relatable world. The show doesn’t shy away from having its main characters experience common mental health challenges such as anxiety, fear, sadness and the need for acceptance and belonging. Carl and his Fuzzytown friends take viewers on fun and humorous adventures that will help them understand and empathize with the characters, and ultimately, extend that understanding and compassion for others.”
BBC Studios Kids & Family have revealed that a special extended episode of the critically-acclaimed, multi-award-winning animated series Bluey will premiere globally next year on Disney+ and ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation).
A teaser trailer debuted today for the 28-minute installment, titled “The Sign,” which is written by series creator Joe Brumm, directed by Richard Jeffery and produced by Ludo Studio.
Dave McCormack and Melanie Zanetti will reprise their roles as the voices of Bandit and Chilli Heeler.
“We’re so excited to share that a 28-minute special episode is coming in 2024. There’ll be lots of laughs, exciting guest voices, and definitely a few tears. We’re so incredibly proud of the awesome team behind the series and we can’t wait for Australia and the world to watch this very special Bluey episode with their family and friends,” stated prodco Ludo Studio.
Henrietta Hurford-Jones, Commissioner & Executive Producers of Bluey for BBC Studios Kids & Family, added, “This extended episode allows room to explore the world, characters, and breadth of Bluey even further. Existing fans will love it and it will be a great introduction to this incredible show for new audiences.”
Since launching in Australia in 2018, Bluey has gained millions of fans around the world — including celebrity fans like Eva Mendes, Natalie Portman and Lin-Manuel Miranda, who have all appeared in the show in cameo roles. The global ratings hit won the 2022 BAFTA Children & Young People Award in the International category, four consecutive AACTA Best Children’s Program awards, an International Emmy and numerous craft and production awards around the world.
The series follows Bluey, a loveable, inexhaustible, Blue Heeler dog, who lives with her Mum, Dad and her little sister, Bingo. Bluey uses her limitless energy to play games that unfold in unpredictable and hilarious ways, bringing her family and the whole neighborhood into her world of fun.
Jointly commissioned by ABC Children’s and BBC Studios Kids & Family, Bluey is produced by multi-Emmy Award-winning Ludo Studio in association with Screen Queensland and Screen Australia.
The series reaches U.S. and global audiences (outside of Australia, New Zealand and China) across Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney+ through a global broadcasting deal between BBC Studios Kids & Family and Disney Branded Television. In its native Australia, the show airs on ABC.
Stirling, Scotland-based studio Wild Child Animation announced further expansion of its business and slate of IP, appointing production executive and animation producer Joyce Miller as Consultant Advisor.
Miller is working alongside Wild Child’s Co-Founders, Sueann Rochester and Ken Anderson, and the executive team on business development (primarily U.S./North American focused) as well as using her experience as a producer and senior production executive to refine Wild Child’s production process. She will also be working with Head of Development Martha MacDiarmid on the studio’s development slate, forging relationships with co-production partners and broadcasters internationally.
The new advisor brings a wealth of experience to the company, having acted as senior production executive on many hit animated projects during her tenure as Senior Manager Animation Production, Television Series at Netflix. Miller has also held senior positions at Spin Master Entertainment and DisneyToon, as well as consulting for many leading production companies.
“We are committed to developing our business and expanding our own slate of IP and can think of nobody better to help us than Joyce Miller,” said Rochester. “She is an experienced senior broadcasting executive and brings a wealth of experience which will significantly enhance our business, animation processes and slate of animated projects.”
One Button Benny
Wild Child’s slate of development includes a number of animation series aimed a range of demographics.
One Button Benny (working title; 26 x 11’), isa preschool property about a very special robot,based on the popular books by Alan Windram and illustrated by Chloe Holwill-Hunter
Dazzle Island (wt; 26 x 7’), is a preschool show based on an idea by the adorably quirky doll company, The World of Bobby Dazzler.
Skye Ranger (wt; 22′ episodes) is an adventure/comedy series for 6-12 year olds created by James Walsh; a fun and exciting blend of high-octane action, comedy and twisty plot-driven mysteries which are unveiled when 13-year old Skye discovers her mum and grandma have been living secret lives as members of a secret society of rangers who shield the country from paranormal phenomena.
Agents of EGG (wt), also for kids 6-12, is an action comedy about a super-secret law enforcement organization staffed entirely by anthropomorphic chickens, created by Simon Jowett.
Wild Child has recently received development slate funding from Screen Scotland, BBC Small Indies funding and the BFI’s Global Screen Fund this year, which has all which has enabled this activity and expansion, along with support from Scottish Development International.
Founded in 2020, the boutique studio’s credits include Toad and Friends and The Brilliant World of Tom Gates.
Pivot, Ana Gusson’s animated short exploring the conflicting societal pressures girls face in the modern world, is now available to watch for free online for a limited time, following a successful festival run. Based on a true story and written by Robyn Campbell, the Oscar-qualified film centers on 12-year-old Ashley, whose idea of who she should be is at odds with what her well-meaning mom thinks.
Watch Pivoton YouTube or at the bottom of this article.
The film was produced in Vancouver by Women in Animation’s successful Canada-wide ACE program, which aims to elevate women from midlevel animation careers to industry leaders through mentorship during the course of creating an animated short film.
Gusson is an award-winning director (Isabel & Nicki’s Super Duper Twin Adventures) and accomplished 2D animator based in Vancouver. She has animated for productions including My Little Pony: The Movie, Netflix’s Archibald’s Next Big Thing and DreamWorks’ Trollstopia.
Campbell is an award-winning Canadian screenwriter, currently writing for LEGO Friends, produced by The LEGO Group. As a bisexual female millennial, Campbell is driven to create characters and stories that are inclusive, diverse and encourage audiences to be themselves, even when it’s difficult.
Pivot is produced by Tini Wider, who is currently based in Canada and owns her own production company Wider Entertainment Inc. Having completed the animated short, she is now working as a VFX producer on an animated CG feature film at Industrial Light & Magic.
The film also tapped the talents of Cindey Chiang, an award-winning art director and visual development artist whose credits range from animating on the Beatles “Covers” ad for Apple to working on both of The Angry Birds movies as a vizdev artist, and is currently a Visual vizdev artist on the 2024 Garfield animated feature; award-winning, Vancouver-based animation director Erica Miles (Hilda, 101 Dalmation Street, Trollstopia, Young Love), who is now working on a series for Disney at Atomic Cartoons; and Eva Pekárová, a composer and musician for documentaries, film and animations, whose upcoming album incorporates orchestral performances and Eastern European folk instruments.
Sony Pictures Classics has debuted the official trailer for the U.S. release of They Shot the Piano Player, the critically acclaimed animated docudrama exploring the too-short life of pianist Francisco Tenório Júnior. The film is the work of Spanish filmmaker Fernando Trueba and artist Javier Mariscal, who previously collaborated on the adult animated romance, Chico and Rita.
They Shot the Piano Player will be presented for a one-week awards-qualifying run in theaters, starting November 24. The film has already screened in the official selection of the Toronto International Film Festival and Telluride Film Festival.
Synopsis: A New York music journalist goes on a quest to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of young Brazilian piano virtuoso Tenorio Jr. A celebratory origin story of the world-renowned Latino musical movement Bossa Nova, They Shot the Piano Player captures a fleeting time bursting with creative freedom at a turning point in Latin American history in the ’60s and ’70s, just before the continent was engulfed by totalitarian regimes.
Directed by Mariscal and Trueba and written by Trueba, the film features the voices of Jeff Goldblum, composer/activist Caetano Veloso and the late Bossa Nova legend João Gilberto, who passed away in 2019.
Read more about the making of They Shot the Piano Player in AnimationMagazine‘s super-sized awards season kick-off issue (December ’23, No. 335), available now.
Montreal-based animation studio TONIC DNA and agency Sid Lee have gone back to the kitchen to serve up a second course collaboration for IGA. Having dished up last year’s award-winning “The Meatloaf” campaign, they are now ready to unwrap the 2023 Christmas spot, “Mr. Beaver’s Yule Log.”
In this campaign, the ever-grumpy Mr. Beaver must learn to share his love of baking chocolate Yule logs with the rest of the woodland creatures. The titular treat-maker and his animal friends are brought to life with stop-motion animation, while the framing device of a grandfather sharing Mr. Beaver’s tale with his granddaughters is rendered in 3D CGI.
“We are very proud of this latest installment, ‘The Yule Log of Mr. Beaver,’” says TONIC DNA Executive Producer Stefanie Bitton. “It shows how animation can be used to tell beautiful stories, and hopefully inspire us all to share and help each other during the holidays.”
As part of the campaign, IGA is selling real-life versions of Mr. Beaver’s “Yule Logs of Generosity” in participating locations across Quebec until November 30. One-hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated to the annual La Guignolée charity food drive.
“Mr. Beaver’s Yule Log” was directed by Kun Chang and Fabien Fulchiron, who was also CG supervisor. The team also included animation supervisor Wiley Townsend; character designers Isabella Ceravolo and Michael Renaud; environment designers Cindy Foucault and Phoebe Mao; and senior producer Frédérique Parenteau. Additional 3D animation services were provided by Nebula Studios.
Watch “Mr. Beaver’s Yule Log” and learn more about IGA’s holiday charity drive at iga.net/en/christmas_tale.
On December 2, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., four much admired animators will gather in Las Vegas to showcase decades of original artworks at an exclusive Collectors’ Event set to take place at Animazing Gallery in Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas.
The event will welcome Bob Singer (award-winning artist, illustrator and character designer for Hanna-Barbera Studios, Marvel and Warner Bros., among others), Alan Bodner (Emmy Award-winning artist and art director for Disney , Warner Bros., DreamWorks, Cartoon Network and Filmation, etc.), Larry Leichliter (Emmy Award-winning artist, animator/director of Peanuts animation at Bill Melendez Studios) and John Kricfalusi, a.k.a. John K (award-winning illustrator, animator and creator of The Ren & Stimpy Show, as well as the voice of Ren).
These artists have created and brought to life some of animation’s most beloved characters — Snoopy, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Scooby-Doo, Yogi Bear, Tom and Jerry, Josie and the Pussycats, Powerpuff Girls, Simpsons, Kim Possible, Mickey Mouse,SpongeBob SquarePants and many more — and spearheaded animation projects for the industry’s top studios.
The Collectors’ Event will feature hundreds of pieces of exciting, rare and never-before-seen original works of art. While catering to collectors, the event is open to the public, providing a rare opportunity to engage with the artists.
RSVPs are required and can be made by calling 702-785-0061, or visiting animazing.com.
Chinese streaming platform Youku and Armenian studio Tale Wind have teamed up to co-produce the fifth season (26 x 7’) of the Turbozaurs animated series, to be released in 2024. Youku closely cooperated with series creator Tale Wind to produce the next batch of dino adventures, which will feature a new Turbozaur character named Siren.
The platform also snagged all the rights for the Turbozaurs brand in China, including distribution, licensing and brand development rights as well as marketing. In September of this year, Youku launched an extensive promotional campaign in China to highlight the premier of the Turbouzaur’s third season with digital, OOH and SMM advertising.
“Youku is one of the biggest and most innovative streaming platforms in China,” says Karen Asatryan, СEO of Tale Wind Studio. “With Youku’s unique experience and capabilities, we look forward to reaching new audiences in China and gaining more visibility for Turbozaurs’ brand. We believe that the content we created together will inspire millions of kids around the world.”
Yuanchang Sun, Head of International Business for Youku Kids, points out, “Kids in China fell in love with Turbozaurs — a unique combination of transformers and dinosaurs that perfectly match the young generation’s favorite topics. We are very happy to extend our cooperation with Tale Wind studio and elevate the Turbozaurs brand in China.”
Turbozaurs follows an adventurous team of dinosaurs that managed to survive in underground caves, evolved and now can transform themselves instantly into Turbozaurs — super powerful machines, each with a unique set of features. They are discovered by three human kids, forming a special rescue team of friends that can cope with any challenge, whether it is looking for a hidden treasure, growing exotic fruits or helping to find a lost pet.
Youku and Tale Wind cooperation started in 2021 initially with the distribution agreement for the first and the second seasons of Turbozaurs on the platform, where the show quickly made it to the top 10 most admired kids’ animation series in Q1 2022. The unique combination of transformers and dinosaurs, the most favorite heroes among modern kids, captured the hearts of millions of kids in China. In September, the third season premiered in Youku followed by an active marketing campaign.
Going forward, Tale Wind Studio has announced the development of the show’s sixth season as well as a Turbozaurs feature film.
Moonbug Entertainment, a part of Candle Media, and Spin Master today announced an innovative, strategic global alliance to create kids’ content, products and experiences for audiences around the world. The agreement leverages the capabilities of both companies and aims to maximize audience growth across a mix of product and content, encompassing licensing, content production and targeted media placement for Moonbug and Spin Master brands.
This strategic alliance will focus on elevating the intellectual propertyof both companies, with Spin Master lending its global expertise in preschool product development and distribution as the global master toy licensee for two of Moonbug’s IPs, curiosity-stoking Blippi and comedy- and song-driven Little Angel. Spin Master toys and games for these popular preschool properties are expected to hit shelves in 2025.
Little Angel
“We are thrilled to partner with Spin Master, a company that shares Moonbug’s values, especially the importance of giving children around the world the opportunity to laugh, learn and grow,” said Ryan Gorman, VP of Consumer Products Franchise, Toys & Retail Development at Moonbug Entertainment. “Together, we will help kids interact with their favorite brands and characters in new and exciting ways across all aspects of our respective business capabilities in consumer products, content production and media management.”
“We’re excited to have the opportunity to infuse Spin Master’s signature innovation into Moonbug’s incredibly popular properties which have enthralled children on a global scale,” said Doug Wadleigh, Spin Master’s EVP & Head of Global Toy Brands. “We’ll leverage our deep experience in preschool play and incredible legacy of delivering onscreen moments and characters to playrooms in real life for the highly engaged fanbases of these two properties.”
The alliance will also leverage Moonbug’s capabilities in media and content production for key Spin Master properties. Spin Master will tap into Moonbug’s expertise in driving successful channel growth by securing paid media on Moonbug’s and selected channels across YouTube and CTV for select brands.
Additionally, Moonbug will create YouTube short-form, animated content for key Spin Master Entertainment properties, leveraging Moonbug’s creative and production capabilities, and track record of engaging audiences. Content from the partnership is expected to launch throughout 2024 and publish weekly to YouTube, including Spin Master Entertainment’s newest preschool series, Vida the Vet.
“The way families enjoy entertainment today is ever evolving,” said Dan’l Hewitt, Head of Global Partnerships at Moonbug Entertainment. “Brands and shows are used as a tool to bond, learn, entertain, play and so much more. With this new collaboration, we are redefining what a licensing relationship can look like to the benefits of both parties and their respective audiences. Together, we deliver families’ favorite shows and amplify their experience whilst leveraging our mutual strengths and expertise.”
“As children’s content consumption habits continue to evolve, we are staying on the leading edge by partnering with Moonbug to meet kids where they are,” said Jeremy Tucker, Spin Master’s EVP and Global Chief Marketing Officer. “Together we will further deepen engagement with our globally recognized brands, with an emphasis on the power of storytelling, to inspire imaginations and new play experiences for kids everywhere.”
Women in Animation (WIA) has welcomed WIA Nepal into the fold as the organization’s first affiliate in South Asia. In partnership with WIA’s international community, the Nepal organization will work to further its goals of advocating for gender equity in animation, VFX and video games industries around the world.
WIA Nepal’s current focus is on helping young Nepali women and their families understand that there are viable career opportunities in animation and visual effects, and to help those same women get into the industry by providing education scholarships.
“We are excited to partner with WIA, an inspiring leader in advocacy for women in animation,” said filmmaker and WIA Nepal Board President Sampada Malla. “The animation community in Nepal is small but growing. By pushing for gender equity and giving women educational opportunities and support, we can make sure the Nepali animation industry is 50/50 from the beginning.”
WIA Nepal was initiated by Incessant Rain Founder/co-CEO Kiran Bhakta Joshi and co-CEO Deepa Chipalu Joshi in Kathmandu. The studio is providing crucial financial and development sponsorship of the affiliate. Deepa Chipalu Joshi said in an interview with Nepali Times that through the partnership, WIA Nepal will engage in advocacy, mentorship and education in Nepal.
The WIA Nepal Board of Directors is comprised of Ms. Sampada Malla, President; Ms. Shrijana Shrestha, Treasurer; Ms. Babita Giri; Ms. Sanchita Lama; and Mr. Prabhakar Maharjan.
“This partnership is an example of how, together, we can advocate for gender equity to be built into the foundation of growing animation industries across the world,” said Marge Dean, President of WIA. “I’m excited to see the positive outcomes of this partnership not only for the women and nonbinary creatives of Nepal, but for our industry as a whole.”
Incessant Rain is a visual effects and animation studio based in Kathmandu and in Palos Verdes, California. Its credits include Angry Birds, LEGO Batman, Ninjago, House of the Dragon and Mr. Robot.
