Author: Mercedes Milligan

WildBrain Sets Animated ‘Teletubbies!’ Series, New Content & CP for Hit Shows

Kids’ and family entertainment company WildBrain will be presenting successful brands Teletubbies, Strawberry Shortcake, Chip and Potato and In the Night Garden at Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) in London from September 20-22, as the properties continue to expand around the world with all-new original content, distribution deals and consumer products partnerships.

“I’m delighted to join WildBrain during this time of remarkable growth for our treasured franchises, both on and off the screen,” said Jim Fielding, WildBrain’s newly appointed Chief Marketing and Brands Officer. “We’re continuing to find innovative ways under our 360-degree strategy to connect with our audiences across multi-platform content and consumer products. Teletubbies, Strawberry Shortcake, Chip and Potato and In the Night Garden have captured the hearts of audiences around the globe, and we look forward to sharing our new content and consumer products with fans new and old.”

Teletubbies, Let’s Go! (52 x 5’) is a brand-new CG-animated preschool series produced by WildBrain Spark’s digital studio. Set to launch on the official Teletubbies YouTube channel at the end of October, with new episodes appearing weekly, the series delivers all-new stories for today’s generation of kids, featuring iconic characters Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po, alongside other cherished friends from the Teletubbies universe, including the Tiddlytubbies, Noo Noo and Tiddly Noo. Fans will meet multiple new sun babies, reflecting the diversity of the Teletubbies’ audience, and brand-new music will be featured in every episode.

The announcement of Teletubbies, Let’s Go! follows Netflix’s recent news that they will be launching a refreshed, live-action series of WildBrain’s Teletubbies (26 x 12’) on November 14, narrated by Emmy-nominee Tituss Burgess (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) and featuring new sun babies and new “Tummy Tales” songs hosted by Julia Pulo (Operation Christmas List).

In consumer products, the previously announced Teletubbies x ellesse x GoGuy fashion collaboration will be showcased at BLE as part of the event’s first-ever catwalk, on Wednesday, September 21. The gender-fluid apparel collection, which is now available on GoGuy’s online store, continues the extension of Teletubbies for adult audiences who love the brand. (Look for some special guests to join the models on the BLE catwalk!)

Strawberry Shortcake: Berry in the Big City

As WildBrain’s relaunched Strawberry Shortcake brand continues to delight kids around the world, a third season of Strawberry Shortcake: Berry in the Big City (40 x 4’) has been greenlit for launch in summer 2023, joining Seasons 1 & 2 now available on WildBrain Spark’s official Strawberry Shortcake YouTube channel. Targeted at kids aged 4-7, Strawberry Shortcake: Berry in the Big City is produced by WildBrain’s Vancouver studio with renowned showrunner Michael Vogel (My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic). The show celebrates stories of diversity, creativity and friendship as Strawberry Shortcake heads to Big Apple City to find her big break and “bake the world a better place.”

Season 1 of Strawberry Shortcake: Berry in the Big City launched earlier this year on Netflix, with Season 2 coming September 21. Netflix will also be the worldwide home of four new CG-animated Strawberry Shortcake seasonal specials (4 x 44’) coming in 2023.

WildBrain has also added multiple new linear and streaming partners for Seasons 1 & 2. New partners for season one include Rik (Slovak Republic, Czech Republic) and Club Illico (Canada). New partners picking up both seasons include WildBrain’s French channel Télémagino (Canada), Kids Central (U.S.) and Sandbox Kids (U.K., Ireland, U.S., Canada, France and Ukraine).

Season 2 of Strawberry Shortcake: Berry in the Big City launches on WildBrain’s own Family Jr. channel in Canada, with a three-episode premiere on October 11 as part of ‘Day of the Girl’. New episodes will continue to rollout Sundays at 7:45 a.m. ET beginning October 16. WildBrain Television will also be the Canadian broadcast home for the four Strawberry Shortcake seasonal specials, produced by WildBrain’s Vancouver animation studio.

In consumer products for Strawberry Shortcake, WildBrain’s dedicated licensing agency, WildBrain CPLG, has inked a wave of new partnerships for both the new and classic brand, with merchandise launching in 2023. For classic Strawberry Shortcake, deals have been secured with Loungefly and Funko for bags, accessories and the iconic Funko Pop! vinyl figure. For Strawberry Shortcake: Berry in the Big City, The Canadian Group has been signed for puzzles and games, and Starbound Entertainment for parade balloons, while Anthem Publishing will feature both the new and classic brand in Colouring Heaven Collection and Junior magazines. Inkology is creating stationery across both iterations of the brand. Meanwhile, Penguin Random House publishing are rolling out their first titles for the new series this fall.

In promotional partnerships across the U.S., Sunkist Growers has renewed it’s in-store “fruitastic” promotional campaign for Spring 2023, while Challenge Butter has launched their own Strawberry Shortcake: Berry in the Big City retail promotion this month, and a special limited-edition “Strawberry Shortcake Sno” flavor is now available at Bahama Buck’s throughout September.

Jakks Pacific Chip and Potato Plush

More new content is also coming from WildBrain’s preschool hit, Chip and Potato, as Season 4 of the Netflix Original Kids Series is set to drop on the platform October 3. Chip’s ongoing kindergarten adventures have her trying new things, making new friends and even traveling to new places — all with help from her secret mouse pal, Potato.

Also in October, JAKKS Pacific will debut its Chip and Potato master toy range in the U.S. The new plush toys will be available online from Walmart, Amazon and JAKKS Pacific. Meanwhile Baby Boom, a division of The Betesh Group, is newly signed for Chip and Potato bedding and homewares, with its range launching in the U.S. and Canada from Spring 2023.

In the Night Garden – The Zonk and Igglepiggle

The classic preschool series In the Night Garden centers on an enchanted picture-book place populated by toys and fantastical characters and existing between waking and sleeping in a child’s imagination. The new In the Night Garden: Zinkyzzzonk Specials introduces a loveable new character to the brand: the Zonk.

When the toys of the Night Garden have trouble falling asleep, it’s up to the magical Zonk to lead them to the ZonkyZoney, an enchanted grove where they can relax in peace and drift off for a pleasant zinkyzzzonk! The Zonk makes sure everything is just right for each toy to fall asleep. Filled with calming sights and gentle sounds and music, the CG-animated In the Night Garden: Zinkyzzzonk Specials join the classic series in providing a cherished part of bedtime routines as little ones journey towards sleep just like the toys onscreen.

CG animated by WildBrain’s Vancouver studio, the In the Night Garden: Zinkyzzzonk Specials (6 x 15’) are the first new content in 13 years for the award-winning series. WildBrain has secured an initial deal for the specials with Hop! Channel in Israel, with more to come.

For In the Night Garden consumer products, long-term master toy partner Golden Bear has launched a new Igglepiggle Blankie Bundle and continues to support the iconic Musical Activity Ninky Nonk Bubble Train with new TV commercial, VOD and YouTube advertising. Existing licensee Tomy has launched an In the Night Garden-themed aquadoodle. The kids’ brand is also extending onto online gifting store My First Years, with personalized In the Night Garden items available from Golden Bear, 8th Wonder and Penguin.

Additionally, the enduringly popular In the Night Garden live tour, produced by Minor Entertainment, continues in the U.K. this September and October and has been renewed for 2023.

Visit WildBrain’s dedicated licensing agency, WildBrain CPLG, during BLE at Stand B161.

September 15, 2022
GKIDS Picks Up Alberto Vázquez’s ‘Unicorn Wars’ for NorAm

Animation producer/distributor GKIDS announced today it has acquired the North American distribution rights for Unicorn Wars, the latest genre-bending animated feature for adults from Goya- and Annecy Cristal-winning director Alberto Vázquez (Birdboy: The Forgotten Children).

The pick up is confirmed ahead of the horror-comedy’s upcoming U.S. premiere at Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas. The film was also featured in competition at the 2022 Annecy International Animation Film Festival, and was just announced for the upcoming 2022 BFI London Film Festival.

Unicorn Wars

GKIDS will release Unicorn Wars theatrically in early 2023, following a domestic release this fall. International sales are represented by Charades. GKIDS and Charades previously arranged local distribution rights for Mamoru Hosoda’s Academy Award-nominated Mirai and hit film Belle, among others. The new deal marks the latest collaboration between GKIDS and Vázquez, following the local distribution of the Goya Award-winning feature Birdboy: The Forgotten Children and short film Decorado.

“There is nobody on Earth who could make a film like Unicorn Wars except Alberto Vázquez,” said GKIDS’ President David Jesteadt. “We are proud to partner again with this exceptional filmmaker on his richly layered and darkly funny new film about cute characters doing horrific things. It continues to haunt me.”

Unicorn Wars

Synopsis: It’s “Bambi meets Apocalypse Now” in this provocative and strangely beautiful horror comedy from acclaimed filmmaker and illustrator Vázquez, who uses its outrageous candy-colored premise to explore religious zealotry, the tortured legacies of military fascism, and the depths of the soul.

For ages, teddy bears have been locked in an ancestral war against their sworn enemy, the unicorns, with the promise that victory will complete the prophecy and usher in a new era. Aggressive, confident teddy bear Bluet and his sensitive, withdrawn brother Tubby could not be more different. As the rigors and humiliation of teddy bear bootcamp turn to the psychedelic horrors of a combat tour in the Magic Forest, their complicated history and increasingly strained relationship will come to determine the fate of the entire war

UnicornWarsMovie.com

Unicorn Wars

September 15, 2022
‘Slylock Fox’ Is on a Feature Animation Case with King Features

King Features Syndicate, a unit of Hearst and home to globally popular characters, today announced a new animated feature film in development inspired by the interactive children’s comic strip, Slylock Fox. King Features has also renewed its representation agreement for the property, which was previously known as Slylock Fox and Comics for Kids.

The film in development will follow the Sherlock-Holmes-esque detective Slylock Fox and his devoted sidekick, Max Mouse, as they match wits against a cast of eccentric villains.

Evan Daugherty, writer of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Divergent, and Snow White and the Huntsman, is on board to write and produce the film, and design/animation studio Chromosphere has joined the project for art direction. C.J. Kettler, President of King Features, will serve as executive producer.

“Young readers around the world look forward to solving the fun, interactive brainteasers in Slylock Fox every day and we are thrilled to bring these iconic characters to life on the big screen,” said Kettler. “Evan Daugherty and Chromosphere Studios both do incredible work and with this partnership we will be able to create an engaging and meaningful story that captures the true spirit of the comic’s mysterious adventures.”

Bob Weber Jr., creator of Slylock Fox, added, “It has been a true joy creating Slylock Fox over the years to bring readers of the comic pages something fun and different with interactive activities centered around core education themes. We look forward to the next Slylock Fox project and know that King Features, along with Chromosphere and Evan Daugherty, will create an exciting, animated adaptation that is sure to captivate our current fans and also reach a whole new audience.”

Kids all over the world are excited about the daily capers of Slylock Fox and Max Mouse in the interactive comic strip from award-winning creator Weber. The friendly cast of characters solve mysteries while teaching young readers about interesting topics and encouraging them to use facts, logic, attention to visual detail, lateral thinking and other cognitive thinking skills to solve fun, puzzling mysteries.

Slylock Fox is one of several properties King Features is currently developing for television and film, as it looks to both adapt its iconic comic strip properties for today’s culture and build out its portfolio of properties it represents outside of the core comic strip arena.

Recently, King Features debuted the highly anticipated adaptation of global video game phenomenon Cuphead, which made its streaming debut this February on Netflix as The Cuphead Show! and dropped a new batch of episodes in August.

kingfeatures.com

September 15, 2022
DreamWorks Goes to Italy for VIEW Conference VFX Sessions

VIEW Conference will this year welcome the visual effects supervisors responsible for the some of the screen magic in two of DreamWorks Animation’s latest animated features, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and The Bad Guys.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

In the studio’s upcoming contemporary fairy tale sequel, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, Antonio Banderas returns as the swashbuckling Puss in Boots, who sets out on a quest to discover the mythical Last Wish and restore his nine lives. The film pounces into theaters on December 21.

In his presentation The Visual Style of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, visual effects supervisor Mark Edwards explores the film’s characters, environments and effects, and discusses the ways in which the creative team updated and evolved the style of the world in a new and exciting direction. From concept art to asset creation to final lighting, Edwards invites his audience on a deep dive into the tools and techniques used to create the film’s unique aesthetic.

The Bad Guys

Starring Sam Rockwell as Wolf, The Bad Guys follows the exploits of a gang of animal criminals who, while pretending to turn over a new leaf, discover their leader really does want to be rehabilitated.

In his presentation, Mixing 2D and Illustrative Techniques in The Bad Guys, visual effects supervisor Matt Baer explains the film’s unique blend of techniques, and the new strategies followed by the creative team to remove many of the details that are often visible in CG imagery. Baer discusses many of the design philosophies and techniques that allowed each department to integrate 2D animation and hand drawn techniques into their 3D workflows.

“I am thrilled to welcome two world-class visual effects supervisors from DreamWorks Animation to VIEW Conference 2022,” says Conference Director Dr. Maria Elena Gutierrez. “Visual effects brings such an extraordinary magic to animated features, and I know that these sumptuous presentations will be both eye-opening and inspiring.”

VIEW Conference 2022, the 23rd edition of the Italian animation, VFX, games and computer graphics conference, takes place from October 16 to 21 in Torino. For the first time since COVID, the majority of this year’s speakers are scheduled to attend live and in person. The hybrid Conference also provides livestream coverage of every presentation, accessible to a global audience (subscribe to the event’s YouTube channel here).

Register now and see the complete program lineup at www.viewconference.it.

About the Speakers

Mark Edwards

Mark Edwards received a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science with a minor in Art Studio from the University of California at Davis. He joined PDI/DreamWorks in 1997 working as a lighting TD on their first CG feature release Antz, then as an FX artist on the Academy Award-winning Shrek.

Over his 18-plus-year career at DreamWorks Animation, Edwards has worked on live-action and CG animated features including Forces of Nature, Evolution, Over the Hedge, Flushed Away and Monsters vs Aliens. Edwards worked as head of lighting on The Croods, CG supervisor on the Oscar-nominated How to Train Your Dragon and VFX supervisor on Kung Fu Panda 3 and, most recently, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.

In addition to production roles, Baer served for two years as the first global lead for lighting, surfacing and matte painting at the studio, and has won numerous training awards at DreamWorks, including two 2012 Technical Achievement Awards for innovation.

Matt Baer

Matt Baer joined PDI/DreamWorks in 1999 to work as a clothing artist on the Academy Award-winning Shrek. He continued his career on Shrek 2, contributing to effects, clothing development and crowds, and served as an effects lead on Madagascar, earning a nomination for an Annie Award. Baer was promoted to head of effects on Shrek the Third, for which he was nominated for a Visual Effects Society Award, and carried on this role for the Oscar-nominated films How to Train Your Dragon and The Croods.

Following his promotion to visual effects supervisor, he helped launch the DreamWorks short film program, leading teams in the adoption of new technology on the short films Bilby and To: Gerard. He earned his first VFX supervisor credit on Trolls World Tour and most recently served as VFX supervisor on The Bad Guys.

Prior to joining PDI/DreamWorks Animation, Baer was an effects animator at Tippett Studio, Santa Barbara Studios and Electronic Arts, and was a software consultant for Alias/Wavefront in Santa Barbara.

September 15, 2022
Exclusive Clip: June Diane Raphael Puts the Horns to Aubrey Plaza in ‘Little Demon’

Hold on to your pitchforks, toon fans: We’ve got an exclusive advance clip from this week’s episode of the new FXX adult animated series Little Demon, premiering tonight (Thursday, September 15) at 10 p.m. ET/PT and available to stream the next day on Hulu.

Little Demon is set 13 years after reluctant mother Laura (voiced by Aubrey Plaza) was impregnated by Satan (Danny DeVito). Laura and her Antichrist daughter, Chrissy (Lucy DeVito) are now trying to live an ordinary life in Delaware, but are constantly thwarted by monstrous forces — including Satan, who yearns for custody of his daughter’s soul.

L-R: Laura (Aubrey Plaza), Amanda (June Diane Raphael) in ‘Little Demon’ (FXX)

Written by Emmy nominee Samantha Riley (Hacks, Nora from Queens), “Night of the Leeches” sees Laura use magic to pretend she’s a normal mom, while Satan bros out at a monstrous bachelor party. The episode guest stars June Diane Raphael (Grace & Frankie) as an overly dedicated PTA mom who clashes with Laura.

Read more about the making of this devilishly fun new series in Animation Magazine‘s story from the Sept./Oct. issue here.

The series voice cast also features Eugene Cordero recurring as Chrissy’s best friend Bennigan, Lennon Parham recurring as Laura’s neighbor Darlene and Michael Shannon recurring as the “Unshaven Man.” In addition to Raphael, Season 1 summons guest stars Mel Brooks, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Will Jackson Harper, Pamela Adlon, Rhea Perlman, Shangela, Patrick Wilson, Dave Bautista, Toks Olagundoye, Lamorne Morris and Sam Richardson.

‘Little Demon’ – Erwin (Seth Kirschner). (FXX)

Little Demon was created and written by Darcy Fowler, Seth Kirschner and Kieran Valla, who exec produce with Plaza, Dan Harmon, Jersey Films 2nd Avenue’s Jake, Lucy and Danny DeVito, and ShadowMachine (Monica Mitchell, Corey Campodonico and Alex Bulkley). Steve Levy serves as a producer on the project.

Little Demon is produced by FX Productions. Catch new episodes Thursdays at 10 p.m. on FXX, streaming the next day on Hulu.

Darlene (Lennon Parham), Laura (Plaza) in ‘Little Demon’ (FXX)

September 15, 2022
MTV Entertainment Casts Adult Toon ‘Digman!’ from Andy Samberg & Neil Campbell

Today, MTV Entertainment announced the cast of its new adult animated adventure comedy series, Digman!.The series marks the first to be written and produced by Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning actor and producer Andy Samberg (Palm Springs) along with showrunner Neil Campbell (Brooklyn Nine-Nine).

Joining Samberg, who voices the titular character, are cast members Mitra Jouhari (Three Busy Debras), Tim Robinson (I Think You Should Leave), Dale Soules (Orange Is the New Black), Guz Khan (Our Flag Means Death), Melissa Fumero (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) and Tim Meadows (The Goldbergs).

Digman! is a half-hour animated series set in a world where archaeologists are massive celebrities and the coolest people on the planet, with Samberg providing the voice of the protagonist, Rip Digman. The series is created by Samberg and Campbell and produced by CBS Studios alongside Ali Bell and The Lonely Island’s Party Over Here banner.

“As kids we were led to believe that archaeologists are all bad-ass, adventure-seeking rock stars, but after spending 20 long years pursuing careers in archaeology we now see that was a lie perpetuated by Big Hollywood,” said the series creatords. “So, we created Digman! to finally bring our childhood dreams to life. Plus, we noticed a dearth of new TV shows recently and figured it was wholly on us to bring the world what it’s missing the most: CONTENT.”

Titmouse Studios will executive produce, with their own Chris Prynoski, Shannon Prynoski, Antonio Canobbio and Ben Kalina. Grant Gish serves as executive producer with Sachi Ezura as co-executive producer and Michael Stanger as supervising producer for MTV Entertainment Studios.

Digman! joins MTV Entertainment’s growing arsenal of adult animation and joins previously announced series including Everybody Still Hates Chris; Jodie, a spin-off of the iconic Daria franchise with Tracee Ellis Ross in the titular role; the film and the series return of Beavis and Butt-Head; and South Park, which just marked its 25th anniversary.

“Andy is a singular creative force with a vision to explore bold, genre-shifting, comedic storytelling,” said Nina L. Diaz, President of Content and Chief Creative Officer, Paramount Media Networks & MTV Entertainment Studios. “We are thrilled to partner with him, The Lonely Island and CBS Studios on Digman! — the first series Andy has written and produced — to Comedy Central’s robust animation line-up.”

David Stapf, President of CBS Studios, added, “Animation continues to become an even more significant part of our comedy slate. On Digman!, we are fortunate to be working with an incredibly talented team of writers, animators and voice talent, including our fantastic partners at The Lonely Island, MTV Entertainment and Comedy Central.”

September 14, 2022
Jetpack Brings Home the Bacon at MIPCOM with ‘Kung Fu Pork Choppers’

Global kids and family content distributor Jetpack Distribution has acquired the rights for the new animated series Kung Fu Pork Choppers from global licensing company Centa IP. The deal comprises two seasons of 52 x 11-minute episodes of the CGI animated comedy-action-adventure aimed at four- to eight-year olds.

“This toon is genuinely hilarious! And will have kids across the globe squealing with delight!” Jetpack’s Global Director of Acquisitions & Development, Gillian Calvert-Ridge, enthused. “It’s been a number one hit in China for many years now and has all the attributes kids love, tonnes of humour, adventure and action – all with a strong porcine theme! . We’re very proud to present this at MIPCOM. And we’re certain kids beyond China are going to love it!”

The original series GG Bond (inspired by the Chinese for “Pig Hero”) launched in China in 2005 and has been consistently in the top five rated shows every year since, on average holding five of the top 10 kids’ slots each week.

The first three seasons of Kung Fu Pork Choppers are produced by China-based Winsing with CraneKahn LLC. They are currently airing on more than 100 channels in China, including CCTV and Kaku, where it’s the number one kids show, with an audience of 700 million views across all online platforms.

The series follows a team of five out-of-this-world pigs in space and their super-powered “Splaximal” pets, transformed by the slimy substance “Splaxis” from the cutest creatures to mega-sized fighting machines. In their action-packed quest to right wrongs, the Kung Fu Pork Choppers take off on planet shattering adventures, chock full of the coolest and craziest heroes and villains imaginable — and unimaginable — and much, much more!

“It’s a rarity to discover one show in a lifetime that has the hallmarks of a global hit. I saw it in Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! And both became a worldwide phenomenon, and are still going gangbusters 25 years later,” noted Al Kahn, CEO of CraneKahn. “When I first saw GG Bond I was in hog heaven and knew lightning had not only struck twice, but a third time as well!”

Winsing Animation Group, the Chinese commissioning platform, has committed to at least 300 episodes, which will see multiple seasons of the hit series produced. Kung Fu Pork Choppers is also building an extensive licensing and merchandising program, with all rights being handled by Centa IP.

“We absolutely love this property — the humor, the adventure, the cast and the storylines,” said Gail Mitchell, CEO of Centa IP. We have no doubt that this series will be a huge success and are very proud to be presenting it to the rest of the world alongside Jetpack Distribution.”

Kung Fu Pork Choppers

September 14, 2022
Crunchyroll Slates ‘Chainsaw Man’ Premiere for NYCC with Anime Hit Panels
With a slate of fan experiences for new and returning series, Crunchyroll is headed to New York Comic Con at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center from October 6-9. Attendees will get an inside look at the outlet’s fall anime titles with panels as well as exclusive premiere screenings and installations.

“Crunchyroll returns to New York Comic Con with an incredible slate of experiences for both anime fans and the anime curious, immersing them into a dynamic world where everyone belongs,” said Gita Rebbapragada, Chief Marketing Officer, Crunchyroll.

NYCC badge holders will have the chance to be the first to see the U.S. premiere of Chainsaw Man, the highly anticipated series that follows the journey of Denji as he becomes “Chainsaw Man” — a man with a devil’s heart. Crunchyroll will screen the world premiere of the English dub of the series, even before the subtitled episode premieres on Crunchyroll, alongside a Q&A with the English dub cast.

© K. Horikoshi – Shueisha, My Hero Academia Project

Additionally, Crunchyroll will be hosting panels for the smash-hit superhero series My Hero Academia with the English voice of Deku, Justin Briner as a guest among others joining him, as well as for the highly anticipated One Piece Film Red, the next theatrical adventure from the long-running series, coming to North American cinemas on November 4.

On the show floor, attendees can enjoy two unique Crunchyroll booths. The first booth (#1557), themed “Movies in the City,” will exhibit a Tokyo skyline in addition to a photo opp designed to be a replica of the Forger family’s apartment from the breakout new anime series SPY x FAMILY. The second booth (#1545) will host two photo ops for One Piece and Chainsaw Man where main characters Denji, Makima, Aki, Power and Pochita will be gathered next to a unique chainsaw sculpture art installation. Epic My Hero Academia character monuments depicting fan favorite moments will also be displayed throughout the weekend in various locations.

© Tatsuya Endo-Shueisha, SPY x FAMILY Project

Crunchyroll Panels at NYCC

Crunchyroll Industry Panel
Friday, October 7 | 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET – Room 405
Be ready to be surprised and delighted as we share all the Ani-mazing news for the fall with exclusives and news where anime is for everyone.

Chainsaw Man Dub Cast Panel & U.S. Premiere
Friday, October 7 | 12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. ET – Empire Stage
Calling all Devil Hunters! Join Crunchyroll for a Chainsaw Man panel with the English dub cast that will have you totally revved up and ready for the upcoming hit anime! Featuring a conversation with the voice actors for Denji, Makima, Aki and Power, as well as the exclusive U.S. Premiere of the first episode dubbed!
- Panelists: TBA
- Moderator: Mike McFarland
One Piece Film Red – © Eiichiro Oda/2022 “One Piece” production committee

One Piece Film Red Cast & Crew Panel
Saturday, October 8 | 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. ET – Empire Stage
One Piece Film Red is almost here! Join members of the English and Japanese crew as well as some of your favorite voice actors from the English Dub right before the film hits North American theaters on November 4.
- Panelists: Shinji Shimizu (executive producer), Goro Taniguchi (director), Colleen Clinkenbeard (English voice of Luffy), Christopher R. Sabat (English voice of Zoro), Luci Christian (English voice of Nami), Sonny Strait (English voice of Usopp) and Ian Sinclair (English voice of Brook). Moderator: Kyle Cardine
My Hero Academia Panel
Saturday, October 8 | 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET – Empire Stage
Join My Hero Academia cast members to discuss the highly anticipated new season. Featuring Justin Briner, the English voice of Deku and more. Hosted by Lauren Moore, presented by Crunchyroll. Additional panelists TBA.

Schedule subject to change; check for updates on Crunchyroll News and be sure to tune in during the show as Crunchyroll hosts Tim and Lauren share all the latest from New York Comic Con. Follow all of the exciting highlights on Crunchyroll’s Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, as well as Crunchyroll News for all the announcements from each day and more.
September 14, 2022
‘The Owl House’ Final Season of Specials Premieres October 15

Disney Branded Television announced today that its Peabody Award-winning animated series The Owl House will debut the first of its final run of specials on Saturday, October 15 (9 p.m. EDT/PDT), with a simulstart on Disney Channel and Disney XD.

Created and executive produced by Dana Terrace (DuckTales), the 44-minute specials follow Luz’s journey to save the Boiling Isles from the evil Emperor Belos and the unpredictable Collector. The following two installments will premiere in 2023.

Picking up immediately following the events of the Season 2 finale, the first special, “Thanks to Them,” finds Luz and her friends stuck in the human realm and willing to go to daring lengths to return to the Boiling Isles.

The Owl House follows Luz, a self-assured teenage girl who stumbles upon a portal to a magical realm where she befriends a rebellious witch, Eda, and a tiny warrior, King. Despite not having magical abilities, Luz pursues her dream of becoming a witch by serving as Eda’s apprentice at the Owl House and ultimately finds a new family in an unlikely setting.

In 2021, the series won the prestigious Peabody Award in the Children & Youth category for “building a wildly inventive other world that makes room for everyone.”

The voice cast includes Sarah-Nicole Robles (Star Darlings) as Luz, Wendie Malick (Just Shoot Me) as Eda, Alex Hirsch (Gravity Falls) as King and Hooty, Matthew Rhys (The Americans) as Emperor Belos, Issac Ryan Brown (Raven’s Home) as Gus, Tati Gabrielle (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) as Willow, Mae Whitman (Good Girls) as Amity, Cissy Jones (Little Big Awesome) as Lilith and Zeno Robinson (Big City Greens) as Hunter.

In addition to Terrace, Wade Wisinski (Be Cool, Scooby-Doo!) is producer, and Andy Garner-Flexner (Adventure Time) is art director. The Owl House is a production of Disney Television Animation and carries a TV-Y7 FV parental guideline.

Extensions for The Owl House include apparel and phone accessories that are available at Amazon.com/DisneyChannel, as well as two children’s books inspired by the series from Disney Publishing Group: The Owl House: Witches Before Wizards and The Owl House: Hex-cellent Tales from The Boiling Isles, both available at DisneyBooks.com.

©2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc.

September 14, 2022
‘Reflect’: A Bold Ballerina Takes the Stage in Disney+’s ‘Short Circuit’ S2

Reflect, the latest original addition to Season 2 of Short Circuit Experimental Films from Walt Disney Animation Studios, premiered on Disney+ today (Sept. 14). To mark the debut, the studio has dropped a new trailer and image of the short’s star, Bianca.

The film is directed by Hillary Bradfield, a Disney Animation story artist (Frozen 2, Encanto) since 2017, and centers on Bianca, a ballet dancer who battles her own reflection, overcoming doubt and fear by channeling her inner strength, grace and power.

An all-new Short Circuit Experimental Film has arrived! Stream “Reflect” and all the Short Circuit Experimental Films by Walt Disney Animation Studios artists now on @DisneyPlus. 🩰 🎆 pic.twitter.com/c0gw5U4ecc

— Disney Animation (@DisneyAnimation) September 14, 2022

Reflect features an original score by Jake Monaco (Cars on the Road, Jerry and Marge Go Large). Jennifer Newfield (Ralph Breaks the Internet, Short Circuit) served as production manager and veteran Disney Animation cinematography, lighting and compositing expert Brian Leach (Ralph Breaks the Internet, Zootopia) lent his expertise as project advisor.

Short Circuit offers anyone at Disney Animation the chance to pitch an idea and get selected to create their own short film. The first season launched in 2020 with 14 short films, and Reflect is the sixth title in the second season to appear on Disney+.

September 14, 2022
Trailer: ‘RWBY: Ice Queendom’ English Dub Debuts Sept. 25

The English dub release of RWBY: Ice Queendom, the Japanese anime inspired by Rooster Teeth’s global hit animated series RWBY, will premiere on September 25 for U.S. audiences on Rooster Teeth FIRST and Crunchyroll, with new episodes premiering weekly.

Members of the original RWBY voice cast will reprise their characters in the RWBY: Ice Queendom English dub: Lindsay Jones as Ruby Rose, Kara Eberle as Weiss Schnee, Arryn Zech as Blake Belladonna, Barbara Dunkelman as Yang Xiao Long, Miles Luna as Jaune Arc, Samantha Ireland as Nora Valkyrie, Jen Brown as Pyrrha Nikos and Neath Oum as Lie Ren.

RWBY: Ice Queendom presents a new, 2D-animated story from RWBY: A series set in a world filled with horrific monsters bent on death and destruction, where humanity’s only hope rests on powerful Huntsmen and Huntresses. Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna and Yang Xiao Long are four such Huntresses-in-training whose journeys will take them far past the grounds of their school, Beacon Academy. Though each may be powerful on their own, these four girls must overcome dark forces and work as a team if they truly hope to become the next generation of Remnant’s protectors.

RWBY: Ice Queendom will establish the world of RWBY before taking viewers on a brand new adventure that RWBY fans have never seen.

Created by the late Monty Oum (Red vs. Blue), RWBY is one of Rooster Teeth’s most viewed and shared series. As the first Western-produced anime series to be distributed in Japan, RWBY episodes have accumulated more than 300 million views since the series premiered in 2013. The series has a global audience, and has been licensed for adaptation to video games, comic books, manga, young adult novels, collectible figures and more.

The core creative team behind RWBY: Ice Queendom is led by Gen Urobuchi (Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Fate/Zero), Tow Ubukata (Mardock Scramble, Tenchi: The Samurai Astronomer, Fafner in the Azure), huke (Black Rock Shooter, chitocerium, Steins;Gate) and Toshimasa Suzuki (Lagrange: The Flower of Rin-ne, Fafner in the Azure: Heaven and Earth), with additional collaboration from Rooster Teeth’s Kerry Shawcross, Eddy Rivas, and Erin Winn.

The new series is produced by Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc., Good Smile Company, SHAFT, Warner Bros. Japan, KLab Inc. and Rooster Teeth, animated by Studio SHAFT (Monogatari Series, Puella Magi Madoka Magica).

September 13, 2022
CAKE Introduces Arcana’s ‘My Brother the Monster’ at MIPCOM

London-based kids’ entertainment outfit CAKE has teamed up with Canadian animation house Arcana Studios (Kagagi, Howard Lovecraft trilogy) on its comedy series My Brother the Monster, and is ready to unleash the family-friendly beast on buyers at MIPCOM in Cannes (Oct. 17-20).

Produced by Arcana Studios and Mexican production company Gasolina Studios, the 26 x 11′ series is aimed at viewers ages six to eight. CAKE comes on board as international distributor for My Brother the Monster.

“My Brother the Monster is a tale of friendship and inclusion,” says CAKE CEO Ed Galton. “We are excited to be working with Arcana Studios and Gasolina and are looking forward to introducing our partners and broadcasters to Petunia, Mombou and all their friends!”

Synopsis: Petunia’s ordinary summer becomes extraordinary when a cute ball-sized furry monster rockets down to Earth from outer space! As it turns out, Mombou, our cute furball is actually a nine-foot-tall monster who quickly becomes part of the family. Petunia and her ‘little big brother’ make the perfect team, however, when Mombou becomes worried, anxious or overwhelmed (which happens a lot, especially at school), he reverts back to his original small size. But Petunia and her classmates help Mombou feel secure, keeping him out of trouble as well as learning a lot from him, too!

“We’re excited about partnering with CAKE on this beautifully animated series. Arcana met with Gasolina just before everything shut down in 2020,” Arcana CEO Sean Patrick O’Reilly notes, “and I’m so very proud of what we accomplished as My Brother the Monster is a testament to everyone’s passion and talents as we adjusted and worked remotely from home.”

Gasolina’s CEO and series executive producer Joe Alanís adds, “The passion we have for this show has helped it be the first ever animated series in co-production between Mexico and Canada. Having the support from CAKE validates the effort of our amazing team.”

The character-driven series demonstrates values of acceptance and resilience. Mombou’s ability to grow and shrink depending on his emotions visually represents the challenges some children face and encourages them to support a sibling or friend who might be slightly different to themselves.

“I believe our main responsibility is to create safe and happy spaces for kids to engage with fantastic stories. My Brother The Monster is the type of content we want to create that is meaningful, emotional and human,” says series creator and showrunner Ernesto Molina.

cakeentertainment.com

September 13, 2022
NYCC: Disney TV Plans ‘Koala Man’ Premiere, Sneak Peeks at ‘Muppets Mayhem,’ ‘Paloni Show’ & More

Disney Branded Television, Disney Television Studios, Disney+, FX and Hulu are planning to take New York Comic Con by storm with 10 panels featuring stars and creators from upcoming and returning series at the Javits Center October 6-9.

Among the highlights for toon fans will be the World Premiere of Hulu’s Koala Man, sneak peeks at upcoming Disney+ series The Muppets Mayhem, Justin Roiland’s The Paloni Show! Halloween Special! (Hulu) and Season 4 of Solar Opposites (Hulu), plus the NYCC debuts of Disney Channel’s upcoming series Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur (2023) and fan faves Big City Greens and The Owl House.

Disney TV Animation Panels at NYCC

Thursday, Oct. 6
1:30-2:30 p.m. – Big City Greens – We’re headed to the City! Join the cast and creators of the Disney Channel animated series Big City Greens. Get an opportunity to learn more about the show as they discuss their influences, answer fan questions and reveal an exclusive sneak peek! Room 405

3:00-4:00 p.m. – The Owl House – Hoot hoot! Join The Owl House creator/executive producer Dana Terrace and select cast members as they discuss the Peabody Award-winning animated series, the epic adventures that fans can expect ahead of its Season 3 premiere on Disney Channel and answer your burning questions. Room 405

4:30-5:30 p.m. – Koala Man – Head down under for Koala Man, a brand-new animated comedy from the creators of Rick and Morty and Pokémon Detective Pikachu coming to Hulu! Join creator, executive producer and the Koala himself, Michael Cusack, and executive producers Justin Roiland, Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit for the world premiere screening, followed by a Q&A to learn everything about what the suburban Aussie superhero is all about! Room 405

5:30-6:15 p.m. – The Paloni Show! Halloween Special! – Ghastly greetings! Join executive producers Justin Roiland and Ben Bayouth and star Zach Hadel to discuss their upcoming project on Hulu, The Paloni Show! Halloween Special!, while treating fans to an exclusive look at the Paloni family hosts and their favorite spooky shorts! Room 405

6:15-7:00 p.m. – Solar Opposites – Join our panel for an out-of-this-world conversation with co-creators and executive producers Justin Roiland and Mike McMahan, and executive producers Josh Bycel and Danielle Uhlarik, who will discuss Season 3 and the newly release Halloween special on Hulu, as well as what the Solars have to come, including an exclusive look at Season 4 and exciting news. Room 405

Saturday, Oct. 8
5:30-6:30 p.m. – Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur – Moon Girl Magic! Join the cast and creative team behind Disney Branded Television’s highly anticipated animated series Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, ahead of its 2023 premiere on Disney Channel and Disney+, for a conversation about this innovative action-comedy series centered on African American teen girl super hero, Lunella Lafayette (a.k.a. Moon Girl), and her 10-ton T-Rex, Devil Dinosaur. Room 405

Sunday, Oct. 9
11:00-12:00 p.m. – The Muppets Mayhem – It’s time to play the music! Coming to Disney+ in 2023, The Muppets Mayhem is a brand-new series that, for the first time in the Muppets’ over 65-year history, focuses on the legendary Electric Mayhem band as they maneuver their way through the music world of Los Angeles with one goal — to finally record their first album. Join the “human” stars of the series — Lilly Singh, Tahj Mowry and Saara Chaudry — as well as co-creators and executive producers Adam F. Goldberg, Jeff Yorkes and Bill Barretta for exciting news, exclusive footage and more! Main Stage

September 13, 2022
HIDIVE Shines a Light on ‘The Eminence in Shadow’ This Fall

AMC Network’s Houston-based anime and Japanese film/TV streamer HIDIVE announced today that it has acquired exclusive rights to The Eminence in Shadow, the anime adaptation of Daisuke Aizawa’s hilarious isekai light novel series of the same name (published in English by Yen Press), which has sold over 1.5 million copies since its publication. The series will premiere on HIDIVE this fall.

Synopsis: Some people just aren’t suited to playing the part of the flashy, in-your-face hero or the dastardly, mustache-twirling villain with larger-than-life panache. Instead, they operate in the shadows and pull the strings of society through wit and cleverness. That’s the role Cid wants to play when he’s transported to another world. Cid spins a yarn or three and becomes the unlikely leader of the underground Shadow Garden organization that fights against a menacing cult (which he totally made up). However, there’s a catch even his wild imagination didn’t see coming: the cult he concocted actually exists, and they’re beyond displeased that his power fantasy just got in the way of their evil plans!

The series is produced by studio Nexus (Granbelm, Chivalry of a Failed Knight) with Kazuya Nakanishi (animation director of Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World) serving as series director. Makoto Iino (Suppose a Kid from the Last Dungeon Boonies Moved to a Starter Town) handles character design while Kanichi Kato (Black Clover) provides series composition.

The series stars Seiichiro Yamashita (Gatsby Colbert in How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom) as Cid Kagenou/Shadow, Kana Hanazawa (Seiryu Ubiquitous in Akame ga Kill!) as Alexia Midgar, Yoko Hikasa (Farnese in Berserk) as Iris Midgar, Asami Seto (Nobara Kugisaki in Jujutsu Kaisen) as Alpha, Inori Minase (Jeanne in The Case Study of Vanitas) as Beta, Suzuko Mimori (Hikari Kagura in Revue Starlight) as Gamma, Fairouz Ai (Jolyne Kujo in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean) as Delta, Hisako Kanemoto (Hinano Kurahashi in Assassination Classroom) as Epsilon, Ayaka Asai (Lisa Isaribi in Fire Force) as Zeta and Reina Kondo (Ronie Arabel in Sword Art Online: Alicization) as Eta.

HIDIVE (Facebook / Twitter) offers an extensive library of movies and series as well as brand new titles from Japan in simulcast and exclusive DUBCAST versions, available on a range of platforms including web browsers, smartphones, TVs, streaming devises and gaming consoles. Find more info or sign up for a free seven-day trial at hidive.com.

September 13, 2022
Cheeky Little Media’s ‘Vegesaurs’ Takes a Bite Out of CBeebies

Studio 100 Media, one of the leading independent studios for kids & family entertainment, has signed an agreement with the BBC for the CGI comedy-adventure series Vegesaurs (20 x 5’).

Produced by independent Australian producer Cheeky Little Media in association with the Australian Broadcasting Company (ABC), France TV and Studio 100, the mighty ‘Vegesaurs’ will make their debut on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer later this year.

Based on a concept created by Gary Eck and Nick O’Sullivan and targeted at upper preschoolers, the series is a snackable take on the dinosaur genre with unique vegetable and fruit-shaped characters.

Vegesaurs are the juiciest and crunchiest creatures ever to rule the planet in a colorful prehistoric era. The young Tricarrotops Ginger lives in Vegesaur Valley, a little garden of Eden bathed in sunlight with nutrient-rich soil, lush vegetation and even temperatures… A perfect patch that a rich ecosystem of the Vegesaurs call home.

Each episode is a standalone mini adventure driven by Ginger and her friends, the baby Pea-Rexes. The stories lean into relatable themes for upper preschoolers like, sharing, friendships and play.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with CBeebies for this amazing series and that they share our enthusiasm for these outstanding and fun characters,” said Martin Krieger, CEO at Studio 100 Media. “This collaboration underlines the quality of the show, and the BBC is the perfect partner to deliver Vegesaurs to kids in the U.K. We are also excited to announce a number of additional partners very soon.”

September 13, 2022
‘Exception’: Sci-Fi Horror Anime Readies to Launch with New Trailer, Images
Netflix has revealed the official trailer, key art and premiere date for its upcoming sci-fi/horror original anime exception, baed on an original story by Hirotaka Adachi (Zoo, Goth, Kids, Calling You), a.k.a. Otsuichi, and featuring characters designs by Final Fantasy illustrator Yoshitaka Amano (Gatchaman, Casshan, Vampire Hunter D). This tale of terror set in space, ‘…where there is no escape,’ premieres October 13.

exception [Netflix]

exception [Netflix]

exception [Netflix]

exception [Netflix]

The streamer also announced that exception will feature music composed by Oscar and Grammy winner Ryuichi Sakamoto. “I’ve always liked science fiction and when I read the script, it made me want to see it visualized so I decided to participate,” said the world-renowned musician.

“We live in a time when cloning and other gene manipulation technology is advanced but the questions that arise here are, ‘What is life?’ or ‘What is humanity?’ This [series] deals with these kinds of questions head on,” Sakamoto explained. “I wanted to make the main theme song be a symphonic piece — the kind that has become a staple for sci-fi since Star Wars. I made the soundtrack as a whole be darkly ambient and worked towards making the entire soundtrack feel like one piece of music rather than separate by scene. That said, I did include a degree of harsh sounds in the fighting scenes. I was able to make a soundtrack that I like very much.”

“What is a human?”
Every life is precious – there are no exceptions.

Synopsis: In the far future, humanity has been driven from Earth and forced to move its population to another galaxy. Members of a scouting team are sent to search for a planet suitable for terraforming. The crew was created through a biological 3D printer, but a system malfunction causes one of the crew members, Lewis, to emerge in a deformed state. As Lewis turns on his fellow crew members Nina, Mack, Patty and Oscar, a countdown to the end of the mission begins in the frightening darkness of the ship.

English/Japanese voice cast:
- Lewis: Nolan North / Chikahiro Kobayashi
- Mack: Robbie Daymond / Takahiro Sakurai
- Nina: Ali Hillis / Yuko Kaida
- Oscar: Eugene Byrd / Takanori Hoshino
- Patty: Nadine Nicole / Atsumi Tanezaki
Produced by Tatsunoko Production’s Bakken Record and Studio 5, exception is directed by Yuzo Sato (Sakura Wars, Naruto: The Cross Roads, Marvel Future Avengers).

exception [Netflix]

exception [Netflix]

exception [Netflix]

exception [Netflix]
September 13, 2022
‘Rick and Morty’ S6 Premiere Gets Online Run Thru Sept. 27
Good news, Rickstronauts: The Season 6 premiere episode of Rick and Morty, “Solaricks,” is launching for free streaming on Adult Swim’s YouTube channel in the U.S. and select global territories, available until September 27. S6 continues to unleash Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland’s particular brand of animated multiverse madness around the world (read about the creators’ takes on the new season here).

Viewership for the Emmy-winning show continues to grow in the U.S. since its premiere early this month. After only three days post-premiere, the first episode of Season 6 of Rick and Morty saw +57% growth in delivery with delayed viewing three days after its September 4 launch, bringing its overall delivery to 1,033,000 viewers (Persons 2+).
- The premiere episode saw similar gains across key adult viewers, with Adults 18-24 up +55% (90K), 18-34 +60% (335K), 18-49 up +65% (713K) and 25-54 +65% (731K). These delayed viewing gains skewed slightly higher with males, but even female audience grew by almost +50%.
- The premiere episode saw similar gains across key adult viewers, with Adults 18-24 up +55% (90K), 18-34 +60% (335K), 18-49 up +65% (713K), and 25-54 +65% (731K). These delayed viewing gains skewed slightly higher with males, but even female audience grew by almost +50%.*
Debuting in 112 countries in 38 languages, Rick and Morty also captured substantial international viewership. It is the best performing animated show on HBO Max in Europe since the platform launched and in the top 10 best performing series overall of the shows that launched in Europe this year. HBO Max in Latin America reported a Rick and Morty viewership growth of over 500% in the week following the debut of the season six premiere episode on the service.

Yesterday marked the official conclusion of the global Rick and Morty #WORMAGEDDON immersive fan experience which galvanized fans both online and in-person to partake in a special “living episode” of their favorite show. Since the first build was revealed in Mexico City on August 20, over 100,000 fans showed up in-person to one or more of the 14 unique scenes that were spotted on six continents.

Additionally, fans at home were also able to follow along with the global adventure via a series of custom animated shorts about the origins of #WORMAGEDDON including [A Citadel Secret], [A Journey to Earth], [Threat Level: Wormageddon] and [Wormageddon: Final Showdown] alongside original videos featuring each build. As of today, the original #WORMAGEDDON video content has received a combined total of over 75 million global views and counting.

“It’s so satisfying to see people around the world showing up, literally in-person this time, for this new season of Rick and Morty,” said Michael Ouweleen, President of Adult Swim and Cartoon Network. “It speaks volumes about the talent and care that go into making this amazing series.”

With some fans traveling to multiple countries to visit different unique builds, and nine lucky fans winning the treasure hunt to receive a coveted life size, golden “Rick” head, #WORMAGEDDON reached Rick and Morty fans in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, the Philippines, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom and several cities in the United States.

“It’s absolutely electrifying to the witness the Rick and Morty fan community from different countries around the world coming together to celebrate this series” said Tricia Melton, Chief Marketing Officer for Warner Bros. Discovery Kids, Young Adults and Classics group. “We knew the power of the Rick and Morty fandom, but it’s still nothing short of astounding to find how many fans took the time to visit one of our 14 custom builds in person, or to follow the adventure online.”

New episodes of Rick and Morty debut in the U.S. on Sundays at 11 p.m. ET/PT on Adult Swim. Season 6 premieres continue throughout September in the U.K. (E4, All 4), Germany (Warner TV Comedy, Vodafone Giga TV), France (Adult Swim) and in all markets where HBO Max is available in Europe.

#WORMAGEDDON in The Netherlands

*Source: Nielsen NNTV, Live+3 vs L+SD, Sunday 9/4/22, Total Day (6a-6a), Based on Delivery, Individual Telecasts across all Cable
September 13, 2022
VIEW Conference Reveals Full Program, Adds Zemeckis to Speakers
Italian animation, VFX, games and CG gathering VIEW Conference is ready to launch its 2022 edition, taking place from October 16-21 in the baroque city of Torino as well as online.

The full 2022 program is now online, available to browse by topic or by speaker. The organizers note they are especially pleased to welcome a majority of these esteemed creatives and technical experts to the live in-person event this year.

A new session with director Robert Zemeckis has also been added. The Oscar-winning helmer will join VFX supervisor Kevin Baillie in a virtual conversation about the making of his latest film, Pinocchio, for Walt Disney Studios (now streaming on Disney+).

Additional highlights of this year’s speakers and presentations lineup include:
- Ramsey Naito, President of Nickelodeon/Paramount
- Kristine Belson, President of Sony Pictures Animation
- Peter Ramsey, director at Netflix Animation (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse / Lost Ollie)
- Steve May, Chief Technology Officer at Pixar
- Rob Bredow, CCO at Industrial Light & Magic
- Love, Death + Robots – Night of the Mini Dead – BUCK creative directors Robert Bisi & Andy Lyon
- The Sandman – with Raphaël Letertre, Rodeo FX CG supervisor
- Entergalactic – DNEG’s David Prescott, Archie Donato & Kapil Sharma
- PLUS Jurassic World Dominion, Thor: Love and Thunder, Westworld, Lightyear, Turning Red, The Sea Beast, My Father’s Dragon and much more.
See the full list of speakers for VIEW Conference 2022 here.

Students and professionals will be able to participate in VIEW Conference’s recruitment fair, an opportunity to pitch their talents to major game and movie studios, show their reels and meet their mentors. Recruiters include Industrial Light & Magic, Framestore, Alps Studios, Trixter, Axis Studios, El Ranchito, Rotomaker and others.

Tickets are now available for VIEW Conference 2022; register at viewconference.it.

Short film submissions for the VIEW Award are open until September 15.

Ahead of the next edition, you can stream over 150 sessions from VIEW 2021 on demand.
September 12, 2022
Dandelooo Lets ‘A Day with the Dogs’ Off the Leash at Cartoon Forum

Emmy Award-winning French animation production and distribution company Dandelooo will be unveiling its new 2D animated TV project A Day with the Dogs to potential industry partners at this year’s Cartoon Forum in Toulouse (September 19-22).

Adapted from the book series Les Toutous by Dorothée de Monfreid — published by l’école des loisirs and printed in numerous countries and languages including English, Italian, Spanish, German, Chinese and Japanese, to name a few — A Day with the Dogs (78 x 7’) is a character-driven comedy series aimed at four- to seven-year-old viewers.

Directed by Cédric Guarneri and co-produced by Dandelooo and Barcelona-based audiovisual production company Teidees, the series follows the doggy adventures of a good natured Saint Bernard named Popov, who does his best to take care of his younger doggy cousins during their visits … little does he know how much trouble they’re going to get him into!

Popov lives on his own in a big house by the sea. His idea of a perfect life? Enjoying the peace and quiet of the countryside, tending his vegetable patch and listening to music. Except that whenever the holidays come around, Popov becomes a nanny to his young cousins — eight ebullient pups, bursting with energy — and it’s goodbye to his quiet life!

Despite being very different in appearance and nature, this explosive pack of pooches are united by their youthful insouciance and considerable naivety. The pups have always got an idea in mind, a surprise in store and a wish to fulfil. But the consequences of their adventures are inevitably borne … by Popov! Probably due to the fact that he never gets angry, the pups love to drive their big cousin crazy. Their desire to play always prevails over his instructions and advice. And as for Popov, he only wants one thing: for his cousins to be happy.

“We are very proud that the talented and successful creator, Dorothée de Monfreid, has chosen Dandelooo as the producer for her first adaptation to an animated series,” said Dandelooo co-Founder Emmanuèle Pétry. “A Day with the Dogs (Les Toutous), rooted in the Normandy countryside, has a worldwide appeal thanks to the character driven stories about a bunch of cousins on holiday. They are such lucky kids to enjoy this perfect vacation … well, almost perfect!”

September 12, 2022
50th Annie Awards Call for Entries with New Limited Series Category
Today, ASIFA-Hollywood announced its Call for Entries for the 50th Annie Awards. Honoring excellence in the field of animation, the Annies will return in-person to UCLA’s Royce Hall on Saturday, February 25, 2023.

The 50th Annie Awards covers 37 categories including a new one — Best TV/Media – Limited Series — as well as Animated Feature, Animated Feature – Independent, TV/Media Production, Sponsored Production, Short Subject and Student Films, along with Achievement and Honorary awards.

To review this year’s rules and submit your projects, visit my.asifa-hollywood.org. Entries submitted for consideration will be from animated productions that were released in the United States between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022. Exceptions, which can submit with or without U.S. releases, are short subjects, special projects, sponsored productions, student films and grand prize winners from Annie Award-qualifying festivals.

Submissions close on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at 5 p.m. PST.

“This is our 50th Annie Awards, our golden anniversary and the first time in nearly three years that we will once again be live, in person. We are planning to pull out all the stops!” says Frank Gladstone, ASIFA’s executive director and the Annie Awards executive producer. “It is amazing to think back to the first Annies, when our beloved June Foray was assured that ‘no one would show up’ … and 600 people did.

“Since then, ASIFA-Hollywood and the Annie Awards have grown in stature and influence, fulfilling our mission to celebrate animation and the people who create it, not only for one brilliant night a year at Royce Hall, but throughout the year for the growing animation community, locally and worldwide.”

Important deadline for the 50th Annie Awards:
- The deadline to become an Annie Awards Sponsor is Saturday, January
  28, 2023.
- The deadline to reserve advertising space in the program book is Monday, January 30, 2023.
- The deadline to join ASIFA-Hollywood or to renew membership, and to submit voting applications to participate in voting is Saturday, December 31, 2022, 11:59 p.m., PST.
Now through October 18, 2022, ASIFA-Hollywood is also conducting its Call for Judges. All judges, whether they have applied in the past or are enrolling for the first time, will need to submit a new application. To be considered for a nominating committee, judges do not need to be a member of ASIFA-Hollywood but must have an established career in animation and exemplary professional credentials in at least one of the Annie Award categories.

Individuals in the animation community, who are interested in being a nomination committee judge, will find the application at members.asifa-hollywood.org/judge-application.

September 12 also kicks off ASIFA-Hollywood’s Call for the honorary Juried Award Nominations, now through November 14, 2022, and its Annual Membership Drive which will continue through December 31, 2022.

Created in 1972 by veteran voice talent June Foray, and in whose name the philanthropic June Foray Award was established, the Annie Awards have grown in scope and stature for the past five decades. ASIFA-Hollywood is the world’s first and foremost professional organization dedicated to promoting the Art of Animation and celebrating the people who create it.

Today, ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the Association Internationale du Film d’Animation (International Animated Film Association), supports a range of animation activities and preservation efforts through its membership. Current initiatives include the Animation Archive, Animation Aid Foundation, Animation Educators Forum, animated film preservation, special events, scholarships and screenings.

annieawards.org | asifa-hollywood.org
September 12, 2022