The Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839, announced an historic milestone Friday: After a successful unionization effort to be represented by TAG, the bargaining unit of 129 artists and production workers at Powerhouse Animation has received voluntary recognition from the studio. This marks a significant moment for the animation industry, as Texas becomes the first Right-to-Work state and second state outside of California to have union-represented animation workers.
“Representing the Powerhouse artistic and production staff further solidifies The Animation Guild as the Union setting the standard for workplace conditions in the animation industry,” says Steve Kaplan, Business Representative of The Animation Guild. “I also want to commend Powerhouse leadership in reaching a voluntary recognition agreement. I look forward to building on our established good relationship in Los Angeles to reach a first contract with the Austin studio.”
Powerhous CEO Brad Graeber, who also serves as the company’s Chief Creative Officer, says, “As a studio founded by animators who wanted to improve the industry, Powerhouse has always tried to put our incredible team of artists first. We have strived to be a transparent and fair company that does our best to balance the work and life of artists in an industry that often abuses talent. When we learned that our staff wanted to organize, we worked with the union to recognize their organization in a way that was fair for our very unique studio in Texas.”
Both parties say they are looking forward to engaging in productive conversations to negotiate a first collective bargaining agreement, further strengthening the relationship between the studio and its workforce. The studio is known for producing the critically acclaimed Castlevania animated series (and upcoming spin-off, Castlevania: Nocturne), Masters of the Universe: Revelation with Mattel, Seis Manos with VIZ and Blood of Zeus — all streaming on Netflix.
“It’s such a special moment for me personally to see our coworkers’ commitment and compassion for each other, collaborating with the studio to become the best that it can be so that animation workers can create the work that we love so much. We’re looking forward to sitting down with leadership to make that path together,” says Suzanne Sharp, a character artist and member of the Powerhouse Organizing Committee (OC).
Fellow character artist and OC member MinJi Yoon adds, “I can’t express how proud we are that Powerhouse management has voluntarily recognized our union. What I’ve always loved about working at Powerhouse is the community of skilled and caring people we get to work with. Now we really have the power to fortify what makes this place the groundbreaking studio it is and to advocate for our own working conditions with fair representation. At this critical point for the future of our industry, I’m also incredibly excited to stand in solidarity with the rest of entertainment workers in America!”
The voluntary agreement with Powerhouse is the latest gold star on TAG’s long record of advocating for animation professionals. One month ago, The Animation Guild achieved another landmark by ratifying its first collective bargaining agreement with Titmouse Studio in New York. The agreement solidifies the rights and protections of the studio’s talented artists and production workers, ensuring fair working conditions, competitive compensation, and essential benefits.
The Animation Guild, also known as Local 839 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), was founded in 1952. As a labor union, TAG represent more than 5,000 artists, technicians and writers in the animation industry, advocating for workers to improve wages and conditions.
BreakThru Films and New Europe Film Sales have released today the official teaser for The Peasants, the new painted animation feature film from the makers of Loving Vincent, DK Welchman (previously known as Dorota Kobiela) and Hugh Welchman.
The Peasants tells the story of Jagna, a young woman determined to forge her own path within the confines of a late 19th century Polish village — a hotbed of gossip and on-going feuds, held together, rich and poor, by pride in their land, adherence to colourful traditions and a deep-rooted patriarchy. When Jagna finds herself caught between the conflicting desires of the village’s richest farmer, his eldest son and other leading men of the community, her resistance puts her on a tragic collision course with the community around her.
Director DK Welchman explains that while The Peasants is animated in hand-painted oils, like Loving Vincent, the new film is much more ambitious. “The scale of the two films are incomparable. Loving Vincent is an intimate film, with a lot of static scenes and dialog. The Peasants is much more spectacular. There are breathtaking dance scenes and even a pitched battle. These scenes are extremely dynamic scenes, with the camera following the characters, and flying into the heart of the action. To make the first fully oil painting animated film (Loving Vincent) we had to come up with a raft of cinematic and technical innovations, but The Peasants sets the bar much higher.”
The film’s screenplay is based on Władysław Reymont’s Nobel Prize-winning novel — is considered the most credible chronicle of the Polish peasant community ever written. The novel has recently been newly translated and published by Penguin Classics. “Reymont painted in words, and we paint the film in the aesthetic of his contemporaries from the Young Poland movement, to which Reymont also belonged. The big screen will feature interpretations of works by artists such as Józef Chelmonski, Ferdynand Ruszczyc, and Julian Fałat,” DK adds.
The Peasants was first shot as a live-action film to create a guide for the painted animation. The cast features a lineup of well-known Polish actors, led by the upcoming actress Kamila Urzędowska as Jagna and including Mirosław Baka, Ewa Kasprzyk, Andrzej Konopka, Sonia Bohosiewicz, Małgorzata Kożuchowska, Robert Gulaczyk, Maciej Musiał, Dorota Stalińska and Julia Wieniawa.
More than 90 painters in four studios in Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine, and Serbia animated on canvas with oil paints. To date, the artists have painted for more than 180,000 hours. For the paintings, they used Cobra paints from Royal Talens — water-soluble oil-paints, making them much more ecologically friendly and also healthier for the painters than regular oil paints.
The film’s creative team includes directors of photography Radosław Ładczuk (The Babadook, The Nighingale, The Hater), Kamil Polak and Szymon Kuriata; costume designer Katarzyna Lewinska (EO, The Lure, The Silent Twins); and set designer Elwira Pluta. The head of the paint animation team is Piotr Dominiak. Lukasz Mackiewicz and Michal Janicki were in charge of post-production.
The Peasants is set to a soundtrack composed by Lukasz L.U.C. Rostkowski, who teamed up with a Slavic music collective as well as notable folk musicians such as Tęgie Chłopy, Laboratorium Pieśni, T.Etno and Maria Pomianowska to create a modern take on Polish folk music.
Loving Vincent was the first ever feature-length, fully hand painted animation — screening in cinemas around the world and breaking box office records. After the theatrical release, hundreds of paintings from the film were sold to fans and collectors and hundreds more toured the world in a special exhibition. To create space for the paintings of The Peasants, BreakThru is putting the remainder of the Loving Vincent production paintings on sale leading up to the premiere of the new film: LovingVincent.com/Paintings.
What happens when a thriving Manhattanite inherits leadership of a less than normal, sacrifice-happy small town? Find out in Praise Petey, the new animated adult comedy from former Saturday Night Live head writer Anna Drezen. The show premieres on Freeform on July 21, and the official trailer just dropped today.
Synopsis: Petey, a.k.a. Petra, begins the series as an NYC “It Girl” with everything figured out, until her 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.
Praise Petey is led by voice stars Annie Murphy (Schitt’s Creek), Christine Baranski (The Good Fight), Stephen Root (Barry), John Cho (Star Trek) and Kiersey Clemmons (The Flash).
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.
Praise Petey will run 10 episodes, premiering July 21 at 10 p.m. ET with the first two episodes on Freeform. Two episodes will drop weekly thereafter. All episodes will be available on Hulu the next day.
Adult Swim and Cartoon Network announced today their San Diego Comic-Con lineup featuring top animated series. With a schedule that encompasses both kids’ and family entertainment and adult comedy, plans include panels for the Emmy-winning global phenomenon Rick and Morty, new action-packed series My Adventures with Superman, the latest season of the adult animated comedy Teenage Euthanasia, as well as Cartoon Networks’ upcoming new show Tiny Toons Looniversity.
Plus, as previously announced, Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment will also highlight the forthcoming releases of the highly anticipated animated films based on two of Adult Swim’s most beloved series: The Venture Bros.: Radiant Is the Blood of the Baboon Heart and Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar.
Additional Adult Swim and Cartoon Network events during San Diego Comic-Con include the Adult Swim Festival on the Green in San Diego and signings at the DC booth with the cast of My Adventures with Superman.
Adult Swim & Cartoon Network at Comic-Con:
Thursday, July 20
The Venture Bros.: Radiant Is the Blood of the Baboon Heart 8:30 p.m., Room 6BCF
Be among the first fans to experience the all-new original animated movie The Venture Bros.: Radiant Is the Blood of the Baboon Heart with the world premiere screening! Afterwards, join filmmakers and cast for a panel discussion and audience Q&A. The Venture Bros.: Radiant Is the Blood of the Baboon Heart will be available to own on Digital starting July 21 and on Blu-ray on July 25.
Friday, July 21
Tiny Toons Looniversity 10:00 a.m., Indigo Ballroom
Congratulations, you’ve been accepted into ACME Looniversity! Join our esteemed panel of Tiny Toons Looniversity academics (a.k.a. cast and crew) as they take you on a “campus tour” of Cartoon Network’s newest entry into the Looniverse. Classes begin this fall, but panel attendees will be treated to a screening of the premiere episode! Tiny Toons Looniversity is produced by Amblin Television in association with Warner Bros. Animation.
My Adventures with Superman 11:00 a.m., Indigo Ballroom
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superman like you’ve never seen him before! Watch a new episode of Adult Swim’s newest comedy adventure and join the heroic cast and crew of My Adventures with Superman as they discuss familiar friends and foes, plus what else we will see in season one and beyond. My Adventures with Superman is produced by Warner Bros. Animation.
Teenage Euthanasia 12:00 p.m., Indigo Ballroom
Trophy might be dead, and stuck in Florida, but join the very much alive cast and crew in sunny San Diego as they look back at the apocalyptic near-future and share an exclusive look at the new season. Teenage Euthanasia season two premieres Wednesday, July 26 at Midnight on Adult Swim, next day on Max.
Metalocalypse: The Army of the Doomstar 1:00 p.m., Indigo Ballroom
Can the Metalocalypse be stopped? Join series co-creator Brendan Small and guests as they talk all things Metalocalypse, reveal footage from the forthcoming film, and discuss the forthcoming album, Dethalbum IV. Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar will be available to own on Digital and Blu-ray starting August 22.
Rick and Morty: 10th Anniversary 2:00 p.m., Indigo Ballroom
It hasn’t been 100 years QUITE yet, but join the cast and crew as they celebrate 10 years of Rick and Morty adventures and family shenanigans! Plus, get a sneak peek at the upcoming seventh season!!
Shout! Factory and Academy Award-winning animation studio Aardman announced today a new North American distribution agreement for the award-winning titles Shaun the Sheep, Wallace & Gromit, Morph and Timmy Time. The announcement was made by Melissa Boag, Shout’s Executive Vice President of Kids & Family, and Laura Taylor-Williams, Head of Digital & Strategic Development at Aardman.
The agreement provides Shout! Factory with exclusive physical home video, EST and TVOD rights, as well as limited theatrical rights, in U.S. and Canada to the four of Aardman properties.
Over its storied history, the Bristol-based studio has garnered seven Academy Award nominations and won four. Aardman has delighted audiences for over 50 years with their unique brand of independent film, series content, games and interactive experiences.
“We’re big fans of Aardman and these wonderful films and series and are very much looking forward to creating a release plan that excites dedicated fans and creates new ones,” said Boag. “Aardman’s worldwide reputation as an innovative home for compelling stories that captivate audiences make them an ideal partner for Shout! Factory.”
“We are thrilled to be entering into such a great partnership with Shout Factory, who are real experts in the physical and digital ownership space,” said Taylor-Williams. “To be delighting North American audiences once again with our much-loved catalogue is key to our new strategy. We are collaborating on an exciting release schedule that will speak to ardent Aardman fans as well as bringing our joyful animations to new audiences.”
The distribution deal was negotiated by Boag and Jordan Fields, SVP of Acquisitions & Originals, on behalf of Shout! Factory, and Taylor-Williams and Alison Taylor, Director of Distribution, for Aardman.
About the brands:
Shaun the Sheep
Shaun the Sheep, Aardman’s family-favorite TV series, is recognized the world over for its slapstick humor, distinctive look and strong, quirky characters and enjoyed across multiple media platforms. First appearing in Nick Park’s 1995 Academy Award-winning Wallace & Gromit ‘A Close Shave’, Shaun then went on to star in his own series created by Richard Starzak, which launched on BBC One in 2007. Shaun the Sheep is currently broadcast in 170 territories around the world and is an internationally celebrated icon with over 5.6 million fans on Facebook.
In 2015 the first Shaun the Sheep Movie with feature film partner Studiocanal was released around the world to critical acclaim and the first half hour TV special aired as part of many broadcaster’s festive season., The feature film sequel Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon was released in October 2019 and nominated for an Academy Award, and was closely followed by a sixth season of the series in 2020. A new festive special Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas was released in December 2021.
Wallace & Gromit
Wallace & Gromit, Aardman’s most iconic duo, have been delighting family audiences around the world for 30 years. First hitting our screens in Nick Park’s Academy Award-winning Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out (1989) the pair went on to star in three further half-hour specials (Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers [1993], Wallace & Gromit: A Close Shave [1995] and Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf or Death [2009]) and a feature length film Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005) and are internationally celebrated winning over 100 awards at festivals — including three Academy Awards and five BAFTA Awards.
A regular highlight of the primetime BBC schedules, especially during the festive season, they have become British national treasures and icons in their own right. Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf or Death still remains the most watched Christmas Day program since 2008 when it premiered on BBCOne. Most recently, the duo featured in their first augmented reality story The Big Fix Up that launched in 2021, and a new Wallace & Gromit film has been announced for 2024, directed by Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham.
With a permanent attraction at Blackpool Pleasure Beach with over 500,000 riders every year, over 1 million fans on Facebook and over 15 million views on YouTube, these perennial characters continue to grow audiences across multiple platforms. Wallace & Gromit’s Children’s Charity is a national charity raising funds to improve the lives of sick children in hospitals and hospices throughout the U.K., raising over £50 million since 1995.
Morph
Morph is the animated clay character who made his TV debut in 1977 in the children’s BBC program Take Hart, alongside the artist and presenter Tony Hart. He was one of Aardman’s first creations and was later joined by his cream-colored partner-in-crime, Chas. Morph was a regular fixture on children’s television throughout the ’70s and ’80s, and received his own Blue Peter badge on March 9, 1981, when Blue Peter presenter Sarah Greene visited the Aardman studios.
In 2013, almost 40 years after his TV debut, Morph made a comeback following a hugely successful crowdfunding campaign. He has a dedicated fan base of nostalgic adult fans and a growing audience of children who follow his adventures on his thriving YouTube channel and on Sky Kids. Most recently Morph and his sidekick Chas have been delighting fans with all-new adventures in The Epic Adventures of Morph, a longer format series which launched on Sky Kids and NowTV in 2020.
Despite now being in his 40s, Morph is as mischievous as ever.
Timmy Time
Timmy is the littlest lamb in Shaun the Sheep’s flock and the star of his own award-winning spin-off series, Timmy Time, which premiered on CBeebies in April 2009 and is broadcast in over 150 territories worldwide. Timmy Time is set in a nursery and the core audience are preschoolers. Each episode follows a day in the life of Timmy and his friends as they learn about life and friendship. The original series consisted of 78 x 10-minute episodes with no dialog. Aardman recently produced an updated version of Timmy Time for a new generation of fans, creating five-minute edits of the original episodes and featuring a child’s voiceover.
Aardman and the British Council joined forces in 2014 to create Learning Time with Timmy — a multi-dimensional learning experience to help children aged two to six around the world to learn the English language. The portfolio has various learner touchpoints including face to face courses in themed venues around the world, apps, complementary merchandise and an animated video series which launched on a dedicated YouTube channel in 2018.
Following last week’s launch announcement from Blizzard via the game’s official Twitter channel, fans get to check out the latest animated extension of the smash-hit Overwatch — a trio of anime-style shorts titled Genesis, rolling out on YouTube starting today.
Overwatch: Genesis
Building the popular character origin story shorts, Genesis dives even further back into Overwatch lore, taking fans to the beginning of the great AI insurrection that the FPS heroes are called in to quell.
In part one of the three-part mini-series, titled “Dawn,” Omnica Corp scientists unveil the next generation of Omnics. In this bid to own the future, the scientists are left to wonder if they have solved a problem or created the Omnic Crisis…
It was a technological golden age. Until it wasn’t.
Today, Apple TV+ announced the new 10-episode adult animated series Strange Planet will make its global debut on Wednesday, August 9. New episodes will debut weekly on Wednesdays through the season finale on September 27.
Based on the New York Times #1 bestselling graphic novel and social media phenomenon of the same name created by Nathan W. Pyle, Strange Planet is described as a hilarious and perceptive look at a distant world not unlike our own. Set in a whimsical world of cotton candy pinks and purples, relatable blue beings explore the absurdity of everyday human traditions.
This world is populated by beings voiced by Gotham Award nominee Tunde Adebimpe (Rachel Getting Married), Emmy Award nominee Demi Adejuyigbe (The Amber Ruffin Show), Lori Tan Chinn (Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens), Critics Choice Award nominee Danny Pudi (Community) and Emmy Award nominee Hannah Einbinder (Hacks).
Strange Planet is co-created and executive produced by Emmy Award winner Dan Harmon (Rick and Morty, Community) and Pyle. Academy Award winner Alex Bulkley (Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio), Emmy Award winner Corey Campodonico for ShadowMachine (BoJack Horseman, Tuca & Bertie), Lauren Pomerantz (Saturday Night Live, The Ellen DeGeneres Show), Emmy Award winner Amalia Levari (Over the Garden Wall, Harvey Beaks), Steve Levy (Rick and Morty, Community) and Taylor Alexy Pyle serve as executive producers.
Strange Planet is produced by Apple Studios and ShadowMachine.
The ultra hip teen superheroes out of Paris are ready to bring their big screen adventure to screens everywhere, when Netflix premieres Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie! Ahead of the magical streaming debut on July 28, the streamer has released an official trailer filled with all the action, comedy and awkward teenage romance fans dig about the popular ZAG franchise.
“I grew up in the 1980s watching Japanese anime, Disney animated classics and superhero fare from the U.S., as well as classic family movies directed by the likes of Steven Spielberg and Chris Columbus. You can see all those influences in our movie,” says Jeremy Zag, director of the film and founder of ZAG. “The DNA of the movie is quite special, so the final result is a mix of mainstream adventures — it’s sometimes spooky and often spectacular with big action sequences like Marvel films and musical elements like everyone’s favorite Disney movies.”
Synopsis: The first feature film based on the globally beloved Miraculous franchise, Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie follows ordinary teenager Marinette, whose life in Paris goes superhuman when she becomes Ladybug. Bestowed with magical powers of creation, Ladybug must unite with her opposite, Cat Noir, to save Paris as a new villain unleashes chaos unto the city.
Watch the new trailer below:
Based on the Miraculous Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir television series created by Thomas Astruc & Nathanaël Bronn, the movie features the voices of Cristina Vee Valenzuela (Marinette / Ladybug), Bryce Papenbrook (Adrien / Cat Noir), Keith Silverstein (Gabriel Agreste / Hawk Moth), Carrie Keranen (Alya), Selah Victor (Chloé Bourgeois), Zeno Robinson (Nino), Chris Smith (Tom), Anne Yatco (Sabine), Paul St Peter (Wang Fu), Mela Lee (Tikki), Max Mittelman (Plagg), Cassandra Lee Morris (Sabrina) and Sabrina Weisz (Nathalie).
In addition to directing, Jeremy Zag crafted the movie’s original story, composed an original score and songs, and wrote the screenplay with Bettina López Mendoza (additional dialog by Martin Meunier). He also produced alongside Aton Soumache and Daisy Shang. Executive producers are Emmanuel Jacomet, Michael Gracey, Tyler Thompson, Alexis Vonarb, Jean-Bernard Marinot, Cynthia Zouari, Thierry Pasquet and Ben Li.
Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie is produced by Zagtoon and Method Animation, with Zag Animation Studios as the lead creative studio and CG animation handled by ON Animation in Montreal. The key creative team also includes VFX supervisor Rachid Chikh; head of character animation Jack Vandenbroele; animation supervisors Ségolène Morisset, Boris Plateau and Simon Cuisinier; and production designers Nathanaël Bronn and Jerôme Cointre.
Channel 5′s preschool block Milkshake! today announced an extensive slate of kids’ commissions and acquisitions at The Children’s Media Conference 2023, which takes place in Sheffield this week. Speaking at the Commissioner Conversations Preschool panel this morning, Louise Bucknole, General Manager, Kids & Family U.K. & Ireland at Paramount, revealed the fresh slate building on Milkshake!’s commitment to high-quality U.K. entertainment and educational content.
Milkshake!, the only public service broadcast segment to air children’s content seven days a week, will introduce five new series to its broad existing content mix — these include two all-new preschool commissions, a new acquisition and two stop-motion animation series.
New Commissions
Stan & Gran(52 x 11′, Jellyfish Originals / Jolly Wise)
A funny and heart-warming CG animated series following the mystery-busting adventures of Stan Breakwater, a curious and excitable young nature lover, and his fun-loving, dynamic Gran, as together they investigate the strange goings-on in the fictional British coastal village of Porthole. Stan & Gran blends comedy and intrigue with factual entertainment and focuses on core themes including discovery, exploration, nature, science and inter-generational relationships.
Animal Care Club (25 x 11′, eOne Unscripted)
Animal-loving kids get a chance to get up close and personal with all sorts of amazing pets, farm animals, wildlife, and exotic critters in this new factual entertainment series. Across the UK, pets, farm animals, wildlife, and zoo animals are in real need of help. Thankfully, there are a dedicated bunch of experts working hard every day to help them, but assistance is required, so young helpers, many with limited animal care experience, are about to get their opportunity!
In each episode, two different pairs of young carers team up with experts at a variety of locations around the U.K. One episode might see the pairs team up with a vet, in others they’ll help a zookeeper care for amazing exotic animals, or they might be helping at an animal sanctuary or at a farm. Each episode will feature natural history, behavioral content, showing why animals do what they do and tips for how we can all help make the lives of all kinds of animals better through our own actions and behavior.
Chip is a cute, friendly, curious and big-hearted four-year-old pug puppy. As Chip takes little steps towards independence at kindergarten, she always has Potato with her for comfort, snuggled deep down in her pocket. Everyone thinks Potato is just a funny little fluffy pink snuggly toy! But shh … Potato is actually a teensy tiny, furry, curled up real mouse, who springs out of her hoodie and into action whenever Chip needs her!
Potato is Chip’s secret friend, there to discreetly and daringly provide Chip with all the security, comfort and confidence she needs to embark on the new stages of her life, without her Momma and Poppa, challenge by challenge, adventure by adventure, giggle by giggle — yip yip!’
Tweedy & Fluff (40 x 5′, Second Home Studios and Stitchy Feet; previously announced commission)
Like a child with their first pet, Tweedy and Fluff go everywhere together. These big-hearted pals made from woolly yarn met in the corner of a weaver’s cottage and couldn’t imagine life without each other. Hugely rewarding and frequently hilarious, a pet relationship is unique; no shared common language means physical, sensory communication is everything. Love is everything.
Written and created by children’s author and producer, Corrinne Averiss, Tweedy & Fluff explores nature, nurture (and patience!) through visual comedy. Tenderly realised in handcrafted stop-motion at Second Home Studios, the series is directed by Chris Randall.
Mixmups (52 x 10′, Raydar Media/Mackinnon and Saunders, previously announced commission)
Inspired by all children’s love of “mixing” and combining items as a way of playing, exploring and discovering, the show centers on three loveable friends, the “Mixmups.” Neat and tidy Pockets, creative and inventive Giggle and boisterous and physical Spin, along with their lovable assistance pets, Roller Guinea and Yapette the guide dog, all live in a wheelchair-accessible Helter-Skelter house in Mixington Valley.
Each episode sees the friends use their magical wooden spoon and mixing box to ‘Mix Up the Magic’ of play and transport themselves on a host of comical adventures. Through their young, imaginative minds they embrace a variety of ways to play, entertain each other and embark upon day-to-day problem-solving challenges with the help of the trunky-beaked Lucky Loover Bird. Core themes include the joy of individuality, imagination, friendship and flexible thinking.
Mixmups is the first disabled-led preschool brand commission by Milkshake! (created by Rebecca Atkinson) and celebrates the magic of play in all children.
The new titles will be joined on Milkshake! by returning favorites, including the second season of Odo (52 x 11′) produced by Sixteen South and Letko, the second season of Milo (26 x 11′) by Fourth Wall, the second season of Meet The Experts (21 x 11′) by Boom Kids, seasons 14 & 15 of Fireman Sam (26 x 11′) from WildBrain and series 27 & 28 of Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go! from Mattel Television.
“Milkshake! is a beloved brand for preschoolers and families in the U.K. with a compelling combination of top-rated U.K. power brands and new, highly anticipated children’s series,” said Bucknole. “We’re excited to announce our expanding lineup of content for 2023 and beyond, which will engage our preschool audience through universal themes of creativity, play, adventure, friendship and teamwork, to help them understand their world.”
Vancouver, BC’s Slap Happy Cartoons Inc. has inked a deal with industry veterans Blair Peters and Nick Orchard to develop, finance and produce The Beachcombers Animated, a new 2D series reimagining the Canadian television classic.
“We’re thrilled to combine our animation expertise with Blair and Nick’s passion for storytelling to bring the timeless charm, comedy, and adventure of The Beachcombers to a new generation of fans,” says Greg Sullivan, Partner at Slap Happy Cartoons. “We look forward to updating the classic series in a way that doesn’t shy away from the real issues we face today, but with humor and heart. The timing is right for another Canadian hit series in the vein of Schitt’s Creek and Corner Gas.”
Peters and Orchard announced last fall that they had acquired the rights at an event in Gibsons, BC at Molly’s Reach, the café featured in the original series. The event coincided with the 50th anniversary of The Beachcombers, one of the most successful Canadian television series of all time. The half-hour family comedy/adventure series ran on CBC television for 387 episodes over 18 seasons from 1972 to 1990. Ahead of its time, the series featured Indigenous characters and storylines, and often dealt with subject matter involving preservation of the land.
The original Beachcombers was licensed to over 35 countries worldwide, was a hit in the U.K., Australia and Germany, and was versioned into numerous languages.
“After Nick and I acquired the rights, the next step was to find an animation studio that could help us develop the series,” notes Peters. “Slap Happy was really a no-brainer, as I had previously worked for many years with the principals Kathy Antonsen, Greg Sullivan and Josh Mepham at Studio B Productions on Canadian classics such as Yvon of the Yukon and Being Ian, both of which went on to sell well internationally and garner awards. With the help of some talented folks at Yeti Farm Creative in Kelowna, BC we came up with a killer pitch deck, and we’re excited about Slap Happy pitching it soon.”
Orchard adds, “I’ve been part of The Beachcombers for over 40 years, and Blair and I look forward to working with the talented folks over at Slap Happy to give this classic series a fresh new look for a whole new audience.”
Slap Happy Cartoons was founded in 2012 by animation professionals Antonsen, Sullivan, Mepham and Vito Viscomi to create cartoon content for kids and adults. Since then, the Vancouver studio has produced award-winning original series that have aired around the world, such as Nerds and Monsters for YTV and The Hollow for Netflix. Slap Happy has also contributed creative production services for local and international clients including Nickelodeon, Warner Bros., Cartoon Network, Knowledge Kids and the Vancouver Canucks.
Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment returns to San Diego Comic-Con 2023 with four panels showcasing its highly anticipated original animated films — Adult Swim’s The Venture Bros.: Radiant Is the Blood of the Baboon Heart and Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar, DC’s Justice League: Warworld, and Babylon 5: The Road Home — during the July 19-23 weekend.
The Venture Bros.: Radiant Is the Blood of the Baboon Heart will have its World Premiere on Thursday, June 20 at 8:30 p.m. in Room 6BCF. Be among the first fans to experience this all-new original animated R-rated movie with the world premiere screening! Afterwards, join filmmakers Jackson Publick and Doc Hammer along with key cast for a panel discussion and audience Q&A.
Synopsis: Doc’s latest invention will either bankrupt Team Venture or launch them to new heights, Hank searches for himself, Dean searches for Hank, The Monarch searches for answers, and a mysterious woman from their pasts threatens to bring their entire world crashing down on them.
From Adult Swim, Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment and Titmouse, The Venture Bros.: Radiant Is the Blood of the Baboon Heart will be available to purchase Digitally on July 22, and on Blu-ray on July 25.
The Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstarpanel will take place on Friday, July 21 at 1:00 p.m. in the Indigo Ballroom. Join series co-creator Brendon Small and guests as they talk all things Metalocalypse, preview some clips from the upcoming R-rated film, and discuss the forthcoming album, Dethalbum IV.
Synopsis: Picking up after the heroic rescue of Toki Wartooth, Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar finds DETHKLOK frontman Nathan Explosion traumatized in a BRUTAL professional and romantic flat-spin all while he is tasked with fulfilling the prophecy and confronting the ultimate songwriting challenge: write the SONG OF SALVATION and save the planet. Can Nathan Explosion look beyond his brutally damaged ego to save his band, stop the Metalocalypse, and finally face the ultimate evil: Salacia?
From Adult Swim, Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment and Titmouse, Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar will be available to purchase Digitally and on Blu-ray on August 22.
Justice League: Warworldwill have its World Premiere on Friday, July 21 at 9:00 p.m. in Ballroom 20. Be among the first fans to see Warner Bros. Animation’s all-new, feature-length R-rated film! In addition to the screening, filmmakers and cast will be on hand for a panel discussion and audience Q&A (to be announced).
Synopsis: Until now, DC’s Justice League has been a loose association of super-powered individuals. But when they are swept away to Warworld, a place of unending brutal gladiatorial combat, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and the others must somehow unite to form an unbeatable resistance able to lead an entire planet to freedom.
Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, DC and Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment, Justice League: Warworld will be available to purchase Digitally and on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray on July 25.
Babylon 5: The Road Home will have its World Premiere on Saturday, July 22 at 6:30 p.m. in Room 6BCF. Babylon 5 celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year, and following the world premiere screening of Babylon 5: The Road Home, series creator J. Michael Straczynski, along with returning original series actors Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, Tracy Scoggins and Patricia Tallman, will host a panel discussion and audience Q&A about the all-new original movie in this beloved sci-fi saga.
Synopsis: Return to Babylon 5 as the epic interstellar saga continues with Babylon 5: The Road Home. Travel across the galaxy with John Sheridan as he unexpectedly finds himself transported through multiple timelines and alternate realities in a quest to find his way back home. Along the way he reunites with some familiar faces, while discovering cosmic new revelations about the history, purpose and meaning of the Universe.
Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment, Babylon 5: The Road Home will be available to purchase Digitally and on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray on August 15.
Participating talent subject to change, additional guests will be announced as confirmed.
After premiering the highly-anticipated 1,000th English dubbed episode of the iconic anime series One Pieceat Anime Expo 2023 with Toei Animation, Crunchyroll hoisted the flags during its industry panel to announce that the English dub will set sail to join its extensive streaming catalog starting July 5 and will be rolled out in scheduled batches in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
English dub fans will be able to join Monkey D. Luffy and his crew’s adventures following the Straw Hat Pirates’ story up through the legendary Wano Country story arc. One Piece Episodes 1-964 of the English dub will arrive on Crunchyroll on July 5 along with English dub episodes 965-976 from Season 14 Voyage 7, which will stream for the very first time. New episodes of the English dub will release regularly on Crunchyroll moving forward as they are produced.
Synopsis: Monkey D. Luffy refuses to let anyone or anything stand in the way of his quest to become the king of all pirates. With a course charted for the treacherous waters of the Grand Line and beyond, this is one captain who’ll never give up until he’s claimed the greatest treasure on Earth: the Legendary One Piece!
Produced by Toei Animation, based on the top-selling manga of all time, written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda.
The English-language dub cast includes Colleen Clinkenbeard Carroll (Monkey D. Luffy), Christopher R. Sabat (Roronoa Zoro), Luci Christian (Nami), Sonny Strait (Usopp), Eric Vale (Vinsmoke Sanji), Brina Palencia (Tony Tony Chopper), Stephanie Young (Nico Robin), Ian Sinclair (Brook), Patrick Seitz (Franky), Matthew Mercer (Trafalgar D. Water Law), David Sobolov (Kaido), Robbie Daymond (Kozuki Oden) and Michelle Rojas (Yamato).
The Crunchyroll Industry Panel at was held on Monday, July 3 at 3:30 p.m. PDT in the Los Angeles Convention Center. The jam-packed update session premiered new trailers and gave fans a number of fresh titles to add to their watch lists in the near future.
Several new anime titles have been acquired by Crunchyroll, including The Apothecary Diaries, The Faraway Paladin: The Lord of Rust Mountain, GOBLIN SLAYER Season 2, The Kingdoms of Ruin, I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince So I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability, To Be Hero X, Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki 2nd Stage, and the premiere world adaptation announcement and trailer for the return of Black Butler. (Details below.)
The second official traielr for Solo Leveling was revealed, ahead of the action-adventure’s premiere next winter. Produced by A-1 Pictures (Lycoris Recoil, Sword Art Online), the series is based on the monster-hunting webcomic from writer Chugong and illustrator DUBU, adapted by h-goon.
Synopsis: Known as the Weakest Hunter of All Mankind, E-rank hunter Jinwoo Sung’s contribution to raids amounts to trying not to get killed. Unfortunately, between his mother’s hospital bills, his sister’s tuition, and his own lack of job prospects, he has no choice but to continue to put his life on the line. So, when an opportunity arises for a bigger payout, he takes it … only to come face-to-face with a being whose power outranks anything he’s ever seen! With the party leader missing an arm and the only healer a quivering mess, can Jinwoo somehow find them a way out?
The panel also presente dthe world premiere of the new trailer for A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special, coming this October. The original web novel by Usonan was released in 2016, followed by a manhwa adaptation illustrated by Wookjakga began in 2018. NorAm publisher Yen Press describes the story:
Synopsis: Shadow Realms have ravaged the earth and decimated almost everyone in their way. The survival of humanity hinges upon the success of just six mages, including analytic fighter Desir Herrman. The remaining heroes make one final stand to end the bloodshed … but to no avail. Desir closes his eyes on what should be the end of his life — only to open them and see the beginning of his school days?! Desir has returned thirteen years back to the past, where he’s been given another chance. A chance to see the loved ones he lost, a chance to meet his fellow warriors again, and a chance to save the world …!
Takuma Terashima is set to voice the lead role of Desir Herrman.
Previously, during the studio MAPPA Panel on July 1, it was announced that their new title BUCCHIGIRI?! will be coming to Crunchyroll this January 2024.
Those who attended Fuji TV’s “+Ultra” Panel also were treated to all-new trailers for KamiErabi GOD.app (from the creator of NieR) and Metallic Rouge (an original work from studio BONES in celebration of their 25th anniversary), coming to Crunchyroll this October 2023 and January 2024, respectively.
New CrunchyrollAcquisitions
The Apothecary Diaries OLM | Coming Soon 2023 | Worldwide excluding Asia Synopsis: Maomao lived a peaceful life with her apothecary father. Until one day, she’s sold as a lowly servant to the emperor’s palace. But she wasn’t meant for a compliant life among royalty. So when imperial heirs fall ill, she decides to step in and find a cure! This catches the eye of Jinshi, a handsome palace official who promotes her. Now, she’s making a name for herself solving medical mysteries! Trailer.
The Faraway Paladin: The Lord of Rust Mountain OLM, Sunrise Beyond | October 2023 | World Ex Asia, Indian Subcontinent for non exclusive streaming rights only Synopsis: Two years had passed since he left the City of the Dead, and Will was seventeen by count. As a lord, he developed “Torch Port, a river port of light”, and gradually the people’s activities and smiles returned to “Beast Woods”. However, out-of-season flowers bloom profusely, and an abnormality is discovered in the forest. Will and his friends head into the depths of the forest to solve this problem, and receive an ominous prophecy from the king of the forest. “In the Iron Rust Mountains, the ‘Fire of Black Calamity’ will occur. The fire will spread, or it will burn everything in this land.” What is the calamity that sleeps in the ruined dwarven city of Tetsusabi Sanmyaku…!? Trailer.
GOBLIN SLAYER Season 2 LIDENFILMS | Coming Soon 2023 | United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, Netherlands, Scandinavia, Latin America, Russian Speaking Territories Season 1 Synopsis: “I’m not saving the world. I just kill goblins.” Rumor has it that, in a certain guild in the middle of nowhere, there is an extraordinary man who has climbed all the way to the Silver rank just by killing goblins. At the same guild, a priestess who’s just become a new adventurer has formed her first party… and the man who ends up rescuing that party when they get into trouble is none other than the Goblin Slayer. Trailer / Show Page.
The Kingdoms of Ruin Yokohama Animation Lab | October 2023 | Worldwide excluding Asia Synopsis: Witches once blessed the human race with wisdom and peace. But the Redia Empire’s “Gear Expansion” brought about a culture of science that far surpassed magic, and witches were viewed as enemies impeding the progress of civilization. Thus began the witch hunts. One human named Adonis, who was raised by a witch named Chloe, swears revenge against the human race that took his beloved mentor from him. What salvation can be found at the end of a bloodbath fueled by utter despair? Trailer.
I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince So I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability Tsumugi Akita Animation Lab | April 2024 | Worldwide excluding Asia Synopsis: The qualities valued most in the study of magic are bloodline, aptitude, and effort. There was one sorcerer who, despite his deep love for magic, was born a commoner and thus lacked the bloodline and aptitude for it. As he died an unnatural death, he wished he had studied magic more while he had the chance. Then, he was reincarnated as Lloyd, the seventh prince of the Kingdom of Saloum and one blessed with a strong magical bloodline. Reborn with all his memories intact, along with the perfect bloodline and immense talent, he was determined to enjoy his new life, using his extraordinary magical abilities to master the study of magic that was beyond his reach in his previous life! Trailer.
To Be Hero X BeDream | TBA | Worldwide excluding Asia Synopsis: In this world, people’s beliefs create heroes. The hero that gains the most belief is named Hero X. Trailer.
Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki 2nd Stage Project No.9 | January 2024 | World excluding Asia (exclusive), Bhutan and India (non-exclusive), and Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan (exclusive for Russian, non-exclusive for other languages) Season 1 Synopsis: With no written rules, the real world is hard for gamer Tomozaki Fumiya, but he’s about to get experience he needs from a seasoned player. Trailer / Show Page.
Black Butler CloverWorks | Coming 2024 from Aniplex and Crunchyroll | Worldwide excluding Asia Notes: Worldwide Anime Adaptation announcement. A new season of Black Butler returns in 2024 and will continue adapting the manga further in this new season! Trailer / Show Page.
BUCCHIGIRI?! MAPPA | January 2024 | Worldwide excluding Japan Synopsis: When Arajin Tomoshibi reunites with his former best friend, Matakara Asamine, he finds himself involved in a battle among some of the strongest guys around. And then the shadow of a giant genie suddenly looms over them…
Director Hiroko Utsumi, series composer Taku Kishimoto, character designer Takahiro Kagami, and production studio MAPPA bring you a new anime in which a story of delinquents meets “Arabian Nights!” Trailer.
BBC Children’s and Education has today announced three projects that will be taken forward from Ignite, the first-of-its-kind initiative to find the U.K.’s next animation hit.
The projects chosen are Duck and Frog created by Sam Shaw, a slapstick comedy with a modern British setting and an energetic, anarchic sense of humor; The Underglow, a 2D preschool series created by Tanya Scott and Sam Morrison full of little creatures and characters that come out to play when the sun goes down; and Captain Onion’s Buoyant Academy for Wayward Youth, a comedy created by Matthew Bradley at Alt Animation that follows Marvin and his friends on their boat-based boarding school, the Unsinkable II.
The projects were pitched to the BBC and were selected to undergo an 18-month development process. The BBC worked with the creators to attract key talent including writers, designers, script editors, consultants and development production partners to bring the ideas to life. The ambition is to broadcast all three on the BBC in the future, once additional investment from third parties is secured alongside the BBC’s contribution.
“Ignite called for ideas from across the U.K., the response was overwhelming and it has not been easy to decide which projects to take forward,” says Patricia Hidalgo, BBC Director Children’s & Education. “The reason we chose these three is because they all have a clear sense of the audience they are trying to target and a strong creative vision. The ideas, stories and characters felt truly British and very original but they hold a sense of the familiar which is what usually makes a show successful amongst kids.”
Ignite was launched in 2021 as an unprecedented initiative to uncover U.K. animation talent to develop the next hit. The BBC called on talent from both established independent production companies, BBC in-house production and talented individuals looking for their first break and received over 1,000 ideas.
Meet the projects:
Duck and Frog
Duck and Frog Created by Sam Shaw 50 x 7′ | Kids 7-12 | Production Co.: Sun & Moon
Duck and Frog is a dialog-free slapstick comedy with a modern British setting and an energetic anarchic sense of humor. Duck is just trying to make rent and accepts a new job each episode but his dreams of keeping a job for longer than a day inevitably crumble before him thanks to over-bearing Frog’s ‘help’ and interventions.
“Everything about the Ignite process has been incredible. From how easy it was for everyone to apply, right down to the huge amount of support and guidance given at every stage,” says Shaw. ”It’s been a rollercoaster, but every stage of development has felt like a real collaboration. Any changes to the initial idea and designs have only helped strengthen the concepts and characters. It’s been so nice to work with people who just want to make this as fun and silly as it can be and not forcing the idea or characters down routes that feel safer. “
Captain Onion’s Buoyant Academy for Wayward Youth
Captain Onion’s Buoyant Academy for Wayward Youth Created by Matthew Bradley 50 x 11′ | Kids 7-12 | Alt Animation
Transferred to Britain’s most fearsome boat-based boarding school, Marvin is a fish out of water who quickly learns that aboard the ominously named Unsinkable II all school dilemmas are better faced with friends — from classmates baring their teeth to strange adults forgotten by time.
“The strength of the scheme for me was the sustained co-development. It was great to be able to develop our idea alongside the BBC rather than in isolation. It felt much more like a creative partnership. Having the BBC involved from very early on in the project has removed a lot of the mystery of what a broadcaster is after in a series,” Bradley observes. “We believed in this idea’s potential, but when it’s an open call from the biggest broadcaster in the country the odds aren’t exactly in your favor. To be on the other side, having made these connections with the BBC is incredible. We hope that when people see Captain Onion’s Buoyant Academy For Wayward Youth they’re as excited about it as we are.”
The Underglow
The Underglow Created by Sam Morrison & Tanya Scott 50 x 7′ | Preschool
A 2D preschool series within an inclusive and diverse community of characters, who seek to reinvent seemingly forgotten objects they encounter. This is no ordinary place — it’s somewhere that wakes up when the sun goes down as little creatures come out to play, explore and find themselves in the world.
“I’m incredibly excited. Several years back I saw a beautiful image Tanya had created, and we started a conversation where we found we shared a bunch of inspirations — and ideas about how we could develop them into something new, and something that would resonate with both children and parents,” says Morrison. “The Underglow‘s heart is really about valuing the component parts of our world, from the environment to the artefacts to the people. We want it to be timeless but also timely in terms of what it represents. I hope we get to bring it to the screen.”
Scott adds, “Being part of Ignite was an incredibly educational and enjoyable process. From the beginning, it was clear that the BBC were keen to help us develop our vision for The Underglow and they provided us with all we needed to achieve this. It was wonderful to work directly with them and receive invaluable feedback directly from producers and commissioners. The Ignite process was always project-specific, which meant The Underglow got the attention it needed at any given stage. Being respected and encouraged as a creative throughout development meant the show always reflected our original vision and retained its unique authenticity.”
VIZ Media has capped off another busy Anime Expo with their industry panel announcing their upcoming slate, panels for ZOM 100: Bucket List of the Dead anime and BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2 and signings with BLEACH’s Masakazu Morita and ZOM 100’s Kotro Takata.
Alongside the Saturday world premiere of ZOM 100: Bucket List of the Dead (a sneak peek at Episode 1), audiences were treated to a deep dive on all the gory details with manga co-creator Kotaro Takata. Fans also had a chance to win special prizes, and enjoyed an on-stage chat about the recording experience with voice actors Zeno Robinson, Abby Trott and Laura Post.
In the U.S, the series will simulcast on Hulu and Netflix premiering 2 a.m. PDT, July 9, with sunrise details for other streaming platforms to come. Based on the manga by Takata and Haro Aso, ZOM 100: Bucket List of the Dead is a VIZ Media co-production alongside Shogakukan and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions Japan, with VIZ Media representing the anime in the North America, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand territories.
Takata also participated in the VIZ Media Industry Panel along with voice actor Masakazu Morita (voice of Ichigo in BLEACH), which revealed many announcements and hints at what awaits in fan-favorites series like Chainsaw Man, Spy x Family and My Hero Academia. VIZ updated manga lovers on the VIZ Manga Service and Shonen Jump streaming, as well as a new Naruto one-shot from creator Masashi Kishimoto (July 17) and Soichi, a new Junji Ito story collection (July 25). Anime news includes:
Captain Tsubasa: Junior Youth Arc anime based off the popular sporting manga created by Yoichi Takahashi will launch in October.
Naruto Shippuden Set 1 will present the first 27 episodes of the series on Blu-ray for the first time.
Fall new releases also include:
The Promised NeverlandComplete Box Set
Chainsaw Man Box Set Vols 1 -11
BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Panel, Anime Expo 2023 [c/o VIZ Media]On Monday, voice star Morita returned to the stage to discuss the end of the beloved BLEACH franchise and what’s in store for his character, Ichigo, in BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2. Fans got to watch a sneak peek of Episode 1 from the second volume, and got first dibs on special announcements and giveaways.
New key art for the season was revealed, as was the planned launch of a themed BLEACH Café, opening July 8 in Los Angeles in partnership with Matte Black. This experience will featured photo opps, exclusive merch, special menu items and more (8500 Sunset Blvd.) Plus, BLEACH heads can now enjoy TYBW Part 1 on digital through iTunes, Google and Microsoft, and the BLEACH 4-FILM Collection is also available now.
BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2 based on Tite Kubo’s manga will return to Hulu in the U.S., Star+ in Latin America and Disney+ in select countries internationally on Saturday, July 8. Part 2 will premiere with episode one at 7:30 a.m. PDT on Hulu, with the simulcast in English and Latin American Spanish; and on Star+ and Disney+ with English, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, French, German and Italian subtitles.
VIZ Media holds worldwide rights (excluding Asia). Part 1 of the series is currently streaming in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Balkans, Baltics, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Banijay Kids & Family announced its sales arm, Zodiak Kids & Family Distribution, has acquired the distribution rights to preschool animated series The Game Catchers. Produced by Studio Bozzetto and Sphere Media, the first series launched internationally last year, with a second season in production and confirmed with commissioning broadcasters RAI Kids, TVOKids and ICI Radio-Canada Télé.
Set in a colorful universe, the tiny planet Flossy is home to alien children of all kinds, and the very special Game Catchers HQ. Guided by Mr. Moustache, the kids embark on their mission to travel the universe, and explore the planets, making friends with its inhabitants through playground games at every stop. Each game is different depending on the planet and the Game Catchers want to discover them all!
The series is directed by Andrea Bozzetto and Branko Rakic. Corrado Colleoni is the art director.
The Game Catchers
“The Game Catchers is a delightful addition to the Zodiak Kids & Family portfolio, complementing our preschool offerings with a unique and original concept,” said Delphine Dumont, Chief Commercial Officer, Banijay Kids & Family. “Learning through entertainment is in high demand from our buyers, and the lovable characters and imaginative world created by Studio Bozzetto and Sphere Media provide the perfect setting to deliver this for young global audiences.”
The Game Catchers won the Pulcinella Award for Best Preschool series at the 25th edition of Cartoons on the Bay and the Preschool Award by the Italian Parents Movement (Moige), which recognizes family-friendly TV and web programs.
Season 1 (52 x 7’) launched with commissioning broadcasters RAI Yoyo and ICI Radio-Canada Telé. It was also acquired by Wing Sight (China), Ceska Televize (Czechia), RTÉ (Ireland), CBeebies (UK), TVOKids, The Knowledge Network and Toon-a-Vision (Canada), YLE (Finland), Canal Panda (Spain and Portugal), MediaCorp (Singapore), PCCW (Hong Kong) and Momokids (Taiwan).
Warner Bros. Japan LLC has announced that production is currently underway on Suicide Squad ISEKAI, an all-new original anime series based on the characters from DC. The news was announced today at Anime Expo 2023 during a special panel presented by Warner Bros. Japan and WIT Studio, the Japanese studio behind anime series such as SPY x FAMILY and Ranking of Kings.
Artwork by Akira Amano
The show was announced with the reveal of first-look key art featuring Harley Quinn, designed by internationally recognized manga artist Akira Amano (REBORN!, ēlDLIVE, character design draft for Pscyho-Pass series), as well as an action-packed teaser trailer.
“I’m a big fan of Harley Quinn and the other characters in the Suicide Squad movie! It’s an honor for me to be involved in the creation of Suicide Squad ISEKAI,” said Amano. “The director Eri Osada’s clear vision for Harley’s design made the process smoother than expected, and I enjoyed drawing her costume and muscles while imagining her action-packed adventures in the story. I’m excited to see how the talented animation staff brings Suicide Squad ISEKAI to life!”
Logline: DC’s Harley Quinn, the Joker and The Suicide Squad rampage onto the stage of isekai (the Japanese word for “another world” and one of the most popular anime genres today) in this new original anime series. The most maddening worlds collide in an epic and violent fantasy with the strongest line-up of anime creators!
Produced by Warner Bros. Japan and WIT Studio, which is handling animation production, the series is directed by Eri Osada from a screenplay by Tappei Nagatsuki (Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World, Vivy -Fluorite Eye’s Song-) and Eiji Umehara (for Vivy -Fluorite Eye’s Song-). Amano provided initial character designs, refined for animation by Naoto Hosoda. Music for Suicide Squad ISEKAI is composed by Kenichiro Suehiro.
“Japanese anime has attracted widespread popularity among global audience in these days, and ‘isekai fantasy’ now is one of the most popular genres. What if DC characters such as Harley Quinn and The Joker rampages in isekai? This is truly an outrageous anime project we deliver for global audience from Japan,” commented Shinya Tsuruoka, Animation Producer for Warner Bros. Japan. “I am thrilled to work with WIT Studio for this dream project, which only Warner Bros. Japan could produce. Please look forward to the original story and DC characters’ blast in isekai.”
The largest individually owned Disneyland/Disney Park collection in the world, amassed over a 30-year period will hit the auction block at Van Eaton Galleries. “The Joel Magee Disneyland Collection” auction will kick off on July 17 (Disneyland’s 68th birthday) and continue for three days, concluding on July 19.
The collection is so vast, the auction house secured a 30,000 square foot building in Burbank, California for the public exhibition, which began June 28 and will remain open through July 16. With over 1,500 items, the auction and exhibition, the fascinating and diverse collection offers a huge trove of items to appeal to both Disney aficionados and Park lovers.
“The Joel Magee Disneyland Collection is actually almost 6,000 pieces. For this auction I have hand-picked just over 1,500 pieces that trace the story of the parks in an extraordinary fashion. This is the first and most important auction of his collection in the coming year and is by far the most impressive and historically significant one-of-a-kind pieces,” said Mike Van Eaton, Co-Founder, Van Eaton Galleries.
“A couple of examples of the rarities the auction will provide are the ‘Set of three Audio Animatronic Hitchhiking Ghosts’ which are estimated to sell for $100,000-$200,000 and the ‘Midget Autopia’ car, estimated to sell for $50,000-$100,000. There are just too many outstanding Disneyland and Disney Parks items to list. It is the most amazing collection we’ve had the honor of working with in decades. We can’t wait to see all the happy faces come through the exhibition — our recreation of the ‘happiest place on Earth.’”
Many of the artifacts are so rare, they haven’t been seen in public for over 60 years, such as the 1917 Model T Ford Moving Van from Main Street that Walt Disney created himself or the set of very rare three animatronic Hitchiking Ghosts from The Haunted Mansion mentioned by Van Eaton — only set in the world to be available.
Other remarkable items include a Peter Pan Ship Ride Vehicle (estimate: $50,000-$100,000); a Haunted Mansion “Doom Buggy” ($30,000-$60,000); a very rare set of Tiki Birdsfrom theEnchanted Tiki Room, which have been restored to working order ($80,000-$100,000); and the very rare ‘Midget Autopia’ car ($50,000-$100,000).
The over 1,500 items will be exhibited at the Burbank Town Center Mall at 201 East Magnolia — the location where Walt Disney once planned to build the Disney-MGM Studios. The exhibition runs June 28-July 16. From the rarest of attraction artifacts to costumes, props, souvenirs, tickets, signage, cast member items and more, the auction exhibition will be a journey through Disney history, displaying a range of pieces from some of the earliest historical items to mementos of modern day ride attractions.
The monumental exhibition is unprecedented for Van Eaton Galleries. Guests will see the Dumbo ride vehicle ($100,000-$200,000) and the world’s largest collection of Disneyland posters all together for the first time (estimates vary). Reflecting the huge scope of the collection, even as curated for exhibition, Van Eaton Galleries offers a lengthy rundown of other remarkable highlights:
Walt’s Microphone Shield ($7,000-$9,000)
Rare 1955 Junior Admission Complete Ticket Book ($1,500-$2,500)
Santa Fe & Disneyland Main Street Original 1956 Attraction Poster ($8,000-$10,000)
Original Main Street (1955) City Hall Doors ($15,000-$20,000)
Rare Hand Painted (Disneyland, 1950s)Rainbow Caverns Omnibus Sign ($20,000-$30,000)
Joel Magee is best known as “The Toy Scout.” His passion for collecting began at age 13 while visiting a local flea market where he was fascinated with a collectible lunchbox and the rest is history. He is a well-sought-after personality appearing at Toy Shows across the country and has amassed one of the most impressive collections of toys and Disneyana in the world. He can often be seen on television and heard on radio shows where he brings his passion and knowledge for all things toys and Disney to each and every appearance.
“I have spent most of my life searching the world for the most extraordinary Disney items that trace the history of such a magical place. It’s been a passion of mine forever and now it’s time to share that passion with fans and collectors around the globe,” said Magee. “I look forward to seeing all the happy faces at the exhibition and hope that the lucky bidders who become the new custodians of pieces in this collection enjoy them and learn from them like I have over the past few decades.
To bid in “The Joel Magee Disneyland Collection” auction, visit vegalleries.com.
Anime streaming service HIDIVE presented fans with a bevy of announcements during its Anime Expo Industry Panel this weekend.
Hosts Star Butler and Jacki Jing (Netflix’s The Circle) revealed a trio of acquisitions as well as other exciting news, including upcoming English DUBCAST editions. As a special treat for the audience, HIDIVE’s panel concluded with the U.S. subtitled premiere of Level 1 Demon Lord and One Room Hero, the new comedy-fantasy series from Kadokawa premiering July 3 and streaming exclusively on HIDIVE.
Leading the list of acquisitions was the late-breaking announcement that The Dreaming Boy Is a Realist, the new rom-com from Pony Canyon, will be joining HIDIVE’s Summer Simulcast Season. Based on the popular light novel series written by Okemaru and illustrated by Saba Mizore, The Dreaming Boy Is a Realist will premiere on July 3 and stream exclusively on HIDIVE. The series is directed by Kazuomi Koga with writing by Michiko Yokote and production by Studio Gokumi and AXsiZ.
HIDIVE also confirmed its acquisition of a trio of returning shows, including the surprise reveal that【OSHI NO KO】will be back for a second season as well as news that both the spy thriller series Spy Classroomand the rom-com slice of life series The Dangers in My Heartwill back with second seasons and available exclusively on HIDIVE as part of this year’s summer and winter simulcast seasons, respectively.
In addition to acquisitions, the streamer announced three upcoming DUBCASTs releasing later this year: The Dangers in My Heart Season 1 and KAIJI: Ultimate Survivor Third Arc (summer) together with The Eminence in Shadow 2nd Season (fall) will join HIDIVE’s library of English dub editions of its most popular titles. The Eminence in Shadow 2nd Season will be the first HIDIVE simulcast series to be available in both sub and dub — day and date with TV broadcast in Japan when it premieres in October during the Fall Simulcast Season.
To close-out its English dub news, HIDIVE premiered an exclusive clip of the all-new English dub of Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, featured as part of Sentai’s upcoming Blu-ray home video complete collection set for release on July 25 and currently available for pre-order here.
Series details:
NEW SERIES | The Dreaming Boy Is a Realist Premieres on Monday, July 3 exclusively on HIDIVE
Wataru Sajo is smitten with Aika Natsukawa and doesn’t hesitate to approach her as he daydreams about potential mutual feelings. However, one day he wakes up from that dream and convinces himself that he and Aika are not compatible. But when he withdraws his affection, Aika wonders what went wrong. Does he hate her now? Did they both get the wrong idea? Adolescent love is confusing in a romantic comedy where both sides think their feelings are unrequited!
Based on the popular light novel series written by Okemaru and illustrated by Saba Mizore. The Dreaming Boy Is a Realist is directed by Kazuomi Koga with writing by Michiko Yokote and production by Studio Gokumi and AXsiZ.
CONTINUING SERIES | Spy Classroom Season 2 Premieres on Tuesday, July 13 exclusively on HIDIVE
A picture containing anime, human face, clothing, cartoon Description automatically generated With the fate of the country at stake, trainee Lily and her Tomoshibi teammates continue to face more Impossible Missions alongside their teacher for foreign intelligence spy organization Lamplight.
Based on the spy thriller light novel series written by Takemachi and illustrated by Tomari. Spy Classroom is directed by Keiichiro Kawaguchi, written by Shinichi Inotsume and produced by studio feel.
CONTINUING SERIES | The Dangers in My Heart Season 2 Premieres during the Winter 2023 Simulcast Season
A child sitting at a desk Description automatically generated with low confidence Fascinated by murder and all things macabre, Kyotaro daydreams of acting out his twisted fantasies on his unsuspecting classmates — but an encounter with Anna Yamada, the gorgeous class idol, lights a spark in the darkness of his heart. It’s a classic tale of an antisocial boy falling for a popular girl, but neither are who they appear to be at first glance. Will Kyotaro and Anna defy their expectations of each other — and of themselves?
Based on the shonen rom-com slice of life manga series by Norio Sakurai and serialized in Akita Shoten’s Manga Cross. The Dangers in My Heart is directed by Hiroaki Akagi, written by Jukki Hanada and produced by Shin-Ei Animation.
CONTINUING SERIES |【OSHI NO KO】Season 2 Returning to HIDIVE
A group of cartoon characters Description automatically generated with low confidence Dr. Goro is reborn as the son of the young starlet Ai Hoshino after her delusional stalker murders him. Now, he wants to help his new mother rise to the top, but what can a child do about the dark underbelly of the entertainment industry?
Based on the award-winning seinen manga written by Aka Akasaka and illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari.
The 16th Fest Anča International Animation Festival 2023 has come to a close in Slovakia, with the distribution of the Anča Awards for short films on July 1 at the historic Žilina Town Theatre.
The overall winner, receiving the Anča Award for Best Animated Short Film, was the Swiss film Armatby Elodie Dermange. The film tells the story of Elodie, who tries to find out more about her family’s Armenian origins and discovers the harsh history of her ancestors by talking to her father, uncle and great-aunt.
The jury — composed of Cheng-Hsu Chung, Joanna Kozuch and last year’s Anča Award winner for Best Animated Short Film, Malte Stein — pointed out, “it’s a universal story about solving multi-generational family problems, where deep traumas hold back expressing ordinary love.”
In the Big Yard Inside the Teeny-Weeny Pocket
An honorable mention went toIn the Big Yard Inside the Teeny-Weeny Pocket by Japanese director Yoko Yuki — a charming animated rhyme based on observation, recording and experimentation. The jury praised its “subtle depiction of the beautiful little things of everyday life, even though its visuals are more reminiscent of a horror film.”
Balaclava
The Anča Award for Best Student Animated Short Film was awarded by the same main jury to the Belgian film Balaclava, which tells the story of an illegal sleepover, a clumsy burglary, a pair of best friends and long fingernails. The jury noted, “this is a film whose playful visuals and authentic dialog remind us to look at the world through rebellious eyes and to cherish precious interpersonal connections.”
Cufufu
Special mention in the student film category went to the experimental Estonian film Cufufuby Bruno Quast. The jury especially praised the film’s sound: “it shows the importance of a subtle connection between visuals and unique sound design.”
Doubt
The Anča Award for the Best Slovak Animated Short Film went to Doubt, directed by Adela Križovenská from FAMU in Prague. This project is a short film essay about the creative process, told through the voices of four authors from different artistic fields.
The jury — composed of internationally recognized animation filmmakers Daniel Šuljic and Diana Cam Van Nguyen alongside well-known animation studies expert Olga Bobrowska — described the film as “an impressive combination of animation techniques that playfully depicts the artist’s everyday struggle with creativity and the need to take care of oneself.”
My Name Is Edgar and I Have a Cow
In the same category, the jury awarded a special mention to Filip Diviak’s My Name Is Edgar and I Have a Cow. The jury praised its “simple and relaxed humor combined with great animation.” Diviak also received the same special mention in the same category a year ago for Sounds Between the Crowns.
Jakub Spevák, Fest Anča’s program director, remarked on this year’s student competition: “Young Slovak animators are willing to experiment with animation techniques, and showcase storytelling brilliance, original humor and a laid-back approach.”
SIAMÉS – “No Lullaby”
Juried by Luce Grosjean, Marta Pajek and Marek Menke, the Anča Award for Best Animated Music Video went to Argentinian director Ezequiel Torres for “No Lullaby.” The jury highlighted “its cinematic eloquence, music and the important message of support and care for our loved ones even when they’re only fighting imaginary demons.”
Mariupol. A Hundred Nights
The music video jury also awarded a special mention to Mariupol. A Hundred Nights by Sofiia Melnyk (Ukraine), set to music by Volodymyr Rudenko. Jurors were impressed by “its inspiration in these turbulent times from the drawings of a four-year-old girl from Mariupol [in Russian-occupied Ukraine], uniquely combining animation with powerful music.”
Pond
The Anča Award for the Best Animated Film for Children was decided by a special children’s jury, with Pondby the women directors duo of Lena von Döhren and Eva Rust (Switzerland) awarded as best film.
The Fest Anča International Animation Festival is the only Slovak multimedia festival that focuses on adult-targeted animated film. The event is held in Žilina at the New Synagogue, Stanica Žilina-Záriečie cultural centre, City Theatre, Rosenfeld Palace and Artforum. The festival annually includes an international competition of contemporary animated short films and music
videos, as well as thematic and specially focused film sections and retrospectives, days of lectures, screenings for children and numerous accompanying events.
The International Animation Festival Fest Anča 2023 is financially supported by the Audiovisual Fund. The festival was financially supported by the LITA Fund. The Fest Anča Student Forum received a grant from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA and Norway Grants.
Working together towards a green, competitive and inclusive Europe, the event is funded by the Student Forum Fest Anča project supported by the EEA and Norway Grants 2014-2021 and the State Budget of the Slovak Republic, with project number CLT02018. This edition was realized thanks to the financial support of the SPP Foundation.
Another bustling, ramune-fueled Japanese pop culture confab is underway at Anime Expo in Los Angeles. Global anime brand Crunchyroll debuted trailers for two highly anticipated titles amid the busy con schedule:
Crunchyroll has officially acquired the streaming rights for the highly anticipated zombie horror comedy anime series Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead (zom100.com), which will begin its simulcast on July 9 at 2:00 a.m. Pacific Time, with new subtitled episodes every week.
Synopsis: With three years under his belt at the company from hell, Akira Tendo is mentally and physically spent. All at the ripe old age of twenty-four. Even his crush from Accounting, Saori, wants nothing to do with him. Then, just when life is beginning to look like one big disappointment, it happens. The zombie apocalypse descends on Japan!
Surrounded by hordes of hungry zombies, Akira comes to a realization that will forever change his life… “Wait, does this mean I never have to go to work again?” Confess to… party like it’s… travel Japan coast to… Now, with his nightmare job no longer, Akira’s got his mojo back. Let the bucket listing begin!!
Based on the hit manga series of the same name, written by Haro Aso (Alice in Borderland) and illustrated by Kotaro Takata (serialized in Shogakukan’s Monthly Sunday Gene-X in Japan, distributed in English in NorAm by Viz Media), the series is animated by BUG FILMS, directed by Kazuki Kawagoe (Komi Can’t Communicate), with series composition written by Hiroshi Seko (VINLAND SAGA, Mob Psycho 100).
Additional production credits include character design by Kii Tanaka (PuraOre! Pride of Orange), zombie design by Junpei Fukuchi (Pokémon) and music composed by Makoto Miyazaki (SPY x FAMILY, One Punch Man). The opening theme “Song of the Dead” is performed by KANA-BOON. The ending theme “Happiness of the Dead” is performed by Shiyui.
The Japanese voice cast features Shuichiro Umeda as Akira Tendo, Tomori Kusunoki as Shizuka Mikazuki, Makoto Furukawa as Kenichiro Ryuzaki and Minami Takahashi as Beatrix Amerhauser
Crunchyroll will feature Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead subtitled in English, French, German, Italian, Castilian Spanish, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Hindi, Russian, and Arabic. And the series will be dubbed in English, French, German, Italian, Castilian Spanish, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, and Hindi. Dub launches will be announced at a later date and subject to change.
The series will be simulcast weekly on Crunchyroll in the U.S. and its territories, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, as well as the Indian subcontinent.
During Sunday’s MAPPA X Crunchyroll! panel, the companies also debuted a brand-new trailer teasing Attack on Titan Final Season THE FINAL CHAPTERS Special 2 (shingeki.tv/final), which will be available later this fall.
FINAL CHAPTERS Synopsis: The fate of the world hangs in the balance as Eren unleashes the ultimate power of the Titans. With a burning determination to eliminate all who threaten Eldia, he leads an unstoppable army of Colossal Titans towards Marley. Now a motley crew of his former comrades and enemies scramble to halt his deadly mission, the only question is, can they stop him?
Based on the multi-award-winning manga Attack on Titan, written and illustrated by creator Hajime Isayama and published by Kodansha with over 100 million volumes sold worldwide, Attack on Titan Final Season THE FINAL CHAPTERS Special 2 is directed by Yuichiro Hayashi (Dorohedoro,Kakegurui) and produced by studio MAPPA, who are best known for animating JUJUTSU KAISEN, Chainsaw Man, VINLAND SAGA Season 2 and Hell’s Paradise.
Additional staff includes series composition by Hiroshi Seko (Chainsaw Man, Mob Psycho 100), character design by Tomohiro Kishi (Dorohedoro), chief animation direction by Daisuke Niinuma (DAYS) and Manabu Akita (Kakegurui), art direction by Kuniaki Nemoto (Futakoi Alternative), editing by Masato Yoshitake (Chainsaw Man,Cyberpunk: Edgerunners) and music composed by KOHTA YAMAMOTO (86 EIGHTY-SIX) and Hiroyuki Sawano (Blue Exorcist, Kill la Kill).
The Japanese voice cast features: Yuki Kaji as Eren Jaeger, Yui Ishikawa as Mikasa Ackermann, Marina Inoue as Armin Arlelt, Hiro Shimono as Conny Springer, Shiori Mikami as Historia Reiss, Kisho Taniyama as Jean Kirschtein, Yu Shimamura as Annie Leonhart, Yoshimasa Hosoya as Reiner Braun, Hiroshi Kamiya as Captain Levi, Takehito Koyasu as Zeke Jaeger, Natsuki Hanae as Falco Grace, Ayane Sakura as Gabi Braun and Manami Numakura as Pieck Finger.
