Animation Magazine

Author: Mercedes Milligan

  • Animation Is Film Festival Announces 2021 Slate

    Animation Is Film Festival Announces 2021 Slate

    Animation Is Film (AIF) announced today the competition line-up and other special events for its fourth edition, which takes place in-person October 22-24 and returns to its home at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres in Hollywood.

    The festival kicks off Opening Night on Friday, October 22 with the North American premiere of the highly anticipated Netflix feature, The Summit Of The Gods, followed by an in-person Q&A with award-winning director Patrick Imbert (The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales). On Saturday, October 23, the Centerpiece film features the West Coast Premiere of GKIDS’ Belle, directed by Oscar nominee Mamoru Hosoda (Mirai) who will also do an in-person Q &A following the premiere. The West Coast Premiere of NEON’s award-winning Flee, directed by Jonas Poher Rasmussen, will close the festival Sunday, October 24.

    “This year’s Animation Is Film lineup represents the very best feature animation from around the world, bringing to Hollywood world premieres as well as critically acclaimed, prize-winning titles from the Cannes, Annecy, Sundance, Telluride and Toronto festivals. After last year’s hiatus due to COVID, the Los Angeles animation and film communities are clamoring to gather together to see these films on the big screen, and we at AIF are enormously proud to present them,” said Matt Kaszanek, Director of AIF.

    AIF partnered up with multiple industry organizations to present this year’s festival: ASIFA-Hollywood, Cartoon Network, Crunchyroll, DreamWorks, ELMA, Fathom Events, Funimation, Illumination, Laika, Netflix, Paramount Animation, Pixar, Shout! Factory, Sony Pictures Animation, Unifrance, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Warner Animation Group (WAG) and Warner Bros. Animation. The festival, founded by GKIDS and the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, presents a selection of new animated feature films from Asia, Europe, South America and North America, with both juried and audience prizes.

    The Summit of the Gods (Netflix)
    The Summit of the Gods (Netflix)

    This year, AIF proudly presents 12 features in competition, 20 programs overall with shorts, and Behind-the-Scenes presentations of Disney’s upcoming Encanto presented by its director in person.

    AIF will also host the North American premiere of Funimation’s My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission, the third feature film in the global hit anime franchise, offering a sneak peek to fans ahead of its U.S. theatrical release in late October. The Festival is also proud to present Studio on the Big Screen, a slate of studio titles that were not able to screen in a theatrical setting upon release and will be offered to cinema-going public for the first time in Los Angeles: Pixar’s Luca, presented in-person by director Enrico Casarosa and producer Andrea Warren; and Sony Pictures and Netflix’s The Mitchells vs. the Machines, presented in-person by producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller and co-director Jeff Rowe; Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon and Vivo, presented in person by directors Kirk DeMicco and Brandon Jeffords.

    Other special sections include the popular Best of Annecy: Female Directors shorts block, presented in partnership with Annecy and Women in Animation. In addition to on-screen programming, AIF is proud to include, for the first time, a special in-lobby exhibit. Award-winning animation studio Laika will display a variety of puppets and sets in the lobby of the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres, available to all audiences, for the duration of the Animation Is Film weekend.

    Said Marcel Jean, Artistic Director, Annecy International Animation Film Festival, “Animation is back in Los Angeles and that’s excellent news! As one of the festival’s co-founders, we are thrilled to support the fourth edition of Animation Is Film. This year’s lineup is exceptional by its quality and its diversity: more than ever, animation is film!”

    Belle (GKIDS)
    Belle (GKIDS)

    Competition Lineup:

    Opening Night – Netflix’s The Summit of the Gods (France / dir. Patrick Imbert, North American premiere). Animation Is Film alumnus, Patrick Imbert (AIF ’17, The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales) returns. Seventy years after George Mallory and Andrew Irvine climbed to the top of Mt. Everest, an old Kodak camera, allegedly belonging to Mallory, winds up in the hands of an outcast climber believed missing for years. Obsessed with proving its authenticity, a Japanese reporter enters a world of obsessive mountaineers hungry for impossible conquests on a journey that leads him, step by step, toward the summit of the gods. Based on the manga by Jirô Taniguchi and Baku Yumemakura. Imbert will appear in person.

    Centerpiece – Belle (Japan / dir. Mamoru Hosoda, West Coast premiere). Visionary director Mamoru Hosoda (AIF ’18, Mirai) returns to Animation Is Film. Suzu is a 17-year-old high school student living in a rural village with her father. For years, she has only been a shadow of herself. One day, she enters “U,” a virtual world of 5 billion members on the Internet. There, she is not Suzu anymore but Belle, a world-famous singer. She soon meets with a mysterious creature. Together, they embark on a journey of adventures, challenges and love, in their quest to become who they truly are. A GKIDS release. Hosoda will appear in-person.

    Closing Night – Flee (Denmark / dir. Jonas Poher Rasmussen, West Coast premiere). Flee tells the story of Amin Nawabi as he grapples with a painful secret he has kept hidden for 20 years, one that threatens to derail the life he has built for himself and his soon to be husband. Recounted mostly through animation to director Jonas Poher Rasmussen, he tells for the first time the story of his extraordinary journey as a child refugee from Afghanistan. A NEON release.

    Flee (NEON)
    Flee (NEON)

    The Crossing (France / dir. Florence Miailhe, North American premiere). A small village looted in darkness; a family forced to flee. The two oldest children, Kyona and Adriel are quickly separated from their parents facing the road of exile alone. They embark on a heroic journey which takes them from childhood to adolescence in search of shelter, peace, and the hope of finding refuge and their family. These courageous siblings survive incredible challenges, before reaching a new world, free at last.

    The Deer King (Japan / dir. Masashi Ando & Masayuki Miyaji, West Coast premiere). The Deer King is a sweeping fantasy epic, and the directorial debut of acclaimed animator Masashi Ando, whose work on such landmark films as Spirited Away, Paprika and Your Name helped shape the world of modern Japanese animation. A GKIDS release.

    Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko (Japan / dir. Ayumu Watanabe, U.S. premiere). Ayumu Watanabe (AIF ’19, Children of the Sea) returns to Animation Is Film. The story revolves around a mother named Nikuko and her daughter, Kikuko. Both live on the same boat due to different circumstances. Daily life under this umbrella will lead them to live different types of problems and experiences that will help them grow as a family.

    I Am What I Am (China / dir. Haipeng Sun, North American premiere). Formerly titled Lion Dance Boy. Young Juan is awestruck by the artistry of a traditional Chinese Lion Dance. Inspired to become an artist himself, he joins forces with a strange group of friends, and even stranger teacher (a once promising star turned fishmonger), to form the most unlikely lion dance troupe. Together, the group works to achieve the impossible.

    Josep (France, Spain, Belgium / dir. Aurel, Los Angeles premiere). February 1939. Spanish republicans are fleeing Franco’s dictatorship to France. The French government-built concentration camps, confining the refugees, where they barely have access to hygiene, water and food. In one of these camps, separated by barbed wire, two men will become friends. One is a guard, the other is Josep Bartoli (Barcelona 1910 – NYC 1995), an illustrator who fights against Franco’s regime.

    Nahuel and the Magic Book (Chile, Brazil / dir. German Acuña, Los Angeles premiere). Nahuel is a curious boy who has a deep fear of the sea. One day, he come across a mysterious book that seems to be the solution to his trouble. What he doesn’t know is: the book really is magical, and Kalku, an ambitious warlock, is after it.

    Pompo the Cinephile (Japan / dir. Takayuki Hirao, U.S. premiere). Pompo is a talented, gutsy, and unapologetic movie producer. She works on her filmmaking day and night in the movie capital Nyallywood. Gene is tasked with directing the next script for his boss, will he succeed his first time as a director and create a “masterpiece”? He sets out to find out, with a script built around the legendary aging actor Martin Braddock (think Brando) and a young actress seeking her first big break. A GKIDS release.

    Poupelle of Chimney Town – English dub (Japan / dir. Yusuke Hirota, World premiere). It is the story of young Lubicchi living among the thick smoke from the chimneys of his isolated town, yearning to see the “stars” — to know the truth — his father always told him about. One Halloween night he meets Poupelle, a man made of garbage, and together they look to the sky as their adventure begins. This feature is an Eleven Arts release. Virtual Q+A with director Yusuke Hirota and screenwriter Akihiro Nishino.

    Where Is Anne Frank (Wild Bunch)
    Where Is Anne Frank (Wild Bunch)

    Where Is Anne Frank (France, Israel, Belgium, Netherlands / dir. Ari Folman, U.S. premiere). Oscar-nominated director Ari Folman’s latest follows the journey of Kitty, the imaginary friend to whom Anne Frank dedicated her diary. A fiery teenager, Kitty wakes up in the near future in Anne Frank’s house in Amsterdam and embarks on a journey to find Anne, who she believes is still alive, in today’s Europe. While the young girl is shocked by the modern world, she also comes across Anne’s legacy.

    Special Behind-the-Scenes Presentation

    Encanto (dirs. Jared Bush, Byron Howard, Charise Castro Smith). Be among the first to experience exclusive, never-before-seen footage from Walt Disney Animation’s latest. As your guides, the filmmakers behind this adventure take you on a wondrous journey through the mountains of Colombia, to a magical place called Encanto. Featuring behind-the-scenes insight and footage from the upcoming film, this exclusive sneak peek will cast its spell on audiences of all ages.

    Special Event Screening

    My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission (dir. Kenji Nagasaki, U.S. Premiere). U.A. High School students Izuku Midoriya, Shoto Todoroki, and Katsuki Bakugo face the greatest crisis in My Hero Academia history, with only two hours to save the world! During their internship with the number one Pro Hero Endeavor Agency, Deku and his new friend Rody find themselves wanted nationwide for a crime they didn’t commit. Can Deku and his friends stop Humarise’s global plans of eliminating all Quirks? Special guests TBD.

    Tickets for Animation Is Film are now on sale at animationisfilm.com, where you can also find information on the festival’s 2021 COVID-19 safety protocols.

  • Netflix Acquires the Roald Dahl Story Company, Animated Projects Underway

    Netflix Acquires the Roald Dahl Story Company, Animated Projects Underway

    Netflix announced today that it is joining forces with the Roald Dahl Story Company (RDSC) to bring some of the world’s most beloved stories back to screens for current and future fans, in creative new ways.

    This acquisition builds on the partnership begun three years ago to create a slate of animated TV series. For example, Academy Award winning filmmaker Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit, Thor: Ragnarok) and Academy Award nominee Phil Johnston (Ralph Breaks the Internet, Zootopia, Wreck-It Ralph) are now hard at work on a series based on the world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. In addition, Netflix is working with Sony and Working Title on an adaptation of Matilda The Musical.

    The streamer is now looking forward to an ambitious universe of animated and live-action film and TV programs, publishing, games, immersive, live theater, consumer products and more inspired by Dahl’s stories. The author’s works have been translated into 63 languages and sold more than 300 million copies worldwide, with characters like Matilda, The BFG, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Willy Wonka and The Twits delighting generations of children and adults.

    “As we bring these timeless tales to more audiences in new formats, we’re committed to maintaining their unique spirit and their universal themes of surprise and kindness, while also sprinkling some fresh magic into the mix,” Netflix co-CEO and CCO Ted Sarandos and RDSC Managing Director Luke Kelly (Dahl’s grandson) wrote in a join blog post.

    “There is a moment in James and the Giant Peach when the Ladybird says: ‘We are now about to visit the most marvellous places and see the most wonderful things!.’ The Centipede replies, ‘There is no knowing what we shall see!.’ Netflix and The Roald Dahl Story Company share a deep love of storytelling and a growing, global fan base. Together, we have an extraordinary opportunity to write multiple new chapters of these beloved stories, delighting children and adults around the world for generations to come.”

  • Crunchyroll Announces Near 30 Anime Series for Fall

    Crunchyroll Announces Near 30 Anime Series for Fall

    Crunchyroll, the global anime brand, is announcing nearly 30 series today as part of the upcoming anime season including Platinum End, Crunchyroll and Adult Swim original series Blade Runner: Black Lotus, SAKUGAN and the Crunchyroll Original series High Guardian Spice — plus returning favorites and two short films joining the Crunchyroll catalog.

    Blade Runner: Black Lotus | Fena: Pirate Princess | Platinum End
    Blade Runner: Black Lotus | Fena: Pirate Princess | Platinum End

    Highly anticipated new titles include:

    • Blade Runner: Black Lotus – A Crunchyroll and Adult Swim Original. Taking place in Los Angeles 2032, a new story in the Blade Runner universe unfolds. [Trailer]
    • Fena: Pirate Princess – In this Crunchyroll and Adult Swim original series, an orphan escapes to the high seas and takes her place as captain of a pirate crew for a swashbuckling adventure! [Trailer]
    • Platinum End – From the creators of Death Note, a young boy must fight against 12 other humans to become the next god of the world! [Trailer]
    Restaurant to Another World 2 | SAKUGAN | High Guardian Spice
    Restaurant to Another World 2 | SAKUGAN | High Guardian Spice
    • Restaurant to Another World 2 – The Western Restaurant Nekoya welcomes you for another course! [Trailer]
    • SAKUGAN – A father and daughter team up to pilot their powerful mech to fight monsters and explore the mysteries of the “Labyrinth”! [Trailer]
    • High Guardian Spice – In this Crunchyroll Original series from creator Raye Rodriguez, four fierce girls join High Guardian Academy to become heroes and protect the world from unknown threats! [Trailer]
    86 EIGHTY-SIX | Muv-Luv Alternative | takt op.Destiny
    86 EIGHTY-SIX | Muv-Luv Alternative | takt op.Destiny

    New simulcast series heading to Crunchyroll this fall include:

    • 86 EIGHTY-SIX – The battles of Lena and the Eighty-Six continue as they try to find a safe-haven in Season 2.
    • Muv-Luv Alternative – The Muv-Luv story continues as the Tactical Surface Fighters continue the fight against the extraterrestrial species BETA.
    • takt op.Destiny – Magic users named Conductors team up with magical girls and use classical music to defeat monsters invading earth!
    The Faraway Paladin | The Fruit of Evolution | The Night Beyond the Tricornered Window
    The Faraway Paladin | The Fruit of Evolution | The Night Beyond the Tricornered Window
    • The Faraway Paladin – A young child raised by three undead ventures out to learn more about the world and become a famed Paladin.
    • The Fruit of Evolution: Before I Knew It, My Life Had It Made – After eating the Fruits of Evolution, one high school student and a gorilla’s life will be changed forever!
    • The Night Beyond the Tricornered Window – A bookstore clerk who can see ghosts teams up with an exorcist to solve bizarre mysteries they encounter.
    • The World’s Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated in Another World as an Aristocrat – A legendary assassin is reincarnated in another world, using his modern knowledge to become an even greater soldier!
    • World’s End Harem – World’s End Harem is based on the manga of the same name by Link and Kotaro Shono that began serialization in 2016 on Shonen Jump+.
    • Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon – The Second Act – The sequel to the world-famous feudal fairy tale continues in Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon – The Second Act!
    Boruto: Naruto Next Generations | Case Closed | Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai
    Boruto: Naruto Next Generations | Case Closed | Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai

    Returning favorites streaming soon include:

    • Boruto: Naruto Next Generations – Boruto continues his adventures to become the ultimate ninja with Team 7 and all your favorite ninja from the Hidden Leaf Village!
    • Case Closed – Ace teen detective Shinichi Kudo solves cases after becoming trapped in the body of a 10 year old.
    • Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai – Based on the classic Dragon Quest series, follow Dai and his party in their grand adventure to defeat the demon lord Hadlar!
    • Kiyo in Kyoto: From the Maiko House – Two girls chase after their dreams in the ancient capital in this healing slice-of-life anime about an aspiring maiko and the house chef!
    • The aquatope on white sand – One former idol goes to Okinawa and finds a new life helping a struggling aquarium from shutting down.
    • The Great Jahy Will Not Be Defeated! – After the Dark Realm falls and the Great Jahy is defeated, she must survive in the human world and in a one-room apartment!
    • Tropical-Rouge! Pretty Cure – A brand new PreCure series is on Crunchyroll, and now it’s time to get tropical!
    • One Piece – Luffy and the Straw Hats continue their adventures in Wano and fight against the powerful Emperors!
    The Great Jahy Will Not Be Defeated | Tropical-Rouge! Pretty Cure | One Piece
    The Great Jahy Will Not Be Defeated | Tropical-Rouge! Pretty Cure | One Piece

    And the two shorts joining the streamer’s offerings are:

    • GANBARE DOUKICHAN – From the creator of Miru Tights comes a new anime about three coworkers and their everyday lives.
    • Tawawa on Monday – A salaryman and a high school girl become friends as they ride the train together every Monday.

    Crunchyroll serves a global community of more than 5 million subscribers and 120 million registered users in more than 200 countries and territories. This latest slate of series will complement Crunchyroll’s existing library of more than 1,000 titles and 30,000 episodes, available to stream now.

  • New Olaf Series, Shorts, Asia Launches Slated for ‘Disney+ Day’; Disney TV Sets More Halloween Fun

    New Olaf Series, Shorts, Asia Launches Slated for ‘Disney+ Day’; Disney TV Sets More Halloween Fun

    On Friday, November 12, The Walt Disney Company will host Disney+ Day, a global celebration that will come to life across all dimensions of the Company. Subscribers to Disney+ will be treated to new content releases across the service’s iconic brands, Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and Star in international markets, along with a special presentation on Disney+ for fans with sneak peeks into what’s to come.

    Additionally, the service will continue to engage new audiences around the world, as Disney+ expands into South Korea and Taiwan on November 12, and in Hong Kong on November 16, bringing Disney’s iconic characters and stories into the homes of new audiences around the globe.

    In honor of the second anniversary of Disney+, subscribers will have access to promotions and experiences across the Company. Disney Parks and Resorts around the world and Disney Cruise Line will roll out the blue carpet for Disney+ fans with some surprise and delight moments including photo opportunities, character moments and more; shopDisney.com will have special offers; popular network shows and syndicated series will join in the celebration along with talent and series across ABC, Disney Channel, ESPN and ESPN+, Freeform, FX, Hulu, National Geographic in the U.S. and on owned channels abroad.

    Disney+ Day will feature content premieres from all of the marquee brands on service, including:

    • All-new original series of shorts from Walt Disney Animation Studios called Olaf Presents, which sees Frozen‘s beloved snowman retelling several classic Disney tales as only he can
    • The domestic Disney+ streaming debut of fan favorite shorts from Walt Disney Animation Studios, including Frozen Fever, Oscar-winning shorts Feast and Paperman, Oscar-nominated Mickey Mouse short Get A Horse! and more
    • An animated short film Ciao Alberto from Pixar, featuring characters from this summer’s animated hit breakout film Luca
    • A new short from The Simpsons that pays tribute to Disney+’s marquee brands

    Live-action highlights include The streaming premiere of Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings; Disney family-friendly adventure film Jungle Cruise, available to all subscribers; new Disney+ Original movie Home Sweet Home Alone, a reimagining of the popular holiday franchise; the first five episodes from season 2 of The World According to Jeff Goldblum (National Geographic); a special celebrating the origins and legacy of Star Wars‘ legendary bounty hunter, Boba Fett; a special celebrating the Marvel Cinematic Universe on Disney+ with an exciting look towards the future; and Dopesick, an original series starring Michael Keaton, which will be released in international markets as part of the Star general entertainment content offering.

    Subscribers to the service will be entertained with an inaugural Disney+ Day fan celebration on Disney+, which will include breaking news, first looks, new trailers, exclusive clips, and appearances from Disney+ creators and stars.

    Disney TV Halloween highlights
    Disney TV Halloween highlights

    Meanwhile, on the linear side, Disney Channel and Disney Junior have announced even more tooned-up tricks and treats to unwrap this Halloween season, in addition to the previously announced October highlights.

    The Disney TV October schedule includes:

    Friday, Oct. 1
    9 a.m. Disney Channel / 12:30 p.m. Disney Junior / DisneyNOW | Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends “Rocket Rhino / Trick or TRACE-E”
    11:30 a.m. Disney Junior / DisneyNOW | The Chicken Squad “T-Wrecks / Trick or Eek”
    12 p.m. Disney Junior / DisneyNOW | Puppy Dog Pals “Halloween Puppy Fashion Show Party / Full Moon Fever”
    5 p.m. Disney Junior / DisneyNOW | Muppet Babies “Oh My Gourd / The Curse of the Wereanimal”
    8 p.m. Disney Channel | Original Movie Premiere | Under Wraps
    9:35 p.m. Disney Channel / DisneyNOW | SERIES PREMIERE | The Ghost and Molly McGee “The Curse / First Day Frights”

    10:04 p.m. Disney Channel | SERIES PREMIERE | ZOMBIES: Addison’s Monster Mystery “Happy Fall Ball” – Through a series of animated shorts based on the hit live-action show, Addison is hosting the Seabrook High’s Halloween Fall Ball and is going above and beyond to ensure the event is extra spooky and fun. After she gives the school’s “Shrimpy” mascot costume a makeover using some stones from the Wolf Den, a mysterious power brings the costume to life, like a pink, googly-eyed Frankenstein’s monster. As Monster Shrimpy begins terrorizing Seabrook and smashing everything in his path, Zed will need to work together with Addison to save the Fall Ball … and Seabrook itself.

    Saturday, Oct. 2
    9 p.m. Disney Channel / DisneyNOW | The Ghost and Molly McGee “Howlin’ Harriet / The (Un)natural” – Molly attends a Wilder Scouts camping trip to scope out her options for a best friend. / When Molly’s softball team struggles to believe in themselves, she decides to use Scratch’s ghost powers to manipulate the game and make them feel like winners.
    9:25 p.m. Disney Channel | ZOMBIES: Addison’s Monster Mystery “It’s Alive”
    9:30 p.m. Disney Channel | SEASON 3 PREMIERE | Amphibia “The New Normal” – Anne and the Plantars get transported to Earth and try to adjust to a wild new environment. Brian Sounalath (Ryan’s Mystery Playdate) and On Braly guest star as Mr. and Mrs. Boonchuy, respectively.

    Thursday, Oct. 7
    7 p.m. Disney Junior / DisneyNOW | MOVIE PREMIERE | Mickey’s Tale of Two Witches

    Friday, Oct. 8
    9 a.m. Disney Channel / 12:30 p.m. Disney Junior | Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends “Gob-zilla / Speedy Spidey Delivery” – Team Spidey takes on a rampaging dinosaur only to discover Green Goblin at the controls. / Spidey is in charge of delivering the cake to Hulk’s birthday bash, but when some sinister Super Villains get in the way, Spidey realizes cake-duty might not be a one-hero job.
    9:25 p.m. Disney Channel | ZOMBIES: Addison’s Monster Mystery “Monstrous News”

    Saturday, Oct. 9
    8:30 a.m. Disney Channel / DisneyNOW | HALLOWEEN SPECIAL | Big City Greens “Squashed”
    9 p.m. Disney Channel / DisneyNOW | The Ghost and Molly McGee “Getting the Band(shell) Back Together / The Greatest Concert Ever” – When Molly learns about Brighton’s old outdoor concert Bandshell, she sets out to rebuild it to bring the community together. / Molly must find a band to play the first concert at Brighton’s new Bandshell.
    9:30 a.m. Disney Channel | Amphibia “Hop ‘Til You Drop / Turning Point” – Anne brings the Plantars to the mall for a crash course in Earth survival. / Sasha and Grime escape from Andrias and hide out in Wartwood. Anna Akana (Youth and Consequences) returns as Sasha.

    Friday, Oct. 15
    8 a.m. Disney Channel / 11 a.m. Disney Junior | Mickey Mouse Funhouse “Minnie’s Big Delivery! / The Wandrin’ Warbler!” – When Mickey, Minnie and the gang travel to Cheesy Chip and Pepperoni Dale’s pizza place, they help deliver pizzas for Chip and Dale. / Mickey and the gang head to Sunny Gulch to hear Wanda Warbler, the best country-western singer around, who has a tendency to wander off. Grammy-nominated country singer Mickey Guyton guest stars as Wanda Warbler.
    8:55 p.m. Disney Channel | ZOMBIES: Addison’s Monster Mystery “Vampire … Again”

    Saturday, Oct. 16
    9 a.m. Disney Channel | The Ghost and Molly McGee “Mama’s Gotta Hustle / Hooray for Mollywood” – When the McGee’s van breaks down and the repair costs are more than they can afford, Molly’s mom decides to take on odd jobs to help the family make ends meet. / Molly learns that more money means more problems when she teams up with Andrea to create a scary movie.
    9:30 a.m. Disney Channel | Amphibia “Thai Feud / Adventures in Catsitting” – Sprig tries to get rid of a food truck that’s threatening the family business. / The Plantars volunteer to take Domino to the vet.

    Sunday, Oct. 17
    8 p.m. Disney Channel | ZOMBIES: Addison’s Monster Mystery “Addison’s Monster Mystery”
    Friday, Oct. 22
    8:55 p.m. Disney Channel | ZOMBIES: Addison’s Monster Mystery “Spooky Stones”

    Saturday, Oct. 23
    9 a.m. Disney Channel | The Ghost and Molly McGee “Not So Honest Abe / Tje Best of Nin-tensions” – Molly only has a few hours to put together an entire school project on Abraham Lincoln, but it’s helpful that Scratch knows Abraham Lincoln’s ghost. / Molly senses tension between her mom and grandma Nin, so she takes it upon herself to identify the source of the conflict and mend the rift.
    9:30 a.m. Disney Channel | Amphibia “Fight at the Museum / Temple Frogs” – Anne and the Plantars try to rob a museum. Anika Noni Rose (The Princess and the Frog) guest stars as Dr. Jan. / The Boonchuys take the Plantars to the Thai Temple. Brian Sounalath (Ryan’s Mystery Playdate) and On Braly return as Mr. and Mrs. Boonchuy.

    Friday, Oct. 29
    8:55 p.m. Disney Channel | ZOMBIES: Addison’s Monster Mystery “Perfect Harmony”

    Saturday, Oct. 30
    9 a.m. Disney Channel | The Ghost and Molly McGee “Mazel Tov, Libby! / No Good Deed” – When Molly discovers her best friend didn’t even go close to big on the biggest day of life, Molly takes charge to throw Libby the best Bat Mitzvah ever. / When Darryl gets in trouble at school, Molly volunteers to help reform his delinquent ways by giving him “nice lessons.”
    9:30 a.m. Disney Channel | Amphibia “Fixing Frobo / Anne-sterminator” – Polly tries to bring Frobo back to life. / A dangerous enemy finally locates Anne and the Plantars.

  • People on the Move: Gary Marsh Exits Disney, Victoria Alonso Promoted at Marvel, Trio of WildBrain Execs & More

    After 33 years in creative and leadership roles at Disney, Gary Marsh announced he will be stepping down as President and Chief Creative Officer of Disney Branded Television at the end of 2021 to launch his own production company. Backed by Disney General Entertainment, Marsh’s multiyear production deal will develop world-class, brand-defining content for Disney’s streaming and linear platforms including, shepherding iconic content such as High School Musical, Hannah Montana, Lizzie McGuire, Descendants, Phineas and Ferb, Gravity Falls, The Proud Family, That’s So Raven, Jessie, Andi Mack and The Owl House.

    During his tenure, he launched the Disney Junior Channel along with its emblematic children’s programs including Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Doc McStuffins, Elena of Avalor and Sofia the First. Programming under Marsh’s guidance has received the highest industry and critical recognition, including dozens of Emmy and Annie Awards, as well as Peabody, Humanitas, Imagen, GLAAD, Gabriel, Christopher and Kid’s Choice Awards.

    “For 33 years, I’ve had the greatest job in television,” said Marsh. “The stories we’ve told, the music we’ve created, the stars we’ve discovered, the franchises we’ve built – all of it has entertained and engaged millions of kids and families around the globe. Thanks to the reach of Disney’s streaming platforms, those stories will live forever in the hearts and minds of future generations, alongside all the new stories I look forward to telling. There simply could not be a more compelling or creatively stimulating time to enter the production ranks.”

    Marsh’s move to the production ranks is the culmination of conversations that began with the company nearly two and half years ago. Marsh agreed to stay on as president through Disney’s acquisition of the Fox assets and the company’s subsequent reorganization to focus its content groups on expanding development and production pipelines to fuel the growth of Disney’s streaming platforms. Marsh and Peter Rice, Chairman, Disney General Entertainment, are now preparing for a smooth transition to a new Disney Branded Television leader before the end of the year. In the meantime, Marsh is also finalizing the first projects that will be developed under his new production banner including two new Descendants movies, the prequel to Beauty and the Beast and projects Tink, School for Sensitive Souls and Witch Mountain.

    Gary Marsh - Disney Enterprises, Inc./Richard Harbaugh
    Gary Marsh – Disney Enterprises, Inc./Richard Harbaugh

    Victoria Alonso has been promoted to President, Physical and Post Production, Visual Effects and Animation Production at Marvel Studios. In this role, the 15-year studio veteran will oversee these divisions across the studio’s slate of films and series, and will continue to report to studio co-President Louis D’Esposito. Alonso will also see through her executive producer duties on all upcoming feature films and original series for Disney+, including Eternals, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Thor: Love and Thunder, Hawkeye, Ms. Marvel, She-Hulk and Moon Knight.

    Alonso joined Marvel in 2006 as the company’s EVP of VFX and post production, doubling as co-producer on Iron Man, then Iron Man 2, Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger. She moved on to exec producer for 2011’s The Avengers, serving as EP for all subsequent Marvel Studios films, most recently on Black Widow and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. During her tenure, Marvel Studios films have earned over $23 billion in global box office.

    “When Louis first suggested I come to work with the team on Iron Man, I never could have imagined the adventure ahead, and as far as I’m concerned, it has only just begun!” Alonso said. “We have an absolutely incredible group of people who are bringing their many talents to the exciting slate of films and series we have on the horizon, and I’m especially thrilled about ramping up our studio’s animation efforts, which is a personal passion of mine. Look forward to more singing!”

    Alonso was nominated for an Emmy in 2021 as producer for Marvel’s debut Disney+ series WandaVision. She was named one of People en Español Magazine‘s top “Poderosa” Most Influential Hispanic Women in 2019 and 2020, and was honored in 2015 with the Muse Award for Outstanding Vision and Achievement from the New York Women in Film & Television. She was also the first woman to be presented with the Harold Lloyd Award from the Advanced Imaging Society. In 2017, she was the first woman to be honored with the Visionary Award at the 15th Annual VES Awards.

    Victoria Alonso
    Victoria Alonso

    Global kids & family entertainment leader WildBrain Ltd. announces that Damon Berger has joined the company in the newly created position of Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Stephanie Betts has been promoted to Chief Content Officer (CCO) and Deirdre Brennan has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO). Due to this management realignment, the role of Managing Director at WildBrain Spark will no longer exist and, as a result, Jon Gisby will be leaving the Company.

    • In the role of CMO, Damon Berger will drive new business and revenue through opportunities in media sales, social commerce and digital marketing. He will be developing best-in-class partnerships and client services that leverage WildBrain’s extensive portfolio of capabilities, assets and IP, as well as the Company’s international leadership position in the kids’ and family entertainment space. With an initial focus on harnessing WildBrain Spark’s massive global audience on YouTube and YouTube Kids, Berger will build and lead an international team of digital marketing specialists, working with groups across the global WildBrain organization to identify and exploit new commercial opportunities in the consumer-facing digital space.

    Prior to joining WildBrain, Berger held executive positions in marketing and business development at Mattel, Fullscreen, What’s Trending and 20th Century Fox, specializing in building digital-first organizations, in addition to creating high-value partnerships with some of the biggest companies in the entertainment and technology spaces. He reports to WildBrain CEO, Eric Ellenbogen.

    • In her elevated role as CCO, Stephanie Betts is responsible for overseeing WildBrain’s content slate, cultivating an artist-led culture of creativity and talent in both animation and live-action production at WildBrain Studios. As CCO, she will focus on creative excellence across development, production and studio operations, drawing on her considerable experience in launching such notable WildBrain series as Snoopy in Space; The Snoopy Show; Strawberry Shortcake’s Berry in the Big City; Go, Dog. Go!; Chip & Potato; Degrassi and many more. Betts reports to WildBrain President, Josh Scherba.
    • Also reporting to Scherba, Deirdre Brennan takes on an expanded remit to integrate the Company’s leading AVOD network, WildBrain Spark, into her existing portfolio of content and distribution operations across WildBrain’s global organization. In her role of COO, Brennan will continue her oversight of the Company’s Distribution and Television businesses and align the WildBrain Spark business within this portfolio, extending continuity for WildBrain’s holistic content strategy across the group.
    Damon Berger | Stephanie Betts | Deirdre Brenna
    Damon Berger | Stephanie Betts | Deirdre Brenna

    Toronto-based children’s content producer Guru Studio announced today the appointment of Dattaguru Mahabal as Vice President of Finance. Mahabal will lead the company’s Production and Corporate Finance departments and oversee all financial planning, transaction processing, reporting systems and new business analysis at the studio. He will report to President and Executive Creative Director Frank Falcone and be based in Toronto.

    Mahabal brings over 20 years of proven leadership in corporate financial process engineering and long-term strategic planning in the media industry. Previously, Mahabal was VP of Financial Planning & Analysis at Boat Rocker Media, where he built and led finance expertise across their international studios and was instrumental in their subsequent IPO. He also spent over five years at Blue Ant Media where his focus was on building finance expertise through acquisitions and international expansion. Mahabal holds a CPA, MBA and an Engineering degree.

    Dattaguru Mahabal
    Dattaguru Mahabal

    Multi-award winning creative studio Framestore announced a trio of promotions in a move to solidify a team of specialist experience within the Attractions offering at Framestore and set the stage for the department’s growth.

    • Eugénie von Tunzelmann has been appointed to the newly created role of Head of VFX, Attractions. She rejoined the studio in January 2016 having worked in feature VFX for over 13 years, with credits including Interstellar (CG supe) and Man of Steel (FX supe). Von Tunzelmann quickly became integral to Framestore’s Rides team, and has been instrumental in driving major theme park projects such as the Jurassic World Adventure ride at Universal’s brand-new theme park, Universal Studios Beijing and the Jurassic World VelociCoaster which recently launched at Universal’s Islands of Adventure in Orlando. With a Masters in Engineering and Computer Science, von Tunzelmann’s background is a rare mixture of technology and science combined with creativity. Her promotion recognizes her contribution in leading both the projects and the team.
    • Lauren Anderson, named Executive Producer, joined the company in 2016 overseeing projects within the Framestore Labs department, including the development and build of a unique brand studio for Ford within New York’s Oculus building at the World Trade Center. Following a move to Immersive Anderson has produced theme park attractions for Lionsgate Entertainment World and is currently heading up production on design and installation for national and international immersive museum projects and an unannounced dark rides project. Anderson will continue to focus on Immersive experiences under Framestore’s Attractions banner and ensure the growth of the department’s portfolio.
    • Since joining Framestore in 2017, newly appointed Executive Producer Maximilian McNair McEwan, has been driving the delivery of immersive projects including attractions and experiences for Lionsgate Entertainment World, Universal Creative and Walt Disney Imagineering. McEwan’s new role will see him continue to manage the production workflow within the Attractions team as well as working on sales and strategy as the department continues to rapidly expand. Before coming to Framestore McEwan worked on blockbuster titles including Interstellar, Jon Favreau’s The Jungle Book and War for the Planet of the Apes.
    Eugénie von Tunzelmann | Lauren Anderson | Maximilian McNair McEwan
    Eugénie von Tunzelmann | Lauren Anderson | Maximilian McNair McEwan

    On the heels of noteworthy additions such as Executive Creative Director Chadwick Halbritter and Partners Brandon Porter and Conor O’Neill, Nomad is continuing to expand its creative team with the addition of Senior Lead Flame Artist Steve Morris to its NYC studio.

    Morris joins Nomad after seven years as a Senior Flame Artist at Method, where he worked on campaigns for brands such as Squarespace (featuring Oscar the Grouch and a Super Bowl spot with Winona Ryder), Heath and Johnson & Johnson via UM, and Comcast for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics via Spark Foundry. Prior to Method, Morris spent nearly five years as a VFX Artist at Company3. In addition to his vast library of commercial work, Morris has collaborated with Marvel on several projects including Guardians of the Galaxy 2 and The Defenders. His work has also been featured in blockbuster films like Drive, Tower Heist, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close and Runaway, to name a few.

    To help manage the fast growth in NYC, Nomad is also welcoming Head of VFX Production Alyssa St. Vincent. She joins the company from her most recent role as Executive Producer for Taylor James / Smoke & Mirrors. Prior to that, she served as an EP for Strange & Wonderful and Eight VFX, where in addition to her commercial work, she also worked on films like Cary Fukunaga’s Beasts of No Nation and Craig Gilespie’s I, Tonya. Her impressive credits include work on brands such as BMW, Rolex, Nike, AT&T, Puma and Mountain Dew, garnering multiple awards at Cannes and the D&AD Awards. Additionally, St. Vincent and Lederman served on the AICP Board of Directors for a number of years together.

    Steve Morris
    Steve Morris
  • Seth MacFarlane & ‘Family Guy’ Team Unveil COVID-19 Vaccination Short

    Seth MacFarlane & ‘Family Guy’ Team Unveil COVID-19 Vaccination Short

    Seth MacFarlane and the producers of Family Guy have created an original three-minute comedic short designed to educate, entertain and encourage the millions of unvaccinated citizens around the globe to feel confident getting vaccinated against COVID-19. The short was a joint production of Fuzzy Door, 20th Television Animation, FOX Entertainment and the Ad Council’s “It’s Up To You” COVID-19 Vaccine Education Initiative.

    Described as part Schoolhouse Rock, part educational film from high school science class, but told with all the irreverence and hilarity for which Family Guy is known, the three-minute short finds Peter Griffin at the doctor’s office debating getting the shot, when Stewie and Brian teleport inside his body and explain how vaccines work. The tour de force short has MacFarlane voicing four characters — Peter, Stewie, Brian and Dr. Hartman — and was penned by the show’s writers in collaboration with MacFarlane and a team of scientific experts and epidemiologists.

    “We were proud to work with some of the nation’s leading immunologists and epidemiologists on this PSA. And while we never understood a single note they gave us, we took them all,” said Family Guy exec producers/showrunners Rich Appel and Alec Sulkin.

    “With millions of Americans still unsure about getting vaccinated against COVID-19, it’s more important than ever that we have smart, informative and entertaining messages like this that will boost confidence in the vaccines,” said Lisa Sherman, president and CEO of the Ad Council. “This new work from Seth MacFarlane and the team at Family Guy is bringing critical vaccine information to audiences in a fresh and hilarious way that will surely inspire people to take the next step in slowing the pandemic. We are grateful to our partners at Disney and Fox for their passion and collaboration at this pivotal moment in time.”

    Since its debut in 1999, Family Guy has reached cult status among fans and racked up numerous awards, including an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series (only the second animated series to be so recognized). Most recently, series creator and lead voice actor MacFarlane won the 2019 Emmy Award for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance and is currently tied for the most voice-over Emmy wins of all time (four) for his work on the show.

    Set to have its upcoming season premiere with its 375th episode, Family Guy continues to provide a humorous take on current events with big name guest voices, including Mike Judge, Justin Hartley, Zachary Levi, Jay Pharoah, Chris Parnell, Patton Oswalt, Wendy Malick, Peter Macon, Elizabeth Gillies, Leslie Uggams, Kenny Loggins and Sam Elliott. Arif Zahir joins the voice cast this season as the Griffins’ neighbor and family friend Cleveland Brown.

    Family Guy is a 20th Television Animation production. MacFarlane is creator and executive producer. Rich Appel and Alec Sulkin serve as executive producers and showrunners, while Steve Callaghan, Tom Devanney, Danny Smith, Kara Vallow, Mark Hentemann and Patrick Meighan are executive producers.

    The season premiere of Family Guy airs Sunday, September 26 (9:30-10:00 p.m. EDT).

  • Trailer: Kavaleer Offers First Glimpse of Adam King Series at Cartoon Forum

    Trailer: Kavaleer Offers First Glimpse of Adam King Series at Cartoon Forum

    At the prestigious Cartoon Forum event in Toulouse, France today, Irish animation studio, Kavaleer Productions and David King, father of The Late Late Toy Show star Adam King, pitched to potential broadcasters and investors to support the production of a new animated series inspired by and starring Adam himself, debuting a first look at Adam ❤ Adventure!

    Adam ❤ Adventure! is a preschool adventure-comedy series set in space, with an environmental slant. It breaks new ground for young audiences as it will be the first Irish children’s program to feature a wheelchair-user as protagonist. With 150 million children living with additional needs worldwide, the show will introduce much needed on screen representation.

    “I am so excited to represent Adam and our family at Cartoon Forum. This is the culmination of many months of effort, vision and love from everyone involved. We have been totally blown away by the impact of Adam’s message on people around the world. We are thrilled to capture Adam’s spirit, his love of space and adventure in this wonderful cartoon,” David King shared during the pitch. “As parents, Fiona and I want our children to grow up as the heroes in their own stories. What they see around them inspires, and in Adam’s case — representation really matters. We are so grateful to Kavaleer for their trust in choosing Adam, a wheelchair user, to be the hero in this story. If he can see it, he can be it.”

    Kavaleer CEO Andrew Kavanagh said, “We have been overwhelmed by the support we have been shown in bringing Adam ❤ Adventure! this far. In particular from the International Space Community who have been inspired by Adam’s story and ambition. The show has been warmly welcomed by the European Space Agency and we are thrilled to have enlisted Dr. Norah Patten of the International Space University as the show’s Chief Space Advisor. We are confident that Adam’s story will continue to impact everyone it reaches and we are honoured to be able to capture his essence in this very special production.”

    L-R: Juelie McLoughlin, Gary Timpson, David King and Andrew Kavanagh at Cartoon Forum 2021 in Toulouse, France.
    L-R: Juelie McLoughlin, Gary Timpson, David King and Andrew Kavanagh at Cartoon Forum 2021 in Toulouse, France.

    As part of the pitch, Kavaleer Productions also included a video clip from Dr. Norah Patten, Global Faculty Member of the International Space University, who said, “Adam has captured people’s hearts from all over the globe. Superstar Astronauts such as Chris Hadfield, Cady Coleman and Dan Tani have all reached out to Adam and supported his quest to become a CAPCOM so I think for all of these young kids watching Adam on screen as the lead character in this cartoon, they’ll see an adventurous, very inspiring young boy and somebody who represents ambition and dreams which will have a very positive impact for and of the kids watching.”

    Inspired by Adam’s story, Prof. Mark McCaughrean, European Space Agency, Senior Advisor for Science & Exploration said, “To dream about space is perhaps not so much about actually going there as it is to put our planet and lives into perspective, and how we humans can come together to solve the challenges that face us and make it a better place for everyone.”

    Adam ❤ Adventure!, inspired by and starring Adam himself, the show aims to promote his message of empathy and friendship (exemplified by his ‘Virtual Hug’) a truly universal phenomenon. The series features comedy-themed quests, in which our eponymous hero and his crew are on a mission to help aliens around the galaxy solve problems (usually of their own making) using his space-smarts and altruistic personality. The prime-directive for the audience is to learn about how best to protect the most important planet of all- our own- through humour and empathy for the world around us. Key to the show’s messaging will be that through empathy and understanding, we can all make the world a better place for future generations.

    Cartoon Forum continues in Toulouse for the next two days, during which the team at Kavaleer Productions will work to secure suitable partners to bring the project to fruition.

    Read more about the show in Animation Magazine’s recent story here.

    Adam ❤ Adventure!
    Adam ❤ Adventure!
  • Comedy Central & Stephen Colbert Team for Two Political Satire Toons

    Comedy Central & Stephen Colbert Team for Two Political Satire Toons

    On the heels of MTV Entertainment Studios new deal with Trey Parker and Matt Stone, it continues to double down on adult animation with the announcement today of two new projects slated to air on Comedy Central that build on CC’s long legacy of political satire: Fairview, a weekly, hyper-topical, half-hour, eight episode series and Washingtonia, an animated feature.

    Fairview and Washingtonia, produced by CBS Studios, will be in partnership with the talented team of Stephen Colbert Presents Tooning Out the News (Paramount+), recently Emmy-nominated for Outstanding Short Form Comedy, Drama or Variety Series, and Our Cartoon President (Showtime).

    “I am so excited to participate in this press release, but I should mention that my deal for Fairview and Washingtonia is not yet closed,” said Colbert. “The main sticking point is money. I want more and they don’t want me to have more. I look forward to airing these projects as soon as this issue is resolved.”

    “As we continue to double down on adult animation, we couldn’t be more thrilled to bring Fairview and Washingtonia to Comedy Central in partnership with Stephen and our friends at CBS Studios,” said Nina Diaz, President of Content & CCO, MTVE and Chief Creative Officer Unscripted & Animation, Paramount+. “These two irreverent satires fit squarely into the Comedy Central brand – hilarious, sophisticated, and, of course, with politics at the center of it all.”

    Fairview
    Fairview
    • Fairview – a weekly, hyper-topical, half-hour adult animated series about how national politics causes wild small town drama in the Natty Light-chugging, grocery store parking lot-fighting, public urinating town of Fairview through the lens of its sloppy party girl turned pragmatic mayor Kelly Sampson. The show is created and executive produced by RJ Fried with Stephen Colbert, Chris Licht, Tim Luecke, Kim Gamble, Mike Leech and Zach Smilovitz as executive producers. Grant Gish is the Executive Producer with Co-Executive Producer Sachi Ezura and Supervising Producer Michael Stanger for MTV Entertainment Group.
    Washingtonia
    Washingtonia
    • Washingtonia – an animated feature about a rising political star and his deeply incompetent staff navigating the way deeper incompetence of Washington. Created and executive produced by RJ Fried with Stephen Colbert, Chris Licht, Mike Leech, Tim Luecke and Zach Smilovitz as executive producers. Grant Gish is the Executive Producer with Co-Executive Producer Sachi Ezura and Supervising Producer Michael Stanger for MTV Entertainment Group.

    These mark the second and third projects for Comedy Central with Colbert, following the recently announced live-action series Tha God’s Honest Truth with Charlamagne Tha God, a weekly half hour late-night show which features Charlamagne bringing his influential, opinionated, thought-provoking perspective to late night. (September 17, 10 p.m. ET/PT.)

    Upcoming animation from MTV Entertainment also includes the highly anticipated Untitled Beavis & Butt-head Movie from Emmy Award-winning Mike Judge, who reimagines MTV’s seminal, Gen X-defining Beavis and Butt-Head for another movie adventure to be released on Paramount+ as a kick-off the new series on Comedy Central.

    Fairview and Washingtonia add to the CBS Studios growing slate of animated series including The Harper House, Star Trek: Lower Decks, Star Trek: Prodigy and Stephen Colbert Presents Tooning Out the News.

  • ‘The Amazing World of Gumball’ Movie & Series Greenlit for CN, HBO Max

    ‘The Amazing World of Gumball’ Movie & Series Greenlit for CN, HBO Max

    The comedic misadventures of Gumball, Darwin and the other quirky residents of Elmore will continue on HBO Max and Cartoon Network with The Amazing World of Gumball: The Movie! (working title) and The Amazing World of Gumball: The Series (working title). The projects mark the long-awaited return for the beloved series and are the first original productions to be greenlit out of Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe, WarnerMedia Kids and Family’s flagship television animation studio within EMEA.

    Staying true to its self-referential and meta comedic roots that endeared The Amazing World of Gumball to fans around the world, the movie begins when Gumball’s biggest fan finds the show’s missing episode and accidentally opens a portal connecting his world to Gumball’s cartoon world. Upon meeting his heroes, our super fan decides to team up with Gumball, Darwin, Anais, Richard and Nicole to save them from a nefarious force overtaking Elmore, while inadvertently unleashing a threat of their very own. Utilizing the latest animation techniques and CG technology, the movie promises to be both a comedic, emotional, and epic conclusion for fans of the original series and a new beginning in establishing the world for the accompanying series.

    The Amazing World of Gumball: The Movie! will be executive produced and directed by series creator Ben Bocquelet from a script written with Shane Mack (Coffee & Kareem). Sam Register, Vanessa Brookman and Sarah Fell are also on board as executive producers.

    “We could not think of a better show to kick off our first batch of project greenlights under the Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe banner,” said Sam Register and Vanessa Brookman, co-heads of Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe. “With this movie and new series, we have an ‘amazing’ opportunity with Ben to provide a satisfying conclusion that Gumball fans have been hoping for while also establishing the next chapter of this charming, colorful and inventive series.”

    Amy Friedman, Warner Bros.’ Head of Kids & Family Programming, commented, “Gumball is one of those rare characters who effortlessly seems to tell us the truth, make us laugh and unify people, and now Bocquelet returns to bring Gumball back where he belongs – on an interdimensional journey right back to the fans.”

    A fan-favorite, critical darling, and global phenomenon, The Amazing World of Gumball aired for six seasons on Cartoon Network. The show was praised for its innovative brand of storytelling, smart writing and unique visual style which earned the series multiple awards including an International Emmy, nine BAFTA Children’s Awards, six British Animation Awards and three Annie Awards.

  • Tommy & Crew Toddle Back to Paramount+ for Season 2, Halloween Special

    Tommy & Crew Toddle Back to Paramount+ for Season 2, Halloween Special

    Paramount+, the streaming service from ViacomCBS, today announced the renewal of the original series Rugrats for a second season (13 episodes) in the U.S., Latin America, Australia and Canada, with more adventures from the colorful imaginations of Tommy, Chuckie, Angelica, Susie, Phil and Lil. The all-new take on the Nicktoons favorite premiered on Paramount+ in May and the next eight episodes of Season 1 will be available to stream exclusively on the service beginning Thursday, October 7.

    “Kids series are a key driver of engagement for Paramount+,” said Tanya Giles, Chief Programming Officer, Paramount+. “With the renewal of Rugrats for a second season, we look forward to bringing even more adventures with Tommy, Chuckie, Angelica and the rest of the Rugrats for kids and families to enjoy.”

    “This next season of Rugrats will dive even deeper into the secret life of babies and their unsuspecting parents, while continuing to highlight the main themes of friendship and family,” said Ramsey Naito, President, Nickelodeon Animation. “For 30 years, the Rugrats have resonated with fans around the globe and we can’t wait to continue telling original and fresh stories with these beloved characters.”

    From Nickelodeon Animation Studio, the brand-new Rugrats series is a reimagining of the classic ’90s hit that features rich and colorful CG-animation and follows the babies — Tommy, Chuckie, Angelica, Susie, Phil and Lil — as they explore the world and beyond from their pint-sized and wildly imaginative point-of-view. Following the season one run on Paramount+, the series will air on Nickelodeon at a later date to be announced.

    In the all-new Season 1 episodes, the babies will continue to find themselves in a variety of situations by using their wild imaginations, including defeating an “outer space villain,” traveling through Chuckie’s dad’s body, embarking upon a daring mission to break Angelica out of preschool and more. The new batch of episodes also includes a half-hour, Halloween-themed special where Tommy needs his friends’ help to save Angelica after she turns into a werewolf at a scary Halloween party as their parents seem to disappear one by one.

    The series stars EG Daily (Tommy Pickles), Nancy Cartwright (Chuckie Finster), Cheryl Chase (Angelica Pickles), Cree Summer (Susie Carmichael) and Kath Soucie (Phil and Lil DeVille), all of whom are reprising their iconic roles in this new series. The original adventurous babies’ voice cast is joined by new voices, including Ashley Rae Spillers and Tommy Dewey (Tommy’s parents, Didi and Stu Pickles); Tony Hale (Chuckie’s father, Chas Finster); Natalie Morales (Phil and Lil’s mother, Betty DeVille); Anna Chlumsky and Timothy Simons (Angelica’s parents, Charlotte and Drew Pickles); Nicole Byer and Omar Miller (Susie’s parents, Lucy and Randy Carmichael); and Michael McKean (Grandpa Lou Pickles).

    Produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studio, the all-new Rugrats is based on the series created by Arlene Klasky, Gabor Csupo and Paul Germain. Kate Boutilier (Rugrats) and Casey Leonard (Breadwinners) are executive producers and Dave Pressler (Robot and Monster) and Rachel Lipman (Rugrats) serve as co-executive producers, with Kellie Smith (The Fairly OddParents) as line producer on Season 2. Charlie Adler (Rugrats) serves as the voice director. Production is overseen by Mollie Freilich, Senior Manager, Current Series Animation, Nickelodeon.

    Today’s Rugrats renewal news comes as the iconic series celebrates 30 years since the original launch. The original Rugrats series launched August 11, 1991 and instantly became a groundbreaking phenomenon, spawning consumer products and three hit theatrical releases, cementing its place in pop culture history through its iconic characters, storytelling and unique visual style. Rugrats was in production for nine seasons over the course of 13 years. The series earned four Daytime Emmy Awards, six Kids’ Choice Awards, and its own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

  • ‘PAW Patrol: The Movie’ Embarks on Digital with Exclusive Bonuses

    ‘PAW Patrol: The Movie’ Embarks on Digital with Exclusive Bonuses

    Get ready for paw-some action and a pup-tastic adventure when PAW Patrol: The Movie from Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon Movies and Spin Master Entertainment, becomes available to purchase on Digital on September 21 with exclusive, never-before-seen bonus content from Paramount Home Entertainment. In addition, the film will arrive on Blu-ray & DVD November 2, timed for Thanksgiving family viewing or holiday gift-giving.

    When the PAW Patrol’s biggest rival, Humdinger, becomes Mayor of nearby Adventure City and starts wreaking havoc, Ryder and everyone’s favorite heroic pups kick into high gear to face the challenge head on. While one pup must face his past in Adventure City, the team finds help from a new ally, the savvy dachshund Liberty. Together, armed with exciting new gadgets and gear, the PAW Patrol fights to save the citizens of Adventure City!

    The Digital release features hours of entertainment with exclusive bonus content, including a look at the team, additional news reports with reporter Marty Muckraker (voiced by Jimmy Kimmel) and a sing-along with a reimagined PAW Patrol theme song lyric video. Available with purchase only on participating digital platforms, see bonus TV episodes from the wildly popular Nickelodeon series (produced by Spin Master Ent.), including one never-before-seen episode, and a never-before-seen episode of Blaze and the Monster Machines.

    PAW Patrol: The Movie
    PAW Patrol: The Movie

    Digital Bonus Content:

    • A Totally PAW-some Team — Join Chase on an off-leash adventure at the brand-new Adventure City headquarters and discover the pups’ upgraded high-tech gadgets and vehicles!
    • ACN: Adventure City News Reports with Marty Muckraker — Become a citizen of Adventure City as you watch the exciting news reports by the city’s #1 news source, gossip columnist, and beat reporter all rolled into one … Marty Muckraker!
    • PAW Patrol: The Movie Lyric Video (Reimagined Theme) – Whether you have four legs or two, howl along with the PAW Patrol gang in this fun and goofy lyric video! An all-new reimagined theme song! (English Only)
    • PAW Patrol Bonus Episodes:

      • “Pups and Katie Stop the Barking Kitty Crew!”
      • “Pups vs. a Neon Humdinger”
      • “Pups Stop an Xtreme Shark” – Never-Before-Seen!
    • Blaze and the Monster Machines Bonus Episode:

      • “The Great Pizza Race” – Never-Before-Seen!

    Blu-ray Bonus Content:

    • A Totally PAW-some Team
    • ACN: Adventure City News Reports with Marty Muckraker
    • PAW Patrol: The Movie Lyric Video (Reimagined Theme) (English Only)

  • ‘Animation Is the Future’ at HollyShorts Film Festival

    ‘Animation Is the Future’ at HollyShorts Film Festival

    The Oscar-qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival is proving animation is the future when it comes to entertainment. The 17th edition, happening from September 23 to October 1 at TCL Chinese 6 Theatres, unveiled its stacked selections of animated short films, including the world premiere of basketball superstar Shaquille O’Neal’s HeadNoise.

    Headnoise, produced and co-written by Shaquille O’Neal, examines the internal and external pressure to succeed as told through childhood friends Rashaun and Damon, two talented basketball players from the same inner-city neighborhood. The short is also co-written and produced by playwright Donnie F. Wilson (Tearing Down Cabrini-Green) and Michael Parris (Shaq vs., Shaquille O’Neal Presents) under the Jersey Legends Productions banner.

    Save Ralph
    Save Ralph

    Other screening standouts include Spencer Susser‘s Save Ralph in partnership with Humane Society International (HSI), with voiceovers from A-listers Taika Waititi (JoJo Rabbit), George Lopez (The George Lopez Show), Zac Efron (The Greatest Showman), Olivia Munn (The Newsroom), Ricky Gervais (The Office U.K.) and Pom Klementieff (Guardians of the Galaxy); Felix Kiner‘s The Broken Candle with Tiffany Haddish (Girls Trip) and Eugenio Derbez (How to Be a Latin Lover); Demi’s Panic from renowned animator and Academy Award nominee Bill Plympton; Grammy-nominated artist Jordan Asher Cruz (a.k.a. Boots) and Jennifer Goodridge‘s No Future Here starring Cleopatra Coleman (The Last Man on Earth); as well as Oscar nominee Erick Oh‘s Namoo, among others.

    Demi's Panic
    Demi’s Panic

    The full list and schedule of animated shorts include:

    Friday, September 24, 12 p.m. PST: Adult Animation

    • Boxbalet – Anton Dyakov
    • BusLine35A – Elena Felici
    • Death and the Lady – Geoff Bailey & Lucy York Struever
    • Demi’s Panic – Billy Plympton
    • Eternal Igloo – Mostafa Keshvari
    • Headnoise – Rafael Jiménez Mesa & Alejandro Álvarez
    • Lines – Claire Fleming
    • Namoo – Erick Oh
    • No Future Here – Jordan Asher Cruz & Jennifer Goodridge
    • Only a Child – Simone Giampaolo
    • Save Ralph – Spencer Susser
    • Step into the River – Weijia Ma
    • The Cat – Mary Apick
    Namoo
    Namoo

    Tuesday, September 28, 12 p.m. PST: Kids Animation/Family Films

    • Astronaut Spaceman – Patrick Tiberius Gehlen
    • A Tiny Tale – Sylvain Cuvillier, Chloé Bourdic, Théophile Coursimault, Noémie Halberstam, Maÿlis Mosny & Zijing Ye
    • Beyond the Fog – Xue Feng & Han Xu
    • Beyond the Line – Jinuk Choi
    • Dwarfo-psychosis – Emily Pascal
    • I Am a Pebble – Mélanie Berteraut, Yasmine Bresson, Léo Coulombier, Nicolas Grondin, Maxime le Chapelain & Louise Massé
    • I’m a Vampire (Soy Un Vampiro) – Sofia Garza-Barba
    • NAY NAY TOO BOMB – Marie Alyse Rodriguez
    • Social Fitness – Anna Pakman
    • Souvenir – Cristina Vilches Estella & Paloma Canonica
    • The Broken Candle – Felix Kiner
    • The Crossing – Théo Atangana, Bastien Delbes, Delphine Espiasse, Myles Jackson, Evangelos Kapsopoulos, Guillaume Lambolez
    • The Home Office (The Making of Cartoon HQ) – Dani Bowman
    • There You Are – Rui Huang, Rong Deng, Yu Yang, Adam Morina, Randen Banuelos, Guangdi Jiang, Yuwei Lin, Mengyuan Guo, Alysha G. Bermudez, Nia Baker, Demetri Bouzos, Aubrey Isaacman, Lazybeam, DiipSilence & Michelle Ma
    • Vuela – Carlos Gómez-Mira Sagrado

    For tickets to the in-person celebration, visit www.hollyshorts2021.eventive.org.

    For tickets to the virtual festival, visit https://bitpixtv.com/orders/checkout?c=1262399.

    The Broken Candle
    The Broken Candle
  • Trailer: ‘A Spark Story’ Documentary Follows the Next Generation of Pixar Filmmakers

    Trailer: ‘A Spark Story’ Documentary Follows the Next Generation of Pixar Filmmakers

    Disney+ and Pixar Animation Studios shared a trailer today for the upcoming feature-length documentary A Spark Story — a co-production of Pixar and Supper Club that takes an intimate look at Pixar’s SparkShorts filmmaking process as two directors strive to get their uniquely personal visions on screen. Directed by Jason Sterman and Leanne Dare of Supper Club (Chef’s Table) and produced by Sterman, Brian McGinn and David Gelb in collaboration with Pixar, A Spark Story launches on Disney+ on September 24.

    “I think viewers will be most surprised by how much personal storytelling is involved in the Pixar filmmaking process,” said Sterman. “It takes so many people to bring one of these films to life, and you can feel the filmmakers’ personal touches in every aspect of the films. Hopefully A Spark Story will give audiences a greater sense of the people and personalities who bring these types of films to life.”

    A Spark Story
    A Spark Story

    A Spark Story introduces Aphton Corbin (director, Twenty Something) and Louis Gonzales (director, Nona) who navigate the emotional rollercoaster of stepping into a leadership role and inspiring their crews. Giving audiences an exclusive and immersive look at the filmmakers and their films, the documentary explores the creative philosophy that makes Pixar unique.

    “Like Louis and Aphton, this was our first time directing, so we could relate to a lot of the experiences they were going through,” said Dare. “We found ourselves in the same situations trying to find our story, figuring out how to lead our team and getting comfortable trusting our instincts — taking leaps of faith and knowing we’ll figure out how to land. This helped us connect to their stories and appreciate their unique approaches to storytelling.”

    A Spark Story
    A Spark Story
  • Funimation Slates 20+ Titles for Fall Season

    Funimation Slates 20+ Titles for Fall Season

    Global anime leader Funimation is bringing an anime attack of more than 20 edge-of-your-seat titles to screens this fall, ranging from returning favorites to brand-new simulcast series. With a variety of series fresh from Japan – subtitled and dubbed – this season will offer something for everyone, from action-packed adventures to slice-of-life comedies and beyond!

    “With so many incredible established brands such as Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation and Yashahime returning, as well as exciting new favorites, we’re looking forward to a Fall season of anime like no other for Funimation,” said Asa Suehira, Chief Content Officer of Funimation Global Group. “This season is going to be next-level for anime globally and Funimation continues to be the home to welcome fans to our anime community. And there is more to announce in the days ahead!”

    Check out the full list of new and returning titles and episode premiere dates coming this fall (with more details and series to be revealed soon):

    New to Funimation:

    • The Heike Story – A young orphan named Biwa is taken in by the powerful Taira Clan — also known as the Heike — after their leader witnesses her extraordinary psychic abilities. Unfortunately, what she predicts is a future of bloodshed, violence and civil war. Inspired by the 12th century epic tale Heike Monogatari. (Simulcast began September 15)
    • Selection Project – A group of nine determined girls enter the 7th Annual “Selection Project,” a television show where they’ll audition to become idols… and pursue their dreams! (Simulcast begins October 1)
    • Mieruko-chan – She can see dead people … she just chooses to ignore them. That’s Miko’s plan, anyway, with horrifying (and sometimes hilarious) results. (Simulcast begins October 3)
    • The Vampire Dies in No Time – Legendary vampire hunter Ronaldo finds an unlikely (and unwilling) ally in Draluc, the world’s weakest vampire who turns to dust at the slightest attack. Together they’re in for more hilarious misadventures than you can shake a stake at, including enemy vampires, axe-wielding editors, and other pains in the neck. (Simulcast begins October 4)
    • Banished from the Hero’s Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside – The series follows protagonist Red, who is kicked out of his adventuring party. He soon finds a brighter future in a small town with a cute girl named Rit, because hey, sometimes living well is the best revenge. (Simulcast begins October 6)
    • Taisho Otome Fairy Tale – Shima Tamahiko has been exiled to the country because of his disability, but the sudden arrival of an arranged bride upends his lonely life. (Simulcast begins October 8)
    • Ranking of Kings – The story follows Bojji, a deaf prince who lacks power and sword-wielding ability. He’s also the heir to the throne and has high hopes for his future. After finding a friend in the shadow Kage, Bojji sets off on his grand adventure to become the greatest king the world has ever seen. (Simulcast begins October 14)
    • RUMBLE GARANNDOLL – Conquered by alternate-world invaders, Japan has become a shadow of what it once was. Manga, anime, idols, and more are censored by these parallel universe overlords… or so it seems. In the less-than-legal stores of Akihabara, Hosomichi joins a group of female freedom fighters made up of pilots and otakus. (Simulcast begins this fall)

    Returning for Fall:

    • Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon–The Second Act – Long-lost twins Towa and Setsuna reunite after 10 years to discover that they are the half-demon daughters of the great demon Sesshomaru. (Simulcast begins October 2)
    • Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation 2nd Cour – A 34-year-old underachiever gets run over by a truck, but his story isn’t over. Reincarnated as an infant, he’ll embark on an epic adventure. (Simulcast begins October 3)

    Continuing from Summer:

    • That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season 2 Part 2 – With Rimuru and the Jura Tempest Federation recovering from dark events that unfolded, will they punish the Demon Lord Clayman? Tune in to find out. (SimulDub is ongoing)
    • 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! (Simulcast and Dub ongoing)
    • Obey Me! – Lucifer, Satan and the other five princes of Hell: how will these brothers handle everyday lives at their demon academy? (Simulcast is ongoing)
    • Scarlet Nexus – Saved by the Other Suppression Force as a child, psychokinetic Yuito enlists in this elite team formed to fight Earth’s enemy. Meanwhile, prodigy Kasane was scouted for her abilities. But Kasane’s strange dreams drag the two into an unavoidable fate. (Simulcast and SimulDub are ongoing)

    Schedule subject to change. More content TBA.

  • ‘Sunnyside Billy’ Sizzles as Clan joins Toonz’s Imira as Co-Producer

    ‘Sunnyside Billy’ Sizzles as Clan joins Toonz’s Imira as Co-Producer

    Spain’s leading teen and children’s broadcaster Clan has joined Imira Entertainment, the Spanish subsidiary of Toonz Media Group, as co-producers of the highly anticipated 2D kids’ animation series Sunnyside Billy. The flagship original production of Toonz was conceptualized by a team led by the legendary animation master Olivier Jean-Marie, who passed away in May.

    Yago Fandiño, Head of Content for Children for TVE, described the show as “A funny, original series that brings together the legacy of Olivier’s irreverent and zany humor with a new generation of Spanish creators.”

    Targeted at viewers seven and up, Sunnyside Billy is an upbeat, action-packed comedy about a friendly fried egg named Billy, who is oddly positive about every situation. The pre-adolescent Billy and his band of friends are on a mission to protect their friend, the mythical Big Fish, from the prying eyes of the greedy Tooth. The series is all about friendship, spreading positivity and facing problems without losing heart. The show, which will feature an original musical score, also has protection of environment and ecology as a recurring theme.

    The international, award-winning production team of the series includes celebrated Belgian creator Jan Van Rijsselberge, who was part of the original creative team that conceptualized the show along with Jean-Marie. Rijsselberge’s credits include shows such as Robot Boy and Dude, That’s My Ghost! Toonz CEO P. Jayakumar and Imira CEO Carlos Biern serve as executive producers of the show.

    “Sunnyside Billy is a truly international show with a very strong pedigree, coming from the creators of superhits like Oggy and the Cockroaches and Zig and Sharko. It is one of the last projects that Olivier Jean-Marie worked on,” noted Jayakumar. “Together with Clan, we are committed to produce this series in the highest standards and elevate it to the ranks of the greatest ever kids animation shows made.”

    “We are very excited to partner again with TVE creating together international shows incorporating top animation teams from Spain, where female artists are equally represented, with great award-winning creators on board. We see no better channel to partner for this show but Clan in Spain,” said Biern.

    Previous co-productions between Clan and Toonz in Spain include successful shows like Sandra, the Fairy Tale Detective and Bat Pat. The 52 x 11′ Sunnyside Billy is being developed and produced at Imira’s production facilities in Spain. Post-production works will be done at Toonz’s Irish subsidiary studio Telegael. Sunnyside Billy is expected to roll out in the first quarter of 2023.

  • Roger Deakins to Receive VIEW Conference Visionary Award 2021

    Roger Deakins to Receive VIEW Conference Visionary Award 2021

    VIEW Conference has announced that Sir Roger Deakins, Oscar-winning cinematographer of films including The Shawshank Redemption, Blade Runner 2049 and 1917, will receive this year’s VIEW Visionary Award. Previous recipients of the award, presented for outstanding contribution to the visual arts, include pioneering visual effects supervisor Dennis Muren, animated feature director Nora Twomey and Pixar designer/director Ralph Eggleston.

    As part of the VIEW Visionary Award celebrations, on October 20 at 12 p.m. PDT, Deakins will take part in an exclusive one-on-one interview with Dean DeBlois, the acclaimed director of animated features including Lilo & Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon. In a lively conversation, Deakins will discuss highlights from his long and illustrious career, offering insight into the creative genius that has made him one of the world’s most sought-after and respected cinematographers.

    “Roger Deakins is one of the true living legends of filmmaking,” says Conference Director Dr. Maria Elena Gutierrez. “Throughout his career, he has captured some of the most iconic and memorable images ever committed to the screen, from Tim Robbins exulting in the rain in The Shawshank Redemption, to Ryan Gosling exploring a dust-shrouded Las Vegas in Blade Runner 2049. Roger’s unique vision is unparalleled, and it is a privilege to honor his achievements at VIEW Conference 2021 by presenting him with this year’s VIEW Visionary Award.”

    Sir Roger Alexander Deakins CBE is an English cinematographer, best known for collaborating with directors Denis Villeneuve, Sam Mendes and the Coen brothers. Deakins is a member of the British Society of Cinematographers and the American Society of Cinematographers, and has received five BAFTA Awards for Best Cinematography. Nominated 15 times for an Academy Award for Best Cinematography, he has won that award twice, for Blade Runner 2049 and 1917. His best-known films are The Shawshank Redemption; Fargo; O Brother, Where Art Thou?; A Beautiful Mind; Skyfall; Sicario; Blade Runner 2049 and 1917. The American Society of Cinematographers gave Deakins a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011, and in 2013 he was bestowed a CBE by the Palace for his services to film. In the 2021 New Year Honors he was knighted as a Knight Bachelor.

    VIEW Conference 2021, the 22nd edition of Italy’s premiere animation, VFX and computer graphics conference, takes place from October 17 to 22 in the beautiful city of Torino, Italy, where industry professionals, students and enthusiasts are invited to enjoy an inspiring week of talks, presentations and workshops. In addition, online access opens up this year’s event to a global audience.

    Purchase tickets for VIEW Conference 2021 at www.viewconference.it/pages/registration.

  • Teaser: ‘Marvel’s Hit Monkey’ Suits Up for Hulu Debut

    Teaser: ‘Marvel’s Hit Monkey’ Suits Up for Hulu Debut

    No more monkeying around… the new adult animated Hulu Original series Marvel’s Hit Monkey is locked, loaded and ready for action. The streamer today dropped an official teaser for the new toon from co-creators/exec producer Josh Gordon & Will Speck (Blades of Glory) and exec producer Joe Quesada (EVP & Creative Director, Marvel Entertainment), which is set to premiere November 17.

    Synopsis: After a Japanese snow monkey’s tribe is slaughtered, he joins forces with the ghost of an American assassin and together, they begin killing their way through the Yakuza underworld.

    Meet the Characters:

    • Shinji (voiced by George Takei): A lifelong public servant who has been the man behind the political career of Ken Takahara, his friend and political mentor. But when tragedy strikes, it falls to Shinji to pick up the baton and carry their political dreams forward. A good and honest man who raised his niece Akiko all by himself after the death of her parents. Shinji is the kind of politician everyone wishes they could have.
    • Bryce (voiced by Jason Sudeikis): A world-weary Assassin who’s made some unbelievably poor life choices. He drowns his sorrows in work, travel and gambling but when it comes to doing hits, there’s no one better. After he’s killed in the Japanese Alps, the ghost of Bryce and Monkey are tied together on a revenge quest. A terrible mentor with a sarcastic, cynical view of the world, Bryce must ultimately dig deep within himself in order to complete his final mission and help Monkey become who he was meant to be.
    • Akiko (voiced by Olivia Munn): Smart, ambitious and powerful, Akiko is the niece of Shinji Yokohama, the future Prime Minister of Japan. Having spent time in the west for college and law school, she has returned with strong opinions about the future of her Uncle’s campaign. Her inherently good nature however masks a darker side, one that will emerge as the season progresses.
    • Haruka (voiced by Ally Maki): An honest cop from a small town in the north, Haruka comes to Tokyo with dreams of reforming a corrupt city. But can she hold on to her values in the face of so much vice? Her new partner Ito will test her sense of right and wrong and ultimately prove to be the mentor she has always looked for. But when it falls to her to complete their case, will she have what it takes to become the cop she has always felt she could be?
    • Ito (voiced by Nobi Nakanishi): The laughing stock of the Tokyo Police Department, and struggling with a drinking problem, Ito is the only one in Tokyo who suspects that Hit Monkey may actually be one of the good guys. But no one, not even his new partner Haruka believes him. He will have to dig deep into his past, and face his demons in order to finally restore his honor.
    • Monkey (voiced by Fred Tatasciore): Monkey’s peaceful existence in the Japanese alps is shattered by the tragic loss of his tribe — setting him on a course of revenge and violence in the very world of humans that are responsible for his plight. He’s a killer of killers with a bit of a rage problem. Throughout the series, he must learn to navigate the struggle between his inherently sweet nature and the evil acts he must commit. It’s through his complicated friendship with the Ghost of Bryce (a former assassin and now, Monkey’s unwanted conscience), that will determine whether Monkey will be consumed by his rage or channel it for good. This is the story of Hit Monkey.
  • Weird Market Unveils Project Selections; 3D Wire Fest Slates 37 Shorts

    Weird Market Unveils Project Selections; 3D Wire Fest Slates 37 Shorts

    A total of 200 projects will make up the final catalog of the 13th edition of Weird Market, International Animation, Video Games and New Media Market. The selection that covers all areas and disciplines of the animation industry is made up of 19 feature films, 34 short films, 31 animated series, 36 video games, 28 web series, 17 transmedia projects, 20 comics and 15 board games. The event, which will be held from September 24 to October 2, will feature an on-site presentation of 19 of them. (View the full catalog here.) Presentations will include:

    • Nayola (Feature Film) by Portuguese director José Manuel Ribeiro. A co-production between Portugal, France, Belgium and the Netherlands that delves into the heartbreaking lives of three generations of women from the same family ravaged by the civil war in Angola. Ribero’s career accolades include the Pardino D’Oro from the Locarno Film Festival in 2016.
    • Roped (Short Film) by Carmen Córdoba. The Andalusian filmmaker accumulated more than a hundred awards with her first creation (Roberto) and will present this new work (in pre-production) where she deepens into motherhood from all its prisms.
    • Buffet Paraíso (Short Film), the directorial debut of animator Héctor Zafra, who has worked on multi-award-winning productions such as Mum’s the Word by Khris Cembe and Birdboy: The Forgotten Children by Alberto Vázquez and Pedro Rivero.
    • Homework (Short Film) by Ignacio Diaz Arjona, an illustrator who has done work for Netflix, Playstation and Nestlé and who has a vast legion of followers on social media thanks to his personal and colorful drawing style.
    • IBIS (Short Film) by Maria Burgués and Enric Sant, one of the winning works of the first edition of Next Lab and winner of the Best Short Film Project Award at the CEE Animation Forum 2021.
    • I, Elvis Riboldi (Series), Season 2. Developed by the Peekaboo Animation studio, this Spanish-French animation co-production is the adaptation of a collection of books whose first chapters were pre-sold to more than 130 territories in Europe, America, Africa and the Middle East.
    • My Brother is a T-ReZ (Series). Portuguese studio Lusco Fusco and Spain’s Mr. Klaus are in the pre-production phase of this work directed by Javier Peces.
    • Farmacois (Series). A 52 x 7′ Spanish production supported by Tenerife studio La Casa Animada.
    • Tiger’s Trigger (Series), from Spain’s Lamae Studio, directed by illustrator-actor-filmmaker Javier Botet.
    • The Well Hunting (Series), an Annecy-recognized webseries from Kawanimation (France).
    3D Wire Fest '21 short film selections
    3D Wire Fest ’21 short film selections

    The 13th edition of the 3D Wire Fest, International Animation Festival announced the 37 short films in its official competition section; 27 in the international competition and 10 in the national. The final program reflects “where multiple styles and themes are combined; a reflection of the reality of the animation sector at a global level” according to José Luis Farias, director of the festival.

    The selection includes 10 Spanish productions, one of which is co-produced with Argentina, another with Portugal and two with France. Among the prominent names are three-time Goya award winner Alberto Vázquez with his latest work Homeless Home, a co-production with France which won the jury prize at Annecy. And Sam Ortí, who has created stop-motion works for two decades earning numerous recognitions, with Routine: the Prohibition, which premiered at Sitges.

    Spanish selections also include 3D Wire 2019 Movistar+ Short Film Project Award winner Leopoldo el del bar by Diego Porral; Quirino darlings Wayback by Carlos Salgado and Loop by Pablo Polledri; Umbrellas by José Prats and Álvaro Robles; The Monkey by Lorenzo Degl’Innocenti and Xosé Zapata; Selection Process by Carlota Pereira, Kokuruga by Choche Hurtado and The Ducks by Ángela Arregui.

    France leads the most-represented countries in the international competition with nine works: A la mode by Jean Lecointre; A Stone in the Shoe by Eric Montchaud (co-production with Switzerland); Carried Away, a collective work by Etienne Fagnère, Manon Carrier, Johan Cayrol, Alo Trusz, Jean-Baptiste Escary; Horacio by Caroline Cherrier; Precious by Paul Mas; Souvenir Souvenir by Bastien Dubois; the national premiere of Swallow the Universe by Luis Nieto; Trésor by Alexandre Manzanares, Guillaume Cosenza, Philipp Merten, Silvan Moutte-Roulet; and Trona Pinnacles by Mathilde Parquet. The international selection also includes:

    • All Those Sensations in My Belly by Marko Djeska (Croatia/Portugal)
    • Bench by Rich Webber (U.K.)
    • Boxbalet by Anton Dyakov (Russia)
    • Dry Sea by Yves Bex & Bart Bossaert (Belgium)
    • A Film about a Pudding by Roel Van Beek (U.K.)
    • Hijack139 by Joachim Berg & Sondre Johre (Norway)
    • In Nature by Marcel Barelli (Switzerland)
    • Incomplete Woman by Huh Su-Young (S. Korea)
    • Kkum by Kang-Min Kim (S. Korea)
    • A Most Exquisite Man by Jonas Taul (Estonia)
    • Only a Child by Simone Giampaolo (Switzerland)
    • Pilar by Moldybyrd Studio; Yngwie Boley, Diana Van Houten, Janis Joy Epping (The Netherlands)
    • Tie by Alexandra Ramires (Portugal/France)
    • Tío by Juan Medina (Mexico)
    • Tourist Trap by Vera Van Wolferen (The Netherlands)

    3D Wire Fest and Weird Market will be held on site at La Cárcel_Segovia Centro de Creación in Segovia, Spain from September 24 to October 2.

    weirdmarket.es | 3dwire.es

  • Watch: Power Up with ‘Doug Unplugs’ S2 on Apple TV+

    Watch: Power Up with ‘Doug Unplugs’ S2 on Apple TV+

    The second season of Doug Unplugs streams today with seven brand-new episodes, including a bonus holiday special. This season, Doug and Emma have become expert explorers as they embark on new adventures in Mega City. They find themselves learning about the deep sea, playing in a band and going to school.

    Hailing from DreamWorks Animation and based on Dan Yaccarino’s Doug Unplugged book series, Doug Unplugs follows a young robot named Doug who senses there’s more to life than just the facts. While other robots plug in for their daily download, curious Doug unplugs and journeys into the human world, and with his best friend Emma, experiences its wonders firsthand.

    A new clip from episode “We’re Going to a Play” in the Apple Original animated series debuted to mark the season premiere.

    Doug Unplugs is executive produced by Jim Nolan, Aliki Theofilopoulos and Dan Yaccarino, and stars the voice talents of Brandon James Cienfuegos, Kyrie McAlpin, Eric Bauza, Mae Whitman, Leslie David Baker and Becky Robinson.

    Season 2 episodes:

    Episode 201 – “Bot to School / Bots at Play”  Doug joins Emma at school for the first time. Doug and the bots set out to make the perfect playground.

    Episode 202 – “When Life Gives You Bots / Bots of the Fall” Emma and Doug get creative to help a neighbor share his lemonade. Doug and the bots discover what makes fall so special.

    Episode 203 – “Backstage Bots / Super Bots” Doug and Emma put on a play with some surprising bot twists. A comic book inspires Emma and Doug to find their own superpowers.

    Episode 204 – “Band of Bots / Abracabot” Emma and Doug look for instruments so they can play in her mom’s band. Doug’s magic trick makes Critter Bot disappear…or does it?

    Episode 205 – “Bots on the Range / Brushin’ Bots” Doug and Bob Bot head to a horse ranch for the ride of their lives. Emma needs Doug’s help to get her younger sisters to the dentist.

    Episode 206 – “Aquabots / Botographers” Emma meets a new bot who takes her and Doug on a deep-sea adventure. Will Doug and Jenny find the owner of a special photo album?

    Episode 207 – “Botty Holidays” Emma finds out Doug and the other bots need holiday cheer, so she makes it her mission to share how special the season can be.

  • Full ‘Family Guy’ Catalog Hits FXX This Month; ‘Futurama’ Coming Soon

    Full ‘Family Guy’ Catalog Hits FXX This Month; ‘Futurama’ Coming Soon

    The full back catalog of Seth MacFarlane’s nine-time Emmy-winning animated primetime comedy Family Guy will have a new home on the FXX network starting September 20, joining sibling channel Freeform as the exclusive cable homes for reruns from Seasons 1-19. The series will continue to stream exclusively on Hulu. Disney owns both broadcast outlets and has a majority stake in the streaming platform.

    From the catalog launch, Family Guy will expand its on-air footprint on FXX, running Monday and Tuesday from 8 p.m. to midnight, Thursday from 8-10 p.m., Saturday from 8 p.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 10 p.m. to midnight. The show will have a 4-11 p.m. Friday night slot on Freeform as well.

    Vintage adventures of the family Griffin were formerly running on Adult Swim and TBS. FX Networks secured off-network rights to Family Guy from Season 16 (2017-18) as well as Bob’s Burgers in 2019.

    FXX has also snagged non-exclusive rights to Matt Groening’s fan favorite Futurama (a six-time Emmy winner), which is due to join the lineup in November.

    “We are airing the absolute ultimate collection of animated adult comedies on cable television,” Chuck Saftler, Head of Business Operations for ABC, Freeform, FX Networks and Acquisitions in Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution’s Networks told Deadline. “This lineup is comedy gold that will provide FXX viewers with belly laugh after belly laugh.”

    [Source: Deadline]