The Ibero-American Animation Quirino Awards have announced the titles nominated for their fifth edition, which will be held from May 12-14 in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, in the island of Tenerife. Selected from 258 applications, 39 works from 12 countries aspire to be finalists in the nine categories of these awards created in 2018 to promote the Ibero-American talent and animation industry.
Animation from Spain and Brazil lead the way with 14 and 11 nominated works, respectively. They are followed by Mexico with nine, Argentina and Chile with eight each, Peru (six), Colombia and Uruguay (five), Portugal (three) and Ecuador, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela, with one nomination each.
The works with the highest number of nominations, four each, are the 2022 Oscar-nominated Chilean short film Bestia, the Brazilian feature film Bob Spit – We Do Not Like People, the Uruguayan series Two Little Birds and the Mexican short film Tio. Many of the selected works have passed through international festivals such as Annecy, Sitges, Ottawa and Seville, among others, which confirms the growing international projection of Ibero-American animation.
On Monday, March 14, at Casa de América in Madrid, the three finalists per category will be announced. This selection will be made by an international jury made up of Sebastian Debertin (director of international content, purchases and co-productions of KiKA, Germany), Magdiela Hermida Duhamel (founder & co-director of the LatinX in Animation program, U.S.), Zofia Jaroszuk (producer & production supervisor at Animoon, Poland), Kenneth Ladekjær (animation director of Flee, co-founder of Sun Creature Studio, Denmark) and Hernán La Greca (creative director & content developer, U.S.).
Quirino Award nominees
In the Best Animation Feature Film category, animation aimed at family audiences predominates, although there are also titles for adult audiences. Brazil accumulates three nominations in this category: Bob Spit – We Do Not Like People, a stop-motion film directed by Cesar Cabral based on the well-known punk character created by cartoonist Angeli; My Uncle José, directed by Ducca Rios and set in the last years of the Brazilian dictatorship; and The Red Scroll, an adventure film directed by Nelson Botter, Jr.
The feature contenders also include Valentina by Galician director Chelo Loureiro, which has just won the Goya Award for best animation feature film; the Peruvian film Ainbo Spirit of the Amazon by Jose Zelada and Richard Claus, one of the most international titles in recent Latin American animation; and Dogtanian and the Three Muskehounds, a Spanish production directed by Toni García Martínez and based on the classic animated series by Claudio Biern.
In competition In the Best Animation Series category are Doggyworld by Andrea Cordones and Álvaro Ceppi, and Zander, a stop-motion series directed by Enrique Ortega, both from Chile; the third season of Brazilian series Jorel’s Brother, (Quirino Award 2019); Two Little Birds (Uruguay), a series co-produced with Argentina and Colombia that, in its project stage, was promoted by The Ibero-American Animation League; preschool series Brave Bunnies (Spain); and Frankelda’s Book of Spooks (Mexico).
Bestia, representing Chilean animation in the race for the Oscars, is one of the six nominees for Best Short Film. Directed by Hugo Covarrubias and inspired by real events, the film enters the life of a secret police agent in the military dictatorship in Chile. Co-produced between Brazil, the U.K. and the U.S., Footsteps on the Wind will also seek a place in the final list. The film seeks to draw attention to children displaced by war and climate change. The list of nominees in this category is completed with the Tom by Felippe Steffens (Brazil), Leopoldo from the Bar by Diego Porral (Spain), The Girl Who Stood Still by Joana Toste (Portugal) and stop-motion piece Tio by director Juan Medina from Guadalajara, Mexico.
San Cristóbal de La Laguna will host the Quirino Awards for the second consecutive year. In addition to the awards ceremony, the city will host the 41st Ordinary Meeting of the Conference of Audiovisual and Cinematographic Authorities of Ibero-America (CAACI) and the 20th Extraordinary Meeting of the Intergovernmental Council of Ibermedia.
In parallel, the Quirino Awards will host the 5th Co-production and Business Forum, which in its last edition brought together more than 120 company representatives from 19 countries and organized more than 700 professional meetings. Likewise, the Quirino White Paper of Ibero-American Animation will present its latest edition during the event.
Today, Prime Video revealed the delightfully unhinged trailer and key art for The Boys Presents: Diabolical, the eight-episode animated anthology series set in the universe of the Emmy-nominated hit The Boys, which will premiere all episodes on March 4 exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
Joining the previously announced voice cast are Kimberly Brooks, Nicole Byer, Frances Conroy, Asjha Cooper, Chris Diamantopolous, John DiMaggio, Jermaine Fowler, Emily Gordon, Grey Griffin, Randall Duk Kim, David Marciano, Xolo Maridueña, Dominique McElligott, Caleb McLaughlin, Colby Minifie, Eugene Mirman, Retta, Kevin Michael Richardson, Somali Rose, Parker Simmons, Ursula Taherian, Fred Tatasciore, Sean Patrick Thomas, Angela Marie Volpe, Gary Antony Williams and Jenny Yokobori.
Diabolical: John and Sun-Hee
Awkwafina, Michael Cera, Don Cheadle, Chace Crawford, Kieran Culkin, Giancarlo Esposito, Eliot Glazer, Jason Isaacs, Kumail Nanjiani, Justin Roiland, Seth Rogen, Andy Samberg, Ben Schwartz, Elisabeth Shue, Christian Slater, Kevin Smith, Antony Starr, Nasim Pedrad, Simon Pegg, Kenan Thompson, Aisha Tyler, and Oscar-winner Youn Yuh Jung were previously announced.
Diabolical: BFFs
(Want to learn more about Diabolical? Don’t miss the April issue of Animation Magazine coming soon!)
The fun-size episodes, running 12-14 minutes and each with its own animation style, will reveal unseen stories within The Boys universe, dreamt up by some of the most creative and bloody brilliant minds in entertainment today. The featured stories are:
Diabolical: Laser Baby’s Day Out
“Laser Baby’s Day Out”
Writers: Evan Goldberg & Seth Rogen
Directors: Crystal Chesney-Thompson and Derek Thompson
Animation Style: Inspired by classic American animated shorts.
“An Animated Short Where Pissed-Off Supes Kill Their Parents”
Writers: Justin Roiland & Ben Bayouth
Director: Parker Simmons
Animation Style: Inspired by Justin Roiland’s (Rick and Morty, Solar Opposites) aesthetic.
Diabolical: An Animated Short Where Pissed-Off Supes Kill Their Parents
“I’m Your Pusher”
Writer: Garth Ennis
Director: Giancarlo Volpe
Animation Style: An homage to the original The Boys comics.
“Boyd in 3D”
Writer: Eliot Glazer
Story by: Eliot Glazer & Ilana Glazer
Director: Naz Ghodrati-Azadi
Animation Style: Inspired by French comics and animation.
Diabolical: Boyd in 3D
“BFFs”
Writer: Awkwafina
Director: Madeleine Flores
Animation Style: Inspired by Saturday morning animation imports.
“Nubian vs Nubian”
Writer: Aisha Tyler
Director: Matthew Bordenave
Animation Style: Anime inspired.
Diabolical: Nubian vs Nubian
“John and Sun-Hee”
Writer: Andy Samberg
Director: Steve Ahn
Animation Style: Inspired by Korean drama and horror.
“One Plus One Equals Two”
Writer: Simon Racioppa
Directors: Jae Kim and Giancarlo Volpe
Animation Style: A darker take on American superhero animation.
Diabolical: One Plus One Equals Two
The Boys is based on The New York Times best-selling comic by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson and was developed by executive producer and showrunner Eric Kripke.
The Boys Presents: Diabolical is executive produced by Simon Racioppa, Eric Kripke, Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver, Neal H. Moritz, Pavun Shetty, Ori Marmur, Ken F. Levin, Jason Netter, Garth Ennis, Darick Robertson, Michaela Starr, Loreli Alanís, Chris Prynoski, Shannon Prynoski, and Ben Kalina. The Boys Presents: Diabolical is produced by Amazon Studios and Sony Pictures Television Studios, with Titmouse, Kripke Enterprises, Original Film, and Point Grey Pictures.
Alongside detailing its growing kids’ animation slate, Paramount+ announced that beginning in 2025, it will become the global streaming home for the full catalog of South Park episodes, movies and made-for-streaming movies. Additionally, later this year, South Park’s expansive library of episodes will move exclusively in SVOD to Paramount+ in international markets, and beginning with season 27 in 2024, new episodes of the hit franchise will make their streaming debuts exclusively on the service, both in the U.S. and globally.
From MTV Entertainment Studios and building on the success of 2021’s two exclusive South Park made-for-streaming movies on Paramount+, South Park: Post COVID and South Park: Post COVID: The Return of COVID, Paramount+ revealed the title of its new Beavis and Butt-Head film: Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe. A new season of the hit animated series, as well as the full library of over 200 remastered episodes, will also stream exclusively on the service.
The announcements were made by Chris McCarthy, CCO, Unscripted Entertainment and Adult Animation for Paramount+, during the ViacomCBS Investors Event.
“South Park and Beavis and Butt-head are two of the most successful and widely known adult animation IP in the history of the genre, and I am thrilled that Paramount+ will be their exclusive new SVOD home,” said McCarthy. “By expanding the universe of these franchises, we are unlocking significant value within ViacomCBS’ treasure chest of IP, and this is just the beginning.”
South Park 2021-2027
2022: Complete library of 310 episodes to launch on Paramount+ internationally.
2024: Beginning with season 27, new episodes will have their U.S. and global streaming premieres on Paramount+.
2025: Entire catalog rolls into the U.S., making Paramount+ the global exclusive SVOD home to the groundbreaking franchise.
MTV Entertainment Studios’ new and expansive deal with co-creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker includes extending South Park on Comedy Central through 2027 and taking cable’s longest-running scripted series through an unprecedented 30th season. In addition to the series extension, the new deal includes 14 South Park original made-for-streaming events exclusively for Paramount+.
To date, the series has earned five Emmy Awards and a George Foster Peabody Award.
Beavis Butt-Head 2022
New movie: Beavis and Butt-head Do the Universe – In perhaps the dumbest space movie ever made, Beavis and Butt-Head are sentenced to Space Camp by a “creative” judge in 1998. Their obsession with a docking simulator (huh huh) leads to a trip on the Space Shuttle, with predictably disastrous results. After going through a black hole, they reemerge in our time, where they look for love, misuse iPhones, and are hunted by the Deep State. Spoiler: They don’t score.
New series: Beavis and Butt-head are back and stupider than ever.
Sponsored by Netflix, this program is designed to uplift the presence of Latinx animation filmmakers, offering a game-changing grant of $10,000 towards the development and production of an animated short film. Additionally, LXiA Spark Grant Fellows receive a series of professional development sessions and will be paired with an individual mentor. For its inaugural year, LXiA has named two filmmakers to receive this prestigious grant: Cecilia De Jesus and Anthony Gallego.
Cecilia De Jesus is a Filipina/Mexican-American designer, animator and filmmaker based in Los Angeles, California. She has worked on several title sequences for film and television, including the Sonic the Hedgehog movie, Motherland, Phantom Thread and The Hate U Give. De Jesus currently is a motion graphics artist at Trailer Park Group, where she designs and animates trailers for film, television and social content. De Jesus also contributes her animation skills towards projects for non-profit organizations such as Feeding America, the LA Regional Food Bank and World Wildlife Foundation.
While her animated short Back to Normal, which explores themes of mental health during the pandemic, will be her own first short film, De Jesus has supported other independent filmmakers and their collective work has screened at Cannes Film Festival, Denver Film Festival and the LA Film Festival.
“For me, receiving the LXiA Spark Grant means a chance to bring a story to life that means a great deal to me and will hopefully help others. It also means I can be part of the effort to add more diverse voices to the world of animation,” says De Jesus.
A 2020 graduate from the School of Visual Arts in New York, Anthony “Ant” Gallego completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2D Animation. With a fresh early career that has spanned Transistor Studios, Studio Zmei and CBA Studios, Gallego has a passion for writing and producing horror movies. With the LXiA Spark Grant, Gallego is excited to launch his animated short, Yuri, which dives headlong into the subjects of death and self-grief.
“Receiving the LXiA Spark Grant means a great deal to me. It just is an indescribable feeling to receive recognition for your artistic efforts on this kind of scale,” says Gallego. “I’m beyond excited to see how people react to Yuri.”
LXiA Spark Fellows will have approximately 16 months to complete their animated short films. The shorts will also enjoy a special screening at LFI’s annual Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) in 2023. For its inaugural year, the LXiA Spark Animation Grant was awarded to individual Latinx filmmakers living and working in the United States.
LXiA’s Founder & Co-Director, Magdiela Hermida Duhamel, remarks, “The LXiA Spark Grant is specifically geared to making sure that our Fellows are set up for success. That’s why we have the mentoring and professional development series built into it. We want the LXiA Spark Grant to be truly formative to our Fellows’ careers.”
“Equity is at the center of our work,” adds Bryan Dimas, Co-Founder & Co-Director for LXiA. “We’re excited to see these projects come to life and what it means for investing in Latinx talent.”
Netflix’s support of the LXiA Spark Grant builds on their partnership with the Latino Film Institute, and is part of Netflix’s Fund for Creative Equity, an effort to create more behind-the- camera opportunities for underrepresented communities within the TV and film industries.
Paramount+, the streaming service from ViacomCBS, today announced a new slate of exclusive original kids and family programming including new movies and series. The announcement was made by Brian Robbins, Chief Content Officer, Movies and Kids & Family for Paramount+, during the ViacomCBS Investors Event.
Drawn from Nickelodeon’s stable of globally popular franchises, and following the success of Paramount+’s kids and family original series like Rugrats, Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years and Star Trek: Prodigy, this new slate of content, produced by Nickelodeon, will add further momentum to the service’s popular kids’ content offering. Additionally, in the wake of the new iCarly’s success last year, Robbins also reviewed plans to further serve the Young Adult (13-34) audience with a slate of forthcoming Y/A original movies and series.
Brian Robbins
“As we’ve known with Nickelodeon’s long-standing success, the kids and family audience is incredibly loyal, and we see that on Paramount+ as well, with kids and family ranking as one of the strongest genres on the service in terms of both engagement and subscriber acquisition,” said Robbins. “So as they stay for our shows and look for even more of them, we’re doubling down on giving them what they want by expanding the universes of the characters they love the best.”
“Our Kids & Family content is not only bringing young audiences to Paramount+ but it’s also a key component in retaining our existing subscriber base and expanding their viewership habits,” said Tanya Giles, Chief Programming Officer, ViacomCBS Streaming. “Paramount+ is a service for the whole household and we’re now seeing nearly half of our subscribers engaging with kids and family content on the service, a double-digit gain over last year.”
Robbins announced several new franchise-expanding titles for Paramount+, including:
Transformers: Earthspark, from Nickelodeon and Hasbro’s Entertainment One (eOne), launching globally in Fall 2022. This 26-episode action-comedy series introduces a new generation of Transformers robots — the first Transformers robots to be born on Earth. Together with the human family who welcomes them in and cares for them, they’ll redefine what it means to be a family.
Designed for kids and families alike, Transformers: Earthspark blends the humor and heart of Nickelodeon with the action and high stakes adventure of Transformers. Set on present-day Earth, the series centers on two human kids as they forge a connection with Transformers robots like never before and work alongside fan favorites like Optimus Prime and Bumblebee. This animated series is comedic, heartfelt, high energy, and action-packed, featuring new characters, and stars a diverse, multicultural human family, reflecting the current world we live in.
The series is executive produced by Ant Ward (Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Ciro Nieli (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) and Nicole Dubik (Transformers: Rescue Bots) and developed and co-executive produced by Dale Malinowski (Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles). Produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studio, the series is developed for television by Claudia Spinelli, Senior Vice President, Series Animation. Production will be overseen for Nickelodeon by Conrad Montgomery, Vice President, Current Series, Animation and for eOne by Kari Rosenberg, VP, Original content, Action Adventure Brands.
The Expanding SpongeBob SquarePants Universe: Following the success of Kamp Koral on Paramount+ and The Patrick Star Show on Nickelodeon — the first season of which will soon be available to stream on Paramount+ — a further expansion of the SpongeBob universe is coming exclusively to the service with three brand-new movies based on the show’s original characters, with the first dropping in 2023. In addition, a fourth SpongeBob release from Nickelodeon Animation is currently in development for theatrical release.
More Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Surfaces: A new era of TMNT-mania takes over in 2023 with a new animated take on the Turtles coming to theaters, produced by Point Grey Pictures’ Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg and directed by Jeff Rowe. Nickelodeon Animation will swiftly follow that film with a series of exclusive movies for Paramount+ beginning in 2023, each centering on one of the property’s storied villains in never-before-told tales.
Blue’s Big City Adventure, the now-announced animation/live-action hybrid movie based on Blue’s Clues & You!, is set to premiere later this year and follows host Josh and Blue as they head to New York City, with the help of Steve and Joe, to audition for a big Broadway musical. Produced by Nickelodeon Animation.
Dora the Explorer:The preschool return of the groundbreaking Latina heroine in an all-new CG-animated series produced by Nickelodeon Animation, and featuring the beloved characters, plus key modernization to the storytelling, debuts in 2023.
Plus, now in development from Nickelodeon is the first-ever live-action Dora the Explorer series, inspired by the tone of Paramount Pictures’ 2019 Dora and the Lost City of Gold theatrical release, with this new version for Paramount+ targeting the tween demo.
During today’s event, Robbins also underscored the opportunities and anticipation surrounding recently announced titles for Nickelodeon like a live-action Monster High musical movie and animated series in partnership with Mattel; aBaby Shark feature-length film in development for 2023, co-produced by Nickelodeon Animation and The Pinkfong Company; and a theatrical PAW Patrol movie sequel — a Spin Master Entertainment production in association with Nickelodeon Animation, with distribution by Paramount Pictures — complemented with the first-ever PAW Patrol television series spinoff.
In addition to Paramount+’s new kids and family programming, Robbins remarked during the Investors Event on the service’s opportunity with the substantial and influential Y/A audience, given the performance of the new, young-adult-focused iCarly and Awesomeness Studio’s success as producers of top Y/A franchises. These live-action movie projects include sports scifi Fantasy Football starring Marsai Martin, high school comedy Honor Society starring Angourie Rice, and an adaptation of Becca Fitzpatrick’s New York Times best-selling supernatural romance novels Hush Hush.
Following the announcement of its all-animation Opening, Centerpiece and Closing program highlights, the Oscar-qualifying New York International Children’s Film Festival (NYICFF) has announced its complete feature film slate for 2022, heralding its 25th Anniversary celebration as North America’s largest and most prestigious film festival for young audiences. NYICFF is thrilled to be welcoming audiences back to the cinema with in-person events, kicking off Friday, March 4 at SVA Theatre and running weekends through March 19.
For its 25th edition, NYICFF’s thematic focus is on the power of science and art through films that demonstrate creativity and inclusivity as being at the core of the next generation’s superpowers, regardless of discipline. Whether dreaming of space on an intergalactic scale — or within a film camera’s frame — the motion pictures featured in this year’s slate conjure new and powerful worlds for young people to break free of the rules and troubles of our earthbound existence.
Let us dive in to the animation highlights…
From accomplished filmmaker Richard Linklater’s return to his space-age childhood dreams thanks to the magic of rotoscoping in Apollo 10 ½: A Space Age Childhood, to Oscar-nominated Ari Folman’s imaginative and thoughtful interpretation of a true-to-life tale using exquisite animation in Where Is Anne Frank, to Mascha Halberstad’s colorful stop-motion animation Oink, this carefully curated selection of acclaimed films come to the NYICFF on the heels of screenings at Cannes, Berlinale, and SXSW, reinforcing the idea that young audiences are ready for and well-deserving of the most sophisticated, thoughtful film fare.
There are plenty of films in this year’s NYICFF slate that convey their meaningful messages with a sense of fun, whimsy, and humor including the aforementioned Oink, and the episodic premieres of Swop and the ever-beloved Moominvalley. Also represented in this year’s program is a diverse range of impressive female filmmakers from all over the world who have helmed compelling features such as Turning Red, Oink and The Ape Star.
Exploring the craft of both filmmaking and film-going is a selection of movies that revel in high-energy, infectious fun and the power of cinematic storytelling, including Pompo the Cinephile. Additionally, the Festival will showcase a number of highly accomplished animated features from across the Asian continent with engaging stories from a variety of gifted filmmakers including Pompo, To the Bright Side, I Am What I Am and Poupelle of Chimney Town. Audiences will also have the opportunity to experience a selection of thoughtful films based on real stories, re-interpreted and reimagined through artful animation in the case of Where Is Anne Frank and Charlotte. Finally, explorations of space and science are paired with equally rich examinations of social justice, family, community, inclusivity and the value of childlike wonder in Apollo 10 ½: A Space Age Childhood.
Newly added animated features at NYICFF 2022:
The Ape Star
Linda Hambäck
Norway, Sweden, Denmark
Though Jonna’s home is filled with wonderful kids and a caring guardian, she can’t help but pin her hopes on one day being adopted. When that long-awaited day finally arrives, she learns that love comes in all shapes, sizes and, er, creatures … like the enormous ape with the equally enormous heart who wants to take Jonna home. Director Linda Hämback (NYICFF 2019’s Gordon and Paddy) uses her own experience as an adoptee to share this hilarious and moving story through a powerful, nuanced lens. A warm, fuzzy, feel-good tale of love over greed, the joy in the things that make us different, and the life-changing magic of sometimes letting things get a little messy, The Ape Star is sure to win hearts.
Best Birthday Ever (courtesy SC Films International)
Best Birthday Ever (New York Premiere)
Michael Ekblad
Germany, Netherlands, Sweden
Little Charlie is a small rabbit who lives with his loving family and pets in a house at the edge of town. Like many five-year-olds, he goes to a kindergarten and plays with his friends in the neighborhood, basking in the delight of his parents’ complete attention. But all of that changes with the arrival of his baby sister, Clara. When the chance for adventure with his best friend, Monica, arises, Little Charlie — eager to make his own mark and maybe a little jealous — hops to it.
Charlotte (New York Premiere)
Tahir Rana & Eric Warin
Canada, France, Belgium
Charlotte is a testament to the power of art to endure, affront and thrive, even in the face of impossible circumstances. This beautifully animated saga is based on the life of Charlotte Salomon, an aspiring painter living in Germany during the Nazi rise to power. As hard as it is to gain acceptance to the art academy as a girl, Charlotte’s Jewish background makes achieving her dream even harder, and soon her entire community’s existence is threatened. Eventually she is forced into exile with her difficult, emotionally distant grandparents before finding safe, loving harbor in the South of France. Charlotte’s new host wholeheartedly encourages her artmaking. The result is a decades-spanning, boldly ambitious visual autobiography that confronts the perils of war, a family legacy of mental illness, and dashed dreams. Featuring the voice of Keira Knightly, Charlotte paints the legacy of a little-known artist whose impact lasts long beyond her brief life.
https://youtu.be/TTtL0hyQUOg
I Am What I Am (New York Premiere)
Haipeng Sun
China
Prepare yourself for the hallmarks of all the classic genres: I Am What I Am is a buddy film, a road movie, an underdog heartstring-puller and even a little bit of a rom-com. Our hero Gyun is a hard working kid with even harder working parents. While his parents toil away in the big city of Guangzhou, Gyun is left to his own devices in his small village, where he stumbles upon the transfixing Lion Dance Competition. Beneath the extraordinary costume is a powerful girl who gifts him with her stunning headdress and encourages him to pursue his newfound aspirations. Soon, Gyun and his buddies are traversing the enormity of the vast Chinese countryside as their own ragtag troupe. With hard work, athleticism and reluctant dance-champ-turned-fishmonger Sifu to coach them, they begin to outwit their competitors by harnessing their perceived weaknesses. The eye-poppingly bold and realistic CG animation that breathes fierce light into this rags to riches story will have you bouncing to the beat of the Lion’s drum.
Moominvalley (courtesy Gutsy Animations)
Moominvalley (North American Premiere)
Steve Box
Finland, U.K.
Tove Jansson’s delightful universe is back, premiering exclusively at NYICFF with all the Moomincapers you could ever wish for in three new episodes. It’s a battle to decide who’s in charge in Brisk and Breezywhen camper and notorious mischief-maker Little My runs Mr. Brisk through a series of tests to prove his mettle. Next, leave it to Moomintroll to get into a muddle inadvertently following valley rogue Stinky down a foul path to thievery, only getting into more rot when trying to make things right. Finally, the Moominfamily must postpone their winter hibernation while Moominmomma (voiced by Rosamund Pike) keeps something under wraps in Winter Secrets.
Pompo the Cinephile (courtesy of GKIDS)
Pompo the Cinephile (English-Language World Premiere)
Takayuki Hirao
Japan
If you’re reading this, chances are you like movies. You’ll feel right at home with Pompo, the talented and gutsy producer whose love of cinema is unflinching and unapologetic. One day, Pompo turns her uncanny eye for talent to her movie-loving but apprehensive assistant Gene, selecting him to make his directorial debut with her latest script. But Gene has his work cut out for him with a young starlet looking for her first big break and a legendary, aging, Brando-like superstar in front of the camera. It’s not an action movie, but Pompo’s breakneck pace combined with the high stakes of creative fulfillment pack in as much excitement as standard superhero fare. Add to that a slew of insider movie references and countless winks and nods to the filmmaking process, this hilarious and heartfelt dramedy has what it takes to fulfill even your wildest celluloid dreams.
Our wide-eyed, top-hatted, scruffily charming young protagonist Lubbichi — such a big name for a little boy — has a very big job to do: serving as a busy chimney sweep in his enormous and gritty post-industrial town. With all the factory soot in the air, Lubbichi and the townspeople haven’t seen the sky in years, but that won’t stop this plucky boy from dreaming of the stars. His dreams get even closer to reach when he befriends Poupelle, a gentle giant robot made of trash whose heart beats as true as any human one. Based on the beloved Japanese manga and filled with amazingly detailed CG worlds of complex, inventive devices and fantastical landscapes, this ragtag buddy movie brushes, clanks, and sweeps its way through the debris to dazzle eyes, hearts and minds. Chim, chim, cher-ee, indeed.
Swop (courtesy Viking Film)
Swop (World Premiere)
Job, Joris & Marieke
Netherlands
Based on the beloved, Emmy and NYICFF award-winning short Heads Together, this new series follows three wacky friends Sef, Wesley and Marjory. One day, they discover an abandoned washing machine with mysterious powers: it lets you swap heads with someone else! This presents the three BFFs with a range of amazing possibilities … and side-splitting challenges. As they take turns trying on each other’s heads, they literally see the world through new eyes. Will their new perspectives help them discover a whole new world of possibilities, or get them into a mess? Well, the sayings tell us there are many sides to every story and two heads are better than one. Run, don’t walk (but please hold onto your head) to the slapstick silliness of Swop.
https://youtu.be/V34Q1VtTv3s
To the Bright Side (North American Premiere)
Xiya Lan, Nianze Li, Yi Zhao, Kun Yu, Gaoxiang Liu, Maoning Liu, & Chen Chen
China
Hop on this delightful omnibus of a film, composed of seven stunningly animated short films, and you’ll travel to China past and present, urban and rural, in realistic contemporary settings or fantastic mythical realms. Though the protagonists range from a family of rabbits, a boy doing his homework at his parents’ restaurant, or a child and his grandmother in the countryside, all tell unique stories of love, challenges and maturing to the beat of your own drum. The distinctive styles of each short captivate equally; beautifully hand-illustrated in rich colors, ink painting, paper-cutting, watercolor, collages and more to create affectionate interpretations of life, love and growth as seen through these gifted Chinese filmmakers’ viewpoints.
Member tickets are now on sale for NYICFF, public tickets will be available to purchase on Feb. 17. Visit nyicff.org for more information.
Buckle up, buttercup: There’s a new time-traveling, butt-kicking hero team behind the wheel in Adult Swim’s new digital shorts series Alabama Jackson. Premiering today (Feb. 15), the action-packed stop-motion comedy from Donald Faison (Scrubs) is produced by multi-Emmy-winning Stoopid Buddy Stoodios.
Alabama Jackson
The shorts voice star Faison as Alabama Jackson, a fast-talking, overmatched hustler sent to the past to save Black history from President Woodrow Wilson (Seth Green) and his evil henchman. His time-traveling partner is Harriet Tubman (Wanda Sykes), who uses a quick wit and the open hand of justice to deliver punishment to anyone who gets in her way. Together the duo must go back in time to save life as we know it, one revolutionary at a time.
Alabama Jackson is the first of several new digital short series to premiere on Adult Swim’s YouTube channel. Designed with both fans and creators in mind, each digital short series takes inspiration from popular Adult Swim favorites, reimagining them in a new light while still maintaining the creativity the network is known for.
Alabama Jackson
Alabama Jackson is a seven-episode shorts series; new adventures drop daily at noon ET/9 a.m. PT from Tuesday, February 15 through Monday, February 21 on Adult Swim’s YouTube channel.
Disney+ has released first-look character images for a star-studded roster of guest cast featured in the new original series The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, premiering with two episodes February 23 on Disney+. The images introduce the animated alter egos of Grammy winner Lizzo (UglyDolls), Jaden Smith (After Earth, Neo Yokio), Lena Waithe (Master of None, Big Mouth), Today weather presenter Al Roker (Kung Fu Panda 3), Lamorne Morris (Woke, Star vs. the Forces of Evil) and Brenda Song (Dollface, Amphibia):
Lizzo as herself: The first singer Oscar hires to perform at his new theme park, SnackLand.
Lizzo as herself (The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder)
Jaden Smith asCollege Myron: The college version of Myron Lewinski.
Jaden Smith as College Myron (The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder)
Lena Waithe as College Maya: The college version of Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins.
Lena Waithe as College Maya (The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder)
Al Roker as himself: A wish-granting genie.
Al Roker as himself (The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder)
Lamorne Morris as himself: A headliner in a musical.
Lamorne Morris as himself
Brenda Song as Vanessa Vue: A local TV news reporter who covers Oscar’s most embarrassing escapades.
Brenda Song as Vanessa Vue (The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder)
The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder picks up the story of its central character, Penny Proud (Kyla Pratt) and includes her madcap family: parents Oscar (Tommy Davidson) and Trudy (Paula Jai Parker), twin siblings BeBe and CeCe, and grandmother Suga Mama (JoMarie Payton) — and Puff! — and, of course, Penny’s loyal crew Dijonay Jones (Karen Malina White), LaCienega Boulevardez (Alisa Reyes) and Zoey Howzer (Soleil Moon Frye), among others.
Returning cast members from The Proud Family also include Cedric the Entertainer as Uncle Bobby, Carlos Mencia as Felix Boulevardez, Maria Canals-Barrera as Sunset Boulevardez and Alvaro Gutierrez as Papi.
From Disney Television Animation, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder is executive-produced by Bruce W. Smith (The Princess and the Frog) and Ralph Farquhar (Moesha), both of whom led the original series. Calvin Brown, Jr. (Moesha) is co-executive producer, Jan Hirota (Big Hero 6 The Series) is producer, and Eastwood Wong (Carmen Sandiego) is art director.
All seasons of the original The Proud Family series (Disney Channel, 2001) are available now on Disney+.
Read all about The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder in Animation Magazine‘s feature story here.
Acclaimed comic strip Bloom County, created and written by Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist, screenwriter, producer and children’s book author Berkeley Breathed, is being developed as an animated series by FOX Entertainment, its Emmy Award-winning animation studio Bento Box Entertainment, Miramax, Spyglass Media Group and Project X Entertainment.
Co-written and executive-produced by Breathed, Bloom County centers on a collapsed lawyer, a lobotomized cat and a penguin in briefs and fruit headwear living in the world’s last boarding house in the world’s most forgotten place deep in the dandelion wilds of FlyWayWayOver country. To wit, today’s America at a glance.
Bento Box will serve as the animation studio on the project. Miramax, Spyglass and Project X will also executive-produce.
Bloom County originated from Breathed’s first published comic strip, The Academia Waltz, which appeared in his student newspaper The Daily Texan. The comic strip soon got the attention of editors at The Washington Post, who recruited Breathed to do a nationally syndicated strip. Bloom County made its debut in 1980, appearing in more than 1,200 newspapers worldwide, until its end in 1989. Shortly after, Breathed started strips Outland and Opus, which both featured Bloom County characters. In 2015, Breathed started posting new Bloom County strips via Facebook on an almost daily basis.
“At the end of Alien, we watched cuddly Sigourney Weaver go down for a long peaceful snooze in cryogenic hyper-sleep after getting chased around by a saliva-spewing maniac, only to be wakened decades later into a world STUFFED with far worse. FOX and I have done the identical thing to Opus and the rest of the Bloom County gang, may they forgive us,” commented Breathed.
Michael Thorn, President of Entertainment, of FOX Entertainment, added, “I was introduced to the brilliance of Berkeley Breathed and Bloom County as a teenager. His signature blend of satire, politics and sentiment hooked me. Plus, I love Opus. Today, Berkeley’s smart and hilarious take on American culture is more relevant than ever. And, together with Bento Box, we’re thrilled to bring his unique ensemble of characters and social commentary to broadcast television.”
Breathed is a cartoonist and children’s book author, best known for his comic strips Bloom County, Outland and Opus. He’s also a screenwriter, production designer and producer on films going back 30 years. His most recent project is the film production of his own story, HITPIG!, from Aniventure, due this year.
Breathed started his career drawing editorial cartoons for the Austin American-Statesman. While a student at the University of Texas, Breathed self-published his first comic strip, ultimately leading to the creation of Bloom County, which earned him the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning in 1987. Breathed continued on to produce 10 children’s picture books. Two were made into animated films, and another was made into the 2011 motion-capture film Mars Needs Moms.
FOX Entertainment’s animated comedy slate produced by Bento Box includes Emmy-winning hit Bob’s Burgers and new series Duncanville, The Great North and Housebroken, which recently joined record-breaking series The Simpsons. FOX is also working on new content featuring Gumby, Catlan McClelland and Matthew Schlissel’s Grimsburg (ordered for 2023), Victoria Vincent’s Dirt Girls (in development), Flintstones adult comedy Bedrock (with WB Animation & Elizabeth Banks) and Dan Harmon’s NFT-backed Greek mythology sendup Krapopolis (coming soon).
Today, Disney+ released the first trailer and a new poster for the original movie Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers. A comeback 30 years in the making, the hybrid live-action/animated action-comedy catches up with the former Disney Afternoon television stars in modern-day Los Angeles, premiering May 20, exclusively on Disney+.
In Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers, Chip and Dale are living amongst cartoons and humans in modern-day Los Angeles, but their lives are quite different now. It has been decades since their successful television series was canceled, and Chip has succumbed to a life of suburban domesticity as an insurance salesman. Dale, 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/dK1CuXG7GMQ
The movie stars John Mulaney (Saturday Night Live) as Chip, Andy Samberg (Palm Springs) as Dale and KiKi Layne (If Beale Street Could Talk). Also joining the cast are 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).
Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers 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), with Alexander Young (Extinction) and Tom Peitzman serving as executive producers.
The monster-bashing, magic-blasting, bird-flipping adventures of the world’s greatest mercenaries reach a crescendo this week with the Friday (Feb. 18) Season 1 Finale of The Legend of Vox Machina, exclusively on Prime Video. Produced by Amazon Studios, Critical Role and Titmouse, the 100% Certified Fresh (Rotten Tomatoes) adult animated series follows Vox Machina, a band of misfits with a fondness for boozing and brawling. In a desperate attempt to pay off their mounting bar tab, these unlikely heroes end up on a quest to save the realm of Exandria from dark magical forces. From a sinister necromancer to a powerful curse, the group confronts a variety of obstacles that not only test their skills, but also the strength of their bond.
South Park‘s landmark 25th Season continues Wednesday (Feb. 16) at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Comedy Central with the all-new episode “City People.” In the episode, Cartman is furious that his mom gets a job. In a new preview clip, the foul-mouthed fourth grader turns to his gullible foil, Butters, for help. New episodes will be available to stream on SouthPark.cc.com, CC.com and the Comedy Central App post-premiere.
Rick and Morty
Streaming audiences have a fresh crop of Adult Swim favorites to enjoy on HBO Max. Now available:
Follow the employees of a small company dedicated to bringing happiness to a bizarre yet colorful world in new series Smiling Friends.
Spend some quality time with the best Ricks and Mortys in the Multiverse in Rick and Morty Season 5.
Take stroll up to North Georgia and have some hillbilly fun with all 12 seasons ofSquidbillies.
Cosmicrew
Meta Media Entertainment has been appointed as the worldwide distributor for the new 3D upper preschool series Cosmicrewproduced by Perfect World Animation, part of one of China’s leading entertainment companies. The animal rescue comedy-adventure series for kids 4-8 has been one of the most successful kids series in China since its launch in 2018 and is now in its fourth season (156 x 15′). Cosmicrew airs on all six national animation networks in China, as well as 15 provincial networks, 25 provincial children’s channels and 80 local TV channels, and boasts an extensive licensing program.
“I am thrilled to be working with such a prestigious Chinese company on such a finely crafted series which I’m sure will delight kids worldwide just as much as it has done in China,” said Sara Cooper, Founder of Meta Media Entertainment.
Liu Peng, General Manager of Perfect World Animation,commented, “We are really excited to work with Meta Media on Cosmicrew, and we are confident that Meta Media will help one of China’s most popular series reach young audiences all over the world.”
Moonbug Entertainment Ltd. has acquired Little Angel, one of the fastest-growing kids’ channels on YouTube — the Little Angel Network, which also houses Little World, boasts more than 88 million subscribers globally and the brand’s global viewership has doubled since 2019. Moonbug plans to grow Little Angel exponentially by investing in content, expanding distribution to its global network and creating more ways for audiences to engage with the brand.
The show offers premium 3D content and has a library of over 400 original songs and over 500 animated episodes. Educational specialists weigh-in to ensure all content is centered around valuable preschool lessons like learning letters, numbers, good manners, and healthy habits in an age-appropriate and entertaining way.
The Sound Collector
U.K. indie Eagle Vs Bat has signed a worldwide distribution deal with Serious Kids for the company’s first production, live-action/stop-motion series The Sound Collector (60 x 5′, kids 4-7), which will air in 2023. The series is produced by Eagle Vs Bat for ITV (U.K.), in co-production with Enanimation for RAI (Italy), with the support of the BFI’s Young Audiences Content Fund. Animation and models by Mackinnon & Saunders (The House, Fantastic Mr Fox, Corpse Bride); created by Tom & Erica Angell, written by Dave Ingham (Lucas the Spider, Clangers, Shaun the Sheep).
The series comprises 60 short stories about sound, as heard through the ears of a small but very active little being called the Sound Collector, who has a passion for sound despite the fact that he is very hard of hearing. He spends his days discovering and using new sounds that he finds on his adventures: the blooping and popping of sea anemones, the scuttling of a beetle or even the snores and snuffles of his best friend and pet, Mole.
Counting with Paula
Award-winning Singapore and U.K.-based animation company Omens Studios has secured a deal with Singapore’s national public broadcaster MediaCorp for an additional 20 episodes of hit preschool series Leo the Wildlife Ranger (126 x 11’) and a further 40 episodes of Counting with Paula (340 x 11’).
Leo the Wildlife Ranger’s 20 new episodes for kids 3-6 will air on MediaCorp’s okto block on Channel 5 in the last quarter of 2022. The first season has sold in over 50 countries globally, and the second season of the adventure series won Best Preschool Program at the Asian Academy Creative Awards 2021 and the Silver Award for Television Series at the 2021 Telly Awards. The series aims to encourage knowledge and appreciation of wildlife and nature and to develop eco-awareness in young children.
Counting with Paula, aimed at children aged 3-6, is available in English, Chinese, Spanish and Russian and has had international success, currently being available in over 50 territories. The new season seven is also set to air on MediaCorp’s okto block on Channel 5 in February 2023. It follows six-year-old Paula and her friends making learning about numeracy, literacy and social development skills fun, easy and entertaining.
Cartoon Network Africa is bringing a second season of its original local production, CN to the Rescue back to screens February 21. The show’s blend of live-action and quality animation with pure African humor and imaginative content helpt season 1 rocket to the number one watched show in South Africa across all kids’ channels in January 2021.
CN to the Rescue 2 goes deeper into the adventurous parallel world of Tapiwa’s ‘Imagination Room,’ where the lines between reality and animation become more blurred, the story becomes more real, and the adventure becomes even crazier than ever! Is the new mysterious family member, Uncle Ezekius from Cape Town, a good guy, or is he plotting evil? Haibo! Will Tapiwa and his no-nonsense, glam but caring Mama, intensely focused nerdy bra, and happy-go-lucky Gogo find a way out of the ‘Imagination Room’ in time?
More TV & streaming news bytes:
Disney is issuing two beloved animated series as box sets this season: The Proud Family: The Complete Original Series arrives 20 years after its initial TV run (and ahead of the debut of Louder and Prouder) with all 52 episodes on Digital (Feb. 15) and seven-disc DVD Anniversary Collection (March 15). And for the first time on Blu-ray, Chip ‘n’ Dale Rescue Rangers: The Complete Series invites fans to go nuts over all 65 episodes on a six-disc set (Feb. 15).
Jetpack Distribution scored three new deals for Moley (52 x 11′) and half-hour special Master Moley: By Royal Invitation with ZDF (Germany free TV & VOD), Globo (Brazil TV & SVOD, Globoplay) and TVNZ (New Zealand free TV & VOD).
Nadasdy Film‘s special Zibilla (26′) is continuing its global fight against bullying through a deal between agency Superights and RAI (Italy), which recently premiered the animation on Rai Yoyo and Raiplay.
Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that the original anime The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” from New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Animation, will release in theaters on April 12, 2024.
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim explores and expands the untold story behind the fortress of Helm’s Deep, delving into the life and bloodsoaked times of one of Middle-earth’s most legendary figures: the mighty King of Rohan, Helm Hammerhand.
The release comes 21 years after the culmination of The Lord of the Rings trilogy based on the iconic books by J.R.R. Tolkien. The films are among the most successful and acclaimed of all time, winning 17 Oscars — including 11 for The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, tying the record for a single film.
Award-winning filmmaker Kenji Kamiyama (Blade Runner: Black LotusGhost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex series) directs, with Oscar winner Philippa Boyens, from the screenwriting team behind The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, executive producing and Joseph Chou (Blade Runner: Black Lotus) producing. The writing team of Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou penned the screenplay based on a script from Jeffrey Addiss & Will Matthews. The Lord of the Rings returning creative team also includes Oscar winner Richard Taylor and esteemed Tolkien illustrator John Howe.
“I’m in awe of the creative talent who have come together to bring this epic, heart-pounding story to life, from the mastery of Kenji Kamiyama to a truly stellar cast. I cannot wait to share this adventure with fans of cinema everywhere,” said Boyens.
“The Lord of the Rings films took Tolkien’s masterwork to new cinematic heights and inspired a generation. It’s a gift to be able to revisit Middle-earth with many of the same creative visionaries and the talented Kenji Kamiyama at the helm. This will be an epic portrayal unlike anything audiences have ever seen,” said Toby Emmerich, Chairman, Warner Bros. Pictures Group.
Animation work has been underway since last year at Sola Entertainment (Blade Runner: Black Lotus, Ultraman, Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045) with comprehensive and exciting voice casting to be announced imminently. The film will be distributed theatrically worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.
Lord of the Rings “Breach Edoras Walls” concept art by Weta Workshop
There are four elemental types of Super Bowl viewers: Football fans, Halftime Show fans, people who only show up to eat the seven-layer dip, and people who only tune in for the commercials. In case you weren’t able to catch the Big Game this weekend (or you missed some of the ad breaks because somebody had to make more dip), here’s a quick recap of the animated, VFX-packed teasers and trailers that debuted.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Pre-Game Spot
April 8 | Paramount Pictures
The world’s favorite blue hedgehog is back for a next-level adventure. After settling in Green Hills, Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz) is eager to prove he has what it takes to be a true hero. His test comes when Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) returns, this time with a new partner, Knuckles (voiced by Idris Elba), in search for an emerald that has the power to destroy civilizations. Sonic teams up with his own sidekick, Tails (voiced by Colleen O’Shaughnessey), and together they embark on a globe-trotting journey to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands.
Directed once again by Jeff Fowler (Gopher Broke); also stars James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, Natasha Rothwell, Adam Pally, Lee Majdoub and Shemar Moore.
The Lost City Pre-Game Spot
March 25 | Paramount Pictures
Brilliant, but reclusive author Loretta Sage (Sandra Bullock) has spent her career writing about exotic places in her popular romance-adventure novels featuring handsome cover model Alan (Channing Tatum), who has dedicated his life to embodying the hero character, “Dash.” While on tour promoting her new book with Alan, Loretta is kidnapped by an eccentric billionaire (Daniel Radcliffe), who hopes that she can lead him to the ancient lost city’s treasure from her latest story. Wanting to prove that he can be a hero in real life and not just on the pages of her books, Alan sets off to rescue her. Thrust into an epic jungle adventure, the unlikely pair will need to work together to survive the elements and find the ancient treasure before it’s lost forever.
Directed by Adam Nee and Aaron Nee; also stars Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Oscar Nuñez, Patti Harrison and Bowen Yang — plus, Brad Pitt pops in, per the teaser.
NOPE Big Game Spot & Official Trailer
Universal Pictures | July 22
“What’s a bad miracle?” Oscar winner Jordan Peele disrupted and redefined modern horror with Get Out and then Us. Now, he reimagines the summer movie with a new pop nightmare: the expansive horror epic, Nope. The film reunites Peele with Oscar winner Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out, Judas and the Black Messiah), who is joined by Keke Palmer (Hustlers, Alice) and Oscar nominee Steven Yeun (Minari, Okja) as residents in a lonely gulch of inland California who bear witness to an uncanny and chilling discovery.
Written and directed by Peele, produced by Ian Cooper (Us, Candyman); co-stars Michael Wincott (Hitchcock, Westworld) and Brandon Perea (The OA, American Insurrection).
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Official Trailer
Marvel/Disney | May 6
The MCU unlocks the Multiverse and pushes its boundaries further than ever before. Journey into the unknown with Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), who, with the help of mystical allies both old and new, traverses the mind-bending and dangerous alternate realities of the Multiverse to confront a mysterious new adversary.
Directed by Sam Raimi; also stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Elizabeth Olsen, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, with Michael Stühlbarg, and Rachel McAdams.
Jurassic World Dominion Big Game Spot & Official Trailer
Universal/Amblin | June 10
This summer, experience the epic conclusion to the Jurassic era as two generations unite for the first time. Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard are joined by Oscar winner Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum and Sam Neill in Jurassic World Dominion, a bold, timely and breathtaking new adventure that spans the globe. Dominion takes place four years after Isla Nublar has been destroyed. Dinosaurs now live — and hunt — alongside humans all over the world. This fragile balance will reshape the future and determine, once and for all, whether human beings are to remain the apex predators on a planet they now share with history’s most fearsome creatures.
Directed by Jurassic World architect Colin Trevorrow; stars BD Wong, Justice Smith, Daniella Pineda and Omar Sy with newcomers DeWanda Wise (She’s Gotta Have It), Emmy nominee Mamoudou Athie (Archive 81), Dichen Lachman (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Scott Haze (Minari) and Campbell Scott (The Amazing Spider-Man 2).
Moon Knight Big Game TV Spot
Marvel/Disney+ | March 30
Disney+ unveiled a thrilling look at its new, original and exclusive Marvel Studios series, which brings a never-before-seen Marvel Super Hero to the screen, and unveiled a brand-new poster. The story follows Steven Grant, a mild-mannered gift-shop employee, who becomes plagued with blackouts and memories of another life. Steven discovers he has dissociative identity disorder and shares a body with mercenary Marc Spector. As Steven/Marc’s enemies converge upon them, they must navigate their complex identities while thrust into a deadly mystery among the powerful gods of Egypt.
Jeremy Slater is head writer and exec producer; stars Oscar Isaac, Ethan Hawke and May Calamawy.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Teaser Trailer
Prime Video | September 2
Amazon Studios’ forthcoming series brings to screens for the very first time the heroic legends of the fabled Second Age of Middle-earth’s history. This epic drama is set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and will take viewers back to an era in which great powers were forged, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin, unlikely heroes were tested, hope hung by the finest of threads, and the greatest villain that ever flowed from Tolkien’s pen threatened to cover all the world in darkness.
Beginning in a time of relative peace, the series follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth. From the darkest depths of the Misty Mountains, to the majestic forests of the elf-capital of Lindon, to the breathtaking island kingdom of Númenor, to the furthest reaches of the map, these kingdoms and characters will carve out legacies that live on long after they are gone.
The series is led by showrunners and executive producers J.D. Payne & Patrick McKay. They are joined by executive producers Lindsey Weber, Callum Greene, J.A. Bayona, Belén Atienza, Justin Doble, Jason Cahill, Gennifer Hutchison, Bruce Richmond, and Sharon Tal Yguado, and producers Ron Ames and Christopher Newman. Wayne Che Yip is co-executive producer and directs along with J.A. Bayona and Charlotte Brändström.
… And, just for fun, some cosplaying ungulates in the Disney+ Has All the GOATS spot. The promo has Awkwafina take fans through the Disney+ offices, which are revealed to be the home of the “Greatest Of All Time” from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. More than 30 goats can be seen in the promo representing many fan-favorite characters including Captain America, Chewbacca, Cruella, Woody and Homer Simpson.
Writer, director and producer Ivan Reitman, who grew from a maverick horror helmer to one of the great comedy mavens of the past five decades, died February 12 at age 75. The Czechoslovak-born Canadian filmmaker passed away peacefully in his sleep Saturday night at home in Montecito, California, family reported to AP News.
Reitman specialized in raucous comedies, beginning with his big break producing Animal House (1978). He directed Bill Murray in his first starring role in Meatballs (1979), followed shortly by Stripes (1981) and in the smash-hit franchise starter Ghostbusters (1984), which grossed nearly $300 million and earned two Oscar nominations — for best visual effects and original song (Ray Parker, Jr.).
Ghostbusters
Reitman directed and produced the original Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II (1989) and served as producer on the 2016 reboot and last year’s Ghostbusters: Afterlife, which was directed by his son, Jason Reitman. Reitman was also tapped as producer on Sony Pictures Animation’s upcoming animated feature project for the franchise and the Ecto Force TV series.
Animation fans will know Reitman as the producer of 1981’s adult animation anthology movie Heavy Metal (a new 4K release of which is planned for April) as well as the ’90s hybrid classic Space Jam; he also executive produced last year’s sequel Space Jam: A New Legacy.
Heavy Metal
Reitman’s animation executive producing credits also include the Beethoven series (1994), based on the live-action movies about a slobbery St. Bernard he also EPed; Mummies Alive! (1997); and Alienators: Evolution Continues (2001-2002), based on his alien invasion comedy Evolution (2001).
The long list of Reitman’s 20th century comedy credits also includes Arnold Schwarzenegger vehicles Twins, Kindergarten Cop and Junior; Kevin Kline/Sigourney Weaver White House comedy Dave, My Super Ex-Girlfriend and No Strings Attached. He established The Montecito Picture Company in 1998, based on the Sony lot.
Space Jam
Born October 27, 1946 in Komarno, Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia) to Hungarian Jewish parents — his mother an Auschwitz survivor and his father an underground resistance fighter — Reitman and his family emigrated to Canada as refugees when the future filmmaker was just four years old. He obtained a Bachelor of Music from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, where he also produced and directed many short films.
Among his notable accolades, Reitman received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1997.
Ivan Reitman (center) unveils his Hollywood Walk of Fame star May 5, 1997 with (L-R) Nastassja Kinski, Billy Crystal and Robin Williams. [photo: AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes]
Reitman is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Geneviève Robert, and three children: director Jason Reitman (Thank You for Smoking, Juno, Up in the Air); actor-writer-producer Catherine Reitman, creator of Workin’ Moms; and Caroline Reitman.
“Our family is grieving the unexpected loss of a husband, father, and grandfather who taught us to always seek the magic in life,” Reitman’s children told the AP. “We take comfort that his work as a filmmaker brought laughter and happiness to countless others around the world. While we mourn privately, we hope those who knew him through his films will remember him always.”
ICEX Spain Trade & Investment has published the updated edition of the Who Is Who Animation from Spain 2022 guide, dedicated to the Spanish companies in the animation and visual effects sector with active projects for the current year and their international potential.
The dossier offers a detailed compendium of Spanish animation production and distribution companies, their main projects and contact details. It also includes profiles of technology services companies related to animation and VFX, as well as updated information on the numerous tax incentives available in Spain for both domestic productions and international co-productions.
The sector once again demonstrates its confidence in this initiative, with the number of participating companies increasing up to 72, 18% of which are new additions. This edition also showcases the new corporate identity developed by ICEX for Animation from Spain, as part of the recently launched rebranding for the Audiovisual from Spain umbrella brand.
With a clear international vocation and published in English, the guide (which can be downloaded free of charge at this link) will be used as a promotional tool at all the international trade fairs and markets in which ICEX usually participates with its own pavilion for Spanish companies. Thus, its launch coincides with the celebration in March of major international animation events, such as Cartoon Movie in Bordeaux.
A number of Spanish companies will participate in the Kidscreen Summit Virtual next month. These include Ánima Kitchent, Birdland Entertainment, Blackout Productions, DeAPlaneta Entertainment, Hampa Studio, Koyi, Peekaboo Animation, Puro Digital, Tomavision Studio, We Love Animation, Zinkia Entertainment or Zip Zap Producciones, as well as the public entities Instituto Canario de Desarrollo Cultural, Canarias ZEC and the Sociedades de Promoción Económica de Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
ICEX is also working on new editions of its guides Games from Spain, for the video games and entertainment software sector; and Who Is Who Shooting in Spain, which will compile information on Spanish production services companies for international shooting attraction.
Animation from Spain is the umbrella brand created by ICEX Spain Trade & Investment to promote the Spanish animation sector at all the international TV-related trade shows and to present what Spain has to offer the international animation industry in terms of talent, expertise and new productions. Learn more at icex.es.
WarnerMedia Kids & Family announced today exciting news surrounding the hit Teen Titans Go! franchise. To kickstart a super-powered summer, the Teen Titans and DC Super Hero Girls will reunite during Memorial Day weekend to combat Lex Luthor and his unified gang of DC Super-Villains in Teen Titans Go! & DC Super Hero Girls: Mayhem in the Multiverse.
The all-new, feature-length animated TV movie event from Warner Bros. Animation promises action, adventure, plenty of hilarious moments and will be available from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Blu-ray Combo Pack (U.S. $24.98 SRP; Canada $29.98 SRP), DVD (U.S. $19.98 SRP; Canada $24.98 SRP) and Digital starting May 24. Fans can also catch the movie event on Cartoon Network premiering Saturday, May 28 and then on HBO Max beginning June 28.
Teen Titans Go!
Also announced today, Cartoon Network has picked up another season of Teen Titans Go! from Warner Bros. Animation. Season eight will premiere later this year and will continue expanding the Teen Titans universe, debuting new characters from the DC Universe including Beard Hunter, King Shark and many more as well as welcoming new surprise celebrity guests. As the longest running animated series in DC history, season eight will also mark the series reaching the 400 th episode milestone.
“The undeniable success of Teen Titans Go!, with its signature blend of action and subversive Super Hero humor, is a testament to the phenomenal work of executive producer Pete Michail and the show team,” said Sam Register, President, Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Studios. “Seven seasons, one theatrical feature film, multiple specials, celebrity cameos, and no end in sight, this show has carved out its own lane in the acclaimed legacy established by the original Teen Titans animated series.”
Mayhem in the Multiverse synopsis: With the help of an ancient Kryptonian power, Lex Luthor unites the world’s Super-Villains to capture all of Earth’s Super Heroes, until … only the DC Super Hero Girls are left to stop the Legion of Doom. Our heroes must cross dimensions to rescue their fellow Super Heroes from the Phantom Zone, but a fortuitous wrong turn leads them to Titans Tower – where they find much-needed allies in the Teen Titans. The young Super Heroes discover their combined strength – and usual comic relief – are essential to save the day in this blockbuster event!
The cast features a Who’s Who of the voice acting community, including Kimberly Brooks (He-Man and the Masters of the Universe) as Bumblebee, Greg Cipes (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) as Beast Boy, Keith Ferguson (Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends) as Batman, Will Friedle (Batman Beyond) as Lex Luthor & Aquaman, Grey Griffin (Scooby-Doo franchise) as Wonder Woman, Young Diana & Giganta; Phil LaMarr (Samurai Jack) as The Flash, Hawkman, Green Lantern/John Stewart; Scott Menville (Stretch Armstrong & the Flex Fighters) as
Robin, Max Mittleman (ThunderCats Roar) as Superman, Jessica McKenna (Star Trek: Lower Decks) as Aqualad, Khary Payton (The Walking Dead) as Cyborg, Alexander Polinsky (Blaze and the Monster Machines) as Control Freak, Missi Pyle (Galaxy Quest) as Cythonna & Speaker of Nations, Tara Strong (Ben 10) as Raven & Harley Quinn, Nicole Sullivan (Family Guy) as Supergirl, Cree Summer (Rugrats) as Catwoman & Hippolyta, Fred Tatasciore (Family Guy) as Jor El & Solomon Grundy, Myrna Velasco (Star Wars: Resistance) as Green Lantern Jessica Cruz, Kari Wahlgren (Rick and Morty) as Star Sapphire & Zatanna, and Hynden Walch (Adventure Time) as Starfire.
Teen Titans Go! & DC Super Hero Girls: Mayhem in the Multiverse is directed by Matt Peters (Injustice, Justice League Dark: Apokolips War) and Katie Rice (Animaniacs) from a script by Jase Ricci (Tangled: The Series). Producers are Jeff Curtis and James Ricci. Supervising producer is James Tucker (The Death and Return of Superman). Executive producer is Sam Register.
Episodes of Teen Titans Go! and DC Super Hero Girls “From the DC Vault”will be included as bonus content on the Blu-ray and DVD:
One of the landmark titles of ’80s indie animation, Heavy Metal (1981) is returning to shelves in its first-ever 4K Ultra HD set as a limited edition SteelBook, featuring an all-new soundscape supervised by producer Ivan Reitman. Arriving April 19 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, the adult sci-fi anthology will be packaged with the Blu-ray debut of Heavy Metal 2000.
Synopsis: Based on the fantastical illustrated magazine Heavy Metal, producer Ivan Reitman enlists the help of some of Hollywood’s animation masters to create the otherworldly tale of a glowing green orb from outer space that spreads destruction throughout the galaxy. Only when encountered by its one true enemy, to whom it is inexplicably drawn, will goodness prevail throughout the universe.
Richly and lavishly drawn, the vignettes of the orb’s dark victories include the character voices of John Candy, Harold Ramis and a pounding soundtrack by Black Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult, Cheap Trick, Devo, Donald Fagen, Don Felder, Grand Funk Railroad, Sammy Hagar, Journey, Nazareth, Stevie Nicks, Riggs, and Trust. Highly imaginative and full of surprising special effects, Heavy Metal set the standard for alternative contemporary animation. An intoxicating experience not to be missed!
The movie features contributions from notable 20th century animators, directors and producers such as Jimmy Murakami, John Coates, John Halas, Bob Balser, Jack Stokes, Harold Whitaker and Pino van Lamsweerde, overseen by director Gerald Potterton. The voice cast also included Eugene Levy, Roger Bumpass, Joe Flaherty, Jackie Burroughs, John Vernon, Susan Roman and Alice Playten.
Heavy Metal 4K
The Heavy Metal 4K UHD Disc presents the feature in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision, reviewed and approved by Ivan Reitman New 2022 Dolby Atmos soundtrack – a brand-new immersive experience utilizing enhanced sound effects and much more, supervised by Reitman. Also includes the 2022 mix in 5.1, and the original 1981 theatrical Dolby Stereo audio
New special feature:Heavy Metal: A Look Back– an all-new retrospective featuring reflections from producer Ivan Reitman, famous fans Kevin Smith, Norman Reedus, and more!
The Heavy Metal Blu-ray presents the movie in High Definition with 5.1 audio. Special features:
Original feature-length rough cut with optional commentary by Carl Macek (screenwriter, Heavy Metal 2000)
Imagining Heavy Metal documentary
Deleted scene
Alternate framing story with commentary
The Heavy Metal 2000 Blu-ray is presented in newly remastered High Definition with 5.1 audio. Special features:
Global Screen, a TELEPOOL brand, announces a raft of presales for 3D-animated feature film My Fairy Troublemaker, produced by Fabrique d’Images SA, Ella Filmproduktion GmbH and SERU Animation GmbH & Co KG.
In the movie, Violetta, a curious and cheeky fairy, smuggles herself into the human world. By chance, she meets a 12-year-old human girl, Maxie, who feels lost in the city and whose biggest wish is to return to the countryside. The two brave heroines strike a secret deal. But things turn upside down and they find themselves in a thrilling race against time and in an adventure larger than life.
The family fantasy adventure, billed as a charming, suspenseful and high-end animated film, has been sold to U.K. and Ireland (Signature Entertainment), Australia and New Zealand (Rialto), Spain and Portugal (Big Picture Films), Italy (Koch), Scandinavia (Selmer Media), Poland (Kino Swiat), CIS (Silver Box), Ukraine (UFD), Baltics (Garsu Pasaulio), former Yugoslavia (Karantanija), Bulgaria (Pro Films), Middle East (Gulf Film), South Korea (Big Film), Malaysia (Suraya) and Vietnam (Lightening McQueen).
The screenplay for My Fairy Troublemaker is written by Silja Clemens based on an idea by Maite Woköck, who also serves as producer for Ella Filmproduktion alongside Jean-Marie Musique and Christine Parisse (Fabrique d’Images) and Sebastian Runschke (SERU Animation). Caroline Origer is the director.
My Fairy Troublemaker currently is in production and delivery is expected for Q2 2022. Global Screen will present new scenes at EFM.
“In the beginning, our young heroine Maxie will remind a lot of the audience about their own lives, as she needs to adapt to her way of living including a new stepbrother and new surroundings,” explains Julia Weber, Head of Acquisitions & Sales at Global Screen. “Suddenly when tooth fairy Violetta shows up, the fun, adventure and action kicks off and, with a lot of heart and magic, My Fairy Troublemaker will make the audience laugh about the little weaknesses we all have and understand that, with a real friend, everything is possible.”
During the AMC Networks session with the Television Critics Association on Thursday, all eyes were on Better Call Saul. Though the live-action, Emmy-nominated drama (Sony Pictures Television) is debuting its sixth and final season on April 18, fans can explore more of its world and its complicated characters with new original short-forms — including the animated spinoff Slippin’ Jimmy.
Slippin’ Jimmy
During the TCA presentation, AMC unveiled new production images for the six-part animated series Slippin’ Jimmy, which follows the misadventures of a young Jimmy McGill and his childhood friends in Chicago, Illinois.
Told in the style of classic 1970s-era cartoons, each episode of Slippin’ Jimmy is an ode to a specific movie genre — from Spaghetti Westerns and Buster Keaton to The Exorcist.
Slippin’ Jimmy production art (Starburns)
Announced in March 2021 and slated to premiere on AMC’s digital platforms this spring, the series is produced by Rick and Morty animators Starburns and written by Better Call Saul writers Ariel Levine and Kathleen Williams-Foshee.
Slippin’ Jimmy will be brought to life with the voice talents of Chi McBride, Laraine Newman and Sean Giambrone, among others.
FOX Entertainment’s free VOD service Tubi has entered into a content partnership deal with GKIDS, producer-distributor of acclaimed animated movies from around the world. Later this month, Tubi will begin rolling out celebrated feature films from GKIDS, including the Academy Award-nominated Ernest & Celestine” and A Cat in Paris, as well as Goya Award-winning Nocturna, with additional titles to be available later this year.
The deal with GKIDS is the latest addition to Tubi’s robust selection of premium award-winning animated content, with thousands of hours of anime titles, including In This Corner of the World, Millennium Actress, Liz and the Blue Bird and Penguin Highway, as well as beloved titles The Iron Giant, Animal Farm, Peter and the Wolf, Monster House and more.
GKIDS titles coming to Tubi in 2022 include:
Academy Award-nominated Ernest & Celestine (2012), directed by Stéphane Aubier, Vincent Patar, Benjamin Renner
Academy Award-nominated A Cat in Paris (2010), dir. Jean-Loup Felicioli, Alain Gagnol
Goya Award winner Nocturna (2007), dir. Adrià García, Víctor Maldonado
Eleanor’s Secret (2009), dir. Dominique Monfery, Muhammad Omar Faruk
The Painting (2011), dir. Jean-François Laguionie
A Town Called Panic: Back to School Panic! (2016), dir. Stéphane Aubier, Vincent Patar
A Town Called Panic: Christmas Panic! (2013)
GKIDS is the producer and distributor of award-winning feature animation for both adult and family audiences. Since 2010, the company has scored an astounding 12 Best Animated Feature Oscar nominations for The Secret of Kells in 2010, A Cat in Paris and Chico & Rita in 2012, Ernest & Celestine in 2014, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya and Song of the Sea in 2015, Boy and the World and When Marnie Was There in 2016, My Life as a Zucchini in 2017, The Breadwinner in 2018, Mirai in 2019 and Wolfwalkers in 2021.
GKIDS also handles North American distribution for the famed Studio Ghibli library of films, one of the world’s most coveted animation collections, with titles such as Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke and others (new limited edition Blu-ray + DVD SteelBook releases of Only Yesterday and Princess Kaguya arrive April 19); as well as the critically acclaimed television series Neon Genesis Evangelion.
Tubi has more than 40,000 movies and series from more than 250 content partners, available on Android and iOS mobile devices, Amazon Echo Show, Google Nest Hub, and on OTT devices such as Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, GoogleTV, LG Smart TVs, Vizio TVs, Sony TVs, Samsung TVs, Hisense TVs, Comcast X1, Cox Contour, PlayStation 4 and 5 and Xbox One and Series X | S.
