The super popular reptilian teens of comic-dom are ready for their next big-screen refresh! Today, fans got to come out of the sewers of ignorance and into the thick of the action in the new trailer for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies present the Point Grey production in theaters on August 2.
The spot shows off more of our heroes’ distinct personalities, while adding rat dad Shredder, human ally April, a genetically radical rogues gallery of antisocial mutants and, of course, more of the stylish, illustrative CG animation crafted for the pic.
Synopsis: After years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtle brothers set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers through heroic acts. Their new friend April O’Neil helps them take on a mysterious crime syndicate, but they soon get in over their heads when an army of mutants is unleashed upon them.
The film features voice stars Nicolas Cantu (Leonardo), Sharon Brown Jr. (Mikey), Micah Abbey (Donnie), Brady Noon (Raph), Jackie Chan (Splinter), Ayo Edebiri (April), Ice Cube (Superfly), Seth Rogen (Bebop), John Cena (Rocksteady), Paul Rudd (Mondo Gecko), Rose Byrne (Leatherhead), Post Malone (Ray Fillet), Hannibal Buress (Genghis Frog), Natasia Demetriou (Wing Nut), Maya Rudolph (Cynthia Utrom) and Giancarlo Esposito (Baxter Stockman).
Based on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles characters created by Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman, Mutant Mayhem is directed by Jeff Rowe (The Mitchells vs. The Machine), co-directed by Kyler Spears and written by Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg & Jeff Rowe and Dan Hernandez & Benji Samit. Rogen, Goldberg and James Weaver producer; Ramsey McBean and Josh Fagen are executive producers.
Millimages announced the appointment of Clément Le Strat to its development team. In the role of Development Manager, Le Strat will report to Producer and head of the development division, Bonnie Lener. The deo will be attending Annecy Festival in June (Stand E20) to present a third television season and second feature film from the classic Lascars property, an exclusive spin-off of Molang and kids’ comedy series Camp Farmcreek.
“It is a very exciting opportunity to join one of the most iconic and
ground-breaking independent studios in France,” said Le Strat. “I am really looking forward to working with Millimages’ creative talent and helping to expand the scope of their amazing catalog.”
Le Strat has worked in the animation industry since 2004 at some of the top studios in France. At Disney France, he spent 11 years as Program Development Manager and Editorial Advisor, overseeing over 60 animated and live-action series. At Studio Redfrog, he managed development from 2019 to 2023, notably on the series Smarty Pants, a 52 x 12′ animated comedy for Canal +, ITV and Cartoon Network Italia, winner of the Best Animated Series for 7-9 year olds at the 2023 Luchon Festival.
Colm Tyrell
Boulder Media announced Colm Tyrrell is set to join the animation studio as Head of Studio Production on June 6. Established in 2000, Boulder Media is one of Ireland’s most prolific animation studios, producing My Little Pony, The Amazing World of Gumball and Danger Mouse, and garnering numerous awards and nominations around the world for its work. The studio was acquired by Princess Pictures last year.
Tyrell’s appointment to the newly created role is part of Boulder Media’s growth strategy which will see the company scaling and seeking talented artists to work on its exciting new slate of prime-time, family and kids’ animated productions, including the forthcoming Grimsburg, an animated sitcom, voiced by Jon Hamm, produced for Fox.
“Having admired the work of Boulder Media for many years, I am delighted to join the team at such an exciting juncture as it adds a new specialty of primetime adult comedy, including high end projects such as Grimsburg and Krapopolis for Fox,” said Tyrell.
“Together with my new Boulder Media colleagues, I look forward to many exciting meetings at Annecy International Animation Film Festival next month, where the wider industry gathers each year for an inspiring week celebrating all things animation.”
With over 20 years’ experience in the TV and production industries, Tyrrell has established himself as a leading expert in producing animated series. He was series producer of Doc McStuffins, Vampirina and Henry Hugglemonster for Disney, and in his most recent role as Director of Production at Brown Bag Films, played a crucial role in overseeing the success of Angela’s Christmas (Netflix), Karma’s World (Netflix), Otis the Tractor and Eva the Owlet (Apple TV+), and Lu & The Ballybunch (Warner).
Tyrell has earned multiple Emmy nods, a BAFTA nomination and recognition from both the Producers Guild of America and the Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA) as well as an Irish Animation Award win.
Sarah McGrail
New York based creative studio Assembly has welcomed Senior Vice President of VFX, Sarah McGrail to its Senior Management team. “I’m thrilled to be part of Assembly, a team known for its outstanding creative talent and innovative, flexible workflows. As the VFX industry continues to evolve, we have a unique opportunity to build on our successful client collaborations, and to push the boundaries of what’s possible in visual effects,” said McGrail.
As an acclaimed executive producer, McGrail has worked on over 90 notable episodic, feature film and commercial projects over the last decade, including The Walking Dead, Star Trek: Picard and Game of Thrones. She joins the Assembly team from Ghost VFX, where she was VP and Executive Producer of VFX.
McGrail is an active member of the filmmaking community, working to advance diversity and inclusion through the Visual Effects Society, Television Academy of Arts & Sciences, Women in Film and the Producers Guild of America.
Since its inception in 2021, Assembly’s VFX division has worked with the likes of Netflix, Hulu, HBO, A24, MGM, Amazon Prime Video and more to deliver The Last of Us, The Boston Strangler, Mrs Davis and others. McGrail will be working closely with Dave Zeevalk, SVP & Creative Director of VFX, to expand the division’s global creative offering and technical growth, with a focus on offering premium visual effects capabilities with a completely remote and cloud based setup.
Phil Rynda
Phil Rynda announced via LinkedIn that he has joined The Pokémon Company International as Director of Original Animation. The animation veteran will be involved in producing new animated features, series and short-form content for the global gaming and anime brand.
Rynda joins the Pokémon gym from his former post as Director of Creative Leadership & Development for Netflix Animation. Before this, he served as VP of Development at Nickelodeon and was a Creative Director at Cartoon Network. Rynda is an exec with deep creative background, having created Emmy-winning character designs for Billy & Mandy’s Big Boogey Adventure; his credits also include Gravity Falls, We Bare Bears, Adventure Time, Chowder, The Venture Bros. and The LEGO Movie.
John M. Jacobsen
This year’s Fredrikstad Animation Festival (October 19-22) will welcome Norwegian film producer John M. Jacobsen as Guest of Honor and winner of the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award. Jacobsen is being recognized for his contributions to the animation film industry, as well as his efforts to elevate the importance of visual effects in Norwegian cinema.
Throughout his extensive career, Jacobsen is primarily known as a significant producer. Since his debut with Prima Vera’s Saga about Olav the Holy in 1983, followed by Hard Asphalt (1986) and Pathfinder (1987), he has produced over 40 titles spanning over four decades. In 1988, he established the Norwegian subsidiary of Svensk Filmindustri, SF Norge AS, which quickly became the country’s largest distribution company. In 1996, he shifted his focus entirely to film production. The much-awarded producer’s Max Manus (2008) is the biggest Norwegian box office success in modern times with 1.2 million tickets sold, and his series The Heavy Water War (2015) is the most-watched drama production in Norwegian TV history, averaging 1.8 million viewers per episode.
In 1997, Jacobsen created Norway’s first full-length animated film, Gurin with the Foxtail, and has produced a total of four full-length animated films and over 50 animated TV episodes featuring Elias, the Little Rescue Boat, and Blekkulf, the former of which was nominated for an Emmy. He has also been a driving force in implementing CGI technology in Norwegian films, including The Hunt for the Kidney Stone (1986), and last year’s Viking Wolf, which made it to Netflix’s international top 10 list of most-watched non-English language films.
L-R,: (top) Mike Nelson, Karen Jackson, Matthew Celestial, (bottom) Charles Paek, Ryan Tuttle, Darryl Lai
More Moves:
VOLT Studios welcomes Mike Nelson as Animation Director, to enhance and build the full-service content company’s 3D animation and motion design offerings.
Toy & entertainment company Toikido has appointed licensing veteran Darryl Lai as its new Managing Director for the Americas, establishing Toikido USA.
TAAFI (Toronto Animation Arts Festival International) announced that co-founder Barnabas Wornoff will be stepping down as Chair of the non-profit organization’s board. The board has appointed Karen Jackson, a longtime TAAFI leader and board member, to assume the Chair role, overseeing the leadership of the non-profit. Additionally, Matthew Celestial, another board member and head of publicity, will assume the role of Treasurer, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the non-profit.
Creative studio Mr Wolf is expanding its advertising division with Creative Director Ryan Tuttle and Creative Director/CG Supervisor Charles Paek joining its senior creative team in the shop’s Atlanta studio and Los Angeles headquarters, respectively.
Genius Brands International, Inc. announced the appointment of Henry Sicignano III (President, Charlie’s Holdings, Inc.) to the Company’s board of directors.
Creative and technology studio Preymaker expands its West Coast team with four new hires: Adam Lambert, Roxy Zuckerman and Michael Reed join the Creative team, while Mattias Andersson joins the studio’s dedicated Technology crew.
Clockwise: Adam Lambert, Michael Reed, Matthias Anderson and Roxy Zuckerman (Preymaker)
Boutique digital-first studio Amuse Animation has opened an office in China, to be headed by distribution, co-production and licensing executive Entin Liu. The move follows the company’s recent appointment of Jiella Esmat as Chief Revenue Officer, based in London, to oversee the growth of the company’s 360 content development worldwide.
“China is an instrumental part of our expansion plan as we prepare to scale the company outside of YouTube and move into full 360 IP exploitation,” commented Esmat. “We’re building on our existing success in this uniquely dynamic market and are looking forward to brokering co-productions and long-term animation alliances between our partners in the East and the West.”
As Head of APAC reporting to Esmat, Liu will be responsible for managing local distribution and co-production relationships, and developing consumer product opportunities throughout the region.
“I am delighted to become the latest member of Amuse Animation’s growing team, and to be part of such a forward-thinking studio,” said Liu . “Having a presence in the region will help bring more opportunities to the company while continuing to deliver a steady stream of great preschool content to our partners and future clients.”
Prior to joining Amuse, Liu distributed content regionally for Fifth Season, Nickelodeon/Viacom, Regency and Paramount; facilitated co-productions for Fox, Insight TV and Tencent; and managed licensing for Aniplex (Demon Slayer), DeAPlaneta Kids & Family (Milo) — formerly Planeta Junior — and ADK (Yu-Gi-Oh!). She also worked as Director, International Distribution and Licensing at the Fox Networks Group.
Amuse Animation has a number of long-term successful partnerships in the region, including in China, where it was awarded Best Cooperation Partner and Best Content Creators at the Tencent Video Digital Content Creators Summit in 2021. The new office in China is intended to build on these mutual relationships throughout the entire APAC region and will serve as an extension of the company’s existing business activities in Paris, Gran Canaria and London.
In October 2022, Esmat, former Senior Director of Distribution and Content Partnerships for Moonbug, joined the company as Chief Revenue Officer. Based in London, Esmat’s remit is to drive the group’s core business streams focusing on the 360 exploitation of digital-first preschool properties, as well as to develop co-production partnerships and 2D/3D animation production servicing for third parties looking to combine premium animation with Amuse’s efficient and cost-effective, digital-first production workflow.
Amuse Animation’s other regional offices are based in France and the Canaries:
Amuse Studios & Amuse Apps based in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the heart of the company’s production activity, is a service studio as well as an original content creator. The group’s creative and production hub specializes in 2D & 3D animated content, entertaining and educational preschool series, audio content, and gaming apps. Their location in Las Palmas provides access to unique financial incentives offered by the Canary Islands (up to 54% for international productions) making it an ideal partner for production service work.
Amuse Animation Paris was where the company’s original preschool animated properties were developed, starting in 2016 when it launched its first series on YouTube. Today development is carried out at Amuse Studios in the Canaries, while the Paris team manages distribution, co-productions and L&M for the group.
Founded in 2014 by Arthur Lener, Amuse Animation focuses on incubating and distributing original IPs created by the studio or in partnership with toy/content creators, and providing third party 2D & 3D animation service work. The company has created and launched 30-plus self-funded preschool properties on YouTube since 2016 and has provided studio services for global hit series such as Molang, Louis and Tulipop. Its catalog of original productions comprises 4,900 episodes in 25+ languages. The studio is currently in production on Hasbro eOne’s first ever digital-led preschool animated series, and in development on three premium series based on the Amuse’s top performing digital IPs.
Anime/manga producer VIZ Media announced release plans for two eagerly awaited titles this weekend:
BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2, based on Tite Kubo’s manga, will continue the story on 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, Star+ and Disney+ and the simulcast will have English, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, French, German and Italian subtitles. VIZ Media holds worldwide rights (excluding Asia).
Synopsis: Was it all just a coincidence, or was it inevitable? Ichigo Kurosaki gained the powers of a Soul Reaper through a chance encounter. As a Substitute Soul Reaper, Ichigo became caught in the turmoil of the Soul Society, a place where deceased souls gather. But with help from his friends, Ichigo overcame every challenge to become even stronger.
When new Soul Reapers and a new enemy appear in his hometown of Karakura, Ichigo jumps back into the battlefield with his Zanpakuto to help those in need. Meanwhile, the Soul Society is observing a sudden surge in the number of Hollows being destroyed in the World of the Living. They also receive separate reports of residents in the Rukon District having gone missing. Finally, the Seireitei, home of the Soul Reapers, comes under attack by a group calling themselves the Wandenreich.
Led by Yhwach, the father of all Quincies, the Wandenreich declare war against the Soul Reapers with the following message: “Five days from now, the Soul Society will be annihilated by the Wandenreich.” The history and truth kept hidden by the Soul Reapers for a thousand long years is finally brought to light. All things must come to an end —as Ichigo Kurosaki’s final battle begins!
Produced by Pierrot studio in Japan and directed by Tomohisa Taguchi, Part 2 features the voices of Masakazu Morita as Ichigo, Fumiko Orikasa as Rukia Kuchiki, Noriaki Sugiyama as Uryu Inoue, Hiroki Yasumoto as Yasutora Sado (Chad) and Kentaro Ito as Renji Abarai, with Takayuki Sugo as Yhwach. The Part 1 English dub cast is led by Johnny Yong Bosch (Ichigo), Michelle Ruff (Rukia), Derek Stephen Prince (Uryu), Stephanie Sheh (Orihime), Wally Wingert (Renji) and Alain Mesa (Chad). Pt. 2 features opening theme “STARS” by w.o.d.
Part 1 of Thousand-Year Blood War 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.
VIZ Media’s exclusive acquisition of the series includes video on demand, home video, electronic sell-through, television and merchandise rights.
“Through his visual genius, Tite Kubo has had an indelible impact on the fandom world and the course of manga and anime history. He is also a supremely gifted and accomplished storyteller, and it is a great honor for VIZ Media to acquire this final arc in his legendary catalogue BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War, for fans everywhere,” said Brad Woods, Chief Marketing Officer VIZ Media.
The new series Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, based on the manga by creators Haro Aso and Kotaro Takata (published in Shogakukan’s Monthly Sunday Gene-X), will stream on Hulu and Netflix in the U.S. The show will kick off with a simulcast Hulu premiere at 2 a.m. PDT on Sunday, July 9, with details for Netflix and other platforms to be announced.
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!!
Zom 100 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.
The series is directed by Kazuki Kawagoe and stars Shuichiro Umeda as Akira and Tomori Kusunoki as Shizuka. Animation production by BUG FILMS. Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead also features an opening theme by KANA-BOON and ending theme by Shiyui.
This summer, families are invited to discover the fantastical world of ancient forests and be enchanted by the captivating adventure of Mavka, a guardian and soul of the forest, in the new CG-animated feature Mavka: The Forest Song. On August 15, Shout! Kids, in collaboration with Animagrad Animation Studio and Film.UA Group, will present this modern ecological myth to North American audiences for the first time on DVD and digital download.
Produced by Ukraine-based Animagrad (The Stolen Princess) amid the ongoing attack from Russia, the filmmaking process for Mavka: The Forest Song was hindered by continuous armed bombardment, gunfire, unrest and massive property destruction onsite. Some of the team worked from home or in bomb shelters, while others worked remotely from other refuges across Europe. (Read more.)
Based on the Ukrainian drama The Forest Song by celebrated poet and author Lesya Ukrainka, Mavka: The Forest Song blends ancient Slavic traditions and folklore with a modern narrative that showcases Ukrainian culture, values, designs and music. The movie’s soundtrack was written by well-known Ukrainian musicians, a mix of folk tunes in modern adaptations and compositions created especially for this animated adventure.
The movie is available fore pre-order at ShoutFactory.com. The NorAm DVD release includes a bonus featurette, music video and trailers.
Synopsis: Mavka — the soul of the forest — has been chosen by the supreme spirits to become the forest’s new guardian. But when she meets a talented human musician named Lucas, a man on the hunt for a mysterious tree with the power to give life, she is faced with an impossible choice between her newfound love and her duty to the spirits. Can humans and the forest live in harmony, or will greed and vice destroy them both?
Mavka features the voices of Laurie Hymes (Lupin III: The First), Eddy Lee (Your Name), Sarah Natochenny (Pokemon Master Journeys), Tom Wayland (Pokemon), Marc Thompson (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Scottie Ray (Zane Truesdale), HD Quinn (A Night Before Christmas), Nikki Thomas (Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous), Alyson Leigh Rosenfeld (Pokemon) and Mike Pollock (A Cat in Paris).
Oleg Malamuzh and Sasha Ruban direct the English-language movie. The screenplay was written by Yaroslav Voytseshek, and producers are Iryna Kostyuk, Anna Eliseeva and Egor Olesov. The creative/production team also includes line producers Yana Medvedieva and Sasha Lutsenko, head of production Andrew Militskiy and art director Kristian Koskinin. The production was supported by the Ukrainian State Film Agency and United States Agency for International Development
The film first drew international attention when the initial teaser was presented at the MIFA content market in 2017 in Annecy. It was the only Ukrainian project to be selected to be pitched at the European feature animation forum, Cartoon Movie 2017 in Bordeaux, for two years in a row. The project has since grown into a multi-platform IP, the Mavka Universe, which brings together people from the creative, technological and business spheres, scientific and public institutions, and government agencies.
Last June, Toon Factory reported having several new projects, both adaptations and original concepts, in development. Two of these projects, How to Squoosh? and Moods, have just gone into production with Canal+ and France Télévisions, respectively. Thierry Berthier, who co-founded the Paris studio with Maureen de Choiseul in 1999, further announced today the development of the first animated series starring the popular comic-book character, the student Ducaboo.
“I’m thrilled that these projects are taking form and am delighted that they offer kids a whole range of endearing characters and attractive stories. I’m particularly fond of the adaptation of the literary success Ducoboo. We will be working with the author of the comics to mold our dear little blond friend and his cohorts into more complex characters,” said Berthier.
“This project fits perfectly into Toon Factory’s editorial line, which emphasizes the message while not forgetting the importance of design. The message here is playing down the guilt and promoting guidance in the face of scholastic failure thus fighting against preconceived ideas and stereotypes. A little nod to all those bad students who succeeded in life!”
How to Squoosh?
Based on the set of 15 comic books, already a hit in 10 countries with more than 270,000 copies sold in France alone, which were awarded the famous Albertine Jeunesse prize in New York last year. This 2D animated comedy sets kids against the monsters who symbolize their fears showing how they always manage to “squoosh” them with humor, intelligence and joy.
Director: Aleksandar Dzoni Sopov
Based on the books by Catherine Leblanc and Roland Garrigue (P’tit Glénat) Format: 52 x 12’ Audience: 5-7 years old Animation technique: 2D Script Director: Vincent De Mul Broadcaster: Canal+ Kids Distribution: Studio Canal
Synopsis: Welcome to How to Squoosh?, the “live” TV show that squooshes, crushes and flattens monsters and everything that scares kids, big and small. Witches, ogres, ghosts and hairy monsters of all kinds better hold on if they don’t want to end up flatter than a pancake.
How to Squoosh? is a joyful show which allows kids to play with their fears and crush them. To present the show, a dream team: the intrepid Chloe, squoosher in chief. At eight years old, she’s no pushover. She is accompanied by Spookie, her faithful monster. She thinks she has tamed him, but he’s is really a reflection of her own fear. We’ll see how complicated this can really get!
Moods
Gentle and mischievous, Moods is inspired by the innovative educational methods that are more and more popular today. Positive and comforting, they show kids how to explore their emotions and learn how to manage them during the conflicts of everyday life. Prof. Rebecca Shankland and Dr. Béatrice Lamboy, both specialists in developmental psychology, have lent their expertise to this project. The scripts are being reviewed by the group “Scholavie,” represented by Laure Reynaud, specialist in psycho-social questions, and the child psychologist Clémence Gayet, collaborating with the writing team to greenlight the way the themes and emotions are discussed.
Development: Séverine Vuillaume and Nathalie Reznikoff, based on Séverine Vuillaume’s original concept Director: Marie-Laure Pitschon Lautric Format: 52 x 7’ Audience: 3-5 years old Animation technique: 2D Script Director: Séverine Vuillaume Broadcaster: France Télévisions Distribution: France TV Distribution
Synopsis:MOODS — At the heart of their emotions! The Moods are 12 little characters who each represent an emotion and live it 150%! With their well defined personalities, watch out for trouble! How do you calm down Furax who’s angry, loosen Timi who’s blocked up, soothe Sniff who is crying buckets or play with Groangroan who is sulking in a corner. Like children who are confronted every day by similar situations, the Moods are overcome by the flow of their emotions. In helping each other, they will discover how to do things differently. They invite young spectators to identify, understand and calmly resolve daily emotional conflicts.
The Ducaboo Gang
Based on the comic-book series L’Élève Ducobu by Zidrou and Godi (Editions Lombard).
Director: TBA Format: 52 x 11’ Audience: 6-10 years old Animation technique: 2D tradi-digital Broadcaster: TBA
Synopsis: The Ducoboo Gang takes a second look at Ducoboo, the student: he’s younger, no longer on his own, clearly a bright kid … who’s about to flunk out. He definitely “Can do better!” As well as being a whimsical, sensitive look at a gang of friends in a schoolyard setting, the series also highlights important values like solidarity, tolerance and living in a multicultural society. In short, the ingredients needed to live together! It also teaches us that there are unconventional ways of learning which sometimes need to be adapted to individual students.
Ducoboo, age nine, gifted and hyperactive; Leonie Gratin, eight, top of the class with dreams of becoming the best in the school; and Nerd, eight, unbeatable in the most complicated subjects, will, thanks to their team spirit, their imagination and their cunning, foil all Professor Latouche’s nasty tricks and the Little Pest’s deceptions. This is how Ducoboo earned the title “The best bad student ever” — keeping the title takes audacity and determination!
Cartoon Saloon’s animated fantasy film My Father’s Dragon came out on top at the 2023 Irish Animation Awards (irishanimationawards.ie) on Saturday, with an incredible five wins, including Best Irish Feature. My Father’s Dragon was directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Nora Twomey (TheBreadwinner) and released by Netflix.
Igloo Animation’s children’s series produced for RTÉjr, Tales from Dún Draíochta, came away with two wins, including Best Animated Kids’ Series. Sixteen South’s preschool series Odoalso bagged two awards on the night.
The biennial awards ceremony was held in-person for the first time since 2019 and was hosted by Irish TV and radio star Baz Ashmawy in Galway. This was a record year for the Irish Animation Awards, as 53 Irish productions were nominated. The ceremonyon May 27 featured the inaugural Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Award, which was presented to Teresa Mc Grane, formerly of Screen Ireland, who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support and nurture the growth of the Irish animation industry.
Tales from Dún Draíochta
Odo
“It has been yet another superb and record-breaking year for Irish animation with 53 productions nominated,” commented Ronan McCabe, Chief Executive, Animation Ireland. “The sector is continuing to power ahead both in terms of the quality of the work being produced, which you can certainly see from the awards ceremony and the number of productions being delivered. The Irish Animation Awards is a wonderful occasion to celebrate the hard work, dedication, talent and outstanding creativity we have here in Ireland.’’
McCabe added, “Animation Ireland puts a huge emphasis on education and training and helping the next generation of animators to thrive, so it was amazing to see so many fantastic entries for Best Student Film, which was won by Avery Angle for Small Makings of a Storm. Thanks very much to our sponsors for their support, all twenty-seven of them! The response from the industry has been overwhelming and whilst our headline sponsors are RTÉ and Screen Ireland, we could not have run this event without all of them and in this instance they are truly too numerous to mention!’’
The Small Makings of a Storm
Winners of each category received a statuette designed by animator, film maker and teacher Eimhín McNamara. The statuette resembles a Phenakistoscope, an early animation device used to create an illusion of motion.
Animation Ireland is the trade association for Ireland’s animation studios, representing 44 member studios employing more than 2,000 people on the island of Ireland. The sector has seen major growth in recent years, with the industry now generating almost €200 million for the economy annually, as Irish animation projects screen in more than 190 countries worldwide.
Circle Square
2023 Irish Animation Awards Winners
Best Animated Preschool Series — Circle Square | Kavaleer Productions, Wyndley Animation
Best Animated Kids Series 6+ — Tales from Dún Draíochta | Igloo Animations, Trevor Courtney
On top of all the warm weather frolics to enjoy when summer finally arrives, kids and families can tag along with their favorite PBS KIDS characters on thrilling animated adventures all season long! Programming highlights include new movies from Alma’s Way, Molly of Denali and Ready Jet Go!, new episodes from recently launched series Work It Out Wombats! and Rosie’s Rules and even the debut of a new podcast, Keyshawn Solves It — and many more opportunities for fun and learning.
“Summer is a perfect time for families to play and discover together, and we’re so excited to present brand-new content, activities, and resources to help inspire and support them in all their exploration this season,” said Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President and General Manager, PBS KIDS. “From adventuring with friends like Alma and Molly to getting inspired to explore something new, PBS KIDS is a trusted resource for supporting summer fun and learning, wherever kids and families are.”
Launching May 29, Keyshawn Solves It is a new podcast from GBH Kids and distribution partner PRX. Created and executive produced by Ed Jenkins and executive produced by Dorothea Gillim, the free, serialized podcast is about a 10-year-old African-American boy who inherits a set of keys that he uses to help solve the mystery of disappearing bikes in his North Minneapolis neighborhood. It also introduces young listeners to Juneteenth and its origins while reinforcing important lessons that are “keys to success,” such as resilience, self-worth, and responsibility.
The podcast will include eight episodes and will roll out twice weekly on the PBS KIDS Video App, PBS KIDS YouTube channel, and all major podcasting platforms. Listen to the trailer here.
Alma’s Way – Alma Goes to Puerto Rico
Animated programming to look forward to includes:
“Alma Goes to Puerto Rico,” an hour-long movie from Alma’s Way that follows Alma as she travels to Puerto Rico with her family to celebrate her Bisabuela’s 100th birthday. She searches for the perfect birthday present, explores the San Juan and Loíza areas, and dances Bomba on the beach, all while learning even more about Puerto Rico and her heritage (June 5). (Read more.)
New episodes of Rosie’s Rules(June 26).
“Wise Raven & Old Crow,” a one-hour Molly of Denali movie that follows Molly and her family as they embark on a river trip to a traditional Gwich’in village to honor their late Grandma Catherine. Getting there won’t be easy, so Molly must connect with her culture and listen to the land to get everyone there safely (July 10).
“Space Camp,” a brand-new, out-of-this-world, feature-length film from Ready Jet Go!, timed to the anniversary of the Moon landing (July 20).
New episodes from Work It Out Wombats! (July 24).
Molly of Denali – Wise Raven & Old Crow
Youngsters and their guardians can also enjoy new games debuting on PBS KIDS platforms this summer, including:
Boom Boom Bah / ¡Tutún Pà! from Alma’s Way. Make music with Alma and her family in Puerto Rico! An update to this bilingual game brings new decorations, songs and instruments added for players to make remixes with Alma, Junior and Prima Yvette.
Rosie Care from Rosie’s Rules. Join Rosie as she helps with important care-taking jobs and routines — no job is too small! Take care of Dragon the bunny, help Iggy get ready for bed, water Tía’s jalapeño plant, pet Gatita, and more. Players will use tools and supplies to learn about the difference between needs and wants — all while keeping everyone happy and healthy.
Elmo and Grover’s Farm Time Fun from Sesame Street. Explore the farm with Elmo and Grover! Learn about farm life as you help them plant and harvest food, sort animals and even make a farm stand band!
Families can also visit pbskidsforparents.org/summer for activities and everyday fun, including resources for parents and caregivers to help extend the learning beyond the classroom this summer. Parents can stream PBS KIDS for free anytime, whether at home or on the go.
Ragna Crimson, the dark fantasy anime telling the story of the epic battle between humanity and dragonkind, will have its Japanese broadcast premiere on Saturday, September 30. A second trailer, featuring cast members Takehito Koyasu and Reina Ueda, has also been unleashed.
Based on the manga by Daiki Kobayashi, currently serialized in Monthly Gangan Joker (Vol. 1-11 collections are also available), the series follows Ragna — a dragon hunter armed with a silver blade and tasked with felling the draconic foe. The action series will air on Tokyo MX, MBS and BS11.
In the new trailer, which was sneak peeked at AnimeJapan in March, viewers are introduced to (voiced by Chiaki Kobayashi) and his partner Crimson (Ayumu Murase) in their quest to bring the overwhelmingly powerful monsters to their demise. Also featured for the first time are Grymwelte (Koyasu) and Ultimatia (Ueda).
Reina Ueda
Takehito Koyasu
“Whenever I went in for recording, I always went at it as if I had a serious chance of beating the main character — but sheesh, is he tough!” Koyasu commented. “It’s fun to play the villain, but I can’t say I like losing battles.”
Speaking on her character, Ueda shared, “When I first read the manga, I was really drawn to Ultimatia. Imagine how happy I was when I landed the role! She seems like a young girl as delicate and fragile as glass, but from her words and actions, there’s something beyond the kind façade — something off-putting.”
The series is produced by animation studio Silver Link (Kokoro Correct, Non Non Biyori, Restaurant to Another World, My Next Life as a Villainess), directed by Ken Takahashi (Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba-, Sword Art Online). The series story editor and writer is Deko Akao; character design by Shimpei Aoki, music by Kouji Fujimoto (Sus4Inc) and Osamu Sasaki. Makoto Endo is the 3D animation director for Tri-Slash.
Synopsis: Dragon hunters: warriors armed with silver swords who kill their prey for bounty. Lowest among their ranks is Ragna, who forms an improbable partnership with the young genius Leonica, a master dragon slayer with more kills to her name than almost any other. All Ragna wants is to stay by Leonica’s side, but his dream is shattered by an attack from the deadliest dragon imaginable. As Ragna faces off against a mighty enemy, a recurring nightmare crosses his mind — a vision of his future self, powerful beyond all, yet with nothing left to protect, living a future of loneliness and despair.
What will his future self tell him? What path will he choose to walk? Will Ragna and his newfound companion Crimson be able to avert this dark future? They’re up against the most powerful beings in the world — left with no choice but to fight. Push past your limits towards victory … towards a super-stoic isekai battle adventure!
The cast also featured Inori Minase as Leo, Shunsuke Takeuchi as Disas Trois, Shioya Kozo as Temruogtaf, Yoshihito Sasaki as Michael, Takashi Matsuyama as King Femud and Nobutoshi Canna as Future Ragna.
A new animated short inspired by the life of Vishavjit Singh — the ‘Sikh Captain America’ — will have its world premiere at the Oscar-qualifying Tribeca Film Festival next month (June 7-18). The film was created to bring more Sikh representation to screens, and challenge perceptions of what makes an American (and a superhero).
American Sikh is animated by Studio Showoff, a Melbourne-based production house founded by Ivan Dixon and Sean Zwan that has produced work for Childish Gambino, HBO and Cartoon Network. The film will premiere at Tribeca in New York on Saturday, June 10 at 5:15 p.m., with encores Sunday, June 11 at 2:15 p.m. and Saturday, June 17 at 12;15 p.m.
Singh is publicly known for his Captain America persona — a Sikh man equipped with his turban and beard — fighting against bigotry, intolerance. The New York-based illustrator, writer, performance artist, diversity speaker and creator of sikhtoons.com cultivated this character and his love of cartooning in the post-9/11 era, when Americans who looked like him became the targets of hate crimes.
Singh is the first member of his family born in the U.S., and has dedicated the last few years to travelling the country as his superhero alter-ego to battle bigotry and fear with a humorous touch. He hosts talks & keynotes in schools, universities, government agencies and companies including Google, Apple, NASA & Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. His message and work has been covered by a number of news outlets, including the New York Times, NPR, BBC, The Atlantic, Huffington Post, The Guardian and Time Magazine.
The Sikh Captain America himself produced and directed the film in partnership with Los Angeles-based director Ryan Westra. Westra too has a record of telling important stories. In his career, he has traveled to Punjab to capture undocumented stories of Sikh genocide, documented the struggles of indigenous people against oil companies in Montana, followed AIDS/HIV outreach in Mozambique and tackled topics from reproductive rights to para-athletes, mindfulness, efforts for L.A.’s unhoused, miscarriages of justice and corrupt cult leaders.
Watch the trailer for American Sikh and purchase Tribeca screening tickets here.
Thatchers Cider unveils a new TV commercial this week, which sees the Somerset cider maker collaborate with multi-Academy Award-winning studio Aardman. Airing for the first time at 9:15 p.m. on May 25, the commercial uses stop-motion animation to bring the viewer through the gates of Thatchers’ own Myrtle Farm home to discover how the family cider maker crafts “Pint-Sized Perfection.”
Aardman once again applies its world-class skills in hand-made miniature worlds to bring Thatchers’ expert process to the screen. Elements of Myrtle Farm such as its orchards help tell the story of producing the perfect drop of cider. Some familiar faces make an appearance throughout the commercial, including fourth generation cider maker Martin Thatcher making a big entrance for the weekly 12:30 tasting. Viewers may also recognize the iconic Thatchers hot air balloon from previous ads, as well as Myrtle, the family dog.
Thatchers Cider, with premium brands including Thatchers Gold, Haze and Blood Orange, is still making cider at the same family farm where founder William Thatcher first grew and pressed apples almost 120 years ago. The Pint-Sized Perfection commercial tells the story of the Thatchers commitment to crafting the tastiest ciders, with authenticity and sustainability.
“Partnering with Aardman, a truly iconic brand with such amazing creative genius, and situated in the West Country as we are, allows us to introduce consumers to a new light-hearted, storytelling creative about our ciders,” said Martin Thatcher. “With total commitment to quality, perfection and sustainability every step of the way, the commercial shines a spotlight on the Thatchers world in this contemporary way.”
Viewers may also recognize the familiar voice of the narrator, Richard Ede, who has featured in previous commercials from Thatchers. The spot, conceptualized by creative communications agency, Bray Leino, has been directed by Will Studd from Aardman and produced by Danny Gallagher.
“I am thrilled to be directing a new advert for Thatchers, a cider brand that shares our passion for craft and attention to detail. As a paid-up cider enthusiast, I am drinking in the opportunity to bring the Thatchers family, farm, dog, and selected staff members to life with detailed puppets and sets,” explained Studd. “Being able to collaborate with such a well-established South West brand on this project is an honor, I’m eager to create a beautiful film that captures the essence of Thatchers and their focus on perfection.”
Thatcher continues, “This is a film that allows people to step into the world of Thatchers. Our passion for creating the most perfect cider is reflected in the genius of Aardman, whose animators have recreated life at Myrtle Farm in the most minute and exacting detail, from our iconic barn doors, to our hot air balloon where the basket was handwoven out of real straw. Fabric from our own workwear has even been used to create some of the costumes. “In partnering with Aardman we’ve been in awe of their attention to detail, their pursuit of perfection, which truly resonates with all that we strive for at Thatchers.”
Pint-Sized Perfection will have a multi-media launch, the campaign continuing through to August. This will include linear TV, broadcast video on demand, cinema and YouTube. This will be enhanced with 48 sheet and six sheet OOH, and a consumer-focused social media campaign.
Tasty facts about the production:
In-between each shot, the model of Myrtle the dog would need to have her hair done with a toothbrush.
The tiny Thatchers bottles were 3 cm in height, 1.5 cm in width. They were made from molding tiny sculpted wooden bottles and casting in resin.
The puppets are all between 25-30 cm in height.
A beard trimmer was used to cut the grass.
There are different sizes of prop apple, ranging from tangerine size to chickpea size, depending on the scale of set or the perspective.
The costumes were made from real fabric, paying attention to the size of weave to make sure they didn’t appear too chunky. They were ironed using (real) tiny irons.
The hot air balloon basket was hand woven out of real straw.
Immerse yourself in the hilarious SpongeBob Universe all summer long, as fresh content featuring our porous hero and his eclectic sea creature pals rolls out across Paramount+ and Nickelodeon.
Enjoy all that Bikini Bottom has to offer on Paramount+, the pineapple-home of the SpongeBob Universe on streaming — where SpongeBob SquarePants reigns as the No. 1 kids’ & family title. All-new episodes of the platform’s original series Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years debut on May 26, with a second season due to set sail exclusively on Paramount+ next year.
In these all-new episodes, SpongeBob, Sandy, and Patrick get split up into separate cabins, an accident causes Patrick and Karen to switch bodies and Narlene and Nobby disguise themselves at Camp Master Krabs, among many other adventures. In an exclusive clip shared with Animation Magazine, from the episode “Are You Smarter Than a Smart Cabin?,” our favorite squirrel genius invents a “Smart Cabin” to help the gang avoid doing their chores.
These new Kamp Koral adventures join a treasure chest of SpongeBob content on the streamer. All of the franchise’s films, such as the Paramount+ original The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run, plus The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Waterand The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie are also available on the service. As of May 31, Seasons 1-12 of the SpongeBob SquarePants television series library will be available, and the crossover special SpongeBob SquarePants Presents The Tidal Zone will make its Paramount+ debut.
Additional titles available to stream include The SpongeBob Musical, SpongeBob DocuPants: A Bikini Bottom Documentary and SpongeBob As Told By.
SpongeBob SquarePants
Television audiences won’t be left out of the summer-long SpongeBob splash: Nickelodeon will celebrate SpongeBob Universe by premiering all-new episodes ofSpongeBob SquarePantsandThe Patrick Star Show, along with encore airings of the Paramount+ original series Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years.
In the all-new SpongeBob SquarePants episodes, Sandy’s homemade snack becomes a hit at the Krusty Krab, SpongeBob celebrates his friendship with Squidward, Squidward takes a court ordered music class and more. Throughout The Patrick Star Show premieres, Patrick gets a stunt double, his organs leave his body in protest, and Bubble Bass reviews The Patrick Show, among other surprises.
Since its launch July 17, 1999, SpongeBob SquarePants has been the most-watched animated series for 21 consecutive years and is one of the most widely distributed properties in Paramount International history, seen in more than 170 countries, translated in 29+ languages, and averaging more than 100 million total viewers every quarter. The series was created by Stephen Hillenburg and produced by Nickelodeon in Burbank, California. The character-driven cartoon chronicles the nautical and sometimes nonsensical adventures of SpongeBob, an incurable optimist and earnest sea sponge, and his undersea friends.
Produced by Nickelodeon Animation, The Patrick Star Show is a family sitcom starring Patrick and the rest of his family as they are constantly disrupted by Patrick’s wild whims and surreal imagination. The Patrick Star Show, the second spinoff of SpongeBob SquarePants, debuted July 9, 2021 on Nickelodeon. The original series is renewed for a second season (26 episodes).
LatinX in Animation (LXiA) announced its animation programming for the 22nd edition of the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF). This year’s animation program is back and better than ever as LXiA’s events will be embedded throughout the entirety of LALIFF, both in-person and virtually.
This year’s animation program will feature a schedule of exclusive animated film premieres, in-person panel discussions and virtual coffee chats, or “cafecitos,” with animation industry professionals, portfolio reviews courtesy of animation studio recruiters, premieres in the animated episodic program, a range of international talent in the Animated Shorts Program (juried by a panel of critically acclaimed judges) and more.
Co-founded in 1997 by actor, director and producer Edward James Olmos, the LALIFF showcases the talents and perspectives of Latinx filmmakers and creatives from all over the world. LXiA, launched by Co-Founders Magdiela Hermida Duhamel and Bryan Dimas, represents a diverse group within the animation, VFX and gaming industries and is dedicated to uniting a talented pool of innovators with heart to create exceptional stories across multiple platforms.
The LALIFF Animation Program, co-curated by LatinX in Animation, is a celebration of achievements and excellent talent featured in animation and the animation industry. By organizing events that highlight, recognize and celebrate the work of Latinx creatives, LXiA develops opportunities to network, engage, educate, grow and inspire the next generation of animation professionals.
LALIFF’s past animation programming, which premiered in 2021, emerged as a day dedicated to animation. Its overwhelming success in past years has contributed to the expansion of Animation Day to an integral part to LALIFF that will include a variety of animation events throughout the entire festival. The animation celebration is made possible with the support of sponsors including Netflix, Cartoon Network Studios, Disney Television Animation, Nickelodeon Animation Studio, Sony Pictures Animation, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Bros. Discovery Access.
The Borderline
June 1 & 2, Industry Writing for Animation Workshops (Virtual)
Ever wonder what sets screenwriting for animation apart from the rest of the entertainment industry? Thinking of making the switch to emerge as a writer for animation? Well, for industry professionals LALIFF and LatinX in Animation will be presenting multiple writing workshop opportunities directly from animation studios!
To kick off the animation programming, Netflix will be presenting their Writing for Animation Presentation with LALIFF and LXiA. The second interactive workshop will be a Writing for Animation Television with the Nickelodeon Writing Program. Led by Kate Blatchford (S. Manager of Creative Talent Development & Outreach, Nickelodeon Animation Studio), this workshop is open to LXiA members and is designed to offer advice, education and practice for writers interested in learning and entering the world of screenwriting suited for the animation industry. Both seminars are developed to assist and prepare emerging Latinx writers with the unique skills to help them officially land their first writing gig in the animation industry.
June 2, In-Person Panel Discussions (Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel)
This year’s LALIFF will host more LXiA in-person panel discussions than ever before! Featuring engaging panel talks with animation industry professionals and trailblazers from studios including Warner Bros. Animation, Cartoon Network, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Disney Television Animation. These in-person panels will discuss a range of topics, such as upcoming animated films featuring Latinx storylines, providing insight on how to develop a story fit for a world-renowned animation studio, and how Latinx leadership can influence the direction of TV Animation.
In-person panels will include the following studios and speakers:
Panel Discussion with Warner Bros. Animation featuring guest speaker Juan Meza-Leon (director of the upcoming animated feature Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires), moderated by Jen Hurler (Creative Production Assistant).
“Creating Magic at Disney Animation” panel discussion with Walt Disney Animation Studios will feature a conversation about how movies are made through collaboration, iteration and innovation — from story through production. Speakers Juan Pablo Reyes (co-producer), Albert Ramirez (production manager) and Jasmine Reed (production supervisor) will share insights and examples from several animated films, as well as the teaser trailer for their latest project, Disney’s next animated feature, Wish. Moderated by the film’s production coordinator, Natalia Adame Mendoza.
“Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur: Latinx Leadership and Influences” Join the creative team behind Disney Channel’s Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur as they discuss how they developed the Latinx characters and storylines within the series. Moderated by Pilar Flynn (co-executive producer), panelists include Flynn alongside her colleagues Rafael Chaidez (line producer), Jose Lopez (lead character designer), Luciano Herrera (background designer) and Sandra Powers (lead editor).
In addition to the in-person panel discussions, LALIFF and LXiA will continue to host live-streamed and or pre-recorded virtual Cafecitos. Attendees are invited to join animation panelists as LXiA spotlights engaging and insightful conversations between industry professionals from studios, including Disney Television Animation. “Cafecito” discussions will be virtually presented on LALIFF’s YouTube Channel throughout the festival dates. They will include the following studios and speakers:
Cafecito One on One with guest speaker Natasha Kline (creator and executive producer on Disney Television Animation’s upcoming series Primos), who will share her own animation journey, going from story artist to showrunner. Moderated by Angela M. Sánchez (staff writer).
Fireside Cafecito with guest speaker Tito Ortiz (creative executive), who will share his journey in animation as a creative executive leader within the industry. Moderated by Zulema Uriarte (Director, Inclusion & Diversity Strategy, Netflix), learn about what it takes to set yourself up for a successful career in animation.
June 2, 1 – 4 p.m., Virtual Portfolio Reviews
Open to participating LXiA Members, LatinX in Animation will return with industry programming offering Virtual Portfolio Reviews with even more participating animation studios than before! Virtual Portfolio reviews will be performed by animation studio recruiters from the following studios:
Sponsored by Nickelodeon Animation Studio, LALIFF & LXiA present an industry networking event accessible open to selected filmmakers in attendance. The Networking Happy Hour is open to LALIFF filmmakers, festival passholders, and LXiA members through RSVP. The Happy Hour Mixer is an opportunity for the animation community and industry to socialize, and make connections with industry professionals who share the same passion for animation as you!
Lucky Brave Sunshine
June 2 Spark Animation Grant Shorts + Animated Shorts Program
On Friday, LALIFF and LXiA will present the highly anticipated Animated Shorts Program to be screened in-person at the Chinese Theater. With LALIFF’s mission to showcase Latinx talent, the program will feature the unique works of talented filmmakers across Brazil, Canada, Venezuela, Colombia, Mexico, France, Argentina, Spain, Puerto Rico, Guatemala and the U.S. This Animation Shorts Program is particularly special as it will also serve as a special screening of the first LXiA Spark Animation Grant Shorts! The LXiA Spark Grant sponsored by Netflix aims to uplift the presence of Latinx animation filmmakers, drawing attention to their unique ideas and perspectives.
The Animated Shorts Program jury consists of Natasha Kline (creator/EP, Primos, Disney Television Animation), Octavio Rodriguez (director, DreamWorks Animation) and Karissa Valencia (creator/ showrunner, Netflix). The selected all-around best animated short will be awarded Best Animated Short Film, with a $2,000 prize sponsored by Ad Astra Media, a Wacom Cintiq presented by Wacom, and a one-year license to animation software from Toon Boom Animation. LXiA will be celebrating guests along with our filmmakers by raffling a Wacom One to two lucky audience members who attend the Animated Shorts Program in person!
LALIFF Animated Short Films Program 2023
Ashkasha – Lara Maltz (Spain/Argentina)
Back to Normal – Cecilia De Jesus (U.S.)
Blanket of Words – Carlos Zerpa & Jacobo Albán & Beltrán Pérez (Columbia/ Venezuela/ France)
Brujas – Adrian Sandoval (U.S.)
Go Ahead– Mónica Santillana (Guatemala)
La Calesita – Augusto Schillaci (Argentina/Canada)
Song of the Lake– Carlos Sallas & Ariana Navarrete & Samuel Mendez (Mexico)
The Borderline – Christian Arredondo Narváez (Mexico)
The Walls– Bryam Jiménez (Puerto Rico)
The World’s After – Bryam Jiménez (France)
To Fall – Florentina Gonzalez (Puerto Rico)
Urie – Anthony Gallego (U.S)
The Other Shape
June 2 Animated Feature Film Screening
To end the evening of June 2, LALIFF will screen the U.S. premiere of the animated feature film The Other Shape, originating from Colombia and Brazil and directed by Diego Felipe Guzman. The in-person screening will then conclude with a Q&A with the filmmakers.
In the near future, humanity builds an artificial “square paradise” on the surface of the moon, which can only be reached if each one has the appearance and the way of thinking of a square. To achieve this goal, people use “squareism machines”: presses, corrective devices and cosmetic surgeries that mold their bodies like cubes and close their minds to questioning.
Peter Press, probably the most obsessed citizen to fit in that world, has been living with a press in his head for 20 years and has just completed his Squarism process. About to get the passage to the moon, an incident forces him to take the press off, and observe a different form. The new shape shakes the foundations of its doctrine and jeopardizes its entrance to the precious Eden.
Astropackers
June 3 Animated Episodic Screening Premiere
The afternoon of Saturday, June 3, LALIFF feature the screenings of the Episodics program which will also include the animated series Astropackers, directed by Luisa Velasquez, Silvia Prietov and Felipe Rodriguez. Originating from Colombia, the series tells the story of an unexpected backpacking trip across the galaxy, where two unlikely travel companions will live the most absurd and crazy adventures.
Norman, unbeknownst to him, belongs to a rare species known as Camaleonis Dualidaris. As a result of a strange occurrence, he falls into a wormhole and becomes trapped in a meticulous and rigid extraterrestrial. Dissatisfied with his own state of mind, Norman collapses and escapes from Quadropolis falling into an adventure through the unknown galactic universe where he will be reunited with his own species.
June 3 Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse YCP Screening
To conclude the animation programming at LALIFF, Sony Pictures Animation will be presenting an exclusive screening of the highly anticipated sequel Spider-Man: Across the Spider Verse for Youth Cinema Project. In the film, Miles Morales returns for the next chapter of the Oscar-winning Spider-Verse trilogy.
After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters the Spider Society, a team of Spider-People charged with protecting the Multiverse’s very existence. But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must set out on his own to save those he loves most. Anyone can wear the mask — it’s how you wear it that makes you a hero.
LALIFF will run from Wednesday, May 31 to Sunday, June 4 at the TCL Chinese Theatres and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood. Animation Programming will be held from June 1-3. For the LALIFF full program, visit laliff.org. Tickets are now available to purchase through the festival’s site here.
Channel 4 (U.K.) in association with Universal Pictures Content Group has commissioned a new hand-drawn animated special produced by Lupus Films, for HarperCollins Children’s Books and Universal Pictures Content Group, of classic children’s book Mog’s Christmas— time to the 100th anniversary year of author-illustrator Judith Kerr’s birth.
The production partners previously teamed up on Channel 4’s Emmy Award-winning adaptation of Kerr’s The Tiger Who Came to Tea, which was the third highest-rating program on the channel in the whole of 2019.
“We are delighted to create another animated film for Channel 4 and Universal Pictures Content Group working with our long-time collaborators, director Robin Shaw and screenwriter Joanna Harrison.,” said producer Ruth Fielding, Co-Founder of Lupus Films. “This festive, family-friendly tale has huge cross generational appeal and is the perfect literary classic to adapt for the whole family to come together to watch. We are thrilled to once again bring Judith Kerr’s delightful illustrations to life in animation and to do so in the 100th anniversary of her birth feels very special”.
The very gifted voice cast for the new special was unwrapped today, lead by narrator Adjoa Andoh (Bridgerton, Broadchurch), bringing Mog’s family and neighbors to life. Claire Foy(The Crown, A Very British Scandal)plays Mrs. Thomas, Benedict Cumberbatch(Sherlock, Doctor Strange) is Mr. Thomas, Miriam Margolyes (The Age of Innocence, The Sandman audiobook) and Maggie Steed (Paddington 2, Fisherman’s Friends) play the Aunts.
Additionally, Zawe Ashton (Mr. Malcolm’s List, Fresh Meat)is one of Mog’s neighbors, Mrs. Gaynor; Charlie Higson (The Fast Show, Ted and Ralph) plays the Jolly Uncle; comedian Gareth Berliner(Doctor Who) is the Chestnut Seller and newcomers Amelie Law (age 11) and Teddy Skelton (age nine) play children Debbie and Nicky.
Mog’s purrs and meows will be provided by Tacy Kneale, Kerr’s daughter, who commented, “Our own Mog was a huge part of my childhood. I hope I’ve done her justice!”
“We are utterly delighted to be bringing Mog to screen with our partners. It is the perfect Christmas tale full of fun and adventure with a star-studded cast including Claire Foy as Mrs. Thomas and Benedict Cumberbatch as Mr. Thomas,” said Gwawr Lloyd, Drama Commissioning Editor at Channel 4.
“Channel 4 has a long-standing relationship with Lupus Films and together with their creative flair we have brought so many classic stories to the screen that have been enjoyed by generations of viewers. Judith Kerr’s much-loved Mog will be a great addition to this collection and a really special festive treat for the audience.”
Created by Kerr and based on the antics of her first family cat, the Mog series of books started with Mog the Forgetful Cat, which was first published in 1970 by HarperCollins Children’s Books and has never been out of print. The warm-hearted and funny adventures went on to inspire a further 17 picture books in the series, selling over 4 million copies worldwide and translated into 21 languages.
In Mog’s Christmas, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas and their children Debbie and Nicky are busy making preparations for Christmas. With two aunts and a jolly uncle also staying in the house, Mog, the beloved family cat, is feeling a bit ignored. When Mr. Thomas and the two children arrive home with an enormous Christmas tree, Mog takes fright and scrambles onto the roof for safety. Regardless of the Thomas family’s attempts to rescue her, Mog doesn’t manage to come down.
Despite everyone’s fears, Mog has a magical night in the snow with a cat-themed Christmas dream. The next morning on Christmas day, when a hungry Mog hears the mention of breakfast, she falls down the chimney and arrives in the kitchen to the surprise and relief of all the family. At last Mog has everyone’s attention, and a Happy Christmas is had by all!
Juliet Matthews, Color Publisher, HarperCollins Children’s Books, commented, “HarperCollins Children’s Books is proud to be the home of all of Judith Kerr’s books. We are thrilled that the beloved Mog will now be introduced to a whole new generation of children through this delightful animation.”
Mog’s Christmas was commissioned by Lloyd and Caroline Hollick, Head of Drama at Channel 4, in association with UPCG and produced by Lupus Films founders Camilla Deakin and Fielding, with executive producers Matthews, Kerr’s children Tacy and Matthew Kneale and Ann-Janine Murtagh.
The hand-drawn film inspired by Kerr’s illustrations is being directed by Robin Shaw (The Tiger Who Came to Tea; co-director, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt; AD, The Snowman and The Snowdog) and written by Joanna Harrison (The Tiger Who Came to Tea; co-director, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt; co-writer/art director, The Snowman and The Snowdog).
Universal Pictures Content Group will manage the global distribution and marketing for the animated special outside of Channel 4’s rights. Mog’s Christmas is a Lupus Films production in association with Tabby Tales, HarperCollins Children’s Books and Universal Pictures Content Group for Channel 4 Television.
Kunda Kids, the award-winning children’s media publisher and creative studio, today announces the launch of the Kunda & Friends YouTube series, the company’s flagship animation series, premiering on May 29 at The Cineworld Cinema at The O2 in Greenwich, London.
This launch comes a few months after the company closed its $700,000 pre-seed funding round, led by Zrosk Investment Management with participation from Voltron Capital, Argentil Capital, HoaQ, Kaleo Ventures, together with angel investors Abi Ajayi, Adetayo Bamiduro of MAX, and Benjamin Fernandes, CEO of Nala Money. The funds will be utilized to further build out the Kunda Kids mobile app and continue working with creative talent from across the African diaspora.
“I am thrilled to announce the successful closing of our pre-seed round, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the inspiring investors who share our vision,” said series co-creator Oladele Olafuyi. “This milestone allows us to launch Kunda & Friends and invest in the exceptional creative talent across Africa. We are committed to bringing forth a new generation of African storytellers, and together, we will change the narrative.”
The producers point out that Black and multi-racial characters are among the least commonly shown groups in children’s media (1.9% and 0.6% respectively), according to a 2022 study by the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. Kunda Kids exists to transform children’s content and programming about Africa for the next generation.
Kunda & Friends is a music-led 3D animation for children set in an African landscape. Kunda, a four-year-old boy of mixed African heritage, takes viewers on his adventures exploring the world around him with his friends Sana, a girl of mixed African and Indian heritage; Fela, a boy from Nigeria; as well as Leo the lion and Ella the elephant.
Series co-creator Louisa Olafuyi points out, “Our children deserve to learn more about Africa’s rich and diverse heritage, and it is our ambition to provide quality stories in various formats to children around the world. It is essential for children to see themselves and others represented in world-class stories and content. By nurturing a sense of pride and belonging, we empower them to grow up as confident, culturally-aware individuals who will shape the future.”
Another core pillar of the company’s mission is to create more opportunities for African talent in publishing and production, and this series calls on talent from diverse backgrounds to bring it to the screen.
“Kunda & Friends is an opportunity to impact not only the younger generation of kids from all over the world but to impact the lives of artists longing to work on larger scale productions,” adds series director Raymond Malinga.
The Kunda & Friends soundtrack music takes inspiration from African culture, with influences from genres like Afrobeats and Amapiano made popular by Grammy award-winning artists such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo and, more recently, singers like Burna Boy and WizKid. The series’ storyline is anchored on friendship and imparts prosocial life lessons, providing parents and educators with an opportunity to teach and play with their children as they watch together.
The first four episodes of Kunda & Friends will be available on Monday, May 29, with subsequent episodes to be released in the weeks following on the Kunda & Friends YouTube channel.
Revenge is a dish best served with freshly grated parmesan in Pastacolypse, the new original adult animated comedy from Aqua Teen Hunger Force co-creator Matt Maiellaro, now available on Tubi. The 2D-animated movie is produced by FOX Entertainment’s Emmy-winning animation studio, Bento Box Entertainment.
Synopsis: When a global ban on gluten destroys his life, billionaire celebrity chef Alfredo Manicotti seeks revenge on all mankind. In the process, Alfredo is disfigured into a hideous creature — half-man, half-macaroni — and leads a pasta uprising that threatens humanity. In the end, it’s up to his spoiled heiress daughter, the angel-haired Emma Manicotti, to make the ultimate sacrifice and save the world from the impending Pastacolypse.
Featuring the voices of Lauren Holt (Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm, Saturday Night Live) as Emma, Dana Snyder (Aqua Teen Hunger Force) as Alfredo Manicotti, Lavell Crawford (Legends of Chamberlain Heights, Better Call Saul), Jess Harnell (HouseBroken, Animaniacs), William Sanderson (True Blood), Mary Spender (12 oz. Mouse), Teke Tabor, Dammon Hughes, L. Warren Young, jeff Campanella, Regina Ting Chen, Bonnie Wild and Candi VandiZandi.
Pastacolypse was written and executive produced by Maiellaro, the co-creator and writer of several Adult Swim animated classics, including Aqua Teen Hunger Force, 12 oz. Mouse, Perfect Hair Forever and Soul Quest Overdrive. The movie was directed Jason Shwartz (Wolfboy and the Everything Factory, Farzar).
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Mercury Filmworks (Hilda, Kids Cosmic) has partnered with French-Canadian animation house Stim Studio (The Amazing Maurice, upcoming Garfield movie) to co-produce the animated television series Octicorn & Friends (52 x 11’), based on an Amazon Book of the Year Hello, My Name Is Octicorn from debut authors Justin Lowe and Kevin Diller.
Octicorn & Friends is a preschool comedy series about friendship and feelings. Octicorn is half octopus, half unicorn, and full of all kinds of big feelings! Sometimes those big feelings lead Octi and his friends into comic adventures. But no matter what they are feeling, they can always count on each other… and cupcakes. In every episode Octi and co have an adventure that unearths a feeling that gets explored, and model coping skills for kids.
“Felix and Jordan have established themselves as industry leaders in the world of CGI feature animation on some of the biggest blockbuster movies, and we are thrilled to join forces with their new company Stim Studio as co-producers on Octicorn & Friends,” said Chantal Ling, Vice President, Original Series and Co-Productions, Mercury Filmworks.
“We intend to stay true to the mission behind the Octicorn books that fans know and love, but we plan to deliver a fresh new style and feel to the series, bringing Octi to life as he continues to explore the nerves, stress, glee, delight and all feelings kids experience, as well as modeling different skills to give our young audience a toolkit to aid them in navigating these emotions.”
Stim Studio’s co-CEO Jordan Soler added, “It’s amazing to have the opportunity to partner with Mercury Filmworks on Octicorn & Friends. They are the ideal partners, and we have full confidence that their 2D animation experience and knowledge, combined with our 3D expertise, will result into something refreshing that resonates with kid’s emotions and feelings.
“We are thrilled to create something that has the potential to not only entertain but also connect with people on a deeper level and have a positive impact on children’s lives. Octicorn will help kids to process their emotions, better understand themselves and make them more confident fitting in with their peers, all with a touch of humor. We feel fortunate to be part of such a beautiful project and are eagerly looking forward to seeing the result of our collaboration.”
French SVOD platform ADN, dedicated to Japanese and French animation since 2013, announced that well-established Japanese studio Toei Animation (One Piece, Sailor Moon) has boarded its upcoming comic-book adaptation Le Collège Noir, joining French producer La Cachette (Star Wars: Visions; Love, Death + Robots).
“Meeting with the members of Studio La Cachette and ADN, who both have a deep knowledge of Japanese animation, was decisive,” explains Yosuke Asama, Senior Producer at Toei Animation. For several years, the studio has been developing links with European partners to produce works with a Western feel, diversifying its production styles and reaching a new audience.
“I am very happy to be able to work here in France with a company that has the same ambitions as Toei Animation. Le Collège Noir will undoubtedly be among our most memorable and entertaining works. I hope you will be as excited as I am to see the final result!”
Synopsis: In a school lost in the middle of the Cantal mountains, five young high school students spend the All Saints’; Day holidays under the supervision of Lena, a moody caretaker. But when the spirit of their missing classmate appears in the middle of the night, the teenagers find themselves confronted with the curse of a wicked witch and the most terrifying creatures in French folklore…
Based on the comics by Ulysses Malassagne, the (6 x 15′) series will offer a blend of action, adventure, comedy and horror, combining an anime-inspired aesthetic reflected in the characters and their world with “totally French” fantasy. The show will debut on ADN in Fall 2023.
Malassagne drew inspiration for his work from old legends of the Auvergne region, noting: “I was fascinated by the idea of doing with French folklore what Japanese artists do so well with their yokai stories. They have this habit of reincorporating them into their modern stories, whereas in France, we are forgetting all our rural folklore. Le Collège Noir was created as a response to this observation.”
The project was announced at the 2022 Annecy International Animation Film Festival, where ADN also teased Dreamland (co-produced with Ellipse Animation and La Chouette Compagnie) and Lance Dur (with Ankama), which launched on the platform in March.
“We have been following La Cachette’s work since its early days and we are happy to finally be able to collaborate with them! Even more so with Toei Animation, a long-standing partner. It’s the perfect combination for a one-of-a-kind project.” concludes Julien Lemoine, ADN’s CEO.
ADN, Studio La Cachette and Toei Animation will return to Annecy to introduce Le Collège Noir in a studio focus presentation on Tuesday, June 13 from 6-7:15 p.m. in the Imperial Palace, Salle de la Volière.
Netflix today confirmed the premiere date and star-studded cast for its upcoming King Kong adventure, Skull Island, from Legendary Television. The all-new animated series is set to make its global debut on June 22, exclusively on Netflix.
Skull Island takes viewers on a thrilling adventure as a group of kind-hearted explorers rescues Annie (Mae Whitman) from the ocean, unaware that their act of heroism will lead them to the treacherous Skull Island. This enigmatic place is home to bizarre creatures and terrifying monsters, including the mighty titan himself, Kong.
The ensemble cast features Nicolas Cantu (Dragons Rescue Riders: Heroes of the Sky, The Fabelmans) voicing the protagonist, Charlie. Joining him are Whitman (Family Guy, DC Super Hero Girls) as Annie, Darren Barnett (Never Have I Ever, Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles) as Mike, Benjamin Bratt (Poker Face, Coco) as Cap and Betty Gilpin (Mrs. Davis, Glow) as Irene.
Skull Island is created, written and executive produced by Brian Duffield (Cocaine Bear, Love and Monsters). Jacob Robinson, Brad Graeber, Jen Chambers and Thomas Tull also serve as executive producers.
The animation is produced by Powerhouse Animation (Castlevania, Blood of Zeus).
In the new trailer for DreamWorks Animation original Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken, viewers will encounter all the usual high school heights — major anxieties, looming rivalries and huge crushes — as well as the big, big job dropped on our heroine’s shoulders: being a kraken princess with an arsenal of super-sized powers to protect the ocean!
Universal Pictures will release the pic only in theaters on June 30.
Sometimes the hero you are meant to be lies just beneath the surface…
Synopsis: Sweet, awkward 16-year-old Ruby Gillman (Lana Condor, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before franchise) is desperate to fit in at Oceanside High, but she mostly just feels invisible. She’s math-tutoring her skater-boy crush (Jaboukie Young-White, Ralph Breaks the Internet), who only seems to admire her for her fractals, and she’s prevented from hanging out with the cool kids at the beach because her over-protective supermom (Oscar nominee Toni Collette, Knives Out), has forbade Ruby from ever getting in the water.
But when she breaks her mom’s #1 rule, Ruby will discover that she is a direct descendant of the warrior Kraken queens and is destined to inherit the throne from her commanding grandmother (Academy Award winner Jane Fonda), the Warrior Queen of the Seven Seas.
The Kraken are sworn to protect the oceans of the world against the vain, power-hungry mermaids who have been battling with the Kraken for eons. There’s one major, and immediate, problem with that: The school’s beautiful, popular new girl, Chelsea (Emmy winner Annie Murphy, Schitt’s Creek) just happens to be a mermaid. Ruby will ultimately need to embrace who she is and go big to protect those she loves most.
The stellar voice cast also features Emmy winner Colman Domingo (Fear the Walking Dead) as Ruby’s supportive dad, Emmy nominee Sam Richardson (Veep) as Ruby’s enthusiastic uncle and Blue Chapman (Council of Dads) as Ruby’s cool little brother.
The supporting cast inclues Emmy nominee Will Forte (The Last Man on Earth), Emmy nominee Nicole Byer (Nailed It!), YouTube Diamond creator Liza Koshy (Liza on Demand), Ramona Young (Never Have I Ever), Eduardo Franco (Stranger Things), Echo Kellum (Arrow) and award-winning social media creator and podcaster Emma Chamberlain (Anything Goes podcast).
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken is directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Kirk DeMicco (Vivo, The Croods) and produced by Kelly Cooney Cilella, p.g.a. (Trolls World Tour, Trolls), with Faryn Pearl (The Croods: A New Age, Trolls World Tour) serving as co-director. The film is written by Emmy-winning South Park producer Pam Brady (Lady Dynamite) and Brian C Brown (Briarpatch) & Elliott DiGuiseppi (Lucy in the Sky). The executive producer is Mike Mitchell (director of next year’s Kung Fu Panda 4) and the co-producer is Rachel Zusser (associate producer, The Croods: A New Age).
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