Animation Magazine

Author: Mercedes Milligan

  • Moonraker VFX Creates a ‘Cosmic Noir’ Universe for ‘Killers of the Cosmos’

    Moonraker VFX Creates a ‘Cosmic Noir’ Universe for ‘Killers of the Cosmos’

    Moonraker VFX, an award-winning visual effects studio based in Bristol, U.K., has set a studio record for the number of shots delivered in a single project to bring a ‘cosmic noir’ style to new hybrid documentary, Killers of the Cosmos. Produced by Wall to Wall Media, the six-part series stars Aidan Gillen as a gumshoe comic character, who embarks on a detective mission to uncover the evidence and threats to Earth that space throws at us.

    The team at Moonraker led the production for the 10-minute drama footage within each episode, filming Game of Thrones actor Gillen on greenscreen and designing a visual aesthetic that places the character in comic-book style urban environments. The series, which is currently airing on Science Channel / Discovery+ (U.S.) and Discovery Channel (U.K.), boasts over 700 shots – all of which required bespoke graphic design and animation.

    Killers of the Cosmos
    Killers of the Cosmos

    Graham Stott, Creative Lead at Moonraker, commented, “Ingesting that number of shots, while maintaining a beautiful and consistent look, was a gigantic challenge for the team. It’s more than you would expect in a big budget feature. We had to make sure that Aidan not only looked consistent himself, but all the environments had the same visual motifs that hung together as a gallery of work.”

    The VFX studio utilized a wide range of talent and wrote its own software tools, leaning on their technical VFX, animation and illustration teams to execute this new genre defining style that effectively treats live action frame by frame.

    Killers of the Cosmos
    Killers of the Cosmos

    “It was an aesthetic approach to a project we hadn’t tried before – relying on the best creative people in Moonraker to deliver such a large volume of work where the detail of every shot is considered and consistent,” noted Moonraker VFX Producer Hannah Lewis.

    Tim Lambert, Executive Producer at Wall to Wall Media, said, “The team at Moonraker managed to create a fantastic but utterly believable world in which our gumshoe could operate. No one has done anything like this on a documentary series before, and we are delighted with the results.”

    www.moonrakervfx.com

    Killers of the Cosmos
    Killers of the Cosmos
  • Great Wolf Ent. Unveils Characters’ New Look for ‘The Great Wolf Pack’

    Great Wolf Ent. Unveils Characters’ New Look for ‘The Great Wolf Pack’

    Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.’s newly launched entertainment umbrella, Great Wolf Entertainment, completed an extensive transformation of its beloved woodland characters and is preparing to bring them to life in multiple new and exciting ways. The newly updated characters will welcome a new generation of fans as part of a robust content strategy, starting with Great Wolf’s first-ever animated project: The Great Wolf Pack, due out Summer of 2022.

    Great Wolf Entertainment is working on a variety of other vehicles for the characters including additional animated content, books, in-resort entertainment and more.

    “Our resorts provide families with joy-filled imaginative adventures, and we hope our newly designed characters and the stories they bring to life will transport families on similar imaginative adventures, with content that can be enjoyed anytime and anywhere,” said Brooke Patterson, Senior Vice President, Brand Experiences. “We felt it was time to give these beloved characters a new look and update their personalities to help them better connect with today’s family. We’re excited and cannot wait for families to better know our pack through the upcoming animated feature, The Great Wolf Pack, as well as a number of other projects.”

    Great Wolf Pack redesign, before and after.
    Great Wolf Pack redesign, before and after.

    The Great Wolf Pack will transport the Great Wolf cast of characters and viewing audience on an incredible adventure as they explore vibrant new worlds and encounter exotic creatures. While heroic, personality traits and flaws within the pack leads to storytelling that is relatable, authentic and highly entertaining.

    Chris Bailey (Garfield: The Movie, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Kim Possible) will direct, leading an award-winning team of artists from L.A.-based studio Six Point Harness, which produced animation for the Oscar-winning animated short film Hair Love and HBO Max comedy special Tig Notaro: Drawn.

    Meet the newly made-over critter crew:

    Wiley Wolf
    Wiley Wolf

    Wiley Wolf, voiced by Brandon Winckler (Sword Art Online, Marvel Avengers Academy, Final Fantasy VII Remake, Fire Emblem Heroes, Pokemon Masters): Unafraid to go headlong into adventures on his own, Wiley always considered himself a “lone wolf” before meeting the rest of the pack and discovering value of friendships. His favorite activities involved going out into nature and tackling adventures. Wiley is fearless with a big heart. He sometimes makes mistakes along his way, and shows a willingness to learn new things.

    Violet Wolf
    Violet Wolf

    Violet Wolf, voiced by Maya Tuttle (projects for LEGO, Pokémon, Marvel): Violet tends to be more of a consensus builder, but is a bit of a perfectionist. She has high expectations for others and struggles when they fail to meet that bar. Violet is tough but empathetic, with a great skill of recognizing what others are feeling with an innate ability to react accordingly. She’s a strong believer who never gives up and is essential at holding the group together during their most challenging experiences. She believes in the strength of the pack and is a bit of a “streetheart.”

    Oliver Raccoon
    Oliver Raccoon

    Oliver Raccoon, voiced by Ogie Banks (Monster High, Ultimate Spider-Man, Naruto, Bratz): Oliver is a math and engineering whizz, with an encyclopedia of facts at his fingertips and the know-how to build the most complex contraptions. A bit socially awkward and an introvert, Oliver is also extremely curious – a trait that sometimes gets him into trouble.

    Sammy Squirrel
    Sammy Squirrel

    Sammy Squirrel, voiced by Xanthe Huynh (Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part III: The Rebellion Story, Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day, K-On!): Sammy is a creative extrovert, an artistic soul that draws inspiration from every source imaginable. Her creativity is unmatched, but she often struggles bringing her visions to life and leverages the strength of the pack to help bring those visions to fruition. She is energetic and optimistic, and her big vivacious personality far exceeds her small stature.

    Brinley Bear
    Brinley Bear

    Brinley Bear, voiced by Greg Vinciguerra (voice actor and tenor with Key Change Ensemble): Brinley is the youngest of the Pack and can often be very shy and quiet. Observant and an excellent listener, Brinley is inspired by and quickly learns from other members of the pack. He really enjoys playing games and often gets tired or requires a snack when on missions. He is naturally afraid of many things but tries his hardest to be brave and overcome his fears.

    The Great Wolf Pack
    The Great Wolf Pack
  • Danger on the Dance Floor: Netflix Teases ‘Back to the Outback’

    Danger on the Dance Floor: Netflix Teases ‘Back to the Outback’

    Netflix today debuted the teaser trailer for its upcoming original animated feature Back to the Outback, featuring a Down Under dance-off between celebrity koala Pretty Boy and the fatal frenemies he hitches up with in this family comedy-adventure set in Australia. The movie will premiere on Netflix streaming on December 10.

    Tired of being locked in a reptile house where humans gawk at them like they’re monsters, a ragtag group of Australia’s deadliest creatures plot a daring escape from their zoo to the Outback, a place where they’ll fit in without being judged for their scales and fangs. Leading the group is Maddie (Isla Fisher), a poisonous snake with a heart of gold, who bands together with a self-assured Thorny Devil lizard Zoe (Miranda Tapsell), a lovelorn hairy spider Frank (Guy Pearce), and a sensitive scorpion Nigel (Angus Imrie). But when their nemesis — Pretty Boy (Tim Minchin), a cute but obnoxious koala — unexpectedly joins their escape, Maddie and the gang have no choice but to take him with them. So begins a hair-raising and hilarious road trip across Australia, as they are pursued by a zookeeper Chaz (Eric Bana) and his adventure-seeking mini-me, Chazzie (Diesel La Torraca).

    The voice cast also features Rachel House, Keith Urban, Celeste Barber, Wayne Knight, Lachlan Power and Jacki Weaver.

    Back to the Outback is directed by Clare Knight and screenwriter Harry Cripps, who came up with the story with Gregory Lessans. Reel FX is producing the animation.

    Back to the Outback
    Back to the Outback Poster
  • BTS: Stoopid Buddy Hatches New ‘Simpsons’ Couch Gag

    BTS: Stoopid Buddy Hatches New ‘Simpsons’ Couch Gag

    What’s in the egg?! Find out as we sneak peek the latest take on the classic “couch gag” for Sunday’s episode of The Simpsons. Produced by the stop-motion masters at Stoopid Buddy Stoodios (Robot Chicken, Crossing Swords), the intro skit sees Springfield’s most famous baby whisk us away to a fantasy kingdom set inside an old wooden peg-people playset — but Princess Maggie might have a touch of the mad Targaryen queen in her …

    “Collaborating with the Simpsons team on couch gags is always a highlight for me and Tom Root,” shared John Harvatine IV, who directed the segment. “This time we were beyond excited to share our vision of a wooden peg person world reimagined as Springfield from a long lost fairytale. The world was completely fabricated out of wood, and lovingly hand-crafted in stop-motion with our super talented crew at Stoopid Buddy Stoodios.”

    The Simpsons "All Hail Princess Maggie!" production photo (courtesy Stoopid Buddy Stoodios)
    The Simpsons “All Hail Princess Maggie!” production photo (courtesy Stoopid Buddy Stoodios)

    Tom Room came up with the story and wrote “All Hail Princess Maggie!” The Stoopid Buddy team on this project also included supervising producer Kelly L’Estrange, line producers Alyssa Choate Rusche and Mario De Jesus, director of photography Joe Passarelli, art director Frank Duran, storyboard supervising director and character designer Shannon Denton, head of puppet fabrication Caroline Kastelic, head of costume Julia Kalugina, editor Hank Friedmann, VFX supervisor Mike Spitzmiller and production designer Shannon Denton.

    The Simpsons "All Hail Princess Maggie!" production photo (courtesy Stoopid Buddy Stoodios)
    The Simpsons “All Hail Princess Maggie!” production photo (courtesy Stoopid Buddy Stoodios)

    Executive producers on the project were Stoopid Buddy co-founders Seth Green, Matthew Senreich, Eric Towner and Harvatine IV. Jasmine Johnson is head of studio.

    The Simpsons "All Hail Princess Maggie!" production photo (courtesy Stoopid Buddy Stoodios)
    The Simpsons “All Hail Princess Maggie!” production photo (courtesy Stoopid Buddy Stoodios)

    In the new episode of The Simpsons, “The Wayz We Were,” Evergreen Terrace is overrun with traffic and Moe has a fateful choice to make. Premieres Sunday, October 17 (8 p.m. ET/PT) on FOX.

    The Simpsons "All Hail Princess Maggie!" production photo (courtesy Stoopid Buddy Stoodios)
    The Simpsons “All Hail Princess Maggie!” production photo (courtesy Stoopid Buddy Stoodios)
  • Trailer: ‘Clifford the Big Red Dog’ Finds a Home in Theaters & Paramount+ Next Month

    Trailer: ‘Clifford the Big Red Dog’ Finds a Home in Theaters & Paramount+ Next Month

    Paramount Pictures announces that Clifford the Big Red Dog, the new hybrid feature film based on the Scholastic children’s books by Norman Bridwell, is ready to sit and stay on its new release date, November 10, screening in theaters and streaming on Paramount+. Produced by Scholastic Entertainment and Kerner Entertainment Co. in association with eOne Films and New Republic Pictures, the larger-than-life family adventure dropped a new trailer and key art today.

    When middle-schooler Emily Elizabeth (Darby Camp) meets a magical animal rescuer (John Cleese) who gifts her a little, red puppy, she never anticipated waking up to find a giant ten-foot hound in her small New York City apartment. While her single mom (Sienna Guillory) is away for business, Emily and her fun but impulsive uncle Casey (Jack Whitehall) set out on an adventure that will keep you on the edge-of-your-seat as our heroes take a bite out of the Big Apple. Based on the beloved Scholastic book character, Clifford will teach the world how to love big!

    The film also stars Tony Hale, Russell Wong and David Alan Grier.

    Clifford the Big Red Dog is directed by Walt Becker (Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip) from a screenplay by Jay Scherick & David Ronn and Blaise Hemingway, story by Justin Malen and Ellen Rapoport. Produced by Jordan Kerner and Iole Lucchese. Exec produced by Brian Oliver, Bradley J. Fischer, Valerii An, Brian Bell, Caitlin Friedman, Deborah Forte and Lisa Crnic.

    Clifford the Big Red Dog
    Clifford the Big Red Dog Poster
  • Trailer: Favorite Tales Get a Frosty Twist in ‘Olaf Presents’ on Disney+

    Trailer: Favorite Tales Get a Frosty Twist in ‘Olaf Presents’ on Disney+

    Disney+ and Walt Disney Animation Studios unveiled the trailer for a new series of shorts starring the snowman-turned-storyteller, Olaf (Frozen), as he recreates moments from Disney Animation classics The Little Mermaid, Moana, The Lion King, Aladdin and Tangled. These charming recaps launch exclusively on Disney+ Day – a global celebration across The Walt Disney Company, with new content releases, fan experiences, exclusive offers and more on Friday, November 12.

    In Olaf Presents, Olaf steps into the spotlight and goes from snowman to showman as he takes on the roles of producer, actor, costumer and set builder for his unique “retelling” of five favorite Disney animated tales. The charismatic and versatile Olaf demonstrates his theatrical flair, taking on such iconic roles as a mermaid, a genie, a lion king (and most of the parts in between), as he entertains Arendelle with his delightful abbreviated versions of these beloved tales.

    Josh Gad returns to voice Olaf with veteran Disney animator Hyrum Osmond directing and Jennifer Newfield producing.

    Olaf Presents
    Olaf Presents Poster
  • Wind Sun Sky Brings Roblox Hit ‘Twilight Daycare’ to Series

    Wind Sun Sky Brings Roblox Hit ‘Twilight Daycare’ to Series

    Wind Sun Sky (WSS), the production studio behind Amazon Prime Video’s Invincible, and Gamefam, the world’s first and only fully dedicated Roblox publisher and developer, are combining their areas of expertise to expand the Roblox gamers’ journey with the production of a Twilight Daycare digital series this fall.

    Twilight Daycare launched in March 2021 and has rapidly grown, reaching a monumental fanbase of more than 3 million unique users on its biggest days. The game invites fans to play as babies, toddlers or caretakers in an immersive role-play world. In Twilight Daycare, babies rule and caring and nurturing are everything as players experience feeding, changing diapers, toys, learning and incredible excursions like a trip to the beach and pony rides!

    Gamefam has a growing portfolio of over 20 live games on Roblox that drive over 500 million monthly gameplay sessions with Twilight Daycare being one of the company’s biggest hits, and one of the biggest experiences in the metaverse today.

    The Twilight Daycare digital series is the first Roblox game that will be adapted and produced by the accomplished Wind Sun Sky team. Catherine Winder, CEO and Executive Producer of WSS, is no stranger to adapting IPs for the screen: Her background includes expanding the Angry Birds mobile app into the Angry Birds Movie and sequel. She also led the team that brought Star Wars into the world of animation with Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Her skilled team of creatives are paving the path of immersive Roblox experiences, starting with Twilight Daycare.

    “At WSS, we look for content with transformational, cross-platform, brand-building potential that challenges us creatively and we can sink our teeth into. Taking Roblox content and elevating it to other platforms called out to our team as our next adventure,” said Winder. “Gamefam’s Twighlight Daycare is the perfect fit — it’s a fun, irreverent and hilarious world ripe for storytelling.”

    Roblox truly is the metaverse for this younger generation,” said Gamefam CEO Joe Ferencz, “and what that means is we have the opportunity and privilege to create hits like Twilight Daycare, that provides millions of hours per week of incredible fun for tens of millions of players all over the world. Now, through partnering with Wind Sun Sky, true innovators of adapting content across digital platforms with global IPs, we’re extending the Twilight Daycare Roblox experience and inviting fans to engage with the property in a brand new, delightful way that highlights the IP creation opportunities in the metaverse —  this is where the next generation of super hit franchises will come from and we’re so excited to be pioneers in bringing that to life with Wind Sun Sky.”

    Social simulation metaverse games, such as Twilight Daycare, empower players to make their own decisions and define their own narrative. For the first time, that feeling will be replicated within a digital series, as players’ gameplay in Twilight Daycare will impact each episode —  truly offering fans a direct way to engage, and see their stories come to life.

    “WSS is leading the way in the digital, multiplatform world —  from superheroes on Amazon Prime to live animated Singing Monsters on YouTube, we’re coming at this from all angles. Having the opportunity to reach a new, built in audience that already loves this franchise is a dream come true. These fans are already excited, and together with Gamefam, we’re able to expand, immerse and engage this audience in a whole new way to bring them something truly game changing,” added Winder.

    windsunsky.com | gamefam.com

  • Oscar-Winning Producer David DePatie Dies Age 91

    Oscar-Winning Producer David DePatie Dies Age 91

    David Hudson DePatie, co-founder of the DePatie-Freleng animation studio which created the Academy Award-winning character The Pink Panther, died September 23 of natural causes in Gig Harbor, Washington. His passing at age 91 was announced in an obituary posted by The Seattle Times on Monday and picked up by the Cartoon Research blog.

    David H. DePatie
    David H. DePatie

    Born on Christmas Eve, 1929 in Los Angeles, DePatie grew up — in his own words — a “Warner Brat,” as his father Edmond spent his entire career moving up the ranks at Warner Bros. to eventually become Vice President & General Manager of the studio under Jack Warner. David DePatie launched his own career at the studio when he became Warner Bros. Cartoons’ last production executive, taking over for John Burton in 1961.

    False Hare, the final "classic" Bugs Bunny cartoon.
    False Hare, the final “classic” Bugs Bunny cartoon.

    With movie audiences declining in the early ’60s, DePatie oversaw the end days of this iteration of WB animation, ushering the final Bugs Bunny, Foghorn Leghorn and Tweety Bird theatrical cartoons to screens. He also produced The Bugs Bunny Show for ABC-TV, The Adventures of the Road Runner and hybrid short Philbert, directed by Friz Freleng and intended as a series pilot. His purview also covered the animated commercials division until Warner Bros. Cartoons shuttered in 1963.

    Señorella and the Glass Huarache, the last short released before Warner Bros. Cartoons shut down.
    Señorella and the Glass Huarache, the last short released before Warner Bros. Cartoons shut down.

    Business-minded DePatie and gifted creative Freleng formed DePatie-Freleng Enterprises that same year and cemented their place in animation history with one of their first contracts: creating the animated titles for the 1964 comedy The Pink Panther. The craft cat proved so popular with moviegoers that United Artists commissioned a standalone cartoon, The Pink Phink, which won the fledgling studio an Oscar and fed into a long-running series of theatrical shorts.

    DePatie-Freleng was responsible for many familiar TV/theatrical shorts series, movies, commercials and title sequences of the latter 20th century, including The Pink Panther Show with its spin-off toons The Inspector, The Ant and the Aardvark, Roland and Rattfink and Tijuana Toads; My World and Welcome to It, Here Comes the Grump, Return to the Planet of the Apes, The Bear Who Slept Through Christmas, a number of Dr. Seuss specials including The Cat in the Hat, new Looney Tunes/Merrie Melodies shorts and specials, the Emmy-winning hybrid special My Mom Is Having a Baby, StarKist’s “Charlie Tuna” spots and the opening of I Dream of Jeannie.

    I Dream of Jeannie
    I Dream of Jeannie

    In 1981, the producing partners sold DFE to Marvel Comics and parted ways, with Freleng returning to the re-opened Warner Bros. Animation and DePatie staying on as executive producer of Marvel Productions, overseeing the production of series based on Marvel characters like Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends and The Incredible Hulk as well as franchises like G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (Hasbro) and Dungeons & Dragons. DePatie stepped away in 1984, and reunited with Freleng at Hanna-Barbera to produce the series Pink Panther and Sons (NBC/ABC) under the DFE shingle.

    [Sources: The Seattle Time, Cartoon Research]

    The Pink Panther and Sons
    The Pink Panther and Sons
  • Global TV & Streaming Bytes

    Global TV & Streaming Bytes

    Earwig and the Witch is joining Netflix‘s exclusive Studio Ghibli slate worldwide (excluding the U.S. & Japan). Since the collection’s launch in 2020 (through global distribution partner Wild Bunch International and GKIDS for Canada), 55 million households in applicable territories have watched a Ghibli movie on Netflix.

    Director Goro Miyazaki said, “We’re thrilled that our film Earwig and the Witch will reach many countries and territories through Netflix. The film is Studio Ghibli’s first fully 3D CGI film which prompted us with an exciting challenge to reflect the spirit and pride of our studio using this new artform. Through that experience we met Earwig, our rebellious protagonist who grows to overcome difficulties with her wits and relentless energy. We hope you will come to love our Earwig, just like you enjoyed spending time with the main characters in our last 21 films.”

    Ghibli’s latest movie tells the story of a headstrong young girl who grew up in an orphanage and whose life changes dramatically when a strange couple takes her in, and she is forced to live with a selfish witch. Directed by Goro Miyazaki with planning by Hayao Miyazaki and screenplay by Keiko Niwa and Emi Gunji, the story of Earwig is based on a novel of the same name by English writer Diana Wynne Jones. The movie will be premiering on Netflix starting November 18.

    Cowboy Bebop
    Cowboy Bebop

    Netflix is turning into the hub for all things Cowboy Bebop, announcing it has snagged streaming rights to all 26 episodes of the original 1998 Shinichiro Watanabe anime series produced by Sunrise. The series (currently available on Hulu) will make its Netflix debut on October 21, ahead of the premiere of the streamer’s live-action series (Nov. 19), starring John Cho (Spike), Mustafa Shakir (Jet) and Daniella Pineda (Faye). [H/T EW.com]

    Cowboy Bebop is set in the year 2071, decades after a cataclysmic event forced humanity to colonize surrounding moons and planets. This new age of lawlessness led the Inter Solar System Police force to legalize a contract system so bounty hunters could turn in criminals for rewards. Former Red Dragon crime syndicate henchman Spike Spiegel, ex-cop Jet Black and con artist Faye Valentine are three of these bounty hunters thrust together by circumstance, along with kid hacker Radical Ed and “data dog” Ein.

    Tina & Tony
    Tina & Tony

    Leading Russian animation company Riki Group has teamed up with Youku Kids (a division of global digital commerce company Alibaba Group) to jointly produce three seasons of preschool series Tina & Tony. Alibaba will create long-term investment and operations for the property. After securing broadcast and making Tina & Tony known to more people in China, local business partnerships will follow. This partnership reflects Youku’s commitment to bring varied and high-quality content to the growing numbers of families who are seeking fun and interesting entertainment via streaming video services in China.

    The first season of Tina & Tony premiered in China in November 2018 on YouKu. After the huge success of the project, a new season was produced jointly to be delivered to Chinese audiences in July 2021, which performed excellently again, surpassing all other animated projects on the platform in terms of popularity index (total views to date: 2.5+ billion). Riki Group CEO Mark Zavadskiy notes the upcoming seasons will promote positive, safe behavior and model learning through play and healthy relationships with adults. The studio plans to deliver 52 x 5′ 3D/2D episodes by July 2023.

    Bakugan: Evolutions
    Bakugan: Evolutions

    Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana, Spin Master Corp. and TMS Entertainment announced the greenlight and start of production for Bakugan: Evolutions (26 x 22′). The fourth season of the hit anime adventure series is set to premiere in early 2022 in Canada on TELETOON and live and on demand on STACKTV through Amazon Prime Video Channels. Seasons 1 through 3 are currently available on Netflix in both Canada and U.S., and Seasons 2 and 3 are available on STACKTV in Canada. The franchise continues to make its mark as a global phenomenon, with Bakugan driving the battling toy segment and over 20 licensees signed covering soft lines, home décor, publishing and more.

    In Bakugan: Evolutions, fan-favorite Bakugan heroes — including Drago, Trox, Pegatrix, Hydorous, Howlkor and Pharol — return stronger, faster and better than ever! Strange occurrences begin to happen in the new action-packed season; elemental energy from Vestroia is seeping into Earth, creating strange phenomena and causing Bakugan to rage out with excess energy! It’s not all bad though, as our heroes realize the Vestroian elemental energy is also causing elemental evolutions among our Bakugan! Along with these new evolutions comes a new breed of elemental brawlers, propelling the Awesome Brawlers to adapt and in effect, take Bakugan brawling to a whole new level, unlocking even more awesome powers and evolutions! Once again, the fate of two worlds, Earth and Vestroia, rests in the hands of the Awesome Brawlers and their Bakugan partners.

    Rockoons
    Rockoons

    Roskino has packed its Russian production delegation at MIPCOM with over 50 companies. As previously announced, SMF Studio’s Loodleville is one of the five finalists for the MIPJunior Project Pitch. SMF is also presenting in the Made in Moscow business mission hosted by Moscow Export Center, alongside animation studio Platoshka. Producers and distributors shopping Russian animated content at the market include:

    • 100 KILOWATT: Homies, Eager Beaver, Nick the Inventor, Magic Kitchen, Little Turtles
    • b4r agency: Flora’s Team, Monsikids, Secret Room
    • Digital Television Russia: Puppies & Kittens, Leo & Tig, Fantasy Patrol, Be-be-bears
    • KinoAtis: Space Dogs: Tropical Adventure, Planet Ai
    • Melnitsa Animation: Moonzy (new 3D CGI season), The Barkers, The Barkers: Mind the Cats! (movie), Three Heroes
    • Platoshka Animation Studio: Beadies
    • Riki Group: Kikoriki, Babyriki, PinCode, Panda and Crash, The Fixies, Fixielab, Tina & Tony, Beardy Bodo, DinoCity; features Finnick, Teddy Boom
    • SIGNAL MEDIA: Heroes of Envell: Exit Game, Moriki Doriki
    • SMF Studio: Rockoons, Meow Magic, The Secret of Honey Hills, The Adventures of Peter and the Wolf, Coolics
    • Wizart Animation: The Snow Queen 5; series Backpack, Tin’s Firebots
    Leo & Tig
    Leo & Tig

    Rooster Teeth has revealed the official trailer and release date for RWBY: Fairy Tales. This brand-new 2D animated miniseries is a companion show to the internationally beloved RWBY that brings Remnant’s most famous fairy tales to life like never before. Each standalone episode tells the story of an in-world fable, bringing depth and context to the series as a whole. RWBY: Fairy Tales premieres Saturday, October 30 for FIRST members and free the next day, with new episodes weekly on Rooster Teeth.

    Sales & Launches:

    • International distributor Prime Entertainment Group has closed a deal with Rai Ragazzi for the Annecy Cristal-winning animated movie Vanille, a Caribbean Tale, produced by Prime’s sister company Folimage. The film is set to air primarily on the pubcaster’s channels for young audiences: Rai Yoyo, the leading TV channel for preschoolers in Italy, and Rai Gulp.
    • SLR Productions‘ sequel special Alice-Miranda: A Royal Christmas Ball will premiere in Australia on Stan 15 and 9GO! in December; local distribution is handled by ABC Commercial and internationally by ZDF Enterprises.
    • Timed to MIPCOM, Epic Story Media announced sales of Zinkia‘s Pocoyo (209 x 7′) to WarnerMedia Kids & Family for Cartoonito (U.S.; premiered Sept. 13) and Knowledge Network (Canada); worldwide sales (exc. Asia) for brand-new Hailey and the Hero Hearts (26 x 11′) with Mowrer Meta-Story; and the launch of global sales for Pet Shop Zombies (20 x 5′), a hilarious short-form created by Aron Dunn and Simon Watts, animated by Loomi. ESM’s slate also includes Dex and the Humanimals (6 x 11′) and Piper’s Pony Tales (30 x 3.5′).
    • Guru Studio is extending the arc of True and the Rainbow Kingdom, newly picked up by Clan RTVE (Spain), Carousel (Russia), WarnerMedia’s Boomerang (France, Africa), Mediacorp’s Okto (Singapore), EBC YOYO (Taiwan), TG4 (Ireland), Spacetoon (Middle East), Channel 4 (Finland) and Pixel (Ukraine). Existing partners Gloobinho (Brazil), NET (Indonesia) and NINE (Australia) have also acquired Season 4.
    • Paravoz Studio successfully premiered S2 of Leo & Tig (commissioned by Digital Television Russia) on Rai YoYo (Italy); the series recently became available in the country on digital platform TimVision (Telecom Italia) and will launch in Italian-speaking territories including Switzerland on DeA Junior (De Agostini) Dec. 13. Leo & Tig previously bowed on RTS for Francophone Switzerland.
    • Multi-channel streamer Future Today inked a significant deal with eOne which will bring 300+ episodes and nine movies from its catalog to HappyKids. The deal includes many of eOne’s most popular brands, including My Little Pony, Jem and the Holograms, Transformers Prime / Rescue Bots and Ricky Zoom and more, which will be available to stream entirely free.
    Vanille, a Caribbean Tale
    Vanille, a Caribbean Tale
  • ‘The Little Prince and Friends’ 2D Saint-Exupéry Series in Works at ON, Bidibul

    ‘The Little Prince and Friends’ 2D Saint-Exupéry Series in Works at ON, Bidibul

    ON kids & Family (Mediawan), producer of the worldwide hits The Little Prince feature film and Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir, and the Saint-Exupéry-d’Agay Estate have announced the production of the 2D animated series The Little Prince and Friends (52 x 11′), inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s masterpiece, co-produced with Bidibul Productions (White Fang, Little Nicholas) and aimed at children aged 4 to 7.

    “With The Little Prince and Friends, our studio is adapting Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s universal and timeless masterpiece for the third time. Aimed at a preschool audience, the series celebrates imagination and togetherness through a new 2D graphic interpretation created by Pascal Campion and by Paul Leluc, the brilliant director of The Long Long Holiday,” adds Julien Borde, EVP, Managing Director & Chief Creative Officer of ON kids & family. “I am sure that children and their parents will be charmed by the poetry and originality of this new interpretation, just like our historical partners around the world: France Télévisions, RAI, WDR, and Gloob. We are delighted that the Saint-Exupéry-d’Agay Estate has renewed its confidence in our series. This collaboration initiated by Aton Soumache and Olivier d’Agay more than 15 years ago is the cornerstone of this new audiovisual adventure.”

    The Little Prince and Friends offers today’s children a modern and tender version of Saint-Exupéry’s classic novella: a new vision of this unique and universal story, aimed at a new audience that will soon be entering primary school and starting to learn how to read. The series will be produced mainly in 2D, in order to get closer to Saint-Exupéry’s transgenerational universe.

    In the series, The Little Prince sets off onboard Asteroship B612 along with two kids from our world, Charlotte and Elijah. Together, they discover the universe and its inhabitants and go on amazing adventures. Each and every little planet or star is a chance to make new friends and discover new cultures. Their journey takes us further and further, learning and having fun, and enables one of the two children to overcome a problem from their everyday life, by dealing with a parallel situation in the Little Prince’s universe.

    The Little Prince and Friends was created by Simon Nicholson, a successful children’s animation writer and the main showrunner of the worldwide hit PJ Masks for the past six seasons. The Little Prince’s historical partners, France Télévisions, WDR, RAI and Gloob, are participating in this new production and will broadcast the series as of 2023.

    “We are very excited to be a part of these new adventures of The Little Prince. It was a great pleasure working on the previous series with our partners ON kids and family and their creative and passionate team,” commented Brigitta Mühlenbeck, Head of Acquisition & Co-Production Kids & Family, WDR. “When Julien presented the concept of the new series to us, we were instantly delighted with the new take on the beloved classic. Not only does it bring relevance in its stories and provides characters our audience can really relate to, but it also extends Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s universe in a very imaginative and organic way, without losing the original spirit of the book.”

    “The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry has been among the most widely read books for generations of kids. Its message has never been as contemporary as it is in today’s world. We are pleased to support again the purpose of spreading it to a new audience of young children and families,” noted Luca Milano, Executive Director, Rai Ragazzi/Kids.

    Pierre Siracusa, Head of Youth Public, Education & Animation Programs at France Télévisions, said, “The Little Prince is the child in us. In this new series, it’s precisely this childhood and its boundless imagination that goes with each adventure, that helps our heroes to solve the obstacles of everyday life. Especially, all these little things that make us grow and move forward in life: relationships, school, fears … It’s the very core idea of the series that convinced us: What if, in the playground, the Little Prince became the figure of a great benevolent towards the youngest? Charlotte and Elijah found with the Little Prince a companion, a pilot as curious as they are about everything, and together they are ready to face the world. Growing up is an everyday challenge, and so, with each episode, the Little Prince welcomes his friends into his world to find together how to overcome it and climb each step while having fun. Magic! France Télévisions is proud to participate once again in this adaptation of the work of Saint-Exupéry and to continue to make it exist among the youngest.”

    “The Little Prince is a masterpiece that is still alive in the affective memories of many generations because it carries timeless values, such as teamwork, collaboration, empathy and affection. Gloob and ON kids & Family are partners in others successful IPs and we are sure that Little Prince & Friends will be another exquisite and high quality co-production that will soon reach our channels and platforms,” added Luiz Filipe Figueira, Head of Kids ‘Programming & Content Strategy at Globo.

    www.onkidsandfamily.com

  • Magnolia Unleashes the Beasts of ‘Cryptozoo’ on Blu-ray Next Month

    Magnolia Unleashes the Beasts of ‘Cryptozoo’ on Blu-ray Next Month

    From visionary comic-book writer, artist and filmmaker Dash Shaw (My Entire High School Sinking into the Sea), award-winning indie animated feature Cryptozoo arrives on Blu-ray ($29.98) and On Demand from Magnolia Home Entertainment on November 16. The release includes a photo gallery and cryptids GIF gallery as bonus features.

    Cryptozoo is a vibrant and fantastical animated feature following cryptozookeepers through a richly-drawn hallucinatory world as they struggle to capture a baku, a legendary dream-eating hybrid creature. But the cryptozookeepers soon begin to wonder if they should display these rare beasts in the confines of a zoo, or if these mythical creatures should remain hidden and unknown.

    Featuring the voice talents of Lake Bell (BoJack Horseman), Michael Cera (Superbad), Zoe Kazan (The Big Sick), Louisa Krause (Billions), Angeliki Papoulia (A Blast), Thomas Jay Ryan (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), Peter Stormare (American Gods) and Grace Zabriskie (Twin Peaks), Cryptozoo was written and directed by Shaw, and Jane Samborski (13 Reasons Why) directed and produced the animation.

    The critically acclaimed feature has picked up accolades from Sundance (NEXT Innovator Award), the Berlinale (Special Mention – Best Feature Film), Fantasia Film Festival (Best Animated Feature) and Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival (Special Mention – Best Feature Film), and has screened in competition at Annecy, Animafest Zagreb, Sitges and more.

    Read more about Cryptozoo in Animation Magazine‘s feature story here.

    Cryptozoo
    Cryptozoo
  • Trailer: Beanie Feldstein & Jane Lynch Star in ‘Harriet the Spy’

    Trailer: Beanie Feldstein & Jane Lynch Star in ‘Harriet the Spy’

    Apple TV+ today announced the premiere date for Harriet the Spy and debuted the trailer, showcasing a glimpse at the first animated adaptation of the iconic children’s novel chronicling the coming-of-age adventures of the irrepressible Harriet M. Welsch. The first half of the series (five episodes) debuts on Apple TV+ on Friday, November 19, and the second half will return with additional episodes in spring 2022.

    Produced by The Jim Henson Company, the animated series stars acclaimed actor Beanie Feldstein (Lady Bird, Booksmart, American Crime Story) as Harriet, a fiercely independent and adventurous young girl, alongside Emmy Award winner Jane Lynch (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Ralph Breaks the Internet, Final Space) as Ole Golly, Harriet’s larger-than-life, no-nonsense nanny.

    Set in 1960s New York, when the original book was published, Harriet the Spy follows the outspoken and perpetually curious 11-year-old Harriet M. Welsch. More than anything, Harriet wants to be a writer, and in order to be a good writer, she’ll need to know everything. And to know everything means she’ll need to spy… on everyone! Joining Feldstein and Lynch, the series features Lacey Chabert as Marion Hawthorne, the ringleader of a group of popular girls at Harriet’s school, and additional voice cast Kimberly Brooks, Crispin Freeman, Grey Griffin, Bumper Robinson and Charlie Schlatter.

    Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett wrote and performs the original theme song for the series, which she concurrently released as a single today under her Mom + Pop record label and is now available on Apple Music.

    Based on the book by Louise Fitzhugh, the Apple Original series is produced by The Jim Henson Company, and written and executive produced by Will McRobb (The Adventures of Pete & Pete) with Sidney Clifton (Black Panther animated series, Me, Eloise) as producer. Lisa Henson and Halle Stanford executive produce on behalf of The Jim Henson Company with John W. Hyde, Nancy Steingard and Wendy Moss Klein also serving as executive producers, and Terissa Kelton as co-executive producer. Chris Prynoski, Shannon Prynoski and Ben Kalina executive produce for Titmouse Animation Studios.

    In addition to Harriet the Spy, Apple’s growing partnership with The Jim Henson Company includes Fraggle Rock: Rock On!, as well as the highly anticipated reboot of the classic series Fraggle Rock and recently added bonus specials Down at Fraggle Rock, Doozer Music and Fraggle Songs. The award-winning lineup of original animated films and series for kids and families on Apple TV+ includes Wolfboy and the Everything Factory from Joseph Gordon-Levitt, HITRECORD and Bento Box Ent.; Rolling Along with Otis; Academy Award-nominated film Wolfwalkers from Cartoon Saloon; Peabody Award-winning series Stillwater; new series from Peanuts and WildBrain including The Snoopy Show; and Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth, the Daytime Emmy Award-winning television event based on the New York Times Bestselling Book and TIME Best Book of the Year by Oliver Jeffers.

    Harriet the Spy
    Harriet the Spy
  • ‘We the People’ Director Victoria Vincent Developing ‘Dirt Girls’ at Fox

    ‘We the People’ Director Victoria Vincent Developing ‘Dirt Girls’ at Fox

    Fox Entertainment is developing Dirt Girls, an animated comedy series from L.A.-based animator/filmmaker Victoria Vincent, with Bento Box (Bob’s Burgers) onboard as animation studio. The project came up through the studio’s SkunkWorks program, which is designed to discover and cultivate new creators in animation.

    Dirt Girls is set in an alienated suburban neighborhood, where two unsupervised sisters named Lucy and Pia keep their kid selves entertained by any means possible, as the confusion of the adult world creeps in around them.

    The story concept fits with Vincent’s films, which often explore feelings of disillusionment and anxiety through the eyes of characters surviving in strange worlds, with fast-paced storytelling and a bright, subtly askew palette.

    In addition to numerous shorts such as Fluffy’s Third Eye, Cat City, Bunnyrabbit and the meta animation-about-animation A Dog That Smokes Weed (with Jonni Phillips), Vincent recently directed the “Taxes” episode of Netflix civics anthology We the People, featuring a song by Cordae.

    [Source: Deadline]

  • Teaser: DreamWorks Dragons Take Flight for the Future in ‘The Nine Realms’

    Teaser: DreamWorks Dragons Take Flight for the Future in ‘The Nine Realms’

    DreamWorks Animation has unveiled the next scaly tale in its popular How to Train Your Dragon Franchise, announcing the all-new 6 x 22′ series Dragons: The Nine Realms for Hulu and Peacock streaming platforms, premiering December 23.

    Set 1,300 years after the events of How to Train Your Dragon, dragons are now just a legend to the modern world. When a geological anomaly opens up an immense, miles-deep fissure in the Earth’s surface, scientists from all over the world gather at a new research facility to study the mysterious phenomenon. Soon a group of misfit kids, brought to the site by their parents, uncover the truth about dragons and where they’ve been hiding — a secret they must keep to themselves to protect what they’ve discovered.

    The series voice stars Jeremy Shada, best known to toon fans as Finn in Adventure Time, Lance in Voltron: Legendary Defender and Robin in Batman: The Brave and the Bold.

    Dragons: The Nine Realms is executive produced by showrunner John Tellegen, who was a writer on Dragons: Rescue Riders and Dragons: Race to the Edge; Chuck Austen (She-Ra and the Princesses of Power) and Henry Gilroy (Star Wars Rebels).

  • Netflix Unleashes ‘Masters of the Universe: Revelation’ Part 2 in November

    Netflix Unleashes ‘Masters of the Universe: Revelation’ Part 2 in November

    The war for Eternia continues in the second part of Masters of the Universe: Revelation, an innovative and action-packed animated series that picks up where the iconic characters left off over 30 years ago. With Skeletor now wielding the Sword of Power, the weary heroes of Eternia must band together to fight back against the forces of evil in a thrilling and epic conclusion to the two-part series.

    Netflix today debuted the key art for Part 2 and officially slated He-Man’s denouement for a 5 x 30′ episode drop on November 23.

    Masters of the Universe: Revelation Part 2 once again features the voices of Mark Hamill (Skeletor), Lena Headey (Evil-Lyn), Chris Wood (Prince Adam), Sarah Michelle Gellar (Teela), Liam Cunningham (Man-At-Arms), Tiffany Smith (Andra), Alicia Silverstone (Queen Marlena), Steven Root (Cringer), Diedrich Bader (King Randor) and Tony Todd (Scare Glow).

    The series is produced by Mattel Television with animation by Powerhouse Animation (Castlevania). Kevin Smith (Clerks, Chasing Amy) is showrunner and executive producer. Exec producers are Frederic Soulie (He-Man and the Masters of the Universe), Adam Bonnett (Descendants), Christopher Keenan (Justice League, Batman Beyond) and Rob David (He-Man and the Masters of the Universe). Susan Corbin (He-Man and the Masters of the Universe) is producer. Writers are Marc Bernardin (Castle Rock, Alphas), Eric Carrasco (Supergirl), Diya Mishra (Magic the Gathering) and Tim Sheridan (Reign of the Supermen). Bear McCreary (The Walking Dead, Battlestar Galactica, Outlander) is series composer.

    Masters of the Universe: Revelation
    Masters of the Universe: Revelation
  • ‘Precious Moments’ Makes Series Debut with Cyber Group Studios

    ‘Precious Moments’ Makes Series Debut with Cyber Group Studios

    International animation producer-distributor Cyber Group Studios (Gigantosaurus, Sadie Sparks, Droners), is developing Precious Moments, an animated comedy and adventure series for children ages 4-6 based on the gift industry phenomenon of the same name. The whimsical 52 x 11′ series is created by Scott and Julie Stewart (Kate & Mim-Mim). The development plan also includes four 30- to 60-minute holiday specials.

    Precious Moments follows the adventures of eight-year-old Hope and her adorable pet hamster, Sammy, as they work together to help make the children of Heartspring’s precious moments come true. With an abundance of comedy and heart, thoughtful undertones of mindfulness and plenty of fun, action-packed moments, Precious Moments features diverse characters and strong messages of inclusiveness. The series underscores the Precious Moments brand’s core values of loving, caring, sharing and kindness via stories that emphasize sharing feelings, overcoming fears and anxieties, and more.

    “Precious Moments embodies values that have been embraced and celebrated by families for generations,” said Pierre Sissmann Chairman & CEO of Cyber Group Studios and Karen K. Miller, President and CEO, Cyber Group Studios U.S.A. “After a very challenging year for all of us, we have a wonderful opportunity to create a series that delivers magical and heartwarming moments with endearing characters who will bring so much joy to viewers of all ages around the world.”

    The Precious Moments brand, best known for its signature range of collectible porcelain figurines with distinctive teardrop-shaped eyes that help celebrate milestones and special occasions in people’s lives, has been a best-selling range of the gift business for over four decades.

    “We are thrilled to be working with Cyber Group Studios and a team of thoughtful writers and artists to bring the Precious Moments brand to a new generation of children,” said Shehnaz Safiuddin, Vice President of Product and Marketing, Precious Moments, Inc. “Our updated art style and entertainment content are sure to captivate young audiences while fostering feelings of nostalgia among parents and grandparents.”

  • International Emmy Kids Awards Winners Announced

    International Emmy Kids Awards Winners Announced

    The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced today the winners of the International Emmy Kids Awards. The announcement was made during an online presentation on the Academy’s website during MIPJunior.

    “Children’s programming has a direct impact on how kids perceive themselves, their peers and the world at large, so we in the television community have a special responsibility,” said International Academy President & CEO, Bruce Paisner. “We congratulate the teams behind these winning programs for making great television that both entertains and raises awareness about sensitive issues.”

    You can watch the nominee and winner trailers on the Awards website here.

    2021 International Emmy Kids Awards Winners:

    Kids: Animation
    Shaun the Sheep: Adventures from Mossy Bottom – Season 6 (Aardman | United Kingdom) Shaun the Sheep: Adventures from Mossy Bottom showcases brand new adventures, contemporary themes, and an environmentally conscious farm for our favorite flock with the likes of solar panels, wind turbines and electric vehicles, plus the same slapstick humor that Shaun is so well known for.

    Kids: Factual & Entertainment
    Tekens van leven (Scars of Life) (De Mensen | Belgium) Scars of Life is a documentary series for children aged nine to 12 years old. It tells the stories of children with a specific physical scar. From innocent household accidents to all kinds of birth defects.

    Kids: Live-Action
    First Day (Epic Films / Australian Broadcasting Corporation / Australian Children’s Television Foundation / Screen Australia / KOJO / South Australian Film Corporation | Australia) It’s Hannah Bradford’s first year of high school. As a transgender girl, Hannah not only has to navigate the challenges that come with starting a new school but find the courage to live as her most authentic self.

    International Emmy Kids Awards Presenting Partners were: TV Kids, MIPJunior and Ernst & Young.

  • ‘Ron’s Gone Wrong’ Uploads to Hollywood’s El Capitan for Special Opening Event

    ‘Ron’s Gone Wrong’ Uploads to Hollywood’s El Capitan for Special Opening Event

    Hollywood’s legendary El Capitan Theatre presents Twentieth Century Studios and Locksmith Animation’s Ron’s Gone Wrong October 22 through October 31, shown in brilliant Dolby Vision Laser Projection & Dolby Atmos Audio Technology. During the run, guests can enjoy a Ron-themed photo op. The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ will be played before the October 21- 24 and October 30-31 screenings.

    There will be a special Opening Night Fan Event on Thursday, October 21 at 7 p.m. Guests will be among the first to see Ron’s Gone Wrong, and each ticket includes reserved seating, one 64oz popcorn tub, one 20oz bottled beverage and an Opening Night Fan Event Souvenir Credential with Lanyard. Tickets for this special opportunity are $25 per person regardless of age.

    There is a special offer for D23 Gold Members: Show your valid D23 Gold Member Card and receive one complimentary 64oz box of popcorn, one complimentary 20oz bottled beverage and one Ron’s Gone Wrong Journal (while supplies last).

    Daily showtimes for Twentieth Century Studios and Locksmith Animation’s Ron’s Gone Wrong starting Friday, October 22 are 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9:55 p.m. every Friday and Saturday. Showtimes and dates are subject to change.

    Tickets are now on sale at elcapitantheatre.com and at www.fandango.com/el-capitan-theatre-aacon/theater-page. All seats for this engagement are reserved: Mon. – Thurs.: $13 Adult, $10 Child (3-11)/Senior(60+), and Fri. – Sun.: $18 Adult, $14 Child (3-11)/Senior(60+).

    The El Capitan Theatre has taken enhanced health and safety measures to its guests and cast members. All guests must follow posted instructions while visiting the El Capitan Theatre. For health and safety information including theatre policies and procedures visit https://elcapitantheatre.com/safetyinformation/.

    Ron's Gone Wrong
    Ron’s Gone Wrong

    Ron’s Gone Wrong is the story of Barney, a socially awkward middle-schooler and Ron, his new walking, talking, digitally-connected device, which is supposed to be his ‘Best Friend out of the Box.’ Ron’s hilarious malfunctions set against the backdrop of the social media age, launch them into an action-packed journey in which boy and robot come to terms with the wonderful messiness of true friendship. (Rated PG-13 for some rude material, thematic elements and language.)

    Read more about Ron’s Gone Wrong in Animation Magazine’s feature story from the November ’21 issue (No. 314) here.

  • GKIDS Dates ‘Belle’ US Release with New Teasers, Images

    GKIDS Dates ‘Belle’ US Release with New Teasers, Images

    GKIDS, the acclaimed distributor of multiple Academy Award-nominated animated features, announced today it will bring Belle to cinemas nationwide starting January 14. The company marked the news with the debut of two new teaser trailers and the unveiling of several stunning images from the film.

    Belle
    Belle

    From Oscar-nominated filmmaker Mamoru Hosoda and Japan’s Studio Chizu, Belle is an original story written and helmed by the celebrated director whose previous films include Mirai, The Boy and the Beast, Wolf Children, Summer Wars, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time and others. Hosoda is joined by long time producing partner and Studio Chizu co-founder Yuichiro Saito, as producer on the title.

    Belle
    Belle

    Belle made its critically acclaimed world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival and its North American premiere at the New York Film Festival. The film has also played in competition at the London Film Festival, as well as at Fantastic Fest, and will have its west coast premiere in Los Angeles at the upcoming Animation is Film festival. GKIDS will qualify the film for 2021 awards consideration and release it theatrically in both its original Japanese language and a new English dubbed version.

    On Belle, the Japanese creative team worked in collaboration with a roster of international talents. Character designer Jin Kim, the artist behind several iconic Disney features including Moana, Tangled and Frozen, designed the titular Belle. Cartoon Saloon’s Oscar-nominated Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart (Wolfwalkers, Song of the Sea, The Secret of Kells) also join the team, contributing artwork for the various virtual fantasy worlds within the film. Hosoda continues his film collaborations with architects, and is joined by up-and-coming British architect and designer Eric Wong, who designed the virtual world of “U.” Rounding out the team, composer Ludvig Forssell, best known for his collaborations with video game auteur Hideo Kojima (Death Stranding, Metal Gear Solid V), joined the score team for the film.

    Belle
    Belle

    Belle was released in theaters in Japan starting July 16, and has become Hosoda’s highest-grossing film ever, beating the lifetime gross of Boy and the Beast.

    Belle
    Belle

    Suzu is a shy, everyday high school student living in a rural village. For years, she has only been a shadow of herself. But when she enters “U”, a massive virtual world, she escapes into her online persona as Belle, a gorgeous and globally-beloved singer. One day, her concert is interrupted by a monstrous creature chased by vigilantes. As their hunt escalates, Suzu embarks on an emotional and epic quest to uncover the identity of this mysterious “beast” and to discover her true self in a world where you can be anyone.

    Read more about the film in the December ’21 issue of Animation Magazine (No. 315), which opens our Awards Season coverage. Available soon.

    www.bellefilm.com

  • Trailer: Amazon Prime Video Drops ‘Fairfax’ Trailer

    Trailer: Amazon Prime Video Drops ‘Fairfax’ Trailer

    Today, Amazon Prime Video revealed the official trailer and key art for the upcoming adult animated comedy series Fairfax. All eight episodes will premiere on October 29, exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.

    As previously announced, the series stars Skyler Gisondo, Kiersey Clemons, Peter S. Kim and Jaboukie Young-White as four middle school best friends on their never-ending quest for clout on Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles — the pulsing heart of hypebeast culture. Fairfax is about the timeless struggle to be cooler than you are and fit in while standing out, and what it feels like to wait in line for a pair of sneakers you’re never going to cop.

    The guest cast of Fairfax includes Pamela Adlon, Jeff Bottoms, Yvette Nicole Brown, Rob Delaney, Zoey Deutch, Colton Dunn, John Leguizamo, Camila Mendes, Larry Owens, Linda Park, Billy Porter, Ben Schwartz, Tim Simons and JB Smoove, among others.

    The series is created and executive produced by longtime friends Matthew Hausfater, Aaron Buchsbaum and Teddy Riley. Additional executive producers include Jon Zimelis and Jason U. Nadler for Serious Business (@midnight); Peter A. Knight (BoJack Horseman); and Chris Prynoski, Ben Kalina and Antonio Canobbio for Titmouse (Big Mouth). The artist Somehoodlum, who designed the characters for the series, serves as a consulting producer alongside the pop/internet culture clothing and media brand Pizzaslime.

    Welcoming the series to streaming, Amazon is dropping sick swag from Latrine — the streetwear brand created in the animated series. The real-world reflection of the brand kicks off with a “Dr. Phil” box tee (now sold out). Follow for the latest items on Twitter.

    Fairfax
    Fairfax