The Mane Five are hoofing it back to Netflix to make more ponyriffic magic in My Little Pony: Make Your Mark, Chapter 2. A New trailer and key art for this next installment of the CG animated Hasbro series dropped today, with new episodes launching September 26.
Synopsis: Magic has finally returned to Equestria thanks to Sunny Starscout and her new friends! The Pegasi can fly and the Unicorns can use levitation again… and the Earth Ponies have activated their own special magic for the very first time in history. It’s a whole new world! Which is exhilarating… but, well, also a little scary and strange. And now that Sunny is an Alicorn with powers, there’s a lot to figure out.
My Little Pony: Make Your Mark will explore the rules of this growing magic while the Mane 5 get to know themselves on their own journeys of self-discovery. Living together for the first time, the ponies must navigate a new normal living in a society that has recently undergone a massive, life-changing shift. The relatability of this new reality is the perfect springboard to tell relatable, fresh stories that will appeal to this generation of emotionally tuned-in viewers and all of the things they are going through in a world that has been forever changed.
And as the Mane 5 explore the rules of magic and discover about themselves in the process, the series will focus in on the existing lands of Maretime Bay, Bridlewood, and Zephyr Heights. It will delve deeper into their individual backstories, their hobbies and jobs (whether it be sheriff, smoothie-cart owner, or detective princess), familial relationships (Pipp & Zipp’s sisterhood), and journeys to find exactly what makes each of them “sparkle.”
A diverse and adorable supporting bunch of Unicorns, Pegasi, and Earth Ponies who are all adjusting to life with magic in their own ways make up a colorful cast. But a typical episode might center around the Mane 5 helping one another with a magical mystery, juggling responsibilities and friendships, or learning more about each other’s different species’ cultural customs. All while resisting the plan of an evil villain who hopes to steal it all away from them.
My Little Pony: Make Your Mark features the voices of Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Zipp, Jenna Warren as Sunny, JJ Gerber as Hitch, Ana Sani as Izzy, AJ Bridel as Pipp and Bahia Watson as Misty.
The series was developed by Gillian Berrow. Cort Lane is executive producer and Tristan Homer is co-exec producer. William Lau (The Last Kids on Earth; Monster High and Barbie animated movie franchises) is supervising director.
Crunchyroll has announced it will release the highly-anticipated One Piece Film Red in theaters in Australia and New Zealand on November 3 and in the United States and Canada on November 4, which will follow on the heels of the movie’s October 13 release in Austria and Germany.
Produced by Toei Animation and One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda, One Piece Film Red is the 15th film from the hit global franchise and now its highest grossing theatrical release, earning over $93 million (as of September 8) at the box office in Japan since premiering there on August 6.
Tickets for Australia and New Zealand are scheduled to go on sale on October 5, with North American tickets available starting October 6. The movie will be presented in both subtitled and dubbed versions in theaters. For more information, visit onepiece-filmred.com.
Ahead of the film’s theatrical opening, Crunchyroll and Toei Animation will host separate subtitled and dub premieres in Australia and the U.S. In Australia, a limited number of lucky fans will be able to experience the subtitled premiere as part of Crunchyroll Expo Australia on Friday, September 16 (crunchyrollexpo.com.au). In the U.S., the North American premiere will be held on Thursday, October 6 in New York, to coincide with New York Comic Con.
One Piece Film Red
One Piece Film Red
One Piece Film Red
One Piece Film Red
One Piece Film Red
One Piece Film Red
Executive produced by franchise creator Oda, One Piece Film Red is directed by Goro Taniguchi (One Piece Defeat Him! The Pirate Ganzack! OVA) and written by Tsutomu Kuroiwa (One Piece Film: Gold).
Produced by Toei Animation and based on the top-selling manga title of all time, One Piece features an epic quest to find “One Piece,” the legendary treasure of the former King of the Pirates, Gol D. Roger. One Piece’s global pop culture status is the crowning achievement for this anime franchise, which encompasses theatrical films, home videos, video games and an ever-expanding catalog of licensed merchandise that includes accessories, toys, novelties, furniture, housewares and apparel.
One Piece Film Red
One Piece Film Red
One Piece Film Red
One Piece Film Red
One Piece Film Red
One Piece Film Red
Synopsis: Uta — the most beloved singer in the world whose voice has been described as “otherworldly” — is renowned for concealing her own identity when performing. Now, for the first time ever, she will reveal herself to the world at a live concert.
With the Navy watching closely, the venue fills with Uta’s fans — including excited pirates and the Straw Hats led by Luffy, who simply came to enjoy her sonorous performance — all eagerly awaiting the voice that the whole world has been waiting for to resound. The story begins with the shocking revelation that she is the enigmatic Shanks’ daughter.
Warner Bros. Discovery is back in the big city for New York Comic Con this year, with fan-favorite shows, comics and more from across the combined divisions of the company, with a series of panels, activations and screenings from Thursday, October 6, through Sunday, October 9. And of course, a number of eagerly awaited animated titles will take to the stage.
Coming to streaming and TV screens: HBO Max will share the first episode of Warner Bros. Animation’s Velma, with executive producer/voice star Mindy Kaling.Cartoon Network and Warner Bros. Animation roll into New York with Cartoonito’s Batwheels, with a special cast and crew panel and screening featuring the premiere of two never-before-seen episodes. Plus, Cartoon Network and Adult Swim bring legendary creator Genndy Tartakovsky with President of Adult Swim, Cartoon Network & Boomerang Michael Ouweleen together for a conversation about what’s next for animation. Plus stay for the U.S. premiere of Tartakovsky’s next project Unicorn: Warriors Eternal.
Velma – From Warner Bros. Animation, Velma is an adult animated comedy series telling the origin story of Velma Dinkley, the unsung and underappreciated brains of the Scooby-Doo Mystery Inc. gang. An original and humorous spin that unmasks the complex and colorful past of one of America’s most beloved mystery solvers. Join executive producer Mindy Kaling, who voices Velma, along with showrunner Charlie Grandy and special guests for a sneak peek at the first episode. Thursday, October 6, 3:30 p.m.
Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm– Be among the first to experience the all-new mystery-adventure feature-length film based on the famed Adult Swim series when Warner Bros. Home Entertainment presents the World Premiere of Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm. The R-rated film features everyone’s favorite rascals, the Aqua Teens: the brainy Frylock, the mouthy Master Shake, the loveable Meatwad, and everyone’s favorite perverted neighbor, Carl, as they split up then get back together to fight everyone’s favorite corporate overlord, Amazin, led by everyone’s favorite tech mogul, Neil and his trusty scientist sidekick, Elmer. In addition to the screening, filmmakers and key cast members will hold a panel discussion, including audience Q&A. Thursday, October 6, 8:30 p.m.
Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons – Witness the unveiling of Warner Bros. Animation’s first-ever all-CG animated, feature-length film when Warner Bros. Home Entertainment presents the World Premiere of Batman and Superman:Battle of the Super Sons. Ahhhh, to be young…and charged with saving the world from impending doom! That’s the burden that 11-year-old Jonathan Kent and reluctant young sidekick Damian Wayne face in this all-new DC Animated Movie. On his birthday, Jonathan Kent learns his dad is Superman and that he has latent superpowers of his own! He also meets the legendary Dark Knight and current Boy Wonder, Damian. But when the two boys are forced to team up to protect their loved ones from a hostile alien force, will they become the Super Sons they’re destined to be?Following the screening, filmmakers and key cast members will hold a panel discussion, including audience Q&A. Friday, October 7, 3:30 p.m.
Mortal Kombat Legends: Snow Blind – Warner Bros. Home Entertainment marks the 30th anniversary of the blockbuster Mortal Kombat video game series with an inside look at the making of Mortal Kombat Legends: Snow Blind, the third in a series of MK-inspired feature-length animated films. Snow Blind finds vicious, power-mad Kano determined to take over Earthrealm, one soul at a time. Assisted by a trio of cold Black Dragon mercenaries, he embarks on a brutal assault from town to defenseless town. The choice is simple: kneel or be annihilated. But when the cocky and talented but undisciplined Kenshi doesn’t take a knee, Kano and his clan destroy the young warrior, taking his eyesight and his confidence. Under the tutelage of reluctant, retired Kuai Liang, the only one powerful enough to challenge the malevolent Kano, Kenshi finds renewed hope and a clear path to redemption. But will it be enough to stop Kano from decimating all of Earthrealm? The presentation will include thrilling film clips and an entertaining panel discussion amongst filmmakers and key cast members. Saturday, October 8, 3:30 p.m.
An Animation Journey with Cartoon Network and Adult Swim – Cartoon Network and Adult Swim have dominated the animation space for decades, creating millions of fans along the way. Sit down with legendary creator Genndy Tartakovsky, who grew his career at Cartoon Network and expanded Adult Swim’s slate with his Emmy Award-winning series Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal and upcoming launch of Unicorn: Warriors Eternal, which presents its U.S. premiere screening at NYCC. Also joining the conversation is Michael Ouweleen, president of Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, and Boomerang, who helped define these animation powerhouses from the beginning. Together the two will discuss then, now, and next. What does it mean to ignite audiences, cultivate nostalgia, and innovate in an evolving animated landscape? Find out what’s in store for animation lovers of all ages as Cartoon Network reflects on the last three decades and Adult Swim continues to celebrate the surreal and defy expectations. Sunday, October 9, 12:45 p.m.
More WBD Animation at NYCC
Trick or Treat Scooby-Doo Screening – Don your Halloween costume and celebrate the spooky season with Scooby and the Mystery Inc. crew! Join us for an exclusive Scoobtober treat (no tricks, we promise) — the premiere screening of the all-new animated adventure, Trick or Treat Scooby-Doo!Enjoy games, goodies, giveaways and more! Friday, October 7, 5:15 p.m.
Batwheels – The newest heroes of Gotham City are rolling into New York Comic Con for a special panel and screening featuring the premiere of two never-before-seen episodes of Batwheels. Join co-executive producer Michael G. Stern and supervising producer Simon J. Smith along with voice cast Jacob Bertrand (Bam the Batmobile), Xolo Maridueña (Snowy the Snowcrawler), Lilimar (Batwing the Jet Plane), and AJ Hudson (Robin) for a look under the hood of DC’s first-ever Batman preschool animated series coming soon to Cartoonito on Cartoon Network and Cartoonito on HBO Max. Sunday, October 9, 11:15 a.m.
Paramount+ today debuted the official key art for its upcoming original animated series, Transformers: EarthSpark, and announced the series will premiere on Friday, November 11.
The first 10 episodes of the premiere season will be available to stream exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S. and Canada, the series will debut overseas beginning in November on Paramount+ and Nickelodeon channels around the world.
Also to come this fall, voice cast members Sydney Mikayla (Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts), Zion Broadnax (Day Shift), Diedrich Bader (BetterThings) and Cissy Jones (The Owl House), along with co-executive producer Dale Malinowski and executive producer Ant Ward, will head to New York Comic Con for a Transformers: EarthSpark panel on Sunday, October 9. Nickelodeon has announced even more excitement for fans at NYCC today — read on to learn more.
Synopsis: Transformers: EarthSpark introduces a new generation of Transformers robots called Terrans — the first Transformers robots to be born on Earth — and together with the humans who welcome them in and care for them, they’ll redefine what it means to be a family.
The previously announced voice cast also includes Benny Latham (Cornerstones: Founding Voices of the Black Church), Jon Jon Briones (Ratched), Kathreen Khavari (Dead End: Paranormal Park), Zeno Robinson (Big City Greens), Danny Pudi (Community), Alan Tudyk (Resident Alien) and Rory McCann (Game of Thrones).
Transformers: EarthSpark is created and co-executive produced by Malinowski (Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) and executive produced by Ward (Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles). The series is developed for television by Claudia Spinelli, SVP of Big Kids Animation at Nickelodeon. Production is overseen for Nickelodeon by Mikiel Houser, executive in charge of production, and for eOne by Kari Rosenberg.
Nickelodeon is preparing an immersive experience for fans at New York Comic Con 2022, celebrating some of its fan-favorite characters and shows. Headquartered at its booth (#1201) on the convention center floor, every day of the convention will feature photo ops and immersive experiences. Nickelodeon will also present three panels at NYCC:
Avatar: Braving the Elements – LIVE! Thursday, Oct. 6, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. (Room 405): Fan-favorite podcast Avatar: Braving the Elements, the official companion podcast co-produced by Nickelodeon and iHeartRadio, returns to New York Comic Con for a live recording of an episode! Explore the amazing world of Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra with hosts Janet Varney (the voice of Korra) and Dante Basco (the voice of Prince Zuko) as they share how Avatar was brought to life.
Humans and Bots Unite in Transformers: EarthSpark Sunday, Oct. 9, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. (Room 405): Autobots, Roll Out! From Nickelodeon and Hasbro’s Entertainment One, join the next generation of heroes to celebrate the all-new Paramount+ original animated series Transformers: EarthSpark. During the exclusive panel, voice cast members Sydney Mikayla (Robby Malto), Zion Broadnax (Mo Malto), Diedrich Bader (Mandroid) and Cissy Jones (Elita-1), along with co-executive producer Dale Malinowski and executive producer Ant Ward, will give fans a first look at behind-the-scenes art, casting and never-before-seen footage. Moderated by: Andrea Towers, Associate Editor, TV Guide Magazine.
SpongeBob SquarePants Presents The Tidal Zone Sunday, Oct. 9, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. (Main Stage): Embark on a multidimensional adventure throughout Bikini Bottom in this behind-the-scenes discussion about the first-ever SpongeBob Universe crossover special, SpongeBob SquarePants Presents The Tidal Zone. Legendary voice talent Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick Star), Jill Talley (Karen, Squidina), Dana Snyder (GrandPat) and executive producers Marc Ceccarelli, Vincent Waller from Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants, The Patrick Star Show and the Paramount+ original series Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years will take fans on an undersea adventure to explore these iconic shows and characters and share what to expect next from SpongeBob and the denizens of Bikini Bottom.
Daily Booth Activity:
Transformers: EarthSpark Photo Opportunity and AR Experience: Fans can take photos with fan-favorite Bumblebee and new characters Twitch, Thrash, Robby Malto and Mo Malto from the upcoming all-new series. Attendees can also scan different objects in the space with a QR code to make elements animate with sounds and lights.
Monster High Experience: It’s time to join in on the building anticipation for the upcoming live-action movie musical based on the iconic Monster High franchise about the children of famous monsters and creatures. Beneath the 22 foot tall clock tower, compete against the clock to match objects to lockers designed with each character in mind. Correctly place objects to their respective lockers before time runs out!
The Patrick Star Show Photo Opportunity: Step inside Patrick’s underwater television set and snap a photo with the world’s most famous sea star.
Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years Photo Opportunity: Gather around the campfire and take a photo with 10-year-old SpongeBob, best pal Patrick Star and camp counselor Squidward.
Netflix today revealed the official trailer for Entergalactic, the highly anticipated animated event from the mind of Kid Cudi and executive producer Kenya Barris. Accompanied by new key art bearing the tag “Love Will Find Us All,” the spot offers a glimpse at the contemporary, romantic vibe audiences can expect for the September 30 premiere.
Synopsis: Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi and Kenya Barris join forces to present the television event Entergalactic, an original, immersive, animated story about a young artist named Jabari — voiced by Scott Mescudi — as he attempts to balance love and success. Finding the latter brings Jabari a step closer to the former, when moving into his dream apartment introduces him to his new neighbor, photographer it-girl Meadow — voiced by Jessica Williams. An explosion of art, music and fashion, Entergalactic takes place in the only city that can handle all three: New York.
https://youtu.be/c_pHCqZkXvY
Alongside Mescudi and Williams, the show boasts an all-star cast including Ty Dolla $ign, Timothée Chalamet, Laura Harrier, Vanessa Hudgens, Christopher Abbott, 070 Shake, Jaden Smith, Keith David, Teyana Taylor, Arturo Castro and Macaulay Culkin.
Read all about the inspirations and creative processes that brought Entergalactic to the screen in the Sept./Oct. ’22 issue of Animation Magazine, available now.
The D23 Expo continued to fuel fan excitement through the weekend with a jam-packed presentation from the teams at Walt Disney Studios’ Lucasfilm, Marvel Studios and 20th Century Studios — including more animated adventures from the Star Wars galaxy. Kicking off the 100th anniversary celebrations for The Walt Disney Company, Disney+ also unveiled the teaser trailer and official key art for a new Disney Original Documentary all about Walt’s most famous star: Mickey Mouse.
The Disney Original Documentary Mickey: The Story of a Mouse will premiere globally on Disney+ on November 18, Mickey Mouse’s birthday. The film is directed by award-winning filmmaker Jeff Malmberg (Marwencol) and produced by Academy Award winner Morgan Neville (Won’t You Be My Neighbor), Meghan Walsh and Chris Shellen.
As one of the world’s most beloved characters, Mickey Mouse is recognized as a symbol of joy and childhood innocence in virtually every corner of the globe. Dreamed up at a low point in Walt Disney’s burgeoning career, Mickey became an overnight sensation when he starred in the first sync-sound animated short, “Steamboat Willie.” Through the decades that followed, the character evolved into strikingly different versions of himself that reflect both his creator’s remarkable career and dramatic societal shifts in the nation he came to represent.
Mickey: The Story of a Mouse features legendary Disney animators Eric Goldberg, Mark Henn and Randy Haycock, animation artist and Disney Legend Floyd Norman, art historian Carmenita Higginbotham, director of Walt Disney Archives Rebecca Cline and archivist Kevin Kern. With exclusive archival footage and interviews, the film examines the ongoing artistic and cultural significance — as well as the controversies — surrounding the nearly 100-year-old cartoon mouse. The film features a brand new Walt Disney Animation Studios hand-drawn animated short, Mickey in a Minute, and documents its animation process by Goldberg, Henn and Haycock.
“Ninety-four years ago, Walt Disney created a mouse that would become one of the world’s most beloved characters,” said Marjon Javadi, VP of Disney Original Documentary. “We are excited for the world to see Mickey Mouse in a way they’ve never seen him before. Our award-winning team of filmmakers captures Mickey’s journey through the years and reminds us why he has had such an impact on us.”
The documentary was executive produced by Caitrin Rogers, edited by Jake Hostetter, Aaron Wickenden, cinematography by Antonio Cisneros, sound design by Lawrence Everson and music by Daniel Wohl. The film had its World Premiere at SXSW earlier this year and also screened at the Sun Valley Film Festival and Newport Summer Film Series, among others.
Opening the WDS mega-presentation, chairman Alan Bergman reflected on the 13-year history of D23 Expo and the evolution of the Studios group: “That [first] year, none of the iconic studios you’ll hear from today were part of the company,” he said. “It was just Disney Animation, Disney Live Action and Pixar. We announced the Marvel acquisition just before our first Expo in 2009. Then three years later, we added Lucasfilm, and in 2019, 20th Century Studios. I’ve been at Disney for 26 years, so it’s been incredibly exciting to welcome each of them to our Studio family. And like Disney and Pixar, each of these studios has a phenomenal legacy of storytelling.”
Executive producer Dave Filoni joined Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy on stage for a host of upcoming titles, streaming on Disney+, including some animation updates:
Filoni showed a new image from the upcoming 16-episode second season of the animated series Star Wars: The Bad Batch. 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. Starring Dee Bradley Baker and Michelle Ang, with Filoni, Carrie Beck, Athena Portillo, Brad Rau (supervising director) and Jennifer Corbett (head writer) serving as executive producers. The series will begin streaming on Disney+ with a two-episode premiere on January 4, 2023.
The EP segued to Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi,six brand-new animated shortsfeaturing parables built around Jedi from the prequel era. Journey into the lives of two distinctly different Jedi — Ahsoka Tano and Count Dooku — each will be put to the test as they make choices that will define their destinies. To the delight of the audience, Filoni shared theofficial trailerfor the series and announced that all six shorts will debut October 26 on Disney+.The series is created by executive producer Filoni, with Carrie Beck and Athena Portillo serving as executive producers.
The Lucasfilm highlights also included:
Final Trailer for Andor; first three episodes premiering on Disney+ on September 21.
Season 3 teaser trailer for The Mandalorian, which reunites the bounty hunter and Grogu to continue their journey; coming to Disney+ in 2023.
Discussion of upcoming series Star Wars: Skeleton Crew with creators Jon Watts and Christopher Ford, with a special appearance by Jude Law; coming to Disney+.
New trailer for the live-action fantasy series Willow (Lucasfilm/Imagine Ent.), presented by star Warwick Davis; premiering on Disney+ November 30.
Kenney announced the fifth installment of Indiana Jones, joined by Harrison Ford and Phoebe Waller-Bridge; coming to theaters June 30, 2023.
Marvel Studios‘ Kevin Feige kicked things off by handing the stage over to a show-stopping performance of fan-favorite tune “I Could Do This All Day” form show-within-a-show Rogers: The Musical, seen in last year’s Disney+ series Hawkeye. Feige was joined by creatives and cast members to share the following projects with fans…
Series:
Ironheart, the series from exec producer Ryan Coogler that follows the events of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever; coming to Disney+ in 2023.
Trailer reveal for Marvel’s first special, the “fun-scary” Werewolf by Night; premiering on Disney+ on October 7.
New trailer for Secret Invasion, presented by star Don Cheadle; coming to Disney+ in 2023.
Cheadle also discussed Armor Wars, which will showcase Rhodey in a brand new light and introduce brand-new suits of armor.
Sneak peek at Season 2 of Loki, now in production for a 2023 debut on Disney+, presented by the series stars Tom Hiddleston, Owen Wilson, Sophia Di Martino and Ke Huy Quan.
Special early look at Echo with the cast, including Alaqua Cox, Vincent D’Onofrio, Devery Jacobs, Graham Greene, Cody Lightning and Chaske Spencer; coming soon to Disney+.
Appearance by Charlie Cox to discuss the upcoming 18-episode S1 on Daredevil: Born Again, plus a first-look clip at an upcoming episode of She Hulk: Attorney at Law featuring the superhero.
Features:
Exclusive scene reveal and highlights from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever with director Coogler, who was joined by cast members Angela Bassett, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke and Tenoch Huerta; in theaters November 11.
Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania will kick off MCU Phase 5 — Feige and stars Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly and Jonathan Majors treated the audience to an exclusive look at the film; premieres February 17, 2023 and connects to Avengers: The Kang Dynasty.
Feige officially confirmed that Matt Shakman, who directed every episode of 2021’s WandaVision, will be directing Fantastic Four; in theaters November 8, 2024.
Director Julius Onah joined Feige on stage to discuss Captain America: New World Order with returning stars Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, Carl Lumbly and new cast members Tim Blake Nelson and Shira Haas; in theaters May 3, 2024.
The identities of the Thunderbolts were unveiled as Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Valentina Allegra de Fontaine), David Harbour (Red Guardian), Hannah John-Kamen (Ghost), Sebastian Stan (James “Bucky” Barnes/The Winter Soldier) and Wyatt Russell (John Walker/U.S. Agent) joined director Jake Schreier on stage (the team also features stars Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster and Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova); in theaters July 26, 2024.
Feige capped the Marvel Studios presentation with The Marvels, revisiting key moments in the MCU before welcoming to the stage director Nia DaCosta and cast members Iman Vellani, Teyonah Parris and Brie Larson to give fans a special look at scenes from the new movie; in theaters July 28, 2023.
For 20th Century Studios, Bergman returned to the stage and was joined virtually by Academy Award-winning producer/director James Cameron, currently in New Zealand and hard at work on the highly anticipated sequel Avatar: The Way of Water, in theaters on December 16.
Returning cast membersSam Worthington (Jake Sully), Zoe Saldaña(Neytiri),Sigourney Weaver (Kiri) andStephen Lang(Colonel Miles Quaritch) appeared on stage with producer Jon Landau to share some fun anecdotes and exciting revelations about the film before introducing new cast membersJamie Flatters (Neteyam), Jack Champion (Spider),Bailey Bass(Tsireya) andTrinity Jo-Li Bliss(Tuk). The audience also got to don a pair of Dolby 3D glasses to immerse themselves in new scenes from the film.
The magical teaser trailer for the all-new live-action musical comedy Disenchanted took a royal bow at the D23 Expo 2022 in the Anaheim Convention Center today (Friday). The film begins streaming November 24, exclusively on Disney+.
This sequel to Enchanted (2007) reunites original cast members Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, Idina Menzel and James Marsden and also stars Maya Rudolph, Gabriella Baldacchino, Yvette Nicole Brown and Jayma Mays, is directed by Adam Shankman and features new songs from Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz.
Synopsis: It has been 15 years since Giselle (Amy Adams) and Robert (Patrick Dempsey) wed, but Giselle has grown disillusioned with life in the city, so they move their growing family to the sleepy suburban community of Monroeville in search of a more fairy tale life. Unfortunately, it isn’t the quick fix she had hoped for. Suburbia has a whole new set of rules and a local queen bee, Malvina Monroe (Maya Rudolph), who makes Giselle feel more out of place than ever.
Frustrated that her happily ever after hasn’t been so easy to find, she turns to the magic of Andalasia for help, accidentally transforming the entire town into a real-life fairy tale and placing her family’s future happiness in jeopardy. Now, Giselle is in a race against time to reverse the spell and determine what happily ever after truly means to her and her family.
Directed by Shankman from a screenplay by Brigitte Hales and a story by J. David Stem & David N. Weiss and Richard LaGravenese, Disenchanted is produced by Barry Josephson, Barry Sonnenfeld and Amy Adams, with Jo Burn, Sunil Perkash and Shankman serving as executive producers. The movie features songs with music by eight-time Oscar-winning composer Menken and lyrics by three-time Oscar-winning lyricist Schwartz, whose work on Enchanted garnered three Academy Award nominations, and a score by Menken.
Award-winning writer-led creator studio Turnip + Duck is ramping up its activity ahead of Cartoon Forum and MIPCOM, launching brand new animated series Maddie + Triggs (39 x 7’) and expanding its operations with the appointment of Rob Doherty as Head of Content and Laura Canavan-Hayes as Development Executive.
Turnip + Duck’s Managing Director Colm Tobin and Creative Director Aidan O’Donovan will pitch the company’s new 2D animated series to a global audience of buyers in Toulouse at Cartoon Forum on Wednesday, September 21 at 11 a.m. (Purple Room). They will also be actively looking for co-production and distribution partners for the show at MIPCOM.
Aimed at children aged five to seven, Maddie + Triggs began life as a 15-episode podcast series on RTÉjr Radio and follows the adventures of seven-year-old Maddie, who happens to have a vision impairment, and her doggy best friend, Triggs. Although Maddie cannot see the world around her so well, she is a really brilliant listener. Triggs is an adorable labradoodle retriever cross who loves music, mischief and doggy biscuits.
The TV series has been developed with support from the NCBI, Ireland’s blind charity, Irish pubcaster RTÉjr and Screen Ireland. Turnip + Duck aims to create a truly inclusive show whereby if two kids, one sighted and one vision impaired, sit down side by side to ‘watch’ it, neither will have a lesser experience.
The studio’s award-winning mixed-media series Critters TVhas recently been picked up by Sky Kids in the U.K. and its preschool chemistry primer Atom Town is set to air on RTÉjr in late 2022. The company is looking to further expand its slate of in-house and third-party original IP, overseen by the expanded creative team, and working with both established and emerging writers and creative talent.
As Head of Content, Doherty will bring a wealth of experience in development and multi-territory co-productions including Angry Birds: Summer Madness (Netflix), Mama K’s Team 4 (Netflix) and Space Chickens in Space (Disney). He will be working on a consultancy basis with the creators to expand Turnip + Duck’s network of broadcast and co-production partners, bringing the company’s already impressive development slate to market on a bigger scale.
Doherty will also be tasked with seeking new co-production opportunities where Turnip + Duck can bring their experience in showrunning and production to bear on third-party projects, with access to Ireland’s tax breaks.
With a background in scripting, development and finance, Canavan-Hayes joins Turnip + Duck as Development Executive, responsible for driving and growing the company’s slate of originals and further developing the company’s existing network of writing room talent.
“As a writer-led studio, we believe that kids’ comedy is a serious business and we’re delighted to be joined by Rob and Laura for the next chapter of our story, expanding our network of international partners to bring even more great ideas to the world,” said Colm Tobin, Managing Director and co-founder (with fellow writer-producer Aidan O’Donovan) of Turnip + Duck.
Bob Higgins [ph: Caroline Sinno]Bob Higgins, the longtime kids and family entertainment executive who served as EVP, Content, Kids & Family for Boat Rocker Media, has been appointed to run a new entertainment company under the Trustbridge Global Media banner. The new company will source, develop and produce premium kids and family programming based primarily on the expansive library of titles inside the publishing houses, such as Alex Rider, Judy Moody, Maisy Mouse, Where’s Waldo and this year’s Caldecott winner, Watercress. In this newly created role, Higgins will serve as President and will run day-to-day operations, effective immediately. The announcement was made today by John String, Managing Director, Trustbridge Global Media, to whom NYC-based Higgins will report.
“My goal is to establish a creative environment for talented storytellers to feel supported, be authentic and make content that is distinctive and creatively brilliant,” Higgins said. “The Trustbridge family of publishers has incredible resources, a history of exceptionalism, great respect for the creative process and a library that has the potential to produce programming across multiple platforms that will resonate with young audiences everywhere. I’m grateful for my time at Boat Rocker and I am proud of the outstanding series we produced. I am excited to explore ways we can continue to collaborate with Boat Rocker in this new venture.”
Over the last four years, Higgins played a key role in building Boat Rocker into a leading independent content producer of popular kids and family entertainment. He oversaw the creative direction for the Boat Rocker Kids & Family business, including development, production and acquisitions of television and digital programming. He was instrumental in setting up projects with premium cable networks and streamers, including animated titles A Tale Dark & Grimm (Netflix), based on the bestselling book by Adam Gidwitz; the original hit preschool series Dino Ranch (CBC, Disney Junior); Love Monster (CBeebies, HBO Max), an animated children’s television series based on the books by Rachel Bright; as well as the recently announced Bad Kitty, based on Nick Bruel’s bestselling kids book series, which is in development.
Before Boat Rocker, Higgins served as EVP of FremantleMedia Kids & Family for eight years, growing that division into an industry leader with over a dozen series produced, including Danger Mouse and Kate & MimMim. Prior, he was CCO at WildBrain, where he served as exec producer for the Emmy-nominated animated series The Ricky Gervais Show (HBO). Higgins was also SVP, Programming and Development for Cartoon Network’s kids’ businesses, where he managed the development, production, acquisition and programming departments and oversaw new original animated series, shorts, Cartoon Network features and specials.
Joel Hynek
VFX & animation studio DNEG announced that Academy Award winner Joel Hynek has been hired as Visual Effects Supervisor on a to-be-announced title. Hynek, whose career spans over four decades and includes two Oscar wins for his groundbreaking work in visual effects, will be based out of DNEG’s Los Angeles studio.
“I am proud to be working with DNEG at such a thrilling and pivotal time in the world of visual effects,” said Hynek. “Technological advancement in our industry is opening previously unattainable creative possibilities, and DNEG is at the forefront of harnessing these technologies in pursuit of storytelling goals. Throughout my career I have endeavored to push the boundaries of what is possible in visual effects. Having recently supervised a short film that made full use of real-time technology in LED volume, as well as testing the full use of virtual production on a major Chinese production, I’m looking forward to more opportunities to bring these new technologies and workflows to some truly exciting upcoming projects.”
Hynek’s first honor from the Academy was a Scientific and Engineering Design Award for the design of the camera that made the effects for the original Predator possible. He earned his second for his contribution and most notably the memorable “Painted World” sequence for What Dreams May Come, which took home the Best Visual Effects at the 71st Academy Awards.
Other notable projects for which Hynek has served as VFX supervisor include Jumper, xXx, Stealth and The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, one of the first Chinese co-productions filmed in China. Other selected credits include: Dhoom 3, one of Bollywood’s highest-grossing films and the first Indian film to be released in IMAX; four seasons and 66 episodes of the Warner Bros./CBS vampire series The Originals; and big budget Chinese productions Crazy Alien, a top box office performer with a CG principal character, and The Yin Yang Master, which features 22 CG characters.
Grizzy and the Lemmings ⓒ HARI
French animation house HARI has appointed Corentin Besse as a Brand Manager. According to studio co-founder Josselin Charier, the goal is to “develop a complete brand strategy around IPs created by HARI, Grizzy and the Lemmings being on top of them.”
The flagship series Grizzy and the Lemmings was the most-aired French animated series worldwide in 2021 and hit the Netflix Top 10 TV Shows lists in more than 60 territories. The show’s official YouTube channel is also experiencing strong growth with more than 5 million subscribers and over 1 billion views per year.
The studio established HARI International in 2016 to handle the distribution and rights management for its in-house series. “We are delighted to welcome Corentin to develop the digital exposition of our brands, and manage Licensing & Merchandising activities. His marketing expertise and knowledge of the market will help us optimize the visibility of our brands and reveal their 360 degree potential,” added Charier.
L-R: (top) Shotopop, Michael Koerbel; (bottom) Amee Dolleman, Charles Pugliese, Jennifer Dubin, Mahita Penke [Disney/Craig Sjodin]
More Moves:
Psyop has signed London-based studio Shotopop for representation in the U.S. The studio specializes in design, animation and illustration, and has worked with major brands including Nike, Adidas, SPotify, Pepsi and KFC.
Eugene Hernandez is joining the Sundance Institute team as the next Director of the Sundance Film Festival and Head of Public Programming, beginning with the 40th edition in 2024.
Disney Branded Television announced more promotions recently to its Original Movies team: VPs Amee Dolleman and Charles Pugliese, exec directors Mahita Penke and Jen Dubin.
friends & family has signed Cannes Lion winner Michael Koerbel (AXE “Nothing Beats an Astronaut”) to its roster of directors.
Canela Media has appointed Oswald Méndez to the newly created position of Chief Marketing Officer.
TBD Post welcomes colorist Brian Singler to the team, bringing his bold style to the Austin studio.
Today (Friday) at D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, the cast and creative team of The Simpsons announced that Season 33 of the hit animated series will stream October 5 on Disney+. New art for the season was also unveiled.
In celebration of Disney+ Day yesterday, Welcome to the Club, a new short from The Simpsons, was released on the streaming service. In the latest short, it’s Disney+ Day and Lisa Simpson has her heart set on the ultimate princess transformation. After meeting some of Disney’s most notorious villains, Lisa is surprised to learn being bad just might be more fun.
Welcome to the Club is the latest in a collection of shorts from The Simpsons created exclusively for Disney+ that highlight the service’s marquee brands and most popular content. When Billie Met Lisa was nominated for Outstanding Short Form Animated Program at this year’s Emmy Awards. The previously released shorts Maggie Simpson in ‘The Force Awakens from Its Nap’; The Good, The Bart, and The Loki and The Simpsons in Plusaversary are currently available on Disney+.
Originally aired on FOX from September 2021 to May of this year, highlights of the 22-episode include the Emmy-nominated episode “Pixelated and Afraid” (directed by Chris Clements); the Writers Guild Award-nominated “Portrait of a Lackey on Fire (written by Rob & Johnny LaZebnik) and “The Star of the Backstage” musical romp (written by Elisabeth Kiernen Averick); the two-part crime thriller parody “A Serious Flanders”; and “Treehouse of Horror XXXII”, featuring an ode to gothic illustration icon Edward Gorey.
Guest stars for S33 include Kristen Bell (lending Marge her singing voice for “The Star of the Backstage”), Kerry Washington, Alan Cumming, Christine Baranski, Hugh Jackman, Megan Mullally, Chris O’Dowd, Brian Cox, Cristin Milioti, Timothy Olyphant, Jessica Paré, Kumail Nanjiani, John Mulaney, John Lithgow, Paul F. Tompkins, Seth Green, The Weeknd, Charli D’Amelio, Robert Reich and Gravity Falls creator Alex Hirsch.
You can find all currently available seasons of The Simpsons and the exclusive shorts in the Disney+ Simpsons Collection.
Peacock has announced Illumination’s Minions: The Rise of Gru will begin streaming exclusively on the platform September 23. Reaching No. 1 on the year’s animated movie charts, the fifth film of the popular franchise starring Oscar nominee Steve Carell explores the origin story of Gru and how he came to be the world’s greatest supervillain alongside his beloved minions.
The retro-styled CG action-comedy is directed by Kyle Balda, co-directed by Brad Ableson and Jonathan del Val, and also stars Russell Brand, Taraji P. Henson, Michelle Yeoh and Oscar winner Julie Andrews. The pic will hit Peacock straight from theaters, where it has totted up a box office take of $893.8 million ($360.6M domestically) for Universal Pictures.
Minions: The Rise of Gru
Synopsis: Long before he becomes the master of evil, Gru (Carell) is just a 12-year-old boy in 1970s suburbia, plotting to take over the world from his basement … It’s not going particularly well. When Gru crosses paths with the Minions, including Kevin, Stuart, Bob and Otto — a new Minion sporting braces and a desperate need to please — this unexpected family joins forces. Together, they build their first lair, design their first weapons and strive to execute their first missions.
When the infamous supervillain supergroup, the Vicious 6, oust their leader — legendary martial arts fighter Wild Knuckles (Oscar winner Alan Arkin) — Gru, their most devoted fanboy, interviews to become their newest member. The Vicious 6 is not impressed by the diminutive, wannabe villain, but then Gru outsmarts (and enrages) them, and he suddenly finds himself the mortal enemy of the apex of evil. With Gru on the run, the Minions attempt to master the art of kung fu to help save him, and Gru discovers that even bad guys need a little help from their friends.
Minions: The Rise of Gru is the latest addition to Peacock’s growing library of iconic films, with new movies coming from theaters including Jurassic World: Dominion, The Black Phone, The Bad Guys, Downton Abbey: A New Era, The Northman, Ambulance, Firestarter and The Outfit.
Minions: The Rise of Gru will be available for streaming on Peacock on September 23.
Crunchyroll is bringing Mobile Suit Gundam Cucuruz Doan’s Island to select theaters across its English-speaking territories this September. The film premiered in Japan in June.
The limited engagement includes a special two-day run in the United Kingdom on September 21 and 22 (with tickets on sale starting on September 16); in the United States on September 27 and 28; and in Canada on September 29 and October 1 (with advanced tickets for North America now on sale). The film will also have a special one-week engagement in cinemas in Australia beginning on September 29, with tickets on sale starting September 14.
Directed by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, Mobile Suit Gundam Cucuruz Doan’s Island is an adaptation of the 15th episode of the original 1979 Mobile Suit Gundam series, and for the first time ever, the film will be available to fans outside of Asia. It also marks the first time it will be available in both English subtitled and dubbed versions.
Synopsis: After a covert mission goes wrong, Mobile Suit pilot Amuro Ray and his comrades are stranded on a remote island. The battalion was sent to a land called the Island of No Return to clear off any enemy forces, only to find a group of children and an enemy mecha attack. Now, Amuro must find a way for them all to escape this mysterious land, but not before meeting a strange man — Cucuruz Doan.
Mobile Suit Gundam Cucuruz Doan’s Island (1 hr. 48 min.) is produced by Bandai Namco Filmworks with animation by Sunrise.
Mobile Suit Gundam began in 1979 as an animated series and exploded in popularity when Bandai launched toy models of the main character, Gunpla. Gundam is now a worldwide phenomenon that has over 40 years of anime, movies, toys , video games and is widely credited as starting the popularity of the giant robot genre.
Read more about the inspirations behind Gundam and its enduring legacy in this exclusive interview with creator Yoshiyuki Tomino.
The Pinkfong Company has teamed up with a digital IP entertainment company IPX (formerly known as Line Friends) and will jointly release Night at the Art Museum, a brand-new 2D animated series featuring their popular characters Baby Shark and Line Friends, beginning September 14.
Inspired by world-renowned paintings in art history, the six-episode series is part of a special collaboration to reach wider audiences across the globe. Key details of the partnership include a 2D animated series, exclusive merchandise and a global licensing program.
Night at the Art Museum follows Brown and Sally, the original characters from IPX, as they meet new friend Baby Shark in the world of masterpieces and journey on exciting adventures. Starting with “Birth of Venus (Sandro Botticelli),” each episode reimagines an iconic painting accompanied by compelling tunes and animations with a contemporary beat.
In addition to offering animated art experiences through captivating hommages to these masterpieces, the series helps both young and old to learn emotional and aesthetic sensibility in a fun and creative way. The new episode will be released every month on Pinkfong and Line Friends’ YouTube channels.
Following the co-produced animated series, The Pinkfong Company and IPX will jointly produce various exclusive products including bath products, apparel, stationery and more. These will be available to purchase on both official online and offline stores of Line Friends. Subsequently, both companies will introduce integrated marketing on Pinkfong and Line Friends’ official YouTube channels, which have 100 million subscribers worldwide together.
The two companies calibrated this collaboration to mass-produce content that conveys new fun and targets various fandoms. More particularly, premised on the unique content creation and storytelling planning capabilities of both companies, they are planning to further explore the distinct charms of Baby Shark and Line Friends, which are loved all over the world.
“With its unique creative capabilities, the special encounter of Baby Shark, the world’s only content IP that set a Guinness record of 10 billion YouTube views, and worldwide popular Line Friends characters marks a global phenomenon and a high-end collaboration that will capture hearts of global fans,” said Ryan Lee, Executive Vice President of The Pinkfong Company. “We look forward to both IPs will bring joy and inspiration to wider audiences worldwide through this collaborative content series of the two companies.”
Paramount+ today released an exclusive sneak peek of a scene from an upcoming episode of the hit original animated comedy series Star Trek: Lower Decks. The scene was revealed on-stage during today’s global live-streamed Star Trek Day celebration.
The sneak peek is of episode “Crisis Point 2: Paradoxus,” in which Boimler’s holodeck movie sequel tries to live up to the original, as seen in Season 1, which will be available to stream on Thurs., Oct. 13, exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S.
The Lower Deckk conversation at today’s Star Trek Day celebration featured voice cast members Tawny Newsome, who also co-hosted the event, Noël Wells and Paul F. Tompkins, who served as the moderator. Voice cast member Fred Tatasciore served as this year’s Star Trek Day announcer at the in-person event.
The streamer also revealed today that Season 1 of original animated kids’ series Star Trek: Prodigy will have its mid-season return on Thursday, Oct. 27, exclusively for Paramount+ subscribers in the U.S., Latin America, Australia, South Korea, and the U.K. It will air later in the year in South Korea, Germany, Italy, France, Austria and Switzerland. A mid-season return first-look clip was screened, featuring the U.S.S. Protostar crew and beloved character Murf as he completes his “metamurfosis.”
Billy Campbell
This first look clip also debuts Billy Campbell joining the voice cast with a recurring role. Campbell will reprise his Star Trek: The Next Generation role as Thadiun Okona, a roguish space captain who’s constantly outrunning trouble caused by his own tactics. When he runs into the young, impressionable Protostar crew, he’ll soon discover they are in more hot water than he is. Campbell joins previously announced recurring voice cast members Daveed Diggs (Commander Tysess), Jameela Jamil (Ensign Asencia), Jason Alexander (Doctor Noum) and Robert Beltran (Captain Chakotay).
“From early on in the writers’ room, we knew we wanted Captain Thadiun Okona to return and become a questionable guide to our impressionable crew,” said executive producers Kevin and Dan Hageman. “It was so much fun to not only explore where Okona’s outrageous life has taken him in his later years, but to also work with Billy Cambell who effortlessly fell back into the role of Okona like he had never left.”
The Prodigy conversation at today’s Star Trek Day celebration featured series voice cast members Kate Mulgrew and Brett Gray.
https://youtu.be/AsgEONjoEjY
The Star Trek Day celebration is available for fans to live-stream worldwide for free at StarTrek.com/Day and on YouTube (Paramount+ and Star Trek Official pages), Facebook (@StarTrek), Twitter (@StarTrekonPPlus) and TikTok (@ParamountPlus). It is available to stream for free in the U.S. only on Paramount+’s Twitch page. After the initial airing, the conversation portions of the event will be available on-demand on Paramount+.
Created by Emmy Award winner Mike McMahan (Rick and Morty, Solar Opposites), Season 3 of Star Trek: Lower Decks challenges the U.S.S. Cerritos ensigns in (hilarious) ways they could never imagine, starting with a shocking resolution for Season 2’s epic cliffhanger finale. The series is produced by CBS’ Eye Animation Productions, Secret Hideout and Roddenberry Entertainment. S3 launched August 25, with new episodes dropping Thursdays exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S. and Latin America, and is distributed concurrently by Paramount Global Content Distribution on Amazon Prime Video in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Japan, India and more and in Canada, airs on Bell Media’s CTV Sci-Fi Channel and streams on Crave.
‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’ S3. Episode 8 first look
Developed by Emmy Award winners Kevin and Dan Hageman (Trollhunters, Ninjago), the CG-animated series Star Trek: Prodigy is the first Star Trek series aimed at younger audiences, and follows a motley crew of young aliens who must figure out how to work together while navigating a greater galaxy, in search of a better future. These six young outcasts know nothing about the ship they have commandeered — a first in the history of the Star Trek franchise — but over the course of their adventures together, they will each be introduced to Starfleet and the ideals it represents.
The show is produced by CBS’ Eye Animation Productions, Nickelodeon Animation, Secret Hideout and Roddenberry Etnertainment. Prodigy is now streaming excxlusively on Paramount) in the U.S., LatAm, Australia, S. Korea and U.K., coming soon to Italy, GAS and France, and international Nickelodeon chanenels. In Canada, it airs on Bell Media’s CTV Sci-Fi Channel and streams on Crave. Distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.
Criterion has announced its first collaboration with Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, which will bring the beloved 2008 animated feature WALL•Einto the Criterion Collection family of premium home video releases this fall. The 4K UHD set will arrive packed with special features on November 22, with a price tag of SRP $49.95.
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Synopsis: A high-water mark of digital animation, this prescient vision of a dystopian future from director Andrew Stanton (A Bug’s Life, Finding Nemo,Finding Dory) is packaged within a dazzling pop-science-fiction love story, making for an urgent fable for our troubled millennium.
It’s the 29th century, and humans have long since fled Earth for outer space, leaving WALL•E, the last functioning trash-compacting robot, to go about the work of cleaning up a pollution-choked planet, one piece of garbage at a time. When he meets EVE, a fellow automaton sent to detect plant life, the pair are launched on an intergalactic quest to return humanity to Earth.
Transporting us simultaneously back to cinema’s silent origins and forward light-years into the future, WALL•E is a soaring ode to the power of love and art to heal a dying world.
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The Criterion Collection special edition release features a director-approved 4K digital remaster of the film, with Dolby Atmos soundtrack, with one 4K UHD disc of the film, presented in both Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10+, and two Blu-rays with the film and special features, as well as alternate 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio and stereo soundtracks.
Bonus Features:
Two audio commentaries: one featuring Stanton and the other, character supervisor Bill Wise, co-producer Lindsey Collins, story artist Derek Thompson and lead animator Angus MacLane
New featurettes on Stanton’s cinematic influences and production designer Ralph Eggleston’s color scripts
Tour of the Pixar Living Archive with Stanton
Behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film, including segments from early animation reels
The Pixar Story (2007), a documentary by Leslie Iwerks
More than a dozen documentaries exploring the film’s production and robots
Anatomy of a Scene: “The Plant,” a masterclass with Stanton
WALL•E: A to Z, a new program featuring Stanton and co-screenwriter Jim Reardon
Deleted scenes featuring commentary by Stanton
A Story (1987), a student film by Stanton
BURN•E(2008), a short film by MacLane
Trailers
English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
English descriptive audio
PLUS: An essay by author Sam Wasson; selections from Stanton’s sketchbooks, script notes, and drawings; and artwork from the WALL•E team
Banijay Kids & Family confirmed it has acquired Italian production company and animation-focused creative hub, Movimenti Production, as well as U.K. live-action drama specialists Kindle Entertainment. Banijay Kids & Family’s growing international division is now home to six production labels across France, the U.K. and Italy, alongside its distribution, marketing and licencing arm, Zodiak Kids & Family Distribution.
Established in 2004 with bases in Milan, Florence and Rome, Movimenti Production has created and produced animated TV series, feature films and short films including Topo Gigio (Topo Gigio Srl, Rai) and Tear Along the Dotted Line (Netflix). Along with iconic Studio Bozzetto, the label also created ForFun Media – The Animation Network (including 2D studio DogHead Animation and 3D production studio MoBo), an Italian industry first. In 2019, the business teamed up with publishing network Auzou to create Easy Peasy Entertainment, the independent animation production company based in
Paris.
Led by Giorgio Scorza (CEO, Director & Art Director) and Davide Rosio (CEO, Director & Art Director), the company has established itself as a leading driver in the young adult animation space, and as a solid preschool and kids’ animation partner, with high-quality standards, in both the Italian and international markets.
Benoît Di Sabatino
“Kindle Entertainment and Movimenti Production will be complimentary additions to the family, both bringing their own unique expertise, with consistent track records in delivering premium shows. This is a pivotal moment for Banijay Kids & Family, as we continue to grow our footprint and remain a key player in this competitive market,” said Benoît Di Sabatino, CEO, Banijay Kids & Family. “I look forward to working with such passionate and creative producers as Melanie [Stokes], Anne [Brogan], Giorgio, Davide and their incredibly talented teams, as we embark on the next phase of our journey. From preschoolers to the whole household, we are proud to offer a wide range of live and animated premium shows to broadcasters all around the world.”
Marco Bassetti, CEO, Banijay commented, “Since joining Banijay, Benoît has had huge ambitions for the kids’ portfolio. Gradually building a healthy collective of labels, an impressive slate of content and its own independent distribution engine, the division has gone from strength-to-strength. Adding the award-winning drama capabilities of Kindle Entertainment and the animation might of Movimenti Production will only further broaden the burgeoning group’s capabilities and appeal in this space.”
Led by Di Sabatino, Banijay Kids & Family is the dedicated production, distribution and sales division for children’s programming at Banijay, the world’s largest independent content creation and distribution group for television and multimedia platforms. Home to Zodiak Kids & Family Distribution, Zodiak Kids & Family France, Zodiak Kids & Family Productions U.K., Monello Productions, Tiger Aspect Kids & Family and, now, Movimenti Production and Kindle Entertainment, notable credits include Lilybuds, Little Princess, Lolirock, Horrid Henry, Max and Maestro, Marblegen, Mr Bean, Mumfie, Totally Spies! and Yellow Yeti.
“We’re thrilled to join a family, with whom we share core values such as the focus on storymaking and the constant search for the best way to do it,” said Movimenti’s Scorza and Rosio. “From now on, we will work in synergy with our new partners within Banijay Kids & Family to give even more strength to our production of original, innovative and high quality content, capable of conquering the international market. Local first remains key, and we will continue to bet on the extraordinary professionals we work with now, and hope to in the future, in order to bring the excellence of Italian talent in animation to an increasingly global level.”
Series creator Justin Roiland is keeping busy over at Hulu this fall. In addition to the recently announced The Paloni Show! Halloween Special!, executive produced with Ben Bayouth, the lovable invaders of Solar Opposites will be getting into the spooky seasonal mood with the new special A Sinister Halloween Scary Opposites Solar Special, premiering Monday, October 3.
Sometimes, aien life can be spooky. The Solar Opposites do a Halloween Special!
Solar Opposites is co-created by Roiland (Rick and Morty) and Mike McMahan (Rick and Morty, Star Trek: Lower Decks), and centers on a team of four aliens who are evenly split on whether Earth is awful or awesome. Korvo (voiced by Roiland) and Yumyulack (Sean Giambrone) only see the pollution, crass consumerism and human frailty, while Terry (Thomas Middleditch) and Jesse (Mary Mack) love TV, junk food and fun stuff.
In Season 3, launched this summer, this alien team strives to be less of a team and more of a family team.
Roiland and McMahan also serve as executive producers on the series, alongside Josh Bycel. Solar Opposites is produced by 20th Television Animation.
An all-new trailer heralds the return of the Adult Swim’s classic superhero team in the new movie Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm, sprouting on Digital, 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray on November 8 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. This second feature inspired by the longrunning Aqua Teen Hunger Force series promises the hilarious chaos fans expect, with a cholorphyll-packed punch.
Synopsis:Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm features everyone’s favorite rascals, the Aqua Teens: the brainy Frylock, the mouthy Master Shake, the loveable Meatwad, and everyone’s favorite perverted neighbor, Carl, as they split up then get back together to fight everyone’s favorite corporate overlord, Amazin, led by everyone’s favorite tech mogul, Neil (voiced by everyone’s favorite, Peter Serafinowicz) and his trusty scientist sidekick, Elmer (Paul Walter Hauser, who is everyone’s favorite).
The voice cast welcomes back series stars Carey Means (Aqua Teen Hunger Force, The Brak Show) as Frylock, Dana Snyder (Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Squidbillies) as Master Shake and co-creator Dave Willis (Squidbillies, Your Pretty Face Is Going to Hell) as Meatwad, joined by Serafinowicz (The Tick), Hauser (Black Bird), Natasha Rothwell (White Lotus), Robert Smigel (Bob’s Burgers) and Tim Robinson (Detroiters).
The Plantasm movie was written and directed by series creators Dave Willis and Matt Maiellaro and produced by Williams Street Productions. In 2023 Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm will also be available for streaming on HBO Max and will air on Adult Swim.
French studio Ellipse Animation is expanding its content range, with numerous projects of varying genres and target audiences in development through its various production labels. Two of these new series will be presented at Cartoon Forum in Toulouse (Sept. 19-22): preschool project Trotro & Zaza, based on Bénédicte Guettier’s illustrated books (Gallimard Jeunesse), and Dreamland, a teen/adult project in coproduction with La Chouette Compagnie, adapted from the manga of the same name (Pika Edition), which continues to win new fans.
“We are delighted to be in Toulouse this year with two projects which illustrate the diversity of our editorial line at Ellipse Animation. With this diversification, we will continue opening up new collaborations both in France and internationally. Our attendance at Cartoon Forum is a crucial step in this development strategy,” said Caroline Audebert, Managing Director of Ellipse Animation.
Dreamland
Announced at the 2022 Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Dreamland is Ellipse Animation’s new teen/adult project developed through Dupuis Edition & Audiovisuel with La Chouette Compagnie and in partnership with ADN (Animation Digital Network, Média-Participations’ dedicated animation streaming platform). Mediatoon on board for international distribution.
This adaptation of the manga created by Reno Lemaire is published by Pika Edition (20 volumes published to date and almost 600,000 copies sold, volume 21 is coming out on 12 October), the 10 x 24’ 2D animation series will take the viewer into the world of Terrence. By day he is a simple high-school student, trying desperately to follow boring classes and to get together with Lydia, the girl he’s fallen for. He is also terrified of fire since his mother died in a house-fire when he was only 7 years old. One night, in his dreams, he overcomes his fear and manages to bring a fire under control. He becomes a traveller, a very particular type of dreamer who, every night when he is asleep, is taken to Dreamland…
“Convinced of the universal scope of the story developed by Reno Lemaire since 2006, we have dreamed for years of adapting the manga Dreamland at La Chouette. Now it’s come true, thanks to ADN and Ellipse Animation,” said series producer Sylvain Dos Santos of La Chouette Compagnie. “The whole team is thrilled to bring this story to the screen and show this incredible world of dreams to as many viewers as possible both in France and around the world.”
Audebert added, “We are buoyed up by the great interest expressed in this new project following the screening of the trailer in Annecy. We’ve had more than 165,000 views on YouTube, along with the hundreds of thousands of views on Twitter. Another positive sign is the Dreamland, conference organised by Pika Edition at Japan Expo on 14 July which was extremely well received. This is only the beginning and we have every reason to dream of success for Dreamland.”
Ellipse Animation will present “Dreamland: When a successful MangFra (manga made in France) becomes an anime” Weds., Sept. 21 at 3 p.m. in teh Blue Room, with Audebert, Dos Santos and screenwriter Antoine Maurel (Droners S2, Imago, Marblegen).
Trotro & Zaza
Trotro & Zazais the latest iteration of a powerhouse IP of the past 20 years. The first series, which won the Unifrance Award for Audiovisual exports in 2017, is currently broadcast around the world, including on major platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. On YouTube, Trotro has generated more than 700 million views and gathered more than a million subscribers in the eight languages available.
This new series follows the famous little donkey at a time when he has to take on a massive new challenge: becoming a big brother to Zaza. Mediatoon will also be handling internatinoal distribution for this 2D preschool project.
“We are proud to accompany Trotro & Zaza in new stories crafted for younger audiences. These two endearing characters complete the family of iconic heroes from Ellipse Animation,” said Lila Hannou, VP Creative Development and Strategy at Ellipse Animation. “We know they have what it takes to reach the international success they deserve with children and their parents who have almost certainly enjoyed the first series.”
Throughout the 78 x 3’30″ episodes, Trotro will take on his new magical, gratifying and sometimes surprising role. He will have to share everything he learns, his emotions and even his toys! All sorts of important everyday activities between a brother and a sister will spice up their adventures and create a whole range of emotions shared by children the world over. All of this of course along with family love.
“I remember how happy I was to see Trotro animated and to hear his voice for the first time with the tests for the first series! I was on cloud nine! Now, he’s become a big brother and is back with his little sister Zaza, a mini-whirlwind who wants to have her say,” said Bénédicte Guettier, who wrote the books and is the graphic designer of the series.
“With adoration, arguments, messing around, mischief and affection, through their many adventures together they learn how to get to know each other and to find their own place. They have the keys for everything to go well, because even if ‘Trotro’s too funny,’ his little sister is ‘Zazadorable’!
“I love working on this new series with Gaëlle Guiny and Alexandre Coste: choosing the voices, finding the backgrounds, the bright colours, finalizing the outlines, the size of the eyes and the length of the ears, looking for the right gestures and expressions for the characters, and finally seeing them come to life!”
Hannou, Guettier, producer Gaëlle Guiny and director Alexandra Coste (Akissi: A Funny Little Brother) will present the Ellipse Animation pitch “Tratra & Zaza: A whole new preschool project based on a major property” on Thurs., Sept. 22 at 9:45 a.m. in the Blue Room at Cartoon Forum.
Weird Market is nearing its 14th edition, with the Spanish pro animation, video games and new media event set to take place in Valencia for the first time from September 27 to October 2. Accreditatations are now open.
Organizers have announced the 38 works from 18 countries around the world that will compete in the WFest international short film festival, as well as the 12 companies that will be part of the recruitment day.
WFest is divided into two contests: national and international. The films can be seen free of charge (after going through the box office) at the Filmoteca de Valencia (Rialto Building) on Tuesday, September 27; Thursday, October 29; and Sunday, October 2.
The Days That (Never) Were
The Spanish competition will contain 11 works — one of them, La Prima Cosa by Omar Al Abdul Razzak and Shira Ukrainitz in co-production with France. This documentary presented in Annecy shows the friendship between the only Israeli Orthodox Christian Arab clown and a Syrian girl who survived the war.
One of the hallmarks of this edition is the mix of emerging talent with established names such as Pedro Rivero. The winner of two Goya Awards (Birdboy and Birdboy: The Forgotten Children) is also the author of the script for The Platform, a feature film that has become a worldwide viral phenomenon. Rivero will arrive in Valencia with Kevin Iglesias to compete with The Days That (Never) Were. The production is endorsed by festivals such as San Sebastián, Sitges or Zinebi and has been selected internationally in the United States, Colombia, Croatia, Mexico, Turkey and Australia.
Roped
Among the works that will compete to be in the list of winners the last two Movistar+ Short Film Project Awards by Weird Market: He Ran Towards His Comrade by Genis Rigol and Roped by Carmen Córdoba. Two stories with a strong social charge, but from very different perspectives; while the first presents an elderly businessman in search of popularity that shows ethical and moral contradictions, the second presents the bonds between mother and daughter in a personal and intimate way. Córdoba’s first film, Roberto, won more than 160 national and international awards, including selection at 11 festivals that qualifying for the Oscars.
Current topics and conflicts will be very present in the film selection’s themes, with a clear example being The Heights by Alejandro Salgado, a multi-award-winning author who here sets his sights on the women porters on both sides of the Ceuta and Melilla borders. Muerte Murciélago by Carlos Saiz confronts the viewer with a child in an isolated town with toxic water, who begins to imagine his future far from there. Choche Hurtado brings Kokuruga #2, a short film that screened at Clermont Ferrand where its bitter humor and portrayal of the loss of innocence and the passage from childhood to preadolescence stood out.
Good Night Mr. Ted
Suspense and noir style feature in Naive Mischief in Oak Paso by Manson and Marc Torres, Good Night Mr. Ted by Nicolás Solé and Phonorama by Alex Rey. Animator and comic-book artist Torres uses a reduced color palette for this work that transports the atmosphere of series such as American Crime Story or Twin Peaks. Solé uses black and white to immerse a teddy bear in a classic police drama. Finally, Rey blends a passion for cinema, illustration and animation into his own spin on a story inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window.
Local talent that will also be represented by Nicolás Petelski and his short film Hot Singles in Your Area. Petelski participated with his debut film A Table Game in the 2018 edition.
Wet
The international competition will feature 27 short films from a total of 17 cinematographies from all over the planet. A wide amalgam of techniques ranging from stop motion to digital 3D to drawing on paper. The country with the greatest representation is France with a total of six works, three of them in co-production: Cuddle by Margot Reumont (co-production with Belgium), Anxious Body by Yoriko Mizushiri (Japan) and Yugo by Carlos Gómez Salamanca (Colombia). The rest are Absence by Marc Héricher, Horizon of Success by Théophile Gibaud and Wet by Marianne Bergeonneau, Mélina Mandon, Lauriane Montpert, Chloé Peyrebrune and Elvira Taussac.
The United Kingdom is a close second with five shorts: Night of the Living Dread by Ida Melum, Spring Roll Dream by Mai Vu, Your Mountain Is Waiting by Hannah Jacobs, Curiosa by Tessa Moult-Milewska and Black Slide by Uri Lotan (co-production with Israel).
Louis I. King of the Sheep
Tied with three works each are Germany and Switzerland. The first backs Benztown by Gottfried Mentor, Louis I. King of the Sheep by Markus Wulf and Hysteresisby Robert Seidel, while on the Swiss side are The Record by Jonathan Laskar, Sweet Nothing by Joana Fischer and Marie Kenov, and Sauna by Anna Lena Spring and Lara Perren.
The selection is completed by two short films from the Netherlands: Pig by Jorn Leeuwerink and Sprite Fright by Matthew Luhn; two works from the United States: Bottle Cap by Marie Hyon and Marco Spier, and Meal on the Plate by Chenglin Xie (in co-production with China); and the rest of the works that will fight for a place in the final list of winners are Elevator Alone by Anastasia Papadopoulou (Greece), Passenger by Juan Pablo Zaramella (Argentina), Amok by Balázs Turai (Hungary), Iizuna Fair by Sumito Sakakibara (Japan), Bestia by Hugo Covarrubias (Chile) and Dog-Apartment by Priit Tender (Estonia).
Iizuna Fair
One of the highlights in the agenda of each edition of the Weird Market is the recruitment day, where leading companies in the sector will seek to recruit new talent. A total of 12 international studios will have their talent scouts for this search that brings together multiple candidates every year.
On the morning of Thursday, September 29, 3 Doubles Producciones, Ánima Kitchent, El Ranchito, Hampa Studio, Mago Production, Lusco Fusco Animation, The Glow Animation Studio, Wise Blue Studios, B Water Animation Studios, The SPA Studios, Aupa Studio and TV ON Producciones will review portfolios and conduct interviews to build out their teams.
