Author: Mercedes Milligan

Aardman Launches Original Comedy Toon Platform AardBoiled

The Academy Award-winning UK studio Aardman has launched a new online outlet for original, offbeat animated comedy creators: AardBoiled. The new YouTube hub builds on the company’s track record of 17 successful YouTube channels for its own IPs, which average more than 25 million monthly views, and gives independent producers a new path to distribute their content internationally with the help of Aardman’s VOD experts.

Sarah Cox, BAFTA award-winner and Executive Creative Director at Aardman, said:

“It is rare and inspiring to see such high quality work direct from the creators without any interference from ‘development executives’. All the good stuff without the edges rounded off.”

Among the first projects available are Weirdy Rhymes — a series originally developed by the late director/animator Terry Brain (The Trap Door, Chicken Run, Shaun the Sheep), directed and produced by son Dave Brain and Michael Percival; Clod, a new series from Rich Webber (Purple & Brown, DC Nations), and original shows and shorts from Dan Bins & Ian Pinder, Dave McKenna, Joe Wood & Ollie Magee, Jane Davies, and Sam Morrison.

“We decided to offer Weirdy Rhymes for distribution on Aardman’s new YouTube channel, because we believe in the Aardman family,” commented Michael Percival. “Terry Brain worked with Aardman for many years and would be proud to have his work represented by them. We’re grateful for this opportunity to show Weirdy Rhymes and wish that as many people as possible will get the same joy from them that we have had putting them together.”

AardBoiled will also bring back some classics, such as Pib & Pog by Peter Peake and Big Jeff by Tom Parkinson. Fans of the studio will also be treated to another side of Aardman with a selection of more offbeat projects and collaborations, with a focus on presenting an array of animation techniques and visual styles.

With 10 producer already on board, the online network team will be actively reaching out to more creators — interested parties can learn how to join the AardBoiled family here.

Clod

Weirdy Rhymes

AardBoiled

September 25, 2017
Genius Brands Debuts Kid Genius Cartoons Plus! on Amazon Channels

Starting Thursday, Sept. 28, Amazon Prime members can add a new premium streaming channel full of family-friendly “Content with a Purpose,” as Genius Brands International launches Kid Genius Cartoons Plus! on Amazon Channels. Audiences can use the new channel to stream full seasons of shows for toddlers, kids and tweens for $3.99 per month, after a 7-day free trial.

“We are excited to announce this new deal with Genius Brands International, which will make Kid Genius Cartoons Plus! the exclusive home for award-winning series that have won the hearts of our customers and their kids,” said Brad Beale, VP of Worldwide Television Acquisition for Amazon. “From our award-winning Amazon Original Series to amazing licensed content developed under the auspices of the legendary family entertainment veteran Margaret Loesch, we’re committed to making Prime Video the best destination for kids and family programming that will both educate and entertain.”

Kid Genius Cartoon Channel’s Exec Chairman Margaret Loesch and SVP of Global Content Distribution & Marketing and President Debra Pierson commented:

“Amazon Channels provides a stellar, commercial-free platform for the specifically curated Kid Genius Cartoons Plus! content that provides positive role models within a safe, friendly and happy environment which stimulates children’s natural curiosity, encourages learning and exploration. Parents, grandparents and caregivers can rest assured that Kid Genius Cartoons Plus! programming is the smart choice, as it entertains as well as enriches the lives of their children.”

Kid Genius Cartoons Plus! features series that support STEM skills, social-emotional development and literacy skills. Offerings from the Genius Brands catalog include Warren Buffett’s Secret Millionaires Club (26 x half-hours plus 26 shorts) created and produced in partnership with Buffett; Baby Genius, Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab, SpacePOP, Stan Lee’s Mighty 7, Martha Stewart’s Martha & Friends and Gisele Bündchen’s Gisele & The Green Team.

The original programming from Genius Brands will be complemented by kids’ favorites Inspector Gadget, Liberty’s Kids, Dino Squad, Eddie is a Yeti, Carl Squared, La Golda and Heads Up, as well as preschool series such as The Day Henry Met, So Smart!, Baby Prodigy, Happy Kids and more.

“We are thrilled to offer a diverse selection of Kid Genius Cartoons Plus! content on Amazon Channels and look forward to building a long and mutually rewarding relationship as we provide enriched content for toddlers through tweens to watch with their parents, which is not available on other family program services,” said Genius Brands International Chairman & CEO Andy Heyward.

Baby Genius

Warren Buffett’s Secret Millionaires Club

September 25, 2017
New Deals for Industrial Bros. & Jim Henson’s ‘Dot.’

The Jim Henson Company has secured several new linear broadcast deals around the world for tech-savvy kids’ animated series Dot. (52 x 11 min.), based on the picture book by Randi Zuckerberg. Produced by Industrial Brothers in association with Henson and Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Dot. has now been licensed by TG4 (Ireland), YLE (Finland), Hop (Israel), ABC (Australia) and EBS Korea.

The new deals come just as the show has made its debut on Disney Channel Japan, and follows recently announced pick-ups by Piwi+ (France) and SVT (Sweden).

“Dot. demonstrates how technology can be used to inspire and enhance everyday kid adventures and discoveries, appealing to both parents and children alike,” commented Ian Lambur, Management Consultant, Global Distribution, The Jim Henson Company. “With our new partners on board, kids around the world will soon be able to share Dot’s enthusiasm to use tech to connect, play, capture moments, tell stories and most importantly, feed their curiosity.”

Aimed at kids 4-7, Dot. follows an inquisitive, exuberant and tech-savvy young girl who loves to explore the outside world with her dog, friends, and any tool or technology that can enhance their play and exploration.

The show currently airs in the US on Universal Kids’ Sprout preschool block, where it’s a top performer; past episodes also stream on Hulu and Sprout online. Dot. also airs on CBC in Canada, Canal Panda (Portugal), Jim Jam (MENA & Benelux) and Israel Education Television.

Dot.

September 25, 2017
Manchester Animation Fest Reveals 2017 Program

The Manchester Animation Festival returns to the city’s HOME venue for the third year in a row November 14-16, 2017, bringing a three-day celebration of the best and brightest the industry has to offer to the northern English metropolis.

“We’re delighted to be able host this year’s festival at HOME and present a reflection and celebration of what has proved to be a very strong year for the animated art form,” said Festival Director Steve Henderson. “We’re looking forward to welcoming delegates in November to our workshops, masterclasses, panel discussions, retrospectives and screenings; there is sure to be something for all animation fans here in Manchester.”

This year’s Fellowship Award will be given to TV writer and producer Josh Weinstein, a veteran of record-setting series The Simpsons who is currently working on Matt Groening’s new show Disenchantment. His credits also include the new Danger Mouse and show-running made-in-Manchester series Strange Hill High. MAF will also present the Industry Excellence Awards, sponsored by sue Terry Voices, for scriptwriting, storyboarding, character design and character animation. And the Short Film Awards will weed out the very best from more than 1,100 submissions from 70 countries, including VR shorts.

Among the film schedule highlights this year are an exclusive run of Nora Twomey’s The Breadwinner (Cartoon Saloon), which will also be the subject of a masterclass by Technical Director Mark Mullery; plus preview screenings of Tehran Taboo, the latest from Don Hertzfeldt and My Entire High School Sinking into the Sea. Ahead of the festival, BBC will present “family day” screenings Sunday, featuring shorts and a preview of Benjamin Renner’s The Big Bad Fox & Other Tales.

Attendees can take in behind-the-scenes tours of Aardman Animation’s upcoming Early Man, with animation director Will Becher, and Loving Vincent. Plus a profile of Blue-Zoo Animation, an AR/VR rundown with Nexus, and a look at how Rumpus brought Victorian adventure Bertram Fiddle to touch screens.

Panels will look at the future of animation in post-Brexit Britain, the works of Ivor Wood and the success of The Twirlywoos, and Factory will discuss bringing Rupert Fawcett’s Off the Leash panels to animated life. Making It in Manchester will present a showcase of local creations, and Altrincham neighbors Mackinnon & Saunders will feature in an exhibition of some of their best known work. Festival goers will also have a chance to test their toon knowledge with a fun quiz presented by Skwigly.

Tickets and passes are on sale now, for more details see www.manchesteranimationfestival.co.uk

The Breadwinner / Tehran Taboo / Loving Vincent

September 25, 2017
Atomic Cartoons Bringing ‘Last Kids on Earth’ to TV

Thunderbird Entertainment announces that its animation studio, Atomic Cartoons (Beat Bugs, Little Charmers, Rocket Monkeys), has optioned the TV adaptation rights to Max Brallier’s New York Times bestselling book series The Last Kids on Earth. The author is on board to write the animated series and executive produce alongside Atomic’s Jennifer McCarron and Matthew Berkowitz.

The book series is created and written by Brallier, with illustrations by Doug Holgate, and follows 13-year-old Jack Sullivan and a band of suburban middle schoolers who live in a decked-out tree house, play video games, gorge themselves on candy, and battle zombies in the aftermath of the monster apocalypse. The comedic adventure blends wisecracking kids, crazy gadgets, and a lifetime supply of zombies and giant-sized monsters — The Last Kids on Earth has been described as Diary of a Wimpy Kid meets The Walking Dead.

The third book arrives this week (Sept. 26) from Penguin Random House imprint Viking.

Brallier is a New York-based author who has created and authored kids’ and adults’ titles including Scholastic’s Eerie Elementary series (as Jack Chabert), Poptropica: Mystery of the Map, Galactic Hot Dogs and Can YOU Survive the Zombie Apocalypse? The former game designer has also penned books for hit properties including LEGO, Adventure Time, Regular Show and Steven Universe.

The Last Kids on Earth

September 25, 2017
‘Maya the Bee’ Phallus Saga Gets a Rise Out of Netizens

Entertainment news watchers were kept busy with unusual headlines the past few days, as the internet was buzzing with reports that an episode of animated children’s series Maya the Bee was pulled from Netflix when an eagle-eyed parent spotted an inappropriate Easter Egg. As Variety reported, Chey Robinson noticed what looks like a drawing of a penis scrawled inside a hollow log, seen in the background as cheerful little Maya unwittingly goes about her business.

Robinson turned to social media to share the clip (which The A.V. Club has preserved):

“Please be mindful of what your kids are watching. I did NOT edit any images whatsoever, this is ‘Maya the Bee,’ Season 1, Episode 35. I know I’m not going crazy and I know that something like this shouldn’t be in a kids’ show whatsoever. I’m extremely disgusted by it, there should be no reason my kids have to see something like this. I don’t know if they’re gonna do something about this or what, but there’s no reasons why this should be in this show.”

Oh, and the episode is titled “King Willy.”

Netflix has since pulled the episode, which has been out in the world spreading the incomprehensible split-second horror of lazily scrawled human anatomy for about five years. If your deviant curiosity is crying out for more hidden (and not so hidden) phalluses in cartoons, Gizmodo put a brief history together.

The producer, Studio 100, which is responsible for many international kids’ hits, has apologized “to everybody who has been offended by it,” telling BBC News that the offending member “obviously results from a very bad joke from one of the 150 artists working on the production.” The company will work on making the episode less exciting.

Maya the Bee

Maya the Bee

September 25, 2017
Trailer: ‘SpongeBob’ Stop-Mo Special Premieres Friday the 13th

Nickelodeon has unwrapped a tasty treat fans, revealing that the previously announced stop-motion animated Halloween special SpongeBob SquarePants: The Legend of Boo-Kini Bottom will make its spooktacular premiere on Friday, October 13 at 7 p.m. ET/PT. The debut date was dropped in our candy buckets along with a new trailer.

In The Legend of Boo-Kini Bottom, the Flying Dutchman (Brian Doyle-Murray) comes to town to make sure everyone is scared — especially SpongeBob, who seems to think that spooky things are actually funny. For the occasion, SpongeBob is costumed as a flower, Patrick as a knight, Sandy as a mad scientist, Mr. Krabs as a dollar bill, Plankton as a devil, Squidward as himself, and Karen as a cat. The special features an original tune, “The Scare Song,” written by Mr. Lawrence with music by Eban Schletter, performed by the Flying Dutchman’s pirate ghost crew.

Harkening back to old-school holiday TV specials, this new scale-raising adventure sees the town of Bikini Bottom decked out for Halloween: Sandy’s treedome becomes a mad scientist’s lab (included remote-operated Acorn Monster); Mr. Krabs’ restaurant becomes a terror tour of Plankton’s culinary torture as “The Horrors of the Chum Bucket”; and Plankton in turn whips up “The Horrors of the Krusty Krab,” which claims to tell the scary truth about Krabby Patties.

Los Angeles-based Screen Novelties produced the animation for The Legend of Boo-Kini Bottom. The final result features 27 unique sets shot across five stages. Fifteen boxes of breakfast cereal were used to texture Bikini Bottom’s coral reefs; eight pounds of glitter were used for SpongeBob’s Halloween pineapple house; hundreds of popsicle sticks were used to make a rollercoaster track, and black lights create an eerie fluorescent glow on puppets and sets. Screen Novelties previously collaborated with Nickelodeon on SpongeBob SquarePants: It’s a SpongeBob Christmas! (2012).

On top of stop-motion puppet animation, The special also features marionette puppeteering, hand puppets and hand-drawn 2D designed by Sally Cruikshank. Marc Ceccarelli and Vincent Waller are co-executive producers on SpongeBob SquarePants. The special was written by Mr. Lawrence, with Brian Morante serving as the storyboard director and Jennie Monica as producer. The special is being directed by Mark Caballero and Seamus Walsh, and produced by Chris Finnegan of Screen Novelties.

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Legend of Boo-Kini Bottom

September 25, 2017
‘Justin Time’ Clocks Major Renewal Orders

Kids’ entertainment leaders Guru Studio and Jetpack Distribution has scored two key broadcast deals for the third series of its global hit preschool show Justin Time, called Justin Time Go! Comprised of 22 x 11 min. episodes and two 22-min. specials, the new title has been snapped up by Germany’s Super RTL and Turner’s Italian preschool channel Cartoonito. The third season is currently airing on Family Channel in Canada following a Netflix exclusive launch.

Mary Bredin, EVP Content at Guru Studio, secured the Super RTL renewal; and the Cartoonito deal was brokered by Dominic Gardiner, CEO of Jetpack Distribution.

“We are thrilled that Justin Time continues to expand internationally with the pickups from Germany and Italy. This exceptionally imaginative series is now airing in over 190 countries and 20 languages around the world,” said Bredin.

Gardiner noted: “Justin’s adventures really capture the imagination of preschoolers enabling them to become part of exciting stories throughout history. It has a universal appeal and we’re pleased to be presenting the third series at MIP.”

Justin Time follows young Justin and his imaginary pals Olive and Squidgy on their journeys to all corners of the world, as Justin’s imagination catapults them into larger-than-life adventures set in different points in history. Whether its racing through the Andes mountains to make an important delivery for an Inca king or diving down for a deep-sea treasure hunt in the Mariana Trench, the series draws on the timeless themes of fun, friendship and adventure.

The series won the Banff Rockie Award for best preschool program last year, and has previously received honors from the Canadian Screen Awards and Shaw Rocket Prize, as well as six Annie nominations and two Emmy nominations.

Justin Time

Justin Time

September 24, 2017
TV PinGuim Opens US Office in Miami

Leading Latin American animation company TV PinGuim has announced last week the opening of a US office in Miami, Florida. The Brazilian toon shop will use this new outpost as the administrative and sales hub for co-productions and worldwide content distribution.

“With two of our series already airing in the US and a growing development slate, it feels like the right time to open a US office,” commented TV PinGuim’s Creative Director, Celia Catunda. “The United States is a key market for us, so it makes sense to have a permanent base there to allow us greater and more effective communication with our key partners and to explore additional projects to be partly produced in the US.”

“Penguin Animation” will align with suitable partners to continue creating, developing and producing world-class brands with international appeal. The Miami base will also offer a facility to provide some of the animation production services for future co-pros.

As part of the northern push, Paul Lamb has been tapped as business development consultant for all future co-productions, partnerships and distribution. Lamb was previously Head of Business and Legal Affairs at Discovery Latin America — including 12 years with Discovery Kids Latin America. He will be based at the Miami office, and will attend MIP Junior and MIPCOM in his new role.

“TV PinGuim is at an exciting point of growth and I am delighted to have joined them to help increase their footprint in the US,” said Lamb. “As TV PinGuim is the leading animation studio in Latin America I am more than happy to introduce their distinctive, creative and unique work to partners in the US and around the world.”

Founded in 1989 by Catunda and Kiko Mistrorigo, TV PinGuim’s diverse animation portfolio includes its hit high-rating series Fishtronaut, which airs in 80 countries; International Emmy nominated scientific pre-school success Earth to Luna!, now in the third season, and the musical animated series Ping and Pong.

Earth to Luna!

September 24, 2017
Portfolio Doffs ‘Cat in the Hat’ & ‘Doki’ for China’s iQiYi

Leading kids’ content producer-distributor Portfolio Entertainment has inked its first-ever deal with China’s iQiYi Kids VOD platform, which will bring 86 half-hours of top preschool toons The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot about That! and DOKI to the service, streaming in Mandarin. Cat in the Hat (60 x 30 min.) and DOKI (26 x 30 min.) both currently air throughout Asia.

Both shows feature engaging, humorous science- and nature-themed adventures. In addition to being dubbed into Mandarin, the shows will be available with English subtitles so kids can add a language-learning dimension to their viewing.

“Mainland China has a very robust digital environment, and millennial parents gravitate to the internet and SVODs specifically for high quality educational content for their kids. iQiYi is the perfect home for these two iconic series.” says Portfolio Ent. Co-Founder and CEO, Joy Rosen.

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot about That!

September 24, 2017
‘Ugly’ and ‘Night Is Short’ Win Grand Prizes at Ottawa

The 2017 Ottawa International Animation Festival wrapped this weekend with the announcement of this year’s Official Competition winners. This year’s festival received 1,992 entries, and selected 105 short films and five features from 85 different countries. The awards ceremony was held at Saint Brigid’s Centre for the Arts.

The Nelvana Grand Prize for Independent Short went to Nikita Diakur’s Ugly, a simulated short film about two beings trying to find peace in a dystopic neighborhood. The Grand Prize for Features went to the surrealist romantic comedy Night Is Short, Walk on Girl, directed by Masaaki Yuasa — the acclaimed Japanese director made OIAF history this year as the first filmmaker to have two nominations in the features category.

This year’s OIAF had three official juries staffed with many award-winning and notable animation filmmakers. The Competition Short Jury featured Janice Nadeau (Canada), Marta Pajek (Poland), and Theodore Ushev (Bulgaria/Canada). The Competition Feature Jury comprised Christophe Gérard (France), Peter Millard (UK), and Elise Simard (Canada). Ottawa-area children between the ages of 8 and 12 judged the Young Audiences: Preschool and Ages 6-12 Competitions. In addition, members of the Canadian media picked the Media prize: Di Golding, Ramin S. Khanjani, and Pat Mullen awarded Matthew Rankin’s experimental NFB short The Tesla World Light.

OIAF 2017 Award Winners:
Nelvana Grand Prize for Independent Short Animation: Ugly
Nikita Diakur (Germany 2017) [TRAILER]
Jury comments: “An apocalyptic and heartwarming vision of deconstructive reality.”

Grand Prize for Best Animated Feature: Night Is Short, Walk on Girl
Masaaki Yuasa (Japan 2017) [TRAILER]
Jury comments: “Masaaki Yuasa’s manic masterpiece is unexpected and delightful from beginning to end.” “This inventive and daring film takes animation storytelling to another level.”

HONORABLE MENTION: Torrey Pines, Clyde Petersen (USA). [TRAILER]
Jury comments: “The film brings a real freshness to the art of paper cut out animation. Without a spoken word, Clyde Petersen gives a vivid and humorous representation of what it was like to question one’s gender identity in the ’90s.”

Cartoon Network Award for Best Narrative Short Animation: Wicked Girl
Ayce Kartal (Turkey 2016) [TRAILER]
Jury comments: “[An] unforgiven ode to resilience.”

Award for Best Non-Narrative Animation: Any Road
Boris Labbé (France 2016) [TRAILER]
Jury comments: “Familiarity versus strangeness.”

Award for Best Student Animation: End of Recording
Lukas Conway, Stefan Jaroszonek & Olivier Sommelet (Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema, Concordia University, 2016)
Jury comments: “[A] disturbing and itching line.”

Award for Best Commissioned Animation: Mark Lotterman “Happy”
Alice Saey (Netherlands, France 2017) [WATCH]
Jury comments: “Hypnotizing choreography.”

Award for Best Animated Film or Series for Young Audiences – Preschool: The Little Bird and the Caterpillar
Lena von Döhren (Switzerland 2017)

HONORABLE MENTIONS: Konigiri-Kun Kitchen Sports Day, Mari Miyazawa (Japan)
Island, Max Mörtl & Robert Löbel (Germany)
The Cloud and the Whale, Alyona Tomilova (Russia) G
George & Paul “Sleepwalking”, Erik Verkerk & Joost van den Bosch

Award for Best Animated Film or Series for Young Audiences – Ages 6-12: Mountain of Sgaana
Christopher Auchter (Canada 2017)

HONORABLE MENTIONS: The Unicorn, Rémi Durin (France, Belgium)
Regular Show “Meet the Seer”, JG Quintel (USA)

Award for Best Script: Manivald
Chintis Lundgren (Canada, Croatia, Estonia; Narrative Short 2017)

Award for Best Design: Spectacle of the Real
Buck Design; Orion Tait, Thomas Schmid & Daniel Oeffinger (USA, Commissioned Animation 2016)

Award for Best Animation Technique: The Tesla World Light
Matthew Rankin (Canada, Narrative Short Animation 2017)

Award for Best Sound: Airport
Michaela Müller (Switzerland, Croatia; Non-narrative Short 2017)

Public Prize: Decorado
Alberto Vazquez (Spain, France; Narrative Short 2017)

Canadian Film Institute Award for Best Canadian Animation: Four Faces of the Moon
Amanda Strong (Canada, Narrative short 2017)
Jury comments: “[A] poetic, passionate, and powerful evocation of Canada’s troubled history.”

HONORABLE MENTIONS: Insect Express, Emily Pelstring (“[an] inventive experimental approach to animating music”)
Hedgehog’s Home, Eva Cvijanovic (“marvelous craft and impressive storytelling”)

Award for Canadian Student Animation Film: End of Recording
Lukas Conway, Stefan Jaroszonek & Olivier Sommelet (Concordia Univ. 2017)

HONORABLE MENTIONS: The Lost Soul, Marie-Josée Doutre (Concordia)
Quarters, Airin Budiman (Sheridan)

Media Prize: The Tesla World Light
Matthew Rankin (Canada, Narrative Short Animation 2017)
Jury comments: “The jury was impressed by the outstanding range of styles and stories among these shorts, but The Tesla World Light stood out with the technical ingenuity, madcap humour, and haunting beauty in Matthew Rankin’s experimental rendition of an obsessed mind.”

Ugly

Night Is Short, Walk on Girl

September 24, 2017
‘Trollhunters’ S2 Recruits Mark Hamill, Lena Headey and David Bradley

Netflix has announced three stellar additions to the voice cast for season two of DreamWorks Trollhunters, from Guillermo del Toro. Accomplished voice actor and Star Wars hero Mark Hamill, Game of Thrones’ Lena Headey (who voices Jeopardy on the new Danger Mouse toon) and veteran thespian David Bradley (also familiar to Thrones fans as The Late Lord Frey) will be joining an already fab cast that includes Kelsey Grammer in his Emmy-winning role as Blinky, Ron Perlman (Bular), Steven Yeun (Steve), Anjelica Huston (Queen Ursurna), Jonathan Hyde (Strickler), Amy Landecker (Barbara) and Charlie Saxton (Toby). The late Anton Yelchin features in the lead as Jim Lake, Jr., having completed recording through season 2.

In the second season, premiering later this year, Jim makes his way into the Darklands by himself, leaving best friends and fellow Trollhunters, Toby and Claire, behind. Hamill voices the unknown older brother to a member of the Trollhunting team, who has pledged his loyalty to the evil Gunmar. Headey plays an extremely powerful and evil sorceress who must be stopped at all costs. And Bradley voices a mysterious figure known to have great magical powers — but the Trollhunters find he’s not the mystical wizard they expected.

Earlier this year, Trollhunters swept the Creative Arts Daytime Emmys with six wins, including writing for an animated program (Marc Guggenheim), directing (Rodrigo Blaas, del Toro), casting (Ania O’Hare, Mary Hidalgo) and voice acting (Grammer).

Trollhunters premiered as a Netflix Original series last September, with the platform’s first-ever 26-episode debut. The 13-ep. second season was announced in February.

The series is created and executive produced by del Toro with Guggenheim, Blaas and Chad Hammes (Dragons: Race to the Edge) and Christina Steinberg (Rise of the Guardians) serving as executive producers. Dan Hageman and Kevin Hageman (The LEGO Movie, LEGO Ninjago) serve as co-executive producers.

Trollhunters

Mark Hamill

Lena Headey

David Bradley

September 21, 2017
Rebecca Campbell Named President of Walt Disney Co. EMEA

Walt Disney International has announced that Rebecca Campbell, President, ABC Owned Television Station Group and ABC Daytime, will take on the role of President, The Walt Disney Company Europe, Middle East and Africa as of January 1, 2018. Current prez Diego Lerner will return to his home in Buenos Aires to take on a new role as part of the Walt Disney International management team, reporting to chairman Andy Bird.

“Rebecca’s ability to manage and lead the many disparate and geographically diverse stations across the US with such incredible success makes her the best choice to lead our efforts in such a complex region,” commented Bird. “Given Rebecca’s leadership role in the ever-changing media and entertainment landscape, she is uniquely positioned for success. Her combination of creative experience, leadership skills and business acumen will be a tremendous asset as we continue to develop new avenues of growth.”

Campbell has been with Disney|ABC Television Group for the last 20 years, and in her current post is responsible for the company’s eight local stations and their digital assets, as well as overseeing ABC National Television Sales and ABC Daytime. With more than three decades of broadcasting experience, Campbell has led local stations in Pennsylvania and New York (including top-rated WABC-TV), and has served as president and GM of WPVI-TV in Philadelphia (the highest-rated station in the metro market).

“I want to thank Andy for giving me this incredible opportunity to lead the talented EMEA team. I couldn’t be more honored,” Campbell said. “Diego’s hard work during the past decade leaves us well prepared for our next wave of growth. I look forward to working with everyone in EMEA to elevate the Disney business, deepen our connection with existing consumers and engage new ones.”

Among the honors Campbell has received during her broadcasting career — both for her leadership and dedication to community service — are the Philadelphia Business Journal “Women of Distinction Award,” Philadelphia Ad Club “Pinnacle Award of Excellent,” Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters “2013 Broadcaster of the Year” and Hall of Fame induction, and The Walt Disney Co. “Executive VoluntEAR of the Year” 2015. Campbell has also been a mentor in the Women in Entertainment program of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles, and received their “Excellence in Mentoring” award in 2016. Campbell is on the board of the Broadcasters Foundation of America, Girls Inc., and serves on the board of directors of Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI). She graduated from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.

Diego Lerner has served as president for Disney EMEA since 2009, overseeing all lines of business for The Walt Disney Company except ESPN and Disneyland Resort Paris. The EMEA business has grown significantly during his tenure, with continuous improvement in customer affinity for its brands in the region’s more than one hundred countries. Prior to his current role, he held a similar position for 10 years in Latin America, where he led the effort to integrate all Disney lines of business under a single operational structure – a first for the company overseas. The vertically integrated model that Lerner developed in Latin America went on to serve as the template for Disney International’s operations in territories around the globe.

“Diego’s contributions to The Walt Disney Company have been transformational and long-lasting,” added Bird. “In addition to successfully helping us expand in key international markets, launching new businesses and developing new programming, he is a trusted advisor and tireless advocate for what makes Disney stand apart: our commitment to creating high-quality family entertainment. While Diego will be returning home to Buenos Aires, he will remain a key part of the WDI management team.”

Disney

September 21, 2017
Trailer: James Corden Leads a Barnyard Bacchanal in SPA’s ‘Peter Rabbit’

Columbia Pictures has dropped the trailer for its modernized, CG animation/live-action hybrid take on the world of Beatrix Potter: Peter Rabbit. Produced in partnership with World of Beatrix Potter property owner Frederick Warne & Co. (part of Penguin Random House UK), the modern reset is directed by Will Gluck (Friends with Benefits) with animation by Aussie shop Animal Logic (The LEGO Movie franchise). The film opens February 9, 2018.

The trailer opens with a sunlit English countryside that author-illustrator-nature scientist Potter would delight in, before taking a whiplash change of course. With James Corden (who recently caused a stir with his post-Emmy PDA) leading the pack as blue-jacketed scamp Peter Rabbit, the trailer introduces a raucous gang of farm animals and forest critters bent on using Mr. McGregor’s (Domhnall Gleeson) home as a party pad.

Peter Rabbit follows the escalating feud between Peter and McGregor — rivals for the affections of animal-loving (human) neighbor Bea (Rose Byrne). The voice cast also features Margot Robbie, Elizabeth Debicki and Daisy Ridley as triplets Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail.

Peter Rabbit

Peter Rabbit

September 21, 2017
Trailer: Things Get Hairy in Wes Anderson’s ‘Isle of Dogs’

Fans of Fantastic Mr. Fox finally get a first look at indie film icon Wes Anderson’s next animation project, Isle of Dogs. From the man-encroaches-on-pastoral-idyll theme of 2009’s Fox, Isle of Dogs jumps off from the complex and ancient interspecies connection between humans and domestic canines. In true Anderson style, these currents help carry a precocious youngster’s epic adventure, rendered in charmingly scruffy stop-motion.

Set for release through Fox Searchlight on March 23, 2018, Isle of Dogs tells the story of Atari Kobayashi, 12-year old ward to the corrupt Mayor Kobayashi. When an Executive Decree banishes all the canine pets of Megasaki City to a massive garbage dump dubbed Trash Island, Atari crosses the river in a miniature plane to search for his canine companion, Spots, helped along by a newly formed pack of four-legged exiles. Atari’s epic journey will decide the fate of the entire Prefecture.

Isle of Dogs

September 21, 2017
Netflix Re-Ups ‘BoJack Horseman’ for Fifth Season

The “clingy execs” at Netflix have earned their keep with the news that Raphael Bob-Waksberg’s award-winning, widely acclaimed BoJack Horseman will return to the streaming service for a fifth season, following the staggering response to the launch of Season 4. earlier this month. The re-up was announced with a succinct social media video.

BoJack Horseman is created by Bob-Waksberg, and designed by Lisa Hanawalt. The voice cast is lead by Will Arnett as BoJack, with Aaron Paul as Todd, Amy Sedaris as Princess Caroline, Alison Brie as Diane, Paul F. Tompkins as Mr. Peanutbutter and Kristen Schaal as Sarah Lynn. The show is a Tornante Co. production with animation by ShadowMachine.

Season Four, per Bob-Waksberg:

Bam boom, BoJack Horseman season four synopsis, here we go. Okay, so this season is full of all the things people love about their favorite depressed talking horse. First of all, you’ve got BoJack himself, who is up to his old tricks. Then you have Princess Carolyn, who is one cool cat. While Princess Carolyn toys with the idea of starting a family, BoJack has family issues of his own. This season, on BoJack Horseman. Meanwhile, Diane and Mr. Peanutbutter have family issues of their own. You might say their marriage is “in a pit,” if you know what I mean (which you won’t, until you watch the season). Meanwhile Todd has issues of his own — as he explores his own evolving sexual identity and also in some episodes doesn’t do that. Oh! And Mr. Peanutbutter’s running for governor now; I forgot to mention that, that’s important. Also, in one episode BoJack wears a new hat! Bet you want to tune in to see that new hat, huh? Okay, I lied, there’s no new hat. I just really want you to watch the new season of BoJack Horseman!

BoJack Horseman

September 21, 2017
‘Wishfart’ Brings Its Magic to CITV UK, MIP Markets

CITV UK acquired national free TV rights for the magical comedy toon Wishfart, created by John Hazlett, Lienne Sawatsky and Dan Williams. The 20 x half-hour / 40 x 11 min. animated series for kids 6-12 is commissioned by Corus Entertainment in Canada and premieres on their English-language network, TELETOON.

Wishfart follows Dez, a teen leprechaun with rookie wish-granting powers who goes on wild escapades with his friends: a ghost girl named Akiko and a puffin called Puffin. Together, they must wrestle with wishes gone fantastically out of control.

“We are thrilled that CITV will be the home of Wishfart in the UK. The tone of this visually outstanding animation combined with great comedy will resonate with British Kids,” commented Darren Nartey, ITV Programme Acquisitions Executive. The show will air Tuesdays at 5 pm on the children’s channel.

Bejuba! Entertainment is the global distributor across all right for Wishfart, and will be shopping the giggle-inducing title at MIPCOM and MIP Junior next month.

“ITV is the first broadcaster outside Teletoon to acquire the series and we’re delighted with their passion for the series”, says Tatiana Kober of Bejuba! “The comedy and the camaraderie of the characters are real and even when things get a little crazy, they’re there for each other, and the laughs. We’re excited to take it to MIPCOM.”

Wishfart

September 20, 2017
Pink Kong Brings Funky Animal Friends of ‘Urban Tails’ to MIP

Dublin’s Pink Kong Studios is bringing a fresh new sound to MIPCOM with its animated music video show Urban Tails, and its star “Mista C-Lion” — a cool seal-ebrity ready to strut his stuff around San Francisco Bay. The 52 x 2 min., 2D-animated series introduces funny and talented animal music artists whose videos make the cut for the Urban Tails Music Chart show, presenting a unique take on “urban wildlife.”

In addition to character-driven comedy, each music video educates viewers about what life is like for the creatures who share our human cities. The strong lyrics and visual style reminiscent of 1990s chart-toppers are designed to engage both children and their nostalgic parents.

“This series is something very unique. It’s funny and visually appealing, while also educating the audience in a stealth like way about cool animals around the globe!” said producer Niamh Herrity of Pink Kong Studios. “We’re heading to MIPCOM with the second sample episode, Mista C-Lion from the city of San Francisco. It’s great to be able to showcase another episode filled with Wild Rhymes, Wild Beats and Wildlife!”

Development funding for the series was secured from the Irish Film Board, and Urban Tails got a strong start as a nominee for Best TV Pilot at Cartoon on the Bay this year with the ‘90s hip-hop inspired “Paws n Claws” episode.

“These seriously catchy tunes will stick in your head for days,” commend Pink Kong’s Creative Director, Aoife Doyel. “Paws n Claws are a Salt ‘N’ Pepa style fox rap duo from Dublin who set the record straight…foxes are clever and not sly — ‘Don’t believe all you read, don’t believe the hype!’ We can’t wait to show what we have in store for Mista C-Lion!”

Urban Tails_INTERNATIONAL from Pink Kong Studios on Vimeo.

Urban Tails

September 20, 2017
‘Mutafukaz,’ ‘Walk on Girl’ Fill Out 1st Animation Is Film Fest Program

Having revealed an impressive initial feature slate and jury a couple weeks ago, Animation Is Film has announced that tickets are now available for its inaugural edition and the full program slate has been revealed — both accessible at www.animationisfilm.com. The first AIF takes place Oct. 20-22 at the TCL Chinese 6 Theater in Hollywood.

In addition to confirming filmmaker Q&As for some of the previously announced titles, AIF has added Fireworks, Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom, and a few more treats for older audiences with Mutafukaz, Tropical Virus and Masaaki Yuasa’s Night Is Short, Walk on Girl to the feature film competition.

Special screenings include the historical Outlandish Lands: Surreal Studio Shorts from the 1930s, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs 80th Anniversary Screening; more recent indie Mind Game by Yuasa and kids’ hit The LEGO Batman Movie (with filmmaker Q&A), plus Disney-Pixar’s The Incredibles with a sneak-peek of Coco (Q&A with producer John Walker). The immersive VR Flicker Lounge open Saturday and Sunday will feature LA premieres of two new Google Spotlight Stories: Jorge Gutierrez’s Son of Jaguar and Scot Stafford & Chromosphere’s Sonaria.

FEATURE FILMS IN COMPETITION:

The Big Bad Fox & Other Tales [US Premiere]

d. Patrick Imbert, Benjamin Renner, France, 2017 | Recommended for ages 8+

Saturday, October 21st at 1:30PM – Followed by Q&A with directors Patrick Imbert and Benjamin Renner.

Big Fish and Begonia [World Premiere for English Language Version]

d. Liang Xua, Zhang Chun, China, 2016 Recommended for ages 8+

Sunday, October 22nd at 11:00AM

Birdboy: The Forgotten Children [West Coast Premiere]

d. Alberto Vázquez, Pedro Rivero, Spain, 2015 | Recommended for ages 14+

Saturday, October 21st at 4:15PM – Followed by Q&A with directors Alberto Vázquez and Pedro Rivero.

The Breadwinner [US Premiere – Opening Night Film]

d. Nora Twomey, Ireland/Canada/Luxembourg, 2017 | Recommended for ages 11+

Friday, October 20th at 7:00PM – Followed by Q&A with director Nora Twomey.

*Fireworks, Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom [North American Premiere – Opening Night Film]

d. Noboyuki Takeuchi, Akiyuki Shinbo, Japan, 2017 | Recommended for ages 8+

Friday, October 20th at 9:30PM

Lu Over the Wall [US Premiere]

d. Masaaki Yuasa, Japan, 2017 | Recommended for ages 8+

Sunday, October 22nd at 2:15PM

Mary and the Witch’s Flower [North American Premiere for English Language Version]

d. Hiromasa Yonebayashi, Japan, 2017 | Recommended for ages 6+

Sunday, October 22nd at 5:15PM – Followed by Q&A with director Hiromasa Yonebayashi.

*Mutafukaz [West Coast Premiere]

d. Guillaume Renard and Shoujirou Nishimi, France/Japan, 2017 | Recommended for ages 17+ Saturday, October 21st at 7:00PM

*Night Is Short, Walk on Girl [US Premiere]

d. Masaaki Yuasa, Japan, 2017 |Recommended for ages 14+

Sunday, October 22nd at 8:00PM

Tehran Taboo [North American Premiere]

d. Ali Soozandeh, Germany, 2017 | Recommended for ages 17+

Sunday, October 22nd at 5:15PM – Followed by Q&A with director Ali Soozandeh.

*Tropical Virus [World Premiere]

d. Santiago Caicedo, Colombia, 2017 Recommended for ages 14+

Saturday, October 21st at 7:00PM – Followed by Q&A with director Santiago Caicedo. Zombillenium [North American Premiere]

d. Arthur de Pins & Alexis Ducord, France, 2017 Recommended for ages 8+

Saturday, October 21st at 4:15PM – Followed by Q&A with director Alexis Ducord.

Animation Is Film is presented by GKIDS, Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Variety and ASIFA-Hollywood.

Mutafukaz

September 20, 2017
Trailer: ‘Skylanders Academy’ Season 2 Takes Flight Oct. 6

Things will get off to a sizzling start with the introduction of a new dragon in season 2 of Activision Blizzard Studios’ Skylanders Academy, launching on Netflix on October 6. Cynder, voiced by Felicia Day, is part of a new class introduced in the popular CG series based on the hit videogame franchise.

Skylanders Academy follows the heroic adventures of Spyro (Justin Long), Eruptor (Jonathan Banks), Stealth Elf (Ashley Tisdale), Jet-Vac (Jonny Rees), Pop Fizz (Bobcat Goldthwait) and their team of young warriors as they travel the vast Skylands universe protecting it from villains, like the enthusiastically evil Kaos (Richard Horvitz of Invader Zim fame). The band of heroes train under the watchful eye of Master Eon (Chris Diamantopoulos) learning how to keep peace and protect their homeland.

Along with a new class of cadets, and newcomers Cynder (Felicia Day) and Sprocket (Grey Griffin), season 2 sees Spyro begins a search for information about his ancestors in order to harness and understand his special powers. Meanwhile, Kaos’ quest to bring evil rule to the Skylands realms accidentally unleashes a villain more powerful than anything Kaos or the Skylander warriors have ever faced.

Skylanders Academy also features the voice talents of Norm Macdonald as Glumshanks, Catherine O’Hara as Kaossandra, Parker Posey as Dreamcatcher and Susan Sarandon as Golden Queen. The series is created by Eric Rogers (writer, Futurama).

Skylanders Academy

September 20, 2017