Prime Video kicks off the holiday season with a special announcement: The Legend of Vox Machina, an upcoming adult animated fantasy-adventure series from Critical Role and Titmouse, will now premiere on January 28, 2022 in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. Along with the new premiere date, Prime Video released a new clip showcasing the quippy character humor that Critters have come to love, and a new image from the series.
Based on the beloved characters and adventures of Critical Role’s first livestreamed tabletop role-playing game (RPG) campaign, The Legend of Vox Machina is an animated fantasy-adventure series for adults that 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.
(Read all about the new show in the February ’22 issue of Animation Magazine, available soon!)
The Legend of Vox Machina is a production of Amazon Studios, Critical Role, and Titmouse for Prime Video. The series stars Critical Role founders and cast members Laura Bailey (The Last of Us: Part II), Taliesin Jaffe (Final Fantasy XIV), Ashley Johnson (The Last of Us), Liam O’Brien (Star Wars: The Bad Batch), Matthew Mercer (Overwatch), Marisha Ray (Final Fantasy XV), Sam Riegel (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) and Travis Willingham (Marvel’s Avengers). The Critical Role cast also serves as executive producers, alongside Brandon Auman (Star Wars: Resistance), Chris Prynoski (Metalocalypse), Shannon Prynoski (Fairfax) and Ben Kalina (Big Mouth).
Critical Role is a story-driven media company created by a group of voice actors that started out sitting around a table together as friends creating epic stories. In 2019, they launched a Kickstarter campaign to produce a 22-minute animated special based on the characters and adventures of Vox Machina, Critical Role’s original livestreamed tabletop RPG campaign. They met their initial funding goal within minutes, and thanks to Critical Role’s passionate fanbase, the campaign continued to gain traction, raising over $11.3 million and becoming one of the most funded Film & Video projects in Kickstarter history. The fan support allowed Critical Role to expand the special into a 10-episode season. When Amazon Studios picked up the series, it built on that record-breaking support by ordering an additional 14 episodes, bringing the total number of episodes to 24 across two seasons, which will stream exclusively on Prime Video.
The Writers Guild of America (West) has announced that Kim Possible creators Mark McCorkle and Bob Schooley will receive this year’s Animation Writing Award, bestowed by the Animation Writers Caucus. The writer/producer duo will accept the honor at a ceremony and member meeting next month, according to Deadline.
In addition to creating, writing and executive producing Kim Possible for the Disney Channel — which earned back-to-back Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Children’s Animated Program in 2004 and 2005 — as well as its video/TV movies The Secret Files, So the Drama and the live-action Kim Possible,McCorkle and Schooley wrote and executive produced the hit Madagascar spinoff series The Penguins of Madagascar (winner of one Primetime Emmy and there Daytime Emmy awards), Big Hero 6: The Series, Monsters vs. Aliens and Buzz Lightyear of Star Command.
The collaborators’ writing, producing and directing credits also include Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast, The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride, Buzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins, The Return of Jafar, the Hercules and Aladdin TV series, Goof Troop, The Real Ghostbusters, Captain Planet andthe Planeteers, The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! and the 1989 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toon. They also brought live-action family hit Sky High and Hotel for Dogs to the big screen.
Bob & Mark’s cameo in Kim Possible episode “Low Budget”
McCorkle and Schooley met while working as entertainment managers at the Sesame Street play park Sesame Place in Pennsylvania, where both attended Temple University. The longtime creative couple both got their start in the mailroom of DIC entertainment, working their way to staff writing positions at Walt Disney Television Animation and launching their robust careers. The pair published a young readers’ novel, Liar of Kudzu, through Simon & Schuster in 2008.
The Animation Writers Caucus has previously given its Animation Writing Award to the likes of Mike Judge, Seth MacFarlane, Linda Woolverton, Brad Bird, Matt Groening, Nicole Dubuc, Al Jean & Mike Reese.
The Writers Guild Awards are scheduled for Sunday, March 20, 2022.
The IN10 Media Network’s Gubbare, is ready to take on the competition in children’s entertainment with its original content debut. After immense research and understanding of the viewer’s television consumption behaviour, the kids’ channel will bring the magical martial arts superhero Akki Jaanbaaz to screens on December 27.
Aiming to create a role model for young viewers with a unique storyline, the show will feature classic martial arts moves and playful characters that resonate with kids across the country. The series centers on nine-year-old Akki as he juggles his normal life and his superhero persona, powered by a magical belt. Akki Jaanbaaz is produced by local animation powerhouse Toonz Media Group. ( Teaser )
“Since its launch in 2020, Gubbare has kept kids at the core – be it the characters or stories/ The launch of the IPs is a significant milestone for us as we move towards garnering a larger share of the viewership pie,” said said Brian D’Costa, AVP – Content & Strategy for the channel. “With local, relevant, and entertaining narratives, we will further strengthen our original programming in multiple languages as we want to connect with kids across regions. Kids today want differentiated content and our new line-up will fulfill that need-gap in the genre.”
To engage with the audience, the channel will launch a high-intensity marketing plan for Akki Jaanbaaz, including Instagram filters, AR/VR characterization and a dance challenge, offering kids the chance to win interesting merchandise.
In the pipeline are two more original titles” Roro aur Hero – Bhoot mast! Zabardast and Akul aur Nakul – The Asuras. Both the shows, catering to different genres, explore the themes of friendship, family and good vs. evil but marry them with comedy with the help of the lovable characters.
Catering to the young audience, the channel aims to be a one-stop entertainment destination for kids in the country. Staying true to the channel’s tagline – “Masti Ke Phuwarre” (Fountains of Fun) – the new IPs will celebrate magic, action and high-quality animation and extend Gubbare’s library to build affinity with its loyal audience. The efforts are also being made to keep the content relevant globally.
Akki Jaanbaaz will premiere at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on December 27 in Hindi, English, Tamil and Telugu. The new and upcoming shows will also be available on the network’s OTT platform EPIC ON.
Disney+ kicks off holiday festivities this Friday, December 24, when Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto launches on the streamer. In a new featurette, Lin-Manuel Miranda — who wrote eight original songs for the film — teams up with the voice of Mirabel, Stephanie Beatriz, to share insights about several of the film’s songs, including “Dos Oruguitas” — a Critics’ Choice Awards nominee for best original song.
Miranda, who visited Colombia with directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard in 2018, infused the songs with the rhythms, instrumentation and varied styles of the South American country’s music. “Encanto takes place in rural Colombia,” said Miranda, “and the music that comes out of Colombia is so beautiful.”
In the film, Mirabel often reveals her internal struggles and revelations through song. “There’s something that clicks inside her where she realizes the wheels are in motion for her to chase down her destiny,” said Beatriz. “I like these heroine songs so much. We go on this major journey with the character and suddenly we know her better from the inside.”
The season will also see the new animated prehistoric romp The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild, coming to Disney+ on January 28, continuing the hilarious escapades of the sub-zero heroes from the wildly successful global franchise.
Eager for a little independence, the thrill-seeking possum brothers Crash and Eddie set out to find a place of their own, but quickly find themselves trapped beneath the ice in a massive cave inhabited by dinosaurs. They are rescued by the one-eyed, adventure-loving weasel Buck Wild, and together, with the help of some new friends, embark on a mission to save the Lost World from dinosaur domination.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=0vPHYRJtLYE
Star Wars fans can also keep up with the ongoing escapades of their favorite Mandalorian in new episodes of The Book of Boba Fett each week. Library titles arriving on Disney+ in January include Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir (S4, 7 episodes, Jan. 5).
Young Hulu viewers can catch the complete sixth season of Madagascar: A Little Wild on January 13. Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria step out of the comfort of home to find adventure in exotic places, like the wilds of New Jersey! They’ll meet up with old friends, including Bartholomew the Bat and Lala the now-grown Frog. And they’ll make new friends, like a mysterious salsa-dancing parrot who Gloria is determined to help, an adorable but uncontrollable puppy who steals Marty’s heart, and a clever deaf girl whose conversation with Dave sends the gang on a city-wide adventure. And they’ll finally spend a day with the notorious Bill the Flamingo, who says he wants to be a friend, but may just turn out to be Alex’s worst enemy!
Across Disney Branded Television, January will offer up new adventures with favorite characters for the tykes, including Spider-Man, the Avengers, Bingo & Rolly.
Friday, Jan. 7 Spidey and His Amazing Friends “Spin Rushes In/Bridge Bandit” (9:00-9:30 a.m. EST on Disney Channel/12:30-1:00 p.m. EST on Disney Junior) – When Doc Ock steals the arachno-sting power, Team Spidey must work to get it back before it puts the town to sleep.
– Green Goblin and Rhino take over a bridge and threaten to destroy it.
Friday, Jan. 14 Puppy Dog Pals Season 5 Premiere: “New Pals on the Block/Aunt and Uncle Day” (9:30-10:00 a.m. EST on Disney Channel/11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. EST on Disney Junior) – Bingo and Rolly take their new pet friends on their first mission.
– When Darius’ Aunt and Uncle Day gift accidentally gets sent out with the mail, the pugs lead Buster and Leo on a mission to bring it back.
Monday, Jan. 17 Original Special Premiere LEGO Marvel Avengers — Time Twisted (8:30-9:00 p.m. EST on Disney XD) – When Thanos steals the quantum tunnel, the Avengers embark on a mission to stop him from changing history.
Friday, Jan. 21 Puppy Dog Pals “The Puppy Outdoor Play Day Games/For the Glove of the Game” (9:30-10:00 a.m. EST on Disney Channel/11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. EST on Disney Junior) – Bingo and Rolly host The Puppy Outdoor Play Day Games.
– After Darius joins a little league team, Buster enlists the help of Bingo and Rolly to find him the perfect baseball glove.
Friday, Jan. 28 Spidey and His Amazing Friends “Art Attack!/Puppy Pandemonium” (9:00-9:30 a.m. EST on Disney Channel/12:30-1:00 p.m. EST on Disney Junior) – Green Goblin goes on a spree at the museum and repaints masterpieces in his own image.
– Spidey and Ghosty juggle the responsibility of taking care of a cute puppy while also trying to stop Rhino’s rampage at the mall.
Puppy Dog Pals “A Valentine’s Gift for Ana/Build-A-Bunny Monkey” (9:30-10:00 a.m. EST on Disney Channel/11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. EST on Disney Junior) – Bob can’t wait to give Ana a Valentine’s Day gift, but when he accidentally loses it, the pets make it their mission to find it.
– When Keia accidentally rips her precious Bunny Monkey, the pets work together to put the toy back together.
Leading anime outlet Funimation will be ringing in the New Year with more than 20 exciting new and returning series to its streaming platform. Simulcasts from Japan will include Attack on Titan Final Season Part 2, The Case Study of Vanitas, Sabikui Bisco, Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest Season 2, My Dress-Up Darling and Tribe Nine among many other highly anticipated anime titles, which will be subtitled and dubbed. Expect more details and series to be announced soon.
Simulcasts continuing from the Fall 2021 anime season are Ranking of Kings, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc, Platinum End and One Piece.
New Simulcasts:
Jan. 5
Tokyo 24th Ward – Enter the 24th Ward, a man-made island inside Tokyo Bay. Three of its inhabitants: Shuta, Ran, and Koki, have been best friends since childhood, but after a deadly incident, everything changed. A year later, reunited for the first time, they receive a mysterious phone call. On the other line is a familiar voice — from a friend who’s supposed to be dead. Together, they’ll have to save their home.
Jan. 8
My Dress-Up Darling – High schooler Wakana Gojo cares about one thing: making Hina dolls. With nobody to share his obsession, he has trouble finding friends — or even holding conversation. But after the school’s most popular girl, Marin Kitagawa, reveals a secret of her own, he discovers a new purpose for his sewing skills. Together, they’ll make her cosplay dreams come true!
How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom Part 2 – Suddenly summoned to a fantasy world and betrothed to the princess, Kazuya Souma is crowned the new king after providing the royal family with impressive advice. To rule the kingdom, he’s taking the nontraditional (and very human) route of administrative reform. In a realm of dragons and elves, will this revolutionary’s unique path prove effective? (Official Trailer)
Akebi’s Sailor Uniform – It’s Komichi Akebi’s first year of junior high and she has her heart set on one thing: Robai Private Academy’s sailor uniform. As the next chapter of her life gets closer, she dreams of all the exciting new experiences she’ll get to have — school lunches, classes, club activities, and of course, making lots of friends! With her favorite outfit on, Komichi feels ready for anything.
Tokyo 24th Ward | How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom | My Dress-Up Darling
Jan. 9
Attack on Titan Final Season Part 2 – The war for Paradis zeroes in on Shiganshina just as Jaegerists have seized control. After taking a huge blow from a surprise attack led by Eren, Marley swiftly acts to return the favor. With Zeke’s true plan revealed and a military forced under new rule, this battle might be fought on two fronts. Does Eren intend on fulfilling his half-brother’s wishes or does he have a plan of his own? (Official Trailer)
Sasaki and Miyano – FUNIMATION EXCLUSIVE – It all started like a typical old-school boys’ love plotline — bad-boy senior meets adorably awkward underclassman, one of them falls in love, and so on and so forth. But although Miyano is a self-proclaimed boys’ love expert, he hasn’t quite realized…he’s in one himself. Which means it’s up to Sasaki to make sure their story has a happily ever after…!
Jan. 10
Fantasia Sango – Realm of Legends – FUNIMATION EXCLUSIVE – When the Three Kingdoms are ravaged by demons and monsters, four heroes with little in common must unite to fight the realm’s most vicious enemies. Together the heroes unveil an insidious conspiracy while sharing the joys and sorrows of battling a mysterious organization intent on tearing them and the kingdoms apart.
Tribe Nine – FUNIMATION EXCLUSIVE – In Neo Tokyo, disillusioned youth form tribes that battle each other in an intense sport called Extreme Baseball. One night, two kids – Haru Shirogane and Taiga – meet the strongest man in the world, Shun Kamiya. Together the three join forces to play this cutthroat game against a mysterious man who has begun taking control of all the tribes. Can they defeat him before it’s too late? (Official Trailer)
Sabikui Bisco – Japan’s post-apocalyptic wasteland replete with dust can only be saved by one thing — fungus. Bisco Akaboshi, a wanted criminal and skilled archer, searches for a legendary mushroom, known as Sabikui, said to devour any and all rust. Joining him on this epic saga to save the country is a giant crab and a young doctor. Can this unlikely trio find the fabled fungi and save the land?
Sasaki and Miyano | Tribe Nine | Fantasia Sango – Realm of Legends
Jan. 11
The Genius Prince’s Guide to Raising a Nation Out of Debt – FUNIMATION EXCLUSIVE – Once upon a time in a faraway land there lived a prince, a genius prince. The genius prince fought alongside his people and led them to a great many triumphs. However, truth be told, he just wants to let everything go and live in tranquility. (Official Trailer)
She Professed Herself Pupil of the Wise Man – FUNIMATION EXCLUSIVE – Kagami Sakimori plays as the great mage Danblf in his favorite MMO. He falls asleep after a night of testing new character appearances, but instead of waking up to a suspended game, he’s inside of Arch Earth Online—as a girl! Now named Mira, he must convince the game’s people that Mira is a pupil of Danblf, who vanished without a trace 30 years ago…and figure out how he got here. (Official Trailer)
Jan. 13
Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest Season 2 – Transported to another world and left behind by his former friends, Hajime had to make his rise from literal rock bottom. It was in the labyrinth where he strengthened his weak magic and found several beautiful allies. Now after saving his classmates, he ventures for Erisen to escort Myu and her mother. He’ll fight and defeat anyone he has to in order to find a way home — including a god! (Official Trailer)
Jan. 14
The Case Study of Vanitas – It’s 19th-century Paris, and young vampire Noé hunts for the Book of Vanitas. Attacked by a vampire driven insane, a human doctor called Vanitas tempts Noé with a mad crusade to “cure” the entire vampire race. While allying with him may be dangerous, news reaches Vanitas that the Beast of Gévaudan has returned, and Noé is being brought along to investigate this phantom from the past.
New OVA/Special:
Jan. 20
Tales of Luminaria the Fateful Crossroad – Long ago, this land was home to beasts the size of mountains. People came to revere these mana-producing creatures, which they named “Primordial Beasts.” Time flowed ever onward, to the present day… War erupts between the Jerle Federation, an alliance of countries who worship the Primordial Beasts, and the Gildllan Empire, which has enjoyed explosive development thanks to advanced technology. The fires of war are stoked with each passing day. (Official Trailer)
Sabikui Bisco | Tales of Luminaria the Fateful Crossroad \ The Case Study of Vanitas
Coming Soon (TBA):
The Irregular at Magic High School: Reminiscence Arc – April 2095. A century has passed since magic was established as actual technology. The two siblings enroll at a prestigious school for magicians called the National Magic University Affiliated First High School, better known as “Magic High School.” Tatsuya, the older brother, is an “irregular” with a fatal flaw to his magic powers. The younger sister, Miyuki, is a star student with unmatched magical talent. Though they are now close enough to be mistaken as a couple, just a few years ago, the two had a dysfunctional relationship, where they were nothing more than a master and servant. One incident, however, alters their relationship forever. Three years ago in Okinawa, an unforgettable experience turns their souls and destinies on their heads.
Lord El-Melloi’s II Case Files {Rail Zeppelin} Grace note -Special Episode- – A new TV special episode comes for the originally described TYPE-MOON series: Years after the Fourth Holy Grail War of Fate/Zero, Waver Velvet — the boy who fought alongside Iskandar, the King of Conquerors — has assumed the title Lord El Melloi II. In this position, he takes on myriad magical and mystical mysteries for the Clock Tower, the mecca of the magecraft world.
Continuing Fall Simulcasts:
Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon–The Second Act – Long-lost twins Towa and Setsuna reunite after ten years to discover that they are the half-demon daughters of the great demon Sesshomaru. (Official Trailer)
Platinum End –“I will give you the hope to live.” Kakehashi Mirai lost his parents in an accident and lived in misery with the relatives who took him in. Having lost hope in everything, he jumped off the roof of a building on the day of his middle school graduation. But then he met an angel… (<a href=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9GA5yxEG9g”>Official Trailer</a>)
Ranking of Kings – Unable to hear, speak, or wield a sword, Prince Bojji doesn’t seem like a typical heir to the throne—and his kingdom agrees. But his fateful encounter with Kage, a shadow on the ground, gives him his first true friend. The two set off on a grand adventure and, together, form a bond that can overcome any obstacle… even being king. (Official Trailer)
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc –After visiting the Rengoku residence, Tanjiro and his comrades volunteer for a mission within the Entertainment District, a place where desires are sold and demons dwell. They journey alongside the flashy Sound Hashira, Tengen Uzui, in search of a monstrous foe terrorizing the town. Sworn to slay creatures of the night, the hunt continues. (Official Trailer)
One Piece – Monkey D. Luffy refuses to let anyone or anything stand in the way of his quest to become king of all pirates. With a course charted for the treacherous waters of the Grand Line, this is one captain who’ll never drop anchor until he’s claimed the greatest treasure on Earth — the Legendary One Piece! (Official Trailer)
Jay Johnston, Chicago improv comedian, actor and voice actor known for roles in Arrested Development and Anchorman, has been banned from returning as the voice of Jimmy Pesto Sr. in Fox’s Emmy-winning animated series Bob’s Burgers, two members of the show’s “top staff” told The Daily Beast on Friday. The move followed allegations that Johnston had been identified as the FBI’s “suspect number 247” amid the supporters of former President Trump who overran the U.S. Capitol on January 6.
Johnston was identified as one of the suspected rioters pictured in an FBI poster March 4 and in video filmed near the Capitol steps during the attack, clad in a leather jacket and camo neck gaiter. Cassandra Church, an actress colleague from Harmontown, tweeted I’m no detective, but I do know Jay. He said he was there. And that’s him in the picture. So…” in response to anothe user’s response to the suspect photo: “I know it is not him but this guy looks like Jay Johnston from Mr. Show with Bob and David.”
The 53-year-old performer provided the voice of Jimmy Pesto Sr. — the bombastic owner of the rival restaurant across the street from Bob and Linda’s working class eatery — for 11 seasons of Bob’s Burgers. The last of Johnston’s 43 turns in the role in the episode “The Bridge Over Troubled Rudy” aired May 2. His animation VO roles also include Mr. Goodman (and others) for Mr. Pickles and Momma Named Me Sheriff as well as Mary Shelley’s Frankenhole and Morel Orel (all for Adult Swim); the Fox ADHD toon High School USA!; stop-motion feature Hell and Back; The Sarah Silverman Program; and Rick and Morty.
Legend mangaka Tite Kubo’s final arc in his iconic fantasy adventure Bleach is getting adapted to animation, and VIZ Media has acquired worldwide rights (excluding Asia) to launch the series in October 2022. The celebrated creator announced that the Thousand-Year Blood War story will finally be brought to life in a special message to fans during Shueisha’s JUMP FESTA in Tokyo this weekend.
An award-winning and best selling manga series, Bleach has over 120 million copies in print since its debut in Weekly Shonen Jump (2.7 million copies in the U.S.), while the anime produced 366 episodes and today is revered as one of the greatest of all time. In addition to the critically acclaimed manga and legendary anime, the Bleach universe includes video games, musicals and a live-action film adaptation all making Bleach a cultural reference point for millions of fans globally.
“Through his visual genius, Tite Kubo has had an indelible impact on the fandom world and the course of manga and anime history. He is also a supremely gifted and accomplished storyteller, and it is a great honor for VIZ Media to acquire this final arc in his legendary catalogue Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, for fans everywhere,” saidBrad Woods, Chief Marketing Officer, VIZ Media.
In celebrating the return of Soul Reaper Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends, the complete series of Bleach (English dubbed, 13 seasons, 366 episodes) will be available to buy as one product on digital EST for a limited time during anime month, February 2022, in the U.S. for $99. Amongst the top anime echelon, this is an “industry-first” special offer.
VIZ Media’s exclusive acquisition of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War includes video on demand, home video, electronic sell-through, television and merchandise rights.
Synopsis: Was it all just a coincidence, or was it inevitable? Ichigo Kurosaki gained the powers of a Soul Reaper through a chance encounter. As a Substitute Soul Reaper, Ichigo became caught in the turmoil of the Soul Society, a place where deceased souls gather. But with help from his friends, Ichigo overcame every challenge to become even stronger.
When new Soul Reapers and a new enemy appear in his hometown of Karakura, Ichigo jumps back into the battlefield with his Zanpakuto to help those in need. Meanwhile, the Soul Society is observing a sudden surge in the number of Hollows being destroyed in the World of the Living. They also receive separate reports of residents in the Rukon District having gone missing. Finally, the Seireitei, home of the Soul Reapers, comes under attack by a group calling themselves the Wandenreich.
Led by Yhwach, the father of all Quincies, the Wandenreich declare war against the Soul Reapers with the following message: “Five days from now, the Soul Society will be annihilated by the Wandenreich.” The history and truth kept hidden by the Soul Reapers for a thousand long years is finally brought to light. All things must come to an end — as Ichigo Kurosaki’s final battle begins!
Produced by studio Pierrot, the Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War anime is led by series director Tomohisa Taguchi (Persona franchise, Digimon Adventure: Last Evolution Kizuna, with character design by Bleach stalwart Masashi Kudo and music once again handled by Shiro Sagisu.
With so many animated properties getting remade in live action, it’s nice to see a little vice-versa action now and again. The talented artists at award-winning Brooklyn indie toon house Cartuna have delivered just such a gift for animation lovers right on time for Christmas with their new short, Kevin, a.k.a. Home AloneThe Anime.
…It’s his house. He had to defend it.
Running a bit under seven and a half minutes, the 2D piece reimagines the 1990 John Hughes holiday favorite Home Alone as an anime actioner, pitting the young protagonist against the Wet Bandits in battle that elevates the original movie’s slapstick pranks to a bloody flurry of martial arts moves.
Kevin is written by James Belfer, Max Benator and Mike Flavin, produced by James Belfer, Adam Belfer and Benator and co-exec produced by Noah Pardo and Flavin. Bobby Brian Barredo handled the animation direction, supervision lead animation, concept art & design for the short, with help from Edwin David (storyboards, concept art & design), Charles Raymund Mijares (project supervisor, animator & animation checker) and a crew of fewer than 20 animators/artists.
Home Alone The Anime – Kevin
Founded in 2015, Cartuna is a full-service animation studio producing for TV, feature film, music videos, shorts and commercials for partners like HBO, Jimmy Fallon, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and many others. The studio’s original creations include Magical Girl Friendship Squad (SYFY TZGZ), Loafy (Comedy Central) and Sundance Indie Episodic premiere Tammy’s Tiny Tea Time. Learn more at cartuna.com.
Corinne Kouper has been awarded Ecran Total’s 2021 Personality of the Year Award for her vast impact on the French animation industry in her roles as Co-President and Co-Founder of Les Femmes s’Animent, Board member of ECAS and of course, as Co-Founder and SVP of Production & Development of leading European animation studio TeamTO (www.teamto.com). “TeamTO is first and foremost a studio that produces some of the finest animation in the industry. However, we also want to be a company that can impact the lives of our community in a positive way by creating new opportunities and more diversity, being more inclusive, working against unfair practices and protecting the environment,” said Kouper. “It is an honor to be recognized by Ecran Total for this work that has been a part of our mission since the beginning.”
Some of the initiatives Kouper has worked on in her various roles at TeamTO, LFA and ECAS include: mentorship programs supporting first time women filmmakers; co-founding the first non-profit, free animation training program in France; gender parity at TeamTO across management, creative teams and on screen; helping create the first carbon footprint calculator for an animated series (which received UNESCO recognition); driving national campaigns to raise awareness and combat sexism and harassment in the workplace; organizing panels at Annecy focusing on women in animation; and building one of the most environmentally friendly studios in the world.
Kouper supervises all artistic, editorial and financial aspects of development and production for TeamTO and produced its original IPs (Jade Armor, Angelo Rules, Mighty Mike, Presto! School of Magic, My Knight and Me, Yellowbird, Oscar’s Oasis, Plankton Invasion), as well as Babar and the Adventures of Badou (copro with Nelvana). She has been awarded Cartoon Movie’s Producer of the Year 2015 and Cartoon Forum’s European Producer of the Year 2010. Angelo Rules, which she executive produced, received a 2013 Emmy Nomination and a 2010 Pulcinella Award. Prior to TeamTO, Kouper was EP of the first ever 3D preschool show, Rolie Polie Olie (Nelvana/Disney), which won two Emmy Awards and six nominations, and Zoe Kezako, winner of the 2004 Pulcinella Award at Cartoons on the Bay and an Emmy nominee. Kouper has been a member of the board for ANIMFRANCE for 10 years and is co-President and a founding member of Les Femmes s’Animent, which promotes the role of women in animation, and a board member of ECAS, a non-profit free-of-charge animation training program established by TeamTO in 2018.
Corinne Kouper
The Board of RAI Italian RadioTelevision (www.raicom.rai.it) has approved on December 16 a major reorganization, assigning the editorial responsibility and the budget to 10 new departments, called Editorial Genres. The 10 main departments by Genres include Entertainment (Primetime and Daytime), Drama, Documentary, Sport, News Talks, Culture, Cinema, Digital Contents, Kids. The role of TV Channel Director will disappear. Radio will maintain its organization. Luca Milano has been confirmed Director of Rai Kids, this is the new name of the department.
Milano’s position was previously Executive Director of Rai Ragazzi, the kids department controlling free-to-air channels Rai Yoyo and Rai Gulp, as well as the production and co-production units. Prior, he served as Deputy Director of the Rai Fiction TV drama department. Before joining Rai in the 1990s, Milano was an international affairs journalist, a UNICEF information officer in Geneva and manager of an Italian engineering consulting firm. He has served as Chairperson of the EBU Kids Media Experts Group since 2018.
Luca Milano
Thunderbird Entertainment Group announced Matthew Berkowitz has been promoted to the role of President of Thunderbird Entertainment, in addition to his current role as Chief Creative Officer of the Company and its Kids and Family Division, Atomic Cartoons. Jennifer Twiner McCarron, to whom Berkowitz will report, remains CEO of Thunderbird Entertainment and Atomic Cartoons. Additional promotions and hires at Atomic:
Nadine Westerbarkey has been promoted from Head of 2D Animation to the role of Studio Creative Director.
Carl Upsdell has been promoted from Series Director to Head of 2D Animation.
Andrew Egiziano joined Atomic Cartoons as Vice President of Production, Los Angeles.
Berkowitz will oversee the development, production, distribution and acquisitions of IP across all Thunderbird productions, including those from Atomic Cartoons, Factual Division (Great Pacific Media) and additional scripted productions. Berkowitz will be instrumental to Thunderbird’s long-term growth strategy, which involves spearheading M&A initiatives for the Company, and further expanding IP opportunities for each division, thereby growing Thunderbird’s content library. Thunderbird currently has 27 shows in production (including owned IP and service projects) for major streaming organizations and traditional broadcasters.
Most recently, Berkowitz served as CCO of Thunderbird and Atomic Cartoons, and as an EP on various Atomic productions, including winning an Emmy award for The Last Kids on Earth. Berkowitz will be based in the Los Angeles studio, providing oversight to each of Thunderbird’s four locations (Vancouver, L.A., Ottawa and Toronto), and the team of more than 1,400 people. Outside the Company, Berkowitz is a producer on David Silverman’s animated feature film Extinct, recently released on Netflix.
Matthew Berkowitz
Following the success of PAW Patrol: The Movie ($135 million global box office gross) and announcement of an upcoming sequel, Spin Master Corp. (www.spinmaster.com) has promoted Jennifer Dodge to President, Spin Master Entertainment. Her expanded role will include sales & distribution of content and outbound consumer products licensing. During her tenure heading the entertainment division, Spin Master has enjoyed the success of several animated properties, including PAW Patrol on Nickelodeon, Mighty Express on Netflix and the series adaptation of battle game Bakugan.
The company has also appointed industry veteran André Lake Mayer to the newly created role of Senior Vice President, Global Strategic Partnerships and Consumer Products. Mayer will lead global strategies and partnerships as well as growing and guiding Spin Master’s brands onto shelves. Over her 25-year career as an executive in film and TV licensing/CP, Mayer has worked for Lucasfilm, Paramount, Bandai America, Playmates Toys and Cookie Jar Entertainment on brands including Star Wars, Star Trek, Big Hero Six, Power Rangers and Disney Princesses.
Jennifer Dodge | André Lake Mayer
Belgian animator Renaud Lavency has joined the Hornet (hellohornet.com) director roster. Hailing from Brussels, Lavency is an illustrator, character designer and animation director known for blending evocative 2D illustration, unexpected color and cinematic storytelling into succinct, graphically bold bites. “You’ve never seen 2D illustration quite like this before,” said Hornet’s Head of Creative Development, Kristin Labriola. “We think Renaud has a POV in this space that feels both refreshingly familiar and yet completely unreplicable. No one can do what he does.”
Lavency’s contemplative approach to conceiving a brief and distinctive style have been applied to a broad range of work, including explainer films for Userway and a series of cinematic illustrations. Prior to becoming and illustrator/director, he spent the first five years of his career as a creative conceptor at Wunderman Thompson. “My goal with Hornet is to work on interesting projects with interesting and talented people — of which Hornet has many!” said Lavency. “My purpose is to create and have fun every day. When I work with new animators, I really like to meet them, get to know them, have strong relationships. If everyone is happy, the project is going to be good. That’s why I’m excited about the partnership with Hornet and think working with them will help me grow as a director.”
Renaud Lavency
Following a major year of expansion with the recently announced acquisition of Canada’s WOW! Unlimited Media, Inc., and a major stake in Germany’s Your Family Entertainment AG, Genius Brands International, Inc. (www.gnusbrands.com) continues to strengthen its global operations and strategy with the appointment of Zrinka Dekic as Chief Financial Officer and Head of Strategy and Mergers and Acquisitions. Bob Denton will assume the new role of Executive Vice President of Finance and Accounting.
Dekic brings nearly 20 years of entertainment industry and financial markets experience, including corporate strategy, investment banking, investment management and corporate finance. At The Walt Disney Company, she held posts in Corporate Strategy, Strategic Planning and Business Development, where she was involved in a number of high-profile projects and strategic initiatives for the company. Prior to joining Disney, Dekic served as a Vice President in the Investment Management division at Goldman Sachs in New York, on the U.S. Fundamental Equity Portfolio Management team overseeing nearly $30 billion of assets under management. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Houlihan Lokey’s Investment Banking Technology, Media & Telecom (TMT) Group, where she was responsible for business development and execution across the sector, including media and entertainment, digital media, streaming technologies, animation and video games. Dekic holds a B.A. from Amherst College and an MBA in Finance from The Wharton School.
Zrinka Dekic
Adding to a historic year that saw Emmy wins, groundbreaking advancements to digital humans and a slate of blockbuster film and episodic projects, visual effects studio Digital Domain (www.digitaldomain.com) announces the addition of Darren Jaffe as Executive Producer for Advertising and Games. Jaffe brings more than two decades of experience working with both creatives and clients, and is poised to help bridge the gap between agencies looking to launch new campaigns and the artists that can bring those visions to life. In the new post, he will develop relationships with clients looking to make their mark in the advertising and games industries and oversee the work to ensure the client’s expectations are met.
For 17 years, Jaffe has overseen the creation of award-winning ads (Ford, Riot Games) and short-form content (Association of Independent Commercial Producers). After earning a master’s degree at Pepperdine University, he began his professional life as a teacher, but soon brought those skills to the world of commercial broadcast design and production, acting as a mentor and communicator to artists. Prior to joining Digital Domain, Jaffe spent time as the head of production at Brand New School, acted as director of motion graphics for Trailer Park, then held the role of executive producer for MPC, Superfad and finally Flavor Design. During his career, he oversaw campaigns for several Fortune 500 companies, including Adidas, Apple, Chevy, Coca-Cola, Ford, Honda, Microsoft, Nike Samsung, Target and more.
Darren Jaffe
Common Sense Networks, parent company of Sensical (www.sensical.tv). the free, age-appropriate streaming service for kids 2-10, today announced the recent addition of two new executives: Jeff Skaggs, Head of Sales & Brand Partnerships and Michelle Kim, Head of Growth Marketing. Eric Berger, CEO of Common Sense Networks, said the hires are part of the company’s continued goal to accelerate growth of the ad-supported destination which rolled out this past summer and has been touted for its game-changing approach to creating digital media experiences for children.
Skaggs, an industry leader with over two decades of experience building and leading high growth sales teams in the digital video space, will utilize his multi-channel network experience to fuel the monetization of Sensical’s unique Creator Network across platforms and devices. He joins Sensical from BroadbandTV, where he was Head of Entertainment & Gaming. In his role at the world’s largest MCN, one that represented 5,000+ multi-platform digital creators, Skaggs led Direct Sales for the Western U.S. and spearheaded the go-to-market strategy for BBTV’s Kids & Family (Hooplakidz), Gaming (TGN), and Music (Opposition) verticals. Prior to BBTV, Skaggs led the Western Sales regions for two other major MCNs: At Vevo, he helped guide the West to its first $100M year of ad revenue. While at Fullscreen, he oversaw multiple award-winning brand integrations and a 900% increase in regional revenue over four years, contributing to Fullscreen’s acquisition by Otter Media in 2018. Skaggs received his MBA from The University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business and graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in International Business. He lives in the Los Angeles area with his wife, Katherine, and their four sons.
Kim, based in Los Angeles, is a data-driven and creative performance marketer with a proven track record in implementing marketing strategies within digital space. She will be responsible for spearheading customer acquisition for the streaming platform and joins Sensical after a decade at Match Group where she successfully built and scaled paid media channels across the portfolio as their senior marketing manager, where she led the team to double-digit year over year revenue growth. Prior to Match Group, Kim was a partner and a technology manager at Yodle (acquired by Web.com), a digital agency for small and medium businesses. She graduated from Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business where she earned a BS in Business Administration. She lives in Los Angeles with her family and beagle.
Creative Europe MEDIA will support the second edition of Next Lab through “CREA-MEDIA-2021-TRAINING — Talent & Skills,” a call aimed at improving the ability of professionals in the audiovisual sector to adapt to new creative processes, developments of the market and digital transformation.
The registration period for the Next Lab animation projects workshop runs until December 27, 2021 at 5 p.m. Madrid time.
From this call, 20 projects will be selected to participate in the first phase, online, from January 10 to February 20. Subsequently, only 10 of these projects will carry out the second phase of the workshop, which will be held in person in Madrid from February 21-24. A committee made up of professionals from the sector and representatives of the Ministry of Culture of the Community of Madrid will assess the applications, which must present two high-quality images, as well as a project dossier where detailed information of the work appears (technical file, description of the project and characters, visual development, etc.) and a brief history of the participant.
In addition, DeAPlaneta Entertainment will select and support one of the animation projects participating in the Next Lab workshop, which will have a complementary three months of mentoring with international experts to develop the IP, in addition to a co-development contract for a value of €6,000.
The workshop will focus on the application of creative tools within the virtual environment to improve creative and productive processes, and the final result will be an animated piece as a teaser for each participating project. In the subsequent event, which will be held on February 25 and 26 in Madrid, the 10 projects selected for the second phase will present their teaser and a jury will select the two winners, to be presented during Annecy MIFA 2022 and receive free accreditation to the event.
Registration is free through the event website and proposals for all types of animation projects will be received, as well as real image projects with high animation or VFX content, regardless of the format.
Next Lab 2022 has the main sponsorship of the Community of Madrid, through the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Sports; the sponsorship of Creative Europe MEDIA, DeAPlaneta Entertainment and the General Directorate of Cultural Industries, Intellectual Property and Cooperation of the Ministry of Culture and Sports; the collaboration of Enisa, Annecy Festival, ICAA and Weird Market; and the support of Tangram Solutions, Welaw, Pixel Cluster Madrid, Clan VR and Real o Virtual.
Singapore’s leading stereoscopic 3D CG animation production company Tiny Island Productions (TIP) has announced its ambitions to build a Metaverse known as the Tiny Island Universe. TIP also announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, Huawei, where TIP will leverage Huawei Cloud’s resources and capabilities to support their Tiny Island Productions Cloud platform and create a uniquely virtual and immersive experience.
With technological and creative strengths from Tiny Island Productions powered by the Huawei Cloud platform, users will be able to immerse themselves in a virtual theme park, the Tiny Island Universe, which will have online malls and various zones where users can explore, socialize and have fun in. The aim of this creation is to inspire users to self-create, develop, and share their content to build their own virtual world.
This theme park has also rapidly attracted potential collaborations and partnerships with companies in China that span across several industries such as gaming, media and retail, as well as other brands that want a presence in the metaverse.
TIP is well equipped for the project, with a wealth of experience in creating animation and immersive content for its own intellectual property as well as for its clients in the media and tourism industry, and in mediums such as tether-free (wireless) interactive virtual reality experiences, augmented reality games, 4D and flying theater rides.
“Years ago, we created a show where the main characters could enter dream worlds. We were already experimenting with a concept similar to the metaverse, where audiences can step into the VR world, regardless of location and interact with each other in amazing imaginary worlds,” says David Kwok, CEO of Tiny Island Productions. “We want to blur the lines between the physical and virtual worlds, where the users’ actions in one world can affect the other.”
Courtesy Tiny Island Productions
Inspired by movies like The Matrix, Inception, Ready Player One and Summer Wars, TIP’s creative team nonetheless faced technological limitations on their road to the Metaverse, such as internet speed, hardware processing power and cumbersome wired VR hardware that made VR inaccessible for many users. Based on current technologies, it would take many years before consumers can expect visuals and experiences like Ready Player One. This new collaboration with Huawei will enable Tiny Island Productions to create and develop this new experience in a much shorter time frame.
Tiny Island Productions will create a prototype of the Universe during the first phase of its plan, before deploying it in one of the major cities in China and Singapore. Singapore’s 5G infrastructure and highly wired populace render it an optimal testbed to showcase how massive populations of users from different geographical locations can experience all these in high fidelity visuals, powered by Huawei’s powerful cloud computing technology and its high-speed internet telecom network.
Moving forward, the project will eventually tap into Huawei’s AI development platform which will customize unique, personalized experiences for each and every user.
As one of the partners, Huawei Cloud’s gaming platform allows users to enjoy high-performance and visually stunning experiences without needing to purchase expensive hardware. In recent years, it has also introduced a sleek-looking VR headset that is as slim as sunglasses.
“Huawei Cloud is excited to be working with Tiny Island Productions in creating an interactive virtual experience powered by our leading cloud services. We hope to help accelerate the development of a virtual world that can bring endless possibilities”, says Rex Lei, managing director of Huawei Cloud Singapore.
The captivating anime feature Millennium Actress will be released as a gorgeous new Blu-ray Steelbook from Eleven Arts and Shout! Factory on March 22, 2022. This release includes the original Japanese audio and the 2019 English dub, as well as a number of bonus features, including The Making of Millennium Actress Featurette, which features a rare interview with director Satoshi Kon.
Fans can pre-order their copies now by visiting ShoutFactory.com, and orders placed on the site will receive a collectable poster as a gift with purchase, while supplies last.
Boasting countless awards and recognitions, including Grand Prize in the Japan Agency of Cultural Affairs Media Arts Festival, 2001’s Millennium Actress is a must-see for anime fans of all ages. The incredible film from legendary director Kon (Perfect Blue, Paprika, Tokyo Godfathers) and famed anime studio Madhouse (Perfect Blue, Wolf Children, Death Note) is “a lovely Valentine to the golden age of Japanese filmmaking and an era of gentler, deeper feelings” (San Francisco Chronicle).
Synopsis: When the legendary Ginei Studios shuts down, filmmaker Genya Tachibana and his assistant are tasked with interviewing its reclusive star, Chiyoko Fujiwara, who had retired from the spotlight 30 years prior. As Chiyoko recounts her career, Genya and his crew are literally pulled into her memories where they witness her chance encounter with a mysterious man on the run from the police. Despite never knowing his name or his face, Chiyoko relentlessly pursues that man in a seamless blend of reality and memory that only Satoshi Kon could deliver.
Bonus Features:
The Making of Millennium Actress Featurette, featuring a rare interview with director Satoshi Kon
While major film, TV and VFX productions have all shifted to remote work models in the last two years, it is still impressive when individual artists reach out across the globe and pull together to create a unique, independent project. Recently, one such short film was released online: Climate Emergency, an “Exquisite Corpse” collaboration showcasing the work of seven different creators.
To create the seven segments, each animator was provided with the final five seconds of the previous contributor’s work and then given two months to deliver their own. The result is a montage of bold scenes which are united by a single common color palette despite their diverse settings and styles.
Climate Emergency art by Yve Paradis (left), Ala Nunu (top) and Carlos Alegría (bottom)
Climate Emergency was created by Dinos & Teacups, a Canadian animator now based in Spain (www.dinosandteacups.ca); Spanish illustrator/animator Carlos Alegría, currently working in Los Angeles (www.alegriamotion.com); Polish director Ala Nunu (Ahead), part of the COLA collective in France (colaanimation.com); digital artist Martynas Auž in Lithuania (https://linktr.ee/martynas.auz); design & animation directing duo Hend & Lamiaa (Hend Esmat and Lamiaa Diab; https://hendandlamiaa.com); Warsaw-based illustrator/animator Ilona Poliszczuk (www.instagram.com/Rybaki); and French-Canadian animator/illustrator/street artist Yves Paradis, currently working as a freelancer based in Germany (https://yvesparadis.co).
Heritage Auctions’ four-day Art of Anime and Everything Cool II Animation Art Signature Auction, which wrapped Monday, realized $2,635,985 to outperform its June predecessor – itself, a multiple record-setter as the world’s first auction highlighting anime. Numerous lots far exceeded their initial estimates in this complete sell-out, which saw nearly 3,800 bidders worldwide compete for historic lots in person, on the phone and at HA.com in the largest Anime Art auction ever held.
“We were thrilled with the success of our June Animation Art auction, which brought $2.1 million, and this sale went well above and beyond that,” said Heritage Auctions Vice President and Director of Animation & Anime Art, Jim Lentz. “Animation art is growing rapidly among serious, reverent collectors, with an urgency that is reflected in the results. It has been enormously gratifying to curate these sales at Heritage Auctions, and all evidence suggests that the upward trend will continue.”
The second edition’s success was buoyed by numerous lots from Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. Several of the auction’s top lots were Miyazaki’s 1988’s masterwork My Neighbor Totoro, among them a production cel featuring the weird and wonderful Catbus, which attained a final price of $40,800.
Not far behind was a production cel setup from My Neighbor Totoro featuring a desperate Satsuki looking to the forest spirit Totoro for help. Like the Catbus, it was a rare offering from this beloved film. This scene, from the 1:18:03 mark is as memorable as any in the film. And any work featuring Totoro is scarce and highly coveted, which explains why bidding was up to $14,000 – well beyond its $10,000 estimate – with more than two weeks left before the live auction. The piece sold Saturday for a breathtaking $38,400.
This event also featured something exceptionally special, undeniably rare and, now, remarkably valuable: an original drawing of Nausicaä, princess of the Valley of the Wind, by the hand of Miyazaki himself. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind was his second animated feature after The Castle of Cagliostro, and while it was made before Miyazaki co-founded Studio Ghibli, it is widely considered part of the studio’s canon. This piece, which realized $31,200, is also signed by Miyazaki and dated August 4, 1987.
Akira – Kaneda motorcycle production cel (Tokyo Movie Shinsha)
There were also non-Ghibli stand-outs in this sale, chief among them production cels from 1988’s Akira, the manga-turned-film that remains a classic in any medium. Set in a dystopian future in the aftermath of a nuclear disaster and war, the vast story deals with corruption, rebellion and a struggle for what’s best for society. It also features some pretty amazing scenes of Kaneda astride his iconic red motorcycle in the Katsuhiro Otomo movie, among them a production cel that sold last weekend for $21,000 (pictured) and another that raced to a $20,400 finish.
Another breakout star of the sale was Dragon Ball, which contributed 80 lots to the sale – chief among them this Goku and Shenron publicity cel from 1986, which likewise sold for $20,400. Created from the prominent artwork of the renowned mangaka Akira Toriyama, this dynamic work displays hero Son Goku astride his Flying Nimbus, facing the mighty Shenron holding the four-star Dragon Ball.
The “Everything Cool” part of this sale was just as hot – and often quite heated, as collectors battled over two Frank Frazetta drawings, proving, yet again, that the man who brought fine art to fantasy art remains as coveted as ever. Bidders battled over his original Vampirella illustration from 1991, which fetched $144,000. And from the same year, his graphite rendering of Dejah Thoris, wife of John Carter in Edgar Rice Burroughs’ beloved Barsoom stories, sold for $66,000.
Charles Schulz’s baseball-themed original Peanuts strips proved to be a home run with collectors. An original daily strip dated August 13, 1973, sold for $43,200. And from Feb. 22, 1965, a signed-and-inscribed original daily strip featuring that odd couple Lucy and Schroeder (at his piano, where else?) sold for $31,200.
Thirteen SpongeBob SquarePants lots were snapped up in the sale, led by a SpongeBob First Episode Production Cel with Master Background and Animation Drawing Group of 2 (Nickelodeon, 1999), which brought $15,600 – nearly 21 times its pre-auction estimate.
Also in high demand was Winsor McCay’s Gertie the Dinosaur Animation Drawing Original Art (1914), which drew 22 bids before finishing at $12,600. Gertie the Dinosaur was not technically the first animated film, but it was the first to really capture the attention of film-goers, with Gertie the first animated superstar.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas – Grinch & Max production cel (MGM)
Nearly two dozen bids poured in for Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas Mt. Crumpit Pan Background Layout Drawing by Maurice Noble (MGM, 1966) before it found a new home at $9,900, nearly doubling its estimate. This large (65- by 19-inch) background is from the opening sequence when the camera starts at the top of Mt. Crumpit and pans down to Whoville and was created by Chuck Jones’ long-time right-hand man. From the same beloved classic came a How The Grinch Stole Christmas Grinch and Max Production Cel Signed by Chuck Jones (MGM, 1966), which prompted 29 bids before it reached $8,400.
One of the most popular shows and the longest-running animated show in TV history, The Simpsons was featured in 52 lots in the sale. Among them were The Simpsons (Tracey Ullman Show) Entire Family Production Cel Setup with Key Master Background (Fox, 1987), which drew $9,300; “The Telltale Head” Homer, Bart and Townspeople Production Cel Setup (Fox, 1990), which finished at $7,200; and a “Treehouse of Horror V” Key Master Production Cel Setup (20th Century Fox, 1994) that brought $5,280.
Other top lots included:
Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before ChristmasHalloween Town Prototype Model (Walt Disney/Touchstone, 1993): $8,400
Grease Opening Credits Animation Signed Production Cels Group of 5 (Fine Art Films/Paramount, 1978): $7,800
Netflix is adding another wing to its lineup of artistically ambitious animated tales: Coming to screens on January 14,The Houseis a felted stop-motion anthology of three unnerving tales, crafted by some of the most acclaimed filmmakers working in the medium today. The official trailer for the “eccentric dark comedy” dropped today, offering a walk through that raises questions about what goes on behind closed doors….
(Read more about The House in the February ’22 issue of Animation Magazine, available soon!)
The House comprises three surreal stories:
Story 1, directed by Marc James Roels & Emma de Swaef: Set in the 1800s, impoverished Raymond meets a mysterious benefactor who promises to restore both him and his family to their former status. The family soon learns that wants and desires may not always lead you where you expect.
Story 2, directed by Niki Lindroth von Bahr: Set in the present day, a harassed property developer tries to make a quick sale from a renovation. However, some eerie unexpected guests have other plans and become the catalyst to a more personal transformation.
Story 3, directed by Paloma Baeza: Set in the near future, the house survives a hugely changed landscape. We meet Rosa, a young landlady determined to stay in her beloved crumbling house and restore it to its former glory. But Rosa’s unrealistic vision has blinded her to the inevitable change that is coming and to what matters most.
The voice cast includes Mia Goth, Matthew Goode, Claudie Blakley, Mark Heap, Joshua McGuire, Stephanie Cole, Miranda Richardson, Jarvis Cocker, Sven Wollter, Yvonne Lombard, Bimini Bon Boulash, Susan Wokoma, Helena Bonham-Carter, Paul Kaye and Will Sharpe.
Crunchyroll revealed today the premiere date and key visual for FreakAngels, a new Crunchyroll Original anime series based on the hit, post-apocalyptic graphic novel series of the same name. All nine episodes will premiere on January 27 across 200 countries and territories, with subtitles available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Russian and Arabic.
The series is set in Whitechapel, London’s last surviving neighborhood after a calamity struck the world years before, and follows the “FreakAngels” — a small group of psychic friends — as they protect each other and what’s left of humanity. The key creative cast includes Hiroshi Shimizu (MEGALOBOX, Blue Exorcist, Lupin III) as character designer and Studio Ghibli alum Osamu Masuyama (Made in Abyss) as art director.
Synopsis: Welcome to Whitechapel: last bastion of humanity. Six years ago, the world “ended” in a single, apocalyptic event, trapping Great Britain behind a mysterious dome of purple energy. London’s last neighborhood has persevered thanks to the protection of the “FreakAngels” — a small group of psychically-powered 23-year olds. Their fragile peace becomes threatened, however, when an exiled friend returns, exposing past conspiracies and new conflicts within their fractured, makeshift family. Can Whitechapel survive?
The FreakAngels comic was named one of the 50 Best Non-Superhero Graphic Novels by Rolling Stone, won the Eagle Award for Favorite Web-Based Comic in 2010 and 2012, and was nominated for the British Fantasy Award for Best Comic/Graphic Novel in 2010.
Next summer, from the biggest animated franchise in history and global cultural phenomenon, comes the untold story of one 12-year-old’s dream to become the world’s greatest supervillain in Minions: The Rise of Gru. Today, Illumination celebrates the COVID-stymied sequel’s imminent arrival with a new teaser trailer dubbed “On Our Way.” The movie is slated for July 1, 2022.
Amid a flurry of feathered hair and flared jeans in the 1970s, Gru (Oscar nominee Steve Carell) is growing up in the suburbs. A fanboy of a supervillain supergroup the Vicious 6, Gru hatches a plan to become evil enough to join them. Luckily, he gets some mayhem-making backup from his loyal followers, the Minions. Together, Kevin, Stuart, Bob and Otto — a new Minion sporting braces and a desperate need to please — deploy their skills as they and Gru build their first lair, experiment with their first weapons and pull off their first missions.
When the Vicious 6 oust their leader, legendary fighter Wild Knuckles (Oscar winner Alan Arkin), Gru interviews to become their newest member. It doesn’t go well (to say the least), and only gets worse after Gru outsmarts them and suddenly finds himself the mortal enemy of the apex of evil. On the run, Gru will turn to an unlikely source for guidance, Wild Knuckles himself, and discover that even bad guys need a little help from their friends.
Minions: The Rise of Gru features a thrilling new cast of stars, including the Vicious 6: Taraji P. Henson as cool and confident leader Belle Bottom, Jean-Claude Van Damme as Jean Clawed, Lucy Lawless as Nunchuck, Dolph Lundgren as Svengeance and Danny Trejo as Stronghold. The film also features Russell Brand as Dr. Nefario, an aspiring mad scientist; Michelle Yeoh as Master Chow, an acupuncturist with mad Kung Fu skills; and Oscar winner Julie Andrews as Gru’s maddeningly self-absorbed mom.
Steered by the franchise’s original creators, the latest movie is produced by Illumination founder & CEO Chris Meledandri and longtime collaborators Janet Healy and Chris Renaud, directed by returning franchise filmmaker Kyle Balda (Despicable Me 3, Minions), co-directed by Brad Ableson (The Simpsons) and Jonathan del Val (The Secret Life of Pets films) and features the iconic voice of Pierre Coffin as the Minions — plus a killer ʼ70s soundtrack courtesy of Grammy-winning music producer Jack Antonoff.
El Deafo, a charming and poignant three-part animated series for kids and families, is ready to bring a soaring take on adapting to life with sensory loss to streaming. Based on the No. 1 New York Times best-seller and Newbery Medal-winning graphic memoir by Cece Bell, all episodes of El Deafo will premiere Friday, January 7, 2022 on Apple TV+.
The first trailer for the series, starring the voice talents of newcomer Lexi Finigan, Pamela Adlon (Better Things, Bob’s Burgers), Jane Lynch (Glee, Harriet the Spy) and Chuck Nice (Star Talk), is available now, and features an original song by indie artist Waxahatchee, entitled “Tomorrow.” The song is available to stream now and will be included in the series soundtrack, also releasing Jan. 7
El Deafo follows perceptive young Cece (voiced by Finigan) as she loses her hearing and finds her inner superhero. Going to school and making new friends can be tough. Having to do both while wearing a bulky hearing aid on your chest? That takes superpowers! With a little help from her superhero alter ego El Deafo, Cece learns to embrace what makes her extraordinary.
The Apple Original series is executive produced and written by Will McRobb (The Adventures of Pete & Pete, Harriet the Spy). Author Cece Bell executive produces and narrates the series. El Deafo is co-executive produced by Claire Finn for Lighthouse Studios and directed by Gilly Fogg (Bob the Builder), with Mike Andrews as composer and featuring original music by Katie Crutchfield of Waxahatchee.
El Deafo joins an award-winning lineup of original animated films and series for kids and families, including Wolfboy and the Everything Factory from Joseph Gordon-Levitt, HITRECORD and Bento Box Ent.; Oscar-nominated animated film Wolfwalkers; new series from Peanuts and WildBrain including The Snoopy Show; Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth, the Daytime Emmy-winning television event based on the NYT best-selling book and TIME Best Book of the Year by Oliver Jeffers; and upcoming series Harriet the Spy from The Jim Henson Company.
To date, Apple has inked overall deals with some of today’s most trusted franchises in kids and family programming, including Sesame Workshop and WildBrain (Peanuts); as well as a multi-year partnership with Skydance Animation to deliver groundbreaking, premium animated films and first-ever theatrical-quality animated television series to kids and families.
On the heels of Emmy Award-winning Ted Lasso being named an AFI Television Program of the Year and honored with multiple Critics Choice nominations, including Best Comedy Series, the team that brought kindness back delivers an early present with the debut of a surprise stop motion short, featuring the voice talents of the beloved ensemble cast as they help Ted search for a lost item that ultimately leads him to realize the meaning of the holiday season.
Available to watch now on Apple TV+, the holiday short stars Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Brendan Hunt, Jeremy Swift, Juno Temple, Brett Goldstein, Phil Dunster and Nick Mohammed. The stop-motion animated spot was directed by Jed Hathaway (Robot Chicken, Moral Orel) and produced by the team at Shadow Machine.
In addition to Best Comedy Series, Sudeikis, Waddingham and Goldstein each received Critics Choice nominations for Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress and Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, respectively, with the widely adored show sweeping all categories in which it was nominated at last year’s ceremony. This also follows the show’s history-making Emmys, where Ted Lasso broke records by becoming the most nominated freshman comedy series, with 20 nominations and winning the top prizes, including Best Comedy, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress and Best Supporting Actor. The series was also honored with an esteemed Peabody Award for excellence in storytelling.
Since the debut of Apple TV+ just over two years ago, Apple’s series and films have earned 183 wins and 689 nominations and have recently received recognition from the Academy Awards, SAG Awards, Critics Choice Awards, Critics Choice Documentary Awards, NAACP Image Awards, as well as past Daytime and Primetime Emmy Awards, plus more.
Ted Lasso — The Missing Christmas Mustache
Jason Sudeikis stars as Ted Lasso, an American football coach hired to manage a British soccer team — despite having no experience. But what he lacks in knowledge, he makes up for with optimism, underdog determination … and biscuits. The award-winning series also stars Hannah Waddingham, Brendan Hunt, Jeremy Swift, Juno Temple, Brett Goldstein, Phil Dunster and Nick Mohammed. Sarah Niles joins the cast in the second season as Sharon, a sports psychologist who has been brought in to work with AFC Richmond.
In addition to starring, Sudeikis serves as executive producer, alongside Bill Lawrence via his Doozer Productions, in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group. Doozer’s Jeff Ingold also serves as an executive producer with Liza Katzer as co-executive producer. The series was developed by Sudeikis, Lawrence, Hunt and Joe Kelly, and is based on the pre-existing format and characters from NBC Sports.
Oh, snaps! The eccentric and unconventional Addams family is back in the all-new full-length animated comedy The Addams Family 2, available to own for the first time on Blu-ray™ and DVD January 18, 2022 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.
Hailed by critics as “creepier and kookier than the first” (Owen Gleiberman, Variety), MGM’s hilarious sequel brings the beloved macabre squad closer than ever before as they squeeze into the family RV and embark on a cross-country road trip. Packed with family-friendly laughs and spooky hijinks, The Addams Family 2 on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital is filled with brand-new exclusive bonus features for all ages to enjoy including a road trip checklist and featurettes with cast and crew, taking audiences behind the scenes of the wonderfully weird world of the Addams family and the film’s messages of family, love and acceptance.
The Addams Family 2-Movie Collection is also available to own on DVD on January 18, 2022.
From directors Greg Tiernan (Sausage Party, Thomas & Friends) and Conrad Vernon (Shrek 2, Madagascar 3), The Addams Family 2 boasts a star-studded and critically acclaimed voice cast including Golden Globe winner Oscar Isaac (Star Wars: The Last Jedi, X-Men: Apocalypse), Oscar winner Charlize Theron (Long Shot, Kubo and the Two Strings), Chloë Grace Moretz (Kick Ass, The 5th Wave), Emmy nominee Nick Kroll (The Secret Life of Pets 2, Sing), Javon ‘Wanna’ Walton (Euphoria, Utopia), Wallace Shawn (Toy Story franchise, The Princess Bride), music icon Snoop Dogg, Oscar nominee Bette Midler (Hocus Pocus, The First Wives Club) and Emmy winner Bill Hader (Inside Out, Trainwreck).
Morticia (Theron) and Gomez (Isaac) are distraught that their children are growing up, skipping family dinners and totally consumed with “scream time.” To reclaim their bond, they decide to cram Wednesday (Moretz), Pugsley (Walton), Uncle Fester (Kroll) and the crew into their haunted camper and hit the road for one last miserable family vacation. What could possibly go wrong?
Blu-ray & DVD bonus features:
We’re Altogether Addams: Meet the people behind the voices.
Courage to Be Kooky: See why it’s okay to be different (even kooky) with a little help from the cast of The Addams Family 2.
The Addams Family Road Trip Checklist: In this “How To” vignette, we’ll show you everything you need for a successful road trip with the family. From essentials to games, we’ve got you covered.
Fans who purchase the movie on disc can earn points through the Universal All-Access Rewards program, which can be redeemed for digital movies, signed collectables, box sits, the chance to win exclusive prizes and more (www.myuniversalrewards.com).
