Animation Magazine

Author: Mercedes Milligan

  • Kartoon Studios Celebrates ‘Bee and PuppyCat’ 10th Anniversary

    Kartoon Studios Celebrates ‘Bee and PuppyCat’ 10th Anniversary

    Amassing millions of fans across multiple platforms over the past decade, Kartoon Studios celebrates the 10th Anniversary of Frederator Networks’ critically-acclaimed, hit original Netflix series,  Bee and PuppyCat.

    In July 2013, Frederator Networks’ Cartoon Hangover YouTube channel premiered Bee and PuppyCat, created by Natasha Allegri — a charming animated tale of a 20-something temp worker named Bee (voiced by Allyn Rachel) and her mysterious companion PuppyCat as the two travel on fantastic adventures across space while taking on various intergalactic odd jobs to help make rent. What followed was a historic grassroots crowdfunding campaign, a full season on YouTube followed by a full season debut on Netflix, a comic book series, cosplayers, fanart and a global community of fans.

    Since its start as an animated short, Bee and PuppyCat has amassed over 70 million views to date, in addition to 2.5 million fans and counting across all social media channels — success which fueled the Netflix premiere of Bee and PuppyCat: Lazy in Space on September 6, 2022, where it topped the “Best New Shows to Watch on Netflix” lists in New York Times, Forbes, LA Times and more.

    “Frederator Studios is proud of the success of Bee and PuppyCat, which takes a prominent place among our lineup of hits that also includes Adventure Time, Castlevania and Fairly OddParents,” said Michael Hirsch, CEO of WOW! Unlimited Media, a subsidiary of Kartoon Studios and parent company of Frederator Networks. “Natasha Allegri is an amazing artist who has created and directed one of the best animated series of our time.”

    PuppyCat enamel pin

    On July 14, Sony released a two-volume digital album of music from Bee and Puppycat: Lazy in Space from renowned composer Will Wiesenfeld, who is best known for releasing music under aliases “Baths” and “Geotic.” The albums include Wiesenfeld’s “What’s Your Favorite Color? (Extended)” and “Galactic Boom.” The soundtrack has garnered over 1 million streams in less than 10 days.

    In the retail space, Kartoon Studios’ partners Hot Topic, Crowdmade, Youtooz and Toynk have released limited-edition Bee and PuppyCat-branded products. Hot Topic is expanding their line from t-shirts to include jewelry, accessories, buttons and more. Trends International (posters, stickers), BOOM! Studios (comic books) and Toy Factory (plush, amusement channel) will also release new products in 2023/2024.

    “The amazing response to the album release and limited-edition products speaks to the growing popularity of this fun and quirky series that has found a broad and solid fan base over the past 10 years,” noted Karen McTier, Licensing Consultant for Kartoon Studios. “As we continue to celebrate this brand milestone, we look forward to working with our partners to deliver unique products to the market as well as expand our merchandise categories into publishing, home, gaming and stationery.”

    In 2022, Kartoon Studios, through its WOW! Unlimited Media subsidiary Frederator Networks, partnered with TOHO International, who acquired a 50% stake in Bee and PuppyCat, to co-produce new content and expand the global reach of the property. Kartoon Studios’ consumer products team manages the worldwide consumer products program for Bee and PuppyCat, excluding Asia, which is handled by TOHO International.

    For more information, visit the Bee and PuppyCat official website or follow them on YouTube, TikTok and other social media platforms.

  • Watch: Stars of ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ Preview Home Video Release

    Watch: Stars of ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ Preview Home Video Release

    Miles Morales and the multidimensional spider-crew are ready to swing to home video this summer, when Sony Pictures Home Entertainment releases Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse on Digital on August 8 and on DVD, Blu-ray and 4K UHD discs on September 5. The animated Marvel adventure comes home with 90-plus minutes of bonus content to enhance the whole Spidey-sense-tingling experience.

    To get fans pumped for the release, Sony Pictures Entertainment today launched a preview of the special features, featuring voice stars Shameik Moore (Miles Morales), Hailee Steinfeld (Gwen Stacy), Jake Johnson (Peter B. Parker); writers-producers Christopher Miller and Phil Lord; and directors Justin K. Thompson, Joaquim Dos Santos and Kemp Powers.

    Synopsis: Miles Morales returns for the next chapter of the Oscar-winning Spider-Verse saga (2018, Best Animated Feature Film, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse), Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.

    After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders, and must redefine what it means to be a hero so he can save the people he loves most.

    Bonus Materials

    4K, Blu-ray & Digital

    Exclusives:

      • Obscure Spiders and Easter Eggs
      • Deleted Scene: Miguel Calling
      • “I’mma Do My Own Thing” Interdimensional Destiny
      • Across the Worlds: 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

    Also Includes:

      • Creating the Ultimate Spider-Man Movie
      • Raising a Hero
      • Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Cast

    DVD 

      • Creating the Ultimate Spider-Man Movie
      • Raising a Hero
      • Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Cast
  • New ‘Open Season’ Series in the Works at 9 Story

    New ‘Open Season’ Series in the Works at 9 Story

    9 Story Media Group is pleased to announce that production is underway for a new 2D animated comedy series Open Season: Call of Nature (52 x 11’), based on characters from the Sony Pictures Animation motion pictures. The series will be premiering on ABC Australia, WildBrain (Canada), Discovery Kids (Latin America) and France Télévisions in 2024.

    9 Story Distribution International has worldwide distribution rights for the series and 9 Story Brands has worldwide merchandising rights. 9 Story has licensed home entertainment rights in the U.S. and master toy rights worldwide to Sony Pictures Animation.

    Created for kids 6-11, Open Season: Call of Nature follows best friends Boog, a lovable, risk-averse grizzly bear, and Elliot, a fast-talking, ‘act-first, think-later’ deer. When the pair discover an abandoned summer camp in the middle of nowhere, they embark on a brave and hilarious adventure to create a new place to live where animals get to embrace their inner wild!

    Open Season: Call of Nature is produced by 9 Story Media Group’s award-winning animation studio Brown Bag Films (Toronto), and directed by Mark Thornton (Total Drama Island, Corner Gas Animated, True and the Rainbow Kingdom) and Todd Kauffman (Total Drama Island, Corner Gas Animated, Grojband). Alan Keane (Space Chickens in Space, The Oddbods Show) serves as executive story editor. The series is executive produced by Sony Pictures Animation producer Rick Mischel (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs series) along with Vince Commisso, Natalie Osborne and Blake Tohana for 9 Story.

    “Open Season is a classic animated film franchise that has entertained kids all over the world since debuting in 2006,” said Vince Commisso, President & CEO of 9 Story. “We are thrilled to be working with Sony Pictures Animation to bring their beloved characters to new audiences with a brand-new action- packed comedy series.”

  • ‘Exploding Kittens’ Launches New Game Tied to Netflix Toon

    ‘Exploding Kittens’ Launches New Game Tied to Netflix Toon

    Gaming and entertainment company Exploding Kittens today announced the launch of its newest tabletop game, Exploding Kittens: Good vs. Evil, based on the franchise’s upcoming adult animated Netflix series, also titled Exploding Kittens. This new standalone version of the company’s original card game was designed within the fictional world of the TV series.

    “Adapting Exploding Kittens into a TV show has been one of our most satisfying creative endeavors,” said Elan Lee, Co-Creator & CEO of Exploding Kittens. “Not only will fans of the upcoming show get to see their new favorite characters on all the Good vs. Evil cards, but new and existing fans will get an exciting gameplay experience with a new game mechanic that pits players against each other in a battle of wits to compete for the most powerful card in the game!”

    Exploding Kittens: Good vs. Evil offers the same gameplay — a kitty-powered version of Russian roulette — that fans know and love from the flagship card game. However, the new title flips the script by bringing fans into the narrative world of the show, introducing new character cards from the upcoming series. These include a Godcat card, deemed “the most powerful card ever created” in the Exploding Kittens universe, and Devilcat, which causes a player to immediately explode without the protection of a defuse card. The game also offers four new card powers with clever thematic nods to the show, including “Armageddon” and “Raising Heck” cards that each feature new gameplay mechanics to provide fans with a fresh experience.

    Set in the world of the upcoming Netflix series, the new game introduces the super-powerful Godcat and Devilcat character cards.

    “Creating the Exploding Kittens series with Netflix has been a dream come true,” said Matthew Inman, Exploding Kittens’ Chief Creative Officer and Creator of The Oatmeal. “Good vs. Evil allowed us to give fans a first look into what the show has in store, and we hope they have just as much fun playing the game as we had creating it.”

    Best for players ages seven and up, Exploding Kittens: Good vs. Evil is easy to learn, takes around 15 minutes to play, and can be enjoyed by groups of two to five players. The game is available now for $21.99 both in-store and online at Walmart and Target, and fans can order on ExplodingKittens.com on August 1.

    explodingkittens.com | netflix.com/explodingkittens

  • The Next Generation of ‘Bakugan’ Is Ready to Brawl on Netflix & Disney XD

    The Next Generation of ‘Bakugan’ Is Ready to Brawl on Netflix & Disney XD

    Spin Master Corp. today announced the launch of an all-new Bakugan series, introducing a revamped anime style that will premiere on Netflix (U.S., Canada, Australia, Nordics and Middle East) on September 1, and air on Disney XD in the U.S. on September 23. Alongside the series’ fresh aesthetic, characters and storyline, fans will be able to immerse in the brawling action with a new battle-ready spin on Bakugan toys.

    The all new, enhanced animation will be first revealed on Roblox, uniting fans once again in a shared streaming experience first run by the partners in 2021. Fans can converge within All-Star Tower Defense, a top experience on the platform developed by metaverse game developers Gamefam, to stream the first two episodes of Bakugan in both English and Japanese, starting Friday, August 4 at 4:00 p.m. PT / 7:00 p.m. PT through until Sunday, August 13 — four weeks ahead of the Netflix premiere.

    Synopsis: In the exciting new season of Bakugan, the Vestroian galaxy is made up of six planets each home to a different species of Bakugan (Avian, Dragon, Insect, Beast, Aquatic and Dinosaur). Constantly at war with one another, the use of experimental weaponry causes the Bakugan to be inadvertently transported to Earth. Baku-balls rain down from the sky like meteors and crash into cities, forests and oceans. And when the balls unroll, humans meet the 10-foot-tall Bakugan for the very first time.

    Thankfully,  humanity welcomes these displaced creatures, embraces their culture, and particularly falls in love with their long-standing tradition of brawling . That is, until teenagers start pairing with Bakugan and miraculously give them the ability to grow to giant kaiju size! The world was filled with fear, and it was during this time The Catastrophe happened… 

    Relaunched in 2019, a decade after its debut, Bakugan has proven to be an evergreen brand with a strong following. “The Bakugan franchise will elevate to epic new heights as we further enhance the experience across entertainment and power up the gameplay through toys,” said Jeremy Tucker, Spin Master’s EVP and Global Chief Marketing Officer. “We’ll deliver these new and unique experiences, driving collectability, and introducing new ways for Bakugan fans of all ages to battle and connect with the brand.”

    The Bakugan toy brand has also proven popular with consumers, reaching the number one property in the battling toys and playsets class in the U.S. and Australia in Q1 2023 (Source: Circana / Retail Tracking Service / U.S., Australia / Projected USD / Q1 ’23). The new Bakugan series toy line introduces a whole new way to brawl. Highlights of the new line include:

    • Bakugan Special Attack: Spin into battle like never before with the all-new customizable Special Attack Bakugan toys. Combine and stack the Special Attack Bakugan, then brawl into action with all new hyper spin action, ripping the cord to spin the Bakugan on the metal Gate CardTM and watch the Bakugan transform with its iconic pop open transformation. Combine the character with the Special Attack Card for new stats to level up the gameplay. (SRP $9.99; Age 6+)
    • Battle ArenaTM: Step into the ultimate space for battles with the Battle Arena playset. Featuring multiple launch points, obstacles, storage, and built-in camera stands to film all the action on your mobile device. This new playset is ready for an epic Bakugan Brawl. (SRP $39.99; Age 6+)

    The new Bakugan toy collection will also include Power Gear tokens found in pack and redeemable for a digital Bakugan-themed accessory or power-up within Roblox. Eagle eyes can also spot hidden Power Gear codes within content on the official Bakugan YouTube channel.

    The new Bakugan toy line is available at all major retailers from August 1.

    spinmaster.com

  • Disney, Pokémon, Mattel Among Top 10 Global Licensors

    Disney, Pokémon, Mattel Among Top 10 Global Licensors

    License Global has revealed its annual study, The Top Global Licensors report. This year’s report totaled $278 billion in retail sales of licensed consumer products in 2022, with over 40 brands in the report seeing collective growth of more than $29 billion. The report collects global retail sales of licensed consumer products and experiences from the biggest global brands spanning sectors such as entertainment, sports, gaming, toys, corporate brands, fashion and apparel, among several other categories.

    Entertainment continues to drive the highest revenue for the licensing industry with $111.1 billion generated from the top five global licensors alone. The Walt Disney Company showed the most substantial growth in 2022, with retail sales of licensed consumer products totaling an increase of $5.5 billion.

    “The modern brand licensing model has evolved, innovated and thrived, despite global economic issues impacting consumer confidence and disrupting industries across all verticals,” says Ben Roberts, EMEA Content Director, License Global. “The results of the Top Global Licensors report show resounding market growth for 2022, as businesses seek to meet fans and consumers in new and interesting ways.”

    Mattel reports the most significant growth over time, reporting an increase in sales of licensed consumer products growing from $2 billion in retail sales of licensed goods in 2019 to $8 billion in 2022. Case studies like Mattel’s brand extensions in support of its blockbuster film, Barbie, showcase how successful IP extension can translate to retail momentum.

     

    Scrooge McDuck [Disney’s ‘DuckTales’]

    The 10 Top Global Licensors for 2023:

    1. The Walt Disney Company – $61.7B
    2. Dotdash Meredith – $31.5B
    3. Authentic Brands Group – $24.1B
    4. Warner Bros. Discovery – $15.8B
    5. The Pokémon Company International – $11.6B
    6. Hasbro – $11.5B
    7. NBC Universal/Universal Products & Experiences – $10.5B
    8. Mattel – $8B
    9. Bluestar Alliance – $7.5B
    10. WHP Global – $6.75B

    New companies to the 2023 Top Global Licensors report include Jazwares, ZAG (Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir), Scholl’s Wellness Company, Just Born Quality Confections, Toikido, Fleischer Studios (Betty Boop), AC Milan, B. Duck, Cardio Bunny and
    Duke Kahanamoku, among others.

    In addition to company disclosed financials, License Global predicts the future of the industry in its Brandscape report, which uses survey data to forecast trends for 2024 and beyond. Fashion was significantly highlighted by 60% of respondents as the most important area in which to grow engagement, create impact and build awareness through brand-on-brand collaborations. 62% also indicated Fashion as a core category of focus when working with licensees in 2024.

    “The Top 10 Global Licensors alone equate to a combined average growth of 19% year-over-year, showcasing the expanding opportunities and continuing trajectory of the licensed consumer product market and shopper appetite for brand extensions at retail,” states Amanda Cioletti, VP of Content and Strategy for Informa Markets’ Global Licensing Group, which includes the License Global media brand as well as Licensing Expo, Brand Licensing Europe and the Brand & Licensing Innovation Summit.

    “The industry is thriving, and the data shown in the report validates the excellence and strength that the business strategy of licensing offers brand owners, product manufacturers and retailers. No matter what the economy looks like, people will gravitate to trusted brands and franchises they love. Licensing offers a proven road to consumer sell-through.”

    To download the complete Top Global Licensors Report 2023, visit licenseglobal.com.

  • ‘Hello Kitty Island Adventure’ Brings Sanrio’s Charming Crew to Apple Arcade

    ‘Hello Kitty Island Adventure’ Brings Sanrio’s Charming Crew to Apple Arcade

    Starting today, players can join Hello Kitty and Friends on a grand adventure to restore an abandoned theme park to its former glory, as Hello Kitty Island Adventure brings the beloved, bow-wearing star of Sanrio’s character lineup to the Apple Arcade in an exclusive game release.

    Hello Kitty Island Adventure is a life simulation game where players will build friendships with their favorite Sanrio characters, like Kuromi, Badtz-Maru and Cinnamoroll, as they explore a massive island with a magical underwater world filled with puzzles, challenges and mysterious treasures. The game has more than 40 hours of gameplay, with more to be added over time. 

    Players can invite a friend into the game to play together, or play solo, as they traverse through a world teeming with adorable creatures and many mysteries to unravel. They will discover unique stories, participate in mini games, solve puzzles and uncover rare treasures to create the ultimate island paradise.

    “We set out to create a game that Hello Kitty and Friends fans would love — an open world adventure combined with the cozy, customizable life simulation gameplay that delivers a deep and captivating experience, all wrapped in the incomparable charm of Sanrio’s beloved cast,” said Julian Farrior, founder of game developer Sunblink. “It’s an ongoing living world that will continue to honor and celebrate what fans love most about Hello Kitty.”

    As players discover more of the island, they will have the opportunity to exchange gifts, chat, unlock character-specific quests and storylines with their friends and earn the ability to take a character around the world with them. Each character will also provide unique bonuses to help in the player’s exploration: Splash around with Keroppi, soar high with Cinnamoroll or get extra cooking help from Hello Kitty. Players can attract even more Sanrio characters by repairing, customizing and decorating visitor cabins across the island.

    “Combining our core values of friendship, kindness, and inclusivity, and Apple Arcade’s inclusive and family-friendly offering, we aim to unite a community around the world through friendship, play, and positive connections with the launch of Hello Kitty Island Adventure,” said Craig Takiguchi, COO of Sanrio, Inc.

    Apple Arcade is available for $4.99 per month with a one-month free trial. One subscription gives a family of up to six unlimited access to all the games in its catalog with 200+ titles, all free from ads and in-app purchases. The platform is home to hit games like Stardew Valley+, Cooking Mama: Cuisine! and Sneaky Sasquatch.

  • Amy & Kif Are Ready to Welcome Their Brood in New ‘Futurama’ Clips

    Amy & Kif Are Ready to Welcome Their Brood in New ‘Futurama’ Clips

    In the next episode of Hulu’s reanimated Futurama, one of the 31st century’s cutest couples will finally take the next step in their relationship: Parenthood! Two new clips from Season 11, Episode 2: “Children of a Lesser Bog” set up the reunion between Kif and Amy and their beloved spawn — 20 years since they were birthed.

    In episode 4.01, broadcast in 2003, amphibian alien Kif (Maurice LaMarche) and Planet Express employee Amy (Lauren Tom) have become a couple. Kif becomes pregnant when, triggered hormonally by love for Amy, he happens to absorb DNA from Leela (Katey Segal). Amy is not emotionally ready to be a mother –luckily for her, the babies are born as tadpoles that swim off into a lake. Kif says they will return to land “in 20 years.” Amy says, “I’ll be ready then.” Now, she’ll finally have to step up!

    “Children of a Lesser Bog” will land on Hulu on Monday, July 31. New episodes of Futurama S11 premiere weekly on Mondays.

    Spoiler Alert! Full episode synopsis follows the clips.

     

    Episode Synopsis: The time has come… Amy and Kif’s babies are about to emerge from the swamp on Kif’s homeworld, Amphibios 9. The crew and loved ones gather for an ancient ceremony, led by recurring character The Grand Midwife (Tress MacNeille). Hundreds of offspring attempt to make it out of the water alive, past waves of predators. And three of them make it! Kif and Amy are parents!

    It’s tremendous work for Amy and Kif, but they love their kids dearly and can manage it between the two of them. BUT THEN: Military orders come in from Zapp Brannigan (Billy West). Kif is ordered to leave immediately on patrol, to check on a scientific outpost that has lost communication.

    Amy soon becomes exhausted and overwhelmed, and Leela generously offers to help out. She’s like an aunt who spoils the kids, and they love her for it. The kids have a natural affinity for Leela… one even has a single eye, like her. Because the kids have Leela’s DNA, Amy becomes worried that they are starting to view Leela as their “real” mother. She eventually blows up at Leela as the stress overwhelms her.

    Zapp and Kif, meanwhile, land on a small world where scientists study space bears. Kif is desperate to return home, but the situation is dangerous. Kif must battle heroically to make it back to his family.

    The Grand Midwife announces there will be a ritual challenge to Amy’s motherhood! Since the kids have DNA other than Amy’s, ancient tradition calls for a battery of tests to determine if Amy may truly lay claim to being the mother… or if that title should go to Leela, or someone else. Amy is petrified. As the alien ceremony begins to unfold, she hopes Kif can make it back in time to help keep their family together.

  • Trailer: Hand-Drawn ‘Disney Illusion Island’ Switch Adventure Arrives

    Trailer: Hand-Drawn ‘Disney Illusion Island’ Switch Adventure Arrives

    Disney Games, in collaboration with developer Dlala Studios, has launched Disney Illusion Island globally, marking the release with a new trailer featuring animated vignettes and game play footage. The title is a local cooperative 2D platform adventure video game for up to four players, exclusively for Nintendo Switch.

    Synopsis: Experience a brand-new adventure as players join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy on a whimsical journey through the island of Monoth. Explore this beautiful yet mysterious world to recover the three magical Tomes — powerful books used to protect the island.

    This new, playable Mickey & Friends adventure features an original story brought to life with hand-drawn animation and an original, fully orchestrated score by Ivor Novello and BAFTA-nominated composer Dave Housden.

    “Disney Illusion Island marks Mickey Mouse’s return to video games, and we’re honored to bring this one-of-a kind adventure to the Nintendo Switch,” said Luigi Priore, VP, Disney, Pixar and 20th Century Games. “We’re excited to see gamers jump in and explore the wonderfully hand-crafted world of Monoth with their friends and family.”

    Featuring the authentic voice actors of Mickey (Bret Iwan), Minnie (Kaitlyn Robrock), Donald (Tony Anselmo) and Goofy (Bill Farmer), Disney Illusion Island allows players to explore solo or as a team with up to three friends in local co-op as they perform high-flying platforming feats, uncover secrets and take on epic boss encounters. The game also features the voice of Corey Burton, known for performing as Dale and Ludwig Von Drake in the Disneyverse.

    “Disney Illusion Island has been an absolute career high for myself and the studio,” said AJ Grand-Scrutton, Creative Director/CEO, Dlala Studios. “We have absolutely loved bringing Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy back in a brand-new 2D platforming adventure and we can’t wait for players to join us in the world of Monoth!”

    Disney Illusion Island is available for $39.99, exclusively for Nintendo Switch on the Nintendo eShop and at retail, beginning today.

    disneyillusionisland.com

    https://youtu.be/xsbl2e0R-64

  • Mickey & Willie Team for Cartoon Chaos in Final ‘The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse’ Short (Exclusive Clip)

    Mickey & Willie Team for Cartoon Chaos in Final ‘The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse’ Short (Exclusive Clip)

    After nearly a decade, The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse (previously known as the Mickey Mouse shorts), is coming to an end with one final shortn entitled Steamboat Silly — an homage to the one that started it all.

    As part of the Disney100 campaign celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company, the short features Mickey as he takes a stroll down memory lane by watching old home movies, but accidentally unleashes hundreds of Steamboat Willie Mickeys from the film reel. Filled with historical Disney references and fun Easter eggs, the episode will premiere globally on Friday, July 28 on Disney+.

    Fans can get a preview of the hilarious ruckus these bookend versions of the character cause all over Toon Town in an exclusive sneak-peek clip below!

    The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse, comprising more than 120 episodes, has totted up numerous Emmy and Annie Awards since the series premiered in June 2013. The shorts have screened at the prestigious Venice Film Festival and also inspired Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, the first ride-through Parks attraction starring Mickey and Minnie in Disney history.

    https://youtu.be/nOaHzU7tYDM

  • ROOF Animates the Community-Building Power of 4-H Canada

    ROOF Animates the Community-Building Power of 4-H Canada

    Boutique animation house ROOF Studio recently partnered with 4-H Canada to produce a 3D animated short for the organization — a not-for-profit focused on positive youth development experiences.

    Conceived by communications marketing agency Edelman Canada, “4-H Forever” demonstrates the impact 4-H in Canada has on preparing youth for their futures and the role volunteers play in making that happen. The piece can be seen on social media, programmatic placements, SEO and connected TV.

    Led by ROOF Creative Directors Vinicius Costa, Lucas Camargo and Guto Terni, the film follows the path of four children involved with 4-H. From their early days in a community garden to the building of a community center, this captivating story provides a powerful testament to the impact of volunteerism, the enduring bonds of friendship and the crucial role that community engagement can play in making lasting and positive change in the lives of young people.

    4-H Forever

    “4-H volunteers are there to support youth as they learn to do by doing, which empowers them with skills to lead and often creates bonds that last a lifetime,” said Shannon Benner, CEO of 4-H Canada. “ROOF Studio did an incredible job of distilling the impact of our program with animation that beautifully gets to the very core of how our program impacts young Canadians.”

    “Bringing ‘4-H Forever’ to life was an exercise in blending meticulous planning, masterful design, and compelling storytelling — all hallmarks of our approach to animation,” said Terni, Partner/Creative Director at ROOF Studio. “Our storyboard laid out vibrant scenes, interconnected through fluid camera movements and transitions, setting the stage for an animation journey that was both challenging and rewarding.” 

    Community Garden concept art [c/o ROOF Studios]
    The filmmakers used scenic transitions give the viewer an active sense of involvement and progress as the four young characters set out on their shared journey.  ROOF also applied time-lapse to showcase the kids’ teamwork and evolution in building the community center. This visual device allowed for the camera to be a silent observer, providing a sense of continuity and continuous creation, they explain.

    Natural elements such as sunlight and shifting landscapes were both key factors in the storytelling as well as an opportunity for the ROOF team to showcase their attention to detail. “This focused approach crafts an immersive world, where sunlight not only enhances realism but also warmly illuminates the children’s journey, adding depth and symbolizing hope and unity,”  noted Costa.

    Character concept artwork [c/o ROOF Studios]
    The scenery and sets also needed to complement the designs of the four young community builders at the heart of the story. “Their unique stylized forms spawned the world building around them. The spaces they interact with are never squared perfectly; we let the forms flow to infuse realism in our render with an organic spatial dynamic,” said Camargo, who took on the roles of director, creative director and art director. “The overall mood we wanted was to feel like a dream, a memory. We are with them in that warm sunlight, and I think we achieved that.”

    “The technical challenges were considerable, from the creation of multiple detailed environments to a rich cast of characters, each requiring an enormous amount of detail,” concluded Terni. “But these challenges served as catalysts for our creativity and innovation.”

    roofstudio.tv

  • 19th HollyShorts Fest Spotlights 48 Animated Films

    19th HollyShorts Fest Spotlights 48 Animated Films

    This year, animation is getting top billing at HollyShorts Film Festival. The 19th edition, taking place August 10-20 at TCL Chinese 6 Theatres in Hollywood, has unveiled its diverse selection of 48 animated short films.

    Some of this year’s selections include Sean McCarron’s Corvine, which shares a story of a boy who loves nature, especially crows; Andrew Chesworth’s The Brave Locomotive, an Old West musical tale with 1940s flair about a little train facing harrowing disaster; and Vishavjit Singh’s American Sikh, an animated true story of a turban-wearing American Sikh.

    In Ana Gusson’s Pivot, a defining moment in Ashley’s quest to be herself is at the risk of disappointing the person she loves the most; Mitra Shahidi’s Starling focuses on the spirit of a little girl who shoots down from the heavens to spend her birthday with her family; ​​Pierre-Hugues Dallaire and Benoit Therriault’s Canary is a story about a young boy named Sonny who works in an underground coal mine; and Andrea Deja’s Mushka, which tells a story about Sarah, who discovers an orphaned baby Siberian tiger and realizes she must raise him.

    Other standouts include Matthew Kalinauskas’s The Tiger at the Zoo, about a tiger-obsessed little boy who goes to the zoo on a class field trip, only to discover that the tiger is off exhibits; Farzaneh Omidvarnia’s Broke in which everything is peaceful, until an unknown aggressor repeatedly breaks the living room window glass; Martha Grant’s Llamas at the Laundromat follows two stylish llamas as they dance and sing their way through the steps of doing laundry at the laundromat; Almudena Toral and Mauricio Rodriguez Pons’ The Night Doctrine, about an Afghan journalist on a journey to find out who murdered her family 30 years ago; and Jinkyu Jeon’s The House of Loss, which tells a tale of the elderly at the nursing home have their heads shaved.

     

    The annual Academy Awards-qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival (HSFF) brings together top creators, industry leaders and companies and has launched many filmmakers into the next stages of their careers. HollyShorts, regular on MovieMaker Magazine’s “Top 50 Festivals Worth the Entry Fee list”, also engages its community and spotlights short films year-round through monthly screenings, panels, and networking events.

    hollyshorts.com

  • Cartoon Canines to the Rescue in ‘Scooby-Doo! And Krypto, Too!’

    Cartoon Canines to the Rescue in ‘Scooby-Doo! And Krypto, Too!’

    Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy and Scooby-Doo have to solve what may be their greatest mystery yet in Scooby-Doo! and Krypto, Too! The all-new, feature-length Warner Bros. Animation film brings together the Scooby gang and DC universe for the first time.

    The adventure of the dynamic doggy duo will be available in the U.S. to purchase Digitally (SRP $14.99) at retailers everywhere, and on DVD ($SRP 19.98) only at Walmart on September 26. In Canada, Scooby-Doo! and Krypto, Too! will be available to purchase Digitally on September 26 and on DVD (SRP $24.98) October 24, at retailers everywhere.

    Synopsis: The world’s greatest heroes, DC’s Justice League, have mysteriously vanished and a terrifying phantom has taken up residence in The Hall of Justice. Now it’s up to the world’s greatest super sleuths, Scooby and the gang, to solve the mystery and save our heroes … with a little help from their new pal Krypto the Superdog!

    Returning as the voices of the Scooby gang are Frank Welker as Scooby-Doo and Fred Jones, Matthew Lillard as Shaggy Rogers, Kate Micucci as Velma Dinkley and Grey Delisle as Daphne Blake as well as Wonder Woman. Also featured in the voice cast are P.J. Byrne as J.B.; Victoria Grace as Mercy; Charles Halford as Lex Luthor; Nolan North as the Joker and Superman; Tara Strong as Helen, Lois Lane and Harley Quinn; Fred Tatasciore as Solomon Grundy and Perry White; James Arnold Taylor as Jimmy Olsen and Rex Ruthor; and Niccole Thurman as Mayor Fleming.

    Cecilia Aranovich Hamilton (DC Super Hero Girls, Straight Outta Nowhere: Scooby-Doo! Meets Courage th Cowardly Dog, Harley Quinn) directs Scooby-Doo! and Krypto, Too! from a script by T.K. O’Brian. Producers are Rick Morales and Jim Krieg (The Death and Return of Superman) and Sam Register is executive producer.

    The release includes three bonus episodes of Scooby-Doo:

    • The Scooby of a Thousand Faces!
    • What a Night, for a Dark Knight!
    • One Minute Mysteries! Guest Starring The Flash

  • Netflix Raises ‘Castlevania: Nocturne’ Teaser & First Images from the Crypt

    Netflix Raises ‘Castlevania: Nocturne’ Teaser & First Images from the Crypt

    The promise of an unholy prophecy and the rise of Richter Belmont are at the undead heart of the new teaser trailer for Castlevania: Nocturne — the next chapter in the critically acclaimed adult animated series inspired by the Konami video games. The gory, gothic horror adventure begins Thursday, September 28, running for eight 25-minute episodes.

    Synopsis: France, 1792 — the height of the French Revolution. In a remote part of western France, the counter-revolutionary aristocracy has forged an alliance with a terrifying Vampire Messiah, who promises to ‘eat the sun’ and unleash an army of vampires and nightcreatures to crush the revolution and enslave humanity. Annette, a sorceress from the Caribbean, seeks out Richter Belmont, last descendant of the long-fabled family of vampire hunters, to lead the resistance.

    Edward Bluemel as Richter Belmont in Castlevania: Nocturne [Netflix © 2023]

    The series stars Edward Bluemel as Richter Belmong, Thuso Mbedu as Annette, Pixie Davies as Maria Renard, Sharon D. Clarke, Richard Dormer, Iain Glen, Sydney James Harcourt, Elarica Johnson as Drolta, Nastassja Kinski as Tera, Zahn McClarnon as Orlox, Aaron Neil, Franka Potente as Erzsebet Bathory and Sophie Skelton as Julia Belmont.

    Castlevania: Nocturne is overseen by showrunners Kevin Kolde (Castlevania) and Clive Bradley (Trapped). Bradley also serves as creator/writer. Sam Deats and Adam Deats share directing duties. Executive producers are Bradley, Kolde, Fred Seibert and Adi Shanka, Project 51 Productions and Powerhouse Animation produce for Netflix.

    netflix.com/castlevanianocturne

     

  • Watch: ‘Praise Petey’ Brings Big City Ideas to a Brainwashed Small Town (Exclusive)

    Watch: ‘Praise Petey’ Brings Big City Ideas to a Brainwashed Small Town (Exclusive)

    In this week’s episodes of Freeform’s adult animated comedy Praise Petey, our hapless cult-inheriting heroine continues her quest to break the obedient, human sacrifice-y mold left behind by her father. And we’ve got the clips to prove it!

    The third and fourth episodes of Season 1 premiere Friday, July 28 at 10 p.m. ET, available to stream on Hulu the next day.

    Mae Mae (Amy Hill) goes on a wild trip in Friday’s new episodes of ‘Praise Petey’ [Freeform]

    “We Need $30” — Petey and Eliza team up to get to the bottom of New Utopia’s finances and raise enough money to get medicine for a sick Mae Mae ― without resorting to recruiting new cult members. How hard could it be for an educated city girl to make $30?

     

    “Father’s Knee”  — Petey discovers that her father used to have his own local magazine, inspiring Petey to revive it and make it her own. She chooses Bandit for her cover story to prove she’s open to dissent.

     

    Created by former SNL head writer Anna Drezen, Praise Petey follows an NYC “It Girl” whose well-curated life comes crashing down. As luck would have it, a mysterious gift from her deceased father gives her a new lease on life — taking over as leader of his small-town cult New Utopia. As Petey leans into her new role as a “girl boss,” she discovers what it means to be a leader and how to find her voice as she tries to modernize her late father’s small-town cult.

    The voice cast is led by Annie Murphy (Schitt’s Creek) as Petra “Petey” St. Barts; Christine Baranski (The Good Fight) as her mother, White St. Barts; Stephen Root (Barry) as Father; John Cho (Star Trek) as local hunk Bandit; Kiersey Clemmons (The Flash) as Eliza; and Amy Hill (Magnum P.I.). S1 guest stars include Alan Tudyk and Alfred Molina.

    In addition to Dresden, the series is executive produced by Bandera Entertainment’s Mike Judge, Greg Daniels and Dustin Davis, along with ShadowMachine’s Alex Bulkley and Corey Campodonico (Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio) and Monica Padrick (Central Park). The series is produced by Disney Television Studios’ 20th Television Animation, with animation by ShadowMachine.

     

  • Saffronic Appoints Skyler Mattson CEO to Drive Growth of Animated Content Biz

    Saffronic Appoints Skyler Mattson CEO to Drive Growth of Animated Content Biz

    Animation, gaming, advertising and VFX outfit Saffronic has appointed Skyler Mattson, former President of global creative and design agency WongDoody, an Infosys company, as Chief Executive Officer. Saffronic was founded in 2022 by Tim Sarnoff, former Deputy CEO-President Production Services & Global Head of Strategy and Development at Technicolor, and Vince Pizzica, former Technicolor CTO and Chief Strategist.

    As CEO, Mattson will be responsible for solidifying the company’s vision and offerings to drive growth across the worldwide media, entertainment, video games, advertising and creative sector. Leveraging her background in creative, media strategy, branding, interactive, UX/UI and digital product services, Mattson will shape the organizational structure of the company to align with growth and champion the company’s“by artists for artists” culture.

    During Mattson’s tenure at WongDoody, known for advertising, experience design, branding and emergent tech, she rose quickly through the ranks, serving as Director of Client Partnerships, Managing Director, and ultimately as the company’s President. Mattson led the growth and transformation of the company from 80 people in North America to over 2,000 talented creatives across the globe, delivering year-on-year growth. Under her leadership, WongDoody was awarded over 300 global awards for creative marketing campaigns for clients in the CPG, Healthcare, Technology and Entertainment industries, and was consistently honored as being a “Best Place to Work.”

    Mattson has led several female empowerment initiatives and is the Co-Founder of The Motherboard, a global community of thousands of moms who share insights to help Fortune 500 companies innovate. The Motherboard won a Fast Company World Changing Idea award. For the past three years she has also been the Producer and Host of View from the C-Suite, a bi-monthly webinar featuring women in the C-Suite. Mattson has been a delegate to the World Economic Forum and served as a board member for the Infosys Foundation USA.

    “Skyler is a progressive and conscientious leader who will lead the team from the ground up. We are thrilled to have an executive with her level of expertise and innovative capabilities to help drive Saffronic‘s global growth,” commented Dilip Keshu, a board member of Saffronic.

    With Mattson’s addition, Saffronic’s management now boasts industry veterans Kumar Chandrasekaran and Prabhakar Sambandan, each with over 25 years of industry experience with major entertainment companies and brands. They serve as joint Studio Directors. Sally Toms, an agency veteran, runs operations and more recently Kristy Scanlan joined to spearhead sales.

    “Saffronic is a rapidly growing new studio, which has quickly attracted a global community of extraordinarily talented filmmakers, VFX artists and creative technologists. With the worldwide demand for these services continuing to expand across almost every sector of business, we have the capability and capacity to produce compelling stories, inspiring characters and captivating worlds that will bring every narrative to life. I look forward to collaborating with the Saffronic teams in the U.S. and India to create a next-level creative studio,” said Mattson.

    Current Saffronic clients include DreamWorks Animation (Gabby’s Dollhouse, Dragons: The Nine Realms, Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous), WildBrain and Trioscope. In June 2022, Saffronic set up a production facility in India in the city of Chennai.

    Learn more at saffronic.com.

  • Adult Swim Unveils ‘Uzumaki’ First Look, ‘Lazarus’ Trailer

    Adult Swim Unveils ‘Uzumaki’ First Look, ‘Lazarus’ Trailer

    Amid all the Comic-Con commotion, Adult Swim treated anime fans to their first glimpses of some highly-anticipated Toonami titles. In addition to dropping the energetic, interdimensional madness of Rick and Morty: The Anime (more here), attendees toured Shinichirō Watanabe’s vision of the near future in Lazarus, recently greenlit by the network, and delved deeper into the unsettling black-and-white frames of the long awaited Uzumaki series, adapted from the manga by Junji Ito.

    Check out the videos below:

    Lazarus

    The action-packed story takes place in the 2050s, unfolding after one Dr. Skinner introduces a miracle drug called Hapuna which cures all illness and pain, before mysteriously vanishing. Three years later, the doctor reappears with a terrible warning: Due to Hapuna’s short half-life, everyone who has taken it will die approximately three years later. A five-person task force known as “Lazarus” is gathered from across the globe to save humanity from Skinner’s plans for a medically engineered judgment day.

    Directed by Shinichirō Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo), the series is animated by MAPPA and produced by Sola Entertainment, featuring action sequences designed by John Wick franchise stuntman/director Chad Stahelski and music by Bonobo (featured in the trailer), Floating Points, Kamasi Washington and others.

    Uzumaki 

    This four-episode mini series based on Junji Ito’s manga centers on teenage high school student Kirie Goshima; her boyfriend, Shuichi Saito; and the citizens of the small, fictional Japanese town of Kurouzu-cho — which is cursed by supernatural events involving spirals.

    Originally slated for a 2020 release, the anime adaptation is directed by Hiroshi Nagahama (Mushishi films, The Reflection, The Flowers of Evil) and produced by Production I.G, which delivered the FLCL sequels for Adult Swim (currently in production on FLCL Shoegaze).

  • ‘The Inventor’ Trailer Animates da Vinci’s Spark of Genius

    ‘The Inventor’ Trailer Animates da Vinci’s Spark of Genius

    Blue Fox Entertainment has debuted the official trailer for The Inventor, the independent labor-of-love feature film that fancifully reimagines the life of the quintessential Renaissance man: Leonardo da Vinci. As previously announced, the pic is due to enlighten U.S. cinemas on August 25.

    Directed and written by Jim Capobianco, the Academy Award-nominated screenwriter of Ratatouille, and co-directed by Pierre-Luc Granjon (Poppety in the Fall, The White Wolf), the stop-motion adventure features the voices of Stephen Fry as Leonardo da Vinci, Daisy Ridley as Princess Marguerite de Navarre, Marion Cotillard as Louise de Savoy, Gauthier Battoue as King Francis I and Matt Berry as Pope Leo X.

    Synopsis: The insatiably curious and headstrong inventor/artist Leonardo da Vinci leaves Italy to join the French court where he can freely experiment, invent flying contraptions and incredible machines, and study the human body. Joined in his adventure by the audacious Princess Marguerite, Leonardo attempts to uncover the answer to the ultimate question: “What is the meaning of life?”

    The film is written by Capobianco, who also serves as producer alongside Martin Metz, Adrian Politowski, Robert Rippberger and Ilan Urroz. Executive producers are Don Hahn, Nadia Khamlichi, Nessa McGill and Sierra Garcia. The core creative team also includes director of photography Marijke van Kets and composer Alex Mandel. Cartoon Saloon’s Tomm Moore consulted on the film’s 2D animated segments, which were overseen by Hefang Wei and François-Marc Baillet. You can read about the making of this charming movie in the next issue of Animation Magazine.

  • ‘Batman: Mask of the Phantasm’ Gets 4K Remaster for 30th Anniversary

    ‘Batman: Mask of the Phantasm’ Gets 4K Remaster for 30th Anniversary

    Fans of the Dark Knight can celebrate the 30th anniversary of one of his most acclaimed on screen adventures when the newly-remastered animated movie Batman: Mask of the Phantasm comes to 4K Ultra HD for the very first time. From Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment, the new high def treatment will be available to purchase on September 12.

    The release will also include an all-new featurette Kevin Conroy: I Am The Knight, which takes a look at the legacy of Kevin Conroy, who voiced Batman for 30 years in film, television, video games and more.

    Rooted in DC’s acclaimed Batman: The Animated Series and released theatrically on Christmas Day 1993, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm has proven a hit with fans and critics for three decades. It has been ranked by Time magazine as one of the 10 best Super Hero movies ever, and rated at the top of the Dark Knight film franchise by Empire, Screenrant and Paste. Even mainstream cinephiles were won over: Gene Siskel & Robert Ebert didn’t initially review the film during its theatrical release, but later dedicated a portion of their At The Movies weekly TV series to pay compliment to the film — and voice their regret for not giving it the attention it deserved during its original run — when Batman: Mask of the Phantasm was distributed for home entertainment.

    The 4K HDR/SDR remaster of Batman: Mask of the Phantasm was sourced from the 1993 Original Cut Camera Negative and was scanned at 4K resolution. Digital restoration was applied to the 4K scans to remove dirt, scratches and additional anomalies, but special care was given to not touch the film grain or the animation cel dirt that was part of the original artwork. This is the first time since its theatrical release that it is presented in its 1.85 aspect ratio. The original 2.0 mix and the 5.1 tracks were remastered to remove or improve defects such as pops, ticks, dropouts and distortion.

    Synopsis: Batman: Mask of the Phantasm opens with the city’s most feared gangsters being systematically eliminated, and assumed blame falling on the Caped Crusader. But prowling the Gotham night is a shadowy new villain, the Phantasm, a sinister figure with some link to Batman’s past. Can the Dark Knight elude the police, capture the Phantasm and clear his own name? Unmasking the Phantasm is just one of the twists in this dazzling animated feature, which provides new revelations about Batman’s past, his archrival the Joker, and Batman’s most grueling battle ever — the choice between his love for a beautiful woman and his vow to be the defender of right.

    The film’s voice cast headed by the quintessential voice of Batman, Kevin Conroy, alongside Dana Delany (Desperate Housewives) as Bruce Wayne’s love interest, Andrea Beaumont; Mark Hamill (Star Wars franchise) as the Joker; Stacy Keach (Prison Break) as Phantasm/Carl Beaumont; Abe Vigoda (The Godfather) as Salvatore Valestra; Efrem Zimbalist Jr. (The F.B.I.) as Alfred; Hart Bochner (Die Hard) as Arthur Reeves; Bob Hastings (McHale’s Navy) as Commissioner Gordon; Robert Costanzo (City Slickers) as Detective Bullock; Dick Miller (The Terminator) as Chuckie Sol; and John P. Ryan (The Right Stuff) as Buzz Bronski.

    Additional voices included Pat Musick, Marilu Henner, Neil Ross, Ed Gilbert, Jeff Bennett, Jane Downs, Vernee Watson, Charles Howerton, Thom Pinto and Peter Renaday.

    The filmmaking team is composed of the award-winning core group behind Batman: The Animated Series. Eric Radomski and Bruce Timm directed from a screenplay by Alan Burnett, Paul Dini, Martin Pasko and Michael Reaves, based on a story by Burnett.

    Batman: Mask of the Phantasm will be available on September 12 to purchase Digitally (SRP $14.99) from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu and more. 4K Ultra HD Discs (SRP $33.99 U.S. / $39.99 Canada) will be available to purchase online and in-store at major retailers. Pre-orders are now open.

    Special Features

    • Kevin Conroy: I Am the Knight (New Featurette) — For 30 years, Kevin Conroy defined Batman for multiple generations using only his voice, best exemplified in the landmark film Batman: Mask of the Phantasm. Conroy passed away in November 2022, but his legacy lives on in 15 films, nearly 400 episodes of animated television series, a dozen video games, and as a live-action Bruce Wayne in the Arrowverse’s 2019-2020 “Crisis on Infinite Earths” crossover event. Several of Conroy’s contemporaries — including animation legend Bruce Timm, Batman producer Michael Uslan and revered voice actress Tara Strong — pay tribute to the star who remains the Dark Knight for millions of Batfans.
    • Bonus episode of Justice League: Unlimited featuring a cameo from Phantasm.

    Note: Special features are not available in 4K.

  • ‘Tom and Jerry’ Run Amok in Singapore in New Series

    ‘Tom and Jerry’ Run Amok in Singapore in New Series

    Warner Bros. Discovery today announced its first ever localized Tom and Jerry series, featuring the famous cat and mouse duo as they take their rivalry through Singapore. A quick teaser offers a first glimpse of the slapstick icons’ latest animated look.

    Produced locally in Asia, and in association with Warner Bros. Animation, the new series comprises 7 x 3-minute shorts and will premiere on Cartoon Network in Asia Pacific and HBO GO in Southeast Asia, Taiwan and Hong Kong later this year, before being rolled out internationally. A pilot episode will launch in August — further details will be announced soon.

    “This series brings back the iconic music and classic animation style from the Hanna-Barbera 1950s era — but with a modern Singaporean twist,” says Christopher Ho, Head of Kids – Southeast Asia at Warner Bros. Discovery. “With distinctive landmarks, backdrops and atmosphere, the Asian city-state is the ideal location to create a humorous addition to the Tom and Jerry canon. Working with homegrown creative talent in Singapore and across Asia, this project grows the much-loved franchise in the region and beyond.”

    Vishnu Athreya, Senior Vice President of Series, Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Studios, adds, “Tom and Jerry are two of our most universally loved characters, proving that laughs can translate to any audience. The fans in Asia have long embraced these characters and it’s great to finally give them a version to call their own.”

    The project is produced by Warner Bros. Discovery’s Carlene Tan. Vivek Bolar (Andy Pirki) serves as lead director. The project is animated by Aum Animation Studios India, with stories and designs from Singapore-based Robot Playground Media and Chips and Toon Studios.

    Warner Bros. Discovery also plans to launch new Tom and Jerry-branded consumer products to complement the series launch later this year.

    Tom and Jerry is one of the leading franchises in the Warner Bros. Discovery portfolio, with a global social reach of 50 million and almost 30 billion minutes watched on the Warner Bros. Kids YouTube channel. There have been more than 500 episodes and 15 movies made (so far) in its 83-year history, securing seven Academy Awards along the way.

    https://youtu.be/ZeFFV7i2LZY