Author: Mercedes Milligan

Toei Announces New ‘Dragon Ball Daima’ Series, Teases ‘One Piece’ 25th Anniversary Plans

Anime fans got advance notice of a couple exciting goings-on at Toei Animation: The upcoming new series Dragon Ball DAIMA and the impending 25th anniversary of megahit One Piece, both arriving in 2024.

Toei debuted the first teaser footage and title logo for Dragon Ball DAIMA at the recent New York City Comic Con. The show — which celebrates the 40th anniversary of the franchise and will premiere in Fall 2024 — features new episodes in a ‘never-before-seen Dragon Ball world full of adventures, battles and mysteries’ written by creator Akira Toriyama, who is closely invovled with all aspects of the production; story, character design, vehicle/monster desgisn, and more.

Toriyama also conceived the title, which he describes as “a strong name that is different from the ones before.” As he explained in a NYCC statement, the term is a made up combination of two Japanese characters, which roughly translate in English to ‘Evil.’ He explained the shows premise:

“Due to a conspiracy, Goku and his friends are turned small. In order to fix things, they’ll head off to a new world! It’s a grand adventure with intense action in an unknown and mysterious world. Since Goku has to make up for his petite size, he uses his Nyolbo (Power Pole) to fight, something not seen in a long time.”

Back on October 20, 1999, the anime adaptation of Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece made its debut on Japanese television. In 2024, an unforgettable journey awaits as Toei unveils the global, grand celebration for the show’s 25th anniversary!

For 25 years, One Piece has taken fans to a world of limitless imagination, unforgettable characters, and epic adventures. This event is a tribute to the legacy of the Straw Hat Crew and the love and dedication of One Piece fans around the world.

Details have not yet been revealed for the One Piece 25th Anniversary, but Toei promises new products, activities, events and surprises are waiting to be discovered by Straw Hats everywhere. Follow Toei Animation Europe on Instagram, Twitter and via toei-animation.com for updates.

October 24, 2023
MBC & Tokyopop Unveil First Original Anime Productions

MBC Anime — a strategic initiative by Saudi Arabian media company MBC Group and U.S.-based Asian pop culture specialists Tokyopop, dedicated to the licensing, promotion and production of anime in MENA — has announced it is investing in two original productions slated to debut in Japan and worldwide this month: Kami.App (カミエラビ) and Protocol: Rain (僕らの雨いろプロトコル).

The shows, from Fuji TV and TV Asahi, will stream exclusively on Shahid, MBC GROUP’s Arabic streaming platform. MBC ANIME is also now part of the production committees of both Japanese broadcasters.

Streaming this week as a simulcast on Shahid, Kami.App is a battle-royale, twisted action story where high school student Goro is pitted against rivals in a bid to become the ultimate kami, wielding the power to manipulate the cause and effect of the world. Jaded by everyday life, Goro must confront his high school crush Honoka as part of the deadly competition, revealing the deepest secrets of each kami candidate.

Created by Yoko Taro (video game director of Nier), written by Jin (creator of Kagerou Daze) and directed by Hiroyuki Seshita (Knights of Sidonia, Ajin, Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters), Kami.App also features character designs by Atsushi Ohkubo, the manga author behind Soul Eater and Fire Force. This original production brings together a remarkable creative dream team in the world of anime.

All 13 episodes of Season 1 are set to stream this year, with a second season planned for 2024.

Also streaming this week as a simulcast on Shahid, Protocol: Rain tells the story of Shun Tokinoya, a high school student working part-time at an esports café. He must participate in the “Xaxxerion Championship” to win prize money, which he needs to save the one passion that keeps him going after the loss of his father.

The series is directed by Yasutaka Yamamoto (Aharen-san wa Hakarenai, Nekopara) and written by Katsuhiko Takayama (The World’s Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated in Another World as an Aristocrat, ALDNOAH.ZERO). Original character designs are by booota (Penguin Highway) and Kanna Hirayama (Rent A Girlfriend,【OSHI NO KO】).

All 12 episodes will stream on Shahid this year.

October 23, 2023
Studio 100 Adopts International Sales Rights for ‘Miss Moxy’

Studio 100 Film (Germany) and Phanta Animation (The Netherlands) today announce their partnership for the adventure-comedy movie, Miss Moxy. Production began in February 2023, with delivery scheduled for the end of 2024. Studio 100 Film, a subsidiary of Studio 100 Media, acts as international sales agent and will present the movie at the upcoming American Film Market in Santa Monica.

“From the moment Miss Moxy came to shape, this lovely character has become a true darling to all of us and we cannot wait to make this film happen in collaboration with our dear colleagues at Studio 100,” said producer Petra Goedings.

The 85-minute family feature introduces Miss Moxy, a domesticated cat who gets lost during a summer holiday in Southern France. She then sets off on an exciting and hilarious odyssey to find her way back home across Europe with the help of the most despicable creatures a cat can imagine: a stupid dog and an old bird. During this journey, she broadens her perspective on life and discovers the real meaning of friendship.

The movie is based on a true story in which a tabby cat called Boo found its way back home after 13 years. Miss Moxy has been adapted and written for the screen by Maureen Versprille. The directors are Vincent Bal (The Zigzag Kid) and Wip Vernooij.

Miss Moxy is a Dutch-Belgian co-production between Phanta Animation, BosBros and Eyeworks Film & TV Drama. The film is produced by Petra Goedings, Jolande Junte and Burny Bos together with Belgian co-producer Peter Bouckaert.

“The true story behind this movie is so incredible, and the production team so talented, that we immediately fell in love with this project. It’s such a great feeling to finally see the start of production and we look forward to introducing this fun and entertaining family movie with a unique animal heroine,” adds Thorsten Wegener, Director Business Operations at Studio 100 Media.

The project is financed in association with Paradiso Filmed Entertainment, Netherlands Film Fund, Netherlands Film Production Incentive, Flanders Audiovisual Fund (VAF) of the Government of Flanders, Screen Flanders, Avrotros and Belgian Tax Shelter, co-funded by the European Union – Creative Europe Media.

October 23, 2023
‘The Eastern Rain’ Wins Fredrikstad Animation Fest Grand Prix

Winners of the 2023 Fredrikstad Animation Festival in Norway were announced this weekend at the end of the four-day event. The jury awarded the Grand Prix to The Eastern Rain, a graduate film completed by Australian-born animator Milly Yencken at the Estonian Academy of Arts in Talinn this year.

The jury statement explains, “This brave film fluidly blends its circular narrative with a powerful artistic and poetic visual language, effectively presenting something both abstract and expressionistic. In this surreal world, the wonderous, colorful brushstrokes that meet with shades of gray are supported by a meditative and equally strong soundscape — ultimately drenching us as if we ourselves are dancing in the rain.”

The Eastern Rain

This year’s Fredrikstad winners also include:

Audience Award — Nun or Never! by Heta Jäälinoja

Best Nordic-Baltic Short Film — Blush – An Extraordinary Voyage by Iiti Yli-Harja
Jury statement: “Out of all the Nordic-Baltic short films, this one truly has something special. From the DIY crafty visuals, to the clever metaphor use and documentary dialog, every aspect of this film screams of authenticity. While on the surface it’s a deeply personal depiction of a charming friendship, the film also tells a bigger story concerning our society’s prejudices, and does it all in fabulous fashion.”

Best Nordic-Baltic Feature Film — Rosa and the Stone Troll by Karla Nor Holmbäck
“We are delighted to announce the winner of best animated feature at Fredrikstad Animation Festival is a heartwarming film celebrating the power of friendship and the courage to let go of one’s fears. The film with its beautiful backgrounds, transports the viewers to a magical world of wonder and imagination. The accompanying music further elevates the storytelling, immersing the audience in the emotional journey of its characters.”

Best Nordic-Baltic Student Film — Mano by Toke Madsen
“By minimalistic means, this film creates an entirely believable world in just a few minutes. Told through an intense atmosphere and impressive character design, the narrative tropes of dysfunctional families are used wisely to celebrate the resilience of brotherhood, something actually worth fighting for. If only we could have stayed with these brothers a little bit longer.”

Blush – An Extraordinary Voyage

Best Nordic-Baltic Children’s Film — The Music Factory by Alf Martin Løvvold & Cina Espejord

Special Mention — The Swineherd by Magnus Igland Møller & Peter Smith

Best Nordic-Baltic Young Audience Film — The Photo That Came to Life by Mikk Magi

Special Mention — Paddle Boat by Samppa Kukkonen

Best Nordic-Baltic Commissioned Film — Theo Myling “My Heart Is in Limbo“ by Håvard Skeide Glad
“We focused on both good story telling and technical execution (Also there’s always the wow effects to consider). The film really stood out because it used ’90s video game style to tell an emotional story with beautiful abstract visuals. A music video with a good story arc, which can be a difficult balance in music videos. A nostalgic and mysterious style that suits the sound perfectly (with a cool drive).”

Special Mention — Trolli “GOOniverse” by Renee Zhan & Lars Elllingbe

Lifetime Achievement Award — John M. Jacobsen
One of Norway’s greatest film producers has been honored with the festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award: Jacobsen (Troll Hunter, Elias the Little Rescue Boat) is being recognized for his contributions to the animation film industry, as well as his efforts to elevate the importance of visual effects in Norwegian cinema.

Learn more at animationfestival.no.

Nun or Never!

October 23, 2023
Trailer: The Melon Patch Kids Speak in Official ‘CoComelon Lane’ Trailer

Netflix and Moonbug Entertainment have released the official full trailer for CoComelon Lane, the hit preschool brand’s first-ever dialog-driven animated series (9 x 21′). Animated by Atomic Cartoons and set to debut on Netflix on November 17, the show follows JJ and his best friends Cody, CeCe, Nina, Bella and Nico as they “celebrate every second of every first!”

In each episode, JJ and his friends from Melon Patch Academy will encounter a big moment and experience a big emotion. With the help of a parent or caregiver, they learn to identify that emotion and discover strategies for how to deal with it. These new emotional adventures will include topical lessons in adapted nursery rhymes, both original and classic songs as well as a “Pretend Paint” sequence that helps JJ and pals visualized their experience and introduces a brand-new kids’ art-inspired animation style to the CoComelon world.

“JJ has been a best friend to millions of kids around the world since CoComelon made its debut,” said John Derderian, Vice President, Animation Series for Netflix. “We can’t wait for fans old and new to join JJ and his friends on CoComelon Lane as they visit new places, learn new lessons and experience some of their first big moments on Netflix this fall.”

Since premiering on Netflix in 2020, the franchise has consistently stayed in Nielsen Streaming Content Ratings’ weekly Top 10, and was named Nielsen’s third most streamed title of 2022, with 37.8 billion minutes viewed. If it continues on its current trajectory, CoComelon will nab the record for most consecutive weeks at the top of the streaming ratings, passing the current leader, Grey’s Anatomy, at 144 weeks.

The core creative team behind CoComelon Lane includes showrunner Guy Toubes (Odd Squad, The Stinky & Dirty Show), educational consultant Alisha Crawley-Davis, musical director Eric Kalver and Moonbug Senior Creative Executive Meghan Sheridan.

October 23, 2023
Che Lingo Delivers Original Song for Crunchyroll’s Fall Anime Season Trailer

Anime platform Crunchyroll announces its pioneering partnership with U.K.-based rapper — and lifelong anime fan — Che Lingo, for an original song created to celebrate Crunchyroll’s 2023 Fall anime season. The collab features in a new seasonal trailer spotlighting fan favorites like One Piece, Dr. Stone, Jujutsu Kaisen, Spy X Family, The Rising of Shield Hero and more.

The song, “Lifetime,” is a melodic reflection of key themes within anime, featuring Miku Nakamura (Cö shu Nie). Like Che Lingo, whose discography includes several soundtracks fromJujutsu Kaisen, Cö shu Nie contributed to the fan-favorite dark fantasy with its first season ending theme, “give it back.”

“Che Lingo is an authentic anime fan and this collaboration marks the first time Crunchyroll has partnered to produce a single in celebration of this dynamic artform,” said Ariane Sunder, VP of Emerging & Regional Markets at Crunchyroll. “Both Che and MIKU understand the passion and power of anime, so we’re excited for fans to enjoy ‘Lifetime’ as they select their next series to stream.”

After exploring the themes of ‘dark fantasy’ and ‘epic battles’ as a starting point, Che Lingo developed a song that reflects ‘opposite sides,’ leaning into the duality of dark and light. The lyrics in “Lifetime” echo the journey of shonen protagonists, who must overcome the hardships and challenges that arise during their adventures. Miku’s lighter vocals complement Che Lingo’s heavier bars, mirroring how shonen heroes look to the light in order to overcome every obstacle.

“Writing and composing ‘Lifetime’ for Crunchyroll is a historic moment in both our respective timelines. It’s a unique collaboration and the first of its kind, so I’m grateful to help move the needle in so many ways, especially as an independent artist,” said Che Lingo. “Anime inspires so much freedom, and we were able to exercise that creatively to the beat of a unique drum to show a genuine connection between anime, music and story-telling, manifesting a moment we can all celebrate through ‘Lifetime.’ I hope the sentiment lasts as long as the title suggests.”

The Crunchyroll 2023 Fall anime lineup available to stream this season includes a variety of new and continuing anime, such as Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2, the fantasy adventure Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, the long-running swashbuckling epic One Piece, the post-apocalyptic adventure Dr. Stone New World, and many more. All updated information about the Crunchyroll 2023 Fall anime slate can be found on Crunchyroll News.

October 20, 2023
Toonz Expands the Zooniverse with ‘Zoonicorn’ S3 Greenlight

Zoonicorn LLC and Toonz Entertainment have inked a new deal to greenlight Season 3 of the animated Zoonicorn preschool series, with 52 x 7′ new episodes now in development. The show currently streams worldwide, with consumer products rolling out for Q4, 2023 and into 2024.

The Zoonicorns inhabit the dreams of young animals, taking them on amazing adventures to help learn important social-emotional skills with a focus on optimism and resilience. The Zoonicorns cleverly guide each dreamer through a whirlwind of fun-loving escapades and when the dream is over, the young animal wakes up feeling self-confident, with the decision-making skills necessary to overcome whatever challenges they are facing. At the heart of every solution is the one important truth — the power to solve any problem is inside of them.

Multi Emmy Award-winner Mark Zaslove (Winnie the Pooh, LazyTown, Bob The Builder) serves as showrunner and lead writer/editor for the series. The music for the show has been composed by Emmy Award winning composer Rich Dickerson.

Zoonicorn is produced by Toonz Entertainment and Zoonicorn LLC and distributed by Toonz Entertainment. With the new deal, Zoonicorn will have a total of 130 episodes available for global distribution. The series can currently be found in the U.S. on Peacock, Happy Kids TV and Kidoodle, as well on streaming services across the world.

Global licensing for the brand is shared by the two companies and headed by J’net Smith of All Art Licensing. In 2024, The brand’s master toy licensee United Smile will be releasing a range of branded Zoonicorn products.

SRM Entertainment, Inc. recently released Zoonicorn branded products under its patented, proprietary Sip With Me® children’s cup line of products and dinnerware. Based on initial marketplace response, the company has expanded into two new Zoonicorn-branded tumbler sizes as well as backpacks of the 4 different Zoonicorns.

Jay@Play, returning to the property, is releasing a range of new Zoonicorn branded products under its popular Happy-Nappers line. Other new licensees include Storypod, which is launching a Zoonicorn Craftie yarn character in the U.S.

October 19, 2023
Cristina Vee Joins Angel’s ‘Gabriel and the Guardians’

Crowdfunded production platform Angel Studios and Qayinara Animation have joined forces for the anime-inspired series Gabriel and the Guardians, and announced that Cristina Vee (voice of Marinette/Ladybug in the English dub of Miraculous) has joined the cast.

Gabriel and the Guardians is described as a supernatural epic that follows the journey of Gabriel, a young hero who discovers that he has been chosen to protect the realm of the Guardians.

Vee — whose lengthy credits list also includes Sailor Mars in Sailor Moon, the Honoka Sisters in Knights of Sidonia, Hawk in The Seven Deadly Sins, Meiko in Digimon Adventure tri. and Robyn Hill in RWBY, as well as Riven the Exile in the hit video game League of Legends — will portray Namay’ah, a cunning and resourceful alchemist-princess.

She joins previously announced cast members Johnny Yong Bosch (Trigun, Bleach, Persona 4, Power Rangers) as Gabriel, a Celestial Guardian tasked with protecting the Tree Eternal; James Arnold Taylor as Malachros, the main antagonist of Season 1; and Matt Lanter (Ratchet & Clank, Final Fantasy X, Star Wars: The Clone Wars) as Nok, a brash and braggadocious Cleric turned Giant Slayer.

“Gabriel and the Guardians is a testament to our commitment to delivering unique and exciting content never before seen,” says series creator Jason Moody. “We’re confident that fans will appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the creative journey and help shape the animated world.”

Angel Studios has launched a crowdfunding campaign fo the show. The studio’s model creates a platform for fans to become owners, allowing them to contribute to the production and become part of the Gabriel and the Guardians community.

Check out the previously released trailer for Gabriel and the Guardians here. Learn more about supporting the project at invest.angel.com/guardians.

October 19, 2023
New Trailer: ‘Captain Laserhawk’ Is Getting Crazy on Netflix Streaming Now

Netflix is marking the official launch of Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix (availabel to stream on the platform now) with a hard-hitting, blood-spurting laser lightshow of a new trailer. Like the tagline says: This show is going to f*** you up!

Check out the previously revealed character posters and sneak-peek clips for the show here — if you think that will prepare you.

Synopsis: The year is 1992. The country formerly known as the USA is now called Eden, a technocracy ruled by propaganda and corruption. Super-soldier Dolph Laserhawk has just been betrayed by the love of his life, his boyfriend Alex Taylor, and locked up in Eden’s off-the-grid maximum security prison, Supermaxx. Dolph is forced to lead a team of rebel outcasts on risky undercover missions under the order of the prison’s shadowy Warden.

Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix is an original animated series mixing alternative Ubisoft characters from beloved franchises such as Assassin’s Creed, Rayman, and Far Cry in a highly referenced homage to the early ’90s.

Produced by Netflix and Ubisoft, the series is created and executive produced by Adi Shankar, directed by Medhi Leffad with creative direction by Balak at French animation studio Bobbypills. The voice cast features Nathaniel Curtis, Caroline Ford, Balak, Boris Hiestand, David Menkin, Mark Ebulué, Adi Shankar, Courtney Mae-Briggs, Glenn Wrage and Daniel York Loh. Music by Oscillan.

netflix.com/captainlaserhawk

October 19, 2023
HIDIVE Premiering ‘The Dangers in My Heart’ S2, ‘Chained Soldier’ & More at Anime NYC
AMC’s anime streaming service HIDIVE returns to Anime NYC next month with panels and premieres showcasing its two most-watched series of 2023, alongside several new and returning shows debuting at the start of 2024.

HIDIVE kicks-off Day One on Friday, November 17 with a trifecta of back-to-back premieres that highlight its upcoming Winter 2024 simulcast season: the English subtitled North American premiere of Episodes 1 & 2 of the new action/dark fantasy series Chained Soldier, based on the hit manga title by Takahiro and Yohei Takemura; the English subtitled world premiere of Episode 1 of the second season of the rom-com slice of life series The Dangers in My Heart; and the English subtitled North American premiere of Episode 1 of the new fantasy adventure series My Instant Death Ability Is Overpowered, based on the isekai novel written originally by Tsuyoshi Fujitaka and illustrated by Chisato Naruse, and the manga serialization by Hanamaru Nanto.

Friday, Nov. 17
- 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., Javits Center, Panel Room 2 —
  Chained Soldier North American Premiere. English subtitled Episodes 1 & 2. Presented by HIDIVE and Pony Canyon.
- 7:15 – 7:45 p.m., Panel Room 2 — The Dangers in My Heart Season 2 World Premiere. English subtitled Episode 1. Presented by HIDIVE and TV Asahi.
- 8 – 8:30 p.m., Panel Room 2 — My Instant Death Ability Is Overpowerd North American Premiere. English subtitled Episode 1. Presented by HIDIVE and MBS.
On Day Two (Saturday, November 18) the【OSHI NO KO】Panel welcomes director Daisuke Hiramaki, assistant director Ciao Nekotomi and KADOKAWA Producer Shimpei Yamashita, the team behind the smash-hit supernatural drama series that became the #1 series launch of all time for HIDIVE when it premiered this past spring.

Saturday, Nov. 18
- 12:45 – 1:45 p.m., Private Signing Line — The Eminence in Shadow Autograph Session 1. With director Kazuya Nakanishi and KADOKAWA producer Kazufumi Kikushima.
- 3:45 – 4:45 p.m., Panel Room 1 —【OSHI NO KO】Panel. With Daisuke Hiramaki (director), Ciao Nekotomi (assistant director), Shimpei Yamashita (KADOKAWA producer). Hosted by Star Butler.
- 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Private Signing Line —【OSHI NO KO】Autograph Session 1. With Hiramaki, Nekotomi and Yamashita.
And lastly on Day Three (Sunday, November 19) The Eminence in Shadow 2nd Season Panel presents director Kazuya Nakanishi and KADOKAWA Producer Kazufumi Kikushima, part of the production staff behind the currently streaming second season of this critically acclaimed, fan favorite isekai series known for its entertaining mix of fantasy, action and humor.

Sunday, Nov. 19
- 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Panel Room 1 — The Eminence in Shadow 2nd Season Panel. With Kazuya Nakanishi (director), Kazufumi Kikushima (KADOKAWA Producer). Hosted by Star Butler.
- 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., Private Signing Line —【OSHI NO KO】Autograph Session 2.
- 2:30 – 3:20 p.m., Private Signing Line — The Eminence in Shadow Autograph Session 2.
In addition to its premieres and panels, HIDIVE also invites attendees to visit its exhibit booth (#1423) for promotional giveaways and a variety of fan experiences all weekend long. The booth will be open daily during regular show hours throughout Anime NYC 2023.
- Friday: 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Register for Anime NYC 2023 at animenyc.com.
October 19, 2023
Eco Adventure ‘Future Chicken’ Premieres on CBC Nov. 5

Producing partners Wind Sun Sky Entertainment, Clearwater Farm and educational charity Ontario Water Centre have announced CBC Kids as the Canadian broadcast and streaming partner for their global ‘eco-tainment’ platform, Future Chicken.

Kicking off the partnership, The Future Chicken Today Show will premiere on Sunday, November 5 as part of CBC Kids’ morning schedule on CBC TV and CBC Gem, and will subsequently be available on the Future Chicken YouTube channel the following day. The Future Chicken Ecotainment shorts will also be shared on cbckids.ca and the CBC Kids YouTube channel.

Aimed primarily at kids aged six to 10, Future Chicken aims to counter climate “doomism” by offering a variety of entertaining and educational experiences including an interactive website, weekly talk show, monthly podcast, hundreds of shorts and more, which set to inspire hope and empowerment to build a better future.

The premise centers on a time-travelling, eco-superhero chicken named Potato, also known as “Future Chicken” — a time-traveler from 2050. Together with her tech-wiz sidekick, Frittata, they embark on the most important adventure there ever was: to spark positive change in the present and safeguard the future of our planet. With a blend of humor, ingenuity and collaboration, Potato, Frittata and their Planet Protector friends work to create a hope-filled future built on caring communities, thriving oceans, greener cities and renewed optimism. Future Chicken truly believes, “Together, we make the future!”

“Future Chicken takes on our planet’s most existential challenges with warmth and pluck — it’s a tone that we hope will inspire kids — and us all — to be the heroes the planet needs right now,” said Marie McCann, Senior Director, Children’s Content, CBC Kids.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have CBC Kids as our partner, joining us in our mission to reach and inspire as many children as possible,” said Executive Producers, Catherine Winder (CEO, Wind Sun Sky) and Annabel Slaight (founding chair, Ontario Water Centre). “Together, we’ll amplify the power of eco-tainment to ignite the imaginations of young minds and foster a generation that believes in a brighter, more sustainable future.”

Winder and Slaight both bring entertainment and children’s outreach experience to the project. Winder is known for adapting hit IP including Star Wars: Clone Wars, Angry Birds and Invincible to screens. As a member of the Young Naturalist Movement, Slaight co-founded the acclaimed OWL kids’ magazine, which has extended to books and television.

The Future Chicken Today Show: In the year 2050, the BioBarn (half TV Studio/half Planet Protector HQ), is abuzz with activity. Using their time-twister portal, hosts Potato, Frittata, and Rocket Pants present a live-streamed show from the future to engage kids in 2023. This monthly event, known as The Future Chicken Today Show, is a dynamic eco-tainment series featuring lively interviews with notable guests who provide inspiring yet honest perspectives on the global environment. Cutting-edge technology allows for interviews conducted by the world’s first animated chicken host.

Tune in ‘live’ from 2050 as our hosts showcase a new video game, celebrate ‘Chicken Appreciation Day’, and interview guests from the 2020s who ‘time-twist’ to the studio to offer solutions, share planet-protecting advice, and join the fun. The show introduces wildlife conservationists, gaming influencers, climate scientists, eco-activists, and more, fostering inspiration and humor to empower kids with a positive outlook on the future. The Future Chicken Today Show represents a groundbreaking era in live streaming!

The positive world-saving adventures will also be chronicled in the animated Future Chicken Ecotainment Shorts, which leverage the concept of micro-learning to deliver mixed media edutainment. The shorts follow the Planet Protectors — Potato the Chicken, her BFF Frittata, a joke-cracking egg with rocket pants for flight; an electric catfish fascinated by fascinators named Persa; a soil connoisseur worm named worm; and an eco-detective mushroom, Bello with a passion for cyclical regeneration — through multiple strands of positive eco-stories such as Good News shorts that highlight eco-inventions that are having a positive effect on the environment, to Nature ASMR and gameshow-style quizzes about composting.

Learn more at futurechicken.com.

October 19, 2023
Animated Music Video Teases New ‘League of Legends’ Adventure ‘Song of Nunu’

Best friends and League of Legends champions Nunu and Willump celebrate their ultimate road trip together in a new music video for Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story, from game publisher Riot Forge and developer Tequila Works. The original song, “You and Me Makes Us,” was written and performed by L.A.-based singer/songwriter DEEGAN and co-published by Riot Games Music and music production company The Hit House.

In the music video, which you can watch below, the boy Nunu and his yeti Willump set off on their best buddies journey through Freljord “You and Me Make Us” gives audiences a taste of the adventure awaiting these BFFS in the new single-layer storytelling game, where players will hike, climb and sled their way across the Freljord, a frostbitten land full of harsh blizzards, ferocious wolves and enchantment.

Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story

“We are beyond thrilled to have collaborated with DEEGAN on ‘You And Me Makes Us,’” said Jonny Altepeter, Riot Games Music. “His artistry is truly captivating, and he has crafted a song that beautifully encapsulates the essence of Nunu and Willump’s heartwarming friendship. We can’t wait to see players’ reactions to their tight-knit and vibrant relationship as they explore the Freljord together.”

The animation for the music video was created in partnership with Histeria! (histeria.studio), a São Paulo-based creative production studio founded in 2013, which previously created and developed the opening show for the 2020 Brazilian League of Legends Championship, We Are One. “You and Me Makes Us” was directed by Jan Xavier, with Marcelo Moreno as executive producer for the studio and Livia Quintanilha as production lead.

Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story

The creative team at Histeria! also included art directors Victor Tchaba and Igor Muniz (also CG lead); animation leads Felipe Simões and Breno Licursi; and compositing Leads Gabriela Zaneti and Renato Montoro.

Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story – Collector’s Edition

Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story is now available for pre-order on all relevant digital storefronts for $29.99. Fans who purchase pre-orders will also receive a digital art book as a bonus gift.

A physical Collector’s Edition ($99.99) is available on merch.riotgames.com, which includes a Willump plush, Poro plush, Song of Nunu art book, four Freljord postcards, five collectible enamel pins, a collectible artwork print and a campfire pop-up diorama.

Learn more at songofnunu.com.

October 18, 2023
‘Hawk’ Animated Series Underway with Wattpad, MCU Writer Christopher Yost

Wattpad WEBTOON Studios, the entertainment and publishing arm for WEBTOON and Wattpad, today announced Hawk, a new animated series in development with screenwriter Christopher Yost (Thor: Ragnarok, The Mandalorian). The series is based on Mike Booth’s popular sci-fi webnovel of the same name, which boasts over one million reads on Wattpad.

Yost will write the series; executive producers are Aron Levitz, David Madden, Taylor Grant and Sydney Bright from Wattpad WEBTOON Studios.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to animate and bring the intergalactic story of Hawk to life with Christopher because of his incredible genre and comics expertise,” said Madden, who is also Head of Global Entertainment for Wattpad WEBTOON Studios. “He perfectly understands the galaxy-spanning world that author Mike Booth has created and sees the amazing opportunities for unique storytelling, memorable characters and longevity that we have for this title.”

Hawk follows the story of space bounty hunter Kas Balera. When a disaster of epic proportions rocks the entire solar system, Kas must use her quick thinking and sharp wit if she’s going to stay alive. In order to save the galaxy from destruction, she’ll need a little help from a stolen federal robot, a child genius, and her trusty ship, the Calista.

“Mike Booth’s Hawk is everything I love in sci-fi — it’s action, adventure, mystery and intrigue, mind-blowing new worlds, aliens and tech, all wrapped around great characters, a found family and a future that’s worth fighting for,” said Yost. “I couldn’t be more excited to work with Wattpad WEBTOON Studios to help bring the story of Kas Balera, Worm and H1K to the screen.”

Yost has an extensive comic and genre entertainment career across print, TV and film, working with blockbuster franchises and major studios. His recent credits include Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: The Dark World, the Emmy-winning series The Mandalorian, Star Wars: Rebels, Cowboy Bebop (live action) and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014).

In addition, Yost has written on high-profile comic runs for Marvel and DC, including Avengers, Spider-Man, X-Men, X-23, Batman and Red Robin. He is also the author of the recently-announced Unnatural Order, which is currently Vault Comics’ best-selling comic of all time.

Wattpad WEBTOON Studios currently has more than 100 projects in development or production, including the animated series adaptation of Rachel Smythe’s 1.3 billion-view WEBTOON sensation Lore Olympus with The Jim Henson Company.

You can tead the Hawk webnovel on Wattpad here.

October 18, 2023
Exclusive Clip: Virginia Meets The Canterville Ghost

Lurking just around the corner, the literary classic-inspired animated adventure The Canterville Ghost is ready to haunt theaters across the U.S. on Friday, October 20! Ahead of the chain-rattling release from Blue Fox Entertainment and Shout! Studios, check out on exclusive clip which shows the moment that the film’s protagonist, Virginia, meets the spirit of Sir Simon de Canterville — an apparition that doesn’t go how Sir Simon expects.

Based on the Oscar Wilde story, the CG-animated, PG-rated feature is set at the turn of the 20th century and follows the supernatural events that ensue when a modern American family moves into an ancient English country house. Canterville Chase has been successfully haunted by Sir Simon de Canterville for over 300 years — but the ghost meets his match when he tries to scare the new arrivals.

Playing Sir Simon, Stephen Fry (The Hobbit films) leads a star-studded ensemble cast including Emily Carey (House of the Dragon) as Virginia, Hugh Laurie (House), Freddie Highmore (The Good Doctor), David Harewood (Supergirl), Meera Syal (Doctor Strange), Miranda Hart (Spy), Toby Jones (Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny) and Imelda Staunton (Harry Potter films).

Kim Burdon (Stressed Eric) directed alongside co-director Robert Chandler (The Amazing Maurice), from a screenplay by Giles New & Keiron Self.

October 18, 2023
Rayman Takes the Spotlight in New ‘Captain Laserhawk’ Character Posters

With the ’90s-hued, video-game-inspired action-anime Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix hitting Netflix tomorrow (Thursday, October 19), the streamer has unveiled new character posters spotlighting some of the show’s Ubisoft heroes: Rayman, Bullfrog and Dolph Laserhawk himself. The new artwork follows recent clip spotlights on Bullfrog and the Ninji 6, which you can watch below.

Synopsis: The year is 1992. The country formerly known as the USA is now called Eden, a technocracy ruled by propaganda and corruption. Super-soldier Dolph Laserhawk has just been betrayed by the love of his life, his boyfriend Alex Taylor, and locked up in Eden’s off-the-grid maximum security prison, Supermaxx. Dolph is forced to lead a team of rebel outcasts on risky undercover missions under the order of the prison’s shadowy Warden.

Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix is an original animated series mixing alternative Ubisoft characters from beloved franchises such as Assassin’s Creed, Rayman, and Far Cry in a highly referenced homage to the early ’90s.

The series is created and executive produced by Adi Shankar, directed by Medhi Leffad with creative direction by Balak at French animation studio Bobbypills. The voice cast features Nathaniel Curtis, Caroline Ford, Balak, Boris Hiestand, David Menkin, Mark Ebulué, Adi Shankar, Courtney Mae-Briggs, Glenn Wrage and Daniel York Loh. Music by Oscillan.

netflix.com/captainlaserhawk

October 18, 2023
Indie Studio Custom Nuts Inks Partnership with Baboon Animation

From MIPCOM, multi-Emmy-winning writers collective Baboon Animation Inc. announced a new partnership with Tokyo/L.A.-based independent animation and creative studio Custom Nuts. Studio founder Silas Hickey and Matthew Howison will sign a deal with Baboon’s CEO, Mike de Seve, merging their pools of writing and visual talent.

“There are no better writers anywhere than Baboon,” said Hickey.

Baboon Development Manager Emily Kaye added, “We’re thrilled that each of us is a complementary piece to the other.”

Hickey was formerly Senior Development Director APC for Turner/Warner, where he developed two of the most successful animated children’s series in Asia: Lamput and Chhota Bheem, the latter of which reigns as Netflix APAC’s most-viewed kids’ cartoon of all time.

“Silas and Matthew bring absolute top-class expertise, deep first-hand experience in IPs from countries across Asia and funny, funny cartoon comedy,” said de Seve.

Baboon’s creative development team, with 31 Emmys collectively, has guided more than 20 series to successful global distribution and broadcast. Their credits include the billions-viewed Angry Birds Toons, Gigantosaurus and Pocoyo.

The new partnership follows on from an earlier slate-development deal Custom Nuts has with Beyond Entertainment, now part of the Banijay Group.

Custom Nuts’ Howison noted, “Our incoming investor base is excited by the greatly enhanced firepower of talent and global capability that this partnership brings.”

“Expect some extremely funny cartoons to come out of this partnerships, added Baboon Head of Series, Joe Vitale.

October 18, 2023
Pluto TV Launches Free ’90s Nick Channel

Free TV linear streaming platform Pluto TV has debuted a new destination to revisit some childhood classics: The 90s Kids channel features fan-favorite Nickelodeon hits of that vintage decade, including the original Rugrats, Doug, Rocko’s Modern Life and Hey Arnold!, as well as the live-action comedy Kenan & Kel.

In addition to the daily schedule, 90s Kids will also schedule special programming blocks, including a 24/7 Hey Arnold! marathon and a Rugrats takeover in the first week of December, which will include an all-day run of the show’s beloved Hanukkah episodes to celebrate the start of the holiday on December 7.

October 17, 2023
LatAm Max Original ‘Frankelda’s Book of Spooks’ Arrives in U.S.

Just in time for Halloween, the musical stop-motion Ambriz Borthers series Frankelda’s Book of Spooks has made its English-language debut on streaming platform Max. The title is a retooling of the popular Spanish-language Max Original that premiered on HBO Max in 2021.

Directed, written and produced by Arturo and Roy Ambriz, the re-release features new dialog and songs re-recorded in English as the story explores Frankelda’s darkest secrets, alongside her book, her faithful companion, with eerie and entertaining stories. The show’s distinct look is created with a blend of stop-motion animation and digital touches.

“Stating that we are thrilled about this release in the U.S. would not be enough to describe how we feel,” said the Ambriz Brothers. “Finally we are able to share this piece of our heart and soul with the American audience. This series is created for those who love monsters, musicals and the art of storytelling.

“Our fascination with creating worlds and characters drove us to Frankelda, a Mexican horror writer of the 19th century. Just like her, we have felt the deep frustration that comes from being ignored, rejected, and from being told ‘no’ on innumerable occasions. As her, we have felt the need to continue writing, imagining and desperately creating at all costs. We hope that Frankelda, our wonderful ghost writer, will enthrall you with her spooky stories.”

In 2011, the Ambriz Brothers founded Cinema Fantasma, an animation, film and art studio specializing in stop-motion animation in Mexico City. Together they have directed, written and produced projects for Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon and Adult Swim, and their medium-length film Revoltoso was selected in hundreds of festivals. They are currently directing and producing two new stop-motion feature films, Frankelda and the Prince of Spooks and Ballad of the Phoenix.

October 17, 2023
Netflix Geeked Week ’23 to Showcase New ‘Avatar’ Series, ‘Devil May Cry,’ ‘Tomb Raider’ & More

Following the debut DROP 01 livestream showcase, Netflix’s big genre entertainment celebration Geeked Week will return for a third year. From November 6-12, fans can tune in across the streamer’s social channels to catch exclusive announcements, sneak peeks and surprises related to upcoming movies, shows and games.

Kicking off on “Stranger Things Day,” the week-long event will dish updates on highly anticipated new animated projects including Devil May Cry and Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft as well as preview the new worlds that await in live-action titles like Avatar: The Last Airbender, 3 Body Problem and Rebel Moon.

The complete schedule is to be confirmed, but a few animation highlights are on the docket:

Thursday, November 9 at 1 p.m. PST (live) — The Dragon Prince, plus Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Umbrella Academy.

Friday, November 10 at 1 p.m. PST (live) — Spotlight on Powerhouse Animation (Castlevania, Witcher: Blood Origin, Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft), plus 3 Body Problem, Leave the World Behind and the live-action adaptation of Yu Yu Hakusho.

Other toons spotted and/or listed in the Geeked Week 2023 preview trailer include Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, Ultraman Rising, Sonic Prime, Orion and the Dark, Blue Eye Samurai, Masters of the Universe: Revolution, Akuma Kun and Exploding Kittens.

The upcoming animated ‘Ultrman” reimagines the beloved Japanese character through a brand new story. ‘With this film, we’re merging old and new, combining our love for the original Ultraman with a bold new look drawn from manga, anime and, of course, the original series,” say directors Shannon Tindle and John Aoshima.

Geeked Week reveals will roll out across YouTube, X, Twitch, Facebook and TikTok. Visit GeekedWeek.com for more details.

October 17, 2023
Christian Bale Leads ‘The Boy and the Heron’ English Voice Cast
GKIDS has announced the English-language voice cast for acclaimed Oscar-winning filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki’s new feature, The Boy and the Heron. Featuring in the English dub of the film are:
- Christian Bale (Ford v Ferrari, Amsterdam, The Pale Blue Eye) as Shoichi Maki
- Dave Bautista (Dune, Guardians of the Galaxy) as The Parakeet King
- Gemma Chan (The Creator, Eternals, Crazy Rich Asians) as Natsuko
- Willem Dafoe (At Eternity’s Gate, The Florida Project) as Noble Pelican
- Karen Fukuhara (The Boys, Suicide Squad) as Lady Himi
- Mark Hamill (The Machine, House of Usher) as Granduncle
- Robert Pattinson (The Batman, Tenet, upcoming Mickey 17) as The Gray Heron
- Florence Pugh (Oppenheimer, Black Widow, Little Women) as Kiriko
- Luca Padovan as Mahito Maki
- Mamoudou Athie, Tony Revolori and Dan Stevens as the Parakeets
GKIDS handled casting and produced the English version in close consultation with Studio Ghibli, with ADR direction by Michael Sinterniklaas at NYAV Post, and English script adaptation by Stephanie Sheh. The English-language dub was produced in accordance with the SAG-AFTRA Foreign Dubbing Agreement.

The latest feature from Studio Ghibli begins special preview engagements on November 22 before expanding to cinemas nationwide and in Canada on December 8. The film will be presented in IMAX at L.A.’s Chinese Theatre on October 18 as the Opening Night screening of the Animation Is Film festival.

The hand-drawn, animated feature — director Miyazaki’s first feature film in 10 years — is an original story written and directed by Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki, produced by Academy Award-nominee and studio co-founder Toshio Suzuki, and featuring a musical score from Miyazaki’s long-time collaborator Joe Hisaishi. Its theme song, “Spinning Globe,” was written and performed by global J-pop superstar Kenshi Yonezu.

Bale is represented by WME, Viewpoint and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher. Bautista is repped by CAA, Meisner Entertainment Group’s Jonathan Meisner, Kovert Creative and Jackoway Austen Tyerman’s Karl Austen. Chan is represented by Independent, WME and M88. Dafoe is represented by Circle of Confusion, WME and Narrative. Fukuhara is represented by UTA and Stride Management. Hamill is represented by Gersh, R&CPMK and Robert M. Lange. Pattinson is represented by WME, Curtis Brown, 3 Arts Entertainment, Narrative and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern. Pugh is represented by CAA, Brillstein Entertainment Partners, Shelter PR and Gregory Slewett from JSSK.
October 17, 2023