Author: Mercedes Milligan

Calm Island Launches Learning Platform Companion to ‘Badanamu Cadets’

Ahead of the MIP market debut of its new CG animated series Badanamu Cadets, Calm Island has announced a new digital learning playground for its popular characters: Bada’s Learning Adventure, available through the App Store and Google Play starting in October. Developed over the course of two years, the app is designed to teach reading, music, science, math, coding and art to children ages 2-8.

“Bada’s Learning Adventure is a full pre-K learning platform that uses the Badanamu characters and technologies such as voice recognition and AR to drive children’s interaction and learning development, providing a personalized learning experiences that monitors everything that a child does and provides real deliverables for parents to understand their child’s progress,” commented David Roberts, CEO of Calm island. “Further engagement comes with our TV series, Badanamu Cadets, boasting theatrical quality animation, fun storylines, loveable characters and catchy songs, that is sure to delight kids and their families too.”

Bada’s Learning Adventure features over 50,000 activities and exercises, organized into structured learning paths that children can explore, and will be available as a subscription-based model in English, Korean, Chinese, French, Spanish and Italian, with other language support in development. This includes more than 200 animated music videos featuring 2-3 minute songs that match the learning topic; 90+ interactive HD storybooks that connect with BLE/optical reader technology and feature interactive elements on each page; 500+ educational activities and games, featuring over 10,000 hours of play; proprietary BLE/NFC APIs and hardware for phonics learning; and Talk and Trace activities that utilize the Badanamu Learning Pen to let kids draw letters, numbers, and symbols; and 200+ workbooks.

The platform also features an adaptive learning system, using individual profiles to allow kids to pick up where they left off on any activity and letting parents keep track of their child’s progress, comparing from previous exercises and against classmates or other age groups’ charts. Children’s accounts and access can be controlled through the Kid Lock feature.

The upcoming animated series Badanamu Cadets (52 x 11 min.; in production) introduces a team of six dynamic, creative and intrepid heroes-in-training who must work together to protect the balance of nature in their world. Despite the scheming plots of the troublemaking Grumbles, our heroes never meet a challenge they can’t overcome, a mystery they can’t solve, or a disaster they can’t avert. Each episode incorporates STEAM and social lessons. The show has presold to France’s Lagardere Active for its Gulli and Tiji channels, and Cartoonito in Italy. Delivery is set for June 2018.

“Badanamu” was created in 2011 as a video-based preschool learning program, launching across top VOD platforms in 2013. To date, 200+ videos have received more than 3 billion views, including over 730 million on YouTube. Learn more at www.badanamu.com

Badanamu Cadets

September 28, 2017
Mercury Filmworks Makes Key Promotions, Management Hires

Mercury Filmworks — one of Canada’s most prolific independent studios, which boasts the likes of Disney, Netflix and Amazon among its media partners — is expanding its management team, promoting several key executives and hiring new staff. The bolstered team, announced by CEO Clint Eland, will help guide the studio’s 10-plus project pipeline and newly created 2D-focused shop Lighthouse Studios in Ireland (created with Cartoon Saloon).

“We’re very grateful that our media partners continue to see Mercury Filmworks as a provider of top-tier animation content,” noted Eland. “Over the past year our company has been able to increase its development and production commitments, creating a robust pipeline that requires a deeper bench of both creative and business executives to support it. To ensure our projects continue to surpass expectations and maintain Mercury Filmworks’ leadership position, we are expanding our management team.”

The current slate includes five original series in various stages of development, plus four series with Disney Television Animation, two series for Amazon Studios, a series with Silvergate Media for Netflix, and a number of special projects with Marvel.

Promotions and new hires effective immediately:

Current Vice Presidents Sandra Green and Nicole St. Pierre are promoted to Senior Vice President, Finance and Senior Vice President, Business & Legal, respectively. Both will continue to report directly to Eland and oversee the legal, business and finance operations of the growing company, as well as supporting operations for Lighthouse Studios. Green has been with Mercury Filmworks since 2004 and played a key role in creating a stable company with strong financial performance, and prior to Mercury Filmworks in 2007, St. Pierre worked as an independent entertainment lawyer and producer.

Head of Studio Jefferson Allen, charged with overseeing the Ottawa studio’s production pipeline, is promoted to Vice President, Studio Operations, expanding his areas of responsibility to include oversight of all general production and studio operations, reporting to Eland. One of the original group of artists hired in Mercury Filmworks’ Vancouver studio in 1998, Allen rose through the studio ranks through artistic and technical positions before being named Head of Studio in 2015.

Supervising Producer Chantal Ling rises to the newly created role of Vice President, Original Series and Co-Productions, tasked with collaborating with broadcasters and partners on the development, financing, and production of series and co-productions, as well as supporting the management team at Lighthouse Studios. She will collaborate with Mercury Filmworks’ Head of Development Travis Williams, Chief Creative Officer Jerry Popowich, and Eland, to whom she will report. Ling, who joined Mercury Filmworks in 2012 from a post as EVP of Amberwood Entertainment, will continue to leverage her extensive professional network and nearly two decades of experience (which earned her five Gemini Award nominations and a Gemini Award for Best Direction in an Animated Series) to create critically-acclaimed series for both Mercury Filmworks and it’s co-production partners.

Joining the team at Mercury Filmworks, Tara Pollock comes on board in the newly created role of Studio Manager. Reporting to newly appointed VP of Studio Operations Jefferson Allen, Pollock will also work closely with Chief Creative Officer Jerry Popowich, who continues to oversee studio culture and talent development activities. Pollock brings a wealth of human resource management experience to her new position, and will be charged with managing artist recruitment, onboarding, benefits, sponsorship, events, and ongoing employee training and development activities.

Mercury Filmworks

September 28, 2017
Trailer: ‘Star Wars Forces of Destiny’ Specials Ready to Blast Off

New tales from a galaxy far, far away are ready to take off on screens, with the debut of two half-hour Star Wars Forces of Destiny specials coming to Disney Channel and the Disney Channel App. Part one debuts this Sunday, October 1 at 8 p.m ET/PT, with the second arriving Sunday, Oct. 29 at 8 p.m. With a focus on powerful female characters, these animated adventures show how moments big and small shape the fates of these beloved Star Wars heroes.

Featuring eight brand-new installments, the specials are compilations of the popular animated shorts featuring Rey, Jyn Erso, Sabine Wren, Princess Leia, Ahsoka Tano and Padmé Amidala. New adventures will other popular characters including Han Solo, Hera Syndulla, Finn, Maz Kanata and many others into the Forces of Destiny fold. Talent from the Star Wars films and animated TV series reprising their roles include Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Lupita Nyong’o, Felicity Jones, Tiya Sircar, Ashley Eckstein, Vanessa Marshall, Catherine Taber and Matt Lanter.

The eight new shorts will roll out on Disney’s YouTube channel following the broadcast and app premieres of the specials, joining the first batch. Fans can also keep their eyes and wallets open for continued global product extensions such as Hasbro’s “Adventure Figures” and role-play items, apparel exclusives at Target, and books and comics from Disney Publishing.

Star Wars: Forces of Destiny

September 28, 2017
Reallusion & Faceware Deliver Realtime Facial MoCap Animation

Following the announcement at SIGGRAPH, Reallusion and Faceware Technologies are giving artist a new way to achieve professional quality facial capture that speeds up production time and character animation, with iClone 7 and Faceware Realtime for iClone.

This collaboration opens up new avenues for independent creators and studios of all sizes which can now access facial mo-cap tools that are fast, accurate and markerless — via webcam. The live or recorded performances can drive natural human facial expressions and head movements on animated characters, translating Faceware’s 42-point Face ID tracking to iClone 7’s current total of 60 Facial Morphs.

“Faces are one of the hardest parts of the human body to animate, but with iClone 7 and Faceware Realtime for iClone, the process is now drastically easier for iClone users and those just getting started in the profession,” said Peter Busch, VP of business development at Faceware Technologies. “The package is packed with powerful, yet intuitive, features that will enable animators at every level to produce some really great facial animation. We can’t wait to see what iClone users create!”

Available for PC, the solution is fast to set up with a simple one-click technology training and the ability to adjust on-the-fly for best results. It also has optional live audio recording during capture sessions, which can be used to generate lip synch data and in turn blended with the motion capture. And users get instant, dynamic feedback through tracking data meters.

Other key features include:

Custom Capture Profiles

– Default 60-morph capture profiles are optimized for StaticCam and HeadCam.

– Define expression style with morph sliders and save it as a Custom Capture Profile.

Feature-based Facial Strength Filters

– Globally or separately control the signal input strength for brows, eyelids, eyeballs, mouth, jaw, cheek, and head rotation.

– Easily capture stylized characters with proper strength settings for toning down or exaggerating features.

Optional Mocap Mouth Blend with Audio Lipsync Viseme

– Audio to Lipsync Analysis gives another level of lips and tongue accuracy, and allows detailed Viseme editing.

– With the options to choose the blend ratio between facial mocap and audio lipsync, and achieve the optimal result.

Refinement and Face Key Timeline Editing

– Edit face capture performances in post with the iClone facial timeline.

– Access the motion clip track to edit & offset with face keys.

– Expression Intensity control through slider bars.

FBX Character & Animation Export

– Import and take your characters with facial captured animation to any game-engine or 3D application via 3DXchange Pipeline.

– The exported FBX characters keep full facial blend shapes, and their animation data in time sequence. You can re-edit them in other 3D tools for further possibilities.

– Supports industry standard 3D character systems with the largest available face-rig ready character library and creation engine.

The Windows-compatible Suite is available now for $999 USD (list price: $1,198), which includes the iClone Facial Mocap Plug-in for Faceware ($599) and Faceware Realtime for iClone ($599). A free 30-day trial is available through the website.

Learn more here.

Faceware

Faceware

September 28, 2017
10th Ave Has Its Head in the ‘Cloud Club’

Canadian studio 10th Ave Productions has teamed up with Maggie Moreno Studios, scriptwriter Marie Beardmore, and David Wollos/ThinkTank Emporium for a new, unique animated series concept: Cloud Club. Together with ThinkTank, 10th Ave will be shopping the transmedia action-adventure property at the upcoming Cartoon Connection (Quebec), MIP Junior and MIPCOM (Cannes) markets.

“We are very excited to be working with Nancy Florence Savard and 10th Ave, whose work we have admired,” said Moreno. “All of us are very confident that we are bringing a unique concept to the market that will be embraced by a number of forward thinking companies that want to share in our adventure.”

Cloud Club centers on three young heroes on their funny and frenetic adventures behind the Cyber Curtain, in a fantastical place where the digital Cloud world of our gadgets and the real world collide. Viewers are guided through this visually rich, technology-driven new universe by recent Cloud Academy graduates Pi, Byte and Nano on a journey of discovery, danger, mystery and computer chaos.

The property is based on an original concept by Argentina-based artist/designer Maggie Moreno, co-created by Paris-based scriptwriter Marie Beardmore. “Technology is a ubiquitous part of our audiences lives and 10th Ave is excited to lead the creative team in developing a property that embraces leading edge advances in all areas, including television, gaming and online,” commented Nancy Florence Savard, 10th Ave Productions’ President and founder.

Cloud Club

September 28, 2017
Netflix Greenlights ‘True and the Rainbow Kingdom’ Season 3

Netflix has given third season greenlight for its colorful problem-solving kids’ animated adventure True and the Rainbow Kingdom, produced by Guru Studio in collaboration with Pharrell Williams’ i am OTHER, artist collective FriendsWithYou, and Home Plate Entertainment. The 10 x 22-min. Season 3 will debut in 2019.

“We are thrilled with the show’s incredible launch earlier this year and the audience continues to grow,” says Mary Bredin, EVP of Content & Strategy at Guru Studio. “Netflix has been a wonderful partner in bringing such a creative and imaginative series to life, and we look forward to continuing to build the True brand.”

True and the Rainbow Kingdom follows 8-year-old True and her best friend, Bartleby the cat, as they work to solve the problems of the whimsical citizens of the Rainbow Kingdom. Season 3 will offer up more delightful adventures and a new line-up of “Wishes” who help True save the day with imagination, mindfulness, reasoning and empathy.

True and the Rainbow Kingdom

September 28, 2017
Mikros and MPC Join Advertising Forces in Paris

Commercial VFX companies MPC and Mikros will be integrating their Paris operations, uniting their internationally respected brands into a one-stop creative and production services shop for the French advertising market. Per the agreement, MPC Advertising’s local team will relocate to Mikros’ studio in Hauteville next month, forming Mikros-MPC Advertising.

Providing advertisers in Paris with access to top creative talent and cutting edge technologies under one roof, Mikros-MPC Advertising will form part of the global network of MPC Advertising studios. This will also allow French clients to leverage MPC’s creative and production talent worldwide. The team will be led by Julien Meesters.

“The advertising community has always demanded the most innovative application of creative technology. By joining forces, we are able to offer advertisers in Paris access to an unprecedented mix of sophisticated talent and technology from two of the most iconic studios in the industry,” said Meesters.

Mikros-MPC Advertising

September 28, 2017
Zodiak Kids to Monkey Around with ‘Tee & Mo’ at MIP

Zodiak Kids has take on TV distribution rights for the new animated preschool series Tee & Mo (50 x 7 min.), and will be showcasing the property at MIPCOM. The charming 2D adventures follow three-year-old monkey Tee and first-time super-mom Mo as they navigate their lives together and learn what it takes to be a son and a mum.

“An innovative program such as Tee & Mo really strengthens our preschool catalogue. Designed for children and their caregivers, the combination of digital and linear elements makes it accessible for all audiences,” commented Julia Rowlands, VP of Sales, Acquisitions & Co-Productions for Zodiak Kids. “We look forward to introducing international audiences to this heartwarming and educational duo.”

Tee & Mo has been commissioned by CBeebies, TVO and Knowledge from BAFTA-winning UK production company Plug-in Media. The show is being produced in partnership with Canada’s Radical Sheep Productions, a division of Boat Rocker Studios, for broadcast in 2018. The property has already inspired successful online extensions for CBeebies, including games, shorts and music videos which have racked up more than 9 million views and two BAFTA nominations, plus a Prix Jeunesse for Best Interstitials.

Synopsis: Tee and Mo live in a treehouse in the heart of the jungle. Tee’s a whirlwind of energy and ideas, every new day is an opportunity for fun, adventure and learning, often in the company of his favourite toy, Action Ape. His mum, Mo, is inventive and artistic, and loves nothing more than helping Tee overcome problems by using creative and unexpected solutions.

From their morning wake-up to their bedtime story, Tee and Mo adore each other’s company. That’s not to say they always get on, but they always overcome any differences by working together in an atmosphere of love and understanding. Their jungle friends include Lily the boisterous tiger, Tomo the flying squirrel, Mo’s friend Heidi the hippo, and the crotchety warthog Mr. Og, who as well as living next door, also owns the local shop.

Tee & Mo

September 28, 2017
VIZ Brings ‘Zelda’ Mangaka, ‘JoJo’ Pose-Off & More to NYCC

VIZ Media is gearing up for the next big pop-culture confab on its calendar, with fun events, activities and exclusives slated for New York Comic Con 2017, Oct. 5-8 at the Javits Convention Center in Manhattan. VIZ will be based at booth #1336 during the con, which will play host to the latest and greatest in comics, graphic novels, animation, videogames, toys and collectibles, movies, TV and more (NewYorkComicCon.com).

The big news this year is that VIZ Media will welcome the creative team behind The Legend of Zelda manga series, Akira Himekawa (A. Honda and S. Nagano), as NYCC Guests of Honor, in their first East Coast professional appearance. The duo will take part in several panel discussions and autograph sessions throughout the convention.

VIZ NYCC panels and special events include:

Thurs., Oct. 5, 4-5 p.m. VIZ Media Panel with Special Guests (Rm. 1A06): Exciting announcements, exclusive first looks at new titles, and prizes! Akira Himekawa will also make a special appearance.

Fri., Oct. 6, 4-5 p.m. The Legend of Zelda Panel (Rm. 1A06): The creators behind the bestselling manga, Akira Himekawa, will discuss their work on the hit series. Fans attending this panel will receive a special collectible.

Sat., Oct. 7, 1:45-2:45 p.m. Shonen Jump Panel (Rm. 1A10): The U.S and Japanese editors of the world’s most popular manga have exciting news to share about what’s in the works!

Akira Himekawa autograph sessions:

NYCC on-site: Oct. 5 at 6 p.m. and Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m.; each limited to 100 people. Attendees will receive an exclusive shikishi art board from VIZ t be autographed. Visit the NYCC Pre-Show Lotteries page for information on ticketing.

Barnes & Noble Tribeca Book Store: Oct. 7 at 1:30 p.m. (97 Warren St.)

Kinokuniya Book Store: Oct. 7 at 8:30 p.m. (1073 Avenue of the Americas) Be among the first 100 people to purchase any The Legend of Zelda manga from the Barnes & Noble Tribeca and Kinokuniya stores that day, and receive a wristband for the autograph session. Signing session attendees may choose to have either their purchased manga or a VIZ Media-supplied shikishi board signed.

Nintendo World Store Rockefeller Center: Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. (10 Rockefeller Plaza) An encore appearance! Event details will be announced shortly by the Nintendo World Store.

VIZ booth activities include:

RWBY In-Booth Signing Session – Celebrate the upcoming release of the RWBY manga and meet Kerry Shawcross, RWBY Director and Co-Writer, and Miles Luna, Head Writer of Animation for Rooster Teeth and voice of Jaune Arc, and get a personalized, signed poster! (Oct. 6 at 5:30pm)

JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE Pose Off – It’s more fun than you can… STAND! Strike a pose with one of our JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure cosplayers and epic, life-sized Jotaro statue, and get a free art card set featuring favorite characters from Stardust Crusaders.

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: TWILIGHT PRINCESS Bag Giveaway – Get a legendary drawstring bag to keep your rupees secure!

TOKYO GHOUL: RE Pin Collection – Stop the Ghoul threat! Visit the VIZ Media booth each day to pick up exclusive Tokyo Ghoul: RE pins, available in three different designs.

Retail highlights:

Exclusive & Limited-Edition – ONE-PUNCH MAN and ONE PIECE Manga Replicas exclusive from Japan ($15 each), JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE Jotaro Kujo Figure ($60), NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Enamel Sliding Pin ($10)

Pre-Street / Pre-Order Items – HELLO KITTY & FRIENDS Coloring Book ($17), TOKYO GHOUL: RE Vol. 1 ($13), TOKYO GHOUL ILLUSTRATIONS: ZAKKI ($25)

Special Bundles / Gifts With Purchase – BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS Manga Vols. 1-2 with exclusive postcard set ($15), THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: TWILIGHT PRINCESS Manga Vols. 1-2 with exclusive gift with purchase poster ($15), Premium WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP Annual Subscription with exclusive WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP Hat and YU-GI- OH! trading Card ($30)

Exclusive NYCC 2017 tote with each purchase. Designs feature Sailor Moon, Shonen Jump’s Boruto and One-Punch Man, and Pokemon.

Akira Himekawa

Tokyo Ghoul Illustrations: Zakki

Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Hello Kitty & Friends coloring book

Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure Jotaro

September 27, 2017
Star-Lord & Groot Out-Sled the Enemy in Marvel Funko Short

Marvel and Funko have re-teamed for a second season of their immensely popular animated shorts. The new batch, comprised of eight new 90-second Marvel Funko adventures, launched Wednesday with Cosmic Sleigh Ride: A snowy game of cat-and-mouse featuring Guardians of the Galaxy heroes Star-Lord and Groot being chased down an icy slope by Taserface — check it out below!

The Marvel Funko shorts series feature feature some of the most popular super heroes (and villains) of the Marvel Universe in their cutely super-deformed forms made popular by the Funko POP! collectible vinyl toys. These include Thor, Loki, Hulk, Black Widow, Doctor Strange, Captain America, Red Skull, Ant-Man, Hulkbuster, Ultron, Spider-Gwen and Venom, to name a few.

Cosmic Sleigh Ride

September 27, 2017
WAC 2017 Brings Films, Panels & Portfolio Reviews to Culver City This Weekend

The World Animation Celebration 2017 festival is just around the corner, with a full two-day schedule of animated short films, informative industry panels, portfolio reviews, speakers, artist demos and more. Presented by Animation Libation Studios and Animation Magazine, WAC will be hosted by Sony Pictures Animation at its Culver City, CA lot this Saturday, Sept. 30 and Sunday, Oct. 1 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

With 150 short films from 40 countries being showcased in the festival, some of the special screening highlights this year are “King of Indie Animation” Bill Plympton’s newest short, Cop Dog, Marv Newland’s Scratchy, and the West Coast Premiere of Dear Basketball — directed and animated by Glen Keane, scored by Oscar-winning composer John Williams and executive produced by sports legend Kobe Bryant as a poetic ode to the game that changed his life. Keane will also participate in a panel discussion with Dear Basketball’s producer Gennie Rim and production designer Max Keane.

The panel schedule also includes in-depth discussions with key creatives from FOX-TV’s American Dad! (supervising director Brent Woods; directors Valerie Fletcher, Jennifer Graves and Rodney Clouden; color supervisor Mickey Rose; producer Kara Valow), Nickelodeon’s The Loud House (creator/EP Chris Savino, art director Amanda Rynda, storyboard artist Jordan Koch, writer Kevin Sullivan, production manager Sean Gantka), Sony Pictures Animation’s The Emoji Movie (production designer Carlos Zaragoza; visual development artists Aurora Jimenez, Lizzie Nichols, Joey Chou, Ernie Rinard and Yuhki Demers).

Attendees can also take in a roundtable reunion of Classic Disney Animators (Mike Cedeno, Kathleen Quaife, Nik Ranieri, Bruce Smith, Jane Baer, Marlon West) and get pro advice from TV animation vets during Art of the Pitch (Nickelodeon producer Mary Harrington, independent producer Rita Street, Adult Swim producer/director Pete Michels). Animation historian Mindy Johnson will also be on-hand to discuss (and sign!) her latest book, Ink & Paint: The Women of Walt Disney’s Animation.

“We have a wonderful networking event scheduled for Saturday night, where everyone can take advantage of the intimate setting to really make important connections and discuss their projects and their careers,” added festival director Michael Bonitatis, who also heads Animation Libation Studios.

“We are very pleased to have the band Slime Kings playing at the event, and there will be lots of great food and wine and beer, thanks to our friends at Whole Foods. Of course, none of this would be possible without the incomparable generosity and hospitality of Olivier Mouroux and the rest of the team at Sony Pictures Animation who are hosting this event at the studio.

Tickets and more information at www.worldanimationcelebration.com.

The World Animation Celebration

September 27, 2017
Jinkies! WB, Boomerang & BoxLunch Plot “Get Animated!” Pop-Up in NYC

Classic cartoon character fans will want to head to the Big Apple next week for a chance to experience tooned up installations and get their hands on distinctive, officially licensed merch celebrating Bugs Bunny, Scooby-Doo, the Flintstones and other faves at Get Animated Invasion. The experiential pop-up event, located in New York’s SoHo neighborhood, is a collaboration between Warner Bros. Consumer Products, SVOD content provider Boomerang and retail partner BoxLunch.

Oh, and there will be food: Local concept eatery Milk & Cream Cereal Bar and global partner Post Consumer Brands will offer specialized ice cream + cereal treats fit for Flintstonian appetites, with signature concoctions inspired by the Bedrock crew.

“We’re excited for fans to experience this new creative way to step into the world of their favorite animated character,” said Pam Lifford, President of WBCP. “The Get Animated Invasion pushes the boundaries of fan engagement, blurring the lines between art, content and commerce.”

Open to the public for one weekend only during New York Comic Con (Oct. 6-8), Get Animated Invasion transports consumers into the wonderful, wacky world of Warner Bros. with interactive and photogenic installations in each cartoon-inspired zone. Featured in the experiential space are Bugs’ Forest, Wile E.’s Cliff, the iconic Warner Bros. Water Tower, a Jetson’s screening room, Scooby-Doo’s Spooky Woods, The Flintstones Bedrock and Tom and Jerry’s house.

Launched in April as a partnership between Turner and WB, Boomerang is the exclusive US streaming destination for the humongous Hanna-Barbera, Looney Tunes and MGM Animation library, and will be captivating visitors with delightful visual and interactive elements throughout the space.

As the exclusive retail partner, civic-minded retailer BoxLunch will offer official WBCP licensed merchandise inspired by favorite animated properties at the pop-up shop, as well as featuring the goodies in-store across 74 US retail locations and via www.boxlunch.com, starting Oct. 2. Designed by brands such as Trunk, Junk Food, New Era, etc., the collection includes apparel, bags and accessories, jewelry, novelty and gifts, and much more.

WBCP continues to encourage fans to “Get Animated” and engage with their favorite characters through unique unique social initiatives, products and immersive experiences. the initiative kicked-off in Summer 2017 with a Get Animated Space Clones program at San Diego Comic-Con with pop-culture collectibles brand Funko. The Get Animated Invasion continues this program with a dedicated display of these Marvin the Martian Funko Dorbz uniquely customized by renowned fashion designers, which will be auctioned off for charity.

Get Animated Invasion will be open noon to 7 p.m., Oct. 6-8. Reserve your timeslot now at www.getanimatedinvasion.com.

Get Animated!

Get Animated!

Get Animated!

Get Animated!

September 27, 2017
‘Phineas and Ferb’ Foil Doofenshmirtz Makes His ‘Milo Murphy’ Debut

The awesome animated worlds of series creators/executive producers Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh will collide over the weekend as fan-favorite Phineas and Ferb villain Dr. Doofenshmirtz drops in on the season one finale of Milo Murphy’s Law this Saturday, September 30 at 8:30 a.m. ET on Disney XD! The special half-hour episode will offer a taste of what fans are in for when the official crossover adventure announced at San Diego Comic-Con debuts next year.

Ol’ Slouchy (voiced by Povenmire) will join the fray in “Fungus Among Us,” in which Milo (“Weird Al” Yankovic), Cavendish and Dakota (Marsh & Povenmire) travel back to 1965, inspire the creation of Dr. Zone, and encounter a sinister plot for world domination. Meanwhile, in the present, Zack (MeKai Curtis) and Melissa (Sabrina Carpenter) find that everyone they know is behaving very strangely, and uncover a dangerous new threat springing up among them…

The highly anticipated crossover, slated for 2018, has been plotted by Povenmire and Marsh since the beginning of Milo Murphy’s Law, with Easter eggs hidden throughout the first season hinting that Milo and co. live in Danville, just a few neighborhoods away from Phineas and Ferb. P&F (voiced by Vincent Martella & Thomas Sangster) are set to appear, as well as Doofenshmirtz and his nemesis Perry the Platypus (“voiced” by Dee Bradley Baker), Candace( Ashley Tisdale), Isabella (Alyson Stoner), Baljeet (Maulik Pancholy) and Buford (Bobby Gaylor).

Milo Murphy’s Law

September 27, 2017
Dazzling Star’s ‘Jing-Ju Cats’ Finds Purr-fect Match in Splash

Having made its Licensing Expo debut earlier this year, Dazzling Star’s award-winning animated series Jing-Ju Cats (also known as Beijing Opera Cats) will be heading to MIP Junior and MIPCOM for the first time with Splash Entertainment. The kids’ entertainment specialist has picked up worldwide audiovisual rights (exc. Asia and Africa) to the 80 x 13-minute series.

“Since the debut of season one in 2016 on Toonmax, Jing-Ju Cats has literally rewritten the record books in China, reaching over 18 percent market share of the Chinese audience and accumulating over 900 million views on the mainstream platform,” said Splash’s President of Distribution, Mevelyn Noriega. “We are delighted to be working with Dazzling Star on such a unique series and look forward to sharing the action-packed adventures filled with comedy, courage and friendship with kids around the world.”

Jing-Ju Cats is a 2D animated comedy series which mixes elements of kung fu and classic Beijing opera into one funny furball. The show takes place in the cat kingdom of Purpetua, which was once a kitty paradise but has been turned into a chaotic, monster-infested land of evil by the Dark Lord An and his mutant cats. The fate of Purpetua rests with a mythical band of heroes, led by Lil Pai, who set out to defeat Dark Lord An and reclaim their homeland.

“Jing-Ju Cats aims to encourage audiences everywhere to develop into kind people with curious minds, compassionate hearts, and courage so they can grow into their authentic selves while finding their place in the world,” added YangGang Du, CEO of Dazzling Star.

Jing-Ju Cats

September 26, 2017
Peilin Chou Upped to CCO of Oriental DreamWorks; 5 Films Announced

Oriental DreamWorks has promoted Peilin Chou to the post of Chief Creative Officer and revealed five new feature film projects in the works. Chou had previously been Head of Creative for Feature Animation since 2015, and will tackle shaping the studio’s overall creative direction on top of overseeing all big-screen projects, based out of Shanghai and New York. The announcements come just weeks after the news broke that Universal may be shopping its 45% stake in the venture.

“We are very excited that Peilin Chou is taking on this role as we expand our slate and commit to bringing audiences worldwide the highest quality in animated entertainment. I know she will make a tremendous contribution to Oriental DreamWorks,” commented Chairman Li Ruigang. “Peilin’s extensive experience in creating successful global content, and her cultural connection and passion for China, make her uniquely qualified to lead the global mission of ODW. As a well-loved industry veteran with deep relationships, Peilin is attracting a wealth of world class talent to our studio, which I know will greatly enrich all of our films and projects.”

The studio — which co-produced the $520 million grossing first Chinese-American animated copro Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016) — is developing a hearty slate. Now on deck:

Everest (Sept. 27, 2019): Previously announced, this production with DreamWorks Animation in the US is a cryptozoological adventure about a Yeti who must reunite with his family. Tim Johnson (Home, Over the Hedge) and Todd Wilderman (Almost Home short, Open Season 2 co-director) helm the picture, which is written by Will Davies (Puss in Boots story, How to Train Your Dragon screenplay). Produced by Suzanne Buirgy.

Over the Moon: A modern retelling of the Chinese myth about the mysterious moon goddess Chang’e, written by live-action vet Audrey Wells (A Dog’s Purpose) and produced by Janet Yang (One Night Surprise).

“Chinatown Project”: An action-comedy infused with supernatural elements, executive produced by Alan Yang (co-creator, Master of None).

The Monkey King: An epic adventure starring the ever popular hero of classic Chinese literature, written by Ron Friedman & Steve Bencich (Open Season, Chicken Little).

Illumikitty: Some very bad kitties get up to no good in this comedy about a bid for feline world domination, written by Jenny Bicks (Rio 2, Sex and the City).

Lucky: The constant push-pull between bad luck and good luck gets reinvented as a buddy comedy with a Chinese superstition spin, written by Rita Hsiao (My Little Pony: The Movie, Toy Story 2, Mulan).

Kung Fu Panda 3

September 26, 2017
SIGGRAPH Asia Marks 10th Anniversary with 2017 Edition

The 10th annual SIGGRAPH Asia computer graphics confab will take place (for the first time) in Bangkok, Thailand from Nov. 27-30, with organizers expecting nearly 7,000 attendees from more than 60 countries to convene on the BITEC expo center. The 2017 show theme is “The Celebration of Life and Technology,” with the aim of showcasing how human experiences help push the boundaries of digital imaging, research, science, art, animation, gaming, interactivity, education and emerging technologies.

“Over a decade, SIGGRAPH Asia has grown from a niche event to one of the largest computer graphics and interactive techniques conference and exhibitions in the region. This year, we are proud to host SIGGRAPH Asia in Bangkok, which is home to one of the region’s fastest growing computer graphics and animation industries. It is a very exciting time to be in an industry that is evolving so quickly, where we are using technology to change the way we experience new things,” said Dr. Surapong Lertsithichai, SIGGRAPH Asia 2017 Conference Chair and Director, Center for Creative Economy Project, Mahidol University, Thailand.

This year’s keynote speakers include Albert Yu-Min Lin, Award Winning National Geographic Explorer, Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer at Planet3 — who will share how he applies an innovative approach to exploration; and Michael Cohen, Director of the Computational Photography Group at Facebook, discussing how the team is incorporating 3D and virtual reality applications into the social media platform.

A gem of the animation programming lineup is a Featured Session on How Real-Time Graphics Helps Pixar Make Feature Films, led by the studio’s Senior Graphics Software Engineers Pol Jeremias-Vila and David G. Yu, who will demonstrate how Pixar applies real-time graphics to its feature animation pipeline.

Returning highlights of the event include the VR Showcase, highlighting immersive AR and VR’s impact on healthcare, entertainment and human engagement; the Emerging Technology program, demonstrating how research on technology from 3D interaction and brain-machine interface can help improve the way we live, work and play; the Symposium on Mobile Graphics and Interactive Applications will explore new opportunities in the global market estimated to reach $35 billion a year. And, of course, the Computer Animation Festival will present the year’s best works from around the world, as well as panels and presentations on CG animation and VFX.

On the exhibition floor, leading companies including Epic Games, FORUM8, FoxRenderfarm, Ritsumeikan University, SOFA Framework, The Khronos Group, Tsinghua – Tencent Joint Lab, Simpitec Co., Ltd, Unity Technologies, VSOChina, Yannix (Thailand) Co., Ltd, and more will demonstrate their latest hardware and software developments.

Details and registration available at https://sa2017.siggraph.org.

SIGGRAPH Asia 2017 Bangkok

September 26, 2017
SOVAS Announces 2017 Voice Arts Awards Nominees

The Society of Voice Arts & Sciences has announced the nominees for its 2017 Annual Voice Arts Awards, celebrating top talent across the voiceover industry. The awards gala will be held November 5 at Lincoln Center’s Fredrick P. Rose Hall in New York City, naming the winners in nearly 100 categories.

“We are thrilled to bring the show to Lincoln Center. This year’s Voice Arts Awards includes many of the top names in entertainment and there is no better venue to showcase their amazing accomplishments in voiceover,” says Emmy Award-winning producer and SOVAS CEO, Rudy Gaskins.

This year’s Icon Award for lifetime achievement will be presented to Bob Bergen (“Porky Pig”) by Lily Tomlin. Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns will receive the second annual Muhammad Ali Voice of Humanity Honor from presenter Keith David (Greenleaf). Ahead of the gala ceremony, animation voiceover legend Nancy Cartwright (“Bart Simpson”) will accept the Backstage Vanguard Award at That’s Voiceover! Career Expo 2017 at the Times Center on November 4, followed by a one-on-one interview conducted by Les Trent (Inside Edition).

The complete list of 2017 nominees is available here.

Society of Voice Arts & Sciences

September 26, 2017
Joan Lambur Forms New Prodco with Sinking Ship Ent.

Respected and established producer Joan Lambur is launching a new production company, Lambur Productions, with Sinking Ship Entertainment (Dino Dana, Annedroids) taking a minority interest. The new company will be based at Sinking Ship’s Toronto headquarters, with Lambur as President continuing to create globally successful children’s and family programming. Suzanne Wilson has been appointed COO, and will be responsible for developing strategy and handling business and financial activities.

“I’ve been closely following the dramatic growth of Sinking Ship for several years,” said Joan Lambur about the partnership. “They continue to impress with their overall creative vision, their ability to resonate with kids and the solid team built by J.J. Johnson, Blair Powers and Matt Bishop.”

Prior to forming Lambur Prod., Lambur was EVP, Family Entertainment for Breakthrough Entertainment, and the Executive Producer for all animation, kids’ live-action and family programming, handling acquisitions and overseeing their creative development and financing. She also managed all licensing and merchandising activities tied to Breakthrough’s TV programming. Before this, she founded Toronto-based kids and family TV development, distribution and brand management company Lambur & Associates.

Lambur was also President of On-Screen Entertainment for The itsy bitsy Entertainment Company, managing its entertainment divisions including TV distribution, TV & film acquisitions, development and pre-sales. As a producer, Lambur’s credits include the award-winning movie trilogy Anne of Green Gables for PBS (US) and Corus (Canada); British co-pro RIDE and buddy comedy Max & Shred, both for Nickelodeon.

“Canada desperately needs new production companies,” says J.J. Johnson, partner at Sinking Ship. “And there’s no one better suited to helm its latest than Joan Lambur, Joan is a producing powerhouse whom we have admired (and competed against) since Sinking Ship’s inception. We are honoured to be a supportive partner in her new venture.”

COO Suzanne Wilson most recently held the post of VP of Family Entertainment at Breakthrough Ent., handling all aspects of the development, financing and production of its animation, kids’ live-action and family programming. Before joining Breakthrough, Wilson handled children’s media acquisitions for Ontario broadcaster TVOKids. She previously worked with Joan Lambur at The itsy bitsy Entertainment Company and Lambur & Associates, and worked with Breakthrough’s Legal & Business Affairs department.

Sinking Ship Entertainment

September 26, 2017
Industry Vets Form VFX Company Kevin

A trio of visual effects and production pros, Tim Davies, Sue Troyan and Darcy Parsons have teamed up to launch a new LA-based VFX commercial company with a friendly shingle: Kevin. The three partners will work from the privately-owned company to nurture the relationships they have built with agencies, directors and up-and-coming talent, as well as cultivate new clients. A temp studio in Venice’s Abbot Kinney neighborhood is fully operational and already in business while a new purpose-built facility completes construction in Culver City.

“Kevin is always there for you! He’s your best mate, and will always have your back. He’s the kind of guy you want to have a beer with whenever he’s in town,” explained Davies, who serves as Executive Creative Director for the new shop. “Kevin knows his stuff and works his ass off to make sure you get what you need and then some!”

“Kevin is a state of mind,” added Troyan, Senior Executive Producer.

Davies and Troyan have worked together over the years to create compelling work at some of the best respected studios in the biz.

As Senior Executive Producer, Troyan has played a key role in the success of companies like The Mill and Method. She brings an in-depth knowledge and a proven ability to source and nurture talent to the new company, as well as a reputation for a collaborative approach to clients which has produced award-winning work.

Executive Creative Director Davies brings 25 years of experience leading talented teams of artists, an extensive knowledge of complex VFX methodologies, meticulous attention to detail and a knack for creative solutions. He has previously worked for Asylum and The Mill as Creative Director and Head of 2D, collaborating with acclaimed directors and agencies. His credits include Cannes Gold Lion and VES Award-winning commercials for clients including HBO, Nike, Old Spice, Levi’s and Porsche.

Owner & Partner Darcy Parsons brings many years of industry experience in both production and VFX to Kevin. She has held many different roles in the course of her successful career, including Line Producer, VFX Producer, Executive Producer, and owner of VFX shop Brewster Parsons.

Visit yourstrulykevin.com for information about Kevin.

(From left) Darcy Parsons, Sue Troyan and Tim Davies

September 26, 2017
Marni Shulman Tapped as SVP & GM for WOW! Unlimited Media

WOW! Unlimited Media has appointed Marni Shulman as Senior Vice President and General Manager, tasked with overseeing the launch of WOW!’s new multiplatform kids and youth brand as well as spearheading the execution of WOW!’s newly minted partnership with Bell Media.

“We are very excited to welcome Marni to the WOW! team. Her programming experience as well as understanding of audiences and content will be huge assets for our upcoming platform initiatives,” said Neil Chakravarti, President & COO.

Shulman’s 20-plus year career has seen her develop and extensive background in all aspects of broadcasting and digital media, including the launch of new cable and SVOD services. She brings a depth of experience in developing cross-platform programming strategies, content acquisition, production, merchandising and distribution to the post.

The new SVP & GM joins WOW! After serving as VP and Head, Content & Programming for Canadian SVOD service shomi. Shulman previous served as VP Content for IFC Canada, Showcase Action and Showcase Diva Networks, as well as Director, Programming for CTV Travel, where, in addition to managing day-to-day operations, she had complete oversight of all content related aspects of the businesses including developing, commissioning and producing hundreds of hours of original content.

“I am thrilled to join the WOW! Unlimited family,” said Shulman. “Combining the unparalleled talents of veteran animated content creators, kids branding pioneers, best in class production experts and next generation digital content trendsetters, this company is poised to create the most innovative, multiplatform ‘kidult’ product offerings.”

WOW! Unlimited Media

September 26, 2017