In another stride towards representation and diversity in animation, husband and wife media mavericks Jermaine and Whaketa Hargrove are planning to launch a new content platform, Animation TV — billed as the “first-ever Black-owned animation streaming network.” Set to launch this summer, the outlet aims to introduce viewers of all ages and nationalities to the versatility and beauty of animated storytelling.
Animation TV CEO & Founder Jermaine Hargrove commented, “We are using Animation TV and exclusive content to bring awareness to the lack of diversity and inclusion in the animation industry. By offering distribution to global animation creators, we will amplify the voices that sometimes go unheard.”
Animation TV will offer its content with a subscription and linear channel model for ease of access to viewers. The network will work in collaboration with Small Town Animation Studios to deliver original, exclusive animation content, such as the diabetic superhero movie Gumshe: The Type 1 Protector, faith-based series The Sunday Schoolers, and other originals like Animate My Life, Welcome to Gamerville, Princess Tatenda and Shelly: The Dancing Spider.
Jermaine & Whaketa Hargrove, Founders of Animation TV
The new venture is also dedicated to giving back and creating opportunities for up and coming animation professionals by investing a portion of its revenue in scholarships for students from under-served communities. In line with this initiative, Animation TV has partnered with major animation educators and resource providers including KitBash3D and The Animation School in South Africa.
“The Animation School continues to drive diversity through partnerships such as Animation TV,” said the School’s director & co-founder, Nuno Martins. “These [partnerships] highlight the importance of building a diverse community within the international animation industry.”
Jermaine Hargrove added, “Structuring a theatrical partnership with a major film studio for some of our stronger animation IPs is also a goal of Animation TV. We are currently looking to finance, develop and distribute all forms of animation content (2D/3D) from creators all over the world.”
Animation TV will also leverage new technologies, tapping into the Metaverse and NFTs. Based in Southeast George, the platform will be available globally for all operating system interfaces, including iOS, tvOS, Android, Android TV and the worldwide web.
Animayo, the International Festival of Animation, Visual Effects and Video Games — Spain’s only designated “Qualifying Festival” for the animated short film Oscar category, has unveiled the program for its 17th edition. The 2022 event, taking play May 4-7, returns to a face-to-face format in addition to an online phase that will be held from October onwards.
Under the motto “The Future Ahead”, Animayo will transform the island of Gran Canaria into a hub of knowledge for art and cutting-edge technologies like never before, with all the activities to be held at the La Caja de Canarias Cultural Initiatives Centre (CICCA) and the Guiniguada Theatre.
Damián Perea (center) detailed Animayo’s 2022 program at the Gran Canaria press conference.
“This is a festival that has been transformed in a natural way. Our own world has brought all these new technologies,” producer and director of Animayo Damián Perea pointed out. “Two years ago we were the first festival in the world to make an entirely virtual animation festival featuring avatars; we were already in the metaverse. Now it’s time to inform, train and discuss in order to continue creating that much needed critical mass.”
The Festival is introducing an important new feature this year: the Animayo Discussions, featuring special guests, with no restrictions on audience questions — fully interactive discussions “that arise as a direct response to the need to generate a number of knowledge-based conclusions,” as Perea puts it. “In general, people talk about the metaverse in a very superficial and polarized way, but we need to understand all the nuances, and to do so Animayo is bringing in specialists from this virtual universe. We also think it is equally important to include a gender perspective by addressing the role of women in the industry, who only reach 30% in terms of visibility in decision-making positions.”
New immersive technologies are a key focus of this year’s Festival.
Three discussions will be held at the Guiniguada Theatre from 18.15 to 20.00 hours: “Women in the Audiovisual Industry” (Thursday, May 5), “Metaverse, Virtual Reality, NFTs, what does the future hold?” (Friday, May 6) and “Ethics and morals in Artificial Intelligence” (Saturday, May 7).
For the first time in the Canary Islands, Animayo will premiere an augmented reality exhibition only visible through the lens of a mobile device; NFTs in their own right “which will be available for purchase, with 100% of the profits benefiting associations and NGOs that help Ukrainian refugees.” An exhibition dedicated to the painterly, aesthetic 2D animated short film, Amanece la Noche más Larga (Dawn of the Longest Night), based on a story by three-time Goya winner Ángel de la Cruz — directors Carlos Fernández De Vigo and Lorena Ares will be attending the Festival as guests.
Studio Nowake founder Hidetaka Yusumi returns to Animayo as one of 2022’s guest speaker.
Once again, Animayo has positioned itself as an innovative space where animation, visual effects, art, science and technology come together. The on-site phase will dedicate more than 80% of its time to the real heart of the festival, which is training. Educational activities will take place at the La Caja de Canarias Cultural Initiatives Centre (CICCA) led by a team of 23 renowned guests, including:
Luis Labrador (3D Modeler/Environmental Modeling Supervisor, Disney Animation Studios, U.S.), Encanto
Matt Tokarz (Senior Visual Effects Supervisor, Platige Image, Poland), The Witcher
Henri Magalon (Producer/Founder/CEO, Maybe Movies,
France), Ernest & Celestine, Calamity, Long Way North
Claus Toksvig (CEO/Partner & Producer, Norlum Entertainment, Denmark), Song of the Sea, Long Way North
Carlos Zaragoza (Production Designer, Sony Pictures Animation, U.S.), Vivo
Aurora Jiménez (Visual Development Artist, DreamWorks Animation, U.S.), The Bad Guys, Vivo, Hotel Transylvania 3, The Emoji Movie
Hidetaka Yosumi (Character Technical Director, Facial Rig Developer & Founder, Studio Nowake, Japan), Tangled; Love, Death + Robots; Wreck-It Ralph
Yuan Yinzi (Founder & CEO, Metaverse Summit, France), Metaverse expert and guest speaker (VR Days Europe, World XR Forum, Indie Game Factory)
Edgar Martín-Blas (CEO & Creative Director, Virtual Voyagers, Spain), award-winning virtual, augmented and mixed reality company; clients include Disney, Vodafone and Ferrari.
International guest panelists from prestige studios and specializing in new technologies will conduct 14 master classes, three discussions, three workshops, 10 recruitment sessions (Skydance Animation, The Spa Studios, Platige Image, Dr. Platypus & Ms. Wombat, Punk Visual Studio, Amuse Studios, 3 Doubles Producciones, Mondo TV Studios, La Creme Films and BMCAFF Studio CGI Production) as well as portfolio reviews.
Nore than €500,000 in Animayo Talent Scholarships for in-person and online training with access to the most important national and international schools related to the sector, collaborating with Animayo for
the 2022-2023 academic year, including U-tad (University Centre of Technology and Digital Art, Madrid); UDEM (University of Monterrey, Mexico); ESCAV (Higher School of Art and Audiovisual Communication, Granada) and Pixelodeon 3D School (Online School of Digital Arts).
Outside the classes and panels, the public will be able to enjoy the best animated films for adults. The Guiniguada Theatre will host the screenings of the short films from the five International Official Sections in Competition. There will be more than 60 films from over 20 countries, which will be reviewed by the 15 members of the Animayo International Jury — the Grand Prize winner will be directly longlisted for the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film. Animayo will also offer thematic screenings, such as a focus on Polish cinema.
For the third consecutive year, the international official competition section “My First Festival” (May 7, noon to 13.30h) will invite kids ages six and up to vote for the Best Children’s Short Film. The selected films address the importance of respecting one’s own feelings and each other’s individuality. The event is free to attend with ticket reservation (email animayo@animayo.com with the subject “Book My First Festival” with the name, email and telephone number of the adults and the number of children who will be attending).
The program is the perfect addition for younger kids to “Sin Salir del Aula” (“Without Leaving the Classroom”), which has enrolled more than 8,500 students on the island of Gran Canaria alone. Aimed at primary, high school and art school students, the activities combine animation and visual effects with free screenings, an official competition section and educational master classes, also free of charge, over TV. (April 25-May 25).
As mentioned above, Animayo’s training offers will include a number of master classes and workshops held at CICCA, continuing a partnership established in 2014.
“Dawn of the Longest Night. How it was made: from idea to NFT. Exclusively for Animayo” – Carlos Fernández de Vigo and Lorena Ares. (Founders Dr. Platypus & Ms. Wombat). May 4, 10 to 11.30 a.m.
“From your notebook to the screen / My life as an artist” -Aurora Jiménez (Visual Development Artist, DreamWorks Animation). May 4, 12 to 13.30h. In collaboration with U-tad.
“Creating the Metaverse” – Edgar Martín-Blas (CEO/Creative Director, Virtual Voyagers). May 5, 10 to 11.30 a.m.
“Ideas come from observation / Design and visual narrative” – Carlos Zaragoza (Production Designer, Sony Pictures Animation). May 5, 12 to 13.30h. In collaboration with U-tad.
“Animation career: Recruitment and production outlook – case study” – Zofia Sieracka (Senior Recruiter, Platige Image). May 5, 16.30 to 18h. In collaboration with the Polish Institute of Madrid.
“Metaverse: Linking Web2 to Web3” – Yuan Yinzi. (Project Manager, Ubisoft / Founder, Metaverse Summit). May 5, 18.30 to 20h.
“Blender: the Swiss army knife of animation” – Daniel Martínez Lara (Director, Pepe School Land). May 6, 10 to 11.30 a.m.
“The Metaverse, NFTs, GameFi, Web3 and more” – Isidro Quintana (CEO, Triple O Games). May 6, 12 to 13.30h.
“Analysis of my professional career: From Spider-Man 2 to Encanto“ – Luis Labrador (3D Modeller/Environmental Modelling Supervisor, Disney). May 6, 16.30 to 18h.
“24 years of digital character creation” – Hidetaka Yosumi (Character Technical Director, Facial Rig Developer & Founder, Studio Nowake). May 6, 18.30 to 20 h.
“Panel: Young talents in animation” – In collaboration with U-tad. May 7, 10 to 11.30 a.m.
“Creative leadership: how to navigate working alongside creators and managing artistic projects with inventiveness / The case study of The Witcher“ – Matt Tokarz (Sr. VFX Supervisor, Platige Image). May 7, 12 to 13.30h.
“Independent filmmaking and co-production” – Claus Toksvig (CEO/Partner/Producer, Nørlum Ent.). May 7, 16.30 to 18h.
“How remaining fascinated by the human mind, emotions and good or bad habits keeps me going through all the storms of filmmaking” – Henri Magalon
(Producer/Founder/CEO, Maybe Movies). May 7, 18.30 to 20h.
“Creating XR projects” – Edgar Martín-Blas. May 5, 17 to 20h. A journey through the process of creating virtual and augmented reality projects; from concept to 3D design.
“Concept art for films: visual design of a sequence from scratch” – Carlos Zaragoza and Aurora Jiménez. May 6, 16.30 to 20.30h.
“Blender. Using the Swiss army knife of animation” – Daniel Martínez Lara. May 7, 17 to 20h. In collaboration with Pepe School Land, Lara’s animation school (Barcelona).
Animayo attendees can take in informative sessions covering the creative journey, new technology and career tips.
Schools and universities from all over Spain are taking advantage of this gathering of experts and center of knowledge-sharing by sending groups of students to attend the Festival, with the active collaboration of the University of La Laguna (the oldest higher education institution in the Canary Islands), the Gran Canaria Higher School of Art and Design, the Fernando Estévez Higher School of Art and Design, the Felo Monzón Grau Bassas Secondary School, the Pancho Lasso School of Art and the Fuerteventura School of Art being particularly noteworthy.
“This is undoubtedly the best edition. I know I keep saying the same thing every year, but the year that I don’t feel that way, that we haven’t really surpassed ourselves and I can’t say it, I’ll retire,” said Perea, who added he was “proud to celebrate life again and to bring all the young — and not so young — people together face to face with the specialists in this community, as well as giving more opportunities to the new generations.” These words were echoed by Teodoro Sosa, Councillor of the Presidency of the Gran Canaria Island Council, at the same media presentation, who pointed out,”Animayo is a great privilege for Gran Canaria. A great international showcase for training and employment in the audiovisual industry.”
The Festival is supported by the Gran Canaria Island Council, the Society for the Promotion of the City of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the La Caja de Canarias Foundation, the Canary Islands Government, the Canary Islands Institute for Cultural Development, the Guiniguada Theatre, the Canarian Film Library and all the institutions, organizations, universities, schools and private companies that have sponsored and collaborated with Animayo for 16 years, making the Canary Islands a highly fertile ground for new generations.
Advance ticket sales with a variety of student, group and jobseeker discounts are now available. Visit the animayo.com registration page for details.
Crunchyroll announced it will release the exciting final chapter of the sci-fi trilogy Eureka: Eureka Seven Hi-Evolution in select theaters in the US. and Canada on May 17-18, with tickets on sale starting tomorrow (Friday, April 29); and coming soon to Australia. The film, from bones inc., will be available in both English dub and subtitles.
Eureka: Eureka Seven Hi-Evolution
Eureka: Eureka Seven Hi-Evolution is the final full-length film in the Eureka sequel trilogy. The movie is set 10 years after the events of the last film, Eureka Seven Hi-Evolution, and follows Eureka living by herself as atonement for the destruction of the world. When she meets Iris, a new “Eureka,” the two realize they have a shared destiny and set out into the world. One Eureka has lost her powers and the other is afraid of her newfound abilities.
Eureka: Eureka Seven Hi-Evolution
The movie brings together the creative team behind the Eureka Seven franchise: It is directed by Tomoki Kyoda, who helmed the Eureka anime, with script composition by Dai Sato (Eureka Seven, Ergo Proxy), character design by Kenichi Yoshida, and music by Naoki Sato (Eureka Seven 2005). The running time is 1 hour 56 minutes.
Synopsis: The virtual world inside the scub coral (intelligent coral-like lifeforms) created by Eureka… The people from that virtual world appeared on Earth 10 years ago when it collapsed. Since this large-scale amalgamation, the humans from the virtual world call themselves “Green Earth” and the original Earth humans call themselves “Blue Earth,” and they’ve come to cause various conflicts with each other repeatedly below the surface. Eventually, Dewey Novak, a senior officer in the Green Earth Armed Forces, rises together with his comrades and finally sets a large-scale terrorism plan into action in order to protect their own dignity.
Meanwhile, Eureka, who is detested by the world as the main cause of the chaos, has become a high-grade combatant with the UN’s A.C.I.D. unit. Live in order to keep this world at peace… This was the path of atonement she chose. One day, she receives an order to protect a girl named Iris, a new “Eureka” who has the ability to control scab coral. They fight a lot at first but gradually come to understand each other through their lonely escape. Soon the world faces a crisis, and when that happens, Eureka draws on every last ounce of her strength as she fights. “I want to protect Iris and this world.” What future awaits her at the end of that wish of hers?
For more information and to purchase tickets for Eureka: Eureka Seven Hi-Evolution, visit fandango.com.
World Festival of Animated Film – Animafest Zagreb 2022 has revealed the official election in the Grand Competition – Feature Film category. This year’s lineup offers a seven-title spread of layered and imaginative works of art, showcasing unforgettable stories as well as technical and artistic diversity.
Grand Competitions – Feature Film 2022:
1970
1970, Tomasz Wolski (Kijora Film / Poland / 2021) — Utilizing historic telephone recordings brought to life with stop-motion animation, Wolski’s documentary unfolds as striking workers in communist Poland protest price increases, while tensions rise in the halls of power and violent repression grows as the revolt intensifies. (Trailer)
Belle
Belle, Mamoru Hosoda (Studio Chizu / Japan / 2021) — For years, shy small town high schooler Suzu has only been a shadow of herself. But when she enters “U”, a massive virtual world, she escapes into the online persona of Belle, a globally-beloved singer. The arrival of a mysterious “beast” sets Suzu on an emotional quest to discover her true self in a world where you can be anyone. (Trailer)
Dozens of Norths
Dozens of Norths, Koji Yamamura (Yamamura Animation, Miyu Productions / Japan, France / 2021) — Based on text and illustrations created in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake, Yamamura’s debut feature is a dialog-free series of vignettes; fragmented memories and meditations on the absurdity and tragedy of human existence, illuminated with pinpoints of hope. (Trailer)
My Sunny Maad
My Sunny Maad, Michaela Pavlátová (Negativ, Sacrebleu Productions, BFILM / Czech Republic, France, Slovakia / 2021) — When Herra, a Czech woman, falls in love with Nazir, an Afghan man, she has no idea about the life that awaits her in post-taliban Afghanistan, nor about the family she is about to join. (Trailer)
The Crossing
The Crossing, Florence Miailhe (Les Films de l’Arlequin, Balance Film, Maur Film, Xbo Films, ARTE France Cinéma / France, Germany, Czech Republic / 2021) — Evocatively animated in paint, the dramatic journey of two siblings fleeing an unspecified Eastern European country traverses a story about the neverending search for a new home and a better life. (Trailer)
The Timekeepers of Eternity
The Timekeepers of Eternity, Aristotelis Maragkos (independent / Greece / 2021) — A Stephen King television movie is compressed and transformed through hypnotic black and white collage animation, meticulously reconstructing and reshaping the supernatural drama to an eerie and profound effect. (Trailer)
Yaya e Lennie – The Walking Liberty
Yaya e Lennie – The Walking Liberty, Alessandro Rak (Mad Entertainment; Rai Cinema / Italy / 2022) — As The Institution emerges from the ruins of the world to reinstate order, two free spirits strive to find their place in the world: Yaya, an intelligent if uncouth teenage girl, and Lennie, an eight-foot tall man with a mental handicap. (Trailer)
Animafest Zagreb 2022 will be held June 6-11 in Croatia. animafest.hr
HBO Max has ordered Noonan’s (working title) to series. The 10-episode adult-animated DC series, centered on Kite Man (voiced by Matt Oberg) is a spin-off of the Annie- and GLAAD Media Award-nominated Max Original Harley Quinn — slated to return for a third season this summer.
Lovable loser Kite Man and his new squeeze Golden Glider moonlight as criminals to support their foolish purchase of Noonan’s, Gotham’s seediest dive bar, where everybody knows your name, but not necessarily your secret identity!
The show is executive produced by Justin Halpern, Patrick Schumacker, Sam Register, Dean Lorey and Kaley Cuoco; Lorey serves as showrunner. The project is produced by Delicious Non-Sequitur and Yes, Norman Productions in association with Warner Bros. Animation
“We love the wild and fun world of Harley Quinn so much we just had to make a spin-off, and who better to center it around than the outcast Kite Man?” said Suzanna Markos, EVP Original Comedy & Adult Animation for HBO Max and Adult Swim. “Justin, Patrick, and Dean have created the perfect local hangout for Gotham City’s not-so-finest at Noonan’s, where bar patrons can blow off steam after a long day of mayhem.”
Peter Girardi, EVP Alternative Programming, Warner Bros. Animation, added, “Harley Quinn unlocked a world of hilarious possibilities with the iconic superheroes and supervillains of the DC Universe. Exploring this world further with our partners at HBO Max and DC is going to be a lot of fun. Plus, after getting dumped by Poison Ivy, the least we could do was give Kite Man his own show.”
Harley Quinn (voiced by Kaley Cuoco), Poison Ivy (Lake Bell) and Kite Man (Matt Oberg) in ‘Harley Quinn’
Multi-award-winning independent animation studio Aardman, Meta Quest and immersive storytelling experts Atlas V have today announced an interactive, narrative-led, single player VR experience for Meta Quest 2 headsets which will take fans on a brand-new adventure with Wallace & Gromit.
In The Grand Getaway, Wallace and Gromit are off on vacation to enjoy sun, sand and the chance to test out their latest contraption: Auto-Caddy. But Wallace has his dates mixed up — they have to be on the other side of the country in just half an hour! There’s only one thing for it … they’ll take the Rocket. But a mishap with the controls sends Wallace, Gromit and Auto-Caddy hurtling off course. Will this be a holiday to remember?
The Grand Getaway will be launched on Meta Quest 2, the all-in-one VR headset, enabling users for the first time to walk around, explore and get hands-on (or paws-on!) within the world of Wallace & Gromit, and truly be a part of the pair’s adventures.
“The entire studio is so excited about this project, which provides us with a perfect opportunity to do what we love —combining memorable characters and engaging storytelling with emerging technologies to offer fans a totally immersive experience,” said Sean Clarke, Managing Director of Aardman. “For loyal fans of Wallace & Gromit, this will be real wish-fulfilment territory — after watching the characters on screen for decades, they will now have an opportunity to step into their world and play an active role in this new story as it unfolds. For those new to the characters, it’s the ultimate way to get to know them, the humor, and the hijinks that have made them so popular.”
The project is a co-production between Aardman and the award-winning creators of the VR experiences Spheres and Gloomy Eyes at Atlas V, in association with No Ghost in London and Albyon in Lyon. It is funded by Meta Quest.
“Atlas V is aiming to work with renowned IP, in order to have more impact on the audience and touch more people. Today, we are thrilled to bring the Wallace & Gromit storyworld to spatial entertainment with this incredible team of creative minds,” commented Atlas V Producers Antoine Cayrol and Arnaud Colinart. “It was challenging for all of us to come together to reach the level of expectations and standards that such an IP demands, but we are convinced that the fans of Wallace & Gromit and the VR community will experience amazing immersive adventures by interacting with these two much-loved characters.”
Finbar Hawkins and Bram Ttwheam are co-directing for Aardman with the support of Nick Park, creator of Wallace & Gromit, and Merlin Crossingham, creative director of Wallace & Gromit. Ben Whitehead will again voice Wallace, as he has done for previous projects, following in the footsteps of the late Peter Sallis.
“Meta was certainly excited for the opportunity to partner with world-renowned Aardman and the talented team at Atlas V on this globally recognizable IP,” added Ryan Thomas, Producer at Meta Quest. “The idea of interacting and being in the same room with these beloved characters that I grew up watching evokes a sense of nostalgia and wonder that we know Meta Quest 2 owners will enjoy. And for users who are new to this franchise, we’re thrilled to introduce them to this wonderfully humorous and delightful storyworld through a visually impressive, witty and innovative immersive VR experience.”
The Grand Getaway is the next step in Wallace & Gromit’s adventures in immersive spaces, following The Big Fix Up, which combined the latest in augmented and mixed reality in an epic real-time adventure.
Wallace & Gromit: The GrandGetaway will launch in 2023 on the Oculus Store for Meta Quest (price TBC). Follow Wallace & Gromit on Instagram and Facebook for updates.
The Pinkfong Company, the global entertainment company behind Baby Shark, has launched Bebefinn, a new 3D-animated sing-along series following the heartwarming adventures of the three lovable babies and their parents. The company’s first human-family show is now rolling out exclusively on its official YouTube channel.
Bebefinn
Centering on Finn, a curious 20-month-old baby who loves Baby Shark, the 50-episode series depicts the dynamic daily lives of his family. Accompanied by three-minute songs, each episode follows Finn and his two older siblings, Bora and Brody, and their parents as they explore fun-filled adventures in their house while learning something new.
With relatable stories and joyful tunes, Bebefinn is already a breakout, marking strong growth in its viewership. Within the three weeks of its launch, the Bebefinn YouTube channel earned a Silver Creator Award from YouTube by hitting 100,000 subscribers, while its videos amassed 25 million cumulative views. In addition, Bebefinn‘s own Baby Shark video hit 12 million views in the same period.
“We are excited to finally reveal our brand-new 3D animated sing-along series, Bebefinn,” said Bitna Kwon, Chief Strategy Officer at The Pinkfong Company. “Finn’s contagious smile and endless curiosity will motivate kids and families around the world to explore new aspects of daily life and make their learning fun. We can’t wait to see more people meet adorable Finn and his lovely family and look forward to further expanding the world of Bebefinn.”
In addition to bringing authentic stories about family, the show’s original tunes feature fun and easy lyrics and memorable melodies, helping kids to learn fundamental life skills such as healthy habits, social skills and problem-solving abilities.
New episodes of Bebefinn will be released every Tuesday and Friday. Currently available in English, the series will roll out in Korean this May.
Cartoon Network Studios (CNS) and Outlook Company are teaming up to launch a new content development initiative designed to discover emerging artists and storytellers. Founded by former NFL star Trevor Pryce, Outlook Company is an animation studio that specializes in elevating underrepresented creators and artists in the Mid-Atlantic region.
The program will launch with six local participants and be based at Neru Projects, Outlook’s recently formed animated projects incubator. Creative executives from Cartoon Network Studios and Neru Projects will work with these individuals and help shepherd their ideas from concept to pitch through the development of a series bible. At least one project will be selected to begin formal development at Cartoon Network Studios and Outlook Company — but, through the program, all participants will learn how to collaborate with creative partners to develop and package their original animated series ideas.
“This is a great way for Baltimore artists to have their work seen, considered, and given professional animated content feedback. It is an invaluable experience, as there are now six more professional, credited animation show creators in this part of the world,” said Trevor Pryce, CEO of Outlook Company.
Sam Register, President, Cartoon Network Studios and Warner Bros. Animation, said, “Elevating original and diverse creative voices is one of our top priorities at Cartoon Network Studios. Outlook Company’s mission to working with artists from underrepresented communities make them a perfect partner and I look forward to the work ahead with Trevor and the amazing group of creators he has assembled.”
These initial six promising creatives represent diversity in race, gender, and age, and will use their unique perspectives to shine a light on their homes, communities and personal experiences through animation.
Briana Bolden, Young storyteller from Delaware, who believes that cartoons are important as a way to not let go of her imagination.
Jared Allen, Animator, artist, and recent graduate from The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).
Rebecca Stern, A High Functioning Autism Spectrum artist who has always dreamed of telling stories on Cartoon Network.
Chiêu Anh Urban, Veteran children’s book author born in Saigon, Vietnam.
Marina Khatin, Young animator currently working at Outlook OVFX.
Stephen Church, A 16-year-old high schooler based in Baltimore with a wild imagination and an upcoming rap album.
The inaugural CNS/Outlook Company creators group.
Born in 2006 from inside an indie music label, The Outlook Company is a Baltimore-based new media company that specializes in owning and producing technology-driven youth IP and pop culture animated and live-action content through different distribution channels. Holdings include film, TV, gaming, consumer products and digital experiences leveraging properties like Kulipari and the upcoming Revisionists live-action universe.
With OVFX the Animation Studio, Neru Projects (dedicated to underrepresented and newly discovered talent), gaming arm OCD (Outlook Company Digital) and an upcoming state of the art post-production facility/virtual production stage in East Baltimore, Outlook is looking to consistently push the boundaries of storytelling, content creation and capability. (ovfx.com)
Established in 2000, Cartoon Network Studios (CNS) is a global animation and interactive studio recognized for its innovative approaches to IP development and world-building. Fostering a creator-driven environment, CNS is home to critically acclaimed animated series including Adventure Time, Craig of the Creek, Steven Universe, Summer Camp Island,The Powerpuff Girls and We Bare Bears. CNS has also produced Adult Swim hits Genndy Tartakovky’s Primal, Samurai Jack and Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law. CNS is also home to Cartoon Cartoons, the studio’s innovative animated shorts program.
CNS has been honored with Emmy, Peabody, GLAAD, Annie Awards, the BAFTA Children’s Award, Italy’s Pulcinella Award and the Annecy Festival Cristal. Currently, CNS houses a VR lab and produces an array of interactive formats and products. As part of its efforts to discover unique and promising voices everywhere, the studio has a robust global Artist Program and numerous partnerships, including Exceptional Minds, Black Women Animate and CalArts. (cartoonnetworkstudios.com)
Walt Disney Studios’ presentation at CinemaCon 2022 took place at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas earlier today, where Disney’s head of theatrical distribution Tony Chambers, Marvel Studios’ president Kevin Feige and Avatar producer Jon Landau unveiled the studio group’s 2022 theatrical release slate, offering an exclusive preview of titles from Marvel Studios, Pixar Animation Studios and 20th Century Studios.
The preview included a look at three upcoming releases from 20th Century Studios, notably The Bob’s Burgers Movie and James Cameron’s first follow-up to his sci-fi action-adventure Avatar, the highest-grossing movie of all time.
‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ concept art (image source: @Disney via RottenTomatoes)
Opening in theaters December 16, Avatar: The Way of Water is set more than a decade after the events of the first film, and begins to tell the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri and their kids), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure.
Directed by James Cameron and produced by Cameron and Landau, the film stars Zoe Saldana, Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Cliff Curtis, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, Edie Falco, Jemaine Clement, Giovanni Ribisi and Kate Winslet. To whet audiences’ appetites, the studio will re-release Avatar in theaters on September 23.
The teaser trailer, which was screened in 3D for the very first time today and reportedly drew enthusiastic responses from the CinemaCon audience, will debut exclusively in theaters with Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness on May 6. In addition, Saldana will be receiving the CinemaCon “Star of the Year” award at the Big Screen Achievement Award ceremony on Thursday evening, April 28.
In a video message pre-recorded from New Zealand, where the sequels are filming, Cameron said this return to Pandora is “designed for the biggest screen and the most immersive 3D available” and “to test the limits of what cinema can do.” The worldwide release will offer 160 language versions and an unprecedented number of formats, including IMAX, stereo 3-D and PLF.
The Bob’s Burgers Movie
The studio also screened the first six minutes of The Bob’s Burgers Movie, which opens in theaters nationwide May 27, for convention attendees. As previously announced, the story begins when a ruptured water main creates an enormous sinkhole right in front of Bob’s Burgers, blocking the entrance indefinitely and ruining the Belchers’ plans for a successful summer. While Bob and Linda struggle to keep the business afloat, the kids try to solve a mystery that could save their family’s restaurant. As the dangers mount, these underdogs help each other find hope and fight to get back behind the counter, where they belong.
The animated, big-screen, musical comedy-mystery-adventure based on the long-running Emmy-winning series showcases tbhe voice talent of the show’s cast and recurring guests, including H. Jon Benjamin, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman, Larry Murphy, John Roberts and Kristen Schaal, with Zach Galifianakis and Kevin Kline. The film is directed by Loren Bouchard & Bernard Derriman. The screenplay is by Bouchard & Nora Smith. The producers are Bouchard, Nora Smith, and Janelle Momary-Neely.
(Check out pre-Con clips released this week here and here.)
Lightyear
CinemaCon attendees were also treated to footage from Disney and Pixar’s upcoming feature film Lightyear, which opens in theaters on June 17. This sci-fi action-adventure and the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear, the hero who inspired the toy, follows the legendary Space Rangerafter he’s marooned on a hostile planet 4.2 million light-years from Earth alongside his commander and their crew. As Buzz tries to find a way back home through space and time, he’s joined by a group of ambitious recruits and his charming robot companion cat, Sox. Complicating matters and threatening the mission is the arrival of Zurg, an imposing presence with an army of ruthless robots and a mysterious agenda.
The film features the voices of Chris Evans as Buzz Lightyear, Uzo Aduba as his commander and best friend, Alisha Hawthorne, and Peter Sohn as Sox. Keke Palmer, Taika Waititi and Dale Soules lend their voices to the Junior Zap Patrol’s Izzy Hawthorne, Mo Morrison and Darby Steel, respectively, and James Brolin can be heard as the enigmatic Zurg. The voice cast also includes Mary McDonald-Lewis as onboard computer I.V.A.N., Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Commander Burnside, Efren Ramirez as Airman Diaz and Keira Hairston as Young Izzy. The film is directed by Angus MacLane (co-director, Finding Dory), produced by Galyn Susman (Toy Story That Time Forgot), and features a score by award-winning composer Michael Giacchino (The Batman, Up).
(Read all about Lightyear in the June ’22 issue of Animation Magazine, available soon!)
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
… And Marvel Studios took the CinemaCon audience on a thrill ride through the Multiverse with footage from Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which opens in U.S. theaters on May 6. With the film, the MCU unlocks the Multiverse and pushes its boundaries further than ever before. Fans will journey into the unknown with Doctor Strange, who, with the help of mystical allies both old and new, traverses themind-bendinganddangerousalternaterealitiesoftheMultiversetoconfronta mysterious new adversary.
The film stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong and Xochitl Gomez, with Michael Stühlbarg and Rachel McAdams. Sam Raimi directs, and Kevin Feige is the producer. Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Eric Hauserman Carroll, Scott Derrickson and Jamie Christopher serve as executive producers. The screenplay was written by Michael Waldron.
According to Feige, the sequel has already totted up $42 million in pre-sales.
A sizzle real opening the presentation also offered glimpses at Black Panther: Wakanda Forever directed by Ryan Coogler (Nov. 11) and Thor: Love and Thunder from Taika Waititi (July 8).
Paris- and N.Y.C.-based Good Hero and leading pan- European media group Mediawan announce development has been greenlit on Good Hero’s first animated feature, Wings of Freedom: Operation Rebirth, following their recently announced strategic partnership agreement.
The movie’s sci-fi storyline was written by Good Hero Co-Founder Laurent Zeitoun (Fireheart, Ballerina a.k.a. Leap!) with the company’s Co-Chief Creative Officer Kiel Murray (Cars, Cars 3, Finding Nemo, Inside Out, Ratatouille, Brave, Up and the upcoming Luck). The original idea for the Wings of Freedom Universe was inspired by an idea from Jonathan Keasey.
Nick Luddinton
Zeitoun is co-writing the script for Operation Rebirth with Nick Luddington, who is a co-producer and writer on Arcane — the acclaimed
Netflix/Riot Games series which won nine awards at the 49th Annie Awards last month, including: Best Character Design TV/Media for Episode 2: “Some Mysteries Better Left Unsolved,” one of two episodes written by Luddington.
“Nick is a brilliant world and character creator who shares our passion for story and family entertainment, and will be a great creative partner,” said Zeitoun and Good Hero Co-Founder Gregory Ouanhon. “We are also excited to be moving forward on our first joint development project with Mediawan, who believe in this film and the unlimited potential of the Wings of Freedom Universe.”
Luddington added, “I couldn’t be more excited to help Good Hero bring the first chapter of the Wings of Freedom Universe to life. Their ethos of delivering heart- centered and emotionally rewarding films mirrors my own, and I can’t wait for audiences to see this unique and vibrant story.”
About the Wings of Freedom Universe:
After Humans turn to AI to combat their global warming problem, the plan backfires when AI drones identify mankind as the main enemy to Earth’s survival. By 2340, an army of drones has taken over the planet and humans are nearly extinct. But a new resistance rises up, and courageous birds and animals around the world come together to create humanity’s last hope for survival: The Animal Air Force.
In addition to the Operation Rebirth animated film in development, Good Hero’s Wings of Freedom Universe will encompass a series of original multi-platform worlds that the company has been developing over the last two years since its inception. Good Hero is concurrently working on a graphic novel from the Wings of Freedom Universe, aiming for publication next year prior to the completion of the feature.
Operation Rebirth follows the international release of the critically acclaimed animated feature Fireheart (a.k.a. Vaillante), which was written and directed by Zeitoun (The Intouchables, The Death of Stalin, C’est la vie, Leap!, Aline). Fireheart was released in the U.S. on Hulu, (voiced by Olivia Cooke, William Shatner and Kenneth Branagh, and in France by Alice Pol, Valerie Lemercier and Vincent Cassel) and independently distributed worldwide.
Mediawan Pictures’ Elisabeth d’Arvieu oversees the strategic partnership between the two companies. Under the partnership, Mediawan and Good Hero will co-develop and co-produce original high-end international television series and feature films (live action and animation) adapted from Good Hero’s slate of original content.
Nick Luddington is represented by Independent Talent, APA, Echo Lake, and Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown and Passman.
Jonathan Keasey is represented by Michael Prevett at Circle of Confusion and Hirsch Wallerstein Matlof Hayum + Fishman.
Disney+ released today a new trailer and key art for upcoming original movie Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers. ‘ Acomeback 30 years in the making,’ the hybrid live-action/CG-animated action-comedy will catch up with the former Disney Afternoon television stars (and many more familiar faces from the tooniverse) in modern-day Los Angeles when it premieres on May 20.
In Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers, the eponymous chipmunks are living amongst cartoons and humans in the City of Angels, but their lives are quite different now…
It has been decades since their successful television series was canceled, and Chip (voiced by SNL‘s John Mulaney) has succumbed to a life of suburban domesticity as an insurance salesman. Dale (Andy Sandberg, Palm Springs), meanwhile, has had ‘CGI surgery’ and works the nostalgia convention circuit, desperate to relive his glory days.When a former castmate mysteriously disappears, Chip and Dale must repair their broken friendship and take on their Rescue Rangers detective personas once again to save their friend’s life.
https://youtu.be/F4Z0GHWHe60
The movie also stars KiKi Layne (If Beale Street Could Talk), with Will Arnett (Arrested Development), Eric Bana (Dirty John), Flula Borg (Pitch Perfect 2), Dennis Haysbert (24), Keegan-Michael Key (Schmigadoon!), Tress MacNeille (The Simpsons), Tim Robinson (I Think You Should Leave), Seth Rogen (Pam and Tommy), J.K. Simmons (Being the Ricardos), Chris Parnell (Saturday Night Live).
The film is directed by Akiva Schaffer (Saturday Night Live), written by Dan Gregor and Doug Mand (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), and is produced by Todd Lieberman (Wonder) and David Hoberman (Beauty and the Beast 2017), with Alexander Young (Extinction) and Tom Peitzman serving as executive producers.
The Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers Original Soundtrack with score by composer Brian Tyler will be released by Walt Disney Records on May 20.
LAIKA, the studio known for the Academy Award-nominated films Coraline, ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls, Kubo and the Two Strings and Missing Link, today announced The Night Gardener— an ambitious new stop-motion film project in conjunction with Bill Dubuque, creator of Netflix’s hit series Ozark. LAIKA’s CEO & President Travis Knight, who directed Kubo and the Two Strings and Paramount’s Bumblebee, will direct from Dubuque’s original screenplay.
Adding to the studio’s diverse catalog, The Night Gardener is a gritty neo-noir folktale centered on a young man in rural Missouri fighting to keep his family together in the wake of a tragedy. The film will paint an unflinching portrait of sacrifice, self-reliance and revenge.
“The Night Gardener is a beautiful and timeless story that quickens the pulse as often as it breaks the heart,” says Knight. “Bill is a masterful storyteller. He’s crafted a lyrical world layered with complex characters, provocative ideas, and keenly felt emotion. It’s gonna be one helluva movie.”
Dubuque adds, “I’m delighted that Travis Knight saw in The Night Gardener a story worthy of the time-intensive process and collective talent of LAIKA’s in-house artisans. LAIKA’s creativity and dedication to detail is, in my opinion, as close as one can come to conjuring storytelling magic.”
‘The Night Gardener’ teaser art (courtesy of LAIKA Studios)
As previously announced, LAIKA is currently in production on Wildwood, the first film set in the studio’s hometown of Portland, Oregon. Knight is also directing this film, based on the bestselling fantasy novel written by Colin Meloy, lead singer and songwriter for the rock group The Decemberists.
Bill Dubuque co-wrote the Warner Bros. feature The Judge, starring Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall, as well as penning The Accountant starring Ben Affleck. Dubuque is also co-creator, writer and executive producer of the Emmy-nominated Netflix crime drama Ozark. Prior to a career in screenwriting, Dubuque worked as a headhunter for over a decade — a profession he turned into the feature film A Family Man, starring Gerard Butler and Willem Dafoe.
Travis Knight [photo: Austin Hargrave]
LAIKA was founded in 2005 in Oregon by President & CEO Travis Knight. The studio’s five films Coraline (2009), ParaNorman (2012), The Boxtrolls (2014), Kubo and the Two Strings (2016) and Missing Link (2019) have all been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Kubo and the Two Strings won the BAFTA for Best Animated Film and received an additional Oscar nomination for Visual Effects. Missing Link was awarded the Golden Globe for Best Animated Film. LAIKA was awarded a Sci-Tech Oscar in 2016 for its innovation in 3D printing. Recently, the studio announced its first live-action feature film based on the action thriller novel Seventeen by screenwriter John Brownlow.
As the Government of Canada works to fast-track Ukrainian refugees coming to the country, the Vancouver Institute of Media Arts (VanArts) recognizes that education can make a positive difference in their lives. On March 8, VanArts announced it would be offering 25 full tuition scholarships for Ukrainian refugees. Today, the school shared the cheering news that all 25 scholarships have been awarded, and students are beginning to arrive for in-person classes.
“We are thrilled that 25 Ukrainian refugee students have enrolled at VanArts, and are especially pleased to welcome them in person as they arrive in Vancouver,” said Alan Phillips, VanArts President. “It’s our desire to give this opportunity to Ukrainian refugees, and to provide training that will help them launch a creative and rewarding career in Canada.”
The total tuition amount awarded in scholarships is over $900,000. Students are enrolled in one of the following 12-month diploma programs: 2D Character Animation, 3D Character Animation, Game Art & Design, Professional Photography or Visual Effects for Film & TV. Until the students arrive in Vancouver, they are being supported with access to classes online.
VanArts is also following up with each student and providing them with online resources for Ukrainian refugees to secure housing with host families, helping to ease the transition to a new life in Canada for these aspiring arts & entertainment pros.
“I never would have imagined I would have this great opportunity living so far away from home, but here I am,” commented Sofiia, a Game Art & Design student from Kyiv.
Mariia, who is also from Kyiv and is studying 2D Character Animation, added, “Everyone is so friendly here in Canada. I’m so happy to finally be here.”
Established in 1995, Vancouver Institute of Media Arts (VanArts) is a highly ranked visual, media and performing arts school. With the help of specialized instruction, small class sizes, industry-experienced favulty and connections to the local creative industry across animation, games, VFX and more, VanArts graduates have gone on to work for major studios, achieve credits on high profile films and start their own companies.
Applications are now open for Fall 2022 enrollment. Prospective students can explore VanArts’ diploma programs at the Virtual Open House on April 27 or April 30. Learn more and register at vanarts.com.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) today announced the dates, locations and Lifetime Achievement honorees for the 2022 Daytime, Daytime Creative Arts & Lifestyle, News & Documentary, and Children’s & Family Emmy Award ceremonies. The Academy had previously announced Lifetime Achievement honorees in Sports and Technology & Engineering but had postponed the presentation of those honors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All NATAS events are scheduled to return to being in-person this year following virtual ceremonies in 2020 and 2021.
The 1st Annual Children’s & Family Emmy Awards (theemmys.tv/childrens-family-emmy-awards) will be held Sunday, December 11 at the Wilshire Ebell Theater in Los Angeles.The first-ever Lifetime Achievement Honoree for Children’s & Family Television is LeVar Burton. The longtime literacy advocate and host of Reading Rainbow, who taught a generation about the joys of reading, has won more than 20 Emmy Awards. Burton currently hosts his own podcast, LeVar Burton Reads, and has a YouTube series, This Is My Story, which highlights racism in America.
Those who want to stay on the cutting edge can also mark their calendars for the 73rd Annual Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards on Monday, April 25 at the Wynn Encore, Las Vegas. Receiving the 2022 Lifetime Achievement award in TV tech will be technology entrepreneur Yvette Kanouff.
Image from ‘The Witcher: Becoming Nivellen’ featurette (Netflix)
BAFTA announced the winners of the 2022 British Academy Television Craft Awards on Sunday, celebrating the very best behind-the-scenes talent of 2021. The ceremony was hosted by Mel Giedroyc, and featured guest presenters including Ade Adepitan, Aisling Bea, Mary Beard, Olivia Colman, Natalie Emmanuel, Prasanna Puwanarajah, Tony Robinson and Harry Trevaldwyn. Crime drama Landscapers and musical comedy We Are Lady Parts scored the most wins with three each.
The award for Special, Visual & Graphic Effects went to Netflix fantasy adaptation The Witcher, specifically S2 premiere episode “A Grain of Truth,” which sees Geralt (Henry Cavill) and Ciri (Freya Allan) break up the toxic relationship between the cursed beast-man Nivellen (Game of Thrones‘ Kristofer Hivju) and a bloodthirsty Bruxa (Agnes Born). The award went to Dadi Einarsson, Gavin Round, Aleksandar Pejic, Oliver Cubbage, Stefano Pepin and Jet Omoshebi, representing the teams at Cinesite, Hivemind, Platige Image and Pioneer Stillking Images.
Also nominated were Earth at Night in Colour (Apple TV+), Intergalactic (Sky One) and Black Holes: Heart of Darkness (BBC Two). The Witcher also won for Make Up & Hair Design (Barrie Gower & Sarah Gower). See the full list of winners at bafta.org. Check out Cinesite’s work on the three terrifying Basilisks for The Witcher S2 finale here.
The 29th Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (ITFS) announced the nominees for the Trickstar Professional Awards, which will be presented at a gala on the evening of Wed., May 4 during the German animation celebration (May 3-8, itfs.de/en).
The Trickstar Business Award honors animation companies and projects with an innovative and groundbreaking business model. The €7,500 prize is sponsored by the Verband Region Stuttgart. The 2022 nominees are: interactive museum series ArtMinute (Die Asta Experience, Zentropa Prod.), AR installation Colored (Noire) (Novaya), VR experience Yullbe GO (Mack NeXT, KG). The projects will be presented May 7 in the ONLINE PRO section.
The German Animation Screenplay Award for an animated feature film bestows a €2,500 prize, sponsored by Animation Media Cluster Region Stuttgart (AMCRS). The award for the German screenplay with the biggest international market potential (€1,500) is sponsored by Pink Parrot Media. The nominees are Bird of the Year (Wolfgang Lauenstein, Christoph Lauenstein), Dino Mite (Armin Prediger, Andreas Völlinger), Little Miss Santa (Jasmina Kallay), Mr. Wiggles (André Heeger) and The (Mostly) Marvelous Murray (Christian Kaps).
The Animated Games Award Germany 2022 for the best and most innovative animation-based computer game from Germany comes with a cash prize of €5,000, sponsored by MFG Medien- und Filmgesellschaft Baden-Württemberg. The nominees are: A Juggler’s Tale (kaleidoscube / Mixtvision Mediengesellschaft), Minute of Islands (Studio Fizbin / Mixtvision Mediengesellschaft), Dorfromantik (Toukana Interactive), OMNO (Studio Inkyfox UG) and Lacuna (DigiTales Interactive / Assemble Entertainment).
Love, Dad
SIFF closed out its 48th Seattle International Film Festival Sunday, announcing the winners of the 2022 Golden Space Needle Audience and Juried Competition Awards. The awards were presented at a ceremony and brunch held at Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Seattle on April 24. The 11-day festival, which began April 14, screened 263 films, including 28 world premieres (15 features/13 short films). Animated winners included:
Love, Dad | Diana Cam Van Nguyen (Czech Rep.) | Grand Jury Prize – Animated Short.
Jury Statement: “… A powerfully raw and tender short, one which skillfully and compassionately explores complex family dynamics by artfully combining an array of animation and live action techniques.”
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On | Dean Fleischer Camp (U.S.) | Golden Space Needle – Best Film First Runner-Up & Best Director Third Runner-Up
Battery Daddy | Seung-bae Jeon (S. Korea) | Golden Space Needle – Best Short Film Second Runner-Up
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On | Battery Daddy
The Advanced Imaging Society announced the winners of the 12th Annual Entertainment Technology Lumiere Awards. The organization recognized nine distinguished technical achievements driving the entertainment industry forward with impact through innovation at a brunch sponsored by AMD at the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas.The 2022 honorees are:
AMD – AMD EPYC
Brompton Technology – Tessera SX40 LED Processor
Cinionic – Barco Series 4 SP4K-55 Cinema Laser Projector
Tickets are now on sale for the 2022 hybrid VIEW Conference (Oct. 16-21) for in-person and online attendees. In addition to talks, panels, workshops and masterclasses, this year there will be an on-site Recruiting Fair (see website for details). Buy Tickets
SCAD GamingFest takes place this week (April 28-29), offering an on-demand animation showcase, a virtual Uncharted screening, making-of SCAD student game Home Is Where the Hearth Is and discussions covering the metaverse, NFTs, inclusive character design and more.
The creators of Sun Pass Film Festival are launching the queer-focused Anita’s Film Festival (named after infamous antigay activist Anita Bryant). Submissions are now open for the Miami, Florida event. Deadline: May 9, 2022.
After the success of the first edition, Golaem is launching a new round of free online crowd sime training: Golaem Academy 2 takes place May 10-18.
The next MAF Presents will hop on the Catbus for a guided tour of all things Studio Ghibli as the Ghibliotheque podcasters present “The Z-A of Studio Ghibli”. Live at HOME in Manchester, U.K. on Wed., May 18, book signing to follow. Buy Tickets
International non-profit The Breteau Foundation — which provides quality education tools to disadvantaged children worldwide — has partnered with award-winning global independent animation studios ZAG and ON kids & family (Mediawan Group) to collaborate on a special episode of the global hit animated series Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir to raise awareness about the global plastic crisis.
To be released in Spring 2023, the episode will seek to inspire millions of Miraculous fans around the globe to do their part in the fight against plastic.
“At the Breteau Foundation, we believe in providing opportunities for children to become engaged in real-world issues that transcend classroom walls,” commented Sebastien Breteau, Founder of The Breteau Foundation. “Partnering with Miraculous Ladybug to produce a special episode on plastic was a unique opportunity for us to reach millions of children worldwide to raise awareness on the Global Plastic Crisis and inspire them to become active changemakers.”
In this special episode, Marinette, Adrien and their friends want to actively fight plastic pollution in Paris — but as a small group, the task seems just too enormous. Marinette hatches a plan to fix the problem at the root, by convincing he largest plastic manufacturer to change his habits. But the heroes are about to meet an opponent in plain clothes far more fearsome than some of the supervillains they encounter! And what if, on top of that, the supervillain Monarch decides to ‘Akumatize’ the plastics baron?
“We are sensitive to ecology and environmental protection through the actions we plan to launch shortly within our future foundation ZAG Forest. In this context, it seemed obvious to us to participate in the initiative of The Breteau Foundation and to put our heroes at the service of this cause,” said Jeremy Zag, Founder & CEO, ZAG. “Ladybug and Cat
Noir are the best ambassadors of tomorrow’s issues and will be able to accompany children in their ability to create a better world.”
The Breteau Foundation initiated the collaboration with ZAG and ON in
2020 after searching for a children’s entertainment partner. The studios are producing the special episode on reducing plastic, and the Foundation will work with them to enhance the script with key educational messages.
“We are very happy to get involved with The Breteau Foundation in an absolutely essential initiative: to enable our children to be aware of current issues and to protect the future of the planet,” added Aton Soumache, Founder and President of ON kids & family. “This message will be all the more powerful as it is carried by Ladybug, a heroine as famous as she is aspirational. The DNA of our series and the values it conveys are naturally in line with the issues defended by The Breteau
Foundation.”
Furthermore, The Breteau Foundation is developing an accompanying series of workshops that will include lesson plans, teaching resources and STEAM learning tools catered to local primary school curriculum and available to download for free.
The educational film and workshops will be accessible for free on the Breteau Foundation website in Spring 2023, available initially in six languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian and Norwegian.
This approach is also part of a global dynamic of the Mediawan group, which aims to measure the impact of its activities on the environment in the coming months.
The Pokémon Company International revealed details today about an animated series that will take fans on a new adventure in the ancient Hisui region. The web series, originally teased during a Pokémon Presents on Pokémon Day 2022, is titled Pokémon: Hisuian Snow, and is slated to premiere on May 18, exclusively on the official Pokémon YouTube channel and Pokémon TV.
Alec (Adult)
The Hisui region was originally explored in the Pokémon Legends: Arceus videogame and represents the Sinnoh region of old — before the existence of Pokémon Trainers and Pokémon Leagues. Pokémon: Hisuian Snow is a story that takes place during this ancient age when the relationship between people and Pokémon was very different. Aboard a boat bound for the Hisui region, the protagonist Alec reminisces about the first time his father took him there. Over the span of three episodes, the series will go into detail about Alec’s stories from the past.
The limited web series will introduce viewers to Hisuian Pokémon and new characters, including:
Alec (Young)
Alec is heading to the Hisui region in search of medicinal herbs. He is a mild-mannered young man who is studying to become a doctor. As a child, he once accompanied his father on a visit to the Hisui region. He had an adventurous and mischievous side to him when he was a child.
Alec’s Father
Alec’s father is a woodworker. He originally lived in a different region, but recently moved to the Hisui region to procure materials. He came to fear Pokémon after a certain incident.
Zorua
Zorua (Hisuian Form), the Spiteful Fox Pokémon who lives in the region. It is said that the lingering spirits of Zorua who were chased out of their homeland and perished have returned to life in this form, fueled by the power of their malice toward humans and Pokémon.
Pokémon: Hisuian Snow is being produced by The Pokémon Company International in collaboration with WIT STUDIO. The series is directed by Ken Yamamoto and written by Taku Kishimoto, with character design by KURO, art direction by Yuuji Kaneko (AOSYASIN) and music by Conisch.
The core production team also includes DP Takeru Yokoi (WIT), offline editor Akari Saito (Mishima Editing Room) and sound designer Masafumi Mima.
To celebrate the upcoming launch of Sesame Street Mecha Builders, Sesame Workshop and Warner Bros. Discovery are previewing the STEM-centric animated series on YouTube. The first 11-minute story, “They Sent Us a Pie,” is available now on the SesameStreet YouTube channel . The series will officially debut in May on Cartoonito, Warner Bros. Discovery’s preschool programming block on HBO Max and Cartoon Network.
“Kids and families turn to Sesame Workshop for fun, educational, and safe content with a whole lot of heart. Sesame Street Mecha Builders is all that and more … with giant robots!” said Ed Wells, Sesame Workshop’s Executive Vice President and Head of Global Media and Education. “We can’t wait for fans of all ages to dive into this innovative and timely series to see their favorite Sesame Street friends like they’ve never seen them before — all while practicing STEM fundamentals, too.”
“Sesame Street’s iconic characters lend themselves to endless reinvention with humor and stories kids adore, and learning models that families can trust implicitly,” said Amy Friedman, Head of Kids & Family Programming, Warner Bros. “This time, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby and Elmo are saving the world in animated-superhero-robot form, and it will be MECHA BIG!”
Sesame Street Mecha Builders reimagines Elmo, Cookie Monster and Abby Cadabby as robot heroes-in-training who use their STEM superpowers to solve wacky larger-than-life problems. Animated in a dynamic 3D style, the series helps older preschoolers practice foundational critical thinking skills while laughing along with their Sesame Street friends. The series introduces children to STEM concepts like simple machines, force, and properties of matter, illustrated with help from the Mechas and their unique powers.
Across 26 episodes – each containing two complete 11-minute stories — the friends get into all kinds of silly situations, whether they’re using a wedge to split a giant banana for an ice cream statue or learning how to measure cables for a zipline through the trees. Lively animation — provided by Toronto-based firm Guru Studios — opens up imaginative possibilities like Mecha Cookie’s “Hammer Hand,” Mecha Abby’s stretchy arms, and the Mechas’ ability to go “Mecha Big” and “Mecha Tiny” to solve problems on every scale.
“Imagination is in Sesame Workshop’s DNA; with the flexibility and freedom animation offers, we have a blank canvas to tell even more incredible stories,” said Kay Wilson Stallings, EVP, Creative and Production, Sesame Workshop. “Taking a creative approach to STEM learning, Sesame Street Mecha Builders invites children to soar into the sky, shrink down — or grow ‘Mecha Big!’ — to see things from a new perspective, and discover their growing world.”
Old friends. New heroes. The Mecha Builders may not get it right the first time, but they won’t give up until they solve the problem and save the day!
The new spinoff is part of an expanding animation slate for Sesame Workshop, part of their ongoing content partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery. Upcoming projects include original preschool series Bea’s Block and a family holiday special based on The Nutcracker, both debuting later this year. A miniseries adaptation of classic children’s book Charlotte’s Web is in the early stages of production. The Workshop’s earlier forays into animation, recent specials The Monster at the End of This Story and Furry Friends Forever: Elmo Gets a Puppy, introduced new pals and reimagined classic Sesame Street stories.
The first five episodes of Sesame Street Mecha Builders will drop on Cartoonito on Cartoon Network May 9, and HBO Max on on May 10, with more coming soon.
Grab your most soothing hair brush, and try not to poof, but Disney-Pixar’s Turning Red has officially launched on Digital. In celebration of the release, three deleted scenes from the highly praised coming-of-age comedy have been unleashed!
With the Digital release, fans can travel back to the early aughts and experience all the warm and fuzzy red panda Mei-hem with never-before-seen bonus material including seven deleted scenes, three featurettes and audio commentary with director Domee Shi.
In the deleted scenes revealed today, fans can glimpse alternate versions of the story wherein Mei runs for class president against Tyler, the family temple is under threat of foreclosure, or Mei’s mom tries to teach her how to tame her inner beast.
Turning Red will be available on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on May 3. Details of the release here.
Netflix has opened the doors to Drifting Home with a new teaser trailer, which introduces anime fans to the supernatural summer adventure. This second feature film from 33-year-old writer-director Hiroyasu Ishida (Penguin Highway) is slated for global release on September 16.
Synopsis: Raised like brother and sister, Kosuke and Natsume have been friends since childhood, but their relationship begins to strain in sixth grade after Kosuke’s grandfather Yasutsugu passes away. One day during their summer vacation, Kosuke and his classmates sneak into an apartment complex that is scheduled to be demolished … and rumored to be haunted. Both Kosuke and Natsume grew up there, so the place holds a lot of memories for them. There, Kosuke stumbles into Natsume and is asked if he knows about the mysterious Noppo. But suddenly, they get caught up in a strange phenomenon.
When they regain consciousness, they see a vast ocean before them. As the apartment complex drifts in a mysterious sea with Kosuke and the others on board, they band together to try and survive. There are tears and fights, and maybe even reconciliation. Will they be able to return to their previous world? A summer farewell journey begins…
Drifting Home directed by Ishida from a screenplay he penned with Hayashi Mori (Cells at Work! Code Black). The film is produced by Twin Engine, with animation production by Studio Colorido. The Japanese-language voice cast features Mutsumi Tamura, Asami Seto, Daiki Yamashita, Yumiko Kobayashi, Inori Minase and Kana Hanazawa.
Following the release of their first feature film, Penguin Highway, in 2018, Studio Colorido received worldwide praise for A Whisker Away, which was distributed on Netflix in 2020. The studio’s long-awaited third feature-length film, Drifting Home, showcases the beautiful animation fans have come to expect, with a visual style that takes the audience from reality to a fantasy world.
João Gonzalez’s most recent short film, Ice Merchants, has been selected for the Cannes Film Festival’s International Critics’ Week (Semaine de La Critique), which this year celebrates its 61st edition. The short is making its world premiere as one of the 10 films in competition in the section, becoming the second Portuguese animated project to be selected for the program.
Following the award-winning animated shorts Nestor and The Voyager, Ice Merchants is João Gonzalez’s third film and his first as professional director, produced with the support of the Portuguese Cinema and Audiovisual Institute.
Ice Merchants
Ice Merchants centers on a father and son who, every day, parachute jump from their home high up on a sheer cliff-face to bring their mountain ice to market in the village below.
As Gonzalez explains in his director’s note, “Something that has always fascinated me about animation cinema is the freedom it offers us to create something from scratch. Surrealistic and bizarre scenarios and realities that can be used as a metaphorical tool to talk about something that is common to us in our more ‘real’ reality.”
https://vimeo.com/701648301
In addition to serving as director, art director and animator (with the help of Polish animator Ala Nunu), Gonzalez was also instrumentalist and composer of the soundtrack, with the participation of Nuno Lobo in orchestration and a group of musicians from ESMAE. The sound design is by Ed Trousseau, with recording and mixing by Ricardo Real and Joana Rodrigues. A Portuguese, Polish, French and English team worked on the coloring.
Ice Merchants
The European co-production was produced by Bruno Caetano at Cola – Coletivo Audiovisual in Portugal (colaanimation.com), in co-production with Michaël Proença from Wild Stream (France) and the Royal College of Art (U.K.).
Ice Merchants is distributed by the Portuguese Short Film Agency (agencia.curtas.pt).
Ice Merchants
Cannes Critics’ Week will be held from Wednesday, May 18 to Thursday, May 26 during the 75th Cannes Film Festival (May 17-28). The selection also includes the animated short It’s Nice in Here, an imagined memoriam for a young Black boy killed by a police officer. The film is directed by Curaçao-born, Rotterdam-based filmmaker/artist Robert-Jonathan Koeyers (animated by Brontë Kolster). Joseph Pierce’s rotoscoped Will Self adaptation Scale (France/U.K./Belgium/Czech Rep.) will have a special screening. (semainedelacritique.com)
João Gonzalez
João Gonzalez was born in Porto, Portugal in 1996. He is a director, animator, illustrator and musician, with a classical piano background. With a scholarship from the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, he did his master’s degree at London’s Royal College Art after finishing his degree at ESMAD (Porto). In these institutions he directed two films, Nestor and The Voyager, which combined received more than 20 national and international awards and more than 130 official selections in film festivals around the world, screening at Oscar- and BAFTA-qualifying events.
Gonzalez has a great interest in combining his musical background with his practice in author animation, always assuming the role of composer and sometimes of instrumentalist in the films he directs, occasionally accompanying them with live performances.
