Animation Magazine

Author: Mercedes Milligan

  • Netflix Presents ‘ Pokémon Concierge,’ ‘Pluto,’ ‘Beastars’ & More at AX

    Netflix Presents ‘ Pokémon Concierge,’ ‘Pluto,’ ‘Beastars’ & More at AX

    Returning to Anime Expo, North America’s biggest Japanese pop culture fan event, Netflix showcased their diverse slate of upcoming anime and manga-inspire shows.

    The ‘From Japan to the World’ J-Content presentation for more than 3,000 fans at the Main Events Stage featured the newly announced Pokémon Concierge (December, 2023) series star Non, who will voice the lead character Haru in the Japanese version and delighted fans with a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming series and newly presented teaser art.

    The story about Haru’s adventures at the Pokémon Resort will join an ever expanding slate of J-Content, which also includes previously announced titles like Beastars Final Season (Coming 2024), whose main character Legoshi surprised fans onstage with a first look at some of the character designs for the upcoming and final season.

    Netflix also gave fans and press a new glimpse at upcoming project Pluto (October 26), an anime adaptation of the manga of the same name by Naoki Urasawa. Coming all the way from Tokyo, anime legend Masao Maruyama excited fans with insights into his decade-spanning career in the industry and what makes the upcoming Pluto project so special, before presenting a brand-new teaser trailer for the series.

    Fans also heard from the stars of upcoming live-action zombie-comedy flick Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead (August 3, 2023), with co-creator of the original manga Kotaro Takata and lead actor Eiji Akaso presenting the first teaser trailer, while joking about 100 things they’d do before the zombie apocalypse would take over.

    Before wrapping up the panel, fans were treated to a special video message from the cast of the One Piece live-action series (August 31), in which series lead Iñaki Godoy took viewers to a special meeting with legendary voice actor Mayumi Tanaka, revealing that the original voice cast of the long-running anime series will reprise their roles for the Japanese dub of the upcoming series.

    Netflix anime details:

    Pluto (Premieres October 26): Europol detective robot Gesicht races to solve a string of murders targeting advanced robots and key figures in robot law, uncovering the greatest evil in history.

    Praised by many as a masterpiece, the manga Pluto is based on Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy ‘The Greatest Robot on Earth’ arc from 1964 and created by Naoki Urasawa (20th Century Boys, Yawara!, Master Keaton) and his long-time co creator Takashi Nagasaki. The suspense drama takes place in a neo-futuristic world where humans and high-functioning robots live in complete harmony. The globally acclaimed manga has won numerous awards, including the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize.

    Based on Pluto by Naoki Urasawa & Osamu Tezuka
    Producer: Takashi Nagasaki
    Creative Supervisor: Macoto Tezka
    Supported by Tezuka Productions and ‘BIG COMIC’ Published by Shogakukan
    Executive Producers: Masao Maruyama, Taro Maki, Yuji Yamamoto
    Director: Toshio Kawaguchi
    Character Designer / Supervising Animation Director: Shigeru Fujita
    Creative Advisor: Naoki Urasawa
    Supervising Animators: Kazunori Aoki, Kaku Saito
    CGI Director / Special Effects Compositor: Takahiro Miyata
    Art Director: Chikako Shibata
    Compositing Director: Mitsuhiro Sato
    Audio Director: Masafumi Mima
    Music: Yugo Kanno
    Animation Production: Studio M2
    Produced by GENCO

     

    Pokémon Concierge (coming this December) is the first collaborative production between Netflix and The Pokémon Company and an ambitious stop-motion project produced by critically acclaimed dwarf studios. Expanding the Pokémon world, the story follows Haru, a concierge at the Pokémon Resort, and her interactions with Pokémon and their owners who visit as guests.

    Director: Iku Ogawa
    Screenplay by: Harumi Doki
    Concept Arts / Character Design: Tadahiro Uesugi
    Production: dwarf studios
    Voice Cast: Non (Haru)

     

     

     

    Beastars Final Season (coming 2024): A new chapter of the animal human drama Beastars begins! After that final battle, where did the gray wolf Legoshi go? Beastars is an animal human drama set in a world where bipedal carnivores and herbivores live together. In this unique world, the gray wolf Legoshi and his classmates attend the Cherryton Academy, where all students stay in dormitories. This is the story of love and friendship that goes beyond species. However, at times, their unrestrainable instincts as carnivores and herbivores lead to tragic events. This new chapter tells the story after Seasons 1 and 2.

    Based on the manga by: Paru Itagaki
    Animation Production: Orange
    Voice Cast: Chikahiro Kobayashi (Legoshi)

     

  • ‘Praise Petey’ Indoctrinates Freeform with a Cult-Leader It Girl

    ‘Praise Petey’ Indoctrinates Freeform with a Cult-Leader It Girl

    Freeform announced it will introduce its new animated adult comedy Praise Petey to audiences on July 21 at 10 p.m. with a double episode premiere. The 10-episode series is created, written and executive produced by Anna Drezen, former head writer of Saturday Night Live.

    Synopsis: Petey, a.k.a. Petra, is 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.

    The voice cast for Praise Petey is led by 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.

    Two new episodes of Praise Petey will debut on Freeform each week following the July 21 launch.

  • Manchester Animation Festival Becomes Oscar-Qualifying Competition

    Manchester Animation Festival Becomes Oscar-Qualifying Competition

    The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has designated Manchester Animation Festival as an Academy Award®-qualifying festival on the Short Films Qualifying Festival List. MAF is now the only dedicated animation festival in the U.K. to have this honor, and joins only a handful of other U.K. film festival events that qualify.

    Recipients of the festival’s Short Film Award will be eligible for consideration in the Best Animated Short Film competition of the Academy Awards® without the standard theatrical run, provided the film otherwise complies with the Academy rules.

    Established in 2015, MAF has grown to become the U.K.’s largest animation event, taking place over six days featuring film competitions, workshops, masterclasses, panels and more, as well as an academic conference, industry forum and family day. Past guests at the festival include Aardman Animations, Blue Zoo, Cartoon Saloon, ILM, Locksmith Animation, Lupus Films, Netflix, Passion Pictures and Walt Disney Animation Studios.

    MAF Awards designed by Mackinnon & Saunders [c/o Manchester Animation Festival]

    “It’s an honor to represent both Manchester and the U.K. animation community by being listed alongside some of the most prestigious film events in the world as an Academy-qualifying festival,” said Festival Director Steve Henderson. “We look forward to welcoming audiences and showcasing some of the best animated short films from around the world in Manchester this November”

    The 2023 festival call for entries is open until July 28. Winners of the film awards at Manchester Animation Festival will receive the festival’s iconic trophies, designed and manufactured by Mackinnon & Saunders, who recently produced the puppets for Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio and produced the ITV series The Sound Collector.

    Manchester Animation Festival returns November 12-17, 2023 in-person and then online between Nov. 18-30. Full program information and ticketing can be found at manchesteranimationfestival.co.uk from September.

     

  • ‘Red, White & Bluey’ Marathon Brings Summer Fun to Disney Junior All Weekend

    ‘Red, White & Bluey’ Marathon Brings Summer Fun to Disney Junior All Weekend

    In honor of the July 4th holiday, Disney Junioris hosting its annual “Red, White and Bluey” celebration with fan-favorite episodes of the preschool animation hit, Bluey. The marathon will also include fun Bluey-inspired games between episodes.

    Beginning this weekend (July 1-2) and continuing through Tuesday, July 4, select episodes of Bluey will air beginning at 6:25 a.m. EST/PST on the weekends and 6:00 a.m. EST/PST on Tuesday throughout each day. Kids and their families can catch Chilli, Bandit, Bingo and Bluey in episodes such as “Keepy Uppy,” “The Sleepover,” “Hide and Seek,” “Neighbours,” and more throughout the holiday weekend.

    But the fun won’t fizzle out when the fireworks stop: Beginning Wednesday, July 12, 10 all-new episodes will launch on Disney+. These new episodes include cameos from well-known Bluey fans including Lin-Manuel Miranda, who appears as a talking horse in the episode “Stories,” and Rose Byrne, who plays Chilli’s sister Brandy in “Onesies.”

    Created and written by Joe Brumm and produced by the multiple Emmy Award-winning Ludo Studio for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and BBC Studios Kids & Family, Bluey follows the adventures of a lovable and inexhaustible Blue Heeler puppy who lives with her dad, mum and little sister, Bingo. It showcases the joyful simplicity that can be found in families, by bringing to life how children learn and grow through play.

    Financed in association with Screen Australia, Bluey is 100% created, written, animated and post produced in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, with funding from the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland and the Australian Government.

    Seasons 1-3 of Bluey are streaming now on Disney+, and available on Disney Channel and Disney Junior, with more episodes from Season 3 still to come.

     

  • ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ S2 Casts Exclusive Simulcast Spell on Crunchyroll

    ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ S2 Casts Exclusive Simulcast Spell on Crunchyroll

    Prepare to be taken back to where it all began for Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto during their formative school years in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2, premiering July 6. Streaming only on Crunchyroll, the series will be subtitled and dubbed in all of its territories, with new episodes premiering every week after its broadcast in Japan.

    “Fans have been eagerly waiting for the return of this incredible series, and we’re thrilled that Crunchyroll will be the exclusive home to season two of Jujutsu Kaisen,” noted Asa Suehira, Crunchyroll’s Chief Content Officer.

    Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 will be told over two consecutive cours, with the first part of the story recounting Gojo’s and Geto’s past in the “Hidden Inventory / Premature Death” arc.

    Synopsis: This is the innocent spring that the two strongest lost forever. Itadori Yuji took Ryomen Sukuna into his own body in June 2018. Okkotsu Yuta freed Orimoto Rika from her curse in December 2017. And now it’s spring 2006. Gojo Satoru and Geto Suguru, two peerless jujutsu sorcerers from Jujutsu High, have been given two missions by Tengen, an immortal known as the cornerstone of the jujutsu community.

    One mission is the escorting and erasure of the “Star Plasma Vessel,” Amanai Riko, the girl chosen as the best match to merge with Tengen. So, the two of them set out on their escort mission in order to keep the jujutsu community going, but an assassin calling himself Fushiguro interferes in an attempt to assassinate the Star Plasma Vessel. The pasts of Gojo and Geto, the ones who would later be known as the most powerful jujutsu sorcerer and the most evil curse user, are about to be revealed…

    © Gege Akutami/Shueisha, JUJUTSU KAISEN Project

    The second season is animated by MAPPA (Chainsaw Man, Attack on Titan Final Season, Hell’s Paradise) and directed by Shota Goshozono. The screenplay and series composition is written by Hiroshi Seko (Vinland Saga, Attack on Titan Final Season, Mob Psycho 100).

    Additional credits include character design by Sayaka Koiso (Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers) and Tadashi Hiramatsu (Yuri!!! on Ice), art direction by Junichi Higashi (Cowboy Bebop); cinematography by Teppei Ito (Chainsaw Man), editing by Keisuke Yanagi (Tokyo Ghoul) and music composed by Yoshimasa Terui (Jujutsu Kaisen). The opening and ending theme music for the “Hidden Inventory / Premature Death” arc are performed by Tatsuya Kitani and Soushi Sakiyama, respectively.

    The original Japanese voice cast features Yuichi Nakamura as Satoru Gojo, Takahiro Sakurai as Suguru Geto, Anna Nagase as Riko Amanai, Takehito Koyasu as Toji Fushiguro and Aya Endo as Shoko Ieiri.

    Dubs for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 will be produced in English, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Castilian Spanish and Russian. Dub premieres to be announced at a later date.

    The anime series is produced by TOHO Animation and based on the best-selling manga of the same title written and illustrated by Gege Akutami, currently serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump, which has over 80 million copies in circulation. In the U.S., the manga is published by VIZ Media. The series was named Anime of the Year by the Crunchyroll Anime Awards in 2021 and the global blockbuster prequel film, Jujutsu Kaisen 0, was awarded Best Anime Film at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards in 2023 and earned around $180 million in global theatrical box office revenue.

    Watch Jujutsu Kaisen S1 now on Crunchyroll at crunchyroll.com/jujutsu-kaisen.

  • CEE Animation Forum Announces Project Selection, New Market Platform

    CEE Animation Forum Announces Project Selection, New Market Platform

    CEE Animation Forum, a pitching, financing and co-production event for films originating in Central & Eastern Europe, has unveiled the official project selection for its upcoming edition, set to take place in Pilsen, Czech Republic from November 8-9. This year’s event will introduce a new platform called the Market, which aims to provide visibility to animated projects at any stage and facilitate one-to-one meetings between industry professionals.

    The project selection for CEE Animation Forum 2023 features a diverse range of animated content across various categories. The total budget of all 28 pitching projects is €29 million.  Hungarian animation is the most represented with five projects, followed by Czech Republic (four), Estonia (three), Germany, Italy, Poland Spain (two each), Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Finland, France, Greece, Slovakia and Ukraine (one each).

    Moss by Judith Colell (Imagic TV | Spain | Feature)

    The selection includes eight projects for children up to 10 years old, six projects for teenagers, eight projects for young adults, and sven projects aimed at adult audiences. A range of animation techniques is also represented: Hand-drawing leads the pack, utilized in 16 projects. 2D animation is used in 14 of the projects, while 3D and stop-motion appear in seven each.

    The gender representation among directors and producers for selected projects is balanced or weighted towards women filmmakers, with the exception of the feature film category, which includes two women directors and three men.

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

    Period Drama by Michaela Mihalyi (Czech Rep. | Short)

    “Every year, we witness a growing number of ambitious and high-quality projects being submitted to our event. We recognize the importance of helping them gain visibility and capture the interest of decision makers. That’s why we made the strategic decision to introduce the Market as a new feature,” explains Marta Jallageas, Managing Director of CEE Animation Forum. The objective is to create a dedicated showcase for animated projects that are still seeking partners — regardless of the stage.”

    This new Market offers a dedicated space within the event for professionals to engage in one-to-one meetings with decision makers. Film professionals can secure their participation in Market by purchasing the accreditation (opening in September) for their project(s) at any stage of development, production or distribution, including completed works. Early access to a reservation system allows participants to schedule meetings in advance with esteemed European professionals, including producers, sales agents, distributors, broadcasters, scriptwriters, festival programmers and market event representatives.

    (Pixel Giants | Cyprus | TV Series)

    The design for this year’s CEE Animation Forum official artwork has been created by visual artist Vera van Wolferen, an animation director and set designer based in The Hague, The Netherlands.

    “We were delighted to discover Vera’s exceptional talent during our CEE Animation Workshop. Her playful and meticulously executed paper artwork immediately appealed to us. One of our primary objectives at CEE Animation Forum is to provide visibility to emerging talents, and I hope that featuring Vera’s work can be the start of a wonderful tradition,” adds Jallageas.

    The event is financially supported by Czech Film Fund, Ministry of Culture Czech Republic, Audiovisual Producers’ Association (APA, Czech Republic) and Pilsen Region.

    Accreditations for the CEEA Forum & Market will be available for purchase from ceeanimation.eu starting in September. 

    Autopilot by Patricie Švadlenková (Czech Rep. | Student/Rising Stars)
  • HIDIVE to Simulcast ‘The Eminence in Shadow’ S2 Sub & Dub

    HIDIVE to Simulcast ‘The Eminence in Shadow’ S2 Sub & Dub

    HIDIVE will simulcast The Eminence in Shadow 2nd Season in both English sub and dub — day and date with the Japanese TV broadcast. This dual simulcast marks a first for the anime streaming service from AMC Network. Based on Daisuke Aizawa’s isekai light novel series of the same name, the upcoming second season of the critically acclaimed fantasy-action series will premiere this October as part of HIDIVE’s Fall 2023 Simulcast Season.

    Timed to the announcement, HIDIVE also dropped the official English subtitled trailer for the new season.

    Synopsis: Everything has been going according to plan, but the hour of awakening draws near. Cid Kageno and Shadow Garden investigate the Lawless City, a cesspool where the red moon hangs low in the sky and three powerful monarchs rule the streets. The true draw for Cid, however, is one who can draw blood–the Blood Queen, a vampire who has slumbered in her coffin for eons. Her awakening approaches, and Cid could finally face a day of reckoning.

    HIDIVE will be hosting the dual world premiere of The Eminence in Shadow 2nd Season this weekend at Anime Expo 2023 with special screenings of Episode 1 on Saturday, July 1 (Sub) and Tuesday, July 4 (Dub) as detailed here. The Saturday screening will include a Q&A with Seiichiro Yamashita (voice of Cid/Shadow) and a sample copy of the English manga translation provided to all guests from Yen Press. The Tuesday screening will feature a Q&A with dub actors Adam Gibbs (Cid/Shadow) and Christina Kelly (Alpha).

    Additional highlights of the streamer’s expo schedule include the North American premiere of Helck, the U.S. premiere of Level 1 Demon Lord and One Room Hero during the HIDIVE Industry Panel, the NorAm premiere of The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villainess to Savior and the NorAm premiere of Dark Gathering. AX attendees can also visit the HIDIVE booth (SF13) for daily giveaways.

  • ‘Barbie 4-Movie Special Collection’ Coming to DVD July 18

    ‘Barbie 4-Movie Special Collection’ Coming to DVD July 18

     

    NCircle Entertainment announces the release of Mattel’s Barbie 4-Movie Special Collection, coming to DVD on July 18. The set celebrates the “Summer of Barbie” with Barbie “Malibu” Roberts and Barbie “Brooklyn” Roberts through their amazing adventures, joined by all of their fabulous friends!

    Included in this special collection:

     

    Barbie:: Big City, Big Dreams
    • Barbie: Big City, Big Dreams – Barbie heads to New York for a summer program, where she meets another Barbie Roberts and competes in the Spotlight Solo competition.
    • Barbie: Dreamtopia – Join Barbie and Chelsea as they swim through rainbow rivers with beautiful mermaids and fly through cotton candy clouds with fairies!
    • Barbie & Chelsea: The Lost Birthday – When the Roberts Family crosses the International Date Line during their adventure cruise, Chelsea discovers her birthday has been lost.
    • Barbie: Princess Adventure – The adventure begins when Barbie and her friends travel to the country of Floravia, where Barbie switches places with Princess Amelia!

     

     

    The four-movie DVD collection features performances by America Young as the voice of Barbie “Malibu” Roberts, Amber May as the voice of Barbie “Brooklyn” Roberts, Alejandro Saab as the voice of Rafa and Kirsten Day as the voice of Skipper.

    The set is available for pre-order on Amazon.

     

     

     

  • ‘The First Slam Dunk’ Heads to July 28 Release with Dub Cast, Trailer Reveal

    ‘The First Slam Dunk’ Heads to July 28 Release with Dub Cast, Trailer Reveal

    GKIDS and Toei Animation announced today that they will bring The First Slam Dunk to theaters nationwide in the United States and Canada starting July 28. Starting today, tickets for  are available for purchase at SlamDunkMovie.com and participating theater box offices.

    The studio partners also revealed a new English dub trailer, as well as the English language voice cast for the film, which includes:

    • Paul Castro Jr. as Ryota Miyagi
    • Jonah Scott as Hisashi Mitsui
    • Aleks Le as Kaede Rukawa
    • Ben Balmaceda as Hanamichi Sakuragi
    • Aaron Goodson as Takenori Akagi

    As previously announced, The First Slam Dunk will have its North American premiere this summer in Los Angeles at Anime Expo, the largest celebration of Japanese pop culture in North America, before having its East Coast premiere as the opening night feature of JAPAN CUTS: Festival of New Japanese Film at New York City’s Japan Society. The film will go on to host its Canadian premiere at this year’s Fantasia Film Festival.

    Synopsis: Shohoku’s “speedster” and point guard, Ryota Miyagi, always plays with brains and lightning speed, running circles around his opponents while feigning composure. Born and raised in Okinawa, Ryota had a brother who was three years older. Following in the footsteps of his older brother, who was a famous local player from a young age, Ryota also became addicted to basketball.

    In his second year of high school, Ryota plays with the Shohoku High School basketball team along with Sakuragi, Rukawa, Akagi, and Mitsui as they take the stage at the Inter-High School National Championship. And now, they are on the brink of challenging the reigning champions, Sannoh Kogyo High School.

  • Feathered Friends ‘Duck & Goose’ Return to Apple TV+ (Exclusive Clip)

    Feathered Friends ‘Duck & Goose’ Return to Apple TV+ (Exclusive Clip)

    Two bills, four webbed feet and a lot of feathers make good ideas even better!

    Family audiences can get ready to welcome the charming little stars of Duck & Goose back to Apple TV+ with a new, exclusive clip provided to Animation Magazine, which is sure to inspire youngsters to shake a tailfeather! Inspired by the New York Times bestselling books by Tad Hills, Season 2 of the 2D-animated preschool series hatches globally Friday, July 7 on the streamer.

    In the new “Let’s Get Loose” clip, Duck and Goose prepare to perform a dance for their new friends, a small flock of graceful swans.

    The series celebrates the unique camaraderie of Duck and Goose, two best feathered friends that don’t always see beak to beak. That is until they discover that embracing and appreciating each other’s differences can help them think up entirely new ideas to help solve everyday challenges, both big and small.

    Duck & Goose is directed by Brian Muelhaupt (Sesame Street) with Jane Startz (Ella Enchanted) and Douglas Wood (Bob the Builder, Little Einsteins) executive producing alongside Titmouse (Harriet the Spy) studio principals Chris Prynoski, Shannon Prynoski, Ben Kalina, Antonio Canobbio and Hills. Peabody Award winner Wood also serves as showrunner.

    Cathy Davidson, Ph.D., founding director of the Futures Initiative and a distinguished professor in the Ph.D. program in English at the Graduate Center, CUNY, and Christina Katopodis, Ph.D., executive director and postdoctoral associate at Transformative Learning in the Humanities, serve as the transformative learning experts on the series through Apple TV+’s changemakers initiative.

    Goose (voiced by JeCobi Swain) and Duck (Connor Andrade) are back for more problem-solving adventures in Season 2.
  • Trailer: ‘Supa Team 4’ Saves the Day with African Girl Power

    Trailer: ‘Supa Team 4’ Saves the Day with African Girl Power

    The 21st century has ushered in a new era of super heroes across film, TV and comics. Now, Netflix viewers are introduced to the tech-fueled young African heroines of Supa Team 4 in the brand-new official trailer. Premiering on July 20, the stylish CG action-comedy is created by Zambian writer Malenga Mulendema, who originally pitched the concept to Cape Town studio Triggerfish during an open call for African creators.

    Synopsis: Four teen girls living in the neo-futuristic African city of Lusaka are recruited by a retired secret agent still committed to saving the world… even if it’s on a budget. In their journey from school girls tackling homework to undercover superheroes fending off supervillains, they’re transformed from a motley crew of friends into Supa Team 4!

    Supa Team 4 – images courtesy of Netflix.

    Supa Team 4 features the voices of Zowa Ngwira (Mpali), Namisa Mdlalose (Bypass), Kimani Arthur (Shimmer and Shine, Nella the Princess Knight), Nancy Sekhokoane (Abraham Lincoln, The Woman King), Pamela Nomvete (Andor, Gangs of London) and John MacMillan (House of the Dragon, The Great).

    The series is produced by Ciara Breslin, CAKE Entertainment and Triggerfish, with animation provided by Superprod Animation Studio. Executive producers are Anthony Silverston, Mike Buckland, Tom van Waveren, Edward Galton and Amy Keating Rogers.

     

  • ‘Pout-Pout Fish: The Movie’ Gets into Production Flow with MIMO Studios & Like a Photon Creative

    ‘Pout-Pout Fish: The Movie’ Gets into Production Flow with MIMO Studios & Like a Photon Creative

    Female-owned and operated New York prodco MIMO Studios and Like a Photon Creative, in partnership with Macmillan Publishers, announced today that production has begun in Australia on the animated feature film Pout-Pout Fish: The Movie. The film is based on the New York Times best-selling picture book franchise written by Deborah Diesen and illustrated by Dan Hanna.

    The film will be produced by MIMO Studios, founded by Cyma Zarghami, and Like A Photon Creative, founded by Nadine Bates and Kristen Souvlis. Macmillan Publishers will serve as executive producer and financier.

    “At a time when the demand for kids’ and family content is at an all-time high, as evidenced by the runaway success of films like Super Mario Brothers, we are so thrilled and honored to be able to partner with the incredibly talented Like a Photon Creative to bring the wonderful book series The Pout-Pout Fish to life,” said Zarghami. “With a slew of wonderful adventures and incredible brand awareness, this is the exact type of project I envisioned when I began MIMO and is something that certainly could become a major franchise for us.”

    “Like a Photon Creative are incredibly excited to have the opportunity to bring the beloved Pout-Pout Fish story world to life,” said Bates and Souvlis. “Not only is this film a unique and fresh take on underwater living, but the underlying concepts of self-acceptance and found-family are very close to our hearts. We can’t wait to share this gorgeous story with young audiences around the world.”

    Pout-Pout Fish: The Movie will follow the original adventure of the Pout-Pout Fish and his friends in their undersea world. Released in 2008, the book series spans more than 40 titles with more than 10 million copies in print. The Pout-Pout Fish was named a top 10 children’s book by TIME Magazine.

    “Macmillan is thrilled to be working with the brilliant teams at Like a Photon and MIMO Studios to bring our beloved picture book franchise to life on the screen,” said Jen Besser, President of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. “Over the past 15 years, The Pout-Pout Fish has become a favorite of children and parents alike and this is the perfect next chapter.”

  • DC Slates ‘Justice League: Warworld’ Premiere Amid Packed Comic-Con Schedule

    DC Slates ‘Justice League: Warworld’ Premiere Amid Packed Comic-Con Schedule

    DC announced today their return to Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) with a new DC Booth on the convention show floor (#4645) from Wednesday, July 19, through Sunday, July 23. DC aims to connect with fans with a busy schedule of panels, talent signings, interactive experiences and offsite events that showcases exciting new content and celebrates ‘the power of DC storytelling’ across comics, animation, TV, toys and collectibles.

    Among the animated highlights of the program: Devotees of the DC movie universe won’t want to miss the World Premiere screening of Justice League: Warworld.

    Fans can look forward to engaging directly with their favorite creators by attending in-booth signings, including an appearance by DC President, Publisher and Chief Creative Officer Jim Lee, award-winning comic-book creator, Founder & CEO of McFarlane Toys, Guinness World Record holder and Grammy and Emmy Award winner Todd McFarlane and more.

    Attendees can also discover what lies ahead for their fave DC characters during panels featuring Joshua Williamson (Superman), Josh Trujillo (Blue Beetle), Tom King (Wonder Woman), Tom Taylor (Titans), Mitch Gerads (Batman: The Brave and the Bold), Nicola Scott (Titans), Tini Howard (Catwoman), Ram V (Detective Comics), Phillip Kennedy Johnson (Action Comics), Nicole Maines (Bad Dream: A Dreamer Story), Sina Grace (Superman: The Harvests of Youth), and more.

    Plus, in DC’s all-new booth will be a wide variety of comic books, graphic novels and new merchandise from DC and DC Shop on sale, including limited edition printings, SDCC exclusive hardcovers and merch featuring new artwork by  Bill Sienkiewicz, Jill Thompson, Eric Tan and Phantom City Creative. Plus, apparel, toys and collectibles from 9Forty, McFarlane Toys and Cartamundi.

    DC Bat Cowl holders will also have a unique opportunity at SDCC. More information to come including exact dates, times, and details.

    Read on for DC animation highlights at SDCC! You can find more info on the publisher’s plans on the official blog.

    Harley Quinn

    PANELS

    Wednesday

    • As part of Warner Bros. Television’s Preview Night on Wednesday, catch an all-new episode of the hit Cartoon Network series, Teen Titans Go! and take an unprecedented look at the enduring and influential legacy of DC during an advance screening of the first episode (“The Hero’s Journey”) of the three-part Max Original documentary series, Superpowered: The DC Story, held in Ballroom 20. Superpowered: The DC Story premieres July 20 on Max.

    Thursday

    • 11:00-12:30 p.m. Max Original Animation Presents — Join Max Original Animation for a celebration of new and returning animated series including an expansion in the Adventure Time‘ universe, Adventure Time: Fionna & Cake; a new animated series Young Love, based on the characters from Matthew A. Cherry and Sony Pictures Animation’s Oscar-winning animated short, Hair Love; and a preview of the upcoming fourth season for the fan-favorite Harley Quinn. The panel will feature exclusive sneak peeks, surprise guests, and more that you won’t want to miss! The panel will be moderated by Damian Holbrook (TV Guide Magazine). Ballroom 20

    Friday

    • 9:00-11:00 p.m. Justice League: Warworld — Be among the first fans to see Warner Bros. Animation’s all-new, feature-length film Justice League: Warworld at this World Premiere screening. In this R-rated film, DC’s Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman find themselves in mysterious lands and precarious circumstances with no memory of how they arrived there and only vague recollections of their true selves. There will also be a panel discussion in addition to the World Premiere screening. Justice League: Warworld will be available to own on Digital, 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray on July 25. Ballroom 20

  • ‘Molang’ Kicks Off YouTuber Career with 4 Million Views

    ‘Molang’ Kicks Off YouTuber Career with 4 Million Views

    Millimages, one of the oldest independent animation studios in Europe, has launched a new digital channel that will be hosted by popular character Molang as a YouTuber. The innovative concept will see the optimistic bunny and sidekick Piu Piu interacting with their fans through video concepts normally made by humans (such as gaming, ASMR, reactions and various challenges), propelling the brand into a new dimension of social media.

    Launched in June 2023, Molang’s YouTuber videos have racked up an impressive 50,000 subscribers and 4 million views in just two weeks — with 2M views alone on the video of the cartoon duo playing the horror video game Poppy Playtime. The channel will release a new 10-minute episode every Friday, with 26 episodes planned over the next six months. The videos are produced by Millimages’ studio in Paris with a 16-person creative team including writers and creative directors managed by the company’s in-house Social Media team.

    “For the last three years, we’ve seen our subscriber base grow — 1.2M+ in just one year — by focusing our content strategy on social networks aimed at young millennials and Gen Z, who represent 78% of Molang’s audience,” explained Kévin Maintrot, Millimages’ Head of Digital Content Strategy. “Also by experimenting with a number of formats and concepts, such as parodies on Instagram and TikTok dances. This brand-new YouTuber concept is a great business and strategic opportunity that breaks the fourth wall, offering multiple creative possibilities and future partnerships.”

    “This project anchors Millimages’ strategy to also develop digital-led projects so that we can wear two hats as both traditional producers and digital-first producers,” added Adrien Moretto, General Secretary. “It’s in our DNA to be pioneers, to try things out, to bring new dynamics to the industry. With the advantages of our independence and over 30 years of expertise, we’re free to take risks: and given Molang’s YouTuber figures in just a few weeks, the gamble is paying off!”

    Also on the squishable charmer’s schedule: Molang will be making a public appearance at this year’s Japan Expo in Paris from July 13-16. A high-end pop-up shop at stand J183 will provide fans with a bubble of tranquility in the middle of the show, where to buy exclusive merchandise, meet the Molang mascot and participate in the latest influencer activities.

    Based on the illustration of Korean artist Hye Ji Yoon and the creation of the Molang universe by French author Marie Caroline Villand, Millimages started producing the Molang TV series in 2015, which now has over 312 episodes and has been sold in 195 countries. TV success quickly expanded to digital, evolving into a lifestyle brand with a hugely successful consumer products program.

    Kind and affectionate, Molang has a unique, instantly recognizable style, representing the values of empathy, softness, tenderness and joy. Molang has no nationality, is ageless and gender-neutral, caring for everyone and everything.

    Everybody loves Molang. Molang loves everybody.

    Molang’s YouTuber exploits can be viewed on the @MolangChannel.

  • New ‘Venture Bros.’ Movie Clip, Images Unveiled

    New ‘Venture Bros.’ Movie Clip, Images Unveiled

    Minions! Battle stations!!!

    We are less than a month out from the release of The Venture Bros.: Radiant Is the Blood of the Baboon Heart — the all-new original movie based on the award-winning Adult Swim animated series The Venture Bros. In anticipation of the film’s arrival via Digital on July 21 and Blu-ray on July 25 through Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment, a never-before-seen clip has dropped along with two new images.

    In this clip, titled “It’s What I Do,” The Monarch (voiced by Chris McCulloch) and Dr. Mrs. The Monarch (Doc Hammer) have a heated discussion while Henchman 21 is caught in the middle.

    The Monarch (Chris McCulloch), Henchman 21 (Doc Hammer) and Dr. Mrs. The Monarch (Doc Hammer) share an uncomfortable ride in ‘The Venture Bros.: Radiant Is the Blood of the Baboon Heart’

    Synopsis: Doc’s latest invention will either bankrupt Team Venture or launch them to new heights, as 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.

    Returning in their original series roles are James Urbaniak (The Fabelmans) as Dr. Venture, Patrick Warburton (Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events) as Brock Samson, Michael Sinterniklaas (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) as Dean Venture, Chris McCulloch (Superjail!) as Hank Venture and Doc Hammer as Dr. Mrs. The Monarch.

    From Adult Swim, Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment and Titmouse, series creators Doc Hammer and Jackson Publick wrote and executive produced the movie, and Publick directed.

    See the official trailer and more details for Radiant Is the Blood of the Baboon Heart here.

  • Genndy Tartakovsky Musical Experience Highlights Adult Swim Fest at SDCC

    Genndy Tartakovsky Musical Experience Highlights Adult Swim Fest at SDCC

    Adult Swim revealed details today for their annual Adult Swim Festival, which this year is headlined by Eric Andre, comedian and host of The Eric Andre Show, and producer, rapper and filmmaker Flying Lotus. Once again, the fest promises to be packed with fan meet and greets featuring the talent behind Adult Swim’s most beloved series, as well as games and prizes.

    Taking place outside the San Diego Convention Center (5th Avenue Landing and Convention Way) on Thursday, July 20 through Saturday, July 22, the Adult Swim Festival on the Green  held concurrently with Comic-Con International will also include performances by comedian Sarah Sherman (a.k.a. Sarah Squirm; Saturday Night Live, Adult Swim Flayaway infomercial), Hemlocke Springs, Ginger Root, DeathbyRomy and producer/DJ Akira Akira.

    All activities are free to attend for fans 18+ on a first-come, first-serve babis, with advance reservations now available for the most popular moments at AdultSwimFestival.com.

    “Adult Swim has always been more than its shows,” said Adult Swim President Michael Ouweleen. “It’s also about music, comedy, art, and, as often as possible, getting out there with the actual fans in real life and celebrating the stuff we love together. So that’s what this is about. And it’s free. But you have to promise us you’ll wear sunscreen and stay hydrated. And maybe wear a hat. Your mom asked that we make sure.”

    Smiling Friends
    Smiling Friends

    In addition to the schedule of music and comedy acts, ASF on the Green will feature can’t-miss custom show experiences:

    • The Smiling Friends Rodeo will celebrate one of Adult Swim’s most popular series with creators Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel.
    • Acclaimed for their musical scores on Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal and Unicorn: Warriors Eternal, Tyler Bates and Joanne Higginbottom will be joined by a live orchestra for The Genndy Tartakovsky Musical Experience, with an introduction by acclaimed creator Genndy Tartakovsky himself.
    • Anime fans are also in for a special treat with the Toonami on the Green event featuring breaking news, surprise guests and never-before-seen reveals.
    • Plus, to celebrate Adult Swim’s forthcoming Checkered Past programming block, the festival will present a trivia and screening event.
    Unicorn: Warriors Eternal
    Unicorn: Warriors Eternal

    Pop-Tarts® will offer fans a respite from the action by inviting them into The Toasting Room: A Pop-Tarts Dining Experience. Taking place throughout the Adult Swim Festival, fans can enjoy a three-course prix fixe menu featuring a variety of Pop-Tarts flavors and leave with special Pop-Tarts mementos. No reservation needed.

    Festival attendees can also beat the heat with a hydration station at the festival that will be offering fruit-infused Hint Water and vitamin-boosted Hint+ Vitamin. A special pink hearse celebrating the July 26 season two premiere of the Adult Swim animated comedy Teenage Euthanasia will also be handing out bottles of Hint Water throughout San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter during the Adult Swim Festival.

  • Disney Centennial Auction Sets New Animation Art Record with $4.8 Million

    Disney Centennial Auction Sets New Animation Art Record with $4.8 Million

    Presenting more than 1,500 lots, Heritage Auctions’ Celebrating 100 Years Of Disney: 1923–2023 took place June 23-26 and resulted in an overall record-setting animation art auction that brought $4,874,435 with a 100% sell-through rate. It was the most successful Animation Art auction ever held, topping Heritage’s August 2021 $4.5 million event. Heritage now has held all top five of the largest Animation Art auctions ever.

    Works from Walt’s favorite animators and artists shattered their estimates, with record prices realized for studio legends Mary Blair, Eyvind Earle, Peter Ellenshaw and Steamboat Willie’s Ub Iwerks. The wide-ranging auction spanned Disney’s entire animation history and included production cels, animation drawings, concept art, storyboards, Disney book art and Disney fine art.

    “It is so satisfying to see this great art form leap to new heights,” says Jim Lentz, Heritage’s Vice President of Animation and Anime Art. “Seeing such strong sales from Disney’s Golden Age right through to the Disney Renaissance makes this 100 Years of Disney landmark auction so rewarding.”

    The event walked Disney collectors, connoisseurs and fans from 1928’s Steamboat Willie, through its Golden Age shaped by iconic features like Cinderella (featuring the largest single collection of original animation and fine art from this 1950 classic), Snow White and Sleeping Beauty, and into its Renaissance with gems like The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast.

    Mary Blair – Cinderella – Fairy Godmother with Cinderella on Transformed Coach 19″ x 8″ concept painting

    In fact, the highest-priced lot of the event and a record breaker for a Disney artist goes to Mary Blair, who worked for the company for nearly two decades starting in the 1940s. Blair is a favorite of collectors, so it’s no surprise that Heritage set a new auction record for the artist/animator with her 1950 concept painting for Cinderella featuring the would-be princess waving goodbye to her Fairy Godmother as she speeds off to the ball in a transformed coach. The hammer came down at $90,000. (Heritage sold a Blair concept painting for It’s a Small World for $72,000 in 2021 and a Blair production cel from Alice in Wonderland for $78,000 in 2014.)

    For this anniversary event, Blair’s work made up six of the top 10 lots sold. Blair’s concept/color key painting from Cinderella of the Duke and princess in a glass-slipper moment sold for $57,600, and her concept painting from Alice in Wonderland (featuring some mushrooms swaying in the moonlight) sold for $48,000. Her three other artworks amongst the top sellers include two others from Alice (concept painting, $43,200) and Cinderella (color/key painting, $38,400) and Blair’s concept painting from Peter Pan of a swordfight between Peter and Captain Hook, which sold for $38,400.

    Eyvind Earle – Sleeping Beauty – Princess Aurora Sleeping 21″ x 8.25″ concept painting

    Another Disney artist set a new personal record, as a piece by Eyvind Earle was the second highest-grossing artwork in the auction: A 1959 concept painting for Sleeping Beauty depicting Aurora deep in slumber brought $66,000. Another auction top 10 for Earle was his Sleeping Beauty concept painting of Prince Phillip, Samson and Maleficent as a dragon (“Now shall you deal with me, O Prince. And all the powers of hell!”); it sold for $43,200.

    Ub Iwerks – Steamboat Willie – Mickey Mouse animation drawing

    Steamboat Willie, released in black and white in 1928, is one of the first cartoons with synchronized sound and the first glimpse wider audiences got of Mickey Mouse — a classic not only of the Disney canon but all of animation art and the history of cinema. Directed by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks, who  animated the short, this anniversary auction landed the artist a record: his Steamboat Willie animation drawing acts as a charming portrait of the famous mouse in his earliest incarnation. It sold for $24,000.

    Legendary artist Peter Ellenshaw saw an auction record in this event for his Disney work with his 1954 concept painting for 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Acrylic on board and painted only a year after Ellenshaw moved to the States from his home in London, it depicts Captain Nemo’s Nautilus submarine near the island of Vulcania. It sold for $21,600.

    Other notable and top lots in the auction include a pan-sized cel of Maleficent as a dragon in Sleeping Beauty, attributed to top Disney artists, which sold for $45,600; and a set of preliminary roughs and storyboard drawings from Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too (1974) by artist Ted Berman, which sold for $38,400. This sequence depicts the rambunctious Tigger as he grapples with an adventure in tree climbing: “Well, Tigger, your bouncing really got you into trouble this time!”

    Check out all the results from this auction and see more of Heritage Auction’s animation artwork at comics.ha.com.

    Peter and Harrison Ellenshaw – Peter Pan concept painting
  • ‘The Snail and the Whale,’ ‘The Floating World’ Win Animation Prizes at Blue Water

    ‘The Snail and the Whale,’ ‘The Floating World’ Win Animation Prizes at Blue Water

    The 4th Annual Blue Water Film Festival (BWFF) announced this year’s juried award winners at the Closing Night Award Ceremony at the UC San Diego Park & Market on Sunday, June 11. The festival, held from June 8-11, screened over 40 feature, short and animated films.

    “This year’s festival will be remembered as a gathering of acclaimed animated environmental filmmakers with truly compelling stories about our oceans, water and the environment,” said Greg Reitman, Festival Director and Founder. “We are honored to showcase some of the best animated environmental films curated around the globe.

    The Snail and the Whale

    The winner of the Grand Jury Best Animated Film award was The Snail and the Whale, directed by Max Lange and Daniel Snaddon, adapted from the picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The family adventure follows a snail hitching a ride on the tail of a huge humpback whale. When the unlikely friends swim too close to shore, whale’s rescue rests on snail’s tiny shell.

    Produced by Magic Light Pictures, the 27-minute film premiered on BBC One for Christmas 2019, and went on to win honors from the Annie Awards (Best Special Program, 2021), the Banff Rockie Awards (Best Children’s Animation, 2020) and the BAFTA Children & Young People’s Awards (Best Animation, 2022).

    Roads to Regeneration: The Floating World

    The Special Jury Best Animated Film was awarded to The Floating World, directed by Hiroshi Yokota for the Roads to Regeneration documentary shorts collection. Produced by SAP in association with Hot Docs, the hybrid film explores how cultural traditions intertwine with sustainable practices.

    In the piece, a university student struggling with an environmental studies assignment searches for inspiration at an art gallery, and is magically transported into a painting of 19th-century Japan. In Edo, today’s Tokyo, she witnesses a range of everyday sustainable practices — using ashes in the dyeing process, fertilizing fields with night soil, repurposing used kimonos into towels and rags — that helped the country overcome environmental collapse.

    Additional award winners were:

    • Global Citizen Award — Yvon Chouinard, Founder, Patagonia
    • Pioneer Award — Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, best-selling author, Blue Mind
    • Eco Hero Award — Rob Machado, pro surfer and environmentalist

    Jury members were Vrinda Sood, (CEO, Citrus Ink Studios), Chris Henderson (animation producer) and Veronica Taylor (voice of Ash Ketchum in the English-language dub of Pokémon).

    The opening night reception and screening was sponsored by The Israel Consulate and showcased Stevie Salas short film The Water Walker, followed by Mathew Mishory’s Where Are the Marcuses? at the MOPA – Museum Of Photography. The Vistal Bar & Restaurant at the Intercontinental Hotel hosted this year’s filmmaker brunch where $15,000 in prizes were given to attending filmmakers beginning with DELL Technology, Apricorn Technology, Lectrosonics, FilmIc Pro and Sennheiser were presented to the winners.

    Founded in 2020, the Blue Water Film Festival celebrates the United Nations World Oceans Day (June 8) in San Diego, home to the Scripps Oceanographic Institution. The theme of the Festival is our “Blue Planet”; its purpose is to encourage attendees to think broadly about how climate change affects planet Earth and about the actions needed to bring us into balance. About 50% of all film selections are non-U.S. productions, in line with BWFF’s mission of promoting cross-cultural understanding through film.

    Supporters of BWFF 2023 include the Dale and Laura Kutnick Foundation; Walter Munk Foundation; Promotional Partners Umbrella Media, Nautilus Magazine, U.S. Sailing Association, Animation Magazine; Sustaining Sponsors Austrian Consulate, Israeli Consulate, Patagonia Films, Hilton San Diego/Del Mar, Himalaya, Merriam Vineyards, DELL Technology, Image ProGraf, Lectrosonics, Sennheiser, Complete Production Group, and Baja Brewing; Eco Sponsors including Maui Loa, Aura Cacia, Boochcraft, Eco Bags, Eliah Sahil Organics, FilmIc Pro, Kore Infrastructure, Open Water, Batch 22, 1% for the Planet, Ego Id Media, Shore Buddies, Frame Shop, Apricorn, Generaciones Asociadas; Location Partners UC San Diego Park & Market, Digital Gym Cinema, La Paloma Theatre, MOPA, Vistal Bar & Restaurant, The Mangelsen Gallery and the San Diego local arts community.

    bluewaterfilmfestival.org

  • DreamWorks’ ‘Dew Drop Diaries’ Bring Pre-K Fairy Magic to Netflix

    DreamWorks’ ‘Dew Drop Diaries’ Bring Pre-K Fairy Magic to Netflix

    DreamWorks Animation today magicked up the official trailer for its whimsical new preschool animated series, Dew Drop Diaries, which will premiere July 24 exclusively on Netflix. The 28 x 11′ CG-animated show follows the adventures of a trio of tiny fairies as they use their unique powers to help humans in any little way they can.

    Synopsis: Dew Drop Diaries follows a group of three-inch tall family fairies — or as they’re known in the fairy world Dew Drops — who live inside teensy fairy houses on brownstone balcony gardens in “The Big City.” They have been assigned to human families to secretly help out around the house with the little things that can often fall through the cracks, like making sure your first lost tooth actually makes it under your pillow before bedtime or your favorite toy doesn’t get left behind at the park.

     

    Dew Drop Diaries

    Dew Drop Diaries features the voices of Scarlett Estevez as Eden, a Dew Drop who can talk to animals; Viviann Yee as Athena, who has supersized strength; Sydney Mikayla as Phoebe, whose fairy-bility is creating magical music; Zehra Fazal as Dr. Tracy Ryan; Spencer Moss as Harper Ryan, Jakari Fraser as Marcus Greene; Olivia Trujillo as Cassie Cortez-Chang; Nick Kishiyama as Dylan Cortez-Chang; Olivia Daniels as Lola Cortez-Chang; Reggie Watkins as Dr. Damon Greene; Bob Bergen as Hammy the Hamster; Bill Farmer as Wilford the Dog; Dee Bradley Baker as Qwak the Chipmunk and Ruffles the Bird; and Brec Bassinger as Willow.

    The series is created and executive produced by Rick Suvalle, a longtime children’s animation writer and producer whose credits include Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go!, T.O.T.S., The Stinky & Dirty Show and Miles from Tomorrowland. Primetime Emmy and Daytime Emmy nominee Aliki Theofilopoulos (Mickey Mouse, Phineas & Ferb, Doug Unplugs, Harvey Girls Forever!) serves as executive producer.

    Dew Drop Diaries

    Suvalle shared that the show’s positive message was inspired by his own family. “I have two daughters with Type 1 diabetes and my wife and I have always taught them that they can still do anything they set their minds to, so when I had the opportunity to create a new series I wanted it to encompass that same ‘can do’ attitude. And I thought that making the central characters these tiny fairies who defy the odds and do big things, was the perfect metaphor for being a little kid,” said the series creator.

    “However, while developing the series I started to feel that if the fairies could do magic and fly, it was a cheat, and I really wanted to showcase characters that were creative and resourceful in their problem-solving, so I decided to make them ‘fairies-in-training’ where they still have wings, but they can’t fly yet. But it wouldn’t be a true fairy show if the characters didn’t have a little magic, so I decided to give each of the Dew Drops one magic power, or as we like to call them ‘fairy-bilities.’ But at the end of the day, it’s really friendship and teamwork that ends up saving the day.”

    Dew Drop Diaries

    Theofilopoulos, also a parent of two, was attracted to the strong and diverse girl heroes at the center of the show. “We felt that it was incredibly important to have our characters represent what our world actually looks like. We have characters with different body types, abilities, talents, personalities, backgrounds and interests, which felt like a nice cross-section of the beautiful colorful world we live in,” she noted. “We hope kids can see themselves in our character.”

    “Kids are particularly anxious these days, and so focused on achievements, pleasing others, being liked, etc. Our world has some challenges right now and that can be very scary for a child. There is a lot of negative to focus on,” Theofilopoulos added. “We really want to encourage children to focus on the positive, what they have done right rather than the seemingly wrong. We want them to find value in the growth that comes out of life experiences, and notice the joy in the little things, too!”

  • ‘The Dragon Prince’ Season 5 Official Trailer Drops

    ‘The Dragon Prince’ Season 5 Official Trailer Drops

    After a series of tantalizing sneak-peek clips, the official trailer for Season 5 of the critically acclaimed animated fantasy adventure The Dragon Prince has taken wing. From Wonderstorm, Inc., the new nine-episode season will stream on Netflix from Thursday, July 27.

    Season 5 Synopsis: In this exciting next chapter of the “Mystery of Aaravos” arc, we rejoin our heroes after their narrow escape from the depths of Umber Tor. With the map to Aaravos’ prison in hand, Claudia and Terry race against time to save Viren’s life. Meanwhile, Callum, Rayla, Ezran, and Soren seek out new friends (and old) to help them prevent the return of the infamous Startouch Elf.

    The series features the voices of Jack DeSena as Callum, Paula Burrows as Rayla, Sasha Rojen as Ezran, Jason Simpson as Viren, Racquel Belmonte as Claudia, Jesse Inocalla as Soren, Benjamin Callins as Terry and Erik Todd Dellums as Aaravos.

    The Dragon Prince is produced by Wonderstorm and led by co-creators Aaron Ehasz and Justin Richmond. It premiered globally on Netflix in September 2018 and immediately topped popularity lists across Rotten Tomatoes and Fandom. It was quickly renewed for second and third seasons, which premiered in 2019. In 2020, Netflix took the unprecedented step of renewing the series for four additional seasons to fully realize the creators’ vision for the seven-season Saga.

    The Dragon Prince won the 2020 Emmy Award for Outstanding Children’s Animated Series and has been a “Top 10 Digital Original” for all of its season runs. Forbes named it one of the best fantasy shows on TV and all four seasons have a 100% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.