Finnish animation studio Gigglebug Entertainment. The shop behind hit preschool series Gigglebug, has unveiled its latest original property at Cartoon Forum, Best & Bester. The high-concept, digital-first animation brand comprises a 78 x 7-minute series package paired with an interactive app.
The buddy comedy style series is set in a world where everyone gets to decide what they want to be, where ultra-competitive friends Best and Besteer spend their time debating what is the best thing of all time. The show illustrates for young viewers that, when it comes to matters of taste, there is no wrong or right — and that best buddies can find endless fun in open-minded debate, and even have the courage to change their opinions.
“Our mission is to create positive entertainment which has an impact on shaping kids into balanced human beings,” said Anttu Harlin, CEO & Producer at Gigglebug Ent. “Best & Bester opens kids’ eyes to the endless possibilities that are available to them and celebrates the freedom of opinion through comedy that’s out of this world!”
“Cartoon Forum is the perfect place to bring an original show like Best & Bester. It allows us the room to take greater risks and present something we’re passionate about that’s slightly outrageous and outside-the-box. We’re excited to see how the cartoon world embraces the unpredictable side of Best & Bester, and how kids get involved in comparing and debating their favourite things.”
The studio’s flagship property Gigglebug has proven popular with preschoolers in Finland and abroad, having been commissioned by YLE (Finland) and SRF (Switzerland) and picked up this summer for Channel 5’s Milkshake! In the UK. Gigglebug also consists of three apps (which have been downloaded more than 1 million times and topped preschool chats in 64 countries), three audio books, a music album and live events.
‘Game of Thrones’ Animated History Illustrates the Targaryen Conquest of Westeros
In a bit of an update to the motion-comic style “Histories & Lore” bonus featurettes seen in previous home releases, HBO is including a 45-minute limited animation retelling of Aegon’s Conquest in the Season 7 Blu-ray/DVD release. Just in case you’ve been north of the Wall for the last couple decades and are new to this whole Ice ‘n’ Fire thing.
9 of Rap’s Most Memorable Animated Moments Pitchfork takes us on a lovely little stroll through recent hip-hop/animation history, from Hammerman to Freaknik and beyond.
VIDEO: Unpublished Kurt Vonnegut Story ‘The Drone King’ The Atlantic presents an animated excerpt of the recently discovered 1950s work, wherein an intrepid businessman named Sheldon Quick tries to sell his associate on using bees as inter-office communication.
‘Game of Thrones’ – “The Spoils of War” Iloura VFX Breakdown
For S7E4 of HBO’s hit fantasy-drama, the studio used the crowd pipeline and in-house tools honed to handle the huge datasets required for “Battle of the Bastards” to smash Daenerys’ Dothraki horde into the Lannister army in a fiery fray, complete with extensive set extensions and CG smoke and flame.The team was lead by Iloura VFX Supes Glenn Melenhorst and Josh Simmons, reteaming with show VFX Supe Joe Bauer and VFX Prod Steve Kullback.
Amsterdam’s Cinekid festival for film, TV and digital media has revealed an initial raft of title in its lineup, having previously revealed that the fest will open with Copenhagen Bombay’s Next Door Spy, directed by Karla von Bengtson. The 31st edition is set for Oct. 21-27.
Animated highlights of the feature film lineup — which will comprise 100 titles all together — include a continuation of the kiddie-noir theme explored in the opening night flick, such as Mission Kathmandu: The Adventures of Nelly & Simon (10th Ave Productions); and a winks at horror tropes such as the new French graphic novel adaptation Zombillenium (Maybe Movies) and Joann Sfar’s The Little Vampire (StudioCanal/Autochenille). The festival favorite Roald Dahl adaptation Revolting Rhymes (Magic Light Pictures/Triggerfish) will have its Dutch premiere at the event.
Cinekid will also present various short films ahead of the features, in addition to its usual “Best European Short Animation Film” and “Dutch Shorts” programs.
Young attendees will also have the chance to immerse themselves in incredible worlds in the 1,200 sq. meter MediaLab, packed with interactive installations as well as workshops, masterclasses and games. In the VR game Bitmap Banshees by artists Geoffrey Lillemon & Anita Fontaine, banshee creatures have taken over Amsterdam — players must avoid their attacks by peddling a real stationary bike. In Senseless Fairytale Princess, children can walk around a digital wonderland. Philip Schütte made the interactive installation SUN, in which viewers control the arc of the sun across a large screen with a giant bouncy ball. And with Sensorgan, an interactive organ by FRONT404, the senses are stimulated by dreamlike sounds and colorful lights.
Check out everything Cinekid 2017 has to offer at www.cinekid.com The complete program and ticket sales will go live online on October 5.
Telltale Games — the company behind wildly successful episodic narrative games inspired by The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones and Guardians of the Galaxy — has announced that Pete Hawley is coming on board as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 18. Hawley will work closely with Telltale’s senior leadership team to drive the next stage of its gaming evolution, expand the global footprint and develop new experiences to maximize the company’s reach.
Co-founder and current CEO Dan Connors will move into an advisory role.
“I am a huge fan of all Telltale Games and what they’ve achieved as a company in becoming the leading storytellers in gaming under the leadership of Dan and Kevin [Bruner],” said Hawley. “I look forward to working closely with Telltale Games’ talented team, industry leading IP and partners to drive new ways to bring players together in innovative and exciting game content. Telltale is unique, and I’m thrilled to be a part of its amazing future.”Telltale Games — the company behind wildly successful episodic narrative games inspired by The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones and Guardians of the Galaxy –has announced that Pete Hawley is coming on board as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 18. Hawley will work closely with Telltale’s senior leadership team to drive the next stage of its gaming evolution, expand the global footprint and develop new experiences to maximize the company’s reach.
Co-founder and current CEO Dan Connors will move into an advisory role.
“I am a huge fan of all Telltale Games and what they’ve achieved as a company in becoming the leading storytellers in gaming under the leadership of Dan and Kevin [Bruner],” said Hawley. “I look forward to working closely with Telltale Games’ talented team, industry leading IP and partners to drive new ways to bring players together in innovative and exciting game content. Telltale is unique, and I’m thrilled to be a part of its amazing future.”
Prior to Telltale Games, Hawley served as SVP and GM of Games at Zynga, overseeing new innovative titles and technology investments during their recent turnaround. Before that, he was CEO and Co-founder at AR and Location gaming pioneer Red Robot Labs. Hawley has also held executive roles at social games leader CrowdStar and Electronic Arts. Early in his career he ran production for Lionhead Studios working side by side with Peter Molyneux on innovative and visionary titles like Black & White and Fable.
“Pete Hawley is widely regarded as a forward-looking executive with a strong grasp of where the interactive entertainment business is heading,” said Lionsgate CEO and Telltale board member Jon Feltheimer. “We at Lionsgate look forward to working closely with Pete, John and the rest of the Telltale team. With dynamic new leadership, a strong market position and a AAA roster of top intellectual property, Telltale has an exciting path forward, and the collaborative opportunities for our two content companies are greater than ever.”
Prior to Telltale Games, Hawley served as SVP and GM of Games at Zynga, overseeing new innovative titles and technology investments during their recent turnaround. Before that, he was CEO and Co-founder at AR and Location gaming pioneer Red Robot Labs. Hawley has also held executive roles at social games leader CrowdStar and Electronic Arts. Early in his career he ran production for Lionhead Studios working side by side with Peter Molyneux on innovative and visionary titles like Black & White and Fable.
“Pete Hawley is widely regarded as a forward-looking executive with a strong grasp of where the interactive entertainment business is heading,” said Lionsgate CEO and Telltale board member Jon Feltheimer. “We at Lionsgate look forward to working closely with Pete, John and the rest of the Telltale team. With dynamic new leadership, a strong market position and a AAA roster of top intellectual property, Telltale has an exciting path forward, and the collaborative opportunities for our two content companies are greater than ever.”
DreamWorks veteran Melissa Cobb has been tapped by Netflix to serve as its new Vice President, Kids & Family, overseeing the creation and acquisition of series and films for its young streaming viewers (and their nearest and dearest). Based in Los Angeles, Cobb reports to Chief Content Officer, Ted Sarandos.
“Melissa brings a wealth of experience creating and overseeing series and feature films that resonate with kids and families across the globe. No matter where they live, our members find tremendous enjoyment in our kids and family content, and I couldn’t be happier to have Melissa on board to continue expanding into new and exciting areas,” said Sarandos.
Cobb’s new role puts her in charge of the content team responsible for bringing kids and family content to Netflix members in 190 countries worldwide, with an expanded focus on high-quality series and event programming across the content spectrum, including animation and live-action.
“I’m so excited to begin this next chapter with Netflix. Given the creative freedom offered here and the global audience, there’s a huge opportunity for talented creatives across the industry to create the world’s best kids and family series and features for Netflix,” said Cobb. “My goal for this team is to offer a diverse slate of great, powerful and timeless family entertainment with global appeal, and to be creator and talent friendly, while striving for the highest quality in everything we do.”
Cobb joins Netflix having most recently served as Chief Creative Officer and Head of Studio for Oriental DreamWorks. Based in Shanghai, Cobb oversaw all aspects of running the studio — including creative oversight of all projects, business strategy and production — and secured the greenlight for the studio’s first feature, Everest (2019), with Universal.
Prior to this, Cobb was a producer at DreamWorks Animation, where her credits included the hugely successful and Academy Award-nominated Kung Fu Panda trilogy. She was previously at 20th Century Fox Feature Animation, where she worked to put into production the animated Titan A.E. and the live-action Drew Barrymore hit Ever After; and Walt Disney Pictures, where she was responsible for discovering and developing live-action titles including Blank Check, Steven Sommers’ The Jungle Book, and Man of the House, starring Chevy Chase. Cobb holds an M.B.A. from the Anderson Graduate School of Management at UCLA and a B.S. from Stanford University.
Newly launched full-service post production studio PHD Collective has produced a new live-action/CG hybrid PSA starring flesh-and-blood superstar Jackie Chan and some digitally created pangolins. The spot promotes protection of the odd but lovable endangered mammals, on behalf of international animal advocacy group WildAid and The Nature Conservancy. (PHD has recently completed production on an additional 10 PSAs for WildAid starring CG critters.)
Pangolins, native to Asia and Africa, are threatened by hunting for their meat and the distinctive keratin scales which armor their bodies. Most pangolin species are nocturnal, spending their days curled into a protective ball, and use their keen sense of smell to hunt insects. Unfortunately, they are also the world’s most-trafficked mammal.
“It is crazy that in this day and age people are still eating these wild animals and threatening them with extinction,” said Chan. “I hope we can persuade people that it’s the wrong thing to do.”
In “Jackie Chan – Kung Fu Pangolin,” the actor, producer and martial arts master is seen instructing three little pangolins on some key moves in order to protect themselves from human poachers. The spot was shot in Los Angeles.
To create the CG pangolins, PHD began with photography and basic drawings that gave the characters the realism, personality and movement required for an impactful final product. PHD’s Kevin Donovan created drawings of the pangolins that were first used within a crude animatic in order to roughly determine the length and action of the specific shots that would be required during the live action production. Helena Packer, PHD’s VFX Supervisor, then worked with the animation team to create the comedic kung-fu moves performed by the CG pangolins within the PSA
“We are thrilled that PHD was able to create life-like and expressive pangolins to compliment Jackie Chan’s live action,” commented WildAid co-founder and CEO Peter Knights. “As a result, nearly three million people worldwide have been reached with the important conservation message that when the buying stops, the killing can, too.”
Knights served as executive director/writer for the PSA, with animation & VFX direction by PHD’s Kevin Donovan and Helena Packer (also VFX supervisor). CG artists on the project were CJ Sarachene and Ruh Daly.
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New Chitose Airport Animation Festival 2017 Official Selection
The still young fest has attracted an impressive lineup of films from internationally renowned animators, including Koji Yamamura, Frédérick Tremblay, Phil Mulloy, David OReilly, Renata Gasiorowska, and Job, Joris & Marieke, among others. The fourth edition will be held Nov. 2-5 in the Hokkaido airport.
Gene Siskel Film Center’s Newest Series Features Animation from Across the Globe
Going on now and running through Nov. 28, “Making ‘Em Move: A History of Animation” is giving Chicago movie lovers an excellent 13-title review of seminal films like Lotte Reiniger’s Prince Achmed (1926), Disney’s Pinocchio (1940), Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988), Spirited Away (2001) and Persepolis (2007).
‘Futurama: Worlds of Tomorrow’ Podcast ‘Radiorama’
The old school radio-drama inspired ‘cast from Jam City’s TinyCo, FoxNext and Nerdist is spun off the super-fun mobile game, and created by Matt Groening and the original show crew. (Read more.)
There’s a spooky snap in the air as we draw closer to fall, and one animated treat to look forward to is the October 5 premiere of Crackle and Stoopid Buddy Stoodios’ seasonal special SuperMansion: Drag Me to Halloween. The digital platform and acclaimed studio behind Robot Chicken have offered up an official trailer and poster for the horrifyingly humorous episode.
In Drag Me to Halloween, the League of Freedom partakes in all the fun and adventure of the holiday. Except, it’s Titanium Rex’s (voice of Bryan Cranston) least favorite night of the year — fraught with beautiful ghosts, demonic spirits, evil dentists, and even some unforeseen attractions mixed in. Special guests include comedians Lake Bell (Childrens Hospital) as Millicent and Phil LaMarr (Futurama).
In addition to Cranston, SuperMansion regularly stars Keegan-Michael Key (voice of American Ranger), Jillian Bell (Viking Woman, Clown Girl), Tucker Gilmore (Black Saturn), Zeb Wells (Robobot) and Heidi Gardner (Cooch).
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Some very special guests will be paying a visit to the land of fairytales next week in the Season 2 premiere of Disney Junior’s Goldie & Bear. The episode, “Goldie’s Great Adventure/Tagalong Troll” reunites big screen co-stars Jane Lynch and Michael McKean as Goldilocks’ parents, Mr. and Mrs. Locks — marking a return to the show for McKean and the debut of Lynch’s character. The new season launches Monday, September 18 at 11 a.m. on Disney Channel.
Goldie & Bear is a CG kids’ comedy chronicling the adventures of the fairytale friends, following the infamous porridge incident. In the exclusive clip below, we meet Lynch’s Mrs. Locks, a travelling tradeswoman who has returned to town with a caravan full of items collected for various familiar characters, which she tows behind her fabulous golden three-wheeled scooter/chair
“I was thrilled to participate in this wonderful animated series because of its wild imagination, its sweetness and its heart. I was also delighted to be reunited with my good friend Michael McKean to play Goldie’s lovingly eccentric parents!” said Lynch.
Lynch and McKean have starred together in a number of films, including Christopher Guest’s cult hit indie comedies Best in Show and A Mighty Wind, and Ari Gold’s Adventures in Power.
Following the season debut, three new episodes will premiere on Disney Channel on Sept. 19, 20 and 21 at 11 a.m.
Kids’ entertainment specialist CAKE is partnering with South Africa’s award-winning Triggerfish Animation Studios to co-produce a new animated comedy-action series, Mama K’s Super 4. The two will further develop, finance and produce the 26 x 22 min. 2D project, with CAKE set to lead the international roll-out and distribution.
“We have been admiring Triggerfish’s work for some time now and are delighted to have been invited to join Mama K’s Super 4, a unique and entertaining project, which brings a fresh look and approach to a classic action cartoon format,” commented Tom van Waveren, CAKE’s CEO & Creative Director.
Created by Zambian writer Malenga Mulendema, Mama K’s Super 4 is a humorous homage to the superhero genre, aimed at kids 6-11. The show is set in capital city Lusaka, where four teenage girls with distinct personalities and talents are recruited by former secret agent Mama K to help save the world. Fighting rich and powerful opponents means the Super 4 will have to be smart and resourceful, in a world where taking down the bad guys and turning in your is all in a day’s work.
“Mama K’s Super 4 stood out among hundreds of TV shows that we reviewed during a continent-wide call for animated projects,” says Triggerfish’s Anthony Silverston. “In her pitch, Malenga said that, growing up, she’d never seen herself reflected on screen in an animated show, and with CAKE, we’re glad to have found a bold partner who has embraced her vision for a show centered on four innovative African girls.”
Triggerfish, based in Cape Town, has produced the feature films Adventures in Zambezia (2012) and Khumba (2013), which are among the top 5 highest-grossing South African films of all time. The studio has also animated the Annecy Cristal-winning BBC holiday specials Stick Man (2015) and Revolting Rhymes (2016) with Magic Light Pictures. They are currently wrapping their third BBC special with Magic Light, The Highway Rat.
Fans of Tyler, the Creator and irreverent adult toon comedy have been eagerly awaiting The Jellies!since its announcement this spring. The premiere date is finally drawing nigh, and Adult Swim has released a hilarious, if unnerving, documentary-style promo to celebrate. Scroll down to get to know the Walla Walla, WA of the show’s oddball universe. The Jellies! premieres Sunday, October 22 at 12:15 a.m. E/P.
Be sure to pick up the November issue of Animation Magazine, No. 274, to hear more about the show from Tyler and EP Aaron Augenblick of NYC’s Augenblick Studios.
Synopsis: The Jellies! is a quarter-hour animated series created by Tyler, The Creator and Lionel Boyce, that follows a family of jellyfish, including their 16-year-old human son, Cornell. When Cornell learns that he was adopted at birth, he is shocked by the news and spirals out of control as he tries to “find himself.” The result is he, his family and friends continue to end up in uncanny situations.
The show’s musical score and original composition is created by Tyler, who also lends his voice, along with those of Boyce, Phil LaMarr, Blake Anderson, AJ Johnson, Kevin Michael Richardson, and many more to the show’s great cast of characters. The Jellies! is executive produced by Tyler, Boyce, Kelly Sato Clancy, Aaron Augenblick, Chris Clancy, Lloyd Braun, and Jared Heinke.
To celebrate the upcoming national holiday Cheeseburger Day on September 18, 20th Century Fox Consumer Products is planning a mouthwatering spread of special merchandise inspired by FOX’s hit animated series Bob’s Burgers — which just scored its second Outstanding Animated Program at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards. Season 8 of Bob’s Burgers kicks off Sunday, Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT with a special episode inspired by fan art.
Following up on last year’s Cheeseburger Day festivities, FCP is again teaming with cause-driven pop-culture gift store BoxLunch to showcase this tasty merch, and help provide meals to people in need. A limited edition Tina Funko Pop! Vinyl Figure will be sold exclusively at BoxLunch stores and boxlunch.com starting Sept. 18. The collectible will retail for $12.90, and with each purchase BoxLunch will donate 11 meals through Feeding America — 10 from the sale plus one additional meal donated for every $10 spent at BoxLunch.
The campaign takes place during Feeding America’s Hunger Action Month, which rings attention to the reality of food insecurity in the US and promotes individual involvement in the fight to end hunger.
The Bob’s Burgers menu at BL also includes apparel (Louise “See You in Hell”, Tina “Uhhhhh” and Gene “Indoor” tees; exclusive “dad hat” featuring Tina), bathroom accessories (Louise toothbrush holder, Bob’s Burgers soap dish), and Kuchi Kopi novelties, including soap dispenser and mug.
FCP will be serving up additional licensing partners for Bob’s Burgers in line with Cheeseburger Day. Among the fresh delectables are goodies from Kidrobot: 7″ Gene Beefsquatch Figure (plus kidrobot.com exclusive “THIS IS ME NOW” purple colorway) ($49.99); Bad Tina Belcher art toy ($49.99); Blind Box vinyl minis ($9.99); and 16-piece blind box collection of enamel pins ($5.99). Other highlights are a new limited edition backpack from Sprayground ($65) and a Talking Cheesburger button with 25 hilarious lines from the show (plus 48-page illustrated quote book) from Running Press ($12.95).
J.J. Abrams to Write and Direct ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’
The man behind the lens flare-spangled reboot of Star Trek has signed on to the next installment of Lucasfilm’s iconic franchise, replacing Colin Trevorrow (Jurassic World) as director and set to co-write with Chris Terrio (Argo). Disney has pushed Episode IX’s release date to Dec. 20, 2019, and will instead slot Guy Ritchie’s live-action Aladdin in its previous May 24 window. (Video)
Lesley Will Open Digital Animation Center in Spring, Building with $6.9M Donor Gift
An anonymous donation to the Cambridge, Mass. university will be used to expand its College of Art & Design with 11K sq. ft. of renovated teaching and academic space, including an interdisciplinary animation studio, VFX studio, and digital fabrication studio.
CALL FOR ENTRIES: Stuttgart Festival of Animated Film 2018
The huge Deutschland toon-do is gearing up for its 25th edition! Submit your shorts, student films, kid-targeted shorts & series or features produced after Oct. 2016 by the December 1, 2017 deadline. The ITFS ‘18 is set for April 24-29. Check out the beautiful (and colorfully comical) new trailer!
Venice Film Review: ‘Cinderella the Cat’
Variety lauds the Italian toon feature’s “slick, creative animation and enjoyable tunes.” The hybrid technique flick is co-directed by Alessandro Rak with his collaborators from The Art of Happiness: Ivan Cappiello, Marino Guarnieri and Dario Sansone.
Disney-Pixar’s ‘Coco’ – “Find Your Voice” US Trailer
The new spot for the studio’s Thanksgiving release will help you get to know more about Miguel’s family on both sides of the mortal veil. Directed by Lee Unkrich and co-directed by Adrian Molina (Monsters University story artist), the film features the voices of Gael García Bernal, Anthony Gonzalez, Benjamin Bratt, Renée Victor, Ana Ofelia Murguía, Jaime Camil, Sofía Espinosa, Luis Valdez, Lombardo Boyar, Edward James Olmos, Alanna Ubach, Selene Luna, Alfonso Arau, Herbert Siguenza, Octavio Solis, Gabriel Iglesias, Cheech Marin and Blanca Araceli. (Read more here.) Coco opens Nov. 22 with a new Frozen short.
Academy Award-winning UK studio Aardman is in the midst of auctioning off 28 lots of original and limited edition artworks to support their neighbor, the Bristol Children’s Hospital, in its charity fundraising for The Grand Appeal. Only a few days remain for fans to bid on the pieces — which range from original works by Aardman artists to stop-frame film props. The eBay-hosted auction ends Sunday, September 17.
David Sproxton, Aardman Co-founder and Executive Chairman said: “This is a brilliant opportunity to purchase some extraordinary Aardman artefacts for a cause close to our hearts, The Grand Appeal.”
Among the treasures for the taking are on pieces from Aardman’s stable of talented filmmakers, artists and model makers including Nick Park, Peter Lord and Richard Starzak — such as an original drawing of Morph signed by Lord, a unique artwork by Aardman veteran Andy James which brings together iconic Aardman characters, as well as a selection of framed props from the 2012 hit film The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists (a.k.a. Pirates! Band of Misfits).
All proceeds from the art sale will go towards the charity’s Emergency Department Appeal which will transform Bristol Children’s Hospital’s Emergency Department. The department treats around 40,000 ill and injured babies and children every year, and as the Major Trauma Centre for the South West, has around 800,000 children in its care from Land’s End up to Swindon.
“For over 20 years we have had such a special relationship with Aardman. Not only do we work with the studio’s incredible characters, we’re very lucky that the Aardman team has been so engaged in fundraising throughout this time,” said Nicola Masters, Director of The Grand Appeal. “This auction is a brilliant opportunity to acquire some one-of- a-kind art, while also raising money for sick children and babies across the South West.”
The auction is part of the fundraising effort by the studio to support its cycling team “The Aardriders” as they take part in The Grand Appeal’s “Land’s End to Bristol” ride from Sept. 21-24. The Aardriders are Sproxton, Claire Cohen, Craig Atkinson, Jez Parr, Kitty Clay, Michael Salter, Nathan Sale and Richard Edmunds.
Legend 3D, Inc. — a leading 3D conversion, VFX and VR studio — is expanding into the tooniverse with the establishment of Legend Animation, CEO Aidan Foley announced. The new unit headed by veteran executive and producer Galen Walker (TMNT) will be nested in Legend 3D’s headquarters at its 27K sq. ft., state-of-the-art Columbia Square facility in Hollywood. Walker and his team will report to Will Maurer, VP, Legend VR and Animation.
“The launch of Legend Animation will expand Legend’s offerings in our sweet spot – digital media imaging – and will provide an expanded suite of services for our clients, TV networks, creative agencies and global brands,” said Foley. “Adding capabilities in CGI, 2D and 3D animation is a natural extension to our core competency and will result in efficiencies both pre- and post-production work. In addition, it will enable Legend to participate in new IP that the venture creates. And adding Galen and his talented team of animation veterans to the Legend team provides clients with extraordinary creative talent across multiple media formats and a track record of success.”
Legend Animation is designed as a global studio capable of developing, producing and distributing content to worldwide markets. The team of award-winning creatives and technologists will partner with filmmakers, other studios, creative agencies and brands to craft compelling stories for all a platforms. A robust pipeline connecting a global team of able collaborators will allow the unit to deliver high quality animation for any budget or schedule. Walker and his team will leverage Legend’s relationships to form partnerships on new IP as well as existing properties ripe for animated extension.
A multi-faceted entertainment industry vet, Walker was founder and President of Imagi Studios, where he secured the theatrical feature rights to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Highlander franchises and launched animation production teams for each property in LA, Japan and Hong Kong. He produced the CG-animated TMNT (2007), financed and distributed by Warner Bros. and The Weinstein Co., which opened at #1 in the U.S. and went on to gross $98+ million in theaters and millions in home video. While continuing to control the TMNT film rights with Viacom, Walker also helped set up the animation production platform for the Astroboy movie in 2009.
On the live-action slant, Walker produced the 2014 Turtles’ reboot with Michael Bay and his prodco Platinum Dunes for Paramount, which grossed over $485 million worldwide. Its sequel, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, was released in June 2016, with Paramount anticipating additional films. He co-created and was EP of the primetime game show Take It All with Howie Mandel and NBCUniversal, and has created and developed multiple dramas, alternative content and game show formats for TV and cable.
Walker and the crew are currently producing CG hybrid feature Once Upon a Zodiac with Paramount Studios and Unicorn Studios (Hong Kong/China), and The Book of Mojo with creator Everett Downing and co-pro partner Blueshore Films. Multiple other projects in development and pre-production will now move under the Legend Animation umbrella.
UPDATE: The medal placements were announced Oct. 12, 2017. Story has been updated below.
The Academy has winnowed down the contenders for the 44th Student Academy Awards competition to 17 winners, representing a promising new generation of moviemakers. This year’s contest received a total of 1,587 entries from 267 domestic and 89 international colleges and universities, which were then voted on by a record number of participating Academy members. Notably, 2017 marks the first win for Beijing’s China Central Academy of Fine Arts, in the international animation race.
View the nominees here. The animated winners, alphabetical by film title, are:
Animation (Domestic Film Schools)
Gold: In a Heartbeat, Beth David and Esteban Bravo, Ringling College of Art and Design
Silver: Cradle, Devon Manney, University of Southern California
Bronze: E-delivery, Young Gul Cho, School of Visual Arts
Animation (International Film Schools)
Gold: Life Smartphone, Chenglin Xie, China Central Academy of Fine Arts (China)
The winners will head to LA for a week of industry activities leading up to the awards ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. Student Academy Award-winning films are eligible to compete for 2017 Oscars in the Animated Short Film or Live Action Short Film category, and 2018 Oscars in the Documentary Short Subject category. Past winners have gone on to receive 57 Oscar nominations and have won or shared 11 awards.
The SAA ceremony is free and open to the public, but advance tickets are required — you can get tickets through oscars.org.
Russian studio Wizart has taken advantage of the bustling TIFF market in Toronto to reveal a first look at its upcoming new installment of its popular fairytale adventure franchise, working-titled The Snow Queen: Wonderland. The imagery promises more comical, high-flying hijinks, depicting young heroine Gerda (and her adorable pet weasel, Luta) nonchalantly dangling from a rope ladder on a climb up to a shark-shaped airship!
Synopsis: When a mighty king loses his family because of the Snow Queen, he finds a way to exile all magical creatures from his world to Wonderland. Gerda and the Snow Queen, along with all the wizards and magicians in the realm, must forget their differences and disputes in order to unite to fight for their right to exist, and stop the magic of fairytales from disappearing from everyone’s lives.
Wizart will be premiering The Snow Queen: Wonderland at the American Film Market in November, with the official poster image set to appear on the AFM cover of Animation Magazine. Visit wizartanimation.com for more on The Snow Queen films and Wizart’s other projects.
On Tuesday, the international animated co-produced Krash and Hehe officially launched in Guangzhou, China with a special event attended by high-level guests from both China and Russia, under the gaze of reps from the state-run media orgs SAPPRFT, CCTV, CITVC and producers FUN Union (Hong Kong) and Riki Group (Russia).
An introductory video was debuted and since launched online (in both Chinese and Russian) children’s choir sang the show’s theme song. The guests of honor — Vice Premiere of the PRC Liu Yandong and Russia’s Deputy Prime minister for Social Affairs Olga Golodets — both gave enthusiastic speeches, describing Krash and Hehe as a cultural blend that will help draw the two nations together, especially the children.
“Today, I’m very glad to attend the launch ceremony of one of the most important projects of Sino-Russia Media Exchange Year: the Sino-Russian co-production animation Krash and Hehe,” said Liu Yandong. “This is the first co-production animation made by China and Russia. It will become a new highlight of the communication of children from both our countries, and it will make children from both countries very happy.”
The show’s main characters — Krash the rabbit from Russian series KikoRiki and Chinese cultural icon Hehe the panda — embody the union of the co-producing countries, as they are both established favorites in their respective markets. Krash and Hehe is set in a toy store, where the toys come to life at night and embark on wild and wacky adventures, highlighting themes of friendship and fun.
Krash and Hehe (52 x 11 min.) is a 3D CGI show featuring 2D inserts, co-produced by China Central Television Animation, FUN Union Ltd. and Riki Group. The first season will debut in 2019.
Film and TV producer-distributor MarVista Entertainment has been named the exclusive international distributor for Dream Street — a charming vehicle-themed, BAFTA-nominated preschool series created by producer Nigel Stone, CEO of Platinum Films. MarVista will debut the 65 x 10 min. package for worldwide buyers at next month’s MIP Junior market.
“MarVista is the perfect partner to introduce Dream Street to the global stage. They share our ambition and passion for the property and their reputation for growing successful children’s brands is first class, commented Stone. “We have every confidence that Dream Street will be a huge success internationally, and we are thrilled to be working with them on this exciting preschool show.”
Incorporating core learning principles such as play, friendship, problem solving and social awareness, Dream Street follows the gently paced, narrated adventures of Buddy the Magical Truck, Daisy the Police Car and their toy-box friends as they embrace everyday challenges in a brightly colored world of wonder, games and fantastic gadgets which come to life at “Magic Time.” The series encourages preschoolers in independence, social interaction, respect and empowerment.
Platinum Films has recreated the beloved show with cutting-edge “roto-morphing” techniques to appeal to a new generation of children. Every shot has been recomposited with the addition of 3D animation and special effects to add dynamism and movement, while preserving the show’s emotional warmth and charming look of traditional model animation. Platinum is currently developing a global consumer products program to coincide with the show’s relaunch, and has developed short-form content for digital platforms.
“Dream Street exemplifies innovation in preschool programming, promoting positive core social skills to young viewers while delivering cutting-edge visuals that keep them engaged and entertained,” said Fernando Szew, CEO, MarVista. “From the animation production value to the talent involved in reimagining the series for a new generation, we believe the magical quality and messaging of the series will appeal to both traditional channels and digital platforms and will resonate with young children all over the world.”
Dream Street is filmed at England’s Pinewood Studios and directed by two-time Oscar-winning FX director Brian Johnson (The Empire Strikes Back, Alien). The voice cast is lead by comedian Russ Abbot as the narrator, with Charlotte Bellamy, Chris Jarvis, Dave Benson Phillips and Emma Tate. Dr. Loretta Long — performer, media personality and consultant/speaker on multiculturalism and education — advised on Dream Street.
Pete Denomme, CEO and Executive Producer of Switch VFX & Animation, has confirmed the appointment of entertainment marketing pro Jan Nagel as the company’s local representative for production facilities and studios in the Los Angeles Area. “Expanding the team to include Jan has already reaped rewards” he said. “We needed boots on the ground in LA to ensure Switch, our properties and our capabilities are top of mind. Jan’s connections, expertise and passion made her the right choice for us.”
Branding herself as the “Entertainment Marketing Diva,” Nagel is also a noted speaker, author and educator who has worked extensively with award-winning feature film and television studios, representing animation studios from around the world, as well as animation content creators. She is a founding member and president emeritus of Women in Animation International, an active member of ASIFA-Hollywood and the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, and has been teaching for over 14 years at many universities, including Otis College of Art and Design and Santa Monica College.
“I am honored to be representing Switch Animation,” said Nagel. “With Pete’s vast experience and under his guidance, Switch is an artist-driven Canadian studio whose superior expertise in 2D is in high demand. The work they are currently doing is some of the best I have ever seen.”
Nagel and Denomme will both be on-site at MIPCOM next month. More information on Switch can be found at switchent.com.
