Channel 4 commissioned award-winning production company Lupus Films (The Tiger Who Came to Tea, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt) to produce a snowy seasonal ident featuring the beloved characters from the World of The Snowman (part of Penguin Random House Children’s), created in collaboration with Channel 4’s in-house creative agency, 4creative.
The 20-second film was made to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the very first transmission of The Snowman film adaption on Channel 4, and pays tribute to both the original animation and to the 2012 sequel, The Snowman and The Snowdog.
The latest in a long line of iconic Channel 4 idents, the film transports the Channel 4 logo to a wintry setting where it oversees The Snowman, The Snowdog and James, the boy from the first The Snowman film, playing in the snow. The ident marks the very first time that all three characters are seen on screen together.
The spot premiered ahead of the Jamie Oliver special Jamie’s Easy Christmas Tuesday, and will be shown regularly over the festive period.
The ident is produced by Lupus Films — the producers of The Snowman and The Snowdog — and directed by Robin Shaw, who was responsible for the iconic flying sequence in that film. Animated in Lupus Films’ beautiful hand-drawn style, the piece was created by Shaw and a small team of animators using traditional 2D techniques in animation program TVPaint.
“The Snowman has been a part of Christmas for four decades, so what better way to mark the 40th birthday of both Channel 4 and the animated adaptation of Raymond Briggs’s beloved character than with a set of hand crafted idents featuring James and the Snowman,” said Ian Katz, Chief Content Officer, Channel 4. “It may or may not snow this month but it is guaranteed to be a white Christmas on Channel 4.”
Lupus Films Co-Founder Camilla Deakins commented, “We are really honored to have been asked to bring The Snowman back to life for Channel 4 for the 40th anniversary of this very special animated Christmas classic. It’s particularly poignant for us at the time of the 10th anniversary of The Snowman and The Snowdog and after the death earlier this year of our long-time friend and collaborator, the inimitable Raymond Briggs.”
“The Snowman has been an enduring part of Christmas television for over 40 years and we are thrilled that Channel 4 has commissioned a wonderful piece of animation that celebrates Raymond’s original creation and sees The World of The Snowman beautifully realized, once again, by Lupus Films and Robin Shaw in this brand new ident,” added Thomas Merrington, Creative Director of Penguin Ventures (part of Penguin Random House Children’s).
For Channel 4 Creative, the ident’s executive producer is Lynsey Atkin, the creative director is Dan Chase, the producer is Alison Laing, head of marketing is Laura Ward-Smith, marketing lead is Laura Bedford and marketing executive is Victoria Cheng.
Adapted from the iconic picture book by Briggs and published by Puffin (part of Penguin Random House Children’s), the timeless story of The Snowman was adapted and first shown on the newly-launched Channel 4 on Boxing Day 1982 and has been repeated on the channel every Christmas since. The 26-minute film went on to win a BAFTA and be nominated for an Oscar. In 1984, music icon David Bowie pulled on a Christmas jumper to record a special introduction to the film for Channel 4.
Created with Briggs’ blessing, The Snowman and The Snowdog premiered on Channel 4 on Christmas Eve 2012 and was directed by Hilary Audus and Joanna Harrison. The sequel tells the story of Billy, who moves into the house from the original story and discovers a snowman-making kit under the floorboard of his bedroom, thereby launching a brand-new magical adventure. The film won several awards and featured on the front cover of the Radio Times’ Christmas issue in both 2012 and 2013.
The Snowman, The Snowman and The Snowdog and Lupus Films’ other festive animated specials We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and The Tiger Who Came to Tea are all airing on Channel 4 over the holiday season.
The award-winning 2014 historical animated drama Giovanni’s Island will bow on Blu-ray and all major digital platforms on February 21, released by GKIDS with distribution by Shout! Factory.
Directed by Mizuho Nishikubo and animated by the celebrated Production I.G studio (Ghost in the Shell, The Deer King), the hand-drawn feature comes home with illuminating bonus features, including a Making Of, an interview with voice actress Polina Ilyushenko, the “Troika” music video and an art gallery.
Giovanni’s Island
Giovanni’s Island earned 14 international recognitions when it was first released, including the Jury distinction at the 2014 Annecy International Animated Film Festival, both Children’s and Adult Jury Prizes at the 31st Chicago International Children’s Film Festival, and the Satoshi Kon Award for best animated feature at the Fantasia Film Festival.
Giovanni’s Island
Synopsis: Brothers Junpei and Kanta live in Shikotan, a tiny fishing island that has been spared from the devastations of World War II. The two children are named after Giovanni and Campanella from their late mother’s favorite book, Night on the Galactic Railroad, which becomes a source of solace in the aftermath of Japan’s defeat. When Soviet forces arrive with their families to settle in the island, Junpei meets Tanya, the daughter of the commander. Despite their language barrier and growing tension, the children soon form an unlikely friendship.
Bonus Features
Making Of
Interview with Polina Ilyushenko
“Troika” Music Video
Art Gallery
Giovanni’s Island is available to pre-order on Blu-ray through GKIDS and Shout! Factory.
Buckle up for a second season of Cartoonito’s original preschool hit Batwheelsfor Cartoon Network and HBO Max. Michael G. Stern and Simon J. Smith will both be upped to executive producers and continue to helm Season 2 of the CG-animated action-comedy — DC’s first-ever Batman preschool show.
Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, Season 1 launched this fall to much fanfare and critical acclaim. Following its premiere, the series became Cartoon Network’s #1 original preschool series with Boys ages 2-5 this year and is the #1 original preschool show on HBO Max.
“It’s been a joyride seeing how Batwheels resonated with audiences, and in such a short amount of time. It delivered everything we hoped it would in introducing Batman to the youngest viewers while allowing parents to enjoy their favorite DC Super Hero with their kids,” said Michael Ouweleen, President, Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Discovery Family & Boomerang. “Reimagining Batman’s iconic mythos for preschoolers using beloved and original characters has been a creative feat that we will definitely lean into as we expand into a second season.”
“Batwheels gave preschoolers an animated Batman story to call their own,” said Sam Register, President, Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Studios. “We’re excited to continue to build on this cool and fun world alongside our partners at Cartoon Network and HBO Max.”
A half-hour holiday special, “Holidays on Ice,” is now available to watch on Cartoonito on Cartoon Network and HBO Max. New episodes from the first season will continue to air next year.
Batwheels follows a group of young, sentient super vehicles — Bam (the Batmobile), Bibi (the Batgirl Cycle), Redbird (Robin’s racecar), Buff (the Bat-Truck) and Batwing (the Batplane) — as they help Batman, Batgirl, and Robin keep the streets of Gotham City safe. The series aligns with Cartoonito’s Humancentric Learning framework, teaching children about what it means to be a hero through demonstrating the value of self-confidence, friendship and teamwork.
The series features Ethan Hawke as Batman, Gina Rodriguez as Catwoman, Jacob Bertrand as Bam the Batmobile, Xolo Maridueña as Snowy the Snowcrawler, Crew Kingston Miskel as Redbird, Madigan Kacmar as Bibi, Noah Bentley as Buff, Lilimar as Batwing, Kimberly D. Brooks as The Batcomputer, Mick Wingert as Moe, AJ Hudson as Duke Thomas/Robin and Leah Lewis as Cassandra Cain/Batgirl among others.
Sam Register (Looney Tunes Cartoons), Michael G. Stern (Doc McStuffins) and Simon J. Smith (Penguins of Madagascar) are executive producers, and Steven Fink of Bang Zoom Ltd. serves as producer. Based on characters from DC, Batwheels is produced by Warner Bros. Animation. Animation services provided by Superprod Studio and Snowball Studios.
Crunchyroll continues its curation of cinema to its growing catalog this December with a fresh slate of newer and classic films, just in time to enjoy during the cozy holiday season.
From critically acclaimed director Satoshi Kon (Perfect Blue, Paprika, Tokyo Godfathers, Paranoia Agent), experience the gorgeous new restoration of one of his greatest works, Millennium Actress. Boasting countless awards, including the Grand Prize in the Japan Agency of Cultural Affairs Media Arts Festival, which it shared with Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away, the film produced by Madhouse is a must-see for anime fans of all ages.
Based on the Sound! Euphonium novel series written by Ayano Takeda, which also was adapted into an anime series also available on Crunchyroll, Liz and the Blue Bird is a spin-off sequel by Kyoto Animation that follows oboist Mizore Yoroizuka and flautist Nozomi Kasaki in their final year of high school. As their club begins to practice songs inspired by the fairy tale “Liz and the Blue Bird,” Mizore and Nozomi begin to realize that there may be no such thing as being together forever. The film was directed by Naoko Yamada (A Silent Voice, The Heike Story, K-On!).
Penguin Highway, produced by Studio Colorido and directed by Drifting Home’s Hiroyasu Ishida, is based on the 2010 science fiction novel of the same name written by Tomihiko Morimi that was adapted into a manga illustrated by Keito Yano.
And from the director behind the horrifying Ichi the Killer and Audition comes Takashi Miike’s live-action film As the Gods Will. Adapting the first part of the manga of the same name written by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and illustrated by Akeji Fujimura, the film introduces high school student Shun Takahata who is bored with the day-to-day monotony of school and life until suddenly he and his classmates are forced to play deadly children’s games and face terrifying creatures — from a talking Daruma doll to a sharp-clawed lucky cat.
DECEMBER 8
As the Gods Will(Toho) – Live-Action – High school student Shun Takahata is bored. Bored with the day-to-day monotony of school and life, he prays for change, for something exciting. The last thing he expects is for the gods to answer. Suddenly, he and his classmates are forced to play deadly children’s games and face terrifying creatures from a talking Daruma doll to a sharp-clawed lucky cat. Who will survive the gods’ games? (Official Trailer) – Directed by Takashi Miike
Haikara-San: Here Comes Miss Modern: Part 1 (Nippon Animation) – Adapted from Waki Yamato’s popular manga, Haikara-San is a heartfelt, and sometimes comical, tale of love surviving through the perils of war and separation. – Directed by Kazuhiro Furuhashi
Haikara-San: Here Comes Miss Modern: Part 2(Nippon Animation) After marrying the head of the military, Benio hears her husband died in Siberia during a war. However after finding out he’s alive and fighting against his home land, Benio starts looking for her first love. Wondering why he didn’t return and wanting to welcome him back. Hardships will happen and hearts may be broken, as he might have moved on. (Official Trailer) – Directed by Seimei Kidokoro
Sound! Euphonium: The Movie – Welcome to the Kitauji High School Concert Band (Kyoto Animation) – A recap movie of the first season of Sound! Euphonium. (Official Trailer) – Directed by Tatsuya Ishihara
Sound! Euphonium: The Movie – May the Melody Reach You! (Kyoto Animation) – A recap movie of the second season of Sound! Euphonium. (Official Trailer) – Directed by Tatsuya Ishihara and Taichi Ogawa
Sound! Euphonium: The Movie – Our Promise: A Brand New Day (Kyoto Animation) – The next piece begins! Kumiko is now in her second year at Kitauji High School, and with a new year comes new problems. As if making it to Nationals wasn’t hard enough, Kumiko is tasked with mentoring the concert band’s troublesome first years — each with their own distinct personality and problems to solve. With Kumiko busy juggling both the concert band and her new role as senpai, how does her relationship with Shuichi fit into the picture? (Official Trailer) – Directed by Tatsuya Ishihara
DECEMBER 15
Millennium Actress (Madhouse) – When the legendary Ginei Studios shuts down, filmmaker Genya Tachibana and his assistant are tasked with interviewing its reclusive star, Chiyoko Fujiwara, who had retired from the spotlight 30 years prior. As Chiyoko recounts her career, Genya and his crew are literally pulled into her memories where they witness her chance encounter with a mysterious man on the run from the police. Despite never knowing his name or his face, Chiyoko relentlessly pursues that man in a seamless blend of reality and memory that only Satoshi Kon could deliver.– Directed by Satoshi Kon
Liz and the Blue Bird (Kyoto Animation) – Mizore Yoroizuka and Nozomi Kasaki are a pair of best friends in their final year of high school. They’re both obsessed with the school’s brass band club. With Mizore on the oboe and Nozomi on the flute, they spend their days in happiness, until the club begins to practice songs inspired by the fairy tale “Liz and the Blue Bird.” Immersed in this story, Mizore and Nozomi begin to realize that there may be no such thing as being together forever. – Directed by Naoko Yamada
Penguin Highway (Studio Colorido) -A fourth-grader, Aoyama-kun, investigates the mysterious reason behind the sudden appearance of penguins in his village, which is somehow related to a power from a young woman working at a dental clinic. – Directed by Hiroyasu Ishida
Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms(P.A. Works) – Escaping war, a young girl finds a lone surviving infant and decides to raise him as her son. (Official Trailer) – Directed by Mari Okada
Big Fish & Begonia (B&T, Beijing Enlight Media, Studio Mir) – Under the ocean is a mystical race of beings that control the tide and the changing of the seasons. One of these beings, a restless young girl named Chun, wants to experience the human world, not simply observe it. When she turns 16, she is allowed to transform into a dolphin to explore the human world. However, the world is a dangerous place. Trapped in a vortex, she is nearly killed but saved at the last minute by a human boy, who drowns as a result. Consumed by guilt, Chun decides to go on an epic adventure to give the boy life again. As protector of his soul, Chun must defeat those who stand in her way, including her own family. – Directed by Xuan Liang and Chun Zhang
Overlord: The Undead King (Madhouse) – Follow veteran MMORPG player Momonga, who’s just been trapped in the world of his favorite game! Realizing the unprecedented power he commands, Momonga decides to bring glory to Nazarick and change the course of history. (Official Trailer) – Directed by Naoyuki Itō
Overlord: The Dark Warrior (Madhouse) – Embracing his new identity and power as the fearsome overlord Ains Ooal Gown, Momonga continues to navigate the world of Yggdrasil in his quest to bring Nazarick to a new realm of glory throughout the game world. (Official Trailer) – Directed by Naoyuki Itō
DECEMBER 22
SHIROBAKO The Movie (P.A. Works) – Aoi Miyamori must lead a theatrical production at Musashino Animation. (Official Trailer) – Directed by Tsutomu Mizushima
The Wonderland(Fuji Animation Studio, Signal.MD) – A girl without self-confidence meets a mysterious alchemist Hippocrates and his student Pipo who are on a mission to save the world. Together, they laid the groundwork for “Wonderland” and Akane is labeled as Wonderland’s savior. – Directed by Keiichi Hara
Isekai Quartet: Another World (Studio Puyukai) – Series Synopsis: The button appeared out of nowhere. There weren’t any signs NOT to push it… so the solution is obvious, right? Is it a trap or the start of something new and exciting? The crews of Re:Zero, Overlord, Konosuba and The Saga of Tanya the Evil will find out when they go from their world to another and get stuck in… class?! (Official Trailer) – Directed by Minoru Ashina
Digimon Adventure tri. 1: Reunion (Toei Animation) – After years of inactivity, the DigiDestined regroup with their Digimon to save their world, but have the years changed their characters too much? – Directed by Keitaro Motonaga
Digimon Adventure tri. 2: Determination(Toei Animation) – The DigiDestined go to a nearby hot springs theme park and everyone has a good time, but Joe doesn’t show up because he wants to study for his exams. Another infected Digimon, Ogremon, attacks Odaiba. Gomamon runs away from home while Mimi faces problems with the other DigiDestined and her classmates because of her selfish ideas. Would Joe accept his responsibilities as a DigiDestined before it’s too late? (Official Trailer) – Directed by Keitaro Motonaga
Digimon Adventure tri. 3: Confession (Toei Animation) – After seeing Meicoomon’s abrupt transformation and killing of Leomon, Agumon and the other Digimon are kept isolated in Koushiro’s office in order to prevent them from infection, but signs of infection begin to appear in Patamon. (Official Trailer) – Directed by Keitaro Motonaga
Digimon Adventure tri. 4: Loss (Toei Animation) – Upon arriving at the Digital World after the “reboot”, the digidestined are hunted by a new villain. Meanwhile, Sora is troubled by her partner Digimon’s indifference towards her. (Official Trailer) – Directed by Keitaro Motonaga
Digimon Adventure tri. 5: Coexistence (Toei Animation) – Meicoomon rampages after witnessing Meiko Mochizuki being injured by the man bearing Gennai’s likeness. “It would have been better if you hadn’t been born…” Meicoomon disappears into the Real World, which has since become distorted. Possessing overwhelming power, she’s the key to the world’s destruction. (Official Trailer) – Directed by Keitaro Motonaga
Digimon Adventure tri. 6: Future (Toei Animation) The DigiDestined must stand together to prevent the digital world from swallowing the real world. (Official Trailer) – Directed by Keitaro Motonaga
Today, Disney+ released the trailer and key art for season 2 of acclaimed Lucasfilm Animation series Star Wars: The Bad Batch. The next chapter will launch exclusively on the streaming platform on January 4 with the first two episodes.
When the new season opens, months have passed since the events on Kamino, and the Bad Batch continue their journey navigating the Empire after the fall of the Republic. They will cross paths with friends and foes, both new and familiar, as they take on a variety of thrilling mercenary missions that will take them to unexpected and dangerous new places.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 2 stars Emmy Award nominee Dee Bradley Baker (American Dad!) as the voice of the Bad Batch and Emmy Award nominee Michelle Ang (Fear the Walking Dead: Flight 462) as the voice of Omega. Emmy Award winner Rhea Perlman (The Mindy Project, Cheers) returns to guest star as Cid, Noshir Dalal (It’s Pony, The Owl House) returns to guest star as Vice Admiral Rampart and Emmy Award winner Wanda Sykes (The Upshaws, Black-ish) makes her guest starring debut in the series as Phee Genoa.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch is executive produced by Dave Filoni (The Mandalorian, Star Wars: The Clone Wars), Athena Portillo (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star WarsRebels), Brad Rau (Star WarsRebels, Star WarsResistance), Jennifer Corbett (Star WarsResistance, NCIS) and Carrie Beck (The Mandalorian, Star WarsRebels) with Josh Rimes (Star WarsResistance, Star Wars: Visions) and Alex Spotswood (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star WarsRebels) as producers.
Rau is also serving as supervising director, with Corbett as head writer and Matt Michnovetz as story editor.
Christmas is coming early this year for fans of The Simpsons! Disney+ has announced that the new short The Simpsons Meet the Bocellis in ‘Feliz Navidad’ will launch December 15 exclusively on the streaming service.
In the upcoming short from the record-breaking FOX animated series, Homer surprises Marge with the ultimate gift: an unforgettable performance from Italian opera superstar Andrea Bocelli and his 25-year-old son Matteo and 10-year-old daughter Virginia. Key art debuting the Bocellis’ Springfield alter egos was dropped today.
Also on December 15, Andrea, Matteo and Virginia Bocelli will release the new single “Feliz Navidad” featured in the short and included on their new album, A Family Christmas.
The festivities continue December 17 as The Simpsons celebrates 33 years since its first episode aired in 1989. The first 33 seasons of The Simpsons are currently available to stream on Disney+.
The Simpsons meet the Bocellis in ‘Feliz Navidad’ is the latest in a collection of shorts from The Simpsons created exclusively for Disney+. The previously released shorts Welcome to the Club, When Billie Met Lisa (Emmy nominated), Maggie Simpson in ‘The Force Awakens from Its Nap’ (Emmy nominated), The Good, The Bart, and The Loki and The Simpsons in Plusaversary (and more) are currently available on Disney+ in The Simpsons collection.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today announced feature films eligible for consideration in the Animated Feature Film, Documentary Feature Film and International Feature Film categories for the 95th Academy Awards. Complete awards rules can be found at Oscars.org/rules.
Twenty-seven features are eligible for consideration in the Animated Feature Film category for the 95th Academy Awards. Some of the films have not yet had their required qualifying release and must fulfill that requirement and comply with all the category’s other qualifying rules to advance in the voting process.
To determine the five nominees, members of the Short Films and Feature Animation Branch are automatically eligible to vote in the category. Academy members outside of the Short Films and Feature Animation Branch are invited to opt in to participate and must meet a minimum viewing requirement to be eligible to vote in the category. Films submitted in the Animated Feature Film category also qualify for Academy Awards in other categories, including Best Picture.
Read more about the early chances of many of these titles in Animation Magazine‘s annual awards season dossier.
In addition to Canada’s previously announced submission of the live-action/CG-animated Eternal Spring, Armenia has entered its own animated documentary Aurora’s Sunrise as one of the 92 submissions for International Feature Film. See the full list here.
The 144 eligible Documentary Feature Films include the Will Vinton profile Claydream. See the full list here.
Shortlists (15 films each) for Documentary and International Featurs will be announced on Wednesday, December 21. Nominations for the 95th Academy Awards will be announced on Tuesday, January 24, 2023.
The 95th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide.
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) announced today the TV category nominees for the 28th Annual Critics Choice Awards. The winners will be revealed at a gala ceremony, which will broadcast live on The CW from the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Sunday, January 15, 2023 (7–10 p.m. ET, delayed PT – check local listings).
While the majority live-action categories are ruled by multiply-nominated titles Abbot Elementary (ABC, six nominations), Better Call Saul (AMC, five), Gaslit (Starz), Reservation Dogs (FX) and The Good Fight (Paramount) (four each), the Best Animated Series contenders are a notable cross section a today’s broad TV toon landscape.
The six animation nomination slots are dominated by primetime 2D comedies with Bob’s Burgers, Harley Quinn and Star Trek: Lower Decks. However, the list also includes breakout Aussie kids’ hit Bluey, which has found a wider audience with appreciative parents and caregivers, as well as more adventurous adult fare in the acclaimed non-dialog horror-actioner Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primaland the visually intrepid sci-fi dramedy Undone.
Bluey is nominated for the second year in a row, while Bob’s Burgers is up for the ninth time (second consecutive) — including 2021, when the category was temporarily rehomed in the inaugural Critics’ Choice Super Awards. Undone was nominated in 2019.
Harley Quinn was nominated in three categories at the Supers, winning Best Voice Actress in an Animated Series for Kaley Cuoco’s title performance. Lower Decks was also nominated in the voice actor/actress categories, and this year makes its Best Animated Series nomination debut at the CCAs.
Crunchyroll, in partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment, Wild Bunch International and Eurozoom, announced today that it will be bringing animation auteur Makoto Shinkai’s highly anticipated new film Suzume to theaters internationally (excluding Asia) beginning on April 12, 2023.
Global theatrical release dates for the film include:
April 12 in France and Malta
April 13 in Australia, Brazil, Germany, Mexico and New Zealand
April 14 in Austria, Belgium, Canada, Gibraltar, Ireland, Luxembourg, United Kingdom and United States
Additional 2023 dates to be announced for additional Latin America and EMEA territories.
Award-winning creator, writer and director Shinkai’s most recent films, Your Name. (2016) and Weathering With You (2019) helped launch him to global renown. Weathering With You was selected as Japan’s entry for the best international feature film category of the 2020 Academy Awards and nominated in four categories in the 47th annual Annie Awards including best animated independent feature.
Suzume debuted in Japan on November 11 and has now surpassed 5.6 million admissions and earned 7.5 billion yen (approx. $55M USD), staying #1 at the box office in Japan for three consecutive weeks.
Crunchyroll acquired global distribution and marketing rights (excl. Asia) to Suzume from Toho during the Cannes Film Festival & Market last May. The film will be distributed in all major territories:
In North America, Crunchyroll is the sole distributor.
In Latin America, Australia/New Zealand, the Middle East and portions of Europe, the film will be distributed by Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment.
In French- and German-speaking Europe, the film will be co-distributed by Crunchyroll, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Wild Bunch International and Eurozoom.
Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Suzume’s journey begins in a quiet town in Kyushu (located in southwestern Japan) when she encounters a young man who tells her, “I’m looking for a door.” What Suzume finds is a single weathered door standing upright in the midst of ruins as though it was shielded from whatever catastrophe struck. Seemingly drawn by its power, Suzume reaches for the knob…
Doors begin to open one after another all across Japan, unleashing destruction upon any who are near. Suzume must close these portals to prevent further disaster.
A myriad of challenges await her on her journey. Despite all the obstacles in her way, Suzume’s adventure shines a ray of hope upon our own struggles against the toughest roads of anxiety and constraints that make up everyday life. This story of closing doors that connect our past to the present and future will leave a lasting impression upon all of our hearts. Drawn in by these mysterious doors, Suzume’s journey is about to begin.
Amazon Studios today announced the opening of Stage 15, its new virtual production stage, and formation of the new Amazon Studios Virtual Production (ASVP) department. The stage combines two former stages to accommodate an LED wall that is 80 feet in diameter and 26 feet tall. The first feature film to shoot on the new Stage 15 will be family holiday comedy Candy Cane Lane, directed by Reginald “Reggie” Hudlin and starring Eddie Murphy.
The ASVP department will shepherd each project on Stage 15, transferring institutional knowledge along with an optimized workflow developed in partnership with — and powered by — Amazon Web Services (AWS). The division has a full-time executive, engineering and creative team of 20 that has been operating in stealth mode since 2020 on the design, pipeline and build-out of Stage 15. Working with the volume wall, production creatives can interact with digital assets and processes in a manner that mirrors live action to enable digital world capture, visualization, performance capture, simulcam, and in-camera visual effects.
ASVP at Stage 15
Amazon Studios Virtual Production Powered by AWS
Stage 15 is fully connected into the AWS cloud, and is an integrated part of the production-in-the-cloud ecosystem. The facility provides a camera-to-cloud workflow, with direct connection from Stage 15 to AWS S3 storage to make dailies instantly available to creative teams from any location. Every shot taken on Stage 15 ends up in the AWS cloud in real time, with the ability to safely and securely distribute assets around the globe.
The ASVP team is also developing a VFX and virtual production asset management system that lives on the AWS cloud, allowing production teams to catalog, search, preview and repurpose production assets. This powerful backend system will reduce the lag time that productions typically experience when transferring files and assets from set to editorial, VFX and post-production vendors and facilities.
“With the combination of AWS and Amazon Studios innovation is inevitable,” said Chris del Conte, Global Head of VFX, Amazon Studios. “When you mix the worlds of entertainment and technology, it allows us to take everything to the next level.”
ASVP at Stage 15
ASVP Features and Background
Stage 15 is a 34,000-square-foot structure including the LED volume, a “Sandbox” lab, and 17,000 square feet of space dedicated to set construction and production support.
The ASVP LED volume contains 130,700 cubic feet of interactive space.
Amazon filmmakers may access ASVP as a consultation resource for all phases of a production, from concept planning through post.
The ASVP volume wall is composed of over 3,000 LED panels and 100 motion capture cameras.
The volume includes a full LED ceiling with drop-out panels, so that productions can rig up to 350,000 pounds of lights and production gear to its truss.
Stage 15 was originally built in 1940 and was home to productions that included It’s a Wonderful Life, Star Trek (TV show), Batman (TV show), RoboCop, Airplane, The Three Amigos and Armageddon.
In addition to the LED volume wall, the massive new stage will include a 2-story building within its walls, dubbed “The Sandbox at Stage 15.” This structure will include a virtual location-scouting volume, a performance-capture volume, a tech-scouting volume, a green-screen simulcam stage and a client-facing VIP viewing area for visiting executives, filmmakers and guests. This space will also feature a second, smaller LED stage, with a completely mobile LED wall, camera-tracking system and control cart, along with an engineering workshop, scanning, 3D-printing, production workspace and equipment storage.
The French Institute Alliance Française announces the program for the sixth annual Animation First, the only U.S. festival dedicated to showcasing the legacy and innovation of French animation. The 2023 festival will run from Friday, January 27 through Sunday, January 29 and will present six feature-length films (including three U.S. and three New York premieres), and six short film programs with over 65 new shorts (including eight U.S. and 12 NY premieres). The full program will include filmmaker conversations, “Work in Progress” presentations, a selection of video games and AR/VR experiences, and student shorts programs.
Animation First 2023 tickets are now on sale. An early bird discount will be available on festival passes through December 16.
“Animation First is an international celebration of all forms of animation. FIAF takes pride in offering NY audiences the best of animated Francophone programs. This year, I’m thrilled that we will honor Anca Damian, one of the most creative filmmakers working today,” says FIAF Film Curator Delphine Selles-Alvarez, who curates the festival with FIAF Film Coordinator Chloé Dheu.
Little Nicholas: Happy as Can Be (ON Classica / Bidibul Prod./ BAC Films)
Opening the festival on Friday, January 27 will be the NY premiere of Amandine Fredon and Benjamin Massoubre’s Little Nicholas: Happy As Can Be. The feature is a charming rendition of artist Jean-Jacques Sempé’s and René Goscinny’s lives which co-exist within the fictitious adventures of Le Petit Nicolas, the beloved French children’s character.
The film is presented in conjunction with the FIAF Gallery exhibition: Signature Sempé. The exhibition will consist of a selection of Sempé’s most iconic works, including quintessential drawings from Le Petit Nicolas and New Yorker cover designs. On Saturday, January 28 there will be a conversation with the Little Nicholas filmmakers, Martine Gossieaux (Sempé’s widow), and New Yorker artistic director Françoise Mouly examining the allure and longevity of Sempé and Le Petit Nicolas.
The Island
The Animation First 2023 Guest of Honor is award-winning screenwriter and director, Anca Damian. Damian will present the NY premiere of her mixed-media animated film, The Island (an Animation First 2021 ‘Work in Progress’ presentation) on Sunday, January 29. Following the screening, there will be a conversation with Damian where she will discuss her new film and the augmented reality companion piece, In Search of Paradise.
The closing night film on Sunday, January 29 will be the U.S. premiere of Alain Ughetto’s stop-motion feature, No Dogs or Italians Allowed. Told as a fictional dialog between the filmmaker and his grandmother, the film details the lives of Italian immigrants who fled poverty and fascism. Other 2023 feature films include the NY premiere of Alberto Vázquez’s Unicorn Wars, an anti-war allegory; the U.S. premiere of Michael Ocelot’s The Black Pharaoh, the Savage and the Princess, three tales celebrating courage in the face of injustice; and the U.S. premiere of Pierre Földes’ Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman, based on short stories by Haruki Murakami.
This year’s festival will also include six short film programs: Best of Annecy, Best of Annecy Kids, New Francophone Shorts programs, Student Shorts Competition and RECA, the French Animation School Network.
The Siren
There will be two ‘Work in Progress’ presentations for 2023. On Saturday, January 28, Iranian filmmaker Sepideh Farsi will discuss her upcoming film The Siren, which relays the story of a young boy living in Abadan. Farsi will elaborate on some of her artistic choices and inspiration for the film. On Sunday, January 29, artist Cédric Babouche and producer Aymeric Castaing will discuss the inception of Dordogne, a unique video game that utilizes over 150 watercolor paintings to immerse players in the Dordogne region of France.
Throughout the festival, the FIAF Library will be free and open to the public to experience video games and virtual reality films from French studios and distributors. This years video game selection includes a first look at the Dordogne prototype, a demonstration copy of Chants of Sennaar and A PlagueTale: Requiem, amongst others. There will also be three VR experiences and an AR exhibit: Seven Grams, The Starry Sand Beach(NY premiere), All Unsaved Progress Will Be Lost (U.S. premiere), and the U.S premiere of augmented reality exhibit In Search of Paradise, a companion piece to The Island.
Dordogne
Lead sponsors of Animation First are Pictanovo and Magelis. Supporting sponsors are UniFrance, School of Visual Arts, Focus Entertainment, Romanian Cultural Institute and Sofitel. This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
More information on Animation First and the FIAF at fiaf.org.
During an industry panel at Anime Frontier in Fort Worth, Texas this weekend, Crunchyroll, a global leader in providing fans with the ultimate anime experiences, confirmed multiple series headed to its streaming service for 2023, which included Handyman Saitou in Another World, The Legendary Hero is Dead!, Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill, and more.
Handyman Saitou in Another World, coming to Crunchyroll this January 2023, is based on the manga of the same name written and illustrated by Kazutomo Ichitomo. The series is produced by studio C2C (Reincarnated as a Sword) and revolves around Handyman Saito, who has never been anyone special until he wakes up in another world of warriors, wizards and elves who accompany him on quests delving deep into dungeons. There he realizes for the first time what it’s like to be needed. After all, who other than the handyman could be trusted to open locked treasure chests or to repair his allies’ equipment?
The Legendary Hero is Dead! will find its way to Crunchyroll in April 2023. It is based on the manga written and illustrated by Subaruichi and will be produced by Liden Films (Tokyo Revengers; Call of the Night). The anime will follow a group of heroes as they drag along the corpse of hero Shion Bladearts to help fulfill his mission of sealing Hell’s Gate and defeat any hope the Demon Lord has of entering their world.
https://youtu.be/0ApTw19ZTQg
Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skillis being adapted from a light novel series written by Ren Eguchi and into a brand new anime series produced by MAPPA, who are best known for their work on Chainsaw Man, JUJUTSU KAISEN and Attack on Titan Final Season. The series will debut this January 2023 on Crunchyroll and introduces Mukoda Tsuyoshi, an ordinary salaryman who is suddenly transported to another world and gains the seemingly useless skill of “Online Grocery.” Mukoda is discouraged at first, but the modern foods he’s able to bring to his new world using this skill prove to have some unbelievable effects!
Malevolent Spirits: Mononogatari, coming to Crunchyroll in January 2023, is based on the manga written and illustrated by Onigunsou. Bandai Namco Pictures (BIRDIE WING -Golf Girls’ Story-; Gintama°) is producing the anime and features Kunato Hyoma who is sent to live with Nagatsuki Botan to help him with his rage against spirits known as tsukumogami. Though both are part of a clan that return the spirits back to their world with divine powers, their experiences with the otherworldly vessels are vastly different. Kunato, robbed of a loved one, and Nagatsuki, saved by them. Can she get through to him?
Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beastsmakes its debut on Crunchyroll in April 2023. The series is produced by J.C.Staff (Food Wars!, Sing a Bit of Harmony) and is based on the manga written and illustrated by Yū Tomofuji. In a world where the King of the Beasts and Demons regularly receives female human sacrifices to assert his dominance over the human race, the 99th sacrifice, Sariphi, intrigues the Beast King and lets her stay at his side. This is the story of how Sariphi will become the queen of the demons and beasts.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel – Northern War, a new anime based on the game series of the same title from Nihon Falcom, will arrive on Crunchyroll this January 2023. It is produced by Tatsunoko Production (Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles; Psycho-Pass 2) and is set in the Septian Calendar Year 1205 where Lavi enlists in the Northern Jaegers, the largest in the continent, to protect her hometown and distinguish herself from her grandfather Vlad, who was once a hero but betrayed North Ambria. Her devotion to her missions often earned her violations of regulations, and one day, she is ordered to assemble a platoon for an impossible spy mission to Erebonia to gather information on the “Imperial Hero,” a mysterious threat to North Ambria.
An all new trailer premiered at the panel:
Masamune-kun’s Revenge R, the anticipated second season of the 2017 series arrives on Crunchyroll this Spring 2023. Based on the manga written by Hazuki Takeoka and illustrated by Tiv, the anime is produced by studio Silver Link (BOFURI: I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, So I’ll Max Out My Defense.) and tells the tale of Makabe Masamune who was harshly rejected by the beautiful Adagaki Aki, and now eight years later he’s lost a ton of weight, changed his name, and returned as a handsome teenage boy. The first season of Masamune-kun’s Revenge is currently available on Crunchyroll.
Another double-header of critically acclaimed, fan-favorite and Oscar-nominated stop-motion feature films from LAIKA are preparing to make their Ultra High Def debuts in new SteelBook sets through Shout! Factory this winter: Kubo and the Two Strings and The Boxtrolls.
Supervised by LAIKA’s filmmaking team, the 4K remasters feature HDR and Dolby Vision plus Dolby Atmos for the ultimate entertainment experience.
Rolling out on February 28, 2023, the Kubo and the Two Strings 4K Ultra HD + Blu-Ray (Limited SteelBook Edition) and Kubo and the Two Strings 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray (Standard Edition), as well as The Boxtrolls 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray (Limited SteelBook Edition) and The Boxtrolls 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray (Standard Edition) come loaded with previously released bonus features from LAIKA’s archives.
The February releases join the previously announced 4K Ultra HD + Blu-Ray (Limited SteelBook Edition) and the 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray (Standard Edition) editions of Coraline and ParaNorman, both available December 13, 2022.
All four LAIKA 4K UHD titles — Coraline, ParaNorman, Kubo and the Two Strings and The Boxtrolls — are also available digitally for purchase or rental on all major platforms starting December 13, 2022.
The shot-by-shot remastering process for both titles was overseen by the team at LAIKA, led by LAIKA CEO (and Kubo and the Two Strings director) Travis Knight and visual effects supervisor Steve Emerson. The use of Dolby Vision results in vivid colors and exacting picture quality, with brighter highlights darker shadows. The films were also mixed in Dolby Atmos spatial audio for greater clarity, resulting in an even more immersive experience for fans.
Showcasing LAIKA’s inventive stop-motion and CG hybrid technique, both films were nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Featured Film. Kubo and the Two Strings was also nominated for Best Visual Effects.
The SteelBook releases (pictures above) feature new hand-drawn art from carefully selected illustrators: The Boxtrolls cover was created by Cancun-based illustrator and art director Cesar Moreno, known for creating bold and vibrant illustrations; and the Kubo and the Two Strings art was drawn by Kevin Tong, an artist living and working out of Austin, Texas.
Kubo and the Two Strings is an epic action-adventure set in a fantastical Japan. The film follows clever, kindhearted Kubo as he ekes out a humble living, telling stories to the people of his seaside town. But his relatively quiet existence is shattered when he accidentally summons a spirit from his past which storms down from the heavens to enforce an age-old vendetta. Now on the run, Kubo joins forces with Monkey and Beetle and sets out on a thrilling quest to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father, the greatest samurai warrior the world has ever known. With the help of his shamisen – a magical musical instrument – Kubo must battle gods and monsters, including the vengeful Moon King and the evil twin Sisters to unlock the secret of his legacy, reunite his family and fulfill his heroic destiny.
Voice Cast: Charlize Theron, Matthew McConaughey, Rooney Mara, Ralph Fiennes, Art Parkinson, George Takei, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Brenda Vaccaro. Screenplay by Marc Haimes and Chris Butler. Produced by Arianne Sutner, Travis Knight. Directed by Travis Knight.
Special Features:
Feature-Length Storyboards
Inside LAIKA — Revisiting the Puppets with LAIKA’s Animation Team
Inside LAIKA — Confronting the Epic Challenges of Kubo and the Two Strings
Audio Commentary with Director/Producer Travis Knight
This comedic fable unfolds in Cheesebridge, a posh Victorian-era town obsessed with wealth, class and the stinkiest of fine cheeses. Beneath its charming cobblestone streets dwell the Boxtrolls, foul monsters who crawl out of the sewers at night and steal what the townspeople hold most dear: their children and their cheeses. At least, that’s the legend residents have always believed. In truth, the Boxtrolls are an underground cavern-dwelling community of quirky and lovable oddballs who wear recycled cardboard boxes the way turtles wear their shells. The Boxtrolls have raised an orphaned human boy, Eggs, since infancy as one of their dumpster-diving and mechanical junk-collecting own. When the Boxtrolls are targeted by villainous pest exterminator Archibald Snatcher, who is bent on eradicating them as his ticket to Cheesebridge society, the kindhearted band of tinkerers must turn to their adopted charge and adventurous rich girl Winnie to bridge two worlds amidst the winds of change — and cheese.
Voice Cast: Ben Kingsley, Isaac Hempstead Wright, Elle Fanning, Dee Bradley Baker, Steve Blum, Toni Collette, Jared Harris, Nick Frost, Richard Ayoade, Tracy Morgan and Simon Pegg. Produced by David Bleiman Ichioka, Travis Knight. Screenplay by Irena Brignull, Adam Pava. Based on the book Here Be Monsters by Alan Snow. Directed by Anthony Stacchi, Graham Annable.
Special Features:
Inside LAIKA — Discovering the Characters of The Boxtrolls with Never-Before-Seen Test Footage
Inside LAIKA — Revisiting the Puppets with LAIKA’s Animation Team
Feature-Length Storyboards
Foreword by Ramin Zahed, the Editor in Chief of Animation Magazine
Audio Commentary with Directors Graham Annable and Anthony Stacchi
A little extra animated cuteness is ready to brighten screens as Hello Kitty: Super Style! readies for an exclusive Amazon Kids+ debut on December 7. The series will launch on the platform in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Japan with six episodes, running the remainder of the 52-episode season throughout 2023. A launch in Germany is also slated for next year.
Starring alongside a case of beloved Sanrio characters (and a few new friends), pop culture icon Hello Kitty makes her 3D CG series debut in the new Amazon Kids+ Original toon, aimed at viewers ages 5-8. Hello Kitty: Super Style! carries on Sanrio’s mission of building connections with existing fans and new generations through digital content that emphasizes kindness and inclusivity.
Hello Kitty: Super Style!
“This series has lots of fun playing up Hello Kitty’s super style, but at the end of the day, it’s really about her being a super friend,” said Veronica Pickett, Head of Original Series, Amazon Kids+. “The world needs more kindness right now, and Hello Kitty is a compassionate hero who doesn’t judge others. She makes a point of embracing everyone’s point of view.”
Craig Takiguchi, COO and Head of Business Development at Sanrio, Inc., noted, “Hello Kitty: Super Style! is a great example of how Sanrio’s longstanding commitment to friendship and kindness remains eternally relevant for so many audiences. Thanks to this collaboration with Amazon Kids+, we’re excited to see these values reflected online and IRL, and look forward to continuing our evolution in the digital space to engage with fans of all ages in meaningful ways.”
Hello Kitty: Super Style!
Hello Kitty: Super Style! is the latest on-screen adventure for the adorable consumer products character first introduced in 1975. Since becoming a global pop culture phenomenon, Kitty White has starred in several animated series, beginning with Hello Kitty’s Furry Tale Theater in 1987 and most recently in the YouTube webseries Hello Kitty and Friends Supercute Adventures (2020). A 3D version of Hello Kitty debuted on YouTube in her very own animated vlog in 2018.
Ahead of the series premiere, an colorful official trailer has dropped, featuring the theme song performed by Grammy-, Juno- and Polaris Prize-nominated singer/songwriter (and Hello Kitty superfan) Carly Rae Jepsen. The song and lyrics were written by Jared Faber (Teen Titans Go!,The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants). Watch it below!
Hello Kitty: Super Style!
Synopsis: In this fun and action-packed series, Hello Kitty stars as the friendliest face in Cherry Town — a small-town hero who will stop at nothing to help a friend in need and get them smiling. Whether she’s helping someone overcome a fear, share with a friend, or find the confidence to try something new, Kitty uses sprinkles of kindness, oodles of heart and a dose of bow power!
Hello Kitty’s bow wiggles, glitters and glows when a friend is in need, activating an amazing transformation that changes her costume to be a brave explorer, a cunning detective, a top-notch chef, high-jumping athlete, sensational pop star or any of a number of personas, to help her tackle the challenge ahead. She’s a super friend with super style that accentuates her confidence and determination to help her friends overcome obstacles and bring the tight-knit community of Cherry Town even closer together.
In the latest step forward for worker solidarity in animation, a super majority of production workers at Nickelodeon Animation Studio has voted to unionize with The Animation Guild (TAG), IATSE Local 839, and negotiate their first collective bargaining agreement.
To date, this is the largest bargaining unit of production workers to organize under The Animation Guild. The proposed unit would cover 177 production managers, production coordinators, post-production assistants, art production coordinators, asset coordinators, and more.
According to TAG, attorneys representing the studio responded to a request for voluntary recognition “by choosing to exclude a strategic group of production workers based solely on job title to capitalize on common misconceptions of labor law in order to unnecessarily prolong this process.”
Isabella Potenzini, a production coordinator at the studio, shares, “I am deeply disappointed in Nickelodeon’s decision to deliberately make our efforts for equality and fairness even more difficult, but I have seen firsthand the strength and solidarity shared between our fellow production workers.”
The Guild has an existing collective bargaining agreement with Nickelodeon that covers more than 400 artists, including CG technicians, storyboard artists, character designers and writers. The Negotiations Committee believes one agreement should cover all animation workers at Nickelodeon, including the recently unionized cohort, but notes that the studio seems to be angling for a separate contract for production workers.
“The company shared its preference to keep the productive working relationship a priority when discussing the impending negotiations for the existing bargaining unit,” says Animation Guild Business Representative Steve Kaplan. “It is therefore a surprise and shame that the company is choosing to put that relationship in jeopardy by forcing us to go to the NLRB and possibly take escalating action to achieve our goal of the inclusion of the production staff.”
The priority for the newly unionized production workers at Nickelodeon is to end unsustainable workplace practices, such as low wages and high-cost healthcare. No negotiation dates have been set yet.
“The current pay gap for production roles makes it near impossible to survive in Los Angeles. Many of us have taken the shame of asking our parents for money so we can pay rent and eat,” says production coordinator Ryan Brodsky. “We’re working full time for one of the largest corporations on Earth and there’s no reason that our parents should be funding this multi-billion dollar corporation.”
The sentiment is echoed by CG Asset Production Coordinator Minh-Chau Nguyen: “As production workers, many of us have had to supplement our pay disparity by taking up side gigs, putting in extra overtime, taking out loans or reaching out to family and friends for financial support. This unsustainable model of working more for less needs to end now.
“With voluntary recognition from Nickelodeon, my hope is that the future generation of production workers can focus on building their career instead of worrying about unlivable wages, work-life imbalance, and inadequate benefits.”
Since voluntary recognition has not yet been reached, the production workers and The Animation Guild may be forced to file for a union election with the National Labor Review Board (NLRB) as early as next week.
Founded in 1952, The Animation Guild today represents more than 5,000 artists, technicians and writers in the animation industry, advocating for workers to improve wages and conditions.
Vancouver Film School’s (VFS) 3D Animation & Visual Effects program has announced that it is launching a new performance-capture course, developed by VFS’s Senior Instructor for Embodied Process, Charles Douglas, and 3D Animation & Visual Effects Instructor, Arthur Gonzales — reportedly making it the first animation school to include performance capture in its curriculum.
This course has officially launched, preparing students with industry-grade motion capture studio experience through the in-house partnership with Beyond Capture Studios, that will enable them to work on AAA game projects once they graduate. Performance Capture will also be incorporated into VFS’s Acting curriculum.
“While other film schools may also invest in performance capture technologies for their curriculum, VFS is unique in that it aligns its curriculum closely with a state-of-the-art mocap facility that is purposed primarily to provide professional service to the industry,” explained Gonzales. “Establishing performance capture for the 3D Animation and Visual Effects program has been a highly collaborated initiative and we couldn’t be more proud to offer our students the opportunity to work in a production environment alongside industry professionals, and the opportunity to augment the produced data that bring animated CG characters to life.”
According to the school, which already sends animation & VFX alumni out to work on groundbreaking and award-winning projects around the world, this semester-long practical course marks VFS as the first animation school to include performance capture in its curriculum, giving students a chance to explore current capture technologies, exchange with guests at the forefront of the industry, develop their skill for the medium. Students will end the term with a shoot at Beyond Capture Studios, where even before this new curriculum, approximately 15% of shoots were student projects.
VFS’s relationship to industry allows the school to adapt to industry feedback and roll out new learning opportunities. Beyond Capture Studios offers students real-world experience within their 32,000 cu. ft. motion-capture facility onsite at VFS. There has since been over $2.5 million invested into the on-campus studio — equipping the studio with leading-edge technology. Instructors at the forefront of this emerging global industry will lead classes with their performance-capture expertise.
“Beyond has always been extremely proud of our partnership with Vancouver Film School and we’re equally excited to work alongside even more future industry leaders through this ground-breaking addition to the animation curriculum,” stated Graham Qually, President and CEO, Beyond Capture Studios.
Motion capture was established as a core technology in the global gaming industry, with an estimated global market share of 170 billion dollars — more than film, music and the top five most expensive sporting leagues on Earth combined. As capture technology has progressed, the creative industries have witnessed the birth of a 21st century medium: ‘performance capture’.
“The performance-capture volume is a key arena for 21st century creators. It’s an exciting space that brings together people, language, and practices from many disciplines,” said Douglas. “Learning how to contribute positively within this ecosystem is an invaluable competency for VFS graduates. I look forward to continuing to support this exciting new piece of the 3D Animation & Visual Effects curriculum — it’s always a joy to work with the wonderful Beyond Capture Studios and Instructor Arthur Gonzales.”
Vancouver Film School offers 15 production-oriented programs in film, animation, video game production, VR/AR development, motion and interactive design, programming, art/production foundation, and more. With a student body of 47% international students from over 75 countries, VFS is consistently named one of the leading film schools in the world and was recently ranked the #1 Game Design School in Canada by The Princeton Review.
WildBrain has partnered with Ukrainian kids’ producer Glowberry to bring the Brave Bunnies preschool brand into its portfolio of kids’ and family franchises. Under the arrangement, WildBrain has assured the continuation of the popular animated series, which was disrupted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Brave Bunnies was created by Olga Cherepanova, co- founder of Glowberry and Creative Producer on the series.
Working together with Glowberry and Ibero-American animation studio Ánima, WildBrain will now lead the global management of Brave Bunnies, leveraging its 360° capabilities across production, distribution and consumer products.
WildBrain’s Vancouver animation studio will be co-producing Season 2 of the Brave Bunnies series with Glowberry and Ánima, producers of season one. Delivery is expected beginning in June 2023. WildBrain will also handle global distribution of all Brave Bunnies content, while its dedicated consumer products agency, WildBrain CPLG, will manage licensing and merchandising worldwide. WildBrain’s own Family Jr. channel has picked up Brave Bunnies Season 1 for exclusive linear telecast in Canada.
Glowberry retains distribution and licensing rights for the brand in Ukraine, while Ánima retains distribution rights in Spain. The three-way partnership, which was facilitated by Big Picture Licensing, sees WildBrain become majority stakeholder in the Brave Bunnies IP, with Glowberry and Ánima as minority stakeholders.
Eric Ellenbogen
“Brave Bunnies is a kids’ property born of tremendous creative
vision and has the potential to be a major preschool franchise, having already established a solid foundation with audiences through compelling content and consumer products,” said Eric Ellenbogen, CEO of WildBrain. “Following the terrible events in Ukraine this year, we saw it as vital to ensure the future of this wonderful property, and we couldn’t be more pleased now to be collaborating with Olga Cherepanova and her Glowberry team, along with the creative team at Ánima, on the next big adventures for the Brave Bunnies.”
Brave Bunnies is a 2D-animated series for kids aged 2-5, which follows the adventures of two curious and inspiring bunny siblings — Boo and Bop — who create joy and excitement in their lives by bravely seeking out new friends, games and experiences. Fostering values of curiosity, creativity, eagerness, openness and responsibility, the series encourages kids to ask the question “What if…?” as they embrace new experiences
with “bunny bravery” to learn and grow.
Olga Cherepanova
“I created Brave Bunnies to help children all over the world communicate with different friends without any fears or stereotypes, respecting the diversity of our world. Each episode of Brave Bunnies shows real-life examples of how to find a unique approach to each person without pressure or
changing anyone’s uniqueness. This idea is essential for healthy childhood development,” said Cherepanova.
“Unfortunately, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Glowberry team faced significant challenges. Many employees were forced to flee Kyiv because of personal safety and the lives of their loved ones. But thanks to the support of partners like WildBrain and Ánima, now we have the opportunity to continue to create and share Brave Bunnies together.
“Glowberry is glad to have WildBrain as a partner on board. When such a prominent company lends a hand for a smaller one, especially in a situation as complex as ours, it boosts a project immediately. Brave Bunnies is an international project, aired in many countries, so the partnership with WildBrain is a logical and necessary step in our development.
“I’m proud and happy that this project born in Ukraine will now continue to spread around the world helping the next generation develop respect for diversity and build relationships based on co-creation and cooperation rather than on fear and violence. On behalf of the Ukrainian team, I want to express my deep gratitude to all the partners and talented people working together on Brave Bunnies, who have done so much despite the challenges we all faced. We do hope for peace in Ukraine and will do everything possible for a peaceful tomorrow.”
Ángel Molinero, CEO Spain at Ánima, added: “From Ánima we want to thank both WildBrain and Glowberry. We are very excited about the future of the project and we believe WildBrain is the perfect partner to give continuity to the Brave Bunnies brand.”
Brave Bunnies
Season 1 of Brave Bunnies is currently enjoyed by kids on platforms in more than 80 countries across LatAm, Canada, the U.K., Europe, Nordics, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. In consumer products, children’s entertainment company Spin Master launched a complementary toy line for Brave Bunnies in
Germany and Italy earlier this year. The brand’s publishing program has seen its first books debut in Italy from publisher Planeta Libre, an imprint of De Agostini, who are also co-producers of the animated series; in Australia from Five Mile Publishing; and in the UK from Ladybird, an imprint of Penguin Random House.
In Season 1 of Brave Bunnies (52 x 7’), Boo and Bop are on a big adventure in the Bunny Bus with Ma and Pa and their four wee siblings, the Bunny Babies. Together, they bravely explore the Bunny World, traveling to the jungle, savannah, forest, plains and mountains. Along the way, Boo and Bop meet 29 new animal children, including a tiger, kangaroo, bear, fox, llama and more. Despite their differences, they always find a way to make friends and play new games!
For Season 2 (52 x 7’), the Brave Bunnies continue their road trip adventure around the Bunny World, encountering a few old friends and making more new ones! In this season, Boo and Bop have some big surprises in store for small viewers as they visit their “Best Bunny Friends” at their homes, meeting their families, exploring their unique lifestyles and finding lots of new adventures.
FOX Entertainment’s Emmy Award-winning animation studio Bento Box Entertainment and Dublin-based animation studio Boulder Media have entered a multi-year production services agreement, it was jointly announced today (Friday, Dec. 2) by Brett Coker, Chief Operating Officer and Partner of Bento Box, and Paul O’Flanagan, Creative Director of Boulder Media.
Boulder Media, which last month was acquired by Australia-based Princess Pictures, will provide production services to numerous primetime animated series housed under the Bento Box banner, including FOX’s upcoming comedies Krapopolis, from creator Dan Harmon and starring Emmy winner Hannah Waddingham, Richard Ayoade, Matt Berry, Pam Murphy and Duncan Trussell; and Grimsburg, executive produced by and starring Jon Hamm. Both series are fully-owned by FOX Entertainment and distributed by FOX Entertainment Global.
Boulder Media also will support production on third-party series and specials produced by Bento Box.
In addition to the work with Bento Box, Boulder will continue to work with various other studios, with Chatrone representing them in that arena.
“This strategic relationship and shared access between Boulder Media and Bento Box ensures our scope and reach to local artists and creators is truly global as the value of premium animation continues to rise,” said Coker.
The deal will be spearheaded by Bento Box’s Head of Production, Dana Cameron, who noted, “Ireland boasts some of the strongest animation talent in the world. It’s a deep well of creatives we were fortunate to tap into on The Bob’s Burgers Movie, and since then we’ve been looking for ways to re-apply Dublin’s creative community to our growing slate of programming.”
“We are delighted to be partnering with Bento Box in bringing their substantial slate of shows to life via this multi-year, multi-project output deal. We are excited to be producing more content in the adult genre, now for primetime broadcast and to be working with the best creative talent in this field. This is an exciting new chapter for Boulder and the Irish animation industry, and we couldn’t ask for a better partner than the team at Bento Box,” added O’Flanagan.
A FOX Entertainment company, Bento Box Entertainment is an award-winning animation production company with studios in Los Angeles, Atlanta and, in partnership with Princess Bento Studio, Melbourne, Australia. Recent work includes programming on Apple TV+ (Central Park, Wolfboy and the Everything Factory), Comedy Central (Brickleberry, Legends of Chamberlain Heights), FOX (Bob’s Burgers, The Great North, HouseBroken), 20th Century Studios (The Bob’s Burgers Movie), Hulu (Koala Man, The Awesomes), NBC (The David S. Pumpkins Halloween Special), Netflix (Mulligan, Paradise PD, Saturday Morning All Star Hits!, Farzar) and Syfy (Alien News Desk).
Established in 2000, Boulder Media is one of Ireland’s most prolific animation studios, garnering numerous awards and nominations such as BAFTAs, Emmys, Annies, IFTAs, British Animation Awards, Cartoons on the Bay and Irish Animation Awards. Boulder’s projects include My Little Pony: A New Generation for Paramount Pictures/Netflix, RTE’s Memento Mori,Danger Mouse for FremantleMedia, Wander over Yonder and Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja for Disney TVA, Transformers: Rescue Bots Academy and Transformers: Cyberverse for eOne/Hasbro, DC Super Hero Girls and Dorothy of Oz for Warner Bros. and Cartoon Network’s The Amazing World of Gumball.
Oscar- and Emmy-winning filmmaker William Joyce (The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore, Taking Flight) has graced animation lovers with another visually adventurous and heartfelt short film this year, with Mr. Spam Gets a New Hat — a charmingly surreal ode to love, creativity and cinema history. Today, DNEG has released the film online for the enjoyment of audiences everywhere (and the consideration of awards voters). You can watch it at dneg.com.
Set in the 1920s, the film centers on a visionary inventor whose hat (and dreams) are flattened by his job at the quite literal Hammer to Heads factory. Things take a magical turn and his joie de vivre is rescued in the nick of time by a doting surrealist painter.
“We wanted to imagine that Mr. Spam was a single short film made in 1927 by a pioneering filmmaker who vanished inexplicably,” Joyce explained in a recent interview with Animation Magazine. “During that period, silents were getting more sophisticated with these amazing camera movements … The animators really got into it, because they were asked to make things clunky instead of smooth. We also recreated the three-script Technicolor process, too.”
Mr. Spam Gets a New Hat
The director blended these visual inspirations into a very personal story, inspired by his own experience finding love and hope at an unexpected time of life, and after deep loss. “I thought a big chunk of my life was over,” Joyce shared. “I learned that it was silly to think like that. Or maybe I got lucky, I don’t know, but this short is an expression of that.”
Mr. Spam Gets a New Hat is written & directed by Joyce and produced by Howdybot Studios and DNEG Animation. Michelle Smith is producer, David Prescott is executive producer and David Lowry is the Unreal-powered CG short’s animation director.
Read more about the making of Mr. Spam Gets a New Hat in Animation Magazine‘s feature story here.
In just a couple months, U.S. moviegoers will be able to travel straight to Terry Pratchett’s Discworld through the big screen, as Viva Kids presents The Amazing Mauricein theaters starting February 3, 2023. Together with the new release date, a fresh teaser trailer has dropped featuring the brilliant conman cat and the hapless humans caught up in his schemes.
Synopsis: Maurice is a streetwise ginger cat who comes up with a money-making scam by befriending a group of talking rats. When Maurice and the rodents reach the stricken town of Bad Blintz, they meet a bookworm named Malicia and their little con soon goes down the drain.
Directed by Toby Genkel (A Stork’s Journey) from a screenplay by Terry Rossio (Shrek), based on Pratchett’s book The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, the film’s stellar voice cast features Hugh Laurie as Maurice, Emilia Clarke as Malicia, Himesh Patel as Keith, Gemma Arterton as Peaches, David Thewlis as Boss Man, Hugh Bonneville as The Mayor and David Tennant asDangerous Beans.
The Amazing Maurice is a co-production of Ulysses Filmproduktion, Studio Rakete (Germany); Cantilever Media, Red Star 3D and Moonshot Films (U.K.).
