Netflix today unveiled a teaser poster for its upcoming One Piece series, offering a sneak peak at Iñaki Godoy (TheImperfects) as Monkey D. Luffy in the live-action adaptation. The artwork promises that fans will set sail with the beloved pirate crew sometime in 2023.
The series also stars Mackenyu (Rurouni Kenshin: The Final) as Roronoa Zoro, Emily Rudd (Fear Street) as Nami, Jacob Romero Gibson (Greenleaf) as Usopp and Taz Skylar (Multi-Facial) as Sanji,
The new One Piece series is based on the staggeringly popular manga series created by Eiichiro Oda (who also serves as executive producer on the show). First published in 1997 and exceeding 100 volumes, the story follows incredibly stretchy and unstoppably headstrong captain Luffy on his quest to discover the legendary treasure One Piece, navigating a fantasy world populated by pirates. One Piece holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s best-selling single-author comic book series.
In partnership with Shueisha, One Piece is produced by Tomorrow Studios and Netflix. Matt Owens and Steve Maeda are writers, executive producers and showrunners. Oda, Marty Adelstein and Becky Clements also executive produce.
Previously announced cast includes McKinley Belcher III, Morgan Davies, Aidan Scott, Vincent Regan, Jeff Ward, Craig Fairbrass, Langley Kirkwood, Celeste Loots, Alexander Maniatis, Ilia Isorelýs Paulino, Chioma Umeala and Steven Ward. Additional cast to be announced.
The Visual Effects Society (VES) has announced its 2023 Board of Directors Officers. The Officers, who comprise the VES Board Executive Committee, were elected at the January 2023 Board meeting. They include Lisa Cooke, who was re-elected Board Chair, and is the first woman to hold this role since the Society’s inception.
“It is my privilege to continue to Chair this global society of outstanding artists and innovators,” said Cooke. “The esteemed leadership on our Board bring passion, diverse experience and enormous commitment to volunteer service to our organization. I’m excited about what we can achieve, working together, to grow the Society and take our worldwide membership to new heights.”
“The Society is so fortunate to have this year’s Executive Committee members guiding our mission-driven work,” said VES Executive Director Nancy Ward. “Individually, they’ve each devoted countless hours in service to VES, and together, they have a deep understanding of the organization and an unwavering commitment to serve the membership. I look forward to working with this year’s Executive Committee to evolve the Society.”
The 2023 Officers of the VES Board of Directors are:
Chair: Lisa Cooke
1st Vice Chair: Susan O’Neal
2nd Vice Chair: David H. Tanaka, VES
Secretary: Rita Cahill
Treasurer: Jeffrey A. Okun, VES
Lisa Cooke
Lisa Cooke, Chair — A VFX producer at Tippett Studio and an executive producer at Tippett Productions, Cooke brings her experience as an animation/VFX producer, story consultant, screenwriter and actor. Firmly believing that effective science communication is vital to our world, before joining Tippett, she founded Green Ray Media, where she produced animation and VFX to create scientific, medical and environmental media for a broad audience.
In the past, Cooke has worked for entertainment clients including Lucasfilm, Fox, Universal and Nickelodeon Films, and in the VFX and animation industry for companies like Pixar, Glasgow-based Digital Animations Group and as senior producer at Reardon Studios.
Cooke served six years on the VES Bay Area Board of Managers Executive Committee before joining the VES Board of Directors, where she has served as Second Vice Chair, First Vice Chair, Co-Chair of the Archives Initiative and is honored to be currently serving her third term as Chair.
Susan O’Neal
Susan O’Neal, 1st Vice Chair — Susan O’Neal joined the VES in the late 1990s and has served as a member of its global Board of Directors in multiple roles, including service on the Executive Committee in 2016 as Treasurer, and as 2nd Vice Chair in 2022. For many years, she served as the Chair for the legacy global Education Committee and currently co-chairs the Membership Committee. She has been instrumental in the work to grow the Society by leading the biannual membership review and approval process.
In 2019, O’Neal was honored with the VES Founders Award for meritorious service to the Society.O’Neal is currently a recruiter for BLT Recruiting, Inc. and has worked as an Operations Manager at The Mill, Operations Director at Escape Studios in Los Angeles, and as an Account Manager at Side Effects Software, Inc. She started her career in visual effects at Digital Domain in 1993, where she worked in finance and operations before turning to production.
David H. Tanaka
David H. Tanaka, VES, 2nd Vice Chair — David H. Tanaka, VES is an editor, producer and creative director with experience ranging from visual effects and animation, to documentary and live-action feature filmmaking. For 15 years he served at Industrial Light & Magic in VFX Production and VFX Editorial on films including Jurassic Park, Forrest Gump and the Star Wars saga. He then went on to Pixar Animation Studios as a Special Projects Editor for 10 years, contributing to such productions as Cars, Ratatouille, WALL•E, Up, Toy Story 3 and Monsters University.
Tanaka currently holds a staff VFX editor position with Tippett Studio and serves as Adjunct Professor for the Academy of Art University, San Francisco, specializing in producing and editing for animation and visual effects production. In 2020, he along with his wife, Dorianne, co-founded Cinemabilities, a remote filmmaking course for typically and atypically developing students, ages 10 to 20.
Tanaka has served three terms as Chair of the VES Bay Area Section, as well as 2nd Vice Chair on the global Board of Directors in 2021. He is a major contributor to the VES Archives, Awards, Outreach and Work From Home Committees, and in 2022 was honored with both VES Lifetime Member and VES Fellow distinctions.
Rita Cahill
Rita Cahill, Secretary — Rita Cahill is an international business and marketing/PR consultant and has worked with a number of U.S., Canadian, U.K., E.U. and Chinese companies for visual effects and animation projects. Current and former clients include companies in the feature film, television, VR and game industries, as well as government and educational entities. She is also a partner in MakeBelieve Entertainment, a film development company and serves as executive producer on a number of international projects.
Previously, Cahill was the VP of Marketing for Cinesite where she oversaw the marketing of four divisions of the pioneering digital studio’s services. Prior to Cinesite, Cahill was a founding Board member of the Mill Valley Film Festival/California Film Institute and remains on the Institute’s Emeritus Board of Directors. Cahill was also the Founding Consultant on the formation and establishment of the Singapore International Film Festival.
This is Cahill’s eighth term as Secretary. She also served as Chair or Co-Chair of the VES Summit for eight years. In 2021, Cahill was honored with the VES Lifetime Member distinction and the VES Founders Award.
Jeffrey A. Okun
Jeffrey A. Okun, VES, Treasurer— Jeffrey A. Okun, VES, is known for creating ‘organic’ and invisible effects, as well as spectacular tent-pole visual effects that blend seamlessly into the storytelling aspect of the project. Okun has delivered wide-ranging effects in award winning films such as The Last Samurai, Alpha, Blood Diamond, Stargate, Sphere, Red Planet, Deep Blue Sea and The Last Starfighter and acclaimed television programs such as Cosmos: Possible Worlds for National Geographic and Fox TV, The End Is Nye (NBCUniversal) and The Good Lord Bird (Showtime).
Okun is a VES Fellow and recipient of the VES Founders Award. He created and co-edited, the VES Handbook of Visual Effects, an award-winning reference book covering all aspects of creating visual effects, techniques and practices. He is currently co-editing the VES Handbook of Virtual Production, a complete guide to virtual production spanning uses, roles, techniques and best practices, due out in Summer 2023. He created the VES Awards and continues to produce the event for the 21st year.
As VES Board Chair for seven years, Okun fostered a global community, focused attention on bringing business and creative education to artists, facilities and studios and guided the Society to help create a worldwide software anti-pirating alliance with the US Government to ensure that all facilities have a fair and level playing field from which to bid. He also served as Chair of the Los Angeles Section of the VES for two years and has been a Board member on both the VES and the L.A. Section for many years.
Heritage Auctions has opened bidding for its upcoming showcase auction, The Art of MTV and Nickelodeon. Offering production art, sketches and cels from kids’ classics and groundbreaking adult toons, the gavel drops Thursday, February 16 at 11 a.m. CT.
Patrick Star illustration signed by ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ creator Stephen Hillenburg
The long-running Nickelodeon favorite SpongeBob SquarePants is well represented among the most active listings leading up to the auction. Also creating buzz are production cels from the original Nicktoons trilogy that premiered in 1991: Rugrats, The Ren & Stimpy Show and Doug.
Other titles included in this sale’s offering are Nickelodeon’s Aaahh!!! Real Monsters, The Angry Beavers and Rocko’s Modern Life, as well as MTV’s iconic Beavis and Butt-head and the sci-fi actioner Æon Flux.
Visit ha.com to see more of Heritage Auctions’ current and upcoming events.
Angel Studios is ready to take off with Part Two of The Wingfeather Saga, its crowdfunded animated series based on the bestselling fantasy book series by Andrew Peterson. The studio today offered an early look at the new episodes in an official trailer shared with Animation Magazine — watch it below.
“Our animated series has all the feel of the best hand-crafted, original entertainment we loved as kids — Princess Bride, Goonies, Don Bluth and Miyazaki films. Tapping into a big fantasy world that the novels have created (now over a million copies sold!), with a balance of whimsy and epic stakes that build a real sense of peril,” says executive producer J. Chris Wall. “The story follows one ordinary family and three kids with a mysterious identity that will unfold over season one and set up an epic journey over six more seasons to the climatic conclusion.”
The Wingfeather Saga
Venture into the world of Aerwiar with Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby, three children living in an occupied land of lizard invaders. Follow along on their quest to escape the tyranny of the vicious Fangs of Dang and uncover the secrets of their family.
Part Two of the first season will make its free streaming launch on the Angel Studios app on February 10. You can also catch up on the show’s production with this recently released 2022 year in review video.
The WingfeatherSaga is produced at startup animation studio Shining Isle Productions in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Wingfeather Saga
“The CGI animation and hand-painted 2D environments are all brought to life in Unreal Engine, but going away from photoreal imagery and embracing an abstract experience. Building this innovative pipeline from scratch with a remote team of artists around the world created enormous challenges, but amazing contributions in our 18 month production cycle,” Wall details.
“We are the largest family animated crowdfunded series in history, which is crazy. Our community of fans and investors have helped us raise over $6.7 million towards production already. The series is streaming for free on YouTube and Angel Studios mobile and TV apps.”
The Wingfeather Saga
The Wingfeather Saga is backed by supporters on the crowdfunded production and distribution platform Angel Studios, which recently received multiple Movieguide Awards nominations for its projects (Wingfeather episode “Leeli & The Sea Dragon Song” is nominated for Best Television for Families).
Shining Isle will officially launch the new trailer for The Wingfeather Saga Part Two during a YouTube livestream Friday evening Learn more at angel.com.
Aniplex of America and Crunchyroll are bringing the feature film Kaguya-sama: Love Is War -The First Kiss That Never Ends- to North American theaters this Valentine’s Day for a special two-day theatrical event starting on February 14. Tickets for the popular romantic comedy, which will be shown in Japanese with English subtitles, are now available on Fandango.
Kaguya-sama: Love Is War -The First Kiss That Never Ends- is the first feature film from the series Kaguya-sama: Love Is War, currently streaming on Crunchyroll. The story follows Student Council President Miyuki Shirogane and Vice President Kaguya Shinomiya and their cunning warfare to get the other to confess their love for the other first. The film tells the events following the aftermath of their highly anticipated first kiss that concluded the third season.\
Synopsis: Shuchiin Academy’s student council room, the place where Student Council Vice President Kaguya Shinomiya and President Miyuki Shirogane met. After a long battle in love, these two geniuses communicated their feelings and, at the Hoshin Festival, had their very first kiss. However, there was no clear confession of love. The relationship between these two, who assumed they would be a couple, remains ambiguous. Now, overly conscious of their feelings, they must face the biggest challenge yet: Christmas. It’s Shirogane who wants it to be perfect versus Kaguya who pursues the imperfect situation. This is the very “normal” love story of two geniuses and the first kiss that never ends.
The Kaguya-sama: Love Is War anime is based on the hit comics by Aka Akasaka, which has over 19 million copies in circulation. The series first premiered in 2019, followed by Season 2 in 2020 and season 3 in 2022. The series has been Ranked #3 Top Anime Series of All Time on My Anime List, one of the world’s largest anime and manga communities with over 12 million active users per month.
The highly popular series has garnered numerous Crunchyroll Anime Awards including Best Ending Sequence (2020), Best Couple (2020), Best Girl (2021) and Best Comedy for two consecutive years (in 2020 and 2021). The series also recently received several nominations for this year’s edition including Best Continuing Series, Best Comedy, and Best Romance, among others categories, with winners announced in March 2023.
Additionally, Kaguya-sama: Love Is War has prompted many viral moments, including the ending sequence from season 1, which surpassed over 30 million views on YouTube and a parody campaign ad from a Brazilian politician.
Award-winning entertainment company Alkemy X has expanded to Vancouver, launching a new presence in Canada led by Emmy-nominated Head of 2D Michael Porterfield. The new office reflects the continued substantial strategic growth on the West Coast that the company experienced in response to the drastic uptick in demand for high-end visual effects for streaming and feature film content.
Porterfield, who joined Alkemy X in mid-2022, will lead the Vancouver team, with Los Angeles-based Executive Creative Director Jep Hill and Executive Producer Mark Miller and Head of Production Ben Benedetti overseeing the overall creative direction and expansive growth for the new location for Alkemy X in Canada.
“There has been a massive resurgence of activity and investments within the post production industry in Vancouver over the past number of years and we’re excited to build a strong presence there,” Miller noted. “The wealth of VFX talent in the area is impressive and with more studios looking to shoot in Vancouver, this move allows us to be a local resource to help accelerate these projects.”
Alkemy X President & CEO Justin Wineburgh added, “The West Coast has been a key area of growth for our powerhouse visual effects team over the past two years, and with Vancouver continuing to grow as a major foothold for post production, this was a natural next step for our growing VFX division. Michael Porterfield is a talented leader with a deep understanding of the nuanced need for curating teams to handle projects of all scopes and sizes and his ability to streamline creative and technical processes will be essential as we continue to scale in the Canadian market.”
Porterfield joined Alkemy X in July 2022 as Head of 2D. With over 30 years of experience in visual effects, Porterfield will leverage his expertise in leading teams, with a keen eye toward cultivating creativity and maximizing efficiency. His diverse VFX background spans feature film, episodic and commercial projects, with top credits including work on some of the industry’s most advanced effects-driven films franchises like Apple TV’s Lisey’s Story; Netflix’s Don’t Look Up; Marvel’s Ant-Man and the Wasp and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2; DC’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice; Roland Emmerich’s Midway; and HBO’s hit fantasy drama hit Game of Thrones.
Award-winning studio Alkemy X was founded in 1981. Recent VFX work for film and television includes The Whale, Old, Westworld, Tales of the Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead.
Chinese streamer iQIYI’s hit preschool animated series, Momo is starting its maiden global voyage with distributor Bejuba! Entertainment. The 32 x 5′ series about curiosity and adventure follows a smart but over-eager young octopus, her decidedly unadventurous father and all her young undersea friends in their public aquarium home.
iQIYI is now ramping up for the production of Season 2, and is developing books and merchandise to augment the launch.
Momo comes from the mind of creator-producer Wang Huiyu, head of iQIYI’s internal kids content and animation division Wonderworks. The series has been racking up impressive numbers with family audiences since its streaming premiere in China.
“Tatiana Kober has really impressed us with her commitment to the series,” Wang noted. “And her record of success speaks for itself.”
“Huiyu had great foresight when planning this show,” said Kober, Bejuba!’s President. “Momo was created and produced in China, but Huiyu brought on a directing team from The Netherlands, an American head writer, and the show was mastered in English.”
Joost van den Bosch and Erik Verkerk directed the series through their Ka-Ching Cartoon shingle, based in Rotterdam, The Netherlands (The Lummels, 3D-Machine, George and Paul); and American scribe Mark Byers (Watch the Skies, Spider vs Fly, Brightheart) served as head writer, aiming to create exciting stories that were culturally neutral for global appeal.
“Momo is a preschool series, with important touchpoints for young audiences,” added Wang, “but from the beginning I designed Momo for co-viewing, with enough sophistication to the characters and the storylines that will appeal to the whole family.”
A diverse array of Legionnaires — including Bouncing Boy, Dawnstar, Invisible Kid and Arms Fall Off Boy — get the spotlight in four new images from Legion of Super Heroes, the latest DC Universe Movie, coming to Digital, 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack and Blu-ray on February 7 from Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment.
Welcome to the 31st century and the Legion Academy, where a new generation hones their powers with hopes of joining the Legion of Super-Heroes. Devastated by tragedy, Supergirl struggles to adjust to her new life on Earth. Taking her cousin Superman’s advice, Supergirl leaves their space-time to attend the Academy. There, she quickly makes new friends, as well as a new enemy with old ties: Brainiac 5. But a nefarious plot lurks in the shadows — the mysterious group known as the Dark Circle seeks a powerful weapon held in the Academy’s vault. Find out if the budding heroes can rise to the challenge!
Legion of Super Heroes
Bouncing Boy, voiced by Ely Henry (Players, Smallfoot), offers a little unsolicited insight to Supergirl, while Mon-El watches during an early scene inLegion of Super-Heroes. Supergirl is voiced by Meg Donnelly (American Housewife, The Winchesters) and Mon-El is voiced by Yuri Lowenthal (He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Spider-Man).
Legion of Super Heroes
Dawnstar activates her other-worldly powers, much to the surprise of some of her Legion colleagues, in a key scene from Legion of Super-Heroes. Voiced by Cynthia Hamidi (FBI).
Legion of Super Heroes
Invisible Kid makes sure he’s very visible to Supergirl as they have their opening introduction in Legion of Super-Heroes. Zeno Robinson (Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons) voices the always entertaining Invisible Kid.
Legion of Super Heroes
The ever-popular Arms Fall Off Boy demonstrates his unique powers for Supergirl in a scene from Legion of Super-Heroes. In the distance, (from left) Mon-El, Invisible Kid, Bouncing Boy and two-thirds of Triplicate Girl watch the young Legionnaire introduce himself. Arms Fall Off Boy is voiced by Ben Diskin (He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Muppet Babies, Digimon Adventure).
FOX Entertainment has ordered early renewals for hit 20th Television Animation series The Simpsons, Family Guy and Bob’s Burgers, it was announced today by Michael Thorn, President, Scripted Programming for FOX Entertainment.
The three FOX Animation Domination fan-favorite series — all produced by Disney Television Studios’ 20th Television Animation — have each received two additional seasons, continuing their long-time runs on FOX through the 2024-25 broadcast cycle. The renewals guarantee seasons 14 and 15 for Bob’s Burgers, the 22nd and 23rd seasons of Family Guy and the record-setting 35th and 36th seasons for The Simpsons, extending its standing as the longest-running scripted series in television history.
“With this trio of renewals, we celebrate excellence in animation on FOX, our wonderful, long-time partnership with 20th Television and the brilliant creators and incredible voices behind these forever favorites,” said Thorn. “Three-plus decades of The Simpsons, more than two decades of Family Guy and over a decade of Bob’s Burgers proves the enduring power of the animation genre on our network and the infinite fan affinity for these outrageously funny comedy classics.”
“Across 750 episodes of The Simpsons, 400 episodes of Family Guy and 250 episodes of Bob’s Burgers, we couldn’t be more proud to continue delivering these three animated hits with the most brilliant teams in animation,” said Marci Proietto, EVP of 20th Television Animation. “Our relationship with FOX over the past three decades has allowed this trio of shows to thrive, grow and deliver immeasurable moments of hilarious and irreverent entertainment for fans, and we are absolutely thrilled that FOX is doubling down on each of these iconic shows.”
FOX is home to the longest running primetime animation block in television history, featuring the reigning first families of animation, the Simpsons, the Griffins and the Belchers. The Simpsons, Family Guy and Bob’s Burgers currently rank among the Top 10 comedies for the 2022-23 season, marking The Simpsons’ fourth, Family Guy’s fifth and Bob’s Burgers’ second consecutive season topping the list. In addition, Family Guy ranks as FOX’s most-streamed program on record and continues the trend this season, averaging 5.1 million P2+ viewers.
The new season of Teen Titans Go! kicks off with superhero Valentine’s Day shenanigans on Monday, February 6, followed by their quest to become action heroes in a half-hour supersized episode airing later this month. The ridiculous romantic episode follows Halloween and winter holiday outings for the young super crew, now in their eighth season.
The Teen Titans will also return to the Inside the NBA studio on Sunday, Feb. 19 to host this year’s Cartoon Network Special Edition: NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest. Similar to last year, they will put their own spin on the 2023 All-Star Slam Dunk contest as they highlight the night’s best dunks with their unique brand of sports analysis.
New episodes of Teen Titans Go! rolling out in February are:
Monday, Feb. 6 (6 p.m. ET/PT) “Looking for Love” – When they receive an alert that Love is missing, the Titans set out to find her using musical clues.
Monday, Feb. 20 “Teen Titans Action Part 1 & 2” – The Titans learn that toys from comedy shows don’t sell, so they vow to become action heroes.
Monday, Feb. 27 “TV Night 8” – Commissioner Gordon has to work, so Batman joins him at the GCPD for fun and crimefighting.
Social media sensation Doug the Pug is teaming up with Kickstart Entertainment and producer Loris Kramer Lunsford (Johnny Test, StarBeam, Interrupting Chicken) to develop a new animated comedy series. With over 19 million followers and over 1 billion video views, Doug the Pug is a two-time People’s Choice Award winner, a New York Times bestseller, star of a national Super Bowl Commercial in 2020, and made his big screen doggy debut as the grunts of Monchi in Sony/Netflix’s The Mitchells vs. the Machines.
“It has been a dream of ours since day one to create an animated series around the World of Doug the Pug, and Kickstart is the dream team to do it with,” said Leslie Mosier and Rob Chianelli, Proud Owners and Creators of Doug the Pug. “Together we are thrilled to build out our mission to spread positivity, kindness and laughter through this show. We’re confident that Doug’s fans on social media will be thrilled, and new fans will love it, too.”
Kickstart Entertainment is the international animation and live-action production company behind the Netflix kids’ series StarBeam, Mattel’s Deepa & Anoop and Amazon’s global success The Boys. The studio has a long history of adapting global brands into television and digital content, and Lunsford has been working as an independent producer developing and producing projects for kids and family with Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, Netflix, Nickelodeon, Apple and others.
“The huge success of Doug the Pug across social media platforms and beyond is exactly the kind of foundation Kickstart loves to build stories around,” executive producer Jason Netter, Founder & CEO of Kickstart, said. “Doug is ready to take his mainstream appeal to an even broader audience and the entire Kickstart team is ready to develop this beloved character into animated programming.”
Lunsford added, “When I met Doug and his parents, Leslie and Rob, it was love at first sight, and I knew I wanted to be a part of his world. I am so thrilled that they have entrusted me and Kickstart to take him and his 19 million social media followers on an animated adventure!”
The animated series will also be executive produced by Doug the Pug’s long-time manager, Victoria Bachan, Managing Director of Whalar Talent, the in-house talent management division of global creator commerce company Whalar.
“As Doug’s longtime manager, I have always seen the potential for a successful brand beyond social media. As we grow the reach of Doug the Pug through a narrative medium, we will keep the heart and soul of his character while inviting more people to experience his joy,“ said Bachan.
This animated series comes off the heels of Doug the Pug’s recent book, Doug the Pug and the Kindness Crew. Doug’s reach goes far beyond the internet; he’s starred in music videos for Katy Perry, DNCE and Fall Out Boy and has appeared on national TV shows such as Good Morning America, The TODAY Show, The Doctors and This Morning, and has been featured on Jimmy Fallon and The View.
Doug the Pug is also behind a 501c3 foundation that works to bring joy and needed support outside of treatment to children and their families battling cancer and other life threatening illnesses.
The animated series is currently being shopped to partners for distribution.
Following January 20 premiere of The Legend of Vox Machina Season 2 on Prime Video, Amazon Studios has announced a multiyear exclusive overall television and first-look film deal with creators Critical Role, who will continue to produce under their Metapigeon banner. The partners have also released a tabletop teaser for the first project under the agreement: a second animated series titled Mighty Nein.
“With the success of our animated series The Legend of Vox Machina, we are looking forward to continuing our relationship with Critical Role and expanding its universe with Mighty Nein,” said Vernon Sanders, Head of Global TV, Amazon Studios. “Expanding these iconic franchises for our global Prime Video customers continues to be an ambitious and rewarding journey and we are eager to see where this new series takes us.”
Based on Critical Role’s second RPG campaign, Mighty Nein follows the titular band of criminals and misfits — who also happen to be the only hope of saving the kingdom when an arcane artifact capable of reshaping reality falls into the wrong hands. Production will kick off soon at Vox Machina studio Titmouse. A premiere date has not yet been announced.
Under the deal, Critical Role/Metapigeon will develop its own original shows, movies and content while continuing to “partner with talented creatives on a new slate of projects, both in and outside of the Critical Role universe,” the companies say.
“Critical Role’s livestream campaigns are the spark that lit the flame for our worldwide audience,” commented Critical Role co-founder & CEO Travis Wallingham, who voices the endearingly oafish barbarian Grog in Vox Machina. “Seeing the stories and characters from our first campaign come to life in The Legend of Vox Machina was a dream realized, and we are absolutely buzzing with excitement to do it again with Mighty Nein. But with today’s announcement, we’re confident that the stories we tell will keep expanding into realms of entertainment beyond what we can even imagine.”
Still boasting a 100% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, The Legend of Vox Machina premiered in January 2022 on Prime Video. The first three episodes of S2 are available to watch now, and a third season is currently production following its official announcement at New York Comic Con.
Critical Role comprises creators, producers and voice actors Laura Bailey (The Last of Us: Part II), Taliesin Jaffe (Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn), Ashley Johnson (The Last of Us), Liam O’Brien (Star Wars: The Bad Batch), Matthew Mercer (Overwatch), Marisha Ray (Final Fantasy XV: Comrades), Sam Riegel (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) and Travis Willingham (Marvel’s Avengers).
Mighty Nein series will be executive produced by Tasha Huo, Riegel and Willingham alongside Metapigeon and Amazon Studios. From Titmouse, Chris Prynoski (The Legend of Vox Machina), Shannon Prynoski (Fairfax), Antonio Canobbio (Arlo the Alligator Boy) and Ben Kalina (Big Mouth) will also executive produce. Critical Role and Titmouse are both repped by CAA.
U.K.-based animation studio HaZimation announced today that their latest film, RIFT, will screen at the Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI) for their 2023 Film Festival. Described as a “bold and high-concept animated feature film,” the sci-fi thriller will be one of the first films screening online for festival attendees, slated for February 13 at 8:30 p.m. ET.
“The TAAFI team is ecstatic to have RIFT as a part of our film lineup for the 2023 festival,” said TAAFI Chair Karen Jackson. “The film’s unique concept and visually stunning animation make it stand out among the competition. We are eagerly looking forward to the audience’s reactions to the film and the impact it will have on the animation community. It’s not every day that a film comes along that pushes the boundaries of the medium, and we are honored to be able to share RIFT with our audiences.”
Passes for TAAFI ’23 are now on sale at taafi.com.
RIFT
Directed by HaZimation founder Hasraf “HaZ” Dulull (The Beyond, Disney’s Fast Layne), whose original concept was turned into a screenplay by Stavros Pamballis, RIFTtells the story of Max, a young boy held captive in a research facility, who uses his ability to create spacetime rifts between parallel universes, searching 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 it from the beginning.
The 93-minute film is produced by HaZimation co-founder Paula Crickard (Jolt, The Protege); executive produced by Yariv Lerner (Expendables, The Hitman’s Bodyguard), Amy Gardner (Identicals), and Jason Potter. Bringing RIFT to life on screen are BAFTA-winning actor Jane Perry (Cyberpunk 2077, Returnal), Cade Tropeano (Blackbird) and Dave Fennoy (The Walking Dead), with motion-capture performances from Ace Ruele (Marvel’s The Eternals) and Alex Kong (Marvel’s What If…). The film was graded by colourist Vanessa Taylor (The Northman).
“Screening RIFT at TAAFI 2023 Film Festival at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema is a momentous occasion for us at HaZimation. We’ve poured our hearts and souls into the making of this film, and to have it showcased at such a prestigious festival is a true honor,” said Dulull. “TAAFI is not just a platform for us to showcase our work, it’s also an opportunity for us to be a part of an incredibly talented community of animators, storytellers and filmmakers from around the world.
“The festival is a celebration of the animation art form and the incredible talent it holds. We are thrilled to be a part of this festival and to have the opportunity to share our unique vision with audiences. RIFT is a film that pushes the boundaries of animation and storytelling and we hope that it will be an immersive and thought-provoking experience for the young adult audiences.”
The Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI) will take place from February 13-18, starting with online programming and switching to in-person at the Hot Docs Cinema in Toronto.
HaZimation is a micro-studio led by Dulull and co-founded by industry veteran Crickard, which develops and produces feature films, television and video games through its propriety pipeline utilizing Unreal Engine. HaZimation develops its own IP / content as well as co-producing with outside studios and producers. The studio’s boutique team is currently in production on various animated feature film projects and video games, all aiming for metaverse extensions. Follow on Facebook and Twitter.
Rubble the bulldog is on the double in high-stakes adventures in Nickelodeon’s new, 26-episode animated preschool series, Rubble & Crew, premiering Friday, February 3, at 11:30 a.m. (ET/PT).
Produced by Spin Master Entertainment, the PAW Patrol spinoff follows the fan-favorite character and his furry family as they use their paw-erful construction vehicles to build and repair whatever the town of Builder Cove needs.
In the series premiere, “The Crew Builds a Bridge,” Rubble and his construction pup family gear up to build a bridge, but when villainous Speed Meister has a different idea, it’s up to Rubble and his crew to work together to save the day.
Rubble & Crew will regularly air Fridays at 11:30 a.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon.
Rubble & Crew marks the first television spinoff for top-rated preschool series PAW Patrol, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2023.
The series is executive produced by Jennifer Dodge, Ronnen Harary, Laura Clunie, Toni Stevens and Bradley Zweig, and is directed by Dianna Basso and supervising director Joey So. Rubble & Crew was developed by Zweig, based on the original PAW Patrol television series created by Keith Chapman. Eryk Casemiro, Executive Vice President, Nickelodeon Animation, Global Series Content is overseeing for Nickelodeon, with Jen Pace as Production Executive.
Superights announced it will act as global distributor for the new CGI children’s series, Deep in the Bowl (52 x 5’ for kids 8-12). The show is based on the beloved French comic book Le Fond du Bocal by Nicolas Poupon, published by Glénat Editions. It is an original creation of Zeilt Productions, headed by Academy Award-winning producer and director Laurent Witz, and co-produced with Tencent Video and WATT frame.
Currently in production, the show will be completed in March 2023, and will be offered at upcoming trade shows beginning with Kidscreen Summit. Superights, a division of Paris-based prodco Superprod Group, will represent worldwide rights, excluding China and Luxembourg.
Deep in the Bowl’s 52 five-minute episodes are divided into short sketches that center on groups of hilariously existential fish in various fish tanks with different points of view and opinions on the meaning of life, offering a look at the lives fish lead when humans aren’t looking. Five diverse fish crews will explore relationships, joys, hopes, dreams, questions and conflicts that affect their lives in the same way they do humans.
Viewers will follow the Wilsons family trying to stay afloat in the modern world; the Weirdos, young misfits students trying to figure out where they belong; Al, Kat and Raz, a trio of inmates trying to organize their prison break; Leely, a kung-fu fighting fish and her sensei and McFlo, Mobi Di and Jo Star, young wannabe rappers. It turns out that quite a lot happens underwater! Animated in CGI against live-action sets, each episode is a fast-paced variety show of sketches of varying lengths, styles and fishy stars.
“We are delighted to welcome Deep in the Bowl into our catalog. This is the starting point of a great collaboration with Zeilt Productions, whom I thank for their trust,” said Nathalie Pinguet, Deputy General Manager at Superights. “Deep in the Bowl looks like nothing else with its hilarious stories centered around an engaging and charming variety of characters, whose motto is, ‘life in a bowl can really drive you crazy.’ You’ll probably never look at an aquarium in the same way again!”
Witz, series creator and head of Zeilt Prod., added, “We feel that Superights is the perfect partner to represent this very special series and are looking forward to seeing Deep in the Bowl debut all over the world. We are confident that this sketch show like no other will resonate with global audiences, bringing to dynamic life the quirky elements of the comic book into a new form. The use of CGI rather than traditional animation allows us to offer a much more immersive and vivid experience to the audience. The series humorously depicts the strange habits of humans, decoded by fish from their aquariums. In this series we will explore the relationships and problems that affect fish as much as humans — who knew!
Top young adult television destination Adult Swim has ordered a 12th season of the perennial favorite Aqua Teen Hunger Force from original creators Dave Willis and Matt Maiellaro. Encompassing five all-new episodes, the order comes on the heels of the latest feature film Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm, which arrives on HBO Max Feb. 8 and on Adult Swim March 12 at midnight.
Dave Willis disguised as Krampus for legitimate reasons. [c/o Adult Swim]
Adult Swim shared:
“We are thrilled to be making more Aqua Teen Hunger Force episodes for a new generation of fans, building upon the most impressive collection of IP ever assembled. Success is optimal and leads to quality,” said Maiellaro and Willis simultaneously, almost as if they were programmed by ChatGPT.
“Congratulations!” they added. “You waited just long enough for Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm to be free on the service your parents pay for. I can’t wait for you to discover the project everyone has been talking about, and by everyone, I mean our personal twitter accounts. There is too much stuff to watch already. Breathe, and focus exclusively on Aqua Teen. Delete everything else.”
Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm
Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm features everyone’s favorite Aqua Teens: the brainy Frylock, the mouthy Master Shake, the loveable Meatwad, and everyone’s favorite perverted neighbor, Carl. They split up then get back together to fight everyone’s favorite corporate overlord, Amazin, led by everyone’s favorite tech mogul, Neil (voiced by everyone’s favorite Peter Serafinowicz) and his trusty scientist sidekick, Elmer (Golden Globe winner Paul Walter Hauser, who is everyone’s favorite).
The feature stars Carey Means (The Brak Show) as Frylock, Dana Snyder (Squidbillies) as Master Shake and co-creator Dave Willis (Squidbillies, Your Pretty Face Is Going to Hell) as Meatwad. The film also stars Natasha Rothwell (The White Lotus), Robert Smigel (Bob’s Burgers) and Tim Robinson (Detroiters). The movie was written and directed by series creators Willis and Maiellaro and produced by Williams Street Productions.
Apple today announced the stellar spring lineup of all-new original series, specials and returning fan favorites for kids and families heading to its Apple TV+ streaming service.
The new series will kick off on Friday, March 31 with the charming animated series Eva the Owlet, inspired by the bestselling book series from Scholastic. The highly-anticipated new series Jane, from Emmy Award winner J.J. Johnson, Sinking Ship Entertainment and the Jane Goodall Institute, launches April 14 and Frog and Toad, based on Arnold Lobel’s beloved characters of over five decades, launches April 28.
Viewers can look forward to all-new seasons of fan-favorite animated series Pinecone & Pony on February 3; Pretzel and the Puppies, featuring the voice talents of Emmy nominee Mark Duplass and Nasim Pedrad, on February 24; Harriet the Spy, starring SAG Award nominee Beanie Feldstein and Emmy Award winner Jane Lynch, on May 5; and Peabody and Daytime Emmy Award-winning series Stillwater on May 19. Plus, the Sago Mini Friends Earth Day special will launch on April 14.
Additionally, even more classic Peanuts titles, including A Charlie Brown Valentine, will be made available to fans — many for the first time in decades.
New and returning animated original series and specials for kids and families premiering globally on Apple TV+ include (in airdate order):
Pinecone & Pony
Pinecone & Pony – Season 2 (Premieres Friday, February 3) Based on the book The Princess and the Pony by New York Times bestselling author Kate Beaton, S2 is an eight-episode animated comedy for kids and families about a young warrior-in-training, Pinecone, and her best friend Pony, whose adventures together teach them how to be brave in the face of adversity, to speak truth to power, and what it truly means to be a hero.
Pinecone & Pony is produced by DreamWorks Animation along with First Generation Films and Atomic Cartoons, and executive produced by showrunner Stephanie Kaliner. Kate Beaton, Christina Piovesan and Mackenzie Lush are executive producers. The series features the voice talents of Maria Nash (Elinor Wonders Why), Alicia Richardson (Mistletoe Time Machine), Andy Hull (What We Do in the Shadows), Rachel House (Foundation), Thom Allison (Coroner), Chase W. Dillon (Haunted Mansion, The Book of Clarence) and Viola Abley (Scaredy Cats, Schmigadoon!).
A Charlie Brown Valentine
Peanuts Classics Special – A Charlie Brown Valentine (Friday, February 9) From Mendelson/Melendez Productions and Peanuts Worldwide, watch as warm and fuzzy feelings fill the air and an inspired Snoopy writes poems about Valentine’s Day. Charlie Brown tries to impress the Little Red-Haired Girl. Sally and Lucy hope to get cards from their crushes. Peppermint Patty asks “Chuck” to the dance.
Pretzel & the Puppies
Pretzel and the Puppies – Season 2 (Friday, February 24) Meet Pretzel, the world’s longest dachshund and a playful, supportive dad to five frisky puppies. Together with his wife, Greta, they encourage their pups to get their paws up to solve problems and “make their bark” on the world. The series stars the voice talents of Emmy nominee Mark Duplass (The Morning Show), Nasim Pedrad (Chad, Aladdin) and newcomers Milo Stein, Alex Jayne Go, Max Mitchell, Amari McCoy and Gracen Newton.
The Apple Original series hails from HarperCollins Productions (Carmen Sandiego, The Oregon Trail), part of HarperCollins Publishers. Pretzel and the Puppies is executive produced by showrunner Steve Altiere (Dinotrux, Dragons: Rescue Riders), Caroline Fraser, Head of HarperCollins Prod., and Ricardo Curtis and Wes Lui from House of Cool. Jennifer Contrucci of HarperCollins Prod. serves as co-executive producer.
The animation studio responsible for design and story is House of Cool (Despicable Me, Trollhunters), and the animation studio responsible for CG is Saturday Animation (Mighty Mike, Zafari). Dr. Tony Wagner, Senior Research Fellow, Learning Policy Institute, and author of the book Creating Innovators: The Making of Young People Who Will Change the World, serves as the play, passion, purpose expert through the Apple TV+ Changemakers initiative.
Stillwater
Stillwater – New Shorts (Wednesday, March 15) Prior to the launch of the enchanting new season, based on the award-winning and bestselling Scholastic book Zen Shorts by Jon J Muth, Apple TV+ will premiere three all-new shorts on platform and made available for non-subscribers on Scholastic’s YouTube. Just in time for International Panda Day, follow Jasper the cat in Jasper’s Journey on a mindful journey through Stillwater’s garden, join Stillwater in Making Waves as he makes new patterns in his Zen garden, and watch Karl join Stillwater in Breathing to learn how breathing can help make him feel better when he has angry feelings.
The shorts are produced by Gaumont and Scholastic Entertainment, and executive produced by Sidonie Dumas, Christophe Riandee, Nicolas Atlan, Terry Kalagian, Iole Lucchese, Caitlin Friedman, Jef Kaminsky and Rob Hoegee.
Eva the Owlet
Eva the Owlet – New Series (Friday, March 31) The new animated kids and family series is based on the New York Times bestselling Scholastic book series Owl Diaries by award-winning author Rebecca Elliott (now with eight foreign language translations and 11 million copies in print). Eva the Owlet stars Eva, a creative, cheeky owlet who lives next door to her best friend Lucy in the woodland world of Treetopington. With big ideas and an even bigger personality, Eva goes on high-flying adventures, expressing herself in her journal along the way!
Produced by award-winning Scholastic Entertainment (Clifford the Big Red Dog, Goosebumps, The Magic School Bus) with production services and 4K animation by 9 Story Media Group’s Emmy-winning and Academy Award-nominated studio Brown Bag Films in Dublin and Bali (Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, Octonauts), Eva the Owlet also features original songs by critically acclaimed musician and singer-songwriter Fitz of Fitz and the Tantrums.
Voice talent includes Vivienne Rutherford (Eureka!, 911: Lone Star) as the titular character Eva, Jessica DiCicco (The Loud House, Puppy Dog Pals) as Eva’s mom, Dino Andrade (Loud House, We Baby Bears) as Eva’s dad, as well as Sascha Yurchak, Jon Olson (The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, Pokemon: Detective Pikachu), Evie Hsu (Team Mekbots), Sarah Vattano (The Uglies; Rise Up, Sing Out), Pressly James Crosby (General Hospital) and Kenna Ramsey (Rent).
Eva the Owlet is executive produced by Scholastic Ent.’s Peabody and Daytime Emmy-winning team including Iole Lucchese (Clifford the Big Red Dog), Caitlin Friedman (Stillwater) and Jef Kaminsky (Signs of Survival). Head series writers and Daytime Emmy nominees Annabeth Bondor-Stone & Connor White (Helpsters) serve as co-exec producers, and Daytime Emmy nominee Damien O’Connor (Angela’s Christmas) serves as supervising director.
The late Dr. John F. Evans, a writing clinician, National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach at Duke Integrative Medicine and the Founder & Executive Director of Wellness & Writing Connections served as the expressive writing expert on the series through Apple TV+’s Changemakers initiative. The series was one of the last significant projects he worked on, hoping to inspire young viewers to write, to find their voices, and to believe in themselves.
Jane
Jane – New Series (Friday, April 14) A new 10-episode mission-driven series for kids and families inspired by the work of Dr. Jane Goodall, from Emmy Award winner J.J. Johnson (Ghostwriter, Dino Dana), Sinking Ship Entertainment and the Jane Goodall Institute. Ava Louise Murchison (Reacher) stars as Jane Garcia, a nine-year-old budding environmentalist on a quest to save endangered animals. Using her powerful imagination, Jane takes her best friends David, played by Mason Blomberg (Shameless), and Greybeard the chimpanzee on epic adventures to help protect wild animals all around the world because, according to her idol Dr. Jane Goodall: “Only if we understand, will we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help, can they be saved.”
The live action/CGI blended series is created by Sinking Ship partner Johnson, who executive produced alongside Blair Powers, Christin Simms and the Jane Goodall Institute’s Andria Teather. Matt Bishop serves as VFX/animation executive producer. Cast also includes Tamara Almeida (Secrets at the Inn), Dan Abramovici (Wayne), newcomer Jazz Allen and Sam Marra (Stumptown).
Sago Mini Friends “Treasure It”
Sago Mini Friends – Earth Day Special (Friday, April 14) In “Treasure It,” an old lunch box finds new life when Harvey transforms it into a treasure box full of unique items for his friends. Produced by Spin Master Entertainment, animated by 9 Story Media Group’s Brown Bag Films — Toronto, and based on the award-winning Sago Mini World app, developed by Sago Mini, the Sago Mini Friends series is an adorable nod to gratitude, featuring Harvey the floppy-eared dog and his best friends, Jinja the cat, Jack the rabbit and Robin the bird. Along with a unique cast of residents as colorful as their own whimsical world, the four friends play, explore, imagine and celebrate daily in their joyful town of Sagoville. In each episode, Harvey and all his friends express their true thankfulness for all things big and small, through optimism, kindness, preschool-friendly humor and unforgettable original songs!
The animated preschool series is executive produced by Jennifer Dodge, Ronnen Harary, Tone Thyne, Dustin Ferrer, Laura Clunie and Toni Stevens, with Chad Hicks as series director. Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Riverside and expert in the science of happiness, serves as the gratitude expert on the series through Apple TV+’s Changemakers initiative.
Frog and Toad
Frog and Toad – New Series (Friday, April 28) Frog is a frog. Toad is a toad. They have a lot in common… but they are also very different. Frog and Toad are best friends who know that the true secret to friendship is not only enjoying the things you have in common, but embracing the things that make you different. Our differences are what makes us special, and Frog and Toad celebrate them in what makes them unique.
Frog and Toad is based on the beloved Caldecott and Newbery Award-winning four-book series by Arnold Lobel published by HarperCollins Children’s Books. Emmy Award winner Rob Hoegee (Stillwater, Niko & the Sword of Light) serves as showrunner for the series and Emmy-winning studio Titmouse (Big Mouth, Star Trek: Lower Decks, The Legend of Vox Machina) produces the animation. Hoegee executive produces alongside Adrianne Lobel, Adam Lobel and Titmouse’s Chris Prynoski (The Legend of Vox Machina), Shannon Prynoski (Fairfax), Antonio Canobbio (Arlo the Alligator Boy) and Ben Kalina (Big Mouth).
The talented voice cast includes Academy Award winner Nat Faxon (Our Flag Means Death, The Connors) and Emmy nominee Kevin Michael Richardson (The Simpsons, Family Guy) as Frog and Toad, as well as appearances by Ron Funches (Trolls), Fortune Feimster (Good Fortune, Kenan), Cole Escola (At Home with Amy Sedaris), Aparna Nancherla (The Great North), John Hodgman (Up Here), Yvette Nicole Brown (Disenchanted, Act Your Age), Stephen Tobolowsky (The Goldbergs), Emmy nominee Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants), Selene Luna (Coco), Emmy nominee Margaret Cho (Fire Island) and Betsy Sodaro (Duncanville).
Peanuts Anthology III– New to Apple TV+ (Friday, May 5) Fans of the beloved Peanuts gang will have more classics available to watch from Mendelson/Melendez Productions and Peanuts Worldwide in the Peanuts Classics collection on Apple TV+, including It’s an Adventure, Charlie Brown; It’s Spring Training, Charlie Brown; Emmy Award winner Life Is a Circus, Charlie Brown; Lucy Must Be Traded, Charlie Brown; Emmy-nominated Play it Again, Charlie Brown; Emmy-nominated Snoopy’s Getting Married, Charlie Brown and Emmy winner You’re a Good Sport, Charlie Brown.
Harriet the Spy
Harriet the Spy – Season 2 (Friday, May 5) Produced by The Jim Henson Company, the animated series based on Louise Fitzhugh’s iconic children’s novel stars acclaimed actor Beanie Feldstein (Lady Bird, Booksmart) as Harriet, a fiercely independent and adventurous 11-year-old girl, alongside Emmy Award winner Jane Lynch (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) as Ole Golly, Harriet’s larger-than-life, no-nonsense nanny.
Set in 1960s New York (when the original book was published), Harriet the Spy follows the outspoken and perpetually curious 11-year-old Harriet M. Welsch. More than anything, Harriet wants to be a writer, and in order to be a good writer, she’ll need to know everything. And to know everything means she’ll need to spy … on everyone! This season, follow Harriet as she navigates letting go, growing up, and celebrating the gift of today.
The series also features Lacey Chabert (Mean Girls) as Marion Hawthorne, the ringleader of a group of popular girls at Harriet’s school, and additional voice cast Kimberly Brooks (Baby Shark’s Big Show), Crispin Freeman (Young Justice), Grey Griffin (The Loud House), Bumper Robinson (The Owl House) and Charlie Schlatter (Big Nate, For All Mankind). Guest stars this season include Jaeden Martell (It), Emmy Award winner Brad Garrett (High Desert, Bupkis), Emmy nominee Michelle Trachtenberg (Gossip Girl) and many more.
The Apple Original series is produced by The Jim Henson Company, and written and executive produced by Will McRobb (The Adventures of Pete & Pete) with Sidney Clifton (Black Panther animated series; Me, Eloise) as producer. Lisa Henson and Halle Stanford executive produce on behalf of The Jim Henson Company with John W. Hyde, Nancy Steingard and Wendy Moss-Klein also serving as executive producers, and Terissa Kelton as co-executive producer. Chris Prynoski, Shannon Prynoski and Ben Kalina executive produce for animation studio Titmouse.
Stillwater
Stillwater – Season 3 (Friday, May 19) The Peabody and Daytime Emmy Award-winning series centers on siblings Karl, Addy and Michael, who encounter everyday challenges — big and small — which sometimes feel insurmountable. Fortunately for these three, they have Stillwater, a wise panda, as their next-door neighbor. Through his example, stories and gentle humor, Stillwater gives the children a deeper understanding of their feelings as well as tools that help them face their own day-to-day challenges.
Stillwater is based on the award-winning and bestselling Scholastic book Zen Shorts by Jon J Muth and is produced by Gaumont and Scholastic Entertainment. The series is executive produced by Sidonie Dumas, Christophe Riandee, Nicolas Atlan, Terry Kalagian, Iole Lucchese, Caitlin Friedman, Jef Kaminsky, Jun Falkenstein and Rob Hoegee, and features the voice talents of James Sie, Eva Binder, Tucker Chandler and Judah Mackey.
The series was developed in collaboration with awareness and intention expert Mallika Chopra, author of Buddha and the Rose and and the Just Be series for kids, and CEO of Chopra Global, through Apple TV+’s Changemakers initiative. The Stillwater team partnered with Chopra to imagine and deliver a series that teaches children how to be more mindful and meditative, and how to slow down to make thoughtful, empathetic decisions. Since its debut, the series has been globally praised and recognized with awards for its positive impact on kids’ families around the world.
Spin Master Entertainment, Nickelodeon Movies and Paramount Pictures today revealed a star-studded lineup of new and returning talent who will join Golden Globe winner Taraji P. Henson (Empire, Muppets Haunted Mansion) for PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie, the sequel to the canine crew’s 2021 adventure PAW Patrol: The Movie. The CGI animated film, a Spin Master Ent. production in association with Nickelodeon Movies, will be distributed by Paramount Pictures and is set for an exclusive theatrical release on October 13.
The popular preschool heroes return to the big screen with new voice talent including Golden Globe nominee Kristen Bell (Frozen, Zootopia), Christian Convery (Sweet Tooth), Mckenna Grace (Gifted, The Handmaid’s Tale), Lil Rel Howery (Get Out, Free Guy), James Marsden (Disenchanted, Sonic the Hedgehog), Finn Lee-Epp (Let Him Go) as Ryder, and tennis ace Serena Williams.
A trio of new doggie do-gooders also join the ranks, voiced by Critics Choice Award winner Alan Kim (Minari), TikTok star Brice Gonzalez of EnkyBoys and North West, who joins her mom Kim Kardashian returning as Delores from the first movie, along with a cameo from brother Saint West. Additional cast members reprising their roles include Marsai Martin (Liberty), Ron Pardo (Mayor Humdinger) and Callum Shoniker (Rocky).
Additional new cast members include Luxton Handspiker (Slumberland, PAW Patrol TV series), Christian Corrao (Dino Dana) and Nylan Parthipan (PAW Patrol TV series).
The film’s score is composed and produced by Emmy nominee Pinar Toprak (Captain Marvel, The Lost City).
“This year marks the 10th anniversary of the PAW Patrol franchise and what better way to celebrate than the release of our second feature film,” said producer Jennifer Dodge, Spin Master’s President of Entertainment. “As we continue to expand the PAW Patrol universe for fans, we’ll follow the pups on mightier missions and explore their backstories, this time with a heartwarming tale centered around our heroine, Skye. With this cast of dynamic voice talent, we’re bringing a whole new level of excitement to the big screen.”
Ramsey Naito, President of Nickelodeon Animation & Paramount Animation, added, “Following the historic success of the first film, which truly reinforced the global love for this franchise, we knew that this sequel called not only for an equally great story, but for world-class talent to bring these characters to life once again.”
The powerhouse franchise’s first feature film premiered in theaters in 2021, opening in the No. 1 spot in more than 25 countries and amassing over $150 million worldwide at the box office. With a simultaneous day and date release on Paramount+ in the U.S., the film quickly became one of the most watched Paramount+ originals. Since the service’s launch, PAW Patrol: The Movie has been watched five times on average per subscriber household, making it the most consumed movie on the service.
The follow-up feature sees veteran animation director Cal Brunker (PAW Patrol: The Movie, Nut Job 2: Nutty By Nature) return to direct where he has reunited with his writing partner Bob Barlen (PAW Patrol: The Movie, Bigfoot Family), who takes on the role as associate producer. Dodge, with Spin Master’s SVP Development Current Series & Feature Film Laura Clunie and SVP Entertainment Production & Operations Toni Stevens, produce the film. Spin Master’s Co-Founder Ronnen Harary, Executive Vice President Adam Beder and Peter Schlessel executive produce.
Synopsis: When a magical meteor crash lands in Adventure City, it gives the PAW Patrol pups superpowers, transforming them into The Mighty Pups! For Skye, the smallest member of the team, her new powers are a dream come true. But things take a turn for the worse when the pups’ archrival Humdinger breaks out of jail and teams up with Victoria Vance, a meteor-obsessed mad scientist, to steal the superpowers and turn themselves into supervillains. With the fate of Adventure City hanging in the balance, the Mighty Pups have to stop the supervillains before it’s too late, and Skye will need to learn that even the smallest pup can make the biggest difference.
Burbank-based Astro-Nomical Entertainment is joining forces with South Korea’s TubaN Studio to develop and produce an animated feature film based on the popular Larva IP, announcing plans to start production on a brand-new CGI feature film this year.
Written by Erica Rivinoja (Trolls, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2, The Addams Family), the movie will take the comedic Red and Yellow Larva duo on a time-traveling, globetrotting action-adventure promising extreme comedy, aimed at a four-quadrant audience.
Ahead of the heroic grubs’ big screen project, Season 4 of the Larva series has launched worldwide, as well as the Netflix Original series Larva Island.
Starting production in 2011, 4 seasons of the Larva series have been released worldwide, including the Larva Island series launched as a Netflix Original. First produced in 2011, Larva boasts more than 5 billion views in the U.S., and over 59 billion views in China.
Astro-Nomical shares that it already has strong interest from Pelagius Productions, Joe Fries and Natalie Khoury to serve as lead investors and executive producers on the movie. “We are very excited to by the prospect of working on this project, it fits our business model on many levels,” said Joe Fries. Khoury adds, “We love everything about it, the creative direction is strong, and the brand is hugely popular.”
Larva
Astro-Nomical and TubaN will take the lead in securing financing, setting up the production pipeline and handling global sales & distribution including China, looking to collaborate with Pelagius.
“My partner, producer Jay Ahn (The Nut Job), has many strong relationships in Korea, he has brought us several exciting projects, and this one is amazing,” says Chris Henderson, co-Founder of Astro-Nomical. The studio previously teamed up with another Korean studio and provided IP development and consulting for Young Toys’ preschool brand Kongsuni and Friends.
“I am delighted that Larva, an established global IP is to be made into a feature film partnered with Astro-Nomical. The two companies will work closely together to make a great film that will appeal to global audiences,” said Kim Kwang-yong, CEO of TubaN.
Larva
Founded in 2017 by Ahn and Henderson, Astro-Nomical has been rapidly growing its global presence, and has already marked down a success with A Tale Dark & Grimm, which was Emmy nominated for Outstanding Animated Series in 2022. The 10-episode fairytale adventure was produced in collaboration with Novo Media Group and Boat Rocker Studios, streaming on Netflix. Going forward, Astro-Nomical plans to develop and produce its own and third party animated series, adult-skewing comedy projects, animated feature films and live action series.
Pelagius Productions LLC was founded in 2005 by Fries and Khoury. The independent content, finance and production company has produced award-winning films (Talk To Me, Adjust Your Color) and developed multiple projects in all genres. Pelagius currently has projects set up with Cedric the Entertainer, Pure Imagination Australia and Zero Gravity Management, among others.
TubaN, the IP owner and production company of Larva’ is a global content specialist that develops and produces new contents focused on 3D animation and has been expanding its business into L&M, game development and distribution. Its current IP lineup includes Larva, Dino Core, Winkle Bear, Rotary Park and Oscar’s Oasis, among others.
Web3, media and entertainment brand Doodles announced that it has agreed on terms to acquire Emmy Award-winning animation studio, Golden Wolf in a move towards evolving its NFT world into an innovative franchise. Golden Wolf’s team will bring expert experience in animation, visual storytelling and global content creation into the Doodles fold to strengthen its original content arm.
Following the closing, Golden Wolf and world-renowned artist Burnt Toast will collaborate on original narrative content and the development of Doodles characters and story across the board — from brand collaborations to original series and video games. Founded in 2013, Golden Wolf has built a global reputation working with major brands and networks such as Adult Swim (Rick and Morty), Netflix (Farzar), Disney (The Owl House,DuckTales), WEBTOON, TikTok and Blizzard (Overwatch).
“We are excited about the prospect of welcoming the Golden Wolf team to Doodles,” said Julian Holguin, CEO of Doodles. “Web3 is powering a new generation of collecting, fandom, and consumer mindset. This investment is a move that advances our strategic priorities of creating world class content, leveraging technology to incubate new formats and ultimately, spreading joy to millions around the world.”
As a part of the acquisition, Golden Wolf’s CEO & Founder Ingi Erlingsson would join the Doodles team as Chief Content Officer. He brings a deep background working with global brands and networks such as Nike, Meta, Gatorade, Disney, Adidas and Adult Swim, among others. Erlingsson will continue to oversee and operate both the London and New York offices of Golden Wolf.
“I’m thrilled by the idea of joining Burnt Toast and the rest of the Doodles team on this journey,” said Erlingsson. “This partnership will unlock boundless potential within each of our businesses, accelerating our goal of redefining entertainment through engaging storytelling and worlds.”
In addition, Doodles will leverage Golden Wolf’s strategic partnership with Psyop studio (psyop.com) to launch a joint venture, Active Ingredient, with the mission to “reinvent storytelling and the tools used to make them a reality” using the latest in AI and blockchain technology to create innovative tools and techniques for brands, filmmakers, producers and prosumers. As part of the deal, Psyop will also be investing in Doodles. The long-term goal of the joint venture is to create a dynamic 360-degree animation production ecosystem where creators can create stories in new ways at a fraction of the established price tag.
