Animation Magazine

Author: Mercedes Milligan

  • ‘Future Chicken’ Crows About Eco-Savvy Guests for Season 1

    ‘Future Chicken’ Crows About Eco-Savvy Guests for Season 1

    Wind Sun Sky Entertainment partnered with the Ontario Water Centre’s social enterprise ClearWater Farm are gearing up for the November 5 launch of Future Chicken — a new animation property designed to help children counter ‘climate doomism’ with hope, inspiration and empowerment — with the announcement of a coopload of trailblazing green guest stars. This new global platform will launch with a digital series, a podcast, YouTube shorts, a Roblox experience and more.

    Featuring a variety of entertaining learning experiences for kids aged six to nine years old, the property revolves around a time-travelling eco-superhero chicken from 2050 named Potato, a.k.a. Future Chicken, who travels alongside other amusing characters, including a gossipy mushroom with a love of travel and an egg who wears rocket-pants.

    The platform has received the support of the Shaw Rocket Fund.

    The Future Chicken Today Show and Squawkarama Podcast topics range from the power of kindness to AI to cities of the future. Notable guests will play games and offer inspiringly honest views about our global environment to help kids see how positive the possibilities are. Cutting edge technology allows guests to talk up close and personal with the world’s first animated chicken host.

    The initiative’s co-creators, Catherine Winder and Annabel Slaight, are excited about the launch on the Future Chicken YouTube Channel and CBC Kids, and say they are especially thrilled with this esteemed cohort of environmental leaders and trailblazers as guests. “Together, they empower our viewers to be the change-makers of tomorrow and we are thrilled they feel it’s important to reach out to kids with us,” the creators note.

    L-R (top) Penny Oleksiak, Spencer West, Theland Kicknosway, Katharine Hayhoe, (bottom) Joe Whale, Mackenzie Turner, Robin Greenfield, Aneeshwar Kunchala

    Future Chicken Today Show’s guest appearances for Season 1 include:

    • Mackenzie Turner: a Roblox YouTuber and influencer with 3.5 million followers on TikTok and over 3M on YouTube. working to create a safe places for anyone to be themselves and have fun. In just three years, Mackenzie has amassed over 817,009,308 views on YouTube.
    • Aneeshwar Kunchala: child poet, artist, wildlife documentarian; placed seventh during Series 15 of Britain’s Got Talent when he was seven years old and an elementary school student. Simon Cowell has called this young conservationist the ‘next David Attenborough.’
    • Spencer West: an international motivational speaker, content creator and an author. At age five, he lost both legs which plunged him into a world that could have defeated him. Yet, he faced obstacles head-on, overcoming the many barriers for those with disabilities. West made headlines by summiting Mount Kilimanjaro using only his hands and wheelchair. On TikTok, he boasts over 4M followers and was named a 2SLGBTQ+ Trailblazer and the #1 Breakthrough Star in Canada in 2021.
    • Theland Kicknosway: a traditional singer, drummer, dancer who hails from the Wolf Clan of the Potawatomi and Cree Nations, proudly calls Walpole Island, Bkejwanong Territory in Southern Ontario, home. With a passion for preserving and celebrating Indigenous culture, his advocacy has caught the attention of Nike, Disney, and the BBC. Now in his 18th year in the Physical World, he continues to shine as a beacon of Indigenous pride and heritage.
    • Penny Oleksiak: one of Canada’s most decorated Olympians, who is also the nation’s most decorated swimmer of all time. Known for her exciting come-from-behind victories and clutch performances, outside her swim life, Oleksiak is a leader for the next generation female empowerment and in 2022 was named a Top 25 Women of Influence.
    • Robin Greenfield: a.k.a. The Trashman,” embarks on extreme projects to bring attention to important global issues and inspire positive change. He’s been named “The Robin Hood of Modern Times” by France 2 TV, his work has been covered by media worldwide including National Geographic. He donates 100% of his media earnings to grassroots non-profits.
    • Katharine Hayhoe: one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People and the United Nations Champion of the Environment, is also the Chief Scientist for Nature United and for its global affiliate, The Nature Conservancy. She is the author of the book Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World, has given a TED talk with over 4 million views, and hosts the PBS digital series Global Weirding. She is a distinguished Professor and Endowed Professor of Public Policy and Public Law in the Dept. of Political Science at Texas Tech University.
    • Joe Whale: a.k.a. “Doodle Boy” is a 13-year-old artist and professional doodler. He has worked with Nike, Prince and Princess of Wales, The FA, Disney and more. He has illustrated books and even published his own to spread the joy of doodling to others.

    The Future Chicken Today Show will premiere on Sunday, November 5 at 7:18 a.m. as part of CBC Kids’ morning schedule on CBC TV and CBC Gem, with new episodes airing the first Sunday of every month. Beginning on the same date, each episode will also be available to stream on cbckids.ca.

    futurechicken.com

  • Claynosaurz Brings Colorful Characters to Life in New Trailer

    Claynosaurz Brings Colorful Characters to Life in New Trailer

    An as-yet undiscovered animated species makes its debut in a new video kicking off the adventures of the Claynosaurz. The concept was created by the indie studio of the same name, which was established in late 2021 as an avenue for co-founders Nic Cabana and Dan Cabral to develop and launch their own original intellectual property.

    Veteran artists with notable feature film credits, the pair began building a universe around ‘Claynos’ —  stylized versions of recognizable dinosaur species. After introducing various characters and environments as a steady stream of digital collectibles, Claynosaurz has released its first concept trailer, providing a closer look at the Clayno world.

    After about two months of concept and development, CG production for the Clayno trailer kicked off in June 2023. While the team had lookdev and a pipeline in place for creating and rendering the digital collectible assets, realizing the trailer required a more robust setup.

    “We couldn’t ask for a better stress test,” explained Cabana. “Not only were we further refining our characters and rigs, but we also had to hire more artists to bolster the team. Moving from creating two- to three-second animation cycles to a close to two-minute short — on the timeline and at the quality we wanted — required that we make our production cycle airtight.”

     

    Comprising two distinct parts, the spot was partially inspired by ’90s toy commercials where kids were transported into the world of the advertised item. The first part of the trailer features a grounded, realistic aesthetic, providing a striking contrast to the fantasy Clayno world, which is more painterly. Artists drew from a mix of different styles in determining how the Clayno characters would emote, and would share animation tests with the Claynosaurz community via social media to solicit feedback.

    “We wanted to stay true to the look and feel of what’s already been built in the Clayno realm, but take it to the next level in terms of character design,” noted Claynosaurz Animation Director Sebastien Bruneau. “Each dino’s shape informs how they move, but we experimented with variations, like how squishy they seem or how Rex swings his tiny arms. Humor is a big part of the style, and our intent here is to excite people for future Clayno adventures.”A core team of 12 globally dispersed artists, with additional support from 25 freelancers, created the short in Autodesk Maya and Arnold using Conductor cloud-based rendering service. Claynosaurz Lighting & Compositing Lead William Liu noted, “Having all our artists working in different time zones was surprisingly easy with Conductor. It was super easy for them to install and start rendering with CPUs or GPUs. There was no adjustment period; we had lighters sending content on the farm from day one, and jobs were picked up and then returned super quick. We could focus on the creative 100% and know that our shots would render on time.”

    “Rendering can be one of the biggest stresses on a project because one task can cannibalize resources and limit creatives in their jobs. As a lean startup, the cost of rendering can be a barrier to success; you can’t afford to make mistakes,” Cabana added. “With Conductor, we can render shots as many times as we need to get the look we want and don’t even think about render times. We don’t have to be cautious in the amount of iteration, and that keeps us flexible through the creative process. Also, the APIs are really simple to understand, and it’s easy to manage a team remotely.”

    Bruneau added, “[With Conductor,] we had the ability and render power to make changes quickly, up until the last minute. Also, we could work in parallel. With on-prem farms, bottlenecks inevitably form around lighting and comp, making those artists feel pressure to work overtime so that there’s sufficient time to render.”

    “For artists, I can’t think of a better model than how we’ve done it so far. We can work faster, with less risk, all the while creating a special experience for fans that makes them feel like a part of production,” Cabral concluded. “Conductor and CoreWeave are part of the Claynosaurz DNA; they provide us with speed and flexibility in our pipeline so that we can focus on creative. We couldn’t have created Claynos or our animated cinematic trailer without them.”

    Meet the Claynos at claynosaurz.com and learn more about Conductor rendering services at conductortech.com.

    https://youtu.be/2AXRDI9v1do?si=xT1lFxZvjqXxZDvs

  • ‘Mixmups’ Launches on Milkshakes November 4

    ‘Mixmups’ Launches on Milkshakes November 4

    A new animated series for kids three to five years old is joining the Milkshake! lineup on Channel 5 (U.K.) this week. Premiering November 4, Mixmups (52 x 10′) is inspired by children’s love of ‘mixing’ things together as a way of playing, exploring and discovering. The show aims to encourage individuality, imagination, friendship and flexible thinking.

    Commissioned by Channel 5’s Milkshake!, Mixmups is the brand’s first animated preschool series featuring disabled lead characters and made by a team with lived experience of disability. The series was developed and produced by Manchester-based Mackinnon & Saunders (Guillermo del Torto’s Pinocchio, Moon and Me) and created by Rebecca Atkinson, the founder of the viral #ToyLikeMe campaign which called for more diversity in children’s industries.

    “In Mixmups, I wanted to create a universally appealing show which would burst from screens like a seaside candy store of creativity, bright, tangible, sweet and funny, capturing the magic of play and the ability of preschoolers to disappear into their own imaginations, but with unprecedented attention to the lived experience of disabled children and families,” said Atkinson.

    The show centers on three friends dubbed “the Mixmups” — neat and tidy Pockets, creative and inventive Giggle and boisterous and physical Spin — along with their lovable assistance pets, Roller Guinea and Yapette the guide dog, who all live in a wheelchair-accessible Helter-Skelter house in Mixington Valley.

    Each episode sees the friends use their wooden spoon and magical mixing box to ‘Mix up the Magic’ of play and imagination and transport themselves on a host of comical adventures. Through their young, imaginative minds, they embrace a variety of ways to play, entertain each other and embark upon day-to-day problem-solving challenges with the help of the trunky-beaked Lucky Loover Bird.

    “We are so proud to have commissioned the wonderful Mixmups for Milkshake!,” said Louise Bucknole, General Manager, Kids & Family, U.K. & Ireland, Paramount. “It’s a beautiful animation packed full of imagination and, what’s more, it’s a show accessible to every child. It’s been an incredible journey working alongside Rebecca and the team to bring this series to life and we’re so excited to introduce it to our Milkshake! audience.”

    The series uses 2D and 3D animation and was directed by Andy Burns, written by Debbie MacDonald and Rebecca Atkinson and produced by Chris Bowden, with consultation from play and educational expert Karen Newell.

    Mixmups was developed and produced with support from the U.K. Government-funded Young Audiences Content Fund (YACF), which is managed by the BFI, and in collaboration with Raydar Media.

    Mixmups premieres November 4 and will air every Saturday and Sunday at 8:15 a.m. on Channel 5’s Milkshake!, streaming on My5.

  • ‘Bixbee and the Beekeepers’ Series Expands on Kids’ Products Brand

    ‘Bixbee and the Beekeepers’ Series Expands on Kids’ Products Brand

    Award-winning children’s products brand Bixbee is expanding into the world of animation with the launch of its new action-adventure series, Bixbee and the Beekeepers, set to premiere in Spring 2024. A teaser for the show was debuted today.

    Created by Bixbee CEO & Founder Lu Garcia as Executive Producer of Buzzing Bee Media, in partnership with immersive animation house Lunchbox Labs (Weird Waters, Pets United), the new series aims to entertain children five and up while promoting multiculturalism, friendship and responsible use of technology under an umbrella of restoring balance to the Earth.

    The story follows Bixbee, the leader of The Beekeepers, as he guides his team of gifted, eco-conscious kids on a series of globe-spanning adventures using next-gen technology to protect Mother Earth from the contaminating plots of Queen Bee Evilise and her Agents of VIRUS.

    Each episode will feature photos from the actual native locations where the story is set, with complimentary lessons about the specific region’s ecosystem and culture. The series will include an original score and a different pop song over end credits every episode written by new and emerging artists from around the world.

    “At Bixbee, we understand that imagination is the foundation of achievement and creation, and we are committed to inspiring the new generation to develop ways of integrating technology and Earth in symbiotic ways,” said Garcia. “We can’t wait to dive into this new entertainment medium and explore a side of Bixbee that the fans have not yet experienced. As with all Bixbee products, this series remains dedicated to nurturing imagination, fostering playfulness and supporting access to education.”

    Bixbee and the Beekeepers will also incorporate multi-level licensing: Each Beekeeper character will be wearing a Bixbee backpack and other accessories that will be available for purchase.  Additional licensing opportunities are available as well with products such as action figures and collectible toys like The Hexagon Ship.

    “Creativity is the backbone of animation, and that is what makes this innovative partnership with Lu and Bixbee so successful,” said John-Marc Khayat, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Lunchbox Labs. “Lu’s passion helps us provide children with an unparalleled combination of a thrilling, crusading adventure along with an educational exploration. We are setting a new benchmark for a captivating series on YouTube and beyond.”

    More on Bixbee and the Beekeepers can be found at bixbee.com.

  • CEE Animation Forum Unveils 2023 Lineup, Previews New Market

    CEE Animation Forum Unveils 2023 Lineup, Previews New Market

    The 11th edition of the CEE Animation Forum, taking place November 8 & 9 in Pilsen, Czech Republic, will present a selection of 28 European animated projects– feature films, series/TV specials, short films and student works. Showcasing works for adults, children and all audiences, the event not only provides a platform for pitching but this year will also introduce a new Market platform.

    The total budget of all 28 pitching projects is €29 million, a hint at the ambitious scale and potential impact of the productions. The selection includes eight projects for children up to 10 years old, six projects for teenagers, eight projects for young adults and seven projects aimed at adult audiences. Hungarian animation is the most represented, with a total number of five projects, followed by Czech Republic (four), Estonia (three), Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain (two each), Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Finland, France, Greece, Slovakia and Ukraine (one each).

    The projects are also varied in the artistic approaches they employ. Hand-drawing emerged as the most popular technique, utilized in 16 projects, followed closely by 2D animation in 14 projects. Additionally, the selection highlights the creative use of 3D animation in seven projects and stop-motion animation in seven.

    In preparation for their final pitches, participating teams received guidance from Bonnie Williams, a renowned pitch & public speaking coach, and Karolina Davidova, an accomplished producer with expertise in art management and film production and founder of 13ka.

    Learn more about all the 2023 CEE Animation Pitching Projects here.

    Meet the Jury

    In the Feature Films category, the jury comprises Claudia Rudolph-Hartmann, a senior manager, international festivals and acquisitions at Global Screen; Delphine Maury, founder of the production company Tant Mieux Prod; and David Mouraire, a producer and a co-founder of Doghouse Films.

    The five series and one TV special will be judged by Denisa Dufková, head of planning for the children’s program of Czech Television Déčko; Emmanuelle Chevalier, a distinguished children’s film distributor at Les Films du Préau; and Leticia Montalvá Sánchez, a stop-motion producer at Pangur Animation.

    The Short Films jury features Tam Dan Vu, an artistic director and Head of Communications at Travelling Distribution from Canada; Stéphanie Launay, a French producer (Komadoli Studio and Scalae Productions); and Carla Vulpiani, a film distributor at Varicoloured Holistic Film Agency.

    The student works will be assessed by Flóra Anna Buda, creator of the Cannes prize-winning film 27; Stefan Michel, the co-founder of Studio Seufz,; and Léo Soesanto, a Paris-based film journalist, festival curator and writer.

    Introducing an Innovative ‘Market’

    CEE Animation Forum 2023 launches Market, a place designed to connect film professionals, where they can showcase their services, explore job opportunities and find ideal partners for their projects. What sets this initiative apart is its accessibility; organizers have ensured Market remains visible and open to those without accreditation or unable to attend in person.

    All attendees will also have the opportunity to access two presentations — Crystel Poncet, former senior acquisitions manager at Canal+, offering invaluable insights in the field of animated series; and the renowned Hungarian institution, the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design Budapest, introducing their new Animation MA program in English.

     

    More information about the CEE Animation Forum 2023 including program,  project catalog and registration, is available at ceeanimation.eu/forum.

  • Trailer: ‘The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday’ Plots a Naughty Scheme for a Nice Christmas

    Trailer: ‘The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday’ Plots a Naughty Scheme for a Nice Christmas

    The criminal critters of DreamWorks Animation’s Aaron Blabey adaptation The Bad Guys are back on the streets in a new Netflix special, The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday. The streamer debuted today new images and the official trailer, which finds Wolf and his gang plotting to save Christmas … so they can get back to stealing.

    The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday is a 22-minute animated special premiering on Netflix on November 30.

    The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday [Netflix © 2023]

    Synopsis: In this new adventure set before the events of the feature, there’s nothing the Bad Guys love more than Christmas morning — because while everyone is home opening presents, it’s the perfect time to execute their city-wide holiday heist. But when Christmas is unexpectedly canceled, the Bad Guys must do the unthinkable: reignite the city’s holiday spirit by giving instead of taking.

    The special is directed by Emmy winner Bret Haaland (The Penguins of Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness, All Hail King Julien), who also serves as executive producer with Katherine Nolfi.

    The voice cast features Michael Godere as Wolf, Ezekiel Ajeigbe as Shark, Raul Ceballos as Piranha, Chris Diamantopoulos as Snake, Mallory Low as Tarantula, Zehra Fazal as Tiffany Fluffit, Keith Silverstein as Gary the Shaved Ice Vendor and Kari Wahlgren as DJ Trudy Tude.

  • Award-Winning VR Animation ‘Gloomy Eyes’ Gets Game Treatment

    Award-Winning VR Animation ‘Gloomy Eyes’ Gets Game Treatment

    European pubcaster ARTE announces Gloomy Eyes – The Game, in co-production with Atlas V, 3 DAR and Be Revolution, and in close collaboration with Fishing Cactus, which created and developed the game. The new title is a video game adaptation of the animated VR film Gloomy Eyes, written and directed by Fernando Maldonado and Jorge Tereso. The game is scheduled to debut in 2025.

    Gloomy Eyes – The Game tells the poignant story of Gloomy, a mysterious zombie child, and Nena, a young human girl, in a world where the sun has chosen not to rise. Darkness has awakened the dead from their graves, and the living are trying to chase them away. In the midst of this ongoing conflict between the dead and the living, players find themselves closely connected to this unusual couple who are trying to bring light back to the world despite fear, tension and hostility.

    Using the unique abilities of Gloomy and Nena, players must solve puzzles and assist the heroes in their quest to make the sun rise again. They will uncover a unique story about loneliness, difference, and love by solving the various puzzles in this dark and poetic narrative game.

    The game will transport players into carefully crafted CG dioramas, inspired by the VR film’s artistic direction and graphical style. The original Gloomy Eyes won global recognition, including the Best VR Film award from the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in 2019.

    Gloomy Eyes – The Game

    ARTE France has been involved in supporting independent video games for a decade, first as a co-producer starting in 2013 and then as a publisher since 2018.

    “The announcement of Gloomy Eyes – The Game is a testament to ARTE’s investment in the world of independent video games,” said Adrien Larouzée, Head of Digital Project Management & Video Games Co-Productions & Publishing Activities Manager. “With its surprising artistic universe, innovative and accessible gameplay, and moving story, ARTE’s editorial strategy is in full swing.”

    ARTE France will be participating in the Paris Games Week from November 1 to 5 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles in the “Made in France” space, Hall 1. This event will be the ideal opportunity to showcase its best games and latest creations at the “10 Years of ARTE” booth.

  • Animated Old Testament Adventure ‘Young David’ Launches Nov. 10

    Animated Old Testament Adventure ‘Young David’ Launches Nov. 10

    A new animated series inspired by the story of a Biblical king is coming to streaming next month. Titled Young David, the series is being launched by Minno, Slingshot Productions, Sunrise Animation Studios and Angel Studios on November 10.

    Young David brings to life the growing-up years of one of the greatest kings in history. Though he would go on to become a renowned leader and leave an unparalleled legacy, he had to start somewhere! The series steps into David’s early life as a young teenage shepherd — with lyre, slingshot, and sheep for friends. Rooted in Biblical context and populated with many of the actual people, places, and kinds of events David would have experienced, each episode focuses on one defining characteristic of David — the one God called a man after His own heart.

    Minno and Slingshot Productions led the development of the series, which will feature two original songs from Grammy Award-winning songwriter Jonas Myrin. Young David is a prequel to the full-length animated feature film David, to be released in 2025 by Slingshot Productions in partnership with Angel Studios.

    The series will also be complemented by an illustrated chapter book series, with five books that will correspond to each episode. The first book, Warrior, will be out in early December. Additional tie-ins including curriculum materials are in development.

    “The Young David series takes the quality of animated Biblical series to a level audiences haven’t seen before. It gives a tiny glimpse into the quality of the upcoming DAVID feature film,” said Jeffrey Harmon, CCO of Angel Studios. “We are honored to partner with Minno, a company that shares our mission to amplify light, and co-launch the series on our apps and websites.”

    Young David will be available on the Minno Kids streaming service and the Angel Studios streaming platform and app beginning November 10. Early access will be available for Angel Guild Members on the Angel App beginning November 3. Episode premiere dates are:

    • November 10 – “Warrior”
    • December 8 – “King”
    • January 12 – “Shepherd”
    • February 9 – “Poet”
    • March 8 – “Worshiper”

    More information and where to watch available at youngdavid.com.

  • SOVAS Announces 2023 Voice Arts Awards Nominees

    SOVAS Announces 2023 Voice Arts Awards Nominees

    The Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS) announced the nominees for the 10th annual Voice Arts Awards Gala, recognizing exceptional performances in voice acting and media production. This year’s ceremony will be held Sunday, December 10 at 5 p.m. at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, California. 

    The awards are a global celebration of the industry’s best voice over actors, including major categories in English, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese and English-speaking Africa. They cover more than 100 categories, ranging from voices for motion picture animation and TV commercials to audiobooks, spoken word, political ads, toys and audio description for the blind and low-vision people.

    “I am utterly impressed by the extraordinary quality of the entries and the global reach of the Voice Arts program. Voice actors have labored tirelessly in the shadows for far too long. This is a celebration of their lifelong dedication to a genuine art form that has the power to move and inspire people of all ages,” says SOVAS Chairman & CEO Rudy Gaskins.

    This year’s special honorees include Viola Davis, Muhammad Ali Voice of Humanity Award; Eugenio Derbez, Voice Arts Icon Award; and Mabel Cezar, Voice Arts Apex Award. Plus, Keith David, recipient the inaugural Voice Arts Award a decade ago at the Directors Guild of America, will take the stage.

    Nominations in select animation categories below; visit sovas.org/2023-nominees to see the complete list of contenders.

    Outstanding Animation Character – Film or TV – Best Voiceover

    • Nazia Chaundhry — Bread Barbershop 3, “Master of Yoga”
    • Cristina Milizia — Butch Hartman’s The Garden Cartoon
    • Omar Miller — LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation
    • Monique Burias Shi — Monique Burias Shi Animation Demo
    • Eric Tiede — Millennial Hunter

     

    Outstanding Animation Character – Motion Picture – Best Voiceover

    • Mamoudou Athie — Elemental
    • Shamon Brown Jr. — Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
    • Ice Cube — Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
    • Leah Lewis — Elemental
    • Sara Secora — Boonie Bears: Back to Earth

     

    Outstanding Animation Cast – Motion Picture – Best Voiceover

    • Leah Lewis, Mamoudou Athie, Ronnie del Carmen, Shila Ommi, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Catherine O’Hara — Elemental
    • Nichole Sakura, Josh Keaton, Jennifer Sun Bell, Roger Craig Smith, Amanda C. Miller, Rosalie Chiang, Allegra Clark, Joe Zieja, Lena Josephine Marano, Bennett Hetrick — Suzume
    • Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr., Nicolas Cantu, Brady Noon, Ayo Edebiri, Maya Rudolph, John Cena, Seth Rogan, Rose Byrne, Natasia Demetriou, Giancarlo Esposito, Jackie Chan, Ice Cube, Paul Rudd — Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

     

    Outstanding Anime Character – Best Voiceover

    • Caitlyn Bairstow — World Trigger
    • Ryan Bartley — Gamera Rebirth
    • Jonathan Ostonal — World Trigger
    • Nichole Sakura — Suzume

     

    Outstanding Casting – Feature Film Animation – Best Casting Director

    • Rich Delia — Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
    • Kevin Reher, CSA — Elemental

     

    Outstanding Casting – TV Animation – Best Casting Director

    • Lindsay Halper — LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation
    • Lindsay Halper — Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
    • Natalie Lyon, CSA — Cars on the Road
    • Sara Jane Sherman — Animaniacs
    • Sara Jane Sherman — The Cuphead Show!

     

  • Sesame Workshop Debuts Pre-K Series ‘Bea’s Block’ on Sky Kids

    Sesame Workshop Debuts Pre-K Series ‘Bea’s Block’ on Sky Kids

    Sesame Workshop announced today the launch of a brand-new comedic animated preschool series Bea’s Block,which will screen on all Sky Kids platforms in the U.K. and Ireland from October. The show was produced as part of the ongoing content partnerships between Warner Bros. Discovery and Sesame Workshop (the global impact nonprofit behind Sesame Street).

    Bea’s Block is a ‘kindness adventure’ centered on a compassionate and curious five-year-old named Bea and her two best friends, Ty and Lexi. The characters look like wooden blocks, allowing them to exhibit a unique physical humor as they zip, stack and hop their way through their diverse and inclusive Blocktown neighborhood.

    “Bea’s Block models kindness through friendship by showing how to be empathetic, compassionate, and respectful to others,” said Kay Wilson Stallings, Sesame Workshop’s Executive Vice President, Chief Creative Development and Production Officer. “Bea and her friends always want to help but it can take a little time to find the best way how. The series was created with the educational approach and heart you’ve come to expect from the maker of Sesame Street.”

    Award-winning production studio A Productions developed the animation and design look of Bea’s Block. Based in Bristol, U.K., the studio has also animated the Sesame Street specials Sesame Street The Nutcracker, The Monster at the End of This Story and Furry Friends Forever: Elmo Gets a Puppy.

    The series will launch on Sky this October, screening at 9 a.m. and repeated at 4:30 p.m., U.K. time. 

  • Stoopid Buddy Stoodios Delivers Eggy Action in ‘Von Dingles’

    Stoopid Buddy Stoodios Delivers Eggy Action in ‘Von Dingles’

    The comedy animation maestros at Stoopid Buddy Stoodios (Robot Chicken, Crossing Swords, Marvel’s M.O.D.O.K.) have launched a crowdfunding campaign to crack a new world of stories: The Von Dingles. Planned primarily as a return to comics for the Buddies, the action-comedy tales about sentient eggs on the loose are being introduced with a new animated short,  Halloween Massacre, available to the public for the first time in honor of the Kickstarter’s All Hallows launch.

    “Ever since I was a kid, I wondered what happened to Easter eggs that were left behind and never found. I imagined their story and adventures being told as a comic book, and even tried doing stop-motion with eggs on my camcorder (terrible idea),” creator, director and studio co-owner John Harvatine IV shared. “Now that I’m older and wiser I know the truth…they grow arms, legs, faces, and hide from humans. They also wear cute clothes, have skilled jobs, and are obsessed with making scrumptious foods with their favorite thing in the world, Von Dingle berries!”

    Synopsis: What happens to Easter Eggs that aren’t found by kids after an egg hunt? Well, they come alive and move away from the scary outside world to the magical Valley of the Von Dingles of course! 

    This is the story of Clark, who’s different from the other eggs in the Hidden Valley of the Von Dingles. For starters, he has no face or arms; he’s just a little egg with legs. And even though no one has ever left the village, Clark dreams of a bigger world out there. So when the evil Pecker Egg attacks the village with his robot army and an age-old vendetta against the Valley, Clark is the one who rises to the occasion! Along with his two best friends Brittle and Vigor, Clark sets off on the adventure of a lifetime, leaving the comforts of home behind to face Pecker at his headquarters: a super-scary robot factory sitting on a distant mountaintop. 

    The project follows up on Stoopid Buddy’s previous direct-to-fan productions, including the Blark and Son adult puppet series and Dominion X with Steve Aoki. The 88-page The Von Dingles graphic novel is being created with web3 entertainment outfit Macroverse and artist Patrick Williams.

    In addition to the comics, which Stoopid Buddy Stoodios is looking to deliver by July 2024, the studio will also be producing additional animated shorts set in The Von Dingles world.

    Find the campaign at Kickstarter, launched today.

    The Von Dingles in Halloween Massacre
  • ‘PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie’ Blasts Off to Disc & Digital Soon

    ‘PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie’ Blasts Off to Disc & Digital Soon

    Puptacular kids’ action-adventure PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie is rocketing off its successful theatrical run onto home video, debuting Tuesday, October 31 on Digital and coming to Blu-ray and DVD on December 12. PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie and PAW Patrol: The Movie will also be available in a 2-movie collection on Digital.

    The second big-screen animated feature in the megahit franchise follows the canine rescuers as they take on new challenges with the help of meteor-imbued superpowers, and prove that even the smallest pup can make the biggest difference.

    The home release also includes bonus content so fans can spend even more time with Skye, Chase, Rubble and the rest of the squad:

    • PAW-Somely Mighty Pups — Get ready to fly high with Skye (McKenna Grace) as she breaks down the amazing superpowers that the crystals bestow on the pups. Plus, see the team’s all-new super-suits and their mighty upgraded vehicles.
    • A Totally PAW-Some Cast — Meet the pup-tastic cast and see the incredible young talent behind the voices of Chase, Skye, Liberty and the Jr. Patrol pups. Additionally, meet the actors who brought reporter Sam Stringer and the villainous Victoria Vance to life.

    The movie’s voice cast includes McKenna Grace, Taraji P. Henson, Marsai Martin, Christian Convery, Kim Kardashian, James Marsden and Kristen Bell.

    Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies and Spin Master Entertainment present a Spin Master Entertainment production, directed by Cal Brunker from a screenplay by Brunker & Bob Barlen, based on the TV series created by Keith Chapman.

    PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie
  • The Must-Have List: ‘TMNT,’ ‘Elemental,’ ‘Spider-Verse,’ ‘Ruby Gillman’ & More

    The Must-Have List: ‘TMNT,’ ‘Elemental,’ ‘Spider-Verse,’ ‘Ruby Gillman’ & More

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    The Art of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

    Avowed Turtles fan and animation author Jim Sorensen takes readers from the sewers to the streets of N.Y.C. through interviews with director Jeff Rowe, producers Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg and other leads on this latest blockbuster incarnation. Fans can soak up the film’s sketchbook influenced design and richly gritty details with a range of production artwork to accompany these behind-the-scenes insights in this cowabunga-worthy hardcover! [IDW | $40]

     

    The Art of DreamWorks Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken

    Unleash the artistry of DWA’s latest original comedy-adventure, which puts a unique sea monster spin on the classic girls’ coming-of-age story. Dive into the superb studio’s process of writing, designing and polishing this summer splash, guided by author Ian R. Morris (A Field Guide to Croods: A New Age), with a foreword by the film’s star, Lana Condor. [Cameron Books | $50 | Oct. 31]

     

    Drawing 100 Years of Disney Wonder

    Like it says on the tin, “a retrospective collection of artwork featuring iconic Disney characters from the past 100 years.” Penned by Disney historian Jim Fanning with foreword and exclusive behind-the-scenes details from Disney Legend Andreas Deja, this 240-page guide offers step-by-step drawing projects ranging from Mickey’s origins in the 1920s through the studios’ Golden, Silver and Renaissance eras into the modern span of hits, including Pixar pals, up through the 2020s heroes of Onward, Encanto and Turning Red. [Walter Foster Pub. | $40]

     

     

    Local Fauna: The Art of Peter de Sève

    A 288-page hardcover showcasing the masterful strokes of the artist, illustrator and character designer (Ice Age, Finding Nemo, The Little Prince), spanning 40 years of work. Plus, an in-depth interview with Bill Watterson and essays by Glen Kene, Mike Mignola and others. [Cernunnos | $40]

     

     

    Peanuts Inspiration Deck: A Deck and Guidebook for Life and Laughter

    Forty full-color cards featuring Sparky Schulz’s iconic characters and their comic-strip world, plus an 88-page guide book full of inspirational messages and Peanuts wisdom. [RP Studio | $30]

     

     

    Anime through the Looking Glass: Treasures of Japanese Animation

    Exploring themes in the genre such as war, technology, society and fantasy, this hardcover celebration comes to life with 150 full-color frames from acclaimed anime from Akira and Nausicaä to Ghost in the Shell and Your Name. [Prestel | $40]

     

    Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

    Blu-ray Bonus Features (90+ min.): Obscure Spiders and Easter Eggs ● Deleted Scene: Miguel Calling ● “I’mma Do My Own Thing” Interdimensional Destiny ● Across the World: Designing New Dimensions ● Designing Spiders and Spots ● Scratches, Score and the Music of the Multiverse ● Escape from Spider-Society ● Across the Comics-Verse ● Lyric Videos ● Filmmaker Commentary

    [Sony | 4K $30, BD $25, DVD $35]

     

     

    Elemental

    Bonus Features: Carl’s Date (Short Film) ● Ember and Wade ● Next Stop: Element City ● Paths to Pixar: The Immigrant Experience ● Filmmaker Commentary ● Deleted Scenes (five)

    [Disney-Pixar | BD $27, varies by retailer exclusive set]

     

     

    Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

    Disney100 4K remaster.

    Bonus Features: In Walt’s Words ● Iconography ● @DisneyAnimation: Designing Disney’s First Princess ● The Fairest Facts of Them All ● Alternate Sequence ● and more!

    [Disney | $25, retailers exclusives available]

     

     

    Batman: Mask of the Phantasm

    30th anniversary 4K remaster.

    Bonus Features: Kevin Conroy: I Am the Knight (New Featurette) ● Justice League: Unlimited Bonus Episode

    [Warner | $34]

     

     

    Rick and Morty: The Complete Seasons 1-6

    Bonus Features: Commentaries ● Animatics ● Deleted Scenes ● Deleted Animatic Sketches ● Behind-the-Scenes Featurettes ● Inside the Episodes ● Directing Rick and Morty ● Animation Challenges ● and more!

    [Warner | BD $130, DVD $115]

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • ‘Chutes’ Wins Oscar-Qualifying Animation Prize at AFI Fest

    ‘Chutes’ Wins Oscar-Qualifying Animation Prize at AFI Fest

    The American Film Institute (AFI) announced today the AFI Fest 2023 Grand Jury Award winners and Special Mentions. The Grand Jury Award winners for Live Action Short, Documentary Short and Animated Short will be eligible for the 96th Academy Awards. The jury was: BAFTA-winning and Emmy-nominated director and writer Sindha Agha, film critic Ryan Swen and writer, producer & film programmer Imani Davis.

    “By smashing attendance records this year, AFI FEST proves the power of cinema to bring us together in difficult times,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO. “For 37 years, AFI has been proud to bring the very best of world cinema to the heart of Hollywood, and we look forward to welcoming even more people to the movies next year.”

    The Grand Jury Prize – Animated Short was awarded to Chutes by Los Angeles-based artist and animation filmmaker Kenzie Sutton (Harls, Somebody Take the Wheel; animator/painter on Loving Vincent). Making its premiere at AFI Fest, the stop-motion film depicts a young girl who struggles to be present in her life while navigating social constructs, capitalism and consumerism through the lens of childhood toys.

    The Jury described Chutes as, “A delightful, bizarre rollercoaster of clever visual metaphors that deftly captures the interplay between social relationships and wanton materialism.”

    The Miracle

    Additional special mentions were awarded to:

    Special Jury Mention for Stop Motion — The Miracle directed by Nienke Deutz

    • Jury Statement: “Vivid construction of a unique, hilarious and unsettling world — this animation felt unlike anything we’d seen before and stuck with us.”

    Special Jury Mention for 2D Animation — Miisufy directed by Liisi Grünberg

    • Jury Statement: “It comes out of the gate swinging with its unique and distinct illustrations — it took us through a journey in its world.”

     

    Learn more about AFI Fest at fest.afi.com.

    Miisufy
  • ‘Audrey’s Shelter’ Receives UNESCO Backing to Support Its Eco Message

    ‘Audrey’s Shelter’ Receives UNESCO Backing to Support Its Eco Message

    French animated children’s series Audrey’s Shelter has secured institutional support from UNESCO to help inspire ecological awareness in young viewers. Directed by Alexandre Coste, based on an original concept from Sylvain Huchet, the 2D show is produced by Watch Next (Nate Is Late), Image-in-Atlantique (Ollie & Moon) and Peekaboo Animation (I, Elvis Riboldi).

    Comprising 50 x 11′ episodes and a 22 minute double episode, the series shares the daily life of Audrey, a seven-year-old girl living in an animal sanctuary dedicated to endangered species. Together with her best friend Tommy, Audrey continuously finds out about new animal species and learns how to co-exist with them in harmony. Audrey and Tommy’s adventures help educate kids about the importance of preserving biological diversity.

    As part of its support for the show, UNESCO will welcome an audience of primary school classes to its Paris headquarters for the global premiere screening of a new double episode of Audrey’s Shelter, slated for early 2024. The screening will be followed by a discussion with biodiversity and animal conservation experts.

    Distributed by Kids First, Audrey’s Shelter is produced with the support of seven public channels from four different countries: France Télévisions, as well as TVOKids, Radio-Canada, TFO and Knowledge in Canada, ZDF (Germany) and Clan TV / RTVE (Spain) will broadcast the series starting Spring 2024.

    Introduced by Kids First to foreign buyers in early September during the Unifrance Rendez-Vous, the series has also been purchased by YLE, the Finnish public channel; E-Junior, the educational pay channel of the United Arab Emirates; RTS, the Swiss public television station; and by the international channel TV5 Monde.

    Produced with the assistance of CNC, The Canadian Media Fund, the Creative Europe Media program of the European Union, and the regions of Ile-de-France and
    Hauts-de-France, the series will be entirely delivered by March 2024.

    “The commitment of so many key broadcasters across multiple territories reflects the universal appeal of Audrey’s Shelter,” commented Philippe Alessandri, CEO of Watch Next Media. “The shelter of the series is based on several existing animal parks and reserves actively working to aid endangered species. We are convinced that children worldwide will be both entertained and inspired by this series to cherish the natural world.”

    kidsfirst.fr

    watchnextmedia.com | image-in.cc | peekabooanimatino.com

  • LAIKA Launches New Online Shop Offering Exclusive Drops from ‘Coraline,’ ‘Kubo’ & More

    LAIKA Launches New Online Shop Offering Exclusive Drops from ‘Coraline,’ ‘Kubo’ & More

    A promising new option for holiday gift shopping has arrived with the launch of a new online store from LAIKA at shop.laika.com, featuring a wide range of items inspired by its Oscar-nominated films Coraline, ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls, Kubo and the Two Strings and Missing Link. The shop debuted timed to National Black Cat Day (Friday, October 27), celebrating with a furry flurry of new items featuring the charming “Cat” character from Coraline (2009), voiced by Keith David.

    “Bringing an exclusive and expanded merchandise collection deeply rooted in craftsmanship and inspired storytelling is a central focus for LAIKA,” said David Burke, LAIKA’s Chief Marketing & Operations Officer. “This expansion is a seamless extension of our licensing efforts, and a direct response to demand from LAIKA’s devoted fandom.”

    Over the years, LAIKA studio-exclusive merchandise has been made available to fans at the studio’s live events and experiences, including exhibits at the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle (ongoing), Museum of the Moving Image in New York (just concluded); LAIKA LIVE at Comic Con (2017-18), the Portland Art Museum (2017) and at Universal Studios Hollywood (2016).

    Now, the e-commerce launch allows fans everywhere to peruse a wide array of exclusive, curated, newly minted items across multiple categories including apparel, plush, posters, jewelry, artwork, puzzles, and lifestyle items, many developed based on direct consumer feedback. In response to fan demand, international shipping is available for these products for the first time.

    “We’ve taken a fresh look at both our product lineup and the site experience,” said Lauren Delgado, Digital Marketing Manager. “Our hope with the new LAIKA Shop is to provide fans with beautiful, quality and iconic LAIKA merchandise, and a site that offers a deeper brand experience while enriching the stories of the films they love.”

    Notable items include a new, studio-exclusive pressing of the Coraline Soundtrack vinyl record, a Cat plush doll with poseable neck and tail for creative display, a line of apparel featuring the distinctive outline of LAIKA’s logo, and many products sourced from Portland-based small businesses including paint-by-number kits, candles and jewelry.

    The shop website also shares behind-the-scenes facts about LAIKA’s films hidden behind interactive “buttons” (a nod to both Coraline and the handcrafted nature of LAIKA’s films and products).

    The enduring popularity of Coraline 14 years after the Neil Gaiman story came to animated life on screen, directed by Henry Selick, is reflected by the number of products now available to fans. LAIKA notes that the #Coraline hashtag on TikTok has amassed 10 billion total views, with over 500,000 posts using the tag. Coraline’s theatrical return this past August was the highest-grossing Fathom Events re-release of all-time at $7.4 million. On all four days, the stop-motion fantasy delivered the highest per-screen average of any film, surpassing Barbie and Oppenheimer.

    To build up the online store collection, LAIKA turned to stalwart partners such as Moleskine, Pendleton and Mondo as well as teaming up with small, craft-focused businesses based in the studio’s hometown of Portland, Oregon. LAIKA’s next feature film, Wildwood is also set in Portland, and is currently in production at the studio’s 400,000 square foot facility just outside Stumptown.

    Brand partners based in Portland include:

    • All Burn Wax (candles & sprays)
    • Amy Wing Designs (jewelry)
    • Elle Crée (paint-by-number kits)
    • Grafletics (tees & hats)
    • Little Shop of Pins (enamel pins)
    • Oregon Screen Impressions (apparel)
    • Pendleton (textiles)
    • Sock It To Me (socks)

    These local wares are offered alongside goods from Birch Robot, Blue Kazoo, Moleskine, Mondo and SNAP Creative.

  • Trailer: Animation Illuminates Black History in ‘Stamped from the Beginning’

    Trailer: Animation Illuminates Black History in ‘Stamped from the Beginning’

    Having made official selection lists at the Chicago International Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival and AFI Fest as well as double nominations from the Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards, the Black American history doc Stamped from the Beginning will make its Netflix streaming debut on November 20. The feature-length film incorporates animated segments in a variety of styles to illustrate as experts explore the history of anti-Black racist ideas.

    Stamped from the Beginning will also receive a theatrical release in select U.S. cinemas from November 10.

    Stamped from the Beginning

    Synopsis: Oscar-winning director Roger Ross Williams brings Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s New York Times bestseller to the screen with Stamped from the Beginning. Published in 2016, Dr. Kendi’s National Book Award winner chronicles the entire story of anti-Black racist ideas and their staggering power over the course of American history.

    Williams’ documentary adaptation uses an innovative animation process that blends live action with the art of the era to illuminate figures and moments both well-known and obscure, both historical and contemporary. Leading female academics and activists such as Dr. Angela Davis, Honorée Fanonne Jeffers, Brittany Packnett Cunningham, Dr. Jennifer L. Morgan and Dr. Kendi guide viewers through a searing account of how racist tropes and imagery were developed and enshrined in American culture.

    Stamped from the Beginning

    The documentary feature is directed and produced by Williams (Cassandra, Music by Prudence, Love to Love You, Donna Summer); Dr. Kendi and NAACP Image Award winner Mara Brock Akil (Girlfriends, The Game, Being Mary Jane) are executive producers.

    The animation was created by Los Angeles-based Awesome + Modest. The film features original artwork by Yolanda Glass and Isaiah Glass, Brian McKissick and Chris Bivins. Williams reached out to the studio after seeing their work in another documentary, The Stroll, at a Sundance Film Festival screening.

    “I really loved the way that animation was layered with a subject, a real person. They created this world around them, and it was just brilliant,” the director has previously explained. “… I can’t begin to tell you how creative and how brilliant [Awesome + Modest] are as animators. What they did was extraordinary. I’m someone who likes working with different media, and I loved their approach to this animation being mixed media.

  • ‘Ernest & Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia’ Journeys to Blu-ray

    ‘Ernest & Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia’ Journeys to Blu-ray

     

    The latest musical adventure of the charming bear and mouse duo Ernest & Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia is tuning up for its U.S. home video release. The critically acclaimed sequel will arrive on Blu-ray on January 16 from GKIDS, with distribution by Shout! Studios. The film will also be available across major digital platforms from December 19.

    Pre-orders are open now through GKIDS.com/store, ShoutFactory.com and other retailers.

    Ernest and Celestine return in this delightful and joyous follow-up to their first Academy Award-nominated adventure, where the bear and mouse became the unlikeliest of friends.

    When Celestine accidentally breaks the beloved violin of her grouchy companion, they embark on a journey to Gibberitia, home to the only artist who can repair it as well as Ernest’s family. But when the duo arrives, they are shocked to discover that all forms of music have been banned for many years and the land once known for its incredible musicians has fallen silent. It is up to Ernest and Celestine and their new friends, including a mysterious masked outlaw, to bring music and happiness back to the land of bears.

    From the producers of The Triplets of Belleville, Ernest & Celestine and The Secret of Kells, (Didier Brunner, Damien Brunner and Stephan Roelants), Ernest & Celestine: A Trip Tto Gibberitia was co-directed by Julien Chheng (Star Wars: Visions) and Jean-Christophe Roger (New Adventures of Lassie). The film is a production of Folivari, Mélusine Productions, Studiocanal, France 3 Cinéma and Les Armateurs.

    Special Features

    • Making Of
    • Interview with the Directors
    • Interview with the Cast
    • Interview with Producer Didier Brunner
    • How to Draw Ernest & Celestine
    • Trailers

  • Netflix & WIA Vancouver Premiere Latest ACE Short ‘Ostinato’ at Spark

    Netflix & WIA Vancouver Premiere Latest ACE Short ‘Ostinato’ at Spark

    Netflix and Women in Animation Vancouver (WIA) are pleased to present the world premiere of Ostinato, the latest short film from ACE Canada, produced with the support of the Canada Media Fund, Creative BC and Telefilm Canada. The ACE Program (ace-program.com) has previously produced the 2024 Oscar-qualifying short film Pivot and its debut project, The Butterfly Effect.

    The film will debut with the entire team in attendance at the Oscar-accredited Spark Animation festival (sparkcg.org) in Vancouver as a part of the Mothers of an Artform program on Friday, November 10 at 6:30 p.m. followed by a Q&A. On Saturday, November 11, there will be another special event screening at 4 p.m. with a panel discussion and a Cartoons & Cocktails celebration to follow at 6:30 p.m.

    Inspired by writer Sunita Balsara’s own experience with tinnitus, Ostinato follows Nuha, a composer who sees the world as a vibrant soundscape. She is having the best and gentlest kind of morning when her playing is interrupted by a mysterious Tone. As she struggles to confine and banish it, the Tone grows larger and louder, drowning out her music. It’s only when Nuha stops fighting that she is able to discover a way to incorporate the Tone into her music and her life.

    The team behind this year’s film Ostinato includes artists from BC, Quebec and Ontario. Composer Amanda Cawley (Fireman Sam), story supervisor Anna Bohac (Carmen Sandiego), editor Isabel Ribeiro (HitPig), assistant art director May-Yun Ong (Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie), animation director Molly Lacoursière (Pinecone & Pony), director Sonia Furier (Unicorn Academy), producer Stephanie Hodgson (Spidey and His Amazing Friends) & writer Sunita Balsara (Thomas & Friends) will all be in attendance to screen Ostinato, talk about their experiences and share authentic, challenging, funny, career-changing stories from experience of making this film.

    The ACE Program is an immersive animation career excel-erator mentorship program for mid-level animation professionals who identify as women and non-binary, which through mentoring and workshops, was designed to advance was designed to advance the careers of women in the animation industry by giving them a key credit in the creation of their very own short film. With the support of Netflix through the Fund for Creative Equity, this third iteration of the program has expanded roles and accepted applications from across Canada.

  • ‘LEGO Marvel Avengers: Code Red’ Brings a New Brickiverse Battle to Disney+

    ‘LEGO Marvel Avengers: Code Red’ Brings a New Brickiverse Battle to Disney+

    LEGO Marvel Avengers: Code Red made its streaming debut today (Friday, October 27), exclusively on Disney+. To get fans super excited for the launch, a brand-new poster and images were debuted for the animated action-adventure.

    In the special, The Avengers assemble to save New York City from the threat of the Red Skull and his Hydra forces. In the midst of the battle, the Avengers are unexpectedly joined by Black Widow’s father, Red Guardian, which doesn’t go over well with Natasha. 

    After an argument with his daughter about his well-intentioned helicopter parenting, Red Guardian disappears under mysterious circumstances. As Black Widow and the Avengers investigate, they discover that the villainous Collector is kidnapping every character who has “red” in their name. But despite their best efforts, the Avengers are unable to stop the Collector from kidnapping his next victim, their friend Red She-Hulk. 

    Down but not out, the Avengers now seek out the one person who has the skills to help them—Wolverine. Determined more than ever to find her father, Black Widow convinces Wolverine to join the Avengers to help them find the Collector and his prisoners. But once they locate Collector’s secret lair the Avengers find a lot more than they bargained for. Will the Avengers be able to rescue Red Guardian and the others, or will they permanently become part of Collectors newest collection?

    The Collector in LEGO Marvel Avengers: Code Red [Disney+ | © 2023 Marvel]

    The voice cast features Laura Bailey, Trevor Devall, Haley Joel Osment, Steve Blum, Will Friedle, James Mathis III,  Liam O’Brien,  Laura Post, Bumper Robinson, Roger Craig Smith, Fred Tatasciore, Travis Willingham and Mick Wingert.

    Ken Cunningham directs LEGO Marvel Avengers: Code Red; Eugene Son is the writer and also an executive producer. Harrison Wilcox, Jill Wilfert and Keith Malone also serve as executive producers with Jason Cosler producing.

    (L-R): Captain America/Sam Wilson, Thor, Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff, Captain America/Steve Rogers in LEGO Marvel Avengers: Code Red [Disney+ | © 2023 Marvel]