Animation Magazine

Author: Mercedes Milligan

  • Crunchyroll Sets ‘That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime’ Movie for January Theatrical Release

    Crunchyroll Sets ‘That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime’ Movie for January Theatrical Release

    Crunchyroll announced theatrical release dates for English-speaking territories and Mexico, as well as new details including a new poster and trailer for its upcoming film That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Scarlet Bond. The popular fantasy adventure arrives in theaters on:

    • January 18 in the United Kingdom and Ireland
    • January 19 in Australia
    • January 20 in the United States and Canada
    • January 26 in Mexico

    Additional 2023 dates in the Middles East and additional territories in Europe to be announced soon.

    The film debuted in Japan on November 25, 2022. Tickets for North America are now on sale at slime-movie.com. The film will be available in both Japanese with English subtitles as well as dubbed in English.

    That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Scarlet Bond is based on the best-selling light novel, written by Fuse and illustrated by Mitz Vah, and the anime series That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. The series follows Mikami Satoru, an average 37-year-old who dies and is reincarnated as the most unremarkable creature imaginable — a slime. Initially, things are pretty grim. He’s blind, deaf, and weak. But by combining his two special abilities, “Predator” and “Great Sage,” the newly named, Rimuru Tempest, will use his blobby powers to gain both friends and foes alike in a diverse new world.

    The movie’s stand-alone story takes place following the ending of Season 2 of the anime series, currently streaming on Crunchyroll.com. More details about the film will be revealed in the coming months.

    Synopsis: A long-running conspiracy is swirling over a mysterious power wielded by the Queen in Raja, a small country west of Tempest. When a slime who evolved into a Demon Lord named Rimuru Tempest crosses paths with Hiiro, a survivor of the Ogre race, an incredible adventure packed with new characters begins. The power of bonds will be put to the test!

  • ‘Christmas with the Musifants’ Delivers Festive Cheer Across Europe

    ‘Christmas with the Musifants’ Delivers Festive Cheer Across Europe

    Meta Media is celebrating the “musifantastic” success of the half-hour Musifants holiday special, which will be airing across Europe this Christmas through new partners Canal+ (France), SVT (Sweden), Filmin (Spain), ERR (Estonia), LRT (Lithuania) and S4C (Wales), where Grammy-winning Welsh opera star Sir Bryn Terfel will be the voice of Grandpa Gunther.

    “I’m thrilled to see the success of this funny, heart-warming and beautifully-made film which is shaping up to be a Christmas classic for children around the world,” said Sara Cooper, Founder of Meta Media Entertainment.

    Christmas with the Musifants [Ahoi Film]
    Christmas with the Musifants [Ahoi Film]
    Christmas with the Musifants is the story of two Musifants, Charlie and Grandpa Gunther, who head off in search of the world’s most musifantastic Christmas tree. But deep in the snowy forest, the most beautiful and melodious trees are already taken. While Grandpa Gunther gets into the holiday spirit by singing witty reinterpretations of Christmas songs, Charlie learns about the forest dwellers’ festive rituals.

    The special was co-produced with rbb and KiKA and premiered on KiKA in December 2020. Previous sales have been to YLE Finland, NRK Norway, LTV Latvia, Channel 1 Russia, Vme U.S. (Spanish language) and KMBO Films in France.

    Christmas with the Musifants [Ahoi Film]
    Christmas with the Musifants [Ahoi Film]
    “At Vme Kids we are very excited to bring Christmas with the Musifants to our audience. The special is a wonderful story of the bond of Charlie and Grandpa Gunther as they search for the perfect Christmas Tree. This relationship hits home, as it is very familiar in the multigenerational Latino homes in the U.S.,” said Doris Vogelmann, VP of Programming & Operations at Vme Media Inc.

    Christmas with the Musifants was created by producer and director Meike Fehre of Ahoi Film and creative director Sabine Dully of Dully Dully. It is based on the music series The Musifants, which was originally produced for German preschool show Unser Sandmännchen (rbb).

    Christmas with the Musifants [Ahoi Film]
    Christmas with the Musifants [Ahoi Film]
    “I am very happy for having the opportunity to develop the Musifants together with Sabine Dully,” said Fehre. “The characters in it have a lot in common with our families, which makes this universe so unique and lovable for us!”

    Ahoi Film specializes in cutout and collage techniques and has produced award-winning short films shown for festivals and exhibitions all over the world. Sabine Dully focuses on illustration and has created several children books, apps and character designs for internet & TV.

    Christmas with the Musifants [Ahoi Film]
    ©Ahoifilm
  • New ‘Pokémon’ Series Introduces Brand-New Characters

    New ‘Pokémon’ Series Introduces Brand-New Characters

    The Pokémon Company group announced a new Pokémon animated series that will follow a never-before-seen storyline and characters — including dual protagonists named Liko and Roy in the Japanese version of the series — as they set off on action-packed adventures across the Pokémon world.

    The new series will premiere across markets in 2023 and beyond, and it will feature Paldea first partner Pokémon Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly from the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet video games, as well as the Legendary Pokémon Rayquaza in its Shiny form. Fans can look forward to unraveling the mysteries of the Pokémon world — from exciting Trainer battles to fun Pokémon encounters.

    The upcoming story will debut after the current season of Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series, which features Ash Ketchum and his Pikachu winning the Masters Eight Tournament of the Pokémon World Coronation Series.

    Following Ash’s historic win as Pokémon World Champion — the culmination of his adventures spanning 25 seasons — fans can commemorate his storied journey with a collection of special episodes to conclude Pokémon Ultimate Journeys. These episodes will feature fan-favorite Pokémon and characters, including Misty and Brock, and they will provide a glimpse at what the future may hold for the world’s strongest Trainer in this final chapter for Ash and his Pikachu.

    The special episodes will not only celebrate Ash’s monumental achievement, but also act as an expression of gratitude from Pokémon Co. to all the fans who have joined Ash and Pikachu along the way. Fans are sure to find everything they love about the franchise in the new animated series, including action, adventure, friendship and, of course, more Pokémon.

    Further details of the new series are yet to be revealed; fans can keep up with the latest news by following @Pokemon on social media and subscribing to the official Pokémon YouTube channel.

    Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series is streaming now exclusively on Netflix in the U.S. Info on new episode availability will be posted to pokemon.com.

  • ‘Coraline,’ ‘Robot Chicken’ Animators Join Lucky Ducky Claymation NFT Project

    ‘Coraline,’ ‘Robot Chicken’ Animators Join Lucky Ducky Claymation NFT Project

    Lucky Ducky, a family-friendly claymation NFT project on the Ethereum network, is joining forces with acclaimed animator Rich Zim (Coraline, Nightmare Before Christmas, James & Giant Peach, Gumby) and Robot Chicken animator/producer Pete Levin this holiday season, bringing classic stop-motion animation skills into the NFT space. Serving as collaborators and advisors to Lucky Ducky, this marks the animators’ first venture into Web3.

    Animators have long struggled with an unsteady employment culture, where established artists can suddenly see their project cut or themselves replaced by cheaper labor without IP ownership to fall back on. Lucky Ducky aims to offer animators a pathway to new revenue streams and creative output.

    “When Lucky Ducky was first released, I immediately reached out,” said Zim, who collaborated on the company’s recent ‘Mystery Egg’ NFT airdrop. “NFTs are revolutionary for artists, but Lucky Ducky has revolutionized the entire industry in how animators can become their own studio.”

    Lucky Ducky
    Lucky Ducky

    Zim brings over 30 years of experience on iconic claymation entertainment projects to the world of NFTs. He was bought on by Jeremy Fisher, the founder of Lucky Ducky, a stop-motion director and animator with over 10 years of experience in the entertainment industry working on projects such as Robot Chicken and Marcel the Shell with Shoes On. The two animators collaborated on a new series of interactive video projects that use classic animation techniques combined with Web3 technology to give Lucky Ducky NFT holders a genuinely immersive experience.

    Levin as well is an accomplished animator who brings a wealth of stop-motion experience to the Lucky Ducky project. From assistant directing on the recent hit movie Marcel the Shell with Shoes On to producing animation projects for notable brands such as Marvel Toys and LEGO, Levin will continue to provide project support for Lucky Ducky.

    “NFTs are going to change the world of animation as we know it,” said Levin. “This new way of creating allows artists to invoke the same passion they’ve always felt in claymation but with even more possibilities. I’m excited to join Lucky Ducky at the forefront of this and help the project guide more creators out of the woodwork.”

    Fisher commented, “It’s an honor to work alongside Rich and Pete. These two have shaped the lives and childhoods of so many. We’re thrilled they’ve chosen our project to advise and make their entrance into NFTs.”

    luckyduckynft.com

  • Hulu Orders ‘Standing By’ from Dan Levy & Ally Pankiw

    Hulu Orders ‘Standing By’ from Dan Levy & Ally Pankiw

    Hulu has ordered Dan Levy and Ally Pankiw’s Standing By to series from 20th Television Animation. The series order is on the heels of several productions from 20th Television Animation for Hulu Originals, including Solar Opposites (which was just picked up for a fifth season), Futurama and Koala Man, which premieres January 9.

    “Standing By is about the hilarity, embarrassment, and melodrama of everyday life as observed by a team of judgmental, gossip-starved Guardian Angels,” Levy and Pankiw explained. “We are very excited to bring this world to life with the help of Hulu, 20th Television Animation, and Bento Box Entertainment. Not to mention an insanely brilliant cast of actors.”

    Levy will executive produce the series, which comes from his previous overall deal at ABC Signature, under his Not A Real Production Company banner.

    Standing By is a satirical look into the lives of a group of eternally bound, disgruntled guardian angels and the lessons they’ll eventually learn from not only the dysfunctional humans they’re in charge of protecting but also each other.

    The series stars Levy, Emmy winner David Tennant (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, DuckTales, Doctor Who), Natalie Palamides (The Powerpuff Girls), three-time Golden Globe winner Glenn Close, Poppy Liu (Hacks) and Samira Wiley (Orange Is the New Black).

    Dan Levy and Ally Pankiw are creators and executive producers, with Danielle Uhlarik as showrunner and executive producer. The series is produced by 20th Television Animation.

    Multihyphenate Emmy Award-winning showrunner, writer, actor, director and producer Daniel Levy is best known for hit CBC sitcom Schitt’s Creek (streaming on Hulu) which he co-created with his father, Eugene Levy. He Recently launched Not a Real Production Company, which debuted its first series, The Big Brunch, on HBO Max in November. The company has several projects in various stages of development including Standing By and Levy’s directorial debut Good Grief (Netflix). The company recently began its new overall TV deal with Netflix, where it also has a first-look feature film deal.

    Ally Pankiw made her TV directing debut with Netflix’s Feel Good. She directed and executive produced the show’s first season, which was critically acclaimed as one of the best series of 2020. Pankiw has since directed on Hulu’s Shrill, The Great and is currently in post-production on her first film, I Used To Be Funny (previously titled Brooke & Sam). Pankiw is represented by WME, Partizan, and Hirsch Wallerstein. Levy and Pankiw first collaborated on Schitt’s Creek, where Pankiw served as a story editor for two seasons.

    Danielle Uhlarik recently inked a script deal with 20th Television Animation and is currently an executive producer on Hulu’s animated series Solar Opposites. She previously worked on Champaign, Ill and co-developed the animated series Wallflower for 20th Television Animation and Freeform. She created, executive produced and starred in the Sundance-selected independent pilot Bootstrapped. Uhlarik comes out of the Chicago comedy scene where she trained at Second City, iO, the Annoyance Theatre and Northwestern University. She is represented by Artists First, UTA and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern.

  • Holler Launches Next-Gen Animation Studio Allied with CAA

    Holler Launches Next-Gen Animation Studio Allied with CAA

    Holler, creator of popular sticker and gif characters which have been used by more than 70 million users worldwide via Venmo  and popular messaging apps, is ready to bring these digital communicators to new platforms. The outfit is reintroducing itself as full-service animation shop Holler Studio, teaming up with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) to shepherd its characters through new avenues of animated storytelling.

    Founded by Group Black’s co-founder and CEO, Travis Montaque, Holler was launched with a mission to “enrich conversations everywhere,” focused on developing relatable content that helps diverse people around the world express themselves authentically. Based on data showing deep user engagement with its characters, Holler developed an in-house animation studio to serve fans across all platforms and expand its audience.

    “The powerful thing about animation is that we can use our imaginations to help create the world that we want to see,” said Montaque. “Holler Studios is blazing a trail with its focus on increased diversity and inclusion in animation, which will impact the screens, toys, metaverse and experiences that generations will interact with in the future.”

    Leading the new venture is EVP and Head of Studio Pat Giles, the creative lead behind some the advertising industry’s most recognizable icons, from the latest Green Giant to Lucky the Leprechaun to McGruff the Crime Dog. Gils has also executive produced several popular animated web-series, including Lili and Torto’s Opposite Show for Sesame Studios. Under Giles’ leadership, Holler’s characters have already started to move from stickers to stories.

    Holler Studios
    ©2022 Holler Technologies, Inc.

    Recently, the company started producing animated shorts for its own channels, including Romeon, Simone & Jordan and Epic Tails, which have already amassed millions of views. With the animation industry expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.7% through 2028 (per Industry Research), Holler Studios aims to meet increased demand for animated content with a slate of long-form animated content based on existing and new IP for both kids and adults, under a mandate to uplift “diverse voices telling universal stories.”

    Over the past year, Holler Studios has assembled a team of industry veterans who have worked at industry majors like Nickelodeon to Sesame Workshop with deep expertise in 2D & 3D animation, CGI, puppetry, gaming and more.

    “At Holler Studios we have all the ingredients to make a story unforgettable,” said Giles. “We have developed hundreds of relatable characters over the years and we can’t wait to share their stories with the world.”

    Holler Studios has also signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), who will advise on Holler’s brand positioning within the marketplace, digital content distribution strategy, monetization models and a go-to-market approach for selecting IP for exploitation in television, film and beyond. Strategic partnerships, such as one with historian and educator Blair Imani to animate her popular IG series Smarter In Seconds, have already helped to reach a different facet of the animation audience.

    “When we first met with Travis Montaque and the entire Holler Studios team, we were immediately drawn to their vision for telling universal, diverse, and inclusive multicultural stories through the medium of animation and their vision to leverage all digital mediums and platforms to get these stories to the world,” said Frank Jung, Co-Head of CAA Digital Media.

    Having already worked extensively through its messaging platform with agencies and premium brands, such as Starbucks, McDonalds, Honda, IKEA and many others, Holler Studios also plans to expand its roster of services and leverage its animation capabilities to help brands connect with consumers in new ways.

    hollerstudios.com

  • ‘Brown and Friends’ Brings the Sweet Slapstick of Line Friends to Netflix

    ‘Brown and Friends’ Brings the Sweet Slapstick of Line Friends to Netflix

    Netflix is delivering something fuzzy, cute and a bit silly to screens in time for the winter holiday watch season with Brown and Friends, a new 3D CG-animated series launching exclusively on the streamer on December 29.

    Created in partnership with digital IP entertainment company IPX, the series features 11 of its original Line Friends messenger app sticker characters, including Brown, Cony, Sally and Choco in charming non-dialog slapstick situations. The new toon also arrives as the popular characters mark their 10-year anniversary.

    Brown and Friends tells stories of everyday life, set in a cozy little neighborhood coffee shop. Some moments are big and some are small — but we all know that mundane drama is what makes our lives extra special. Even longtime fans of Line Friends will uncover untold tales of their favorite characters in their lighthearted new endeavor.

  • IDW Slates 3 Hit Comics for Animated Series Adaptation

    IDW Slates 3 Hit Comics for Animated Series Adaptation

    IDW is moving forging ahead with its move into original animation production, announcing a trio of popular comic books and graphic novels are now in active development under experienced showrunners, executive producers and directors.

    Daniel Kendrick, Senior Director of Kids, Family and Animation will head up development on behalf of IDW for each of the three animated series projects which include:

    Dragon Puncher

    Dragon Puncher & Spoony

    Holly Huckins (Recess, Angela Anaconda, Sheriff Callie) is set as showrunner and executive producer for the series based on the book Dragon Puncher by James Kochalka (Johnny Boo, Glork Patrol, Monkey vs. Robot), published by IDW imprint Top Shelf Productions. Huckins is represented by The Gotham Group.

    The Eisner Award-winning comedy adventure chronicles the exploits of Dragon Puncher, a cute but rather ruthless kitty who dons his heroic armored battle suit as he punches out evil dragons together with sidekick Spoony (a fuzzy little friend armed with a wooden spoon).

     

    Korgi

    Korgi

    Aury Wallington (Spirit Untamed, Spirit Riding Free, Veronica Mars, Heroes, Gravity Falls) joins as showrunner for the television series based on writer-artist Christian Slade’s beloved dog opus that follows the stories of a Korgi pup in epic fairy tales of adventure. Wallington is represented in the deal by Epicenter LA and APA.

    A fantasy world filled with creatures both adorable and abominable, Korgi is a coming-of-age tale about the friendship between a young fairy and her magical puppy as they uncover the secret history of their homeland and face evil monsters threatening their idyllic community.

     

    Relic of the Dragon

    Relic of the Dragon

    Bryan Q. Miller (Shadowhunters, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe) joins as showrunner for the series based on the graphic novel by Adrian Benatar and Miguel Ángel García. Miller is represented by Verve Los Angeles.

    The fantasy action-adventure follows the journey of Uric, an ordinary man hunting for a relic of enormous power. The most dangerous undertaking of his life, the choices Uric makes along the way will change his life forever — along with the fate of his entire nation.

     

     

    These latest project developments come on the heels the adult animated series adaptation of  Brutal Nature with Anima Studios and live-action IDW Originals that were announced earlier this year, including Dark Spaces with Universal Content Productions, Earthdivers with 20th Television, The Delicacy with Warner Bros. Television Studios.

    IDW Entertainment develops, produces and distributes television series, feature films and interactive formats based on the graphic novels and comic books of sister company IDW Publishing. Current series developed and produced by IDW Entertainment include Netflix’s Locke & Key, Apple TV+’s Surfside Girls, Syfy’s Wynonna Earp, BBC’s Dirk Gently, V Wars and October Faction.

    idwentertainment.com

  • ‘The Legend of Vox Machina’ S2 Trailer Doubles Down on Dragons, Magic & Bad Decisions

    ‘The Legend of Vox Machina’ S2 Trailer Doubles Down on Dragons, Magic & Bad Decisions

    Huddle up druids, bards, rangers and barbarians: it’s time to prepare for a new campaign as The Legend of Vox Machine gets ready to roll on Prime Video! The 12-episode season’s January 20 premiere across more than 240 countries and territories was announced today with the nail-biting, gut-busting, butt-kicking (err, or something) red band trailer.

    From celebrated real play podcasters Critical Role and award-winning animation studio Titmouse, the first season of The Legend of Vox Machina earned a “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes with a 100% score. Now, the effed up animated fantasy adventure returns, debuting three episodes per week on Prime Video.

    S2 Synopsis: After saving the realm from evil and destruction at the hands of the most terrifying power couple in Exandria, Vox Machina is faced with saving the world once again — this time, from a sinister group of dragons known as the Chroma Conclave.

    New guest cast featured in Season 2 includes Will Friedle (Boy Meets World), Billy Boyd (The Lord of the Rings), Henry Winkler (Barry), Lance Reddick (John Wick), Cree Summer (Rugrats, The Patrick Star Show), Alanna Ubach (Euphoria), Cheech Marin (Up in Smoke), Troy Baker (The Last of Us), Sendhil Ramamurthy (Beauty and the Beast), Ralph Inerson (The Witch) and Mary Elizabeth McGlynn (Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence).

    Returning guest cast includes Stephanie Beatriz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Encanto), Indira Varma (Obi-Wan Kenobi, Game of Thrones), Gina Torres (9-1-1: Lone Star), Kelly Hu (BMF) and Esmé Creed-Miles (Hanna).

    The series stars Critical Role founders and cast members Laura Bailey (The Last of Us: Part II) as half-elf ranger Vex, Taliesin Jaffe (Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn) as human gunslinger Percy, Ashley Johnson (The Last of Us) as gnome cleric Pike, Liam O’Brien (Star Wars: The Bad Batch), Matthew Mercer (Overwatch), Marisha Ray (Final Fantasy XV: Comrades) as half-elf druid Keyleth, Sam Riegel (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) as gnome bard Scanlan and Travis Willingham (Marvel’s Avengers) as goliath barbarian Grog.

    The Legend of Vox Machina is a production by Amazon Studios, Critical Role and Titmouse for Prime Video. The Critical Role cast also serves as executive producers, alongside Brandon Auman (Star Wars: Resistance), Chris Prynoski (Metalocalypse), Shannon Prynoski (Fairfax) and Ben Kalina (Big Mouth) at Titmouse.

    RED BAND Season 2 trailer:

  • Rita Moreno, Tan France & More Join the Court of ‘Princess Power’

    Rita Moreno, Tan France & More Join the Court of ‘Princess Power’

    A new generation of kingdom-rescuing royals is ready to make its debut on Netflix next month, with the streamer revealing the official release date, guest star lineup and teaser trailer for Princess Power. Author, TODAY co-anchor and series executive producer Savannah Gunthrie announced on The Drew Barrymore Show this morning that the 14-episode CG kids’ show premieres January 30.

    Princess Power
    (L-R) Madison Calderon as Bea, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss as Rita and Luna Bella as Penny in ‘Princess Power’ [Netflix © 2022]
    Based on the No. 1 New York Times bestselling book series Princesses Wear Pants by Guthrie and Allison Oppenheim, Princess power is described as a celebration of girl power and self-expression that follows princesses of four major fruit kingdoms who embrace their differences and become stronger together to help their fellow fruitizens and make their world a better place. The whimsical stories come with a timely message that it doesn’t matter what you wear but what you do that makes all the difference.

    Also announced today were some of the regal guest stars for Season 1, which include EGOT-winning stage and screen legend Rita Moreno (West Side Story, Maya and the Three) as Great Aunt Busyboots, Andrew Rannells (Broadway’s The Book of Mormon, Big Mouth) as King Barton, Tan France (Queer Eye) as Sir Benedict, Jenna Ushkowitz (Broadway’s Waitress, Glee) as Queen Ryung and Ciera Payton (The Closer, Tyler Perry’s The Oval) as Queen Katia.

    Princess Power voice stars Trinity Jo-Li Bliss as Princess Rita Raspberry, Dana Heath as Princess Kira Kiwi, Luna Bella Zamora as Princess Penny Pineapple, Madison Calderon as Princess Bea Blueberry and Alanna Ubach (Legally Blonde, Crossing Swords) as Miss Fussywiggles.

    Developed by showrunner/exec producer Elise Allen, the series is executive produced by Guthrie and Oppenheim, alongside Matthew Berkowitz, Kristin Cummings & Jennifer Twiner McCarron of Atomic Cartoons, and Drew Barrymore, Ember Truesdell & Nancy Juvonen of Flower Films. Monica Davila is supervising producer.

    netflix.com/princesspower

  • Crunchyroll, Aniplex Slate New ‘Sword Art Online’ Movie for February

    Crunchyroll, Aniplex Slate New ‘Sword Art Online’ Movie for February


    Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Scherzo of Deep NightCrunchyroll, along with partner Aniplex of America, is bringing Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Scherzo of Deep Night to theaters across Crunchyroll’s English-speaking territories in February 2023. The film will be available in both Japanese with English subtitles as well as dubbed in English.

    The popular sci-fi action adventure arrives in theaters in the United Kingdom and Ireland on Wednesday, February 1; in Australia and New Zealand on Thursday, February 2; and in the United States and Canada on Friday, February 3.

    Additional theatrical release dates for Europe and Latin America to be announced soon.

    Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Scherzo of Deep Night
    Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Scherzo of Deep Night

    Scherzo of Deep Night is the sequel to Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Aria of a Starless Night (2021), now available to stream on Crunchyroll.com. The film follows protagonist Asuna as she continues her journey through the virtual reality death game, where “Game Over” means death in the real world.

    The anime franchise is based on the light novel series Sword Art Online by Dengeki Bunko Novel Grand Prize winner Reki Kawahara (published by Dengeki Bunko), chronicling the adventures of Kirito and heroics as a player in Sword Art Online, a next generation VRMMORPG (virtual reality massive multiplayer online role-playing game). Since Volume One launched in April 2009, the books have topped cumulative worldwide sales of 30 millions copies. Sword Art Online Progressive is a reboot series penned by Kawahara, offering a deeper look at where it all began: on Aincrad’s first floor.

    Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Scherzo of Deep Night
    Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Scherzo of Deep Night

    Synopsis:
    This may be a game, but it’s not something you play.

    The world’s first VRMMORPG (Sword Art Online) became a game of death. Over a month has passed since 10,000 users were trapped inside the game world. Asuna, who cleared the first floor of the floating iron castle of Aincrad, joined up with Kirito and continued her journey to reach the top floor. With the support of female Information Broker Argo, clearing the floors seemed to be progressing smoothly, but…

    Conflict erupts between two major guilds who should be working together — the top player groups ALS (the Aincrad Liberation Squad) and DKB (the Dragon Knights Brigade). Meanwhile, behind the scenes exists a mysterious figure pulling the strings…

    In a dangerous battle of death, there is an assault that differs from the threat, and it will involve Asuna and Kirito…!

    Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Scherzo of Deep Night
    Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Scherzo of Deep Night

    Japanese / English Voice Cast:

    • Asuna: Haruka Tomatsu / Cherami Leigh
    • Kirito: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka / Bryce Papenbrook
    • Mito: Inori Minase / Anairis Quiñones
    • Argo: Shiori Izawa / Kimberly Anne Campbell
    • Agil: Hiroyuki Yasumoto / Patric Seitz
    • Kibaou: Tomokazu Seki / Derek Stephen Prince
    • Liten: Kaede Hondo / AmaLee
    • Shivata: Yuusuke Nagano / Griffin Puatu
    • Lind: Takeo Otsuka / Howard Wang
    • Yamata: Shinya Takahashi
    • Wolfgang: Yohei Azakami / Young Yea
    • Lobacca: Yuki Tamai / Bill Butts
    • Naijan: Koji Seki / Xander Mobus
    • Joe: Ryota Osaka / Alejandro Saab
    • Morte: Yusuke Kobayashi / A.J. Beckles
    Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Scherzo of Deep Night
    Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Scherzo of Deep Night

    The Sword Art Online anime adaptation debuted in 2012, running for four seasons to date and spawning a theatrical film, Sword Art Online The Movie: Ordinal Scale, in 2017. An all-new animated film based on the Sword Art Online Progressive light novels arrived in 2021. The first film in the series, Aria of a Starless Night, a rebooted Aincrad arc seen from Asuna’s point of view, debuted at No. 1 at the weekend box office in Japan and was a long-running hit, staying in theaters nationwide for 10 weeks.

    saop-anime.com

  • Baboon Animation & IQI Plan ‘Winnie-the-Pooh’ Prequel Film & Series

    Baboon Animation & IQI Plan ‘Winnie-the-Pooh’ Prequel Film & Series

    A.A. Milne’s beloved stuffed bear and his motley forest friends are getting a new big screen treatment from Baboon Animation and IQI Media in a prequel to the classic book Winnie-the-Pooh (1926). The original story collection entered the public domain as of January 1, 2022.

    DreamWorks alumni Mike de Seve (Madagascar, Monsters vs. Aliens) and John Reynolds (The Mr. Peabody & Sherman Show) are attached as co-writer/director and writer, respectively. “We’re telling the surprising origin story of the ‘silly young bear’ and his friends, when they were still kids, in a way designed to connect with 21st-century kids,” says Reynolds.

    Multi-Emmy-winning animation writing team Baboon (Angry Birds, Gigantosaurus) have teamed up with IQI, a content incubator lab and subsidiary of Winvest Group, to produce the prequel feature. Another former DreamWorks colleague, Charlene Kelly (Next Gen), now CIO at Winvest, and Khiow Hui Lim, the founder of IQI and CSO of Winvest, will executive produce.

    Winnie-the-Pooh (E.H. Shepard)
    Winnie-the-Pooh (E.H. Shepard)

    “A.A. Milne’s bear has aged gracefully in the last hundred years,” said Kelly. “But what happened, back-when, that made him and his pals who they are in the book? A heck of a big adventure, that’s what — one that needs a big screen. Audiences will be transported to somewhere they never expected.”

    “I think this unsinkable young cub is totally relatable for today’s kids, with his hell-bent craving for honey and his ludicrous schemes to get it,” adds de Seve, who directed on the original Beavis and Butt-head series and feature, story consulted on Shrek 2 and now helms Baboon. “The whole gang is hilarious, and are even more hilarious as kids, we’re finding out.”

    With the recent reboots of classic storybook properties Peter Rabbit and Paddington finding box office success, the Baboon crew hopes to add its kids’ entertainment know-how to the silly bear’s familiar charms to create characters with cross-generational appeal.

    The feature film is being planned for release in 2024, to be followed immediately by an animated series.

    As for what Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Rabbit and the rest of the Hundred Acre Wood squad first illustrated by E.H. Shepard will look like with a modern animated makeover, Kelly advises: “Brace yourself for a surprise.”

    baboonanimation.com | iqimedia.com

    Winnie-the-Pooh (E.H. Shepard)
    Winnie-the-Pooh (E.H. Shepard)
  • ‘SuperKitties’ Ready for Action Jan. 11 with Purrfectly Retro Theme Song

    ‘SuperKitties’ Ready for Action Jan. 11 with Purrfectly Retro Theme Song

    Beware, evildoers: The next wave of justice is about to hit … and it’s adorable!

    Disney Branded Television has announced that its new action-packed animated series about super cute crimefighter kittens, SuperKitties, will pounce to screens on Wednesday, January 11 with a simulcast on Disney Channel and Disney Junior (10:30 a.m. EST). An initial batch of episodes will premiere the same day on Disney.

    The digital soundtrack Disney Junior Music: SuperKitties is due out the same day from Walt Disney Records. The collection features the show’s theme song (performed by Carmen Carter of Dancing with the Stars), which has been unveiled today with a colorful new video showcasing the superpowered fluffballs Ginny, Sparks, Buddy and Bitsy as they keep their animal community safe by being “brave, smart, strong and kind.”

    Set in the city of Kittydale, each SuperKitties episode features two 11-minute stories as the four kittens, cuddled up at the Purr ‘N’ Play playspace or out playing around town, receive a “SuperKitty Call” from one of their animal friends with a problem that only the SuperKitties can help with — usually caused by one of the comedic villains in the series: Cat Burglar, Mr. Puppypaws, Lab Rat or Zsa-Zsa. With plenty of super skills and gadgets at their disposal, the SuperKitties set off to thwart the villains’ plans and impart important messages along the way.

    The voice cast stars Emma Berman (Disney-Pixar’s Luca) as Ginny, Cruz Flateau (CoComelon) as Sparks, JeCobi Swain (Home Economics) as Buddy and Pyper Braun (Country Comfort) as Bitsy. Voicing the recurring comedic villains in the series are Justin Guarini (American Idol) as Cat Burglar, James Monroe Iglehart (Broadway’s Aladdin) as Mr. Puppypaws, Ruth Pferdehirt (Finding Nemo: The Musical) as Lab Rat and Isabella Crovetti (Vampirina) as Zsa-Zsa the cockatoo.

    The series is created and executive produced by Emmy Award winner Paula Rosenthal (Peter Rabbit). Emmy Award-winning producer, director and storyboard artist Kirk Van Wormer (Transformers: Prime) is co-executive producer. Keith Harrison Dworkin (UglyDolls) is songwriter and Vidjay Beerepoot (Minnie’s Bow-Toons) is composer. The series is produced by Sony Pictures Television – Kids (formerly known as Silvergate Media) in association with Disney Junior.

    Read more about SuperKitties in the February ’23 issue of Animation Magazine (No. 327), available January 6.

  • 58 Animated Feature Projects Selected for Cartoon Movie 2023

    58 Animated Feature Projects Selected for Cartoon Movie 2023

    The Selection Commission of Cartoon Movie 2023 have revealed their picks for the upcoming co-production and networking event, with 58 animated feature projects set to participate. The European and global toon industry will reconvene in Bordeaux, France from March 7-9.

    Overall, 27 projects (47%) are at the In Development stage, with 20 (34%) In Concept and three (5%) In Production, with another eight (14%) ready for their Sneak Preview. The majority of these films target Family audiences (33 projects, 57%), although projects for Young Adults/Adults continue to gain a foothold with 13 projects (22%). Another 12 titles (19%) are reserved for children, including one aimed at preschoolers.

    Mars Express
    Mars Express (Everybody On Deck, France)

    As is usually the case, France leads the pack with a whopping 27 projects with one or more main producers based in the country. Germany is represented by seven projects, followed by Spain (five), Italy (four), Belgium (three), Denmark and The Netherlands (two each) and single entries from Armenia, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Poland, Slovakia and Ukraine (15 countries represented).

    Four Souls of Coyote
    Four Souls of Coyote (Cinemon Studios, Hungary)

    The local industry is represented by nine projects, including seven supported by the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region:

    • Jim Queen (produced by Bobbypills)
    • Beausoleil (Moteur S’il Vous Plaît)
    • Chicken for Linda! (Dolce Vita Film / Miyu Productions)
    • Happy End (Miyu Productions)
    • Mars Express (Everybody On Deck)
    • The Hermit and the Bear (Tant Mieux Productions)
    • Alpha Two’s Dreamed Trip (Godo Films)
       (Beausoleil and Mars Express are also supported by the Département Charente)

    … As well as two from studios located in the Bordeaux metro / Nouvelle-Aquitaine area: Sun Creature France with Betty’s Dream and UMANIMATION with Long Time a Girl: An Endless City Adventure.

    Decorado
    Decorado (UniKo, Abano Prod.; Spain)

    Cartoon Movie 2023 will welcome several seasoned directors, including Alberto Vázquez (Unicorn Wars) bringing his new opus Decorado, Hugo de Faucompret (Mum Is Pouring Rain) presenting Round and Round the Wishing Well, Cédric Babouche (creator of the interactive game Dordogne) with Long Time a Girl, Léo Marchand & Anne-Laure Daffis (The Neighbors of My Neighbors Are Neighbors of Mine) with The Roman of Renart, Coppelia trio Ben Tesseur, Steven De Beul & Jeff Tudor with Still Life at the Penguin Café and Jens Møller (Ogglies) with Yap Yap – The Secret Forest. Live-action director Guillaume Gallienne presents his first animated project, Cyrano.

    Yap-Yap: The Secret Forest
    Yap-Yap: The Secret Forest (Parka Pictures, Denmark; Milford, Sweden)

    Cartoon Movie will also be presenting Sneak Preview sessions on warmly anticipated titles Four Souls of Coyote from Áron Gauder (winner of the Annecy Cristal Award in 2005 for The District!), as well as Mars Express by Jérémie Périn  and Dragonkeeper by Salvador Simó (winner of the 2019 European Film Award in Animation for Buñuel in the Labyrinth of the Turtles).

    Two projects will also be embarking on their next phase, having followed the development path from Cartoon Springboard to Cartoon Movie: The Precious Gift directed by Lenka Ivančiková (from Cartoon Springboard 2017 to Cartoon Movie 2018, In Concept) comes back this year in the In Development lineup; Otis directed by Filip Diviak was presented at Cartoon Springboard this Fall, and will now present a version In Concept.

    Find more information on all the projects and register for Cartoon Movie 2023 at cartoon-media.eu.

    The Roman of Renart
    The Roman of Renart (Lardux Films, France)
  • Oscar-Winning ‘Spider-Verse’ Director Rodney Rothman Closes Animation Deal with FOX TV

    Oscar-Winning ‘Spider-Verse’ Director Rodney Rothman Closes Animation Deal with FOX TV

    FOX Entertainment and Modern Magic, founded last year by Academy Award winning filmmaker Rodney Rothman (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse) and producing partner Adam Rosenberg, have entered into a broadcast direct agreement to develop animated programming for FOX Network. The announcement was made today by FOX Entertainment’s President of Entertainment, Michael Thorn.

    “What I love about Rodney is there are no limits to his creative, comedic genius, whether it’s reimagining iconic franchises, shaping instant cult classics, or writing laughs for Letterman,” said Thorn.  “This direct deal with Rodney and Adam greatly expands our fast-growing Animation Domination slate, which is a key pillar to our growth strategy here in the U.S. and abroad.”

    Under their recently launched banner, Rothman and Rosenberg will develop and produce a new wave of half-hour and hour-long animated series for FOX. Content created under the broadcast direct deal will be fully owned and distributed by FOX Entertainment and produced by its Emmy Award-winning animation studio, Bento Box Entertainment. Modern Magic will also look to partner on a variety of projects with additional animation production studios under its deal with FOX and Bento Box as the studio.

    “Michael and his team at FOX Entertainment are undisputed all-time champions of broadcast animation; their record speaks for itself,” said Rothman. “At Modern Magic, we’re committed to exploring the boundaries of what popular animated storytelling can be in the 21st Century, and this partnership Fox has extended is a true opportunity and much-appreciated vote of confidence for us and the worldwide community of ambitious, amazing artists that we’re grateful to work with.”

    Focused on event animation and live-action entertainment, Modern Magic has since its 2021 founding set up a busy slate of projects with major studio partners, including Columbia Pictures, Illumination, Interscope, Warner Bros., Sony Pictures Animation, Skydance, Picturestart, FX, Sony Pictures Television and 20th Television.

    FOX Entertainment’s animation lineup includes award-winning and fan-favorite primetime comedies The Simpsons, Family Guy and Bento Box productions Bob’s Burgers, The Great North and HouseBroken. The FOX-owned toon shop is currently working on Dan Harmon’s Krapopolis and Grimsburg starring Jon Hamm for 2023, as well as the recently ordered Universal Basic Guys/The Hoagie Bros. from Game of Zones creators Adam & Craig Malamut for 2024 (co-produced by FOX and Sony Pictures Television).

  • Animation Block Spreads the Love to L.A. with Valentine’s Showcase

    Animation Block Spreads the Love to L.A. with Valentine’s Showcase

    This February, the Animation Block Party festival will be returning to Los Angeles for the first time in nearly a decade for an exclusive Valentine’s Day-themed showcase at Permanent Records, located at 1906 Cypress Ave. in L.A. The special engagement announced to Animation Magazine will help kick off APB’s milestone 20th season in 2023.

    The special Animation Block Valentines event drops on Saturday, February 11 at 7 p.m. and will be headlined by live animated comedy troupe and longtime festival partner, Picture This Show.

    Canadian animator Aaron Long, winner of the Animation Block Party 2020 audience award, will present a new Valentine’s festival bumper starring his comedic superstar webtoon duo, Sublo and Tangy Mustard.

    Animation Block Valentines will be highlighted by a festival shorts screening and opens for “love themed” film entries on Friday, December 16, with a $500 prize for best clip under 30 seconds.

    Valentine animations and GIFs will be curated by another Animation Block festival partner of many years, Malt Adult, via Sarah Schmidt and Ian Ballantyne.

    “The last time ABP screened in Los Angeles was 2014 at the Troubadour, so it’s insanely cool to be back at a music-oriented venue working with our favorite partners like Sarah and Ian from Malt Adult and Sam Varela, Brandie Posey and Mike Hollingsworth of Picture This Show,” festival founder & creative director Casey Safron told Animation Magazine. “We’re extra lucky to have acclaimed cartoon wizard, Aaron Long animate an original intro for Animation Block Valentines.”

    Visit animationblock.com/valentines for info and updates on the Animation Block Valentines 2023 show. Submissions for “love” themed animated shorts and GIFs open Friday, Dec. 16. 

  • Exclusive Clip: ‘Star Trek: Prodigy’ Crew Gets into Mind-Swap Misadventure in Next Episode

    Exclusive Clip: ‘Star Trek: Prodigy’ Crew Gets into Mind-Swap Misadventure in Next Episode

    This week, Paramount+ subscribers can tune in for a walk on the wild sci-fi side in the brand-new episode of Star Trek: Prodigy.

    Premiering Thursday, December 15, “Mindwalk” (Ep. 118) sees the crew of plucky alien misfits taking desperate experimental measures to warn Starfleet of their dilemma, and miscalculating themselves into an accidental mind swap between Dal and a Starfleet Vice Admiral.

    Animation Magazine has beamed up an exclusive sneak peek clip in which Rok-Tahk (voicd by Rylee Alazraqui) explains to “Dal” (Brett Gray) how the mishap occurred, and the crew schemes a dangerous plan to recreate the accident and reverse the swap — good thing a nice stroll through a warp bubble is basically Tuesday to a Starfleet officer! The clip also featuries Murf (played by Dee Bradley Baker) and Fugitive Zero (Angus Imrie).

    https://youtu.be/AOxiCPXWnQE

    The CG-animated Star Trek: Prodigy is the first Star Trek series aimed at younger audiences, and follows a motley crew of young aliens who must figure out how to work together while navigating a greater galaxy, in search of a better future. These six young outcasts know nothing about the ship they have commandeered — a first in the history of the Star Trek franchise — but over the course of their adventures together, they will each be introduced to Starfleet and the ideals it represents.

    The interstellar voice cast also features  Jason Mantzoukas as Jankom Pog, Ella Purnell as Gwyn and Star Trek veteran Kate Mulgrew reprising her role as Captain Janeway.

    Developed by Emmy winners Kevin and Dan Hageman (Trollhunters, Ninjago), the show is produced by CBS’ Eye Animation Productions, Nickelodeon Animation, Secret Hideout and Roddenberry Entertainment.

    Prodigy is now streaming exclusively on Paramount) in the U.S., LatAm, Australia, S. Korea and U.K., coming soon to Italy, GAS and France, and international Nickelodeon channels. In Canada, it airs on Bell Media’s CTV Sci-Fi Channel and streams on Crave. Distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

  • Scholastic Ent., Gaumont Team with Teen Actress & Down Syndrome Advocate Sofia Sanchez on ‘Rocket Park’

    Scholastic Entertainment is partnering with Gaumont to co-develop and co-produce Rocket Park, an animated preschool series inspired by Sofia Sanchez, a 13-year-old Down syndrome self-advocate, actress, model and inspiration for the children’s books You Are Enough and You Are Loved, written by Margaret O’Hair, illustrated by Sofia Cardoso and published by Scholastic.

    “We are thrilled to work with Sofia Sanchez to amplify her voice and create a space for the many kids and families who identify with her story, and proud to partner again with Gaumont to bring Rocket Park to the screen,” said Scholastic Entertainment President Iole Lucchese (exec producer, Clifford the Big Red Dog). “We hope to spread the messages of love and acceptance, and introduce more children to Sofia’s books.”

    SVP & General Manager Caitlin Friedman (exec producer, Stillwater) added, “Rocket Park builds upon Scholastic Entertainment’s mission to develop an inclusive slate of programming for all children, just as Scholastic publishes stories where all kids can find themselves in the pages.”

    Consisting of 11-minute episodes and original music, the uplifting new series will focus on four kids who work together to help their community and, in doing so, teach young viewers about the power of embracing and celebrating differences, accepting others and themselves, and loving friends and family for exactly who they are.

    “I can’t wait to teach children how to be good helpers,” said Sanchez. “This is going to be so much fun!”

    The project is currently in development, with Scholastic Entertainment and Gaumont attached to produce. Rocket Park follows the companies’ collaboration on the successful launch of Stillwater for Apple TV+, based on the Zen picture book series by Jon J Muth and winner of the Peabody and two Daytime Emmy Awards.

    “We are delighted to continue partnering with Scholastic Entertainment through this new project and look forward to building on the success of our award-winning series, Stillwater, currently available on Apple TV+,” said Nicolas Atlan, President of Gaumont U.S. “We are excited to be working with the talented Sofia Sanchez. As an inspiring young ambassador of inclusion and empowerment, utilizing her authentic voice and unique perspective, she will be key in helping to bring the joyful characters of Rocket Park to life.”

    Dublin-based sketch comedy and improv writing and performing duo Amy Stephenson and Shane Langan will serve as showrunners for Rocket Park. Awarded “Best Preschool Writer” at the 2019 Irish Animation Awards, Stephenson and Langan’s other preschool credits include Becca’s Bunch, Jessy & Nessy, Kiva Can Do, Alva’s World, Ladybird Lu and Silly Sundays.

    Lucchese, Friedman and VP of TV Development Jef Kaminsky (Signs of Survival) will executive produce for Scholastic Entertainment. Atlan, Gaumont Vice CEOs Sidonie Dumas and Christophe Riandee, EVP Creative Content – U.S. Terry Kalagian and VP Creative Development – Animation & Family Michelle Sullivan will executive produce for Gaumont.

    Spreading Sanchez’s universal message of belonging, You Are Enough is an inclusive and empowering picture book that includes a vast set of kid characters with all kinds of backgrounds, experiences and abilities, reminding readers how important it is to embrace your differences, be confident and be proud of who you are.

    The upcoming companion book, You Are Loved (March 2023), introduces readers to all different types of families — from Sofia’s adoptive family to blended families, those with two moms and two dads or single parents, mixed race families and kids raised by grandparents, guardians or older siblings — and shares the important message that families are more than the people you live with, but the people you choose, and who love you just the way you are.

  • Watch: Disney+ Slates S2 of ‘The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder’ with Guest Star Featurette

    Watch: Disney+ Slates S2 of ‘The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder’ with Guest Star Featurette

    Disney+ announced the second season of original series The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder will premiere on Wednesday, February 1. From Disney Branded Television, the series is the critically acclaimed revival of Disney’s groundbreaking The Proud Family. The series recently won “Outstanding Casting for An Animated Program” at the inaugural Children’s & Family Emmy Awards.

    A Season 2 cast featurette spotlighting guest stars Gabrielle Union (L.A.’s Finest; voice of Talia Rouge), Chance the Rapper (Darius St. Vil), Leslie Odom, Jr. (Hamilton; Kwame), Holly Robinson Peete (21 Jump Street; Dr. Lord), Normani (Giselle) and more debuted timed to the premiere date announcement.

    From creator and executive producer Bruce W. Smith and executive producer Ralph Farquhar, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder revival picks up the story of Penny Proud (Kyla Pratt) and her iconic family: parents Oscar (Tommy Davidson) and Trudy (Paula Jai Parker), twin siblings BeBe (Aiden Dodson) and CeCe (Bresha Webb), and grandmother Suga Mama (JoMarie Payton) — and Puff (Carlos Alazraqui)! By Penny’s side is her loyal crew: Dijonay Jones (Karen Malina White), LaCienega Boulevardez (Alisa Reyes), Zoey Howzer (Soleil Moon Frye), Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins (Keke Palmer) and Michael Collins (EJ Johnson).

    Building off the standout success of the series’ debut, Season 2 continues to tell entertaining and laugh out-loud stories, while highlighting culturally specific experiences of the Black community and addressing universal topics. Various storylines this season include self-worth, interracial dating and Juneteenth.

    Additional series cast members include Cedric the Entertainment (Uncle Bobby), Carlos Mencia (Felix Boulevardez), Maria Canals-Barrera (Sunset Boulevardez), Alvaro Gutierrez (Papi), Raquel Lee Bolleau (Nubia Gross), Marcus T. Paulk (Myron), Billy Porter and Zachary Quinto (Randall and Barry Leibowitz-Jenkins), Asante Blackk (Kareem), Artist “A Boogie” Dubose (Francis “KG” Leibowitz-Jenkins)

    The previously announced roster of guest stars for S2 also includes:

    • Anthony Anderson (black-ish) as Ray Ray
    • Gymnasts Dominique Dawes, Gabby Douglas and Laurie Hernandez as themselves
    • Maury Povich (Maury) as himself
    • Storm Reid (Euphoria) as Emily
    • Courtney B. Vance (Genius) as Merlin Kelly
    • Liana Mendoza (Hey, Mr. Postman!) as Singing Judge

    Lauded television and film composer, songwriter and producer Farquhar, who wrote and composed The Proud Family original theme song and reimagined it for the revival, co-wrote an original song “You’re Lucky I Let You Love Me” with Normani, Mariah Meshae and Nkenge Kamau for the upcoming season. Normani will also provide vocals on several original songs. In addition to Farquhar, who serves as series music composer and songwriter, Ashley Neumeister (American Soul) is on board to music supervise the second season.

    Fans can listen to the series official playlist here.

    The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder
    The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder

    In addition to Smith and Farquhar, Calvin Brown, Jr. (Moesha) is co-executive producer and story editor, Jan Hirota (Big Hero 6 The Series) is producer, Eastwood Wong (Carmen Sandiego) is art director, and directors are Latoya Raveneau (Rise Up, Sing Out), Rudi Bloss (DC Super Hero Girls) and Tara Nicole Whitaker (Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure). The series is produced by Disney Television Animation.

    Season 1 of The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder is available on Disney+. Beginning in January 2023, episodes will air weekly on Disney Channel and Disney XD. All seasons of The Proud Family, which debuted on Disney Channel in 2001, are also available on Disney+. Extensions for the new series include apparel, home, stationery, toys, and collectibles.

  • ‘Little Nicholas’ Makes Rendezvous with U.S. Audiences Dec. 16

    ‘Little Nicholas’ Makes Rendezvous with U.S. Audiences Dec. 16

    Award-winning French animated feature Little Nicholas: Happy as Can Be — based on the beloved comics and children’s books introduced by Jean-Jacques Sempé and René Goscinny in the 1950s — is ready to enchant U.S. audiences this week. Through a key distribution deal just secured this week, Buffalo 8 (a Bondit Company) is bringing the charming hand-drawn family adventure to theaters across the country starting Friday, December 16.

    Synopsis: Somewhere between Montmartre and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Jean-Jacques Sempé and René Goscinny lean over a large white sheet of paper and bring to life a mischievous and endearing boy, Little Nicholas. From schoolyard games and fights to summer camp prank and camaraderie, Nicholas lives a merry and enriching childhood. As the adventures of Nicholas and his friends unfold, the boy makes his way into his creators’ workshop and light-heartedly questions them. Sempé and Goscinny will recount the story of their friendship, career, and reveal a childhood filled with hopes and dreams.

    Little Nicholas: Happy as Can Be was awarded the prestigious Best Feature Cristal at Annecy this year and also won top awards at Bucheon International Animation Film Festival (International Feature) and the Cambridge Film Festival (Audience Award for Best Fiction Feature). The film was also nominated for the European Film Award for Animated Feature.

    The film is directed by Amandine Bredon and Benjamin Massoubre, written by Michael Fessler, Anne Goscinny (René Goscinny’s daughter) and Massoubre. The French voice cast is led by César-winning actor Alain Chabat (Didier, The Taste of Others and the local dubbing voice of Shrek in the DreamWorks Animation franchise) as Goscinny and César nominee Laurent Lafitte (Elle, Tell No One, The Little Prince).

    Produced by ON Classica, Atom Soumache, Cedrio Pilot, Bidibul Productions, Lilian Eche and Christel Henon.

    Little Nicholas: Happy as Can Be
    Little Nicholas: Happy as Can Be