Animation Magazine

Author: Mercedes Milligan

  • Anime Expo: Crunchyroll Reveals New Series, First-Looks & More

    Crunchyroll, the global leader in bringing the ultimate anime experience to audiences around the world, shared an incredible amount of exclusive announcements to attendees at this year’s Anime Expo in Los Angeles over the Fourth of July weekend. From My Hero Academia to Dragon Ball news along, acquisitions announcements for Solo Leveling and OVERLORD IV, as well as first looks at TRIGUN STAMPEDE, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2, To Your Eternity Season 2 and more, fans will have much to look forward to coming soon to Crunchyroll.

    During the Crunchyroll Industry Panel on Sunday, July 3, an abundance of electrifying news was delivered to whet fans’ appetite for some highly anticipated titles coming in the near future. The following announcements were made:

    SoloLeveling_TeaserVisual_Approved
    © Solo Leveling Animation Partners

    Solo Leveling – The beloved Korean manhwa written by Chugong and illustrated by DUBU (REDICE Studio) will be adapted into an anime series by A-1 Pictures and simulcast on Crunchyroll worldwide outside of Asia. The first key visual and English teaser trailer was revealed to much excitement. The production staff was also announced, which included:

        • Original Work: Solo Leveling by DUBU (REDICE Studio), Chugong, h-goon
        • Director: Shunsuke Nakashige
        • Head Writer: Noboru Kimura
        • Character Designer: Tomoko Sudo
        • Music: Hiroyuki Sawano
        • Animation Studio: A-1 Pictures

    Synopsis: It’s been over a decade since the sudden appearance of the “gates” — the paths that connect our world with a different dimension. Since then, certain humans have awakened to supernatural powers. We call these individuals “hunters.” Hunters make their living by using their powers to conquer dungeons inside the gates. In this world of tough customers, the low-ranked hunter Jinwoo Sung is known as “the weakest hunter of all mankind.” One day, Jinwoo gets fatally injured when he runs into high-rank double dungeons hidden within a low-rank dungeon. Just then, a mysterious quest window appears in front of him. On the verge of death, Jinwoo decides to accept the quest and starts leveling up… while the others aren’t.


    “About six years ago when I was writing the very beginning of Solo Leveling, if someone had said to me, ‘The novel you wrote will become a comic,’ I bet I’d have told them to stop pulling my leg. But now, I’m told that it’ll be animated?! Seriously, stop pulling my leg!” said Chugong. “But these days, I’m feeling excited and thrilled. Since I’m still half-doubting that this is real, I want to see Jinwoo and the other characters get animated soon and feel relieved. I’ll keep working diligently while looking forward to that day.”

    “Solo Leveling is finally making its anime debut. It feels like only yesterday that we got the offer for the anime adaptation. I feel so overwhelmed when I think that the anime is really being created right now,” added DUBU. “This is all thanks to you fans who love and support Solo Leveling. I’m filled with gratitude. Thank you very much. Also, please support the animation production team. If this anime gives new enjoyment to the readers, I’ll be very happy.”

     

    Princess Connect! Re: Dive – Crunchyroll Games presented the summer campaign for Princess Connect! Re: Dive along with year two of the swimsuit character events that are currently underway! A limited-time Makoto (Summer) character was released on July 4.

     

    Overlord_S4_BaseAssets_16x9_Alt
    ©Kugane Maruyama, Plubished by Kadokawa Corporation/OVERLORD4PARTNERS

    OVERLORD IV – New key art was unveiled to confirm that Crunchyroll will stream the fourth season of the popular anime series on its platform starting July 5 for the Summer 2022 anime season.

    Synopsis: Newly crowned Ains has big plans for his Sorcerer Kingdom, but so do his enemies. Deep in the mountains of Azerlisia lie the Dwarves’ mortal enemy, a demi-human race, the Quagoa, gathered ready to invade. To make matters worse, other kingdoms conspire to overthrow the undead king! Will his vision for a utopia come to fruition? Heavy lies the crown, even for the guy with unlimited power.

     

    Hello Kitty x Fruits Basket collab – BoxLunch announced the launch of this super cute collab, with the first piece available for purchase at Anime Expo. The full collection of Fruits Basket x Hello Kitty and Friends, which brings together Sanrio’s beloved characters with Tohru Honda and the shape-shifting Soma clan, launches at BoxLunch and Hot Topic this August.

     

    Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 – The second season of Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation has been acquired by Crunchyroll and will be simulcast in 2023. An all-new thrilling trailer made its world premiere, featuring heroes Rudy, Sylphy, Roxy and Eris on their next adventures.

     

    Tomo-chan Is a Girl! Teaser Visual Final
    ©Fumita Yanagida, Seikaisha/Tomo-chan Is a Girl! Project

    Tomo-chan Is a Girl! – An anime adaptation for the manga written and illustrated by Fumita Yanagida has officially been announced and will be produced by studio Lay-duce. The series will be simulcast on Crunchyroll starting January 2023. Fans were given a first look with an all-new key visual along with a teaser trailer subbed and dubbed.

    The English and Japanese voice of Carol Olston is performed by Sally Amaki. Tomo Aizawa will be voiced by Rie Takahashi in Japanese and Lexi Nieto for the English dub. Kaito Ishikawa will be voicing Junichiro Kubota and Rina Hidaka will be voicing Misuzu Gundo, both for the Japanese voiceover. The main production staff will consist of the following:

    • Original Work: Fumita Yanagida (Seikaisha COMICS)
    • Director: Hitoshi Namba
    • Assistant Director: Noriko Hashimoto
    • Head Writer: Megumi Shimizu
    • Character Designer: Shiori Hiraiwa
    • Music: Masaru Yokoyama
    • Animation Studio: Lay-duce

     

     

    To Your Eternity Season 2 – Announced recently to arrive on Crunchyroll this Fall 2022 anime season, a brand new trailer was revealed for the highly anticipated second season of To Your Eternity.

     

    TheTaleOfOutcasts_EN_authorcommentThe Tale of Outcasts – A new teaser visual was revealed for the anime adaptation of The Tale of Outcasts. It was accompanied by an original illustration and a special message from the manga’s author, Makoto Hoshino.

    Synopsis: The demon by her side is her salvation. The girl by his side is his pastime. Their encounter in the late nineteenth-century British Empire begins the tale of a search for someplace to belong. To their fellow outcasts, this demon and girl whisper their tale in the dark of night.

     

    Saint Seiya - Knights of the Zodiak_BaseAssets_16x9_Alt
    ©Masami Kurumada / Toei Animation

    Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac – Battle for Sanctuary – After recently announcing the acquisition, it was shared that Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac – Battle for Sanctuary will premiere on Crunchyroll this Summer. The series’ sub and dub versions will appear on the platform the same day they are released.  Dub languages will include English, Latin American Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese.

     

    In/Spectre Season 2 – Fans were treated to the world premiere of the first in/Spectre Season 2 trailer. Season 1 can be binged on Crunchyroll now.

     

    MyHeroAcademia_S5_OVA_EN_KV_16x9_US Logo
    ©K. Horikoshi / Shueisha, My Hero Academia Project

    On Friday, July 1 during the North American premiere of the two new My Hero Academia Season 5 OVAs, HLB and Laugh! As if you are in hell, which will make their debut on Crunchyroll on August 1 at 5 a.m. Pacific Time. The OVAs (Original Video Animation) will be subbed and dubbed.

     

    TRIGUN STAMPEDE Teaser Trailer Still 5 – ©2023 Yasuhiro Nightow, SHONENGAHOSHA _ TRIGUN STAMPEDE Project
    TRIGUN STAMPEDE ©2023 Yasuhiro Nightow, SHONENGAHOSHA _ TRIGUN STAMPEDE Project

    At the TRIGUN STAMPEDE Lock ‘n Load Panel!! on Saturday, July 2, attendees were shown the first look trailer teasing footage of a young Vash and his twin brother Knives, as well as Rem, who tries to send the brothers to safety. Time flies, and we see Vash grown up to be a wanted man with $$60 billion bounty on his head. A new key visual featuring Vash the Stampede also debuted for the newly announced anime series reboot that will be streaming on Crunchyroll in 2023.

    Additionally the Japanese voice cast was announced, which included Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as Vash Stampede, Junya Ikeda as Knives Millions, Tomoyo Kurosawa as Young Vash, Yumiri Hanamori as Young Knives and Maaya Sakamoto as Rem Saverem. It was also announced that Kenji Muto will direct the series.

    Panelists on site included Yasuhiro Nightow (author), Kouji Tajima (concept artist), Kiyotaka Waki (producer, Orange), Yoshihiro Watanabe (producer, Orange) and Katsuhiro Takei (producer, Toho).

    “Rather than simply tracing the original manga that started 27 years ago, we wanted to define the meaning of creating this work as an entertainment piece in this day and age. So Nightow-sensei, producers, and I talked again and again. In the far distant future, a spaceship lands on an unexplored planet called No Man’s Land. Reminiscent of the American Old West, the residents of No Man’s Land, who are the immigrants from Earth, create a new, free world where myriads of cultures and religions coexist, with guns in their hands. While it’s a fantasy, we wanted to illustrate a world that resonates with our reality. We feel close and are drawn to the characters who do whatever they please in that world.,” Muto shared during the panel.

    “It’ll be a super cool battle-action series where outlaws, sheriffs and gunslingers are constantly blazing guns. And please sense the twin brothers’ clash of fate that lies underneath. It’s my directorial debut, so it might not be perfect. But I’m confident that it’s a ‘flawed-yet-attractive’ product. Please enjoy the journey of the invincible gunman Vash the Stampede, who never stops running away with no guns and no violence.”

     

    For those who couldn’t make it to the panels or attend Anime Expo, Crunchyroll hosted daily recaps on its Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube Channel, giving fans all the greatest highlights from each day, including panels, cosplay, fan interviews, collectible features, and so much more.

  • News Bytes: Raphael Saadiq Tunes Up ‘Moon Girl’, ‘Samurai Rabbit’ Renewed, ‘Duncanville’ Canceled & More

    News Bytes: Raphael Saadiq Tunes Up ‘Moon Girl’, ‘Samurai Rabbit’ Renewed, ‘Duncanville’ Canceled & More

    Three-time Grammy winner Raphael Saadiq has been named executive music producer for Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, the highly anticipated animated series following 13-year-old super-genius Lunella Lafayette (a.k.a. Moon Girl) and her 10-ton T-Rex, Devil Dinosaur, as they protect New York City’s Lower East Side from danger.  Based on Marvel’s hit comic books, the Disney Branded Television series is slated to premiere in 2023 on Disney Channel and Disney+.

    Raphael Saadiq _ Moses Mitchell
    Raphael Saadiq [photo: Moses Mitchell]
    “I am proud to be working with Disney Branded Television on this groundbreaking new series featuring a female African American Marvel Super Hero, who is smart, funny, compassionate and a born leader,” said Saadiq, who has produced and co-written for top artists including Justin Timberlake, John Legend, Snoop Dogg, Solange Knowles, Mary J. Blight, Elton John and Mick Jagger. “I look forward to helping the creative team bring the show to life through music.”

    Saadiq, a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer, will lead the songwriting and musical underscore that reflects the many cultures and communities of New York City (hip-hop, pop, R&B, jazz, Jamaican, funk, Latin, etc.). The news, along with a video featurette highlighting Saadiq and the music in the series, as well as exec producers Laurence Fishburne and Steve Loter, was revealed today (Friday, July 1) during a panel at ESSENCE Festival of Culture in New Orleans.

     

    In addition to dating more fun animated family series and movies for summer, Netflix will be deliverying more Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles to fans sometime soon with an all-new Season 2. Based on the classic Usagi Yojimbo comics created by Stan Sakai, the series follows Miyamoto Usagi’s teenage descendent, Yuichi, on his epic quest to become a true samurai. Together with his ragtag team of misfit heroes (and faithful pet lizard), Yuicui battles a variety of strange cyberpunk monsters in a futuristic yet classical version of Japan.

    Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles
    Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles [courtesy of Netflix © 2022]
    The series is produced with Gaumont, Dark Horse and Atomic Monster, led by exec producers Doug Langdale and Candie Kelty Langdale.

    Kids and family audiences can also keep their eyes peeled for new animated preschool series Big Tree City and Deepa & Anoop, plus fresh batches of The Creature Cases (S2), Go, Dog, Go! (S3), Mighty Expess (S7) + Mighty Express Short Tracks and Team Zenko Go (S2), and the return of kids’ faves Angry Birds: Summer Madness (S3) and He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (S3).

    Duncanville
    Duncanville [© 2022 by 20th Television, Universal Television LLC and Fox Media LLC.]
    After a three-season run, Fox has canceled the Amy Poehler animated comedy Duncanville, which premiered its final episode this week (June 26).  Co-created by The Simpsons veterans Mike Scully and Julie Thacker Scully, the series centers on a teenage boy who relies on his vivid imagination to help alleviate the humdrum days waiting for adulthood. Poehler voiced both Duncan and his mom, Annie.

    “Mike Scully, Julie Thacker Scully and Amy Poehler delivered a unique animated family comedy with a distinct voice and point of view that we are proud of,” Fox said in a statement. “But we can confirm that this season will be its last on Fox. We look forward to the opportunity to work with Amy, Mike and Julie in the future.”

    Despite Season 1 averaging 2.3 million multiplatform viewers and being Fox’s most-streamed new comedy for the season, as well as scoring the net’s most-streamed animated debut on record, the show lagged over this past season as the least watched Fox animated series, The Hollywood Reporter highlights. Duncanville averaged about 650K viewers with a week of delayed viewing for 2021-22 (exc. streaming).

    PBS KIDS’ new logo (left) and previous design

    PBS KIDS, the #1 educational media brand for children in the U.S., announced a comprehensive update to its logo for the first time in two decades. The new logo, set to debut on July 19, builds on an expanded graphics package that began rolling out last year, which features a bright updated color palette and an array of people and environments. The refreshed look is designed to build on the equity and strength of the PBS KIDS brand and optimized for today’s digitally-focused kids and families.

    Audiences will see a new text-focused logo dominated by bright, fun colors, large bold lettering and clear visuals. With feedback from parents, kids, and experts in the field, the logo’s use of PBS KIDS text only reinforces the beloved, trusted and familiar brand name and signals fun, safe, educational content for families. The new logo’s colors, including PBS’ blue and PBS KIDS’ green, combined with the style of the iconography, are also designed to complement the iconic PBS brand.

    PBS KIDS worked with Lippincott, a global creative consultancy, to develop the new logo.

    Complementing the logo redesign, PBS KIDS recently worked on an expansion to its brand package that is reflective of the kids and families they serve. The creative includes a vibrant color pallet with combinations that conform with accessibility standards, whimsical typography, engaging design elements and new visuals of people and places that bring a diversity of culture, race, ethnicity, geography, family structure, varying abilities, body type and more to the PBS KIDS visual world. The approach was to build on the existing graphics package, adding new friends to join PBS KIDS’ longstanding animated kids Dot, Del and Dee as part of one welcoming PBS KIDS world.

    AIM Creative Studio
    AIM Creative Studio

    Liz Laine Reps, Inc. announced the addition of AIM Creative Studios (aimcreativestudios.com) to their roster for North American representation. Owner of LLR, Liz Shaw, as well as her west coast
    partner Noelle Whitfield Campergue will seek out new and promising opportunities for AIM in their fields of cinema, television, advertising, digital media and more.

    AIM Creative Studio is an animation-driven production company focused on creating digital content for cross-platform communication and entertainment. With a unique combination of creative and technical talent, a carefully curated network of visual artists, in-house music and a
    dedicated production team, the Portugal-based outfit conceives, directs and produces for a variety of platforms, since 2014.

    See more of AIM’s work on the LLR website.

    The Sea Beast OST

    Ahead of its Netflix debut on Friday, July 8, Sony’s Milan Records has released an original sea shanty track from the animated family adventure flick, The Sea Beast. The movie features music by there-time Grammy-winning composer Mark Mancina, reuniting him with Moana director Chris Williams. The soundtrack is available for pre-order now.

    With original lyrics by the acclaimed songwriting duo of Nell Benjamin and Laurence O’Keefe (Legally Blonde: The Musical, Mean Girls), “Captain Crow” (listen here) is an exuberant track written in the style of a Celtic sea shanty to accompany the onscreen story of seafaring monster hunters. With its large, lively chorus, rousing fiddle and a steady rhythm of handclaps, “Captain Crow” is the perfect soundtrack to life on the high seas. The song makes its debut today alongside an official lyric video.

    “Every great sea adventure needs a great sea chanty. For this song, we looked to our ancestral Irish tradition of cheerfully bloodthirsty tunes with great melodies,” said Benjamin & O’Keefe. “Ironically, we’ve written cheerfully bloodthirsty songs before for musicals like Heathers and Mean Girls, but here was a chance to write one to be hollered in a dockside tavern. We hope sea dogs of all kinds will belt it until the oceans are safe or the pub closes.”

     

  • GKIDS Dates ‘Goodbye, Don Glees!’ Theatrical Outings

    GKIDS Dates ‘Goodbye, Don Glees!’ Theatrical Outings

    GKIDS announced today it will bring Goodbye, Don Glees! to cinemas nationwide this September. Produced by the acclaimed studio Madhouse, the film is the first original feature from writer/director Atsuko Ishizuka, who previously directed the widely lauded series A Place Further Than the Universe. The news was shared timed to the film’s North American premiere at Anime Expo today (Friday, July 1).

    Goodbye, Don Glees! will play in cinemas nationwide on Wednesday, September 14 (Japanese language) and Thursday, September 15 (English language dubbed). Fan preview events will be followed by a limited theatrical release in select markets nationwide by GKIDS starting Friday, September 16.

    Goodbye, Don Glees!
    Goodbye, Don Glees!

    Goodbye, Don Glees! follows the story of three friends over the course of one summer, as their backyard adventures turn one small incident to a life changing journey. It was domestically released in February 2022, and stars famed Japanese voice actors Ayumu Murase (Shoyo Hinata in Haikyu!!), Natsuki Hanae (Tanjiro Kamado in Demon Slayer), Kana Hanazawa (Akane Tsunemori in Psycho-Pass), and Yuuki Kaji (Eren Jaeger in Attack on Titan).

    Tickets will be on sale on Friday, August 5 at FathomEvents.com, GoodbyeDonGlees.com and participating theater box offices. The ticket on-sale date may vary by cinema, so check back often. (Theaters and participants are subject to change).

     

    Synopsis: Teen misfits Roma, Toto and Drop call themselves the “Don Glees,” an informal name for their backyard adventures. One day, when the trio gets blamed for a nearby forest fire, they set off into the woods to prove their innocence. As disaster strikes their expedition, tensions flare between the friends as they realize that growing up has taken them on wildly different paths in life.

    Director Atsuko Ishizuka follows up her critically acclaimed series A Place Further Than the Universe with her first original feature film. With luminescent animation and lush backdrops, Goodbye, Don Glees! is a tender coming-of-age story about the fearlessness of being young and the bittersweet journey of self-discovery.

    The core creative team also includes art director Ayano Okamoto (Given) and character designer Takahiro Yoshimatsu (HUNTER X HUNTER, Ninja Scroll, Trigun).

  • ‘RWBY’ X ‘Justice League’ Movie Announced at RTX

    ‘RWBY’ X ‘Justice League’ Movie Announced at RTX

    Kicking off today, RTX Austin 2022 brings the Rooster Teeth community back together to celebrate the best in podcasting, gaming and animation, live and in person for the first time after two years of RTX at Home. Rooster Teeth personalities and special guests take over Austin for three days of panels, live shows, gaming booths, special events, meet-and-greets and more this weekend.

    The RTX Animation Festival returns with a highly-anticipated panel from Rooster Teeth’s beloved RWBY franchise. Writers and directors Kerry Shawcross and Eddy Rivas were joined by supervising producer Laura Yates and lead voice actresses Lindsay Jones (Ruby Rose), Barbara Dunkelman (Yang Xiao), Arryn Zech (Blake Belladonna) and Kara Eberle (Weiss Schnee).

    Our huntresses have been busy with new friends and foes: The cast and crew dropped some big announcements and previews from the RWBY universe…

    RWBY JL Movie

    Rooster Teeth is currently in production on the first ever RWBY feature film, animated and produced by the same team that produces RWBY in partnership with Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. The film is set to premiere in 2023 and will introduce a new original RWBY/DC crossover story with The Justice League, building on the breakthrough hit RWBY/Justice League comic-book series. This film will expand the world of the crossover with a wholly original story.

    Fans also got a sneak peek of RWBY Volume 9, set to premiere in early 2023. After the harrowing events of Volume 8, our heroines are thrust into an unknown world — the Ever After! However, once Team RWBY explores this strange and mysterious realm, they quickly discover it might not be quite as unknown as they first assumed. As they journey to find a way back home, they’ll have to overcome some of their toughest challenges yet — the struggle of their own identities, and whether or not they’re equipped to stop Salem.

    And the action is heating up on the frozen tundra of Remnant! Rooster Teeth teamed up with independent game studio WayForward (Shantae, River City Girls) and publisher/developer Arc System Works (Guilty Gear -Strive-) to reveal new gameplay details and a fresh look at the upcoming, all-new, 2D action-adventure video game set in the RWBY universe, RWBY: Arrowfell.

    Debuted at RTX, the trailer provides fans an updated look at RWBY: Arrowfell‘s combat, puzzles, visuals and play mechanics. The game will be available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC in Fall 2022.

    RTX Austin kicks off just ahead of the highly anticipated release of RWBY: Ice Queendom, the Japanese anime series co-created with Rooster Teeth, which debuts on Rooster Teeth FIRST on Sunday, July 3.

    RWBY is set in a world filled with horrific monsters bent on death and destruction, where humanity’s hope lies with 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.

    All eight current volumes of RWBY are available to stream on Rooster Teeth.

  • ‘Star Trek: Prodigy’ Beams to Nickelodeon July 8

    ‘Star Trek: Prodigy’ Beams to Nickelodeon July 8

    Ordinary kids embark on extraordinary situations in the original animated series Star Trek: Prodigy, making its weekly debut on Nickelodeon beginning Friday, July 8 at 8 p.m. (ET/PT). In the one-hour premiere, “Lost & Found,” Dal must gather an unlikely crew for their newfound ship if they are going to escape Tars Lamora, but The Diviner and his daughter Gwyn have other plans.

    Episodes will continue to debut Fridays on Nickelodeon through August 5.

    “Generations of fans around the globe love Star Trek, and we’re so excited to introduce our young audience to the franchise when Star Trek: Prodigy airs on Nickelodeon this Summer,” said Claudia Spinelli, Senior Vice President, Big Kids Animation, Nickelodeon. “The Nick DNA is woven into the heartwarming friendships, high-stakes action, and beautiful animation, making this series a perfect fit in our content library.”

    Star Trek: Prodigy
    (L-R) Rylee Alazraqui as Rok-Tahk, Ella Purnell as Gwyn, Brett Gray as Dal, Jason Mantzoukas as Jankom Pog and Angus Imrie as Zero in ‘Star Trek: Prodigy’ (Nickelodeon/Paramount+ ©2022 Viacom International. All Rights Reserved.)

    Star Trek: Prodigy follows a group of lawless teens as they discover a derelict Starfleet ship and use it to search for adventure, meaning and salvation. The teens 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 stellar voice cast includes: Rylee Alazraqui as Rok-Tahk, a Brikar and an unusually bright eight-year-old girl; Brett Gray as Dal, a 17-year-old unknown species who fancies himself as a maverick; Angus Imrie as Zero, a Medusan — a noncorporeal, genderless, energy-based lifeform; Jason Mantzoukas as Jankom Pog, a 16-year-old Tellarite known to relish an argument; Ella Purnell as Gwyn, a 17-year-old Vau N’Akat who was raised on her father’s bleak mining planet; Dee Bradley Baker as Murf, an unknown but endearing, indestructible blob with curiously good timing and an insatiable appetite for ship parts; and Kate Mulgrew as Hologram Captain Janeway, the starship’s built-in emergency training hologram.

    Star Trek: Prodigy
    Kate Mulgrew as Hologram Captain Janeway in ‘Star Trek: Prodigy’ (Nickelodeon/Paramount+ ©2022 Viacom International. All Rights Reserved.)

    Following the linear debut of Star Trek: Prodigy, episodes will become available on Nick.com, the Nick App, and Nick On Demand, with additional encores airing across Nicktoons. Star Trek: Prodigy is also available to stream on Paramount+, with new episodes dropping on the service later this year.

    Star Trek: Prodigy is produced by Nickelodeon Animation, led by President of Animation Ramsey Naito, and CBS Studios’ Eye Animation Productions and Roddenberry Entertainment. Alex Kurtzman, Heather Kadin, Aaron Baiers, Katie Krentz, Rod Roddenberry and Trevor Roth serve as executive producers, alongside co-showrunners Kevin and Dan Hageman (Trollhunters, Ninjago) and Ben Hibon (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1), who also directs and serves as executive producer and the creative lead of the animated series.

  • Trailer: ‘Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons’ Marks WB Animation’s First All-CG Feature

    Trailer: ‘Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons’ Marks WB Animation’s First All-CG Feature


    Legacies must rise to unearthly challenges as the children of Batman and Superman are charged with saving their famous fathers – and the world – in Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons. Warner Bros. Animation’s first-ever all-CG animated, feature- length film will be available from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack (SRP $29.99 U.S.; $34.99 Can.), Blu-ray (SRP $24.99 U.S.; $29.99 Can.) and Digital on October 18.

    Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, DC and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, the PG-13 rated movie begins as 11-year-old Jonathan Kent discovers he has superpowers, thrusting the half-Kryptonian into the complicated world of Super Heroes and Super-Villains – who are now under attack by a malevolent alien force known as Starro! It’s a race against time as Jonathan must join forces with assassin-turned-Boy Wonder Damian Wayne to rescue their fathers (Superman and Batman) and save the planet by becoming the Super Sons they were destined to be!

    Jack Dylan Glazer (Shazam!, Luca, It) and Jack Griffo (The Thundermans) lead the voice cast as Jonathan Kent and Damian Wayne, respectively. The supporting cast features Troy Baker (The Last of Us, Batman: The Long Halloween) as Batman/Bruce Wayne, Travis Willingham (Critical Role, Sofia The First) as Superman/Clark Kent, Laura Bailey (The Legend of Vox Machina, Naruto: Shippûden) as Lois Lane, Darin De Paul (Overwatch, Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge) as Lex Luthor & Starro, Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants) as Green Arrow & Penguin, Zeno Robinson (Big City Greens, Pokémon) as Jimmy Olsen & Melvin Masters, Nolan North (Uncharted video game franchise, Young Justice) as Jor-El and Myrna Velasco (DC Super Hero Girls, Star Wars Resistance) as Wonder Girl & Lara.

    BatmanSuperman_BattleOfTheSuperSons_4K_3D

    Matt Peters (Justice League Dark: Apokolips War) directs Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons from a script penned by Jeremy Adams (Mortal Kombat Legends franchise). Producer is Jim Krieg (Batman: Gotham By Gaslight) and supervising producer is Rick Morales (Injustice, Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders). Michael Uslan and Sam Register are executive producers.

    The 4K, Blu-ray and Digital releases include the brand-new featurette, Rival Sons: Jonathan and Damian: Legacies collide as Jonathan Kent and Damian Wayne set aside their differences, forming an unlikely alliance to save the world.

    Fans can catch up with the expansive canon of popular DC Universe Movies, DC Animated Movies and many other animated DC films and television series streaming on HBO Max.

  • People on the Move: Kelci Parker Named Hulu Animation VP, CHOGRIN Hits Stores & More

    Kelci Parker [photo: Mindy Tucker]
    Kelci Parker [photo: Mindy Tucker]
    Hulu Originals has appointed Kelci Parker to the newly created position of Vice President, Animation, to support continued efforts to expand the streamer’s adult animation offerings. Parker will oversee both development and current programming efforts and will report to Jordan Helman, Head of Scripted Content. The Hulu Originals primetime toon slate includes Solar Opposites, Marvel’s Hit-Monkey, the upcoming Koala Man and the return of Futurama.

    A member of the Hulu team since July 2020, Parker served as the lead development/current programming exec on both Hit-Monkey and Marvel’s M.O.D.O.K., as well as the live-action comedy hits Only Murders in the Building, Life and Beth and How I Met Your Father, while cultivating relationships with up-and-coming comedy talents. She was promoted to VP of Comedy Originals in November 2021.

    Named one of Essence‘s 150 Black Women in Hollywood and a Rising Star by Shadow & Act earlier this year, Parker began her comedy career as an assistant to Comedy Central President Kent Alterman, making her way to Director of Original Content for the cabler. She previously worked at Dickhouse Entertainment and for director Spike Jonze.

    [Source: Deadline]

    CHOGRIN
    CHOGRIN & “Elegorgon”

    Joseph Game, a.k.a. CHOGRIN, shared news of multiple exciting projects this week. In addition to working on beloved animated series like Adventure Time, Regular Show and Big City Greens, the artist has  explored the many facets of pop culture as an illustrator and storyteller,  from curating and participating in art gallery exhibitions to writing bilingual children’s books. Most recently, CHOGRIN has ventured into the world of limited edition vinyl toys.

    For his latest vinyl toy release, CHOGRIN has teamed up with Netflix to bring his unique style to the Stranger Things universe with the creation known as “Elegorgon” — a fusion design of the popular characters of Eleven + Demogorgon. The toy as well as a line of apparel and accessories featuring the Elegorgon design are now available through the official Netflix Store.

    CHOGRIN AMS
    “Guru del Toro” & ‘Kid del Toro’

    At the same time, CHOGRIN’s enlightening “Guru del Toro” vinyl toy and wonderfully charming English & Spanish-language children’s book Kid del Toro (both tributes to iconic filmmaker Guillermo del Toro) are both now available to purchase at the Academy Museum‘s official store. Featuring art by Pakoto, the book is inspired by childhood stories shared by del Toro, and follows young Guillermo as he defies his Abuela and stays up to read monster stories — and unexpectedly makes his first best friend.

    CHOGRIN is also working on his animated short film, Lucky Brave’s Sunshine, which is set to hit the festival circuit in 2023. The film is written and co-directed by CHOGRIN. Afterwork studio MATTE CG (matte.cg) is producing and animating in Ecuador. The film is a coming -of-age space western about a young space cowboy who must go on a quest to save his sick grandmother. Check out the teaser!

     

    Sara Stapleton
    Sara Stapleton

    Leading skill-based games developer Tether Games (tethergames.com) has brought on Sara Stapleton to its women-led executive team as General Counsel, Chief Business Officer and Secretary.

    Stapleton most recently served as VP Acquisitions & Business Affairs at Zynga where she led investment, partnership and M&A strategy for the social casino team. She will leverage her 20 years of experience in the Silicon Valley among private equity, private and public companies, and venture capital firms in acquisitions and divestitures, joint ventures, minority investments and structured finance transactions to help further drive Tether Games’ next phase of growth.

    Tether Games

    The news falls on the heels of Tether Games’ recent growth announcement of achieving $250 million in total gross lifetime revenue for the company in 2021 and taking its total catalog up to 27 titles downloaded by over 30 million players worldwide. Tether Games’ extensive catalog of skill-based games allows players to engage in head-to-head competitions, large multi-entry tournaments and bracket-based tournaments. Players can join multi-round tournaments for the chance to earn cash rewards as well as other prizes, including trophies.

     

    Yarin Manes
    Yarin Manes

    Multidisciplinary content creation studio AFX Creative (afx.tv) continues to expand its diverse, award-winning creative roster with the hiring of Head of CG Yarin Manes, formerly at The Mill. Manes will be tasked with helping to expand the current team with additional top talent, and believes it’s important to ensure a high level of culture and connection  despite a remote work model: “In my opinion, the strength of a team is directly reflected in the final outcome of a project. When the team is solid, the end result in the work truly shows,” Manes noted.

    Manes brings nearly two decades of working as a VFX artist and lead to the post. Highly skilled in all 3D generalist functions with specialization in look development, lighting and compositing, his extensive career includes working at high-profile VFX-intensive productions and award-winning CG studios for film, TV, commercials and music videos with clients such as Apple, Nike, Ford, BMW, Pepsi, Target and Audi. In 2021, Manes received a VES Award for his role as CG lead on the Walmart Super Bowl spot “Famous Visitors.”

    Akira Ishizawa
    Akira Ishizawa

    Nippon TV, Japan’s leading multiplatform entertainment powerhouse, announced that Akira Ishizawa, former Senior Executive Operating Officer, has been promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer. The promotion announced Wednessday is effective immediately.

    Ishizawa replaces Yoshikuni Sugiyama, who will be taking the new position of Chairman of Nippon TV. Furthermore, Mikiko Nishiyama, currently Managing Director of International Business Development, has been promoted to Executive Vice President of International Business Development and will oversee the international sector of this new Content Strategy Division.

    Additionally, Nippon TV announced the establishment of a new Content Strategy Division that aims to accelerate large-scale co-development and co-production projects with streamers, broadcasters and producers around the world. Already having experienced tremendous global success with its scripted and non-scripted formats, the goal is to build new strategic creative collaborations with international partners to create original content for viewers worldwide.

    The studio’s parent company, Nippon TV Holdings, where Ishizawa will also be President and Chief Executive Officer, will maintain the investment budget of ¥100 billion to strengthen and expand its media content business as well as businesses that contribute to society, to enter new areas with the aim of achieving sustained growth in corporate value.

  • GKIDS Sets Cinema List for ‘The Deer King’ US Release

    GKIDS Sets Cinema List for ‘The Deer King’ US Release

    Masashi Ando and Masayuki Miyaji’s sweeping fantasy epic The Deer King is ready to whisk moviegoers away to a bygone world of magic, peril and destiny when GKIDS kicks off the nationwide limited theatrical release on July 15. The distributor has released the initial list of participating venues across the U.S., which you can check out below.

    Synopsis: In the aftermath of a brutal war, former soldier Van toils in a mine controlled by the ruling empire. One day, his solitary existence is upended when a pack of wild dogs carrying a deadly and incurable disease attack, leaving only Van and a young girl named Yuna as survivors. Finally free, the pair seek out a simple existence in the countryside but are pursued by nefarious forces. Intent on protecting Yuna at all costs, Van must uncover the true cause of the plague ravaging the kingdom — and its possible cure.

    The Deer King
    The Deer King

    The Deer King marks the directing debut of Masashi Ando, whose work as animation director on landmark films Spirited Away, Paprika and Your Name. helped shape the world of modern animation. Miyaji previously directed the 2012 feature Fusé: Memoirs of the Hunter Girl and served as assistant director on Studio Ghibli’s Oscar-winning Spirited Away. The film is produced by Japan’s Production I.G studio (Ghost in the Shell, FLCL).

    The Deer King
    The Deer King

    The new English dub features the voices of Ray Chase as Van, Griffin Puatu as Hohsalle, Erica Schroeder as Sae, Luciana VanDette as Yuna, Doug Stone as Tohlim, Neil Kaplan as Aquafa King, Frank Todaro as Kenoi, Luis Bermudez as Makokan, Keith Silverstein as Ohfan, Chris Hackney as Yotalu, Doug Erholtz as Utalu, Xander Mobus as Shikan, Larissa Gallagher as Van’s Wife and Kiya, Michael Deaner as Van’s Son and Yoki’s Son, Stefan Martello as Tohma, Steve Kramer as Ohma, Edna Larsen as Ohma’s Wife, Marc Thompson as Yoki, Stephanie Sheh as Yoki’s Wife and Kazan Woman, and Grant George as Hohsalle’s Assistant.

    The Deer King Participating Theaters:

    • Phoenix, AZ – AMC Ahwatukee 24
    • Arcadia, CA – AMC Santa Anita 16 with IMAX, Dolby
    • Burbank, CA – AMC Burbank 16 with IMAX, Dolby, Prime
    • City of Industry, CA – AMC Puente Hills 20 with IMAX, Dolby
    • Modesto, CA – The State Theater of Modesto
    • Orange, CA – AMC Orange 30 with IMAX, Dolby
    • San Bernardino, CA – AMC DINE-IN Ontario Mills 30 with Dolby
    • San Diego, CA – AMC Mission Valley 20 with IMAX, Dolby
    • Highlands Ranch, CO – AMC Highlands Ranch 24 with IMAX, Dolby
    • Westminster, CO – AMC Westminster 24 with IMAX, Dolby, Prime
    • Plainville, CT – AMC Plainville 20 with IMAX, Dolby
    • Kennesaw, GA – AMC Barrett Commons 14 with IMAX
    • Lawrenceville, GA – AMC Sugarloaf Mills 18 with Dolby
    • Orange Park, FL – AMC Orange Park 24 with IMAX, Dolby
    • South Miami, FL – AMC Sunset Place 24 with IMAX, Dolby
    • Tampa, FL – AMC Veterans 24 with IMAX, Dolby
    • Chicago, IL – AMC River East 21 with Dolby
    • Naperville, IL – AMC Naperville 16 with IMAX, Dolby
    • Schaumburg, IL – AMC Streets Of Woodfield 20 with IMAX
    • Skokie, IL – AMC Village Crossing 18 with IMAX, Dolby
    • Indianapolis, IN – AMC Indianapolis 17 with IMAX, Dolby
    • Plainfield, IN – AMC Perry Crossing 18 with Dolby
    • Leawood, KS – AMC Town Center 20 with IMAX, Dolby
    • Charlotte, NC – AMC Carolina Pavilion 22
    • Concord, NC – AMC Concord Mills 24 with IMAX, Dolby
    • Durham, NC – AMC DINE-IN Southpoint 17 with IMAX, Dolby
      • Carolina Theater
    • Cherry Hill, NJ – AMC Cherry Hill 24 with IMAX, Dolby
    • New York, NY – AMC Empire 25 with IMAX, Dolby, Prime
    • Methuen, MA – AMC Methuen 20 with IMAX, Dolby
    • Sterling Heights, MI – AMC Forum 30 with IMAX, Dolby
    • Coon Rapids, MN – AMC Coon Rapids 16
    • Kansas City, MO – Armour Theatre (Screenland Armour)
      • AMC Barrywoods 24 with IMAX, Dolby, Prime
    • Columbus, OH – AMC DINE-IN Easton Town Center 30 with IMAX, Dolby, Prime
    • Dublin, OH – AMC Dublin Village 18
    • Oklahoma City, OK – AMC Quail Springs 24 with IMAX, Dolby
    • Bensalem, PA – AMC Neshaminy 24 with IMAX, Dolby
    • Pittsburgh, PA – Row House Cinema
    • West Homestead, PA – AMC Waterfront 22 with IMAX, Dolby
    • Franklin, TN – AMC DINE-IN Thoroughbred 20 IMAX, Dolby
    • Murfreesboro, TN – AMC CLASSIC Murfreesboro 16
    • Arlington, TX – AMC Parks at Arlington 18 with IMAX, Dolby
    • Grapevine, TX – AMC DINE-IN Grapevine 30 with IMAX, Dolby
    • Houston, TX – AMC Gulf Pointe 30 with IMAX, Dolby
      • AMC Willowbrook 24 with IMAX, Dolby
    • Mesquite, TX – AMC DINE-IN Mesquite 30 with IMAX, Dolby
    • Sugar Land, TX – AMC First Colony 24 with IMAX, Dolby, Prime
    • Alexandria, VA – AMC Hoffman 22 with IMAX, Dolby
    • Virginia Beach, VA – AMC Lynnhaven 18 with IMAX, Dolby

     

    www.TheDeerKing.com

    The Deer King

  • Watch: Nick Tunes Up Musical Specials for ‘The Loud House’ & ‘The Casagrandes’

    Watch: Nick Tunes Up Musical Specials for ‘The Loud House’ & ‘The Casagrandes’

    Two toe-tapping new half-hour specials for Nickelodeon original animated series The Loud House and The Casagrandes will bring musical mayhem to screens this Friday, July 1!

    The Loud House - Save Royal Woods!
    The Loud House – Save Royal Woods!

    Kicking off at 7 p.m. (ET/PT), The Loud House special “Save Royal Woods!” sees the Royal Woods under threat of being flooded to make room for a sixth Great Lake, bringing the town together to prove that they’re worth saving.

    Joining the cast in this episode are Emmy Award-winner Christine Baranski (The Good Fight) as Joyce Crandall, the perky and often clueless Under Secretary of Water Leisure for the state of Michigan; and Yvette Nicole Brown (Big Shot) as Mayor Davis, a quirky and fun working mom who loves her trademark pantsuit.

    “Save Royal Woods!” features four original songs: “Already Forgot About You,” performed by Joyce, and “Flippee Jingle,” “Keep Us Around” and “Right Where We Belong,” sung by the Loud family and residents of Royal Woods.

    The voice cast of The Loud House includes Bentley Griffin as Lincoln Loud; Jaeden White as Clyde McBride; Catherine Taber as Lori; Liliana Mumy as Leni; Nika Futterman as Luna; Cristina Pucelli as Luan; Jessica DiCicco as Lynn and Lucy; Grey Griffin as Lola, Lana and Lily; and Lara Jill Miller as Lisa.

    The Casagrandes - Phantom Freakout
    The Casagrandes – Phantom Freakout

    Then at 7:30 p.m. (ET/PT), The Casagrandes are in for a “Phantom Freakout”! Ronnie Anne and the gang are going to be in 12 is Midnight’s new music video, but things go awry when a ghost wreaks havoc in the concert hall. The kids and the band have to find out how to appease the ghost, and quick!

    Returning as Yoon Kwan, the Korean-American lead singer of the global K-pop sensation 12 is Midnight, is guest star Justin Chon (Blue Bayou). The episode features one original song, “Classic,” performed by 12 is Midnight.

    The voice cast of The Casagrandes includes Izabella Alvarez as Ronnie Anne, Carlos PenaVega as Bobby, Sumalee Montano as Maria, Carlos Alazraqui as Carlos, Roxana Ortega as Frida, Alexa PenaVega as Carlota, Jared Kozak as CJ, Alex Cazares as Carl, Ruben Garfias as Hector, and Sonia Manzano as Rosa.

    The Loud House - Save Royal Woods!
    The Loud House – Save Royal Woods!

    The Loud House debuted on Nickelodeon in May 2016 and centers on 12-year-old Lincoln Loud and his ten sisters as he gives an inside look at what it takes to survive the chaos of a huge family. As one of the longest-running animated series on Nickelodeon with 176 episodes, the property also has been translated into a comic book series, which continues to roll out new stories, chapter books, a digital album, and a podcast, Listen Out Loud. The series is executive produced by Michael Rubiner. Kyle Marshall serves as co- executive producer and Ashley Kliment-Baker is art director.

    The Casagrandes - Phantom Freakout
    The Casagrandes – Phantom Freakout

    Emmy Award-winning The Casagrandes tells the story of Ronnie Anne, who moves to the city with her mom and older brother to live with their big, loving family, the Casagranddes. A spinoff of The Loud House, the series showcases the culture, humor, and love that’s part of growing up in a multigenerational Mexican-American family. The series is executive produced by Michael Rubiner and co-executive produced by Miguel Puga and Alan Foreman. Miguel Gonzalez serves as art director.

  • Netflix Plans a Summer of Family Fun with First Looks at ‘Lost Ollie’, ‘Rise of the TMNT’ & More

    Netflix Plans a Summer of Family Fun with First Looks at ‘Lost Ollie’, ‘Rise of the TMNT’ & More

    The days in the Northen Hemisphere are getting hotter, but families everywhere can beat the heat, reconnect and stay entertained thanks to a sizzling slate of new series and movies heading to Netflix. Through a blog post today, the streamer unveiled further details and first-looks at highly anticipated toon projects.

    First up, Netflix unvieled first-look images for the hybrid event series Lost Ollie, which arrives August 24. Created, written and executive produced by Shannon Tindle (Kubo and the Two Strings), the show is an epic adventure about a lost toy who braves the many dangers of childhood as he searches the countryside to reunite with the boy who lost him; and the story of the boy who lost more than a best friend. It’s a heartwarming tale for the child in us all, remembering those special souls that we’ve lost but who forever changed our lives.

    Inspired by the book Ollie’s Odyssey from celebrated author-illustrator William Joyce, Lost Ollie is directed and exec produced by Oscar winner Peter Ramsey (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse), and stars Jonathan Groff, Mary J. Blige, Tim Blake Nelson, Gina Rodriguez, Jake Johnson and Kesler Talbot. Shawn Levy and Josh Barry executive produce for 21 Laps Entertainment along with Emily Morris as co-executive producer. Brandon Oldenburg and Lampton Enochs also executive produce.

    Also coming out of its half-shell is Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie, which debuted colorful, comicky 2D images sure to bring fans straight back to the sewer. The superhero comedy feature produced by Nickelodeon Movies and Nickelodeon Animation Studios is set to premiere August 5, with Leo, Raph, Donnie and Mikey facing off against the terrifying Krang in defence of planet Earth!

    The movie is directed by series developers Ant Ward and Andy Suriano, and  stars the voices of Ben Schwartz, Omar Benson Miller, Brandon Mychal Smith, Josh Brener, Kat Graham, Eric Bauza and Haley Joel Osment.

    And fans of the Fleischer-esque fun of The Cuphead Show! will be excited to hear that new episodes arrive August 19! Check the teaser if you missed it earlier this month:

    Netflix Family Summer 2022 Slate animation highlights:

    Plus, families can experience their favorite characters and stories in real life by visiting the Netflix Family Summer activity truck, featuring character meet and greets, exclusive giveaways and photo opportunities. For the latest information on locations, times and more, visit and bookmark Tudum. Activity Truck U.S. Tour Schedule:

    • July 9 – Los Angeles, California
    • July 10 – San Diego, California
    • July 12 – Long Beach, California
    • July 16 – Chicago, Illinois
    • July 19 – Minneapolis, Minnesota
    • July 23 and 24 – Boston, Massachusetts
    • July 31 and August 1– Atlanta, Georgia
    • August 14 – Houston, Texas
    • August 28 – Miami, Florida

    To keep the fun going at home, download the activity guide here and check out the “Summer Break” content collection for even more summertime viewing suggestions. To get the latest on Netflix Family Summer, follow on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest (#NetflixFamilySummer).

     

  • Sesame Workshop Taps Guru Studio for ‘Charlotte’s Web’ Miniseries

    Sesame Workshop Taps Guru Studio for ‘Charlotte’s Web’ Miniseries

    Guru Studio officially started work on a faithful retelling of the beloved classic Charlotte’s Web, as a new family miniseries produced by Sesame Workshop for HBO Max. The stylized 3D-rendered adaptation was first announced earlier this year, and will be available in 2024.

    This is the second partnership between Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, and Guru Studio, the Toronto-based animation powerhouse. Guru is currently in production on Sesame Street Mecha Builders, the animated spin off which reimagines Elmo, Cookie Monster and Abby Cadabby as robot superheroes-in-training.

    “Having collaborated with Guru on an earlier series, we know them to be a leader in animated storytelling, captivating and inspiring kids and families around the world with their stunning visuals,” said Kay Wilson Stallings, EVP, Creative and Production, Sesame Workshop. “We’re excited to start production on a faithful retelling of one of the most beloved children’s novels and address the important topics of life, friendship, and selflessness.”

    Frank Falcone, President and Executive Creative Director at Guru Studio, shared, “We’re thrilled to once again work with the incredible team at Sesame Workshop to help them create the definitive version of this classic and beloved story for a whole new audience.”

    E.B. White’s timeless story Charlotte’s Web tells the story of a livestock pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur’s life is in danger, Charlotte weaves messages in her web, praising Wilbur in order to drum up public support and persuade the farmer to let him live.

    Production on Charlotte’s Web began at Guru Studio earlier this month, as the studio ramps up hiring across a range of roles and departments. For a list of open positions, please visit Guru Studio’s Careers Page.

    For over 20 years, Guru Studio has brought to life some of the most recognizable and beloved children’s properties in the world including the smash hit PAW Patrol, True and the Rainbow Kingdom, Pikwik Pack, Big Blue, Justin Time and Ever After High. Guru Studio was also a major contributor to the Oscar-nominated animated feature The Breadwinner.

    www.gurustudio.com

    Charlotte's Web

     

  • Prepare for Full Nuclear Karen! Paramount+ Teases Next ‘South Park’ Movie

    Prepare for Full Nuclear Karen! Paramount+ Teases Next ‘South Park’ Movie

    Paramount+ today announced that the service’s next South Park made-for-streaming movie, South Park The Streaming Wars: Part 2, will premiere Wednesday, July 13 in the U.S. and roll out internationally in all markets where the service is available.

    In South Park The Streaming Wars: Part 2, a drought has brought the town of South Park to the brink of disaster. (And Randy to the edge of his sanity, if the teaser is any indication.)

    This year, South Park the series celebrates the 25th anniversary of its August 13, 1997 debut on Comedy Central. Stan, Kyle, Cartman and Kenny were first seen in the animated short The Spirit of Christmas, and from there were launched into television history.

    Building on MTV Entertainment Studios’ new and expansive deal with co-creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker, South Park has been renewed on Comedy Central through 2027, taking cable’s longest-running scripted series through an unprecedented 30th season.

    Parker and Stone are executive producers, along with Anne Garefino and Frank C. Agnone II. Eric Stough, Adrien Beard, Bruce Howell and Vernon Chatman are producers. Christopher Brion is the creative director of South Park Digital Studios.

    The first three South Park events – South Park: Post COVID, South Park: Post COVID: The Return of COVID and South Park The Streaming Wars  – are available to stream exclusively on Paramount+.

    paramountplus.com | southpark.cc.com

    South Park The Streaming Wars: Part 2

  • Toonz Teams with Leadbelly Prod., NXT GEN for ‘Creepy Candy’

    Toonz Teams with Leadbelly Prod., NXT GEN for ‘Creepy Candy’

    Global kids and family entertainment major Toonz Media Group is partnering with Leadbelly Productions to co-produce a brand-new animation property, titled Creepy Candy.

    Developed by multi-award-winning creator and founding president of Leadbelly Productions, Alan Jude Summa, Creepy Candy is targeted at children ages 4-11. Season 1 of the 2D-animated show will comprise 26 episodes of three minutes and is slated to launch in October 2022. The project’s first phase will also include producing a 30-minute Halloween special to be released in October 2023.

    “The creation of the Creepy Candy brand was in development for over a year, preparing the concept to bring to market,” noted Summa. “We are excited about our partnership with Toonz Media Group, to bring the story and characters to life in a new animated series and Halloween special. For years this space has been content with the usual traditional holiday programs. Creepy Candy is bringing something new and fresh to captivate the imaginations of children and adults alike. We’re bringing the fun and excitement of Halloween all year round! The special is scheduled to air October 2023 and promises to be a new classic for this popular time of year.”

    Creepy Candy is the tale of a bag of candy accidently left behind in a spooky, old library. On Halloween night the candies mysteriously comes to life and is joined by host spirit, Ty Poe, who haunts the old library. The result is a creepily comedic adventure with the candies frantically trying to avoid being eaten by the delightfully wicked librarian, Miss Page Turner, who must consume sweets, or her scary dark side comes out. This unique cast of crazy characters, along with a host of spirits living in the library who comes alive at night and the circumstances they find themselves in, is certain to create a concoction of comedy, chaos and creepy fun!

    Creepy Candy characters
    Creepy Candy characters

    “Creepy Candy is a unique property that offers us immense opportunities to explore beyond series development. Our idea is to develop this property into a 360-degree brand that includes digital media shorts, mini-movies, consumer products and other L&M avenues,” said Toonz Media Group CEO P. Jayakumar.

    Licensing veteran and CEO of NXT GEN Brand Marketing Debi Rosenfeld will work with Toonz on building the brand in the consumer products market.

    “I am thrilled to be working with the Toonz Media Group and Leadbelly Production team to partner on the consumer products program,” said Rosenfeld. “We will be supporting the team by building a robust merchandising & licensing portfolio with key manufacturers and promotional partners. The Creepy Candy animation series and Halloween special will be packed full of fun, with its spooky candy characters and their creep-elicious adventures, is sure to delight and captivate young fans around the globe.”

    The Creepy Candy animated series will be distributed worldwide to television and OTT partners by Toonz Entertainment, the distribution wing of Toonz Media Group. Toonz will also leverage its digital ecosystem, social media and existing partnerships with AVOD platforms to build the brand.

    toonz.co | nxtgenbrand.com

  • OddBot to Develop and Animate Trio of Critically Acclaimed Graphic Novels

    OddBot to Develop and Animate Trio of Critically Acclaimed Graphic Novels

    OddBot Inc., the production company behind Disney Junior’s Emmy Award-nominated CGI Muppet Babies, Netflix’s Action Pack and other hit programs, has optioned and plans to develop three graphic novels into animated series and a special. Each of the critically acclaimed titles — The Cardboard Kingdom, Séance Tea Party and The Okay Witch — is full of imagination and unafraid to take on real-life issues faced by kids as they come of age.

    “Kids are growing up faster than ever today, and we love how these stories show them overcoming inherent obstacles through imagination and creativity,” said Chris Hamilton, President of OddBot. “They also feature stand-out characters that will resonate with both kids and their parents, strengthening bonds and initiating conversations.”

     

    Press Release V03 copy
    OddBot is adapting ‘The Cardboard Kingdom,’ ‘Séance Tea Party” and ‘The Okay Witch’ into imaginative animated projects

    The Cardboard Kingdom (11-minute CG/2D series) affirms the power of imagination and play during the most important years of adolescent identity-searching and emotional growth. Drawn and co-written by Chad Sell, its award-winning story touches on themes like family conflict, inner-strength and gender identity, as we meet a diverse neighborhood of kids who transform ordinary boxes into colorful costumes — knights and rogues, robots and monsters — creating adventures filled with humor and action.

    Séance Tea Party (60-minute CG special), by Reimena Yee, is a beautiful, middle-grade graphic novel about the trials of growing up. In this fantastical story, 12-year-old Lora Xi wants to stay a kid forever, and she’ll do anything to make that happen… including befriending Alexa, the ghost who haunts her house. What follows is a journey of self-discovery as the lovable characters each realize what it means to be who you are.

    The Okay Witch (22-minute CG series), based on the critically acclaimed graphic novel debut from Emma Steinkellner, is a story packed with humor and heart about the weird and wonderful adventures of a witch-in-progress. Thirteen-year-old Moth Hush learns the surprising truth about the history of her hometown and her family as she attempts to control her new powers. But with the help of her best friend (who has a secret of his own), her mom, a few good witches and her talking cat, Moth might just be okay.

    OddBot is a prolific animation studio that has worked with a who’s who of networks and studios. In addition to producing three seasons of Muppet Babies with Disney Junior and Netflix’s popular preschool series Action Pack, OddBot was enlisted by Stampede Ventures to produce Mo Willems’ highly anticipated Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Underground Rock Experience! — a stunning CGI-animated hour of “underground” music and comedy debuting June 30 on HBO Max’s Cartoonito.

    Hamilton added,“While OddBot is known for our work in the preschool space, these three latest titles are fantastic additions to an already growing slate of kids and family projects with more complex, relatable storylines, and we’re excited to help them jump off the page where they’ll be enjoyed by new and existing fans alike onscreen.”

    www.oddbot.net

     

  • New Report Highlights Greater Need for Inclusivity & Diversity in Kids’ Media

    New Report Highlights Greater Need for Inclusivity & Diversity in Kids’ Media

    Family-focused marketing agency Kids Industries (Ki) launched a new report today exploring the concept of diversity and inclusion amongst children and their parents — and what this looks like in the media that they engage with.

    The survey — carried out across 2,001 parents of children (aged 5-15) in the U.K. and U.S.A. — paints a picture of rising concerns from parents over screen time, yet also acknowledges how they appreciate the benefits of digital play. There is however a desire from parents for more inclusive media attributes.

    “Play underpins everything that our children will become — it is, as Maria Montessori said, ‘The work of the child.’ Our research indicates that 67% of parents feel their children’s schools are good or excellent when it comes to their diversity and inclusion policies and approaches which shows there is much more work to be done,” commented Gary Pope, CEO & Co-Founder of (Ki) and Children’s Commisioner for Products of Change.

    “We must listen to children and parent voices and ensure their needs and wants are reflected in the media that they consume. Nothing is more important than protecting and promoting a child’s right to play and making those play experiences the very best that they can be is essential and something that the industry needs to give serious consideration.”

    Real world issues in TV and film

    Children’s Media Consumption (Across TV & Film) Must Be More Inclusive

    What parents notice: Almost three quarters of all parents questioned said that their child enjoys watching and listening to stories about characters who look or are different to them (67% in the U.K., 79% in the U.S.) and 64% said their child would like to see more characters who are like them in the media.

    Key issue: Seventy-four percent of parents agree that their child learns about people who are different from them through the media they consume — yet alarmingly, 49% say that this media features many negative stereotypes of different groups (42% in the U.K., rising to 56% in the U.S.).

    Glitch-Tech
    Eric Robles and Dan Milano’s ‘Glitch Techs’ (Nickelodeon/Netflix) was applauded for its diverse cast of gamer heroes triumphing through teamwork.

    Moving forwards: Just over half of all U.K. and U.S. parents (53%) would like to see more positive role models in the media. Forty-one percent would also like to see more storylines that explain real-world issues to children — a similar figure as those who would like more ‘soft’ education content, e.g. problem solving (43%). Programs that involve traditional education, e.g. maths skills, appealed to 38% of parents.

    In terms of representation, 26% of parents want to see equal gender representation (22% in the UK and 30% in the U.S.) and 29% expressed a desire for more ethnically diverse characters — again, higher amongst U.S. parents (33%).

    Better disability representation was requested by 23% of parents and 12% would like to see increased LGBTQ+ representation.

    El Deafo
    Based on CeCe Bell’s autobiographical graphic novel,  Humanitas Prize-nominated ‘El Deafo’ (Apple TV+) takes a creative approach to demonstrating disability challenges for young viewers.

    Subtitles or Closed Captions (CC) Appeal to Both Disabled and Non-Disabled Children

    What parents notice: Seventy-four percent of U.S. parents reported that their child watches content with subtitles or closed captions (CC) — with 24% choosing to use them all or most of the time. This compares with 54% in the U.K. using subtitles or CC and nine percent using them all of the time. Half of U.S. and U.K. parents (50%) of parents said that their child needed subtitles/CC to enjoy media content.

    The Owl House
    Dana Terrace’s Peabody Award-winning ‘The Owl House’ broke new ground for Disney with its first leading same-sex couple (and their first kiss)!

    Founded in 2002 by Gary Pope and Jennifer Blows, Kids Industries (Ki) is the only full-service marketing agency that specializes in the family market. This team of award-winning business, strategy & creative experts, have worked with brands including LEGOLAND (Merlin), Peppa Pig (eOne), The Gruffalo (Magic Light Pictures), Star Wars (Disney) and Doctor Who (BBC Worldwide), as well as global charities, in sports, travel and a host of FMCG, QSR & retail brands.

    www.kidsindustries.com

  • Academy Invites 397 to Membership for 2022

    Academy Invites 397 to Membership for 2022

    The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is extending invitations to join the organization to 397 artists and executives who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures.

    Membership selection is based on professional qualifications, with an ongoing commitment to representation, inclusion and equity remaining a priority. The 2022 class is 44% women, 37% belong to underrepresented ethnic/racial communities and 50% are from 53 countries and territories outside the United States (with Short Films and Feature Animation being one of the groups with a majority of candidates from outside the U.S.). There are 71 Oscar nominees, including 15 winners, among the invitees.

    Additional statistics are available here.

    Four individuals have been invited to join the Academy by multiple branches (marked with asterisks). These individuals must select one branch upon accepting membership. Those who accept the invitations will be the only additions to the Academy’s membership in 2022.

    The 2022 Short Film and Feature Animation Branch invitees are:

    • Murad Abu Eisheh – Tala’vision, Ta Hariri
    • Olivier Adam – Sing 2, Minions
    • Michael Arias – Harmony, Tekkonkinkreet
    • Evren Boisjoli – Fauve, What Remains
    • Maria Brendle – Ala Kachuu – Take and Run, The Stowaway
    • Sean Buckelew – Drone, Hopkins & Delaney LLP
    • Olivier Calvert – Bad Seeds, Animal Behaviour
    • Enrico Casarosa – Luca, La Luna
    • Karla Castañeda – La Noria (The Waterwheel), Jacinta
    • Hugo Covarrubias – Bestia, The Night Upside Down
    • K.D. Dávila – Please Hold, Emergency
    • Charlotte De La Gournerie – Flee, Terra Incognita
    • Luc Desmarchelier – The Bad Guys, Open Season
    • Anton Dyakov – Boxballet, Vivat Musketeers!
    • Brian Falconer – Saul & I, Boogaloo and Graham
    • Youssef Joe Haidar – Scoob!, Animated American
    • Andy Harkness – Vivo, Get a Horse!
    • Pierre Hébert – Thunder River, Memories of War
    • Aneil Karia – The Long Goodbye, Work
    • Brooke Keesling – Meatclown, Boobie Girl
    • Nadine Lüchinger – Ala Kachuu – Take and Run, Puppenspiel (Puppet Play)
    • Tadeusz Łysiak – The Dress, Techno
    • Joe Mateo – Blush, Big Hero 6
    • Sharon Maymon – Skin, Summer Vacation
    • Kathleen McInnis – Mama, Downturn
    • Yvett Merino – Encanto, Wreck-It Ralph
    • Alberto Mielgo – The Windshield Wiper, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
    • Les Mills – Affairs of the Art, The Canterbury Tales
    • Jetzabel Moreno Hernández – The Followers, Plums and Green Smoke
    • Dan Ojari – Robin Robin, Slow Derek
    • Brian Pimental – Tarzan, A Goofy Movie
    • Mikey Please – Robin Robin, The Eagleman Stag
    • Erin Ramos – Encanto, Frozen II
    • Mike Rianda – The Mitchells vs. the Machines
    • Doug Roland – Feeling Through, A Better Way
    • Leo Sanchez – The Windshield Wiper, Over the Moon
    • Marc J. Scott – The Boss Baby: Family Business, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
    • Sarah Smith – Ron’s Gone Wrong, Arthur Christmas
    • Daniel Šuljić – From Under Which Rock Did They Crawl Out, The Cake
    • Conrad Vernon – The Addams Family, Shrek 2
    • Pamela Ziegenhagen-Shefland – Abominable, The Emperor’s New Groove

    Invitees to the Visual Effects Branch:

    • Ivy Agregan – India Sweets and Spices, Wakefield
    • Geeta Basantani – Spider-Man: No Way Home, Vivo
    • Aharon Bourland – Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Venom
    • Ivan Busquets – Malignant, The Irishman
    • Joe Ceballos – Skyscraper, Thor: Ragnarok
    • Richard Anthony Clegg – The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, Blade Runner 2049
    • Mark Curtis – Sully, Spectre
    • Markus Degen – The King’s Man, Captain America: The Winter Soldier
    • Jack Edjourian – Top Gun: Maverick, Tenet
    • Eric Enderton – Shark Tale, Jurassic Park
    • Marcos Fajardo Orellana – Thor, Monster House
    • Joel Green – No Time to Die, The Kid Who Would Be King
    • Earl Hibbert – The Fate of the Furious, Guardians of the Galaxy
    • Hayley Hubbard – The Old Guard, Dumbo
    • Maia Kayser – Rango, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End
    • Garrett Lam – Limbo, Shock Wave 2
    • Jake Maymudes – Dune, Terminator: Dark Fate
    • Catherine Ann Mullan – Dumbo, Maleficent
    • Charlie Noble – No Time to Die, Wonder Woman 1984
    • J. Alan Scott – Finch, The Lost World: Jurassic Park
    • Tefft Smith – Alice through the Looking Glass, Tomorrowland
    • Alan Travis – Black Widow, The Irishman
    • Michael Van Eps – Deepwater Horizon, Poseidon
    • Sean Noel Walker – Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Black Widow
    • Vernon Wilbert – Stealth; I, Robot
    • Eric Jay Wong – Avengers: Age of Ultron, Lucy
    • Kevin Wooley – Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Jurassic World
    • Wei Zheng – Mank, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

    Invitees with noted animation credits in other categories include:

    • Actors: Lori Tan Chinn – Turning Red, Glengarry Glen Ross
    • Directors: Gil Kenan – City of Ember, Monster House
      • Jonas Poher Rasmussen* – Flee, Searching for Bill (also invited by Documentary Branch)
    • Film Editors: Jeremy Milton – Encanto, Zootopia
    • Music: Amie Doherty – Spirit Untamed, The High Note
    • Producers: Pauline Gygax – With the Wind, My Life as a Zucchini
    • Production Design: John Coven – The Lion King, Logan
    • Writers: Michael Grais – Cool World, Poltergeist
      • Mike Jones – Luca, Soul
      • Adele Lim – Raya and the Last Dragon, Crazy Rich Asians
      • Jordan Roberts – Big Hero 6; 3, 2, 1…Frankie Go Boom
    • Sound: Tom Yong-Jae Burns – Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Blade Runner 2049
      • Brian Chumney – West Side Story, The Croods: A New Age
      • John Hayes – The King’s Man, Tom and Jerry
      • Leff Lefferts – Vivo, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
      • Casey Stone – Frozen, Tsotsi
    • Publicity: Gina Pence, Apple Worldwide Video

    Learn more at oscars.org.

  • DeAPlaneta and GO-N Team Up for ‘Monster Shaker’

    DeAPlaneta and GO-N Team Up for ‘Monster Shaker’

    DeAPlaneta and GO-N Productions, a French production company with over 15 years’ experience in creating animation for children and exploiting their own IP, have signed an agreement to coproduce Monster Shaker, a new TV series adaptation of the books by Mr. Tan and Mathilde Domecq, published by Editions Gallimard.

    Monster Shaker (52 x 13’) is an epic adventure comedy, in which nine-year-old Justin discovers his grandfather’s very unusual cocktail shaker. This fabulous thing allows him to create extraordinary (and extraordinarily crazy) creatures with incredible powers, but it must be kept secret, no matter what, in case it falls into the wrong hands…

    It would of course be safest to leave the shaker alone, but Justin is constantly overcome by the temptation to experiment, to play with these hilarious monsters, and to use their magical skills in all kinds of everyday situations. Justin and Gwen (his 12-year-old sister) get into all kinds of adventures that leave them with no choice but to reach some kind of deal. So they can join forces to save the day. And get those crazy monsters back inside the shaker!

    Aimed at kids ages six to 10, the first season of 52 episodes will launch on TV in France in 2023. The accompanying YouTube channel will broadcast selected episodes.

    DeAPlaneta and GO-N Productions are focused on producing and distributing Monster Shaker, while also working on key initial categories, including shaker toys and collectible cocktail shakers complete with all the crazy monsters turning our heroes lives upside down.

    Internationally recognized as an animation production and distribution pioneer, GO-N Productions is a full autonomous studio based in Paris. In operation for 15 years, the studio has produced popular series such as Simon, Zip Zip and Tootuff. Through GO-N International, the company also sells animated content for kids and families for all platforms around the world.

    DeAPlaneta Entertainment has acquired, produced and distributed content for over 20 years, working on everything from feature films, live-action series, animation and licensing to live performances, video game competitions, NFTs and a metaverse presence. It also manages and produces renowned kids and family brands including Miraculous Ladybug, Milo, Gormiti, Heidi and Maya the Bee.

    go-n.fr | deaplanetaentertainment.com

  • Crunchyroll Scoops Global Rights to ‘That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime’ Movie

    Crunchyroll Scoops Global Rights to ‘That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime’ Movie

    Crunchyroll today announced it has acquired the global distribution and marketing rights (excluding Asia) from Kodansha for the upcoming theatrical release of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Scarlet Bond. The film debuts in Japan in November 2022 and will be distributed in all major global territories in early 2023.

    The film is based on the best-selling light novel, written by Fuze and illustrated by Mitz Vah, and the popular fantasy-adventure anime series That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime.

    The series follows Minami Satoru, an average 37-year-old who dies and is reincarnated as the most unremarkable creature imaginable — a slime. Initially, things are pretty grim. He’s blind, deaf, and weak. But by combining his two special abilities, “Predator” and “Great Sage,” the newly named Rimuru Tempest will use his blobby powers to gain both friends and foes alike in a diverse new world.

    The movie’s stand-alone story takes place following the ending of Season 2 of the anime series. More details will be revealed in the coming months.

    “The series remains a fan favorite with Crunchyroll audiences, and we’re thrilled to continue the adventures with the theatrical release of the film early next year on the big screen,” said Mitchel Berger, Crunchyroll’s Senior Vice President of Global Commerce.

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

    That Time I Got Reincarnated

  • Peacock Slates CG ‘Caillou’ Reboot, ‘L’il Stompers’; ‘The Bad Guys’ Streams Friday

    Peacock Slates CG ‘Caillou’ Reboot, ‘L’il Stompers’; ‘The Bad Guys’ Streams Friday

    Peacock announced a new, original, CG series reboot of classic 1997 animated series Caillou and plush dino pre-k adventure L’il Stompers are joining its original kids’ programming slate. Peacock has also picked up the rights to five 44-minute Caillou event specials, focusing on significant childhood occasions. In addition, DreamWorks Animation’s The Bad Guys will stream exclusively on Peacock beginning July 1.

    These new titles join a robust collection of Peacock Original kids’ offerings, including the previously announced Press Start!, Team Mekbots Animal Rescue, Dinopops, The Makery and Babble Bop! Season 2. Peacock Original kids’ programming is set to rollout monthly beginning in 2023.

    Peacock Original kids’ titles currently streaming on the platform include Babble Bop!, Curious George: Cape Ahoy and the DreamWorks Animation series Dragons Rescue Riders: Heroes of the Ski, Archibald’s Next Big Thing Is Here!, Cleopatra in Space and Where’s Waldo?

    Caillou
    Caillou

    Caillou is an 52 x 11-minute, CG-animated preschool series about the home and social life of a sensitive and imaginative four-year-old boy named Caillou and the supportive family and friends that help him navigate his big feelings. In the new reboot of the 2D classic, Caillou will tackle tricky problems and powerful emotions by imagining himself, his family and his friends as characters in exciting make-believe adventures based on his favorite toys and books.

    The new series is headed by showrunner Miklos Perlus and writer Amanda Smith; produced by WildBrain and Island of Misfits (IoM) Media Ventures.

    Caillou
    Caillou (WildBrain/Island of Misfits)

    Peacock has also picked up the rights to five 44-minute Caillou event specials, focusing on significant childhood occasions. The standalone event specials will feature storylines for Christmas, Halloween, summer vacation, anti-bullying and celebration of family themes. Each story will push further into the rich imaginative potential of Caillou’s inner world than ever before. By telling bigger stories, we get a better understanding of Caillou’s struggles and victories, with the ultimate satisfaction of knowing things are always wrapped up in a happy ending.

    The CG specials, also produced by WildBrain and IoM, are directed by Greg Richardson and written by Carly DeNure (Special Episode 1), Diana Moore (Special Episodes 2 & 4), Jagjiwan Sohal (Special Episode 3) and Brian Hartigan (Special Episode 5). Executive producers are Josh Scherba, Anne Loi, Stephanie Betts, Meaghan Clark and Dana Landry.

    L'il Stompers
    L’il Stompers (Isand of Misfits)

    Li’l Stompers (65 x 5′) features a cuddly bunch of stuffed dinosaurs seeking adventure and knowledge of the amazing world around them. Our adorable friends support one another as they take on hard topics and learn about life in the soft, cozy, crafted world of the Stomping Grounds.

    Each character-focused episode features an age-appropriate challenging situation, using real problem-solving and coping strategies and laughter along the way. The show models how to deal with socio-emotional themes such as practice and persistence, listening to others, adapting to new things, and appreciation of differences.

    Produced by IoM, L’il Stompers is created, directed, written and executive produced by Phillip Stamp, with Greg Richardson as series director and Bernice Vanderlaan as executive story editor. Meaghan Clark, Dana Landry and Aaron Simpson are also exec producers. Cheryl Gotthelf is educational contributor.

    The Bad Guys

    Streaming exclusively on Peacock on July 1, DreamWorks Animation’s The Bad Guys follows the most notorious criminals in the world as they attemp to pull off their biggest job yet – going good. Showcasing a brand-new crew of lovable and edgy characters bursting with personality, the film embraces individuality with each character’s unique skillset, ranging from hacking and disguise to muscle and drive.

    The family action-comedy boasts a star-studded voice cast including Academy Award winner Sam Rockwell (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri), Marc Maron (GLOW), Craig Robinson (Hot Tub Time Machine), Anthony Ramos (In The Heights) and Awkwafina (Crazy Rich Asians) as the bad guys, alongside co-stars Zazie Beetz (Joker), Lily Singh (Bad Moms), Emmy  winner Alex Borstein (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) and Richard Ayoade (Paddington 2).

    Directed by Pierre Perifel (Bilby) from a screenplay by Etan Cohen, The Bad Guys is based on the Scholastic children’s graphic novels by Aaron Blabey that earned a spot on the New York Times bestselling list for more than 100 weeks and have sold a combined total of more than 1 million copies to-date. Producerrs are Damon Ross and Rebecca Huntley, exec producers are Cohen, Blabey and Patrick Hughes.