Animation Magazine

Author: Mercedes Milligan

  • Exclusive Clips: New ‘Ready Jet Go!’ Episodes Blast Off in October

    Exclusive Clips: New ‘Ready Jet Go!’ Episodes Blast Off in October

    Next month, two new stellar STEM-inspired animated adventures will debut on PBS KIDS, with fresh episodes of Wind Dancer Films’ Ready Jet Go! premiering Oct. 9 and 19. And we’ve got two charming clips to share with you below, which show the series’ stars testing the silence of space, and enjoying the comforting magic of a mother’s lullaby.

    The upcoming premieres are:

    Oct. 9:
    “Castaway Carrot” – After an afternoon on the Moon, Celery, Jet, and Sunspot discover, as they fly to Earth, that they have mistakenly left Carrot on the Moon! Then the saucer malfunctions and they receive news of a possible solar storm headed their way. In a nail-biter, Jet and Sunspot do a mid-outer space repair job – as per Celery’s instructions – with Carrot comically adapting to the Moon environment. In the end, the saucer is fixed, Carrot is rescued, and the solar storm heads in the opposite direction.

    “Jet Can’t Sleep” – The Propulsions are woken up when a loud thunderstorm hits the neighborhood one evening. They gather in the kitchen as the noisy storm rages on, and Jet is too excited to go back to bed. Carrot, Celery, and Sunspot are sympathetic – they’re in the same boat! During the night, they all learn about Earth storms as compared to storms on other planets. And then they try to get Jet to fall asleep, a seemingly impossible task. They use more and more absurd methods, until Celery has a conventional Earthie solution: sing a lullaby.

    Oct. 19:
    “Not A Sound” – The kids get information from Dr. Rafferty and then travel to outer space to confirm the amazing fact that there is no sound in outer space… even though Jet is convinced he’s heard sounds all over the solar system.

    “Mindy In Space” – After Mindy laments the fact that she’s still only 4 and still can’t go to space with the other kids, Sydney, Jet, Sean, and Sunspot plan a full makeshift, cobbled together ‘Day in Space’ right there in Jet’s yard. Mindy’s day ends on a nearby hilltop where they all watch a real, amazing, actual space event – the Leonid Meteor Showers shooting across the sky!

    Created by Craig Bartlett, (Hey Arnold!, Dinosaur Train), the popular space science show launched in 2016 and has won over kids and family with its blend of action-adventures, music and humor. The CG stories are complemented by segments starring astronomer Dr. Amy Mainzer of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, who consults on Ready Jet Go!’s curriculum.

    Ready Jet Go!
    Ready Jet Go!
    Ready Jet Go!
    Ready Jet Go!
    Ready Jet Go!
    Ready Jet Go!
  • ‘The Deep’ Dives into 4-D Attraction, Simba Toy Line Ahead of Netflix Debut

    ‘The Deep’ Dives into 4-D Attraction, Simba Toy Line Ahead of Netflix Debut

    Things are really churning up for undersea animated adventure series The Deep, with announcements of a new agreement to create a 4-D theatrical experience and the appointment of the show’s official master toy partner, just ahead of the show’s season 2 debut on Netflix US, where all 13 episodes launch this Friday, September 22 (season 1 also currently airs on Universal Kids). Alright, let’s dive in…

    The property’s underlying rights holder Technicolor has inked an agreement with Oscar-winning big-screen attractions innovator SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment to create a new 4-D theatrical event, The Deep: Mystery of the Ancient Amulet. The 12-minute fully immersive 3-D experience will feature new stereo CG animation, original story and special effects such as vibrating seats, water spray, bubbles and more. The experience will arrive at venues such as zoos, theme parks, aquariums, etc. around the world in Spring 2018.

    The story begins when the Nektons — a family of high-tech underwater explorers — get a mysterious amulet from a shady black market dealer, and set out to uncover its secrets. Stolen by The Dark Orca pirates, lost in undersea caverns and finally recovered by the Nektons, the amulet is discovered to have an unbelievable connection to a nearby island. Steven Wendland, VP Animation and Creative Head, Technicolor Creative Development, is the creative lead for Mystery of the Ancient Amulet, serving as director and executive producer. As on the series, Technicolor Animation is providing the animation; Australia’s A Stark Production producing scripts, storyboards and music; and Canada’s DHX Media contributing post-production sound design and sound mix.

    Technicolor also announced it has tapped Simba Toys as master toy licensee for the show, in a deal brokered by licensing agency CPLG (a DHX Media company). Simba will initially release a range of figures, playsets and role-play toys and accessories, before expanding into outdoor, die-cast and radio-controlled vehicles and wheeled toys. The first toys will roll-out at retail in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, UK, and Nordic countries in Q3 2018.

    “The Deep is a top-rated animated series in several countries already and expanding in others rapidly. We are looking forward to developing this exciting property together with Technicolor into a strong global license by creating an exciting and interactive toy range. The key elements of these undersea adventures such as action, cool vehicles, animals, and good versus evil, fit perfectly for the target group of kids 6-9 years,” added Werner Lenzner, Licensing & Strategic Development Manager of the Simba Dickie Group.

    An award-winning series picked up to air in 130 territories, The Deep is based on the Aurealis Award-winning graphic novel series from writer Tom Taylor and illustrator James Brouwer.

    The Deep
    The Deep
  • 20th Century Fox & Locksmith Animation Strike Production Agreement

    20th Century Fox & Locksmith Animation Strike Production Agreement

    Twentieth Century Fox Film and London-based Locksmith Animation have struck a multi-year production partnership, with the first project already greenlit and a planned release schedule of one film every 12 to 18 months. The Locksmith projects will give TCFF a second animated features pipeline, adding to its Blue Sky Studios slate.

    Locksmith Animation was founded in 2014 by Aardman veterans Sarah Smith and Julie Lockhart, who are co-CEOs, with the support of co-founder Elisabeth Murdoch. Under the new deal, Locksmith  will develop and produce feature projects end-to-end in London, providing digital production along with their partners at Double Negative.

    “As we redouble our efforts in the family and animation space, there is no better partner in the world to welcome into our family than Locksmith,” said Stacey Snider, Chairman & CEO of TCFF. “Julie and Sarah are each singular talents, and together with their vast experience and belief in the preeminence of the storyteller, they are building a world class animation studio that is attracting top tier talent to an ambitious slate of projects.”

    Smith and Lockhart added: “We are thrilled by the response of both Stacey and the Fox team to Locksmith’s vision, talent and IP. TCFF has a first-class track record in marketing and distributing animation, and their shared appreciation of our stories make this a truly exciting partnership. Embarking on production of our first film, with more titles in the pipeline, is a great moment for Locksmith.”

    Locksmith Animation last year entered a multi-picture deal with Paramount Pictures, slating a first release for 2020.

    Locksmith Animation
    Locksmith Animation
  • No Bull: New ‘Ferdinand’ Trailer Adds Starpower, Nick Jonas Tune

    No Bull: New ‘Ferdinand’ Trailer Adds Starpower, Nick Jonas Tune

    20th Century Fox and Blue Sky Studios are spreading the message “Don’t judge a bull by its cover” with the release of a new trailer for upcoming animated family feature Ferdinand — in theaters December 15. Announced concurrently with the spot are that additions of American football legend Peyton Manning and multi-Latin Grammy winning Colombian rocker Juanes to the star-studded voice cast, plus, a first taste of the original song “Home” written and performed for the film by Nick Jonas.

    Manning’s character, “Guapo the Bull,” is described as acting like he’s brimming with confidence, but whose brash exterior hides the fact that he’s really a bundle of nerves. With the help of Ferdinand, Guapo learns to overcome his self doubt. Juanes’ human character is briefly shown in the trailer.

    The newcomers join John Cena (Ferdinand), Kate McKinnon, Gina Rodriguez, Daveed Diggs, Gabriel Iglesias, Bobby Cannavale, David Tennant, Anthony Anderson, Flula Borg, Sally Phillips, Boris Kodjoe, Jerrod Carmichael, Raúl Esparza, Karla Martínez and Miguel Ángel Silvestre.

    Directed by Carlos Saldanha (Rio) and inspired by author Munro Leaf and illustrator Robert Lawson’s The Story of Ferdinand, Ferdinand tells the story of a giant bull with a big heart. After being mistaken for a dangerous beast, he is captured and torn from his home. Determined to return to his family, he rallies a misfit team on the ultimate adventure through Spain.

    From the china shop to the bus stop, Ferdinand expands the character roster and story of Munro Leaf’s classic book.
    From the china shop to the bus stop, Ferdinand expands the character roster and story of Munro Leaf’s classic book.
    Music star Juanes has joined the voice cast (character at right)
    Music star Juanes has joined the voice cast (character at right)
    Pop star Nick Jonas wrote the original song “Home” for the film, and will release the track next month.
    Pop star Nick Jonas wrote the original song “Home” for the film, and will release the track next month.
    Former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning voices Guapo the bull
    Former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning voices Guapo the bull
  • DreamWorks Re-Slates ‘Croods 2,’ Dates ‘Spooky Jack’

    DreamWorks Re-Slates ‘Croods 2,’ Dates ‘Spooky Jack’

    Nearly a year after DreamWorks Animation’s then-new owner NBCUniversal axed plans for the sequel, Universal Pictures has announced that The Croods 2 is back on the feature release slate with a release date of Sept. 18, 2020. The studio has also slated the previously announced Spooky Jack for Sept. 17, 2021.

    Originally planned soon after the 2013 release of The Croods (which grossed $587.2 million worldwide), the sequel has re-confirmed the return of original voice stars Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds, Catherine Keener, Cloris Leachman and Clark Duke as the charismatic cave family, with Leslie Mann joining the roster as previously announced. Mann’s animation voice credits include Blue Sky’s Rio movies, DreamWorks’ Mr. Peabody & Sherman and LAIKA’s ParaNorman.

    The Croods 2 had been set for release this year, then was pushed to a 2018 date last year. Shortly after the date shift, it was announced that Kevin and Dan Hagerman (Trollhunters, The LEGO Movie) were tackling a rewrite, right before the project was canceled amid post-acquisition layoffs. The first, Oscar-nominated film’s directors Chris Sanders and Kirk DeMicco were to return to the helm.

    Announced this summer, Spooky Jack is a kid-friendly collaboration with horror vet Jason Blum and his Blumhouse Productions (Get Out). The dark comedy centers on three siblings who move into a new house haunted by all manner of beings. Robert Ben Garant (Night at the Museum, The Pacific Rim) is writing the film, with DreamWorks Animation’s Damon Ross producing and Blum as executive producer.

    The Croods
    The Croods
  • Cartoon Network Introduces New Powerpuff Girl Bliss

    Cartoon Network Introduces New Powerpuff Girl Bliss

    After much teasing and speculation, Cartoon Network finally introduced fans to its official fourth Powerpuff Girl this weekend, with new pint-size hero Bliss making her debut in part one of the five-part The Powerpuff Girls: The Power of Four programming event. (Miss the broadcast premiere? You can catch up on CN’s app through the link in the Tweet below.)

    The long-lost “big sister” to Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup, teenage Bliss returns from a self-imposed exile to help fight crime in Townsville, while she continues to learn to control her ultra super powers — which on top of extraordinary strength and flight include teleportation and telekinesis. Bliss was created by Professor Utonium using a similar sugar & spice recipe to the other girls.

    CN has been busily recruiting local actors and celebrities to voice the character in the multiple regions included in The Power of Four roll-out. Olivia Olson (Marceline in Adventure Time and Vanessa in Phineas and Ferb) voiced the US version, musician Toya Delozy was previously announced as the voice for Africa, and Chinese-Australian YouTube star Wendy Ayche (“Wengie”) has just been revealed as the voice for Australia-New Zealand.

    The Powerpuff Girls: The Power of Four
    The Powerpuff Girls: The Power of Four
  • Daily News Bytes: Kevin McTurk Takes Swing at ‘Haunted Swordsman,’ Turner Joins FupiToons, Toys ‘R’ Us Files Bankruptcy & More

    Daily News Bytes: Kevin McTurk Takes Swing at ‘Haunted Swordsman,’ Turner Joins FupiToons, Toys ‘R’ Us Files Bankruptcy & More

    AAN Partners with Turner for DISCOP Joburg & FupiToons Festival
    The global broadcasting giant will reunite with African Animation Network during the South Africa content confab, and has come aboard the recently announced Made-In-Africa shorts fest. The submission deadline has been pushed to Sept. 22, 2017, with the inaugural edition set for Oct. 26-29 in Johannesburg.

    Toys ‘R’ Us Files for Bankruptcy in US & Canada
    The world’s largest pure-play toy retailer is restructuring its US & Can. operations, filing for Chapter 11 in the States and seeking CCAA protection north of the border. Geoffrey the Giraffe could not be reached for comment.

    CROWDFUND: ‘The Haunted Swordsman’ – A Ghost Story Puppet Film
    WETA veteran and expert hand-crafted filmmaker Kevin McTurk is seeking funds for his next project, which will build on the distinctive techniques honed on his award-winning nod to H.P. Lovecraft and E.A. Poe, The Mill at Calder’s End. Hey, any Kickstarter endorsed by Maurice LaMarche is OK by us!

    NYICFF Presents Kids’ Pop-Up Animation Camp This Week
    New York City school children can get hand-on toon training at the two-day camp this Thursday and Friday, Sept. 21 & 22. Registration for this and other upcoming film programs for K-5 graders available online. Check out the results of previous camps on NYICFF’s Vimeo channel!

    100 Years of Ads: Best Use of Animation
    From Tony the Tiger’s black and white Burnett spots to the cutting-edge CG charms of the Geico Gecko, these Campaign US picks all have one thing in common: They’re GRRR-EAT uses of advertising animation.

    The Haunted Swordsman
    The Haunted Swordsman
  • Tencent Invests in FZ Ent.’s ‘CoNaBLUE’

    Tencent Invests in FZ Ent.’s ‘CoNaBLUE’

    Chinese technology and media giant Tencent has agreed to invest in local producer FZ Entertainment’s original animated series, CoNaBLUE, to the tune of 30% of the project’s total budget. The deal includes cash investment from both companies, plus promotion and distribution over Tencent video and its successful mobile platform.

    Aimed at preschoolers ages 4-6, CoNaBLUE is a CG animated 52 x 13 min. series with an emphasis on exploring, learning about, and protecting nature. The show follows five child characters who take young viewers along on their adventures, introducing audiences to diverse ecosystems around the world with a blend of science concepts and stories designed to develop children’s emotional intelligence.

    CoNaBLUE will launch as a weekly exclusive on Tencent video in the second half of 2018, with the full first season expected to complete production by September 2019. FZ Entertainment will be at MIP Junior next month to introduce the show to international buyers.

    In addition to the production and distribution collaboration, Tencent will help drive CoNaBLUE‘s consumer products efforts through its acquired online retailer JD.com, one of the largest in China. A line of toys and everyday items will be developed to offer to JD’s 200+ million active users, bringing the cute characters and their cool transforming vehicles into real-world play. Plans for a theme park are also under discussion.

    CoNaBLUE
    CoNaBLUE
  • Kino Lorber Snags NorAm Rights to Challenging ‘Tehran Taboo’

    Kino Lorber Snags NorAm Rights to Challenging ‘Tehran Taboo’

    Kino Lorber has picked up rotoscope-animated festival favorite Tehran Taboo for distribution in the US and English-speaking Canada, with plans for a February theatrical release. The adult themed feature is a German/Austrian co-production directed by Iranian-born first time helmer Ali Zoozandeh, who lives in Germany.

    Tehran Taboo had its world premiere during the Cannes Critic’s Week earlier this year, and was part of the official selection at the Annecy animation fest this summer. It will screen at the Vancouver Int’l Film Festival later this month.

    The film unfolds as three strong-willed women and a young musician’s lives intersect in the Iranian capital, caught up in the contradiction between the city’s modern undercurrent of sex, drugs and corruption and the strict prohibitions of dogmatic religious rule. The characters’ search for happiness and freedom in spite of the repressive taboos that surround them have earned the film comparisons to Marjane Satrapi’s Oscar-nominated Persepolis (2007).

    The NorAm deal comes on top of a raft of international pacts struck by Celluloid Dreams in France. Tehran Taboo has been acquired by AZ Films (French-speaking Canada); across Europe by ARP Selection (France), Cirko Films (Hungary), Discovery Film and Video Distribution (Former Yugoslavia), Maywin Media AB (CIS & Baltics), Praesens Film (Switzerland), Seven Films (Greece); and in Asia by Luna Films (Singapore).

    The film is produced by Little Dream Entertainment, co-produced by Coop99 and ORF. Tehran Taboo will open in Germany this November and in Austria via Camino Filmverleih and Filmladen, respectively.

    Tehran Taboo
    Tehran Taboo
  • VIEW Conference to Premiere Making of ‘The Breadwinner’ Presentation

    VIEW Conference to Premiere Making of ‘The Breadwinner’ Presentation

    With the 18th annual edition rapidly approaching, VIEW Conference organizers have announced that the Turin, Italy confab of animation, gaming, VFX, VR and computer graphics will present the first-ever session on “The Making of The Breadwinner.” The 2017 VIEW Conference will take place Oct. 23-27; and the feature film will make its US theatrical debut this fall through GKIDS.

    This presentation for the highly anticipated film joins an impressive lineup of insightful talks, masterclasses, panels and workshops, featuring dozens of in-demand speakers. The full program is available online.

    The Making of The Breadwinner
    Fri., Oct. 27, 10 a.m., Sala Cavour
    A remarkable blend of computer and hand-drawn animation, the film is the work of over a hundred artists across three countries and is based on Deborah Ellis’ acclaimed novel. Directed by Nora Twomey (The Secret of Kells), The Breadwinner tells the extraordinary story of an 11-year- old Afghan girl who disguises herself as a boy, in order to provide for her family. The first-ever presentation of “The Making of The Breadwinner” is presented by the film’s award-winning Technical Director Mark Mullery, who will present a look behind the scenes of the modern 2D animated feature that combines 21st Century technology and age-old hand-drawn techniques. Mullery is Studio Technical Director for Cartoon Saloon. He also serves as Assistant Director on their upcoming feature Wolfwalkers.

    The Breadwinner
    The Breadwinner
  • ASIFA & AEF Select 2017-18 Animation Scholarship Recipients

    ASIFA & AEF Select 2017-18 Animation Scholarship Recipients

    ASIFA-Hollywood and the Animation Educators Forum have selected seven animation students to receive a total of $31,000 in scholarships for the academic year 2017-2018. AEF judges reviewed applications from all over the globe, assessing each student’s passionate personal story in order to determine the recipients of the merit-based awards designed to support college students in their animation studies.

    “We received a total of 78 finalized applications from around the world,” said Dori Littell-Herrick for AEF. “A team of seven judges, all with professional and academic experience, gave careful consideration to each application, reviewing the applicants’ personal goals, proposal for the use of the award, and portfolio of work. Applications were considered based on the student’s upcoming year in school, and then evaluated during three intense rounds of judging.”

    This year’s deserving awardees include stop-motion, traditional and digital animation artists; documentary and short film makers; and academic researchers and authors:

    Amir Arzanian – $5,000; University of Southern California
    Blake Derksen – $5,000; California Institute of the Arts
    Isaiah Malnory-Brown – $3,000; University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
    Rachel Elese Morales – $5,000; Art Center College of Design
    Triet Le – $3,000; Virginia Commonwealth University
    Tzu-Hsin Yang (Cindy Yang) – $5,000; California Institute of the Arts
    Vassilis Kroustallis – $5,000; Department of Audio & Visual Arts, Ionian University

    Each scholar also receives a one-year Associate Membership to ASIFA-Hollywood, the world’s first and foremost professional organization dedicated to promoting the art of animation and celebrating the people who create it.

    Animation Educators Forum
    Animation Educators Forum
  • ‘Kiva Can Do!’ Premiering Internationally on Nick Jr.

    ‘Kiva Can Do!’ Premiering Internationally on Nick Jr.

    Nickelodeon International and Lacey Entertainment will be bringing a new animated children’s series to viewers around the world, as Kiva Can Do! has been licensed for Nick Jr. channels across multiple regions. Formatted as 52 x 11 min. or 26 x 22 min., Kiva Can Do! Features a colorful, multi-textured animation style, produced by Kavaleer Productions in Ireland.

    The Nick Jr. deal covers Benelux, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Greece, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines for both pay and free TV; and the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Scandinavia, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Israel, Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia, India, South Korea, Israel and the Arabic speaking MENA region for pay TV Rights.

    Created by Kavaleer’s CEO Andrew Kavanagh and executive produced by its MD, Gary Timpson, Kiva Can Do! follows seven-year-old Kiva Kain” the world’s greatest kid-inventor. With her mechanically-minded best friend Saul Dunne, intrepid cardboard puppy Angus, and the encouragement of loving grandmother Nanni Praveena, Kiva sets out to assail the slopes of the highest mountains, dive to the bottom of the sea, and explore the furthest reaches of space in a quest for fun and friendship.

    “Kiva Can Do! is a charming series with positive pro-social stories that are characterized by warmth and cheerful fun that reflects the highly imaginative play patterns of children around the world,” said Brian Lacey, President, Lacey Ent. “Kiva is an especially aspirational character helping to encourage constructive personal development. In addition, the very affectionate relationship with grandmother Nanni helps to infuse an important and genuinely authentic trans-generational appeal to the series.”

    The series was previously picked up by Lagardere TV for French-speaking EMEA TV (packaged through London’s Happy Audience). Kiva Can Do! Is funded in part by the Irish Film Board, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, the Section 481 tax credit, and national broadcaster RTE. The show was developed with the assistance of Creative Europe.

    Kiva Can Do!
    Kiva Can Do!
    Kiva Can Do!
    Kiva Can Do!
    Kiva Can Do!
    Kiva Can Do!
    Kiva Can Do!
    Kiva Can Do!
  • Portfolio Packs ‘Little Owls,’ ‘Cyberchase’ Toons for MIP

    Portfolio Packs ‘Little Owls,’ ‘Cyberchase’ Toons for MIP

    Worldwide producer-distributor Portfolio Entertainment will be bringing a refreshed lineup of kids’ content to the MIPCOM market in Cannes next month, including two new animated series: Bubu and the Little Owls and Cyberchase.

    Bubu and the Little Owls (26 x 11 min.) is a colorful preschool series featuring a family of cute owls who face a new nature adventure in each episode and find answers to their questions through inventions, songs and games. Airing soon on Disney Junior Latin America, Portfolio has the international rights for the series outside of Latin America. The concept comes from Uatt? Group’s Up! Content.

    For slightly older audiences, the Emmy-winning PBS KIDS’ series Cyberchase (114 x 30 min.; kids 6-11), produced by THIRTEEN, is a wild ride through cyberspace where the power of math and STEM are put to use in a classic good-versus-evil battle. Portfolio will be taking the newest 20 x 30′ episodes of Cyberchase internationally for the first time (excluding US and Canada), as well as the 72 x 30′ episodes from past seasons that are now available for the first time in HD.

    Portfolio has also picked up a second season of live-action series Do You Know? ahead of MIP. The 15-minute factual program stars YouTube personality Maddie Moate, who helps young viewers understand how everyday things work.

    Bubu and the Little Owls
    Bubu and the Little Owls
  • Daily News Bytes: Emmy Awards Rundown, ‘Minions’ Studio Gets Avere-y Big Boost, Adobe to Introduce VR Editing, & More

    Daily News Bytes: Emmy Awards Rundown, ‘Minions’ Studio Gets Avere-y Big Boost, Adobe to Introduce VR Editing, & More

    Five Wins Each for ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and ‘Big Little Lies’ Put Women at the Forefront of 69th Emmy Awards
    Sunday was a big night for Hulu, which is now the first streaming platform to score the drama award. HBO swept the night with 10 wins, followed by NBC with six. Of course, our favorite categories were already decided at last weekend’s Creative Arts ceremony, which included the Juried Awards.

    Bulgarian Film Wins the Award at the World Festival of Animation Cinema
    The 13th edition of WFAF proved lucky for Nikolay Todorov’s Made in Brachycera, which took the Grand Prize over the weekend in Varna. More on the fest at www.varnafest.org.

    CL Lends Her Voice for Upcoming American Animation’s Soundtrack
    The K-Pop/Hip-Hop star’s new single will feature in My Little Pony: The Movie, marking her first major post-2NE1 activity. CL’s new track drops September 22. The MLP movie (which you can read more about in the November issue of Animation Magazine, No. 274) arrives October 6.

    ‘Despicable Me’ and ‘Minions’ Animation Studio Builds Next Level Infrastructure with Avere Systems and HGST
    A new next-level infrastructure supports the shop’s expanded production pipeline as it ramps up toward a two-flick year in 2020. “We looked at a number of gateway/object-storage systems but no other vendors offered equivalent levels of tested interoperability, direct industry experience and expert support,” said Bruno Mahe, Head of Technology at Illumination Mac Guff.

    Adobe to Introduce 360 VR Editing, Character Animation to CC
    The go-to creative software suite is jumping on the immersive bandwagon and bringing the popular Character Animator program out of beta and into full 1.0 release.

    The Handmaid's Tale producer & star Elisabeth Moss at the 2017 Primetime Emmys [Credit: Reuters]
    The Handmaid’s Tale producer & star Elisabeth Moss at the 2017 Primetime Emmys [Credit: Reuters]
  • Comedy A-Listers Board ‘The Ark and the Aardvark’

    Comedy A-Listers Board ‘The Ark and the Aardvark’

    LA-based Unified Pictures — which has recently released live-action titles Vincent N Roxxy and The Layover — has enlisted a stellar troupe of comedy masters to the voice cast roster for its upcoming animated feature, The Ark and the Aardvark. Now on board are Aubrey Plaza (Ingrid Goes West) as whip-smart Brain the Spider, Jenny Slate (Zootopia) as Mitzy the narcoleptic ostrich, Craig Robinson (Ghosted) as mansplaining bullfrog Clyde, Rob Riggle (21 & 22 Jump Street) as an elephant known as The Todd, and Stephen Merchant (Hello Ladies) as wise old Croc.

    Miles Teller (Whiplash) had previously been announced as the voice of Gilbert the aardvark. Currently in production, the film is being directed by Oscar nominee John Stevenson (Kung Fu Panda, Sherlock Gnomes), who commented:

    “Creating a timeless animated film requires incredible voice talent. It is the bedrock on which great character animation is based. By pairing Aubrey Plaza as ‘Brain’ the spider and Jenny Slate as ‘Mitzy’ the ostrich, I feel we have the makings of a classic comic duo. Adding to the fun we have the baritone bluster of Craig Robinson playing ‘Clyde’ the bullfrog, Rob Riggle’s hilarious banter as ‘The Todd’ the elephant, and the wry humor of Stephen Merchant as a killer crocodile. We already struck gold with Miles Teller and his unique mix of sarcasm and innocence to play our lead character ‘Gilbert,’ the aardvark. We have a great story to tell, and a great cast to bring it to life.”

    The Ark and the Aardvark tells the story of an outcast aardvark named Gilbert who becomes the reluctant leader of a ragtag group of misfit animals that need to be led to the mighty ark before the impending flood. Along their journey, they band together to conquer unforeseen disasters, and ultimately, Gilbert discovers within himself the inner strength and ingenuity to prove that in a world of twos, anybody could be the one…even a lowly aardvark.

    The project is produced by Unified’s Keith Kjarval and Kurt Rauer, and executive produced by Cecil Kramer (Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of The Were-Rabbit). Serving as Executive Producers are Ben Ruffman and Steve Goldstein of Unified, Wayne Godfrey and Robert Jones of The Fyzz, and Kitt Watson of Watson Enterprises.

    WME Global is representing distribution rights.

    The Ark and the Aardvark
    The Ark and the Aardvark
  • Awesome Media, Cloth Cat Team Up for ‘Stomp School’ Adaptation

    Awesome Media, Cloth Cat Team Up for ‘Stomp School’ Adaptation

    London-based Awesome Media & Entertainment — founded by Canadian-born creator/author/screenwriter Jeff Norton — and award-winning Welsh studio Cloth Cat Animation are entering an agreement to co-develop book property Stomp School for television. The deal was brokered by Industry Media.

    Stomp School, published in August by Little Tiger’s Caterpillar Books, is Norton’s debut picture book, and features illustration by Leo Antolini.

    “I’m thrilled that Stomp School has found a nurturing home in Cloth Cat Animation, a creatively-driven company that will bring this eccentric cast of characters to life,” said Norton.

    The unexpected story stars Rikki, a little kaiju (the Japanese word for “giant monster”) who loves to build things …. and who’s in for a few surprises when he arrives for his first day at Stomp School! Inspired by Norton’s own challenges with childcare for his son, Stomp School is ll about having fun and being yourself.

    “When I first saw the book, I found it instantly relatable to my own kids and how they like to build and destroy!” said Adam Bailey, Head of Animation Development at Cloth Cat. “We see so much potential in the colourful and modern style of the illustrations, which builds on the high quality work that Cloth Cat has developed a reputation for.”

    The studio’s Managing Director, Jon Rennie, added: “We’re delighted to work with Jeff to develop Stomp School as an animated series. The book immediately caught our imaginations when Jeff first pitched it to us and we know it will make for a fun, energetic series for both kids and their parents, who have themselves grown up with kaiju stories!”

    Jeff Norton and Jon Rennie
    Jeff Norton and Jon Rennie
    Stomp School
    Stomp School
  • CAKE Inks ‘Angelo Rules’ S4 Deal with Cartoon Network

    CAKE Inks ‘Angelo Rules’ S4 Deal with Cartoon Network

    CAKE and Turner’s Cartoon Network have struck a deal for a fourth season of award-winning animated comedy Angelo Rules, co-produced with top French producer TeamTO. The new 52 x 11 min. season will bow on CN (and other Turner Kids channels in select markets) in EMEA and APAC in 2018.

    “Angelo Rules has broadcast continuously on Cartoon Network since launch and we are thrilled to team up with them once again on the fourth series, which we will be launching internationally at MIPCOM this year,” noted CAKE’s CCO and MD, Ed Galton.

    Aimed at kids ages 6-12, Angelo Rules centers on 11-year-old Angelo, a sweet-talking genius with a knack for getting out of trouble. Season 4 will continue to keep fans guessing with new plot twists, on-trend tech (VR, crowdfunding, Skype, social media, etc.) and new characters bringing a fresh dynamic to Angelo’s gang. S4 brings the series’ total episode to 234.

    Since its successful launch in 2010, Angelo Rules has aired in more than 100 countries and has received a number of industry honors, including the Pulcinella for Best Kids TV Series (2011) and nominations at the Int’l Emmy Kids Awards (2013), BANFF World Media Festival (2011), Trickfilm (2013) and Anima Mundi (2012). The property has stretched to three mobile games for iOS and Android, and several mini games.

    Angelo Rules is a TeamTO/CAKE co-production with TeleTOON+ in collaboration with France Télévisions and Super RTL and is based on the French series of books Comment Faire Enrager, written by Sylvie de Mathuisieulx and illustrated by Sébastien Diologent.

    Angelo Rules
    Angelo Rules
  • Xilam’s ‘Oggy’ and ‘Zig & Sharko’ Set for Russia, CIS

    Xilam’s ‘Oggy’ and ‘Zig & Sharko’ Set for Russia, CIS

    Award-winning French toon producer Xilam has inked a raft of broadcast deals with networks across Russia and CIS for its hit animate properties, Oggy & the Cockroaches and Zig & Sharko. First aired in 1998, Oggy already brings the prankish misadventures of a chubby cat and three irascible insects to 600 million homes in 160 countries. Zig & Sharko, meanwhile, is a 2D comedy about a hungry hyena whose plans to snack on a (theoretically) delicious mermaid named Marina are also foiled by a tough-as-nails shark.

    New licensees for seasons 5, 6 and 7 of Oggy include PLUSPLUS (Ukraine), Kanal 2 (Estonia) and LNK (Lithuania). Season 3 and 4 have also sold to VIAPLAY (Baltics) and MTG Viasat for its TV3 (Latvia). Oggy S3 and S4 had previously sold to PLUSPLUS and Carousel TV (Russia), where it currently airs every weekday.

    Kanal 2 and LNK also picked up season 2 of Zig & Sharko, while VIAPLAY opted for the first two seasons, and TV3 snagged season 1. Carousel currently airs season 2 of the series.

    “Russia and the CIS territories are an important part of our international roll out for Oggy & the Cockroaches and Zig & Sharko for both broadcast and consumer products,” said Morgann Favennec, EVP Development & Global Sales at Xilam. “These latest deals highlight how these properties have both enduring appeal and are poised to win a new generation of fans.”

    Oggy & the Cockroaches
    Oggy & the Cockroaches
  • Exclusive Clip: ‘Brady Bunch’ Stars Move in on Nick’s ‘The Loud House’

    Exclusive Clip: ‘Brady Bunch’ Stars Move in on Nick’s ‘The Loud House’

    In an all-new episode of its hit animated comedy The Loud House, Nickelodeon is reuniting classic TV siblings Barry Williams and Maureen McCormick — Greg and Marcia of The Brady Bunch — as special guest stars. Premiering Monday, September 18 at 5 p.m. E/P, “Future Tense” features Williams and McCormick as the Loud family’s new neighbors, Bumper and Jancey Yates, who are the parents of four super high-achieving kids.

    “I had a great time working with the talented team of writers and producers of The Loud House. A big Nickelodeon thank you for elevating Maureen McCormick from my Brady Bunch TV sister to my cartoon wife!” said Williams.

    McCormick agreed: “Loved working on Nickelodeon’s The Loud House! Fun, fun, fun!”

    In other news related to Chris Savino’s smashing show, a brand-new podcast inspired by the cartoon is also launching Monday: Listen Out Loud, launching on Nick.com, the Nick App, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Echo, and most podcast purveyors. Each 6- to 7-minute episode hands the microphone to one of the 11 Loud siblings, who will give listeners the scoop on what matters to her or him, whether it’s Leni’s tour of the mall, Lori’s re-telling of her first date with Bobby or Lola’s juicy house gossip.

    The ‘cast will debut with six episodes: “Meet the Loud Family,” “Luna Loud,” “Lola Loud,” “Leni Loud,” “Luan Loud” and “Lori Loud.”

    The Loud House
    The Loud House
    Listen Out Loud
    Listen Out Loud
    Maureen McCormick and Barry Williams [Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images]
    Maureen McCormick and Barry Williams [Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images]
  • DQ Taps ‘Jungle Book’ L&M Agents Across the Americas

    DQ Taps ‘Jungle Book’ L&M Agents Across the Americas

    International kids’ animation producer-distributor DQ Entertainment has appointed new licensing agents for its popular property The Jungle Book, which will now be represented by The Licensing Group Ltd. in North America, CPL for Latin America & Mexico, and CIMCA in Central America. Additionally, Sinecast has been appointed promotional partner for The Jungle Book, Peter Pan and Robin Hood in Turkey.

    “The Licensing Group is thrilled to be tapped by DQ Entertainment as the exclusive North America licensing agency for The Jungle Book, a property of extraordinary appeal and quality animation. We look forward to the unique opportunity of expanding the licensing program of this beloved animated television series into a wide variety of children’s categories,” commented Danny Simon, President & CEO of The Licensing Group.

    CPL, which also lists Cartoon Network, Fox, Smurfs and Warner Bros. among its brands, will represent merchandise licensing rights for the show in LatAm and Mexico, complementing broadcast success over Globosat and Televisa. CIMCA, which represents brands such as Angry Birds and Nintendo, will represent all L&m categories for Jungle Book across Central America.

    The first two seasons of DQE’s The Jungle Book were broadcast on Discovery Kids in the US, winning over young viewers and their families. The show now airs in over 160 territories around the globe, and has more than 300 active licensees. Broadcast partners include ZDF (Germany), TF1 (France), Nickelodeon India, ATV (Turkey), JCCTV (22 Arabic nations), Globosat (LatAm), and ABC (Australia) Season 3 is currently in production, with a broadcast debut on Discovery Kids set for early 2018. The brand has further extended with spin offs including Jungle Safari, a half-hour holiday special, and 60-min. DVD movie Rumble in the Jungle.

    DQE has also secured several deals for The Jungle Book in India through agent Viacom India, covering categories such as kids’ apparel, plush, promotions, socks & underwear, bags, publishing and more. The brand was recently picked up by United Biscuits for promo licensing of their McVities line.

    “The Jungle Book continues to be an highly successful brand for us and with the imminent launch of season 3 it is both exciting and perfect time to be going global with new agents,” commented DQE Group’s CEO & Managing Director, Tapaas Chakravarti. “Consumers across the world have fallen in love with Jungle Book brand. We believe that we have found strong and reliable licensing partners with TLG in North America, CPL for Latin America & Mexico and CIMCA in Central America, and we’re thrilled to work with them to bond with fans all across the regions.”

    The Jungle Book
    The Jungle Book