Animation Magazine

Author: Mercedes Milligan

  • Mainframe Studios Celebrates 30 Years of Making Life More Animated

    Mainframe Studios Celebrates 30 Years of Making Life More Animated

    Vancouver-based animation production pioneer Mainframe Studios is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2023, having grown over the past three decades into a global toon powerhouse bringing both original content and shows for major players like Mattel, Sony, Spin Master, Hasbro, DreamWorks, Netflix and YouTube to the screen.

    “With our 30-year track record of Mainframe Studios producing some of the most iconic animated properties, we approach every day like a startup — challenging ourselves to deliver new and exciting creative innovation to every project we undertake,” says Michael Hefferon, President & Chief Creative Officer at Mainframe Studios.

    Executive Vice President Kim Dent Wilder adds, “As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, we’re proud of the impact that Mainframe Studios has had on helping to shape the animation industry, including being a catalyst for many studios started over the years whose founders are Mainframe alumni.” 

    Colleagues shared in toasting the studio’s success.  “In a business where trust is built over time, Mainframe’s longevity is a testament to the studio’s quality of work and its partnership approach with clients,” says Andy Heyward, Chairman & CEO Genius Brands International. And Michael Hirsh, CEO Wow Unlimited Media, notes,  “As someone who has a history of building legacy companies, Mainframe Studios has uniquely positioned itself to continue this amazing track record for the next 30 years.”

    Founded in 1993, Mainframe was a trailblazer from day one, creating and producing the very first fully-CG TV series, ReBoot, in 1994. This was followed by Spider-Man: The New Animated Series for MTV, the first large-scale, toon-shaded CG series. Most recently, Mainframe’s ReBoot: The Guardian Code marked another milestone as the studio’s first live-action production and the first TV series to use the Unreal game engine, delivering in 4K.

    Through it all, Mainframe Studios has strived to balance its creative vision with the state of technology, while pushing the boundaries of both to bring engaging new stories to life. In total, the studio has produced well over 1,000 half-hour episodes for television, 70-plus long form projects that include three theatrical feature films, as well as content for huge brands such as Barbie, Octonauts, Madagascar and CoComelon. Recently, Octonauts & The Ring of Fire won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Sound Mixing & Sound Editing in 2022.

    “Our relationship with Mainframe has spanned multiple series and specials over five-plus. They continue to be collaborative partners in producing top quality animation and helping to build our brands. We look forward to our continued work together,” comments Joe D’Ambrosia, EVP & General Manager, Sony Pictures Television -Kids.

    Mainframe’s commitment to a creative-driven approach has helped nurture a nearly 25-year relationship (over 60 projects) with Mattel. To date, the studio has delivered numerous Barbie titles, including movies, series, shorts, the Barbie Vlog and debut interactive adventure, Barbie: Epic Road Trip. In 2001, Mainframe Studios was the first to use motion-capture technology for animation and built their own state-of-the-art mo-cap theater.

    “Collaborating with Mainframe over the years to provide fans of the iconic Barbie brand with highly entertaining, animated content has been a true pleasure,” says Christopher Keenan, SVP Creative & Executive Producer at Mattel Television. “With several of our latest projects, including Barbie: Epic Road Trip and Barbie Mermaid Power ranking impressively on global streaming platforms, we are proud to be working with Mainframe and to be celebrating our relationship of nearly 30 years.”

    Mainframe’s other notable accomplishments include: being added to the Smithsonian’s Innovation Collection for creating the first CG animated TV series, ReBoot (1994); producing the first non-theatrical animated feature, Casper’s Haunted Christmas; launching a relationship with Silvergate Media (now Sony Pictures Television – Kids) with three feature-length productions: Octonauts and the Caves of Sac Actun, Octonauts & the Great Barrier Reef and Octonauts & The Ring of Fire; along with producing the Madagascar: A Little Wild series for DreamWorks Animation and Team Zenko Go, the studio’s first co-production with DreamWorks Animation.

    Original content in the ReBoot tradition a continues to be a studio mainstay. In 2012, the Mainframe produced Escape from Planet Earth, a theatrical feature film developed in-house that went on to do $75 million in worldwide box office, and followed that success with the Ratchet & Clank feature film released in 2016. On the series side, Mainframe created and produced ReBoot: The Guardian Code and Team Zenko Go, both Netflix Original Series, and recently released its first 2D original series, The Guava Juice Show, produced with YouTube Originals.

    Mainframe is currently producing The EggVenturers in partnership with GoldieBlox for YouTube, along with Coyote & The WildAways, working with Coyote Peterson, whose Brave Wilderness YouTube channel has 20 million subscribers.

    For more information on Mainframe Studios, please visit mainframe.ca.

    Mainframe 30 Years

  • We Are Royale Makes a Splash with ‘Wade in the Water’ Intro Inspired by African Myth and Basquiat

    We Are Royale Makes a Splash with ‘Wade in the Water’ Intro Inspired by African Myth and Basquiat

    Creative production company We Are Royale (WAR) has created the opening titles for the documentary feature Wade in the Water: A Journey Into Black Surfing and Aquatic Culture. Directed, written, and produced by David Mesfin, Wade in the Water recently made its U.S. premiere to a sold out audience at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. 

    Film Synopsis:

    Wade in the Water reclaims the 1,000-year-old tradition of Black surfing … Honoring the historical and contemporary relationship between Black people and the ocean, Mesfin explores the undying, intergenerational energy of Black waterwomen and watermen.

    Breaking barriers in the world of film, the ultimate intention of the project is to inspire and support the next generation of Black surfers by connecting them to the powerful, dynamic, and resilient roots of Black surfing’s legacy.

    The project includes a full-length documentary paired with a series of limited-edition fine art portrait prints and NFTs.

    Wade in the Water

    To create the film’s lush animated opening sequence, WAR took inspiration from the African mythological water deity Mami Wata to tell a story of ancestral reconnection through surfing. The piece is made up of painterly vignettes which blend aesthetic influences from African folk art and iconic Neo-expressionist Jean-Michel Basquiat.

    As the studio team points out, the spiritual “Wade in the Water” took on a coded meaning in Songs of the Underground Railroad as Harriet Tubman instructed enslaved African Americans to hide in water to mask their scent from tracking dogs. In the animated sequence, water is a symbol of redemption and empowerment as the goddess calls the surfer back to the waves.

    “We were drawn to the spiritual aspect of David’s film and the relationship between surfing and Black identity, so, this idea of baptism by water emerged,” says WAR Creative Director Norn Jordan. “At the start, visually, everything on the surface of water feels light and uncomplicated; but when the surfer duck-dives under the wave, the ocean materializes into a darker, more complex world. We used imagery of serpents and shackles breaking apart to visually hint at the baptism that comes through Mami Wata’s reveal.” 

    Mesfin adds, “When you duck-dive, there’s a brief moment when you almost lose consciousness and become one with something bigger than yourself, and that feeling really speaks to the larger theme of Wade in the Water — being Black and reconnecting with your past and your identity through the ocean. WAR’s title sequence brilliantly encapsulates this idea with an Afro-centric visual narrative that celebrates surfing as a source of empowerment and healing. It’s a powerful piece of art in and of itself.”

    Wade in the Water
    Wade in the Water

    WAR used archival footage to authentically capture the surfing moves animated in the opener, and took inspiration from the same source materials Mesfin accessed for the documentary — such as the books AFROSURF by Mami Wata Surf Brand (South Africa), Undercurrents of Power: Aquatic Culture in the African Diaspora by Kevin Dawson, and Living the California Dream: African American Leisure Sites during the Jim Crow Era by Alison Rose Jefferson. 

    The team pulled iconography of Mami Wata and the serpents from these books, as well as allusions to Sankofa, a West African bird symbol, whose name literally translates to, “it is not taboo to fetch what is at risk of being left behind.”

    “The symbolism of the Sankofa was a big part of the documentary’s message; this idea of looking to your past to move forward,” concludes Mesfin. “We chose to use it more subtly, incorporating it into the Mami Wata character at the end when she blows a kiss to the surfer, freeing him from the weight of the water and back to the ocean’s surface.” 

    Wade in the Water
    Wade in the Water

    Wade in the Water and the animated opening sequence were directed by Mesfin, set to a poem by Mesfin and Napper Tandy, produced by Kira Gilmore Linton and Beyin Abraha. Jason Cook is executive creative director for We Are Royale, with Norn Jordan as CD, Michael Cauchi as producer and animation by Jared Norby and Dylan Casano.

    Creative production studio WAR is based in Los Angeles and Seattle. The shop has delivered multiple projects for top video game companies like Riot, Activision Blizzard, Square Enix, Niantic, Bungie,  PlayStation and Oculus, as well as work for clients including Audible, Comedy Central, FXX, Paramount Pictures and Prime Video. Learn more at weareroyale.com.

    Learn more about Wade in the Water and find upcoming screenings at wadeinthewaterproject.com. 

  • Canadian Screen Awards: 2023 Animation Nominees

    Canadian Screen Awards: 2023 Animation Nominees

    Today, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (the Canadian Academy) announced the nominees for the 2023 Canadian Screen Awards in 145 television, film and digital media categories, which also include the inaugural nominations in gender-neutral performance categories for lead and supporting performers in film and television.

    “From legendary directors like David Cronenberg to new voices like Bilal Baig, the 2023 Canadian Screen Award nominees reaffirm that our country has an immensely talented industry, and we are lucky to call them Canadian,” said Tammy Frick, CEO, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. “Supporting these artists has never been more important, and we are proud to be at the centre of those efforts. I’m thrilled to share my heartfelt congratulations with all of the nominees and look forward to raising a glass to them in person this April.”

    John Young, Chair, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, added, “The nominations for the 2023 Canadian Screen Awards shine a much-deserved spotlight on the brilliant creative minds behind some of the best Canadian television, film and digital media works of the past year, and we could not be more excited to gather in person — for the first time in four years — to celebrate these tremendous achievements.”

    The 2023 Canadian Screen Awards will be presented in a series of seven intimate genre-based awards presentations, with esteemed members of the Canadian screen-based industry who brought us the best work from the last year, gathering in person at Meridian Hall in Toronto from Tuesday, April 11 through to Friday, April 14 (the Children’s & Animation Awards presented by Shaw Rocket Fund will be held April 12 at noon ET), all culminating with The Canadian Screen Awards with Samantha Bee, broadcasting on Sunday, April 16 at 8 PM (9 AT, 9:30 NT) on CBC and CBC Gem.

    Animation and related category nominees below; find the full list of nominees at academy.ca/nominees.

    FILM

    Best Animated Short

    • Arctic Song – Germaine Arnattaujuq, Neil Christopher, Louise Flaherty, Alicia Smith, David Christensen, Nadia Mike
    • The Flying Sailor – Wendy Tilby, Amanda Forbis, David Christensen
    • Impossible Figures and Other Stories I – Marta Pajek, Piotr Szczepanowicz, Grzegorz Wacławek, Maral Mohammadian
    • The Shadow of My Life – Hajar Moradi
    • Triangle of Darkness – Marie-Noëlle Robidas-Moreau, Nicolas Dufour-Laperrière

     

    TELEVISION

    Best Animated Program or Series

    • Big Blue – Frank Falcone, Gyimah Gariba, Rachel Reade Marcus – Guru Studio/CBC
    • Denis and Me: Santa Who – Michelle Melanson, Diana Moore, Ken Cuperus, Denis Kopotun – Headspinner Prod./WildBrain
    • The Snoopy Show – Anne Loi, Josh Scherba, Stephanie Betts, Paige Braddock, Craig Schulz, Mark Evestaff, Kimberly Small – WildBrain/Apple TV+
    • Summer Memories – Adam Yaniv, Paul B. Cummings, Anthony Leo, Jason Surridge, Irene Weibel, Andrew Rosen, Ashley Ramsay, Oded Turgeman – A&N Productions/Aircraft Pictures/Yeti Farm Creative/WilldBrain
    • Total DramaRama – Tom McGillis, George Elliott, Brian Irving, Jennifer Pertsch, Terry McGurrin – Fresh TV/Corus Ent.

    Best Preschool Program or Series

    • The Fabulous Show with Fay and Fluffy – Rennata Lopez, Georgina Lopez – Lopii Prod./WildBrain
    • Happy House of Frightenstein – Michelle Melanson, Ken Cuperus, Sandy Jobin-Bevans, Mitchell Markowitz – Headspinner Prod./WildBrain
    • PAW Patrol – Jennifer Dodge, Ronnen Harary, Keith Chapman, Ursula Ziegler-Sullivan, Laura Clunie, Toni Stevens, Jonah Stroh, Dan Mokriy, Tracey Dodokin, Jason McKenzie, Damian Temporale – Spin Master Ent./ TVO
    • Pikwik Pack – Frank Falcone, Rachel Reade Marcus, Kirsten Newlands – Guru Studio/Corus Ent.
    • Proud to Be Me! Anti-Racism Special – Lisa Wisniewski, Emily Houghton, Julie Patterson-Porter, Julia Okoth – CBC Kids

    Best Direction, Animation

    • Big Blue – Riccardo Durante
    • Happy House of Frightenstein – Darren Cranford
    • PAW Patrol – Charles E. Bastien
    • Pinecone & Pony – First Generation Films/Apple TV+ – Wayne-Michael Lee
    • Total DramaRama – Keith Oliver & George Elliott

    Best Writing, Animation

    • 16 Hudson “Spice Box” – Big Bad Boo Studios/TVO – John May & Suzanne Bolch
    • Pinecone & Pony “The Pwettiest Pony / Try This Club On For Size” – Stephanie Kaliner & Lakna Edirisinghe
    • The Snoopy Show “Snoopy Swap” – Scott Montgomery
    • Summer Memories “Truth or Dare” – Sara Peters
    • Team Zenko Go “Pet Project / Mission Improbable” – Mainframe Studios/Netflix – J. Green & Sean Jara

    Best Writing, Preschool

    • Agent Binky: Pets of the Universe “The Paw and Claw Spa” – Redknot/Corus Ent. – Carolyn Hay
    • Dino Ranch “Light Touch Tango”- Boat Rocker, Industrial Brothers, Jam Filled/CBC – Richard Young
    • The Fabulous Show with Fay and Fluffy “I Love Being Different” – Victoria Gallant
    • The Fabulous Show with Fay and Fluffy “I Love My Family” – Tyra Sweet
    • Happy House of Frightenstein “Heirloom Doom” – Ken Cuperus & Sandy Jobin-Bevans

    Best Sound, Animation

    • PAW Patrol – Richard Spence-Thomas, Tim Muirhead, Mitch Connors, Luke Dante, Kyle Peters, Ryan Ongaro, Patton Rodrigues
    • The Snoopy Show – Todd Araki, Andrew Downton, Jason Fredrickson, Adam McGhie
    • Super Wish – Ryan Araki, Evan Turner, Neil Parfitt, Andrew McDonnell, Richard Spence-Thomas
    • Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go – Ryan Araki, John Baktis, Andrew McDonnell, Simon Berry
    • Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go: Race for the Sodor Cup – Ryan Araki, John Baktis, Andrew McDonnell, Simon Berry

    Best Visual Effects

    • Detention Adventure – Joe Kicak, Sebastian Harder
    • History by the Numbers – Jonathon Corbiere, Flavio de Paula, Julia Nadeau, Steve Murphy, Suzanna Brusikiewicz, Tyler Sammy
    • The Legacy Awards – Alex Nadon
    • Odd Squad Mobile Unit – Matthew J.R. Bishop, Nial McFadyen, Susan Sullivan, Cody McCaig, Stephen Curran, James Wallace, Jeff Robinson, Belma Abdicevic, Tom Perry, Steve Lowry
    • Super Wish – Andy Powell, Raymond Pang

    Best Original Music, Animation

    • Let’s Go Luna! – Ari Posner, Amin Bhatia & Kris Kuzdak
    • Pinecone & Pony – Caleb Chan & Brian Chan
    • The Snoopy Show – Jeff Morrow
    • Super Wish – Neil Parfitt
    • Team Zenko Go – Brian Chan & Caleb Chan

    Best Performance, Animation

    • Agent Binky: Pets of the Universe – Julius Cho
    • Agent Binky: Pets of the Universe – Melody Johnson
    • The Snoopy Show – Hattie Kragten
    • Summer Memories – Tricia Black
    • Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go – Glee Dango

     

    DIGITAL MEDIA

    Best Web Program or Series, Fiction

    • Avocado Toast – Border2Border Ent.
    • Mary & Flo on the Go! – Shaftesbury (Animated)
    • Revenge of the Black Friend  – RBBF
    • Tokens – A Token Entertainment Co.
    • Topline – Shaftesbury

    Best Immersive Experience, Non-Fiction

    • The Choice – Infinite Frame Media
    • Lou – UNTLD (Animated)
    • Partita for 8 Voices – Laterna Films

    Best Immersive Experience, Fiction

    • Brainstream – NFB
    • The Orchid and the Bee – NFB
    • Unceded Territories – ZeMind Studios

    Best Video Game

    • I Was a Teenage Exocolonist – Northway Games
    • JETT: The Far Shore – Superbrothers A/V
    • Nobody Saves the World – Drinkbox Studios
    • Ooblets – Laundray Bear Games, Glumberland
    • Tunic – ISOCMETRICORP Games
  • Aardman Builds ‘Home’ Short for Save the Children

    Aardman Builds ‘Home’ Short for Save the Children

    To mark the one-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine, Academy Award-winning animation studio Aardman and international children’s charity Save the Children have released a short film to highlight the experience of refugee children around the world.

    Inspired by real-life experiences of children that Save the Children works with, Home tells a story about how child refugees feel and what it’s like to be separated from friends, family and school in a new and unfamiliar setting. It also celebrates the possibilities for children to welcome new refugee friends and learn about different cultures. Created by director Peter Peake, Home will be screened in primary schools across the U.K. alongside its general release.

    Although prompted by the outbreak of war in Ukraine, the four-minute animation aims to support the many millions of children who have been forced to leave their homes because of violence in countries including Ukraine, Afghanistan, Yemen and Syria.

    The film reflects the stories of many real refugee children, such as the 11-year-old dubbed “Siraj,” who left Syria for Italy and shared, “When we arrived, I was sad, I was leaving all my friends, my family and my cousins. The language here is different.”

    Another Syrian refugee, “Noura,” 12, explained, “We are refugees, but we are proud. We haven’t ended up here because we wanted to, but because we had to. If you have a refugee near you, I think you should try to welcome them.”

    The short follows a small orange circle who arrives at a new school in an entirely purple world, inhabited solely by triangle characters. The orange circle immediately feels out of place, struggling with the language barrier and strange new food. But, through a blossoming friendship with a fellow pupil, they begin to feel welcome and accepted. As that happens, little bursts of orange start to appear in the purple surroundings, elevating the landscape to a richer, warmer and more diverse environment. The film then shows different characters of all shapes and hues that bring their own unique colors to the previously monochrome surroundings, transforming it into a thriving and vibrant world full of energy and color.

    “Animation is an amazing medium for expressing ideas that would otherwise be difficult to communicate. At Aardman we believed that we had the expertise to help tell these stories in a way that would be sensitive, accessible, and relatable for children all around the world,” said Peter Lord, Co-Founder & Creative Director of Aardman. “It was also vital that the film we created would share the right messages, address a genuine need, and help as many children as possible. We approached Save the Children to help us with these aspects, and to keep us on the right track and we were absolutely delighted with the collaboration.”

    Like many of Aardman’s most beloved animated brands, from Shaun the Sheep to Morph, the story of Home is told without using dialog, which means its message is accessible to children and adults of all ages, everywhere.

    “Our film was created as a specific response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, but it aims to help all children displaced from their homes due to war, famine and persecution. Working with Save the Children, we learnt what difficulties children face when trying to settle in a new country,” said director Peake (Oscar-nominated short Humdrum, Creature Comforts: Life in Lockdown). “Ultimately, we hope the film encourages children everywhere to empathize with some of their peers who might be going through that experience and to know the impact they can have by making someone feel welcome”

    Alison Griffin, Head of Conflict & Humanitarian Campaigns from Save the Children, added, “We were absolutely thrilled to partner with Aardman in making this film. Many refugee children who’ve found a new, safer home, still carry the physical and emotional scars of war, or face daily setbacks simply because of who they are or where they’ve come from. That’s why it’s so important for refugee children to get the welcome — and the childhood — they deserve. We hope this beautiful short film will inspire people to reach out to child refugees, welcome them, and help them feel somewhere like ‘home’ again.” 

    Persistent, violent conflict is putting children’s lives at risk all over the world. According to Save the Children, a child has been made a refugee by the war in Ukraine almost every second since it began. To contribute to Save the Children’ Emergency Fund to support their work responding to disasters around the world, visit their U.K. website or U.S. website.

    Learn more about Home, watch the short and see a behind the scenes featurette here. 

  • Corus Rebrands Teletoon as Cartoon Network, Brings Boomerang to Canada

    Corus Rebrands Teletoon as Cartoon Network, Brings Boomerang to Canada

    Following the recent launch of its multiplatform kids’ streamer TELETOON+ in Canada, Corus Entertainment announced the rebranding of two of its linear kids’ television channels as it continues to evolve its offering of best-in-class kids content.

    Beginning March 27, TELETOON will take on the mantle of  Cartoon Network across linear TV, STACKTV and TELETOON+ in the country. Corus also introduces a new kids television channel in Canada by relaunching the current Cartoon Network channel as Boomerang. Debuting in the Canadian market for the first time, the worldwide Boomerang brand is built on fan-favorite retro content, classic animation series and foundational kids’ programming.

    TELETOON Becomes Cartoon Network

    After more than 25 years, TELETOON is revamped as Cartoon Network, ready to deliver flagship shows like Total DramaRama and classic TELETOON programming. Fans can expect exciting new series produced by Cartoon Network Studios, Warner Bros. Animation and Corus’ own Nelvana Studios — plus premieres of hit originals such as Teen Titans Go! 

    “Staying true to our loyal fans across generations has been our top priority as we reimagine the future of our kids’ networks,” said Jennifer Abrams, SVP Programming and Multiplatform, Corus Entertainment. “By partnering with Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. and strengthening our portfolio of brands across linear platforms, STACKTV and TELETOON+, we will usher Cartoon Network into a new stage of hilarious comedy and edge-of-your-seat action — all while keeping the TELETOON legacy alive in the digital space.”

    Corus asserts that Cartoon Network’s ethos will support the company’s core values of “inclusivity, acceptance and, most importantly, kindness.”

    Introducing Boomerang Network

    The current Cartoon Network channel will rebrand as Boomerang with a fresh on-air look that will perfectly present funny, timeless and uplifting entertainment for kids and their families to enjoy.

    “The combination of Cartoon Network and Boomerang delivers the best in fun and exciting animated series mixed with a robust video on demand offering for young kids and tweens alike,” said Drew Robinson, VP of Content Distribution, Corus Entertainment. “We’re excited for subscribers to join us on our adventure as Corus continues to expand our streaming and pay TV footprint with TELETOON+ and STACKTV, building upon our dynamic portfolio of industry-leading kids channels for the whole family.”

    Corus Kids’ Channel Programming Highlights:

    Tune in to Cartoon Network on linear and STACKTV to enjoy familiar favorites like Total DramaRama, The Amazing World of Gumball and DC Super Hero Girls. Plus, great new content including megahit Animaniacs Season 3, the highly anticipated Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai and My Adventures with Superman. Additionally, viewers can watch all new episodes of Teen Titans Go!, Craig of the Creek and We Baby Bears.

    On air, catch Boomerang’s hit shows including The Tom & Jerry Show, The Powerpuff Girls, Jellystone, Total Drama Island, and more.

    Viewers can stream the latest laugh-out-loud series on TELETOON+ like Teen Titans Go!, Looney Tunes Cartoons, Scooby-Doo! and Guess Who?, Batwheels and Bugs Bunny Builders — all available to subscribers via Amazon Prime Video Channels, Bell Fibe TV App and set-top-box or Virgin Plus for $5.99CAD per month, following a 30-day free trial.

    cartoonnetwork.ca | boomerang-tv.ca | teletoonplus.ca

  • 5th CEE Animation Workshop Selects 12 Projects

    5th CEE Animation Workshop Selects 12 Projects

    The CEE Animation Workshop is gearing up for its fifth edition with the announcement of this year’s selected participants and their animated projects in development. The call for applications was once again open to international applicants, while maintaining a focus on the CEE region and low-production capacity countries. Out of 30 applications from 23 countries, the organizers have selected 12 projects, with 32 participants from 16 countries who will attend the 2023 event.

    The selected projects include five short films, three series and four feature films. Among the participating professionals, the Workshop welcomes 11 female producers, five male producers, two female directors, three male directors, four female scriptwriters, five female directors-scriptwriters and two male directors-scriptwriters. These participants will be honing a diverse series of topics in their animated projects during a year-long training program led by acclaimed industry professionals.

    “Once again we are excited to start the new year of the CEE Animation Workshop. The selection was tough as the number and quality of submissions is rising every year,” says Saša Bach, the Managing Director. “We are looking forward to start the first module on-site in Ljubljana and in addition to diverse and strong projects and their creative teams. We are also very happy to welcome new producer group leaders: Tonje Skar Reiersen and Corinne Destombes.”

    The fifth CEE Animation Workshop builds on strong foundations from the last four years of successful training courses, while introducing some fresh features. Established producers Tonje Skar Reiersen (Mikrofilm, Norway) and Corinne Destombes (Folimage, France) are joining the team as main group leaders, while script consultants and the well-known CEE Animation Workshop collaborators, Phil Parker (United Kingdom) and Rita Domonyi (Hungary) are returning.

    The workshop will consist of four modules, balancing online and on-site programs, with two on-site weeks in 2023. The first module will take place in Ljubljana, Slovenia, between February 27 and March 4.

    Through expert lectures, moderated discussions, group work and individual consultations, the 2023 participants will gain valuable feedback and a chance to expand their knowledge of the animation industry. In addition to following the complete Workshop program, two additional career-oriented participants will also receive personalized mentoring on their career and company strategy development.

    The CEE Animation Workshop program is tailored to the needs of animation creatives, and will see the selected projects from their early stages to the final developed production package, ready to access the market. The program is organized with the support of the E.U.’s Creative Europe – MEDIA Program.

    Laura
    Laura (LeLe Productions)

    Selected Projects

    FEATURE FILMS

    Adam
    Director & scriptwriter: Ron Segal
    Producers: Alexander Weimer, Esther Firedrich
    MovieBrats Pictures (Germany)

    Ah Cheung
    Directors: Ka Ue So, Wong Chong
    Scriptwriter: Ka Ue So
    Producer: Catherine Chan
    Alpha Omega (Hong Kong)

    Laura
    Scriptwriter: Roza Misztela
    Producer: Anita Kwiatkowska-Naqvi
    LeLe Productions (Poland)

    Ouzkorini
    Director & scriptwriter: Michelle Kersevany
    Producer: Marine Vaillant
    Special Touch Studios (France)

    Rosie & Sapphire
    Rosie & Sapphire (CUB Animation)

    TELEVISION SERIES

    Rosie & Sapphire
    Director & scriptwriter: Anna Katalyn Lovrity
    Producer: Balint Gelley
    CUB Animation (Hungary)

    The Girl With Occupied Eyes
    Director & scriptwriter: Ana Catarina Alves
    Producer: Hemi Fortes, Filipe Araujo
    Blablabla Media (Portugal)

    Zabavia
    Director: Serhiy Mohylnyy
    Scriptwriter: Halyana Tkachuk
    Producer: Desniana Rozhkova
    UkrKino (Ukraine)

    The Apartment
    The Apartment (Atomart)

    SHORT FILM

    Down in the Dumps
    Director: Vera Van Wolferen
    Scriptwriter: Britt Snel
    Producer: Chris Stenger
    Family Affair Films (Netherlands)

    Genius Dream
    Director: Martin Buril
    Producer: Aneta Furdecka
    Nutprodukce (Czech Republic)

    Granny Summer
    Director: Paula Skelin
    Producer: Draško Ivezić
    Adriatic Animation (Croatia)

    Princess Rose Chafer
    Director: Anka Kočevar
    Scriptwriter: Slavica Remškar
    Producer: Tina Smrekar
    Finta Studio (Slovenia)

    The Apartment
    Director & scriptwriter: Ivo Breidis
    Producer: Agne Skane
    Atomart (Latvia)

     

    CAREER-ORIENTED PARTICIPANTS

    Agata Jelenkova, producer
    Novinski (Slovakia)

    Przemyslav Pilarczyk, producer
    WJT / Likaon (Poland)

     

    Full details and imagery for all projects is available at ceeanimation.eu.

  • Autodesk Launches Moxion Rooms for Secure Cloud-Based Review

    Autodesk Launches Moxion Rooms for Secure Cloud-Based Review

    Autodesk today introduced Moxion Rooms, a forensically secure review solution enabling creative teams in production and post-production to share livestreams and review uploaded assets in a single cloud-based environment. The solution was developed for the specifications and production needs of remote teams working on the Amazon Originals series The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power, and is now being released commercially.

    “Moxion Rooms accommodates collaborative review in a secure environment with video and voice chat, and elegantly hosts and stores everything anyone working on a production needs to access, from budgets to scripts and schedules,” said Ron Ames, producer/founder, The Modern Film Consortium. “This was essential for a project like The Rings of Power with so many moving parts. Moxion Rooms quickly replaced what was taking us a combination of four different review solutions and reliance on OBS, which is not ideal on a high stakes production.”

    Moxion Rooms
    Moxion Rooms

    “We acquired Moxion to accelerate our move to production in the cloud, and we’re excited to introduce Moxion Rooms to support next-generation creative needs,” said Diana Colella, senior vice president, Autodesk Media & Entertainment. “Teams can now collaborate on footage and assets virtually as it is captured, and facilitate fully synced live review sessions via a browser. This ultimately enables faster content delivery and helps keep up with industry demand.”

    The cloud-based Moxion platform supports secure digital dailies and camera to cloud (Immediates) workflows. With Moxion Rooms people can collaborate and review camera footage on set and remotely with the efficiency and immediacy required to make creative decisions during principal photography in 4K high dynamic range (HDR) quality, with studio-grade security. Moxion Rooms includes powerful review tools, video and voice chat, and industry-standard support for Dolby Vision, HDR10 and SDR.

    Moxion Rooms
    Moxion Rooms

    Key features:

    • Collaborate on uploaded assets (up to 200) in real time (up to 25 participants) or access on your own time.
    • Livestream editorial reviews, with new NDI support; create and manage streaming sessions, share activity statuses, control playback resolution/audio settings and apply specific color profiles from your desktop.
    • Review media as you capture it by sharing directly from set to multiple team members, camera crews and locations to maintain continuity with live-streaming camera capabilities.
    • Dynamic collaboration capabilities: Watch frames synchronously in a unified review session or allow each reviewer to watch the streaming media at their own pace without affecting other reviewers’ playback.
    • Keep media secure with Moxion’s digital rights management protection; forensically watermark or apply digital rights to the media being reviewed in your session.
    Moxion Rooms
    Moxion Rooms

    Accolades for Autodesk Moxion include an Engineering Excellence Award from the Hollywood Professional Association (HPA), a Workflow Systems Medal from the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), and a Lumiere Award from the Advanced Imaging Society. In addition to Rings of Power, Moxion has supported complex productions such as The Midnight Sky, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and The Matrix Resurrections.

    Find the FAQ and documentation for Moxion Rooms at autodesk.com.

  • ‘Only You’ WBD Access Animated Shorts Anthology Will Stream on HBO Max

    ‘Only You’ WBD Access Animated Shorts Anthology Will Stream on HBO Max

    Warner Bros. Discovery announced today that the HBO Max x Warner Bros. Discovery Access Animated Shorts Program will showcase the final short films collection exclusively on HBO Max on March 23. These eight short films were created by 12 underrepresented artists, selected last year for a year-long program during which they were given a production budget, training, and tools to complete their original five-to-seven-minute adult animated short.

    “It has been a pleasure to continue our pipeline efforts by championing underrepresented voices and giving access and exposure for these next generation of primetime animation storytellers,” said Karen Horne, Senior Vice President, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, North America, Warner Bros. Discovery. “We are excited that this program culminates with the opportunity to showcase the artists’ unique visual artistry with HBO Max consumers.”

    Participants were paired with executive mentors from across WBD brands including HBO Max, Adult Swim, Warner Animation Group and Rooster Teeth, and all films were overseen by established producer Amanda Miller (Christopher at Sea). In addition, creators participated in masterclasses from award-winning writers, producers and artists including Justin Halpern & Patrick Schumacker (Harley Quinn), Erica Rivinoja (Clone High), Dan Dominguez (Seis Manos, VP Powerhouse Animation), Matthew A. Cherry (Hair Love), Noëlle Raffaele (DC Super Hero Girls), Ron Kurniawan (Puss in Boots) and Teddy Newton (The Incredibles).

    “One of the best parts about working in animation for 20 years is the feeling when you find a truly original artistic voice, someone who can tell a story with a visual style that is wholly unique,” said Suzanna Makkos, EVP, Original Programming, HBO Max & Adult Swim. “I’m thrilled to say that the inaugural HBO Max X WBD Access Animated Shorts Program has not only yielded an impressive slate of content, but has set a high bar for how we discover and develop new voices in primetime animation.”

    The animated short films will debut as episodes in a Max original series titled: Only You: An Animated Shorts Collection on March 23.

    Synopsis: What’s a story Only You can tell? Inspired by this prompt, a diverse group of artists bring their personal tales to life across a spectacular range of animated styles. From a high-stakes Wall Ball tournament in Coney Island, to a redemptive odyssey through the Pacific Northwest, to a psychological showdown with a health-conscious vampire, these stories cross multiple genres, including horror, comedy, and fantasy. A visually exhilarating and emotion-fueled journey, this collection of eight short films welcomes us into the hearts, minds, and communities of the next generation of storytellers.

    Episodes & Creators:

    Episode 1 — Burning Rubber by Chris Fequiere (he/him)
    Duane Ruiz is out of college and out of options. Down on his luck, he has to choose between responsibilities at work and home or competing in the high-stakes Burning Rubber Wallball (a.k.a.NYC handball) tournament.

    Episode 2 — Welcome to 8th Street by Yoo Lee (she/her) & Xin Li (she/her)
    When newcomers attempt to settle into their New Jersey neighborhood on 8th Street, some odd encounters make them question their decision to move. However, that changes when a wild turkey shows up on their block.

    Episode 3 — Kent Hammer by Dominick Green (he/him)
    Kent Hammer, a confident and highly successful businessman with a loving family, slowly loses touch with reality through a psychotic episode and descends into madness. Kent befriends his briefcase as it talks to and guides him through his journey, but other office supplies may not be as trustworthy or helpful.

    Episode 4 — Yellowbird by Tsvetelina Zdraveva (she/her) & Jerred North (he/him)
    While living in New York, a young immigrant receives tragic news from overseas, and must choose between going home or staying in the U.S. to maintain her legal status.

    Episode 5 — Monstr by Tank Standing Buffalo (he/him) & Xstine Cook (she/her)
    How do you go on living when everything is taken from you in the blink of an eye? A true story of a young artist who confronts his inner demons while apprenticing with a northwest totem carver after the death of his beloved.

    Episode 6 — Aroon by Miriam Presas (she/her)
    A deluded hero has trapped himself within a storybook legend where he always saves the day. After a harrowing experience, the hero starts to question his morality, his purpose, and what makes his life worth living.

    Episode 7 — Kimotiwin: The Act of Stealing by Keara Lightning (she/her) & Caeleigh Lightning (she/they)
    To steal back a flower that is special to her lover, Tiska embarks on a dangerous journey across an overgrown landscape, fighting demons in a post-apocalyptic city.

    Episode 8 — Leech by Aalaa Mohamed (she/her)
    A vampire obsessed with the quality of the blood they consume poses as a health coach to ensure they can control their clients’ lifestyles. This is the story of Minna, one victim who attempts to break free.

     

  • New Teaser: ‘Mashle: Magic and Muscle’ Bulks Up Crunchyroll Slate in April

    New Teaser: ‘Mashle: Magic and Muscle’ Bulks Up Crunchyroll Slate in April

    The world of witchcraft and wizardry is in for a high-protein counter spell when Mashle: Magic and Muscles smashes onto Crunchyroll in April. Based on the popular manga from writer-illustrator Hajime Komoto, published in Weekly Shonen Jump by Shueisha, the series will simulcast weekly episodes on the streamer, airing in over 200 countries and territories immediately after its Japan premiere.

    The off-kilter magical fantasy has captivated fans globally with its absurdist visual gags amidst its backdrop within a world of magic that is flipped on its head by one boy whose dedication to beefing up flips his magical world on its head. The series is animated and produced by A-1 Pictures (Lycoris Recoil, 86 EIGHTY-SIX, Sword Art Online) and directed by Tomonari Tanaka (Engage Kiss).

    Synopsis: This is a world of magic. This is a world in which magic is casually used by everyone. In a deep, dark forest in this world of magic, there is a boy who is single-mindedly working out … His name is Mash Burnedead, and he has a secret: He can’t use magic.

    All Mash wanted was to live a quiet life with his family, but people suddenly start trying to kill him one day and he somehow finds himself enrolled in Magic School. There, he sets his sights on becoming a “Divine Visionary,” the elite of the elite. Will his ripped muscles work against the best and brightest of the wizarding world?

    The curtain rises on this off-kilter magical fantasy in which the power of being jacked crushes any spell!

    Japanese voice cast & characters:

    • Chiaki Kobayashi (Yuichi Katagiri in Tomodachi Game) as Mash Burnedead, a rare young man who cannot use magic. Although he crushes all types of magic with his well-trained muscles, he lacks common sense and tends to do as he pleases. He loves cream puffs.
    • Reiji Kawashima (Fushi in To Your Eternity) as Finn Ames, Mash’s dorm roommate. He is the straight man (tsukkomi) of their antics and Mash’s first friend.
    • Kaito Ishikawa (Tenya Iida in My Hero Academia) as Lance Crown, a good-looking young man who ranked first among the transfer exam students. He has considerable magical power, and is top of the class in academic performance.
    • Takuya Eguchi (Loid Forger in SPY x FAMILY) as Dot Barrett, an impulsive and noisy young man. He’s the unpopular type with a strong hatred for good-looking guys.
    • Reina Ueda (Kisa Soma in 2019’s Fruits Basket) as Lemon Irvine, who has had a crush on Mash since he helped her during the transfer exams. She’s imaginative, to say the least.
    • Hiroaki Hirata (Vinsmoke Sanji in One Piece) as Narrator.

    Mashle

    Additional staff credits include series composition and screenplay by Yosuke Kuroda (My Hero Academia; Bastard!! Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy); character design by Hisashi Higashijima; action direction by Takeshi Matsuda (Naruto Shippuden: The Will of Fire key animation) and Hiroaki Goda (Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone key animation); art direction by Yusa Ito (Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Aria of a Starless Night) and music composed by Masaru Yokoyama (Your Lie in April, 2019’s Fruits Basket).

    Click to watch the previously released official trailer and character trailer. 

  • ‘Lamya’s Poem’ Starring Mena Massoud Debuts on VOD

    ‘Lamya’s Poem’ Starring Mena Massoud Debuts on VOD

    Freestyle Digital Media, the digital film distribution division of Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group, today presents the VOD launch of the family-oriented Syrian refugee tale Lamya’s Poem. The animated feature premiered at last year’s prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival, and went on to play at festivals in Vancouver, Zurich and Prague.

    Synopsis: When 12-year-old Syrian refugee Lamya flees the violence of her country, she is given a book of poetry by the famous 13th century poet, Rumi. As the perils of Lamya’s journey mount, the book becomes a magical gateway where she meets Rumi when he was a boy and also a refugee fleeing the violence of his time. In a shared dreamworld, they battle the monsters that follow them from their real-world situations, and Lamya must help young Rumi find his calling and write the poem that 800 years later will save her life.

    The cast features Millie Davis as Lamya (Ms. O in Odd Squad, Summer in Wonder, Gemma Hendrix in Orphan Black), Faran Tahir as Baha Walad (Raza in Iron Man, Captain Robau in Star Trek) and Mena Massoud as Rumi (Aladdin in Disney’s live-action Aladdin, Tarek Kassar in Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan).

    Written and directed by Alex Kronemer, Lamya’s Poem was produced by Kronemer, Glenn James Brown and Sam Kadi. The animation is produce by award-winning Ontario studio PIP Animation (The Cat in the Hat, Wandering Wenda, Caillou, Cyber Chase, The Umbrella Academy).

    Freestyle acquired both DVD and VOD rights to the film, which will be available on DVD and to rent/own on North American digital HD internet, cable and satellite platforms. The deal was negotiated with UTA Independent.

    Visit the film’s official website here to learn more about Lamya’s Poem and find links to rent or buy on VOD.

  • ‘Suzume’ Sets NorAm Premiere at NYICFF in March

    ‘Suzume’ Sets NorAm Premiere at NYICFF in March

    The New York International Children’s Film Festival (NYICFF) announced today that it will host the highly anticipated North American Premiere of Makoto Shinkai’s latest feature film Suzume. The coming-of-age fantasy will screen March 5 at the SVA Theatre as the festival’s Centerpiece selection.

    The announcement comes just ahead of the film’s International Premiere on February 23 at the Berlinale, where it will be the first Japanese anime feature film to screen in the festival’s competition in two decades. (Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away screened in 2002 and took home the Golden Bear).

    “We’re beyond thrilled to spotlight visionary director Makoto Shinkai’s artistic mastery,” said NYICFF Director of Programming Maria-Christina Villaseñor. “His films are compellingly emotive, graphically rich and capture the zeitgeist of today’s youth as they navigate our increasingly tumultuous world. NYICFF is thrilled to screen Suzume for the first time for a North American audience and continue the long tradition of honoring his work at the Festival.”

    Synopsis:

    On the other side of the door, was time in its entirety—

    As the skies turn red and the earth trembles, Japan stands on the brink of disaster. But one determined teenager, Suzume, sets out on a mission to save her country. Able to see the supernatural forces that others can’t, it’s up to her to close the mysterious doors spreading chaos across the land. A perilous journey awaits as the fate of the country rests on her shoulders.

    The film has already surpassed expectations in Japan, with over 10 million admissions in Japan since November and 13.4 billion yen (approx. 103 million USD) in 12 weeks.

    Suzume’s international theatrical release is set for April, distributed by Crunchyroll in partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment, Wild Bunch International, Wild Bunch Germany and Eurozoom (excluding Asia). The film will open in North American cinemas on April 14.

    NYICFF has a history of supporting Shinkai’s work and other anime titles over the past 25 years, having premiered the maestro’s global hit Your Name. (2016), Children Who Chase Lost Voices from Deep Below (2012) and 5 Centimeters Per Second (2008) at previous editions. The festival has also debuted works by auteurs such as Miyazaki, Mamoru Hosoda and more.

    This year’s program features exciting new anime titles including the adaptation of Tsujimura Mizuki’s popular YA novel Lonely Castle in the Mirror, Atsuko Ishizuka’s Goodbye Don Glees! and the East Coast premiere of Masaki Tachibana’s Blue Thermal.

    NYICFF 2023 will take place March 3 through 19. Tickets and more information available through nyicff.org.

    Read more about Suzume in the April ’23 issue of Animation Magazine, available soon.

    Suzume
    Suzume © 2022 “Suzume” Film Partners
  • Dandelooo Adds ‘The Super Heroes of Nature’ to Distribution Menagerie

    Dandelooo Adds ‘The Super Heroes of Nature’ to Distribution Menagerie

    Emmy Award-winning French animation production and distribution company Dandelooo has struck a deal with French animation and production companies Moonworks Productions and Amopix Studios for the new hybrid 2D animated series The Super Heroes of Nature. The deal gives Dandelooo exclusive worldwide distribution rights to the 30 x 3′ series aimed at kids 4-10 and families.

    Written by Charlotte Schmidt, Emmanuelle Pouydebat and Nicolas Bazeille, The Super Heroes of Nature incorporates playful metaphors and references to popular culture to take a poetic and often humorous look at biodiversity. The show offers a playful introduction to biology and each episode is built around an animal or an organism and its environment, approaching a particular biological notion such as animal intelligence, social behaviors, reproduction and the roles of the cells or the immune system.

    By relying on accessible scientific information — and sometimes surprising and unpublished discoveries made by international researchers — the series aims to foster understanding and contribute to changing the way we look at life.

    The Super Heroes of Nature
    The Super Heroes of Nature

    Set for delivery in December 2023, The Super Heroes of Nature has already been pre-sold to TV5 Monde, RTS, Télé-Québec, Arte Editions, Universcience, Le Vaisseau and Noozy.

    Synopsis: The world of nature and tiny biology is full of creatures with extraordinary powers. Discovering them takes us on a fascinating, poetic and hilarious journey where science often goes beyond fiction. The Super Heroes of Nature uses humor to share and make accessible the wonderful and formidable inventiveness of nature, and the importance of preserving it and making it accessible.

    dandelooo.com

  • ‘Violet Evergarden the Movie’ Blooms on 4K LE Box Set in May

    ‘Violet Evergarden the Movie’ Blooms on 4K LE Box Set in May

    Violet Evergarden The Movie box set

    This Spring, Crunchyroll will release a limited edition 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray box set for Kyoto Animation’s Violet Evergarden the Movie, which is set to release on May 30. Each set will exclusively include a special collector’s box, 12 unique art cards and a filler box designed to fit into the Violet Evergarden: The Complete Series limited edition set.

    Synopsis: While writing other people’s emotions, she may have neglected her own. Violet Evergarden, the child soldier turned Auto Memory Doll, writes letters that evoke the words her clients can’t. But when a terminally ill boy requests her services for his family, her own feelings about love and loss resurface. Now she must confront her past and the death of the Major.

    The Limited Edition also includes promo videos and trailers for Violet Evergarden the Movie as special features.

    Additionally, Crunchyroll will release a limited edition Blu-ray and DVD box set for Restaurant to Another World 2 on May 9. This set includes a 64-page art book full of delectable concept art, three official recipe cards, and extra room in the box to store Season 1. Special features include commercials and textless ending song.

    Synopsis: There is a certain restaurant in the first basement level of a multi-tenant building in one corner of a shopping street near the office district. The historical restaurant, marked by a sign with a picture of a cat, is called “Western Cuisine Nekoya.” This restaurant looks completely normal through the week, but on Saturdays, it opens in secret exclusively to some very unique guests. During these hours, doors in various areas of a parallel world open to allow customers of many different races and cultures into the restaurant.

    Additional home video titles releasing in May also include:

    • May 2
      • Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie – The Complete Season – Blu-ray
      • Tomodachi Game – The Complete Season – Blu-ray
    • May 9
      • Aoashi – Season 1 Part 1 – Blu-ray *previously announced; release date moved to May from April
      • Restaurant to Another World 2 (Season 2) Limited Edition – Blu-ray / DVD
      • Restaurant to Another World 2 (Season 2) – Blu-ray
    • May 16
      • Aharen-san wa Hakarenai – The Complete Season – Blu-ray
      • The Dawn of the Witch – The Complete Season – Blu-ray (North America / Australia and New Zealand)
      • The Greatest Demon Lord Is Reborn as a Typical Nobody – The Complete Season – Blu-ray
    • May 23
      • DATE A LIVE IV – The Complete Season – Blu-ray and DVD
      • Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games Is Tough for Mobs – The Complete Season – Blu-ray
    • May 30
      • Violet Evergarden the Movie – Limited Edition – 4K UHD and Blu-ray
      • Violet Evergarden the Movie – Standard Edition – 4K UHD and Blu-ray
      • Requiem of the Rose King – Part 2 – Blu-ray

     

    To pre-order any of these titles and see more, visit store.crunchyroll.com.

  • HaZimation Sneak Peeks ‘RIFT’ at for EFM

    HaZimation Sneak Peeks ‘RIFT’ at for EFM

    Heading into the European Film Market, U.K.-based global animation studio HaZimation unveiled new sneak peek images and an exclusive clip from its upcoming animated feature film, RIFT. HaZimation will be on-site at EFM in Berlin (Feb. 16-23) to showcase the film.

    “We’re thrilled to debut sneak peek images of RIFT at the European Film Market, and to collaborate with innovative distributors who share our passion for elevating the thrill of the cinema experience,” says HaZimation’s Founder and the film’s director, Hasraf “HaZ” Dulull. “The process of bringing our ideas to life, followed by delivering them to our audiences’ screens has been such an incredible experience.”

    Described as “bold and high-concept,” RIFT is CG-animated sci-fi tale produced by the HaZimation team led by Dulull (The Beyond, Disney’s Fast Layne) and  Co-Founder Paula Crickard (Jolt, The Protege) as producer.

    Written by Stavros Pamballis, based on an original concept by Dulull, RIFT tells the story of Max, a young boy held captive in a research facility, who uses his ability to create rifts in the fabric of spacetime, across parallel universes, looking for the one in which his brother Leon, a former-marine, manages to rescue him. With attempt after attempt ending in Leon’s death, the strain starts to take its toll on both brothers. When Max discovers his captors are using his power against him, he realizes he must stop focusing on how the story ends and rewrite the story from the beginning.

    https://youtu.be/gg-OpPInu4o

    Executive produced by Yariv Lerner (Expendables, The Hitman’s Bodyguard), Amy Gardner (Identicals) and Jason Potter, RIFT stars BAFTA Award-winning actor Jane Perry (Cyberpunk 2077, Returnal), Cade Tropeano (Blackbird) and Dave Fennoy (Walking Dead), with motion capture performances from Ace Ruele (Marvel’s Eternals) and Alex Kong (Marvel’s What If…). The 93-minute film was graded by colorist Vanessa Taylor (The Northman).

    HaZimation will be gearing up to secure domestic and international distribution deals for RIFT at the market. The film has already received recognition from several film festivals, including being an official selection at the BAFTA-qualifying British Urban Film Festival (BUFF), the Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI) and the Oscar-qualifying SPARK Animation Festival.

    hazimation.com

  • Exclusive Clip: A Joyful Exploration of ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’

    Exclusive Clip: A Joyful Exploration of ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’

    Puss in Boots: The Last Wish blu-ray

    Your favorite leche-lapping, whisker-twirling, highly fashionable feline hero is ready to regale home audiences with his animated feats when DreamWorks Animation’s Puss in Boots: The Last Wish arrives on Digital (February 21) and 4K, Blu-ray & DVD (Feb. 28). Ahead of the home release launch, enjoy a fun featurette clip where the cast and crew of this long awaited sequel share why Puss’s latest adventure gives them the warm fuzzies, courtesy of our friends at Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

    In the exclusive video below, “A Joyful Exploration,” director Joel Crawford,  Florence Pugh (voice of Goldilocks), associate producer Heather Lanza, Antonio Banderas (Puss in Boots), Samson Kayo (Baby Bear), Wagner Moura (Wolf), head of story Heidi Jo Gilbert, Salma Hayek Pinault (Kitty Softpaws), Harvey Guillén (Perrito) and co-director Januel P. Mercado discuss their enjoyment of making the film and what they hope to bring to audiences of all ages.

    Click here to read more about the home video release of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and check out Animation Magazine‘s feature story to learn more about the making of this Oscar-nominated pic.

  • Toonz Media Group Launches Feature Film Division

    Toonz Media Group Launches Feature Film Division

    After nearly a quarter century in global kids and family entertainment, Toonz Media Group has announced the launch of a new dedicated feature film division, which will be involved in a full spectrum of activities within the group, translating its in-house created content as well as titles from other partners and third party productions to the big screen.

    Veteran entertainment executive Ariel Veneziano has been named President of Toonz Feature Film Division. A leading professional in international distribution, Veneziano previously served as President of Icon Entertainment International, where he oversaw sales of the most successful independent film of all time, Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ.

    During his tenure at Alliance Atlantis Communication as Director of Sales and Distribution, Veneziano handled international distribution on Michael Moore’s award-winning documentary Bowling for Columbine, and America’s most watched television show, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. He has also served as President of Gold Valley Films International, where he helped arrange partnerships with top theatrical distributors.

    “Having firmly established Toonz as the worldwide leader in animation and kid’s entertainment, I feel this is the right time to launch the feature film division headed by a dynamic leader,” said P. Jayakumar, CEO of Toonz Media Group. “Post Berlin, Ariel will announce additions to his team along with new projects currently under development. He is tasked with making Toonz a global force in the feature film world.”

    Veneziano added, “Toonz is a highly recognizable brand in the kids and family space, having established relationships with exceptional creators of content. I look forward to helping the group capitalize on the many opportunities in the feature film world, with an initial focus on high end animated movies for the theatrical marketplace.”

    The new Toonz Feature Film Division is now in production on the animated feature Little Emma, a co-production between Toonz and Gold Valley Entertainment, China. Directed by Isabella Blanco, the family adventure is about a miniature human girl adopted by animal parents who is yearning to find the truth about her human roots.

    Toonz is already involved in animated feature film productions including The Canterville Ghost, a 3D CGI adaptation of the Oscar Wilde classic of the same name. The theatrical feature is being co-produced by Toonz along with Robert Chandler’s Space Age Films (whose The Amazing Maurice was recently selected at the Sundance Film Festival) and Los Angeles-based Align Pictures U.S. Inc. The film will be distributed globally by the American film distributors Cinema Management Group (CMG).

    Toonz is preparing to make further key announcements about new feature film projects in the lead up to the Cannes festival and film market in May.

    toonz.co

  • ‘Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal’ Complete Season 2 Roars to Disc

    ‘Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal’ Complete Season 2 Roars to Disc

    Get in survival mode as Adult Swim’s #1 prehistoric animated series, Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal: The Complete Second Season, arrives on Blu-ray (SRP $29.98 U.S. / $39.99 Canada) and DVD ($24.98 / $29.98) on April 25.

    The critically acclaimed series from Cartoon Network Studios has won a total of five Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Animated Program. Now, fans can own all 10 episodes from the second season on disc and go behind the scenes with an all-new featurette exclusive to this release.

    Primal Blu-ray

    Named “Best Animated TV Show of 2022” by Vulture, Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal follows the tale of a caveman at the dawn of evolution as he forms an unlikely friendship with an almost extinct dinosaur. In Season 2, Spear and Fang journey to a new world to rescue Mira from her captors only to find it is a place filled with savage brutality.

    The exclusive new featurette Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal: Inside the Evolution takes audiences inside the cvolution of the Emmy-winning show, as Genndy Tartakovsky and his team share their inspirations behind the second season and reveal how a four-legged friend inspired one of the most beloved characters.

    Season 2 Episodes:

      1. Sea of Despair
      2. Shadow of Fate
      3. Dawn of Man
      4. The Red Mist
      5. The Primal Theory
      6. Vidarr
      7. The Colossaeus, Part I
      8. The Colossaeus, Part II
      9. The Colossaeus, Part III
      10. Echoes of Eternity

    The series is also now available to purchase Digitally from Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, Google Play, Vudu and more.

  • Trailer: A Snack Dynasty Crumbles in ‘Royal Crackers’ on Adult Swim April 2

    Trailer: A Snack Dynasty Crumbles in ‘Royal Crackers’ on Adult Swim April 2

    A Bakersfield family’s once-successful cracker company is up for grabs in Adult Swim’s newest animated comedy, Royal Crackers. Created by and starring Jason Ruiz (Murder Police), the half-hour series will debut Sunday, April 2 at 11 p.m. ET/PT on Adult Swim and the next day on HBO Max.

    Synopsis: Royal Crackers was once the king of snacks, but the empire is crumbling. When the family patriarch, tyrannical company founder Theodore Hornsby Sr. ends up in a “super coma,” the rest of the Hornsbys will take their lack of talent and business acumen and try to make Royal Crackers the success it once was.

    “Like most kids, when I was a young child, I had the stereotypical dream of making an animated television program about a mediocre cracker company and the family of desperate weirdos who run it,” said Ruiz. “In this childhood dream, I wanted it to air on linear TV and then stream on an app the following day. Thank you to Adult Swim and HBO Max for making that little pipe dream come true.”

    Royal Crackers
    Royal Crackers

    Royal Crackers also stars Andrew Santino (Dave), Jessica St. Clair (Veep, American Housewife, The Deep Dive podcast), David Gborie (Exploding Kittens, All Fantasy Everything podcast), Emmy winner Maile Flanagan (Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks, Naruto, Not Dead Yet) and Fred Tatasciore (Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal).

    The first three episodes of Royal Crackers will debut on Adult Swim on April 2, with new episodes premiering weekly Sunday at 11 p.m. ET/PT. The series will also debut globally on HBO Max beginning April 3.

  • Gold Valley Films Previews ‘Little Emma’ at EFM

    Gold Valley Films Previews ‘Little Emma’ at EFM

    Little Emma

    Gold Valley Films is on site at EFM 2023 in Berlin to showcase their latest original animation film, Little Emma, which was recently awarded the MPA Asia-Pacific Cooperation Special Award for best work-in-progress at the Beijing International Film Festival. The studio has also unveiled a new trailer for the whimsical CG family adventure.

    Synopsis: Little Emma, is about a little human girl in a world full of BIG creatures, none of which really know what she is. She is on a quest to find out where she’s from and where she belongs. She meets helpful friends along the way, like Newton, an awkward genius turtle, and Edward Wolff, a scientist trying to prove that Emma is more than meets the eye!

    The film is directed by Leo Lewis (Ella and the Little Sorcerer, Mulan: Princess Warrior) and Isabella Blanco (Ella and the Little Sorcerer), written by Sean Lamb (Ella and the Little Sorcerer). The movie is voiced by Natalie Grace (T-Rex Ranch) as Emma; Broadway performer, recording artist and entertainer Travis Cloer as Edward; Bar Topaz as Newton; Niko Gerentes (Death by Dying) as Sancho, Mr. White  and Bear; and Amy Margolis (Law and Order and House) as Mrs. Whit.

    https://vimeo.com/796205642

    Gold Valley Films is holding two screenings of the film’s first 50 minutes on February 16 and 18. In addition to Little Emma, GVF will also be presenting at EFM Nils: The New Adventure, based on the novel by Selma Lagerlöf, the first women Nobel Prize winner in literature, and Wojtek The Bear, based on a true story, in Berlin.

    Little Emma is GVF’s eighth animated feature, joining a growing library of titles including Ella and the Little Sorcerer, Cinderella and the Secret Prince, Academy of Magic and Mulan: The Princess Warrior. GVF’s head of international, Allen Tsang, will lead the delegation to Berlin, which also includes sales veteran Ariel Veneziano. The Gold Valley Film team can be found at The Marriott 1010.

    “It’s exciting that EFM has returned to the pre-pandemic atmosphere, and I’m looking forward to finally being able to chat, drink and share meals with friends from all over the world face-to-face again,” said Tsang.

    Veneziano added, “Little Emma is a fantastic project, with a highly original and relatable story. We are proud to bring such a premium project, in quality of animation and marketability alike, to Berlin.”

    Little Emma
    Little Emma

    Little Emma is currently in post-production and will be ready for delivery 2nd Quarter of this year. Joining GVF as co-producers are Neko Productions, known for collaborating with SEGA for animation made to promote various titles from the Sonic the Hedgehog series, and global kids and family entertainment major Toonz Media Group, who have many successful projects such as Wolverine and the X-Men, the Speed Racer series, 1001 Nights and Fruit Ninja, among others. Veteran entertainment executive Ariel Veneziano is a consultant on the project.

    The film also features an original score performed, recorded and mixed by Daniel Markovich, a distinguished L.A. based composer whose work has featured in numerous TV shows and screened in major festivals around the world, including Cannes Film Festival and Viennale Film Festival.

    “We’re proud to present an original story that will resonate with audiences worldwide,” said GVF CEO Roger (Qing) Chen, who founded the studio with Adam (Hao Qiang) Qiu in 2013. “Much like our previous films, we feature a strong female lead character who succeeds because of her bravery and perseverance.”

    goldvalleyfilms.com

    Little Emma
    Little Emma
  • Watch: ‘South Park’ Spoofs Harry & Meghan in “The Worldwide Privacy Tour”

    Watch: ‘South Park’ Spoofs Harry & Meghan in “The Worldwide Privacy Tour”

    The house of Windsor’s erstwhile Duke and Duchess of Sussex get the royal South Park treatment in this weeks’ brand-new Season 26 episode. Premiered last night and now available to watch for free on southpark.cc.com, “The Worldwide Privacy Tour” lampoons Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s campaign to exit the spotlight of royalty, imagining a world where they are going down to South Park to leave their woes behind.

    The prince of Canada and his wife try to find privacy and seclusion in a small mountain town.

    In a clip released ahead of the episode premiere, Kyle complains about the town’s obsession with the newly arrived celebrity couple, and Stan advises him to just. not. care. 

    Trey Parker and Matt Stone are the co-creators of South Park. Parker, Stone, Anne Garefino and Frank C. Agnone II are the executive producers of the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning series. Eric Stough, Adrien Beard, Bruce Howell and Vernon Chatman are producers. Christopher Brion is the creative director of South Park Digital Studios.

    Season 26 launched last week. New episodes of South Park premiere Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

    South Park "The Worldwide Privacy Tour"
    South Park “The Worldwide Privacy Tour”