Author: Mercedes Milligan

Daily News Bytes: ‘Dark Tower’ Featurette, Win for ‘Vincent,’ Chris Sullivan Crowdfunds

VIDEO: ‘The Dark Tower’ – The Legacy of the Gunslinger
Idris Elba discusses playing the bullet-spewing brooder Roland, Matthew McConaughey talks The Man in Black, and author Stephen King tries to prepare us for the big screen debut of his Dark Tower epic in Sony’s new featurette. The quest begins August 4.

Shanghai Film Festival Awards: ‘Pedicab’ Wins Best Film, ‘Loving Vincent’ Takes Animation Honor
The 20th edition of China’s premiere cinema event honored Dorota Kobiela and Hugh Welchman’s ambitious, artistic animated wonder on the heels of its premiere (and Audience Award win) at Annecy. The Jury stated: “Animation and fine art painting come together in this loving tribute to the work and life of a master artist.”

CROWDFUND: ‘The Orbit of Minor Satellites’ (Ends July 10)
Consuming Spirits creator Chris Sullivan is working on an indie, digital 2D feature which takes viewers inside the richly imagined inner world of a troubled sanitarium inmate. One big selling point: Clips of Boris Karloff’s radio performances have been recycled to give voice to a 100-foot-tall bison named Roger. You can watch a new excerpt here.

VIDEO: ‘Warning! The Trans Canada Trail Is a Dangerous Roadway’
Animation house The Sequence Group collaborated with the Ride the Trail for Elizabeth campaign for a PSA on the actual dangers to cyclists and pedestrians posed by the not-quite completed to promise TCT. Concerned Canadians are invited to sign the petition at www.ridethetrail.ca appealing to the government to set minimum safety standards.

Hindu Statesman Urges Sony to Refrain from Refashioning Hindu Mythologyand Concepts in ‘Uncharted: The Lost Legacy’ Game
Hindu deities, temples and traditions are reportedly going to play a key role in the game’s story, as the action is set in India. The title is developed by Naughty Dog and is due out on August 22.

Loving Vincent

June 27, 2017
Cyber Group Hosts Int’l Emmy Kids Awards Semi-Final

For the sixth time, Paris-based Cyber Group Studios had the honor of presenting the Semi-Final round of judging in the International Emmy Kids Awards competition for two categories: Kids Preschool and Kids Animation. The ceremony was hosted by CGS Chairman & CEO Pierre Sissmann.

“It has been a pleasure to be associated to the Academy and to host this event for the sixth time!” said Sissmann, an active member of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. “This year we were fortunate to have a record attendance of over twenty broadcasters and experts coming from all over the world to participate as jurors.”

The jury was chaired by Nathaniel Brendel, Emmy Judging Director, and comprised of kids’ TV pros, a majority hailing from across Europe:

Coralie Pastor (RTBF, Belgium), Morten Skov Hansen (DR, Denmark), Fayez Al Sabbagh (Spacetoon, UAE), Géraldine Soto (Canal+, France), Patricia Adane (France Télévisions, France), Claire Heinrich (France Télévisions, France), Lila Hannou (M6, France), Yann Labasque (TF1, France), Caterina Gonnelli-Linden (The Walt Disney Company, France), Stéphane Pasquier-Miyazaki (Turner Broadcasting System, France), Aurelie Wack (Turner Broadcasting System, France), Virginie Landru (Tv5 Monde, France), Patricia Vasapollo (HR, Germany), Tina Sicker (KIKA, Germany), Marion Winter (Super RTL, Germany), Brigitta Muehlenbeck (WDR Westdeutscher Rundfunk, Germany), Arne Lohmann (ZDF Enterprises, Germany), Guðrún Helga Jónasdóttir (RUV, Iceland), Brenda Maffuchi (De Agostini, Italy), Luca Milano (RAI Ragazzi, Italy), Andrea Basílio (RTP, Portugal), Helena Nylander (SVT, Sweden), Saskia Krijnen (RTS / Radio Television Suisse, Switzerland), Theresa Plummer-Andrews (Plumtrees, United Kingdom), and Karen Miller (The Walt Disney Company, USA).

The jury devoted an entire day to viewing screeners and judging the contenders. The votes will be processed by accounting firm Ernst & Young LLP, with the highest-scoring programs in each category continuing to the final round. The winners will be announced at the International Emmy Kids Awards ceremony at MIPTV in Cannes in April 2018.

International Emmy Kids Awards

June 27, 2017
GKIDS & Fathom Pull ‘Mune’ to Earth for One-Night Event

A wondrous and magical visual feast is getting the big-screen treatment stateside thanks to distributor GKIDS and cinematic event partner Fathom Events, which have announced the US theatrical debut of Mune: Guardian of the Moon. The French feature (from the producers of The Little Prince) will screen one day only on Saturday, August 12 at 12:55 p.m. local time.

Synopsis: As legend has it, the first Guardian of the Sun threw a harpoon into the cosmos and roped the sun to bring light and warmth to all of humanity. Then the Guardian of the Moon lured the moon to the Land of Darkness to provide a balance to the sun and supply the world with dreams. At a ceremony to appoint the two new guardians, an accident seems to occur: the heir apparent is passed over, and the title of Guardian of the Moon is bestowed on the waif-like creature, Mune, a small forest faun who is unprepared to take on such a weighty responsibility. This news excites Necross, the nefarious ruler of the Underworld, who decides to prey on Mune’s weakness and steal the sun for himself. Now it is up to unlikely hero Mune and his friend Glim to save the sun and restore order to the world.

“This is a magical, hugely entertaining, absolutely stunning film that has been wowing audiences young and old on the festival circuit,” said Eric Beckman, GKIDS CEO. “Now families and fantasy film lovers across America will get a chance to see it in theaters.”

Directed by Benoît Philippon and Alexandre Heboyan, Mune: Guardian of the Moon was produced by On Animation Studios, Onyx Films, Kinology and Orange Studio, and features a soundtrack by Bruno Coulais (Coraline, Song of the Sea). The film was nominated for the Annecy Cristal, and won the Young People’s Jury Award at TIFF and Best Feature at the Tokyo Anime Awards.

Originally released in France in 2014, Mune will make its US debut with a new English-language version featuring the voices of Rob Lowe (Sohone), Christian Slater (Leyoon), Patton Oswalt (Mox), Ed Helms (Spleen) and Jeff Dunham (Phospho). The program also includes GKIDS MINIFEST a super-fun, super-condensed festival of the best short animation from around the world.

More than 350 theaters are set to participate, which can be found at FathomEvents.com. Tickets can be purchased at the Fathom Events site and MuneMovie.com.

GKIDS and Fathom are also presenting the six-part Studio Ghibli Fest running in US theaters this year.

Mune: Guardian of the Moon

Mune: Guardian of the Moon

Mune: Guardian of the Moon

Mune: Guardian of the Moon

June 27, 2017
James Van Der Beek, Lauren Graham & Isabella Crovetti Star in ‘Vampirina’

The undead are anything but unfriendly in the animated family comedy series Vampirina, premiering this fall on Disney Channel, Disney Junior and the new Disney NOW app. The CG-animated kids’ book adaptation stars James Van Der Beek (What Would Diplo Do?) and Lauren Graham (Gilmore Girls) as parents Boris and Oxana Hauntley, with 12-year-old Isabella Crovetti (Colony) voicing lovable little bloodsucker Vampirina (a.k.a. Vee).

Inspired by Disney Publishing’s book series Vampirina Ballerina, the TV show centers on Vee as she settles into her new urban surroundings, after her family relocates from Transylvania to Pennsylvania. Excited to experience everything that the human world has to offer, Vee will learn that while it may be easier to blend in with her peers, it’s important to celebrate the differences that make everyone unique. Always by her side, Vee’ mom and dad are also adapting to their new life as proprietors of the local Scare B&B, a bed and breakfast for visiting ghouls and goblins.

The recurring guest voice cast includes Tony-award winning Broadway performers Patti LuPone (Evita) and Brian Stokes Mitchell (Kiss Me, Kate) as Vee’s grandparents, Nanpire and Grandpop, and Wanda Sykes (Black-ish) as Vee’s cantankerous yet loyal gargoyle sidekick, Gregoria.

Rounding out the voice cast are: Mitchell Whitfield as playful ghost, Demi; Jordan Alexa Davis as Vee’s best friend and next-door neighbor, Poppy; ViviAnn Yee as another close friend, Bridget; Dee Bradley Baker as teacher, Mr. Gore, and the Hauntleys’ dog, Wolfie; Benji Risley as Poppy’s twin brother, Edgar; Cree Summer as Poppy and Edgar’s mom, Edna; and Ian James Corlett as Chef Remy Bones, the Scare B&B’s comedic skeleton chef.

Disney Junior’s Vampirina will feature music by Broadway composers Michael Kooman and Christopher Dimond (The Noteworthy Life of Howard Barnes), with original songs performed by the voice cast (Van De Beek, Graham and Crovetti belt out the theme song). The series creative team reunites many of the key players from Peabody winner Doc McStuffins, including executive producer Chris Nee and co-exec producer Norton Virgien. Nicky Phelan (Octonauts) serves as director.

Vampirina is produced by Brown Bag Films in association with Disney Junior.

Vampirina

Vampirina

James Van Der Beek, Lauren Graham & Isabella Crovetti Star in Vampirina

June 27, 2017
MONDO’s ‘Lastman,’ ‘Deep Space 69’ S4 to Bow at Rooster Teeth Fest

LA-based multi-platform adult animation producer/distributor MONDO is bringing two very special programming treats to this year’s Rooster Teeth Animation Festival — taking place during RTX 2017 July 7-9 in Austin, TX (rtxaustin.com). Attendees will have a chance to see the English-language premiere of bold ‘n’ brawny graphic novel adaptation Lastman, as well as the global season 4 premiere of irreverent comedy Deep Space 69. The latter will accompany a special screening of Adult Swim’s Apollo Gauntlet, from MONDO’s Six Point Harness studio.

“RTX is an incredibly exciting event, and their first-ever Animation Festival in 2016 proved to be so popular that it’s a perfect setting for us to show off our newest projects to an incredible group of fans,” said Brendan Burch, MONDO’s chief creative officer and president of Six Point Harness.

A traditionally animated, visually bold graphic-novel adaptation, Lastman originally aired on France4 and has been translated into English in a multi-national creative effort. The series blends martial arts and boxing action with drama and supernatural elements into a unique adventure. On the more witty and whimsical side, Deep Space 69 — created by Daniel Katz (Xemoland, Beer Cops) is an intergalactic tale of sex, sexual exploits and sexual conquests, with the first three seasons racking up more than 50 million views online.

Both series will be available exclusively on MONDO’s channel on VRV, the new video platform from Ellation.

MONDO will host an hour-long panel at RTX featuring both Lastman and Dead Space 69, featuring a discussion with Six Point Harness prez Burch, head of development Wendy Willis, and creative director Greg Franklin on Sunday, July 9 at 11 a.m. (Room 10AB, Austin Convention Center). The Apollo Gauntlet screening will also be followed by a panel discussion hosted by Adult Swim, with series creator/voice star Myles Langlois with MONDO’s Willis, Franklin and lead editor Tony Christopherson on Saturday, July 8 at 4 p.m. (Center Stage, ACC).

Lastman

Deep Space 69

June 27, 2017
WBHE Toasts Hanna-Barbera’s 60th with Diamond Collection

From the Stone Age to the Space Age, fans of William Hanna and Joseph Barbera’s classic Saturday morning cartoons will get to relive all their favorite moments as Warner Bros. Home Entertainment prepares to release the ultimate, comprehensive catalog in recognition of the 60th anniversary of Hanna-Barbera — founded on July 7, 1957.

The “Diamond Collection” will include over 70 seasons of the most popular animated TV series of the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s — many of which have never before been released on DVD or Digital. Featuring new packaging, new digital content, discount pricing and select free episodes available throughout the summer, the collections started rolling out in May and will continue to stack up on shelves through December, 2017.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the milestone 60th anniversary of the legendary Hanna-Barbera animation studio with the Diamond Collection releases this Summer,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, WBHE’s Vice President, Television Marketing, Family and Animation. “Hanna-Barbera created some of the most beloved animated characters of all time. We are honored to celebrate this legacy with this new collection that has something for everyone, from first time viewers to avid collectors.”

Over its decades of operation, Hanna-Barbera released over 3,500 half-hours of animated programming, TV movies, PSAs, shorts, commercials and specials, earning Hanna and Barbera a total of eight Emmy Awards, seven Academy Awards, a Golden Globe, Governor’s Award and even a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The beloved characters of shows like Scooby-Doo, The Jetsons, The Flintstones and Tom and Jerry circled the globe, distributed in over 175 countries in 45 languages to the delight of kids and kids at heart around the world.

Select titles will be available to own on Digital, through various retail platforms including Amazon Video, CinemaNow, iTunes, PlayStation, Vudu and Xbox. The Diamond Collection release will be supported by a national social media campaign and online media advertising.

Titles already available on DVD (SRP $19.98 each except where noted) are: The Flintstones: The Complete First Season; The Jetsons: The Complete First Season; Scooby-Doo Where Are You?: The Complete 1st and 2nd Seasons ($24.98); Dastardly & Muttley in Their Flying Machines: The Complete Series; Hong Kong Phooey: The Complete Series; The Huckleberry Hound Show: Season 1 Volume 1; Jonny Quest: The Complete First Season; Magilla Gorilla: The Complete Series; The Perils of Penelope Pitstop: The Complete Series; Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?: The Complete Third Season ($24.98); The Best of The New Scooby-Doo Movies ($24.98); Top Cat: The Complete Series; Wacky Races: The Complete Series; The Yogi Bear Show: The Complete Series; Josie And The Pussycats: The Complete Series; The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show: The Complete Series; and The Smurfs: The First Season.

Hanna-Barbera Diamond Collection

June 27, 2017
Axis Group Launches Unified Axis Studios Brand

UK-based animation and VFX collective Axis Group is officially reinventing itself as Axis Studios — a new powerhouse identity that unites its three branches and locations across the country: Axis Animation, Flaunt Productions and axisVFX. Axis Studios boasts one of the UK’s largest CG production staffs, and is on course to triple turnover between 2015 and 2018 to £15m.

Securing the creative output of these these studios under one banner will create greater collaboration, enabling Axis Studios to tackle a wider range of projects in every sector of the entertainment industry — the common goal being to “deliver the unexpected.”

“Axis Studios bolsters our ability to be involved in the most creatively challenging areas of the entertainment industry,” said Richard Scott, CEO of Axis Studios. “Whatever the demands of the project, Axis Studios can look across three companies and locations to select the optimum creative approach, production workflow and culture. We’re not beholden to one set template. Collaboration is at the core of Axis Studios, ensuring every project is tailored to its requirements.”

The unification also reflects the continual growth and physical expansion taking place across the three sub-brands. Axis Animation and Flaunt in Glasgow and axisVFX in Bristol have all expanded their operations to accommodate a 230-person creative crew, while Axis London is planning to relocate to a new space later this summer.

As a breakdown, Axis Glasgow has doubled its physical space in Skypark HQ, allowing for 180 creative employees. In Bristol, axisVFX can now house up to 50 people at its The Bottle Yard Film Studios space, where it aims to grow its 2D and 4D teams to deliver VFX work on Aardman Animation’s upcoming feature Early Man as well as TV drama projects. Axis London will continue to specialize in pre-production for a range of TV, film and videogame projects in its new central London shop, supporting all of Axis Studios.

“The Axis Studios expansion gives us access to a deeper pool of creative talent across all three locations. The artists in each of our studios have different but very complementary skillsets. It is so important for us to nurture, develop and work collaboratively with the best talent as they are the backbone to realising our future ambitions,” commented Executive Producer Debbie Ross.

As part of its busy year, the Axis Studios team is also preparing an art book detailing the behind-the-scenes work created at all three locations.

“Concept and production art are the maps that lead us to fantastic treasures. Audiences don’t get to see the reams of work created during the pre-production and production stages of a project; we wanted to shine a spotlight on a number of the incredible artists who help us explore and define our characters, worlds and stories,” noted Jon Beeston, Head of Art at Axis Studios. “We hope that readers enjoy the bounty that this treasure chest holds as much as we enjoy being able to share it.”

Recent work from the Axis Studios includes Amazon’s Emmy-winning Lost in Oz, the Oscar-nominated feature Shaun the Sheep Movie (Aardman), RTS Award-nominated VFX work for Doctor Who (BBC) and RTS Award-winning work on Dawn of War III (SEGA).

Monster High: Electrified – Flaunt Studios

Doctor Who effects by axisVFX

League of Legends – Axis Animation

June 27, 2017
Nick Bringing Toon Town Tour to Life at Comic-Con

Nickelodeon is planning a whirlwind tour through must-visit classic cartoon locales to Comic-Con International San Diego 2017. From July 20-23, attendees can step into the O-Town of Rocko’s Modern Life, Hey Arnold!‘s Hillwood, SpongeBob SquarePants‘ Bikini Bottom and the sewers of NYC as seen in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Fans can also interact with their favorite characters with activations, panels, talent signings and interactive experiences.

Every day of the convention, Nickelodeon’s booth (#4113) will feature: a 23-foot-tall pineapple, housing an interactive gaming experience, allowing fans to literally step inside the world of SpongeBob SquarePants; a life-size replica of Helga’s shrine from Hey Arnold!; a retail area featuring a custom t-shirt station and one-of-a-kind, exclusive collectibles; costumed-character appearances; and autograph signings with the voice casts and creators from these classic shows, plus Nick animation creators Butch Hartman (The Fairly OddParents), Chris Savino (The Loud House) and Billy Lopez (Welcome to the Wayne), and more.

Read on for Nick’s special CCI plans…

PANELS

Thursday, July 20: Rocko’s Modern Life: Return to Earth!

Fans will be shouting, “Oh my!” and “SPUNKYYY!,” when Nickelodeon’s beloved and wacky series Rocko’s Modern Life lands in San Diego. Original show creator Joe Murray, Cosmo Segurson (director) and the voice cast of O-Town’s popular residents — Carlos Alazraqui (Rocko), Tom Kenny (Heffer), Mr. Lawrence (Filburt), Charlie Adler (Mr. Big Head and Mrs. Big Head) — will dive deep into the lore of this animated classic and what to expect from Rocko’s return to the TV screen, including an exclusive sneak peek at the special. The panel will be moderated by Marc Snetiker (Entertainment Weekly).

Friday, July 21: Hey Arnold!: From Hillwood to the Jungle!

Rejoice in the return of Arnold, Gerald, Helga and all of the Hillwood neighbors, with the series’ classic voice actors Lane Toran (Arnold), Jamil Walker Smith (Gerald), Francesca Marie Smith (Helga), and Anndi McAfee (Phoebe) and the new generation of talent featured in the upcoming TV movie — Mason Vale Cotton (Arnold) and Benjamin “Lil’ P-Nut” Flores, Jr. (Gerald). This panel will also feature a live musical performance by composer Jim Lang and an introduction to never-before-seen footage of the TV movie by show creator Craig Bartlett. The panel will be moderated by Marc Snetiker (Entertainment Weekly).

Friday, July 21: Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Executive producer Ciro Nieli will explore the thrilling story arcs and give fans an inside look at season five of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Joining the discussion are legendary creators and collaborators Kevin Eastman and Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo), as well as the talented voice cast from the series: Sean Astin (Raphael), Rob Paulsen (Donatello), Greg Cipes (Michelangelo), and Eric Bauza (Tiger Claw). The panel will be moderated by Andre Meadows (Black Nerd Comedy).

Saturday, July 22: SpongeBob SquarePants: The Legend of Boo-kini Bottom

Celebrate Halloween in July as Vincent Waller (supervising producer), Marc Ceccarelli (supervising producer) and Mr. Lawrence (story editor, voice of Plankton) are joined by Chris Finnegan, Seamus Walsh and Mark Caballero (Screen Novelties) to share behind-the-scenes footage from the upcoming SpongeBob SquarePants stop-motion special. Plus, see panelists Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward) and Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy) do a live table read of a fan-picked classic Halloween episode and also be on the lookout for a special appearance by one of Bikini Bottom’s spookiest citizens. The panel will be moderated by Claudia Spinelli (Executive in Charge, SpongeBob SquarePants, Nickelodeon).

DAILY BOOTH ACTIVITIES

+ SpongeBob Pineapple Experience: Attendees can step inside this 23-foot, larger-than-life pineapple straight from Bikini Bottom and immerse themselves inside the world of SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or The Loud House for an interactive game and video capture experience.

+ Customized T-Shirt Station: Set against a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles New York cityscape, fans can purchase a t-shirt from the retail shop and customize it on the spot with characters and art from their choice of seven fan-favorite Nick shows: SpongeBob SquarePants, TMNT, Hey Arnold!, Rocko’s Modern Life, The Loud House, Rugrats and Danny Phantom.

+ Hey Arnold! Photo Opp. featuring Helga’s Shrine: Fans can take photos with Arnold and Gerald, plus visit a replica of Helga’s shrine and have the opportunity to see their Hey Arnold! social media content appear in the shrine’s real-time feed.

+ Autograph Signings: Signing opportunities with Nickelodeon talent include: SpongeBob SquarePants voice talent; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles voice talent and executive producers; Hey Arnold!: The Jungle Movie voice talent and creator; Rocko’s Modern Life: Static Cling voice talent and creator; and Nick’s current series creators and executive producers Butch Hartman (Bunsen Is a Beast), Chris Savino (The Loud House) and Billy Lopez (Welcome to the Wayne).

+ Costumed-Character Appearances: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; SpongeBob SquarePants and friends Patrick Star, Sandy Cheeks, Squidward Tentacles; and Saban’s Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and Power Rangers Ninja Steel will make appearances at Nick’s booth at select times during the convention.

+ Retail: Attendees can purchase Comic-Con exclusive figures and collectibles, the summer edition of the Nick Box, t-shirts and more.

+ Giveaways: Enter for a chance to win special prizes over the course of the convention.

Rocko’s Modern Life / Hey Arnold! / SpongeBob SquarePants

June 26, 2017
Last Studio Standing Bringing Sci-Fi Saga ‘Hinterlands’ to Screen

Vancouver-based Last Studio Standing (www.laststudiostanding.com) — the largest hand-drawn animation shop in the Americas — is launching into the English-language market with the acquisition of William Gibson’s sci-fi saga Hinterlands for feature and TV series adaptation. Known as the father of cyberpunk and coiner of the term “cyberspace,” Gibson’s work is slated to appear in animation in 2018.

“It is such a great story,” said Jonathan Kitzen, CEO of Last Studio Standing. “We know we can do more with it because animation is an all-powerful tool that can create anything … We plan on making something that looks like Gravity mixed with Blade Runner, and this story offers us a huge pallet of possibilities, for about $100 million less than a traditional live action film.”

The studio plans to create a pilot and release it theatrically, to be continued with a 100 x 30-minute TV series on a five-year plan, which includes room for spin-offs. The producers also promise the show will pay great attention to scientific accuracy and feasibility in its concepts and stories to appeal to hardcore sci-fi lovers.

“The mystery of the unknown is the most powerful storytelling tool there is, and when you have the opportunity to combine it with science-fiction, to be able to show the audience the way things might be in the future, there is this real magic there,” explained Hernan Zajec, President of Last Studio Standing’s southern brand, Conexion Creativa. “Jonathan wants us to use a lot of physics modeling for the movement, so it has this realism to it, which is what science-fiction is, and this is a really fun challenge!”

Synopsis: In Hinterlands, a Russian space mission vanishes in mid-flight to Mars and reappears two years later. When a rescue mission reaches the ship, they find the cosmonaut dead but a seashell grasped in her hand. What follows is the discovery of a passage to another place, where the technology isn’t necessarily more advanced but just very different from our Universe. All future missions fail to bring back any digital data, only handwritten notes survive, and the crews come back dead or insane. This sets the stage for an intense mystery of what lies on the other side. The production focuses on the massive economic and social upheaval that follows and how it informs and changes the lives of the characters in the story.

Last Studio Standing was launched early this year as a joint venture between ConVRter Technologies in Vancouver and Conexion Creativa in Colombia.

Hinterlands

Hinterlands

June 26, 2017
Daily News Bytes: ‘Rick and Morty’ Live Stream, New G.R.R.M. Series

‘Rick and Morty’ Live Stream Set for Thursday 6/29
Get schwifty with series creators Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon as they host an evening of uproarious, interdimensional spontaneity. The chaos commences at 9 p.m. EST (6 p.m. PST) on AdultSwim.com.

SyFy Places Pilot Order for George R.R. Martin’s ‘Nightflyers’
The OK has been given to develop a script adapted from the Game of Thrones creator’s space-faring novella. Screenwriter Jeff Buhler is working with the tale of eight scientists searching for intelligent life on the verge of Earth’s destruction. Martin isn’t involved due to his HBO contract, so maybe he will find time to finish The Winds of Winter sometime in the next millennium.

Oskar Fischinger: Google Doodle Salutes Animation Pioneer the Nazis Couldn’t Stop
Read more about the search engine’s tribute to the experimental filmmaker who believed, “There exists a music of the visual world.” Bonus fact for Mystery Science Theater 3000 fans: Did you know Fischinger designed the trippy “lumichord” instrument for B-movie The Time Travelers?

VIDEO: ‘Jem and the Holograms’ Comic Book Music Video
IDW Publishing blends its updated Jem comic aesthetic with the classic ’80s toon theme song for this candy-colored promotional video. Which will probably get more views than the ill-fated live-action feature…

LEGO Plans ‘Ninjago Movie’ Sets
Hitting US retailers Aug. 1 (The LEGO Ninjago Movie arrives Sept. 22), 15 flick-inspired building sets and collectible minifigs will put the action of the Spinjitzu dojo, NInjago City, the Manta Ray Bomber and — yes!! — the Garmadon Shark Mech right into fans’ hands.

Rick and Morty Live Stream

June 26, 2017
Disney Legend Floyd Norman to Keynote SIGGRAPH ’17

World-leading computer graphics confab SIGGRAPH 2017 announces that Floyd Norman, the tenacious and trailblazing artist who bears the distinction of being the first African-American animator employed Disney Studios, will be a keynote speaker at this year’s event (July 30-Aug. 3 in Los Angeles). Norman’s keynote session will be presented as a “fireside chat,” with the Disney Legend discussing his life and career in an intimate setting.

“Floyd Norman is a living legend and a national treasure. He is an animator, storyteller, and renowned artist. As the first African-American animator to work at Walt Disney [Animation Studios], Norman is an inspiration to those of us who followed his trail-blazed path into the animation, motion graphics, and computer graphics fields. We are thrilled that he has accepted our invitation to appear as our very special keynote speaker for SIGGRAPH 2017,” said Conference Chair Jerome Solomon.

Last year, Norman was the subject of Michael Fiore and Erik Sharkey’s documentary, Floyd Norman: An Animated Life (see Tom McLean’s interview with Norman for Animation Magazine here). The film cover’s Norman’s life story and includes interviews with Whoopi Goldberg (voice, The Lion King), Richard Sherman (composer, Mary Poppins), film critic Leonard Maltin, Ralph Guggenheim (former VP of Animation at Pixar) and Gary Trousdale (co-director, Beauty and the Beast).

Norman started working at Walt Disney Studios in 1956, and he was later hand-picked by Walt to work on The Jungle Book story team. After Walt’s death, Norman left Disney to start Vignette Films and produce films on black history aimed at high school students. He and his partners later worked with Hanna-Barbera to animated the TV special Hey, Hey, Hey, It’s Fat Albert, as well as the opening title sequence for Soul Train.

Norman returned to the Disney fold in the 1980s, working in the publishing department before going back to story department work in 1998 for Mulan. He relocated to the Bay Area in the late ’90s to join the next wave of animation at Pixar, where he worked on Toy Story 2 and Monsters, Inc. Though technically retired in 2000 at age 65, Norman chose to stake out an open cubicle at Disney Publishing Worldwide for 15 years, keeping busy with a steady flow of freelance work.

Earlier this year, Norman was tapped as President of Creative Development for the newly-formed Punch Animation division of Punch TV Studios.

“I’ve been fascinated by computer graphics since I purchased my first computer. I began attending SIGGRAPH when a kiosk was all Pixar could afford. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of working for this fine company and being a part of this amazing technology as it continues to mature,” said Norman. “I’ve also enjoyed sharing insights I’ve garnered over the years in this fantastic industry. In recent years, I’ve spoken at several universities and even Apple. Creative imagination and technological innovation have always been a part of my life, and I’m delighted to share my enthusiasm with the fans at SIGGRAPH this year.”

Floyd Norman at the board – apprentice inbetweener – Sleeping Beauty 1956 – Photo Courtesy of Michael Fiore Films

Floyd Norman – Photo Courtesy of Michael Fiore Films

Floyd Norman – Photo Courtesy of Michael Fiore Films

June 26, 2017
Nathalie Pinguet to Head Sales & Acquisition for Superights

International kids & family content sales company Superights is welcoming Nathalie Pinguet onboard as its new Deputy General Manager. Pinguet will be heading the company, leading sales and acquisitions strategies for all media as well as marketing and communications.

Pinguet brings to the role an in-depth knowledge of children’s viewing habits and made her an expert in developing series which appeal to this audience, as well as an intimate understanding of broadcasters’ needs. She began her career at ad agency Carat, handling major accounts such as Ferrero (Kinder, Nutella, etc.), then at Leo Media as senior account manager for Kellogg’s. Pinguet joined TF1 and became Deputy Director of the Youth Programming Unit and Deputy Head of Programming, taking charge of kids’ programming and acquisition strategy for TF1 Group.

“I’ve been a longtime fan of Superights’ first class catalogue and its dynamic team! I am very proud to join the company and to dedicate my energy to our clients: TV channels, digital platforms and of course the producers who put their trust in us,” said Pinguet.

Superights’ catalogue includes successful animated series such as Puffin Rock (52 x 11 min.) by Cartoon Saloon and Dog Ears, acquired worldwide by Netflix; Pat the Dog by Superprod and Animoka, sold in 180+ countries; and Boyster (52 x 11) by Je suis bien content, sold to top broadcasters including Disney in the US, EMA, LatAm, Japan and SE Asia. More recent additions are Helen’s Little School (52 x 11) by Superprod and Muse Ent., and Emmy & Gooroo (52 x 11) by Left Pocket and Tomavision.

Superights

June 26, 2017
Animalps Builds Feature & Series Co-Pro Slate at MIFA

France’s Animalps Productions has come out the MIFA market in Annecy with a foursome of new feature and TV co-production announcements.

Topping these developments is a co-development agreement with Future Dog Studio in Italy for the animated feature The 20 Days, adapted from the Italian horror novel Le 20 Giornate di Torino by Giorgio di Maria. Inspired by the neo-fascist domestic terrorism racking Italy in the latter 20th century, the dystopian story begins when a group of youths in an asylum start a “Library” where people can form connections across the ether by reading each other’s personal diaries. What unfolds is a 20 day nightmare of violent mass psychosis. First published in 1977, the book has just been released in English in the US by Norton & Company this year.

On the series side, Animalps is tying up with acclaimed Japanese studio Nippon Animation for Chad & Clark (26 x 7 min.). The legendary producer behind Chibi Maruko-Chan will co-produce with Animalps and MontBlanc Pictures, which came up with the original concept about a capable little monkey and a slightly naive but warm-hearted pet dog and their adventures.

Animalps is also at work storyboarding the feature film The Khmer Smile — the 2D young adult-targeted toon was selected as one of Cartoon Movie 2016’s “In Concept” projects, and follows the extraordinary journey of a young man named Fabrice who travels from Paris to Cambodia with his partner, Francesca, to discover the birth nation he hasn’t seen since he was adopted as a baby.

The company has also begun pilot production for stop-motion series Barbara, a collaboration with Future Dog and Michele Guaschino Studio.

More information available at www.animalpsproductions.com.

The 20 Days

The Khmer Smile

June 26, 2017
‘The Head Vanishes’ Takes Palm Springs ShortFest Grand Jury Award

The 2017 Palm Springs International ShortFest film festival and market concluded with an awards ceremony June 25, bestowing more than $115,000 in prizes (including $20,000 cash) to winners in 21 categories. Out of the 338 live-action and animated short films screened in this year’s competition, animator Franck Dion’s The Head Vanishes was honored with the Grand Jury Award — it was also named Best Animated Short.

The Head Vanishes is produced by Canada’s NFB and can be downloaded through its website.

This year’s Best of the Festival Award, which bestows $5,000 from the Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau and qualification for Oscar consideration, went to live-action Swiss short Facing Mecca by Jan-Eric Mack.

The 2017 ShortFest jury was comprised of David Ansen (film critic, PSIFF Lead Programmer), Lindsey Bahr (Associated Press), Kate Bosworth (actress/producer), Ian Durkin (Vimeo), Sam Lansky (Time Magazine) and Heidi Zwicker (Sundance).

The PS ShortFest 2017 animation winners are:

GRAND JURY AWARD
The Head Vanishes by Franck Dion (France/Canada)
Jacqueline, no longer quite in her right mind, still goes on her annual summer trip. This year, she’s followed by some woman who claims to be her daughter.

BEST ANIMATED SHORT
The Head Vanishes by Franck Dion

BEST STUDENT ANIMATION
Sog by Jonatan Schwenk (HFG – Main, Germany)
After a flood, the fish are stuck in trees, in danger of drying out. They scream sharply, disturbing the inhabitants of a nearby cave. (www.jonatan-schwenk.com/sog)

AUDIENCE AWARD: BEST ANIMATION SHORT
Coin Operated by Nicholas Arioli (US)
Seventy years pass in the life of one naïve explorer. (coinopshort.com)

The Head Vanishes

Sog

Coin Operated

June 26, 2017
Tiny Island Boards ‘Starship MZ’ with WingsMedia

A new partnership which aims to build “China’s equivalent of the Marvel Universe franchise” has been forged at the 23rd Shanghai TV Festival, with WingsMedia and Singapore’s Tiny Island Productions joining forces to build the “Starship MZ” brand.

Last year, WingsMedia got the ball rolling with a sci-fi themed reality TV show, Starship MZ: 2049, which proved a national success. The expanded franchise will build on the show’s popularity, with Tiny Island coming onboard to create additional sci-fi content for Starship MZ which is inspired by its animated kids’ series, Dream Defenders. This will develop into fresh TV series, feature films, comics and more, adapted for the Chinese market.

“By leveraging on WingsMedia’s vast experience and expertise, while tapping on China’s historical and rich legacy of art and culture, together we will bring China-made Science Fiction to the next level. ” said David Kwok, CEO of Tiny Island Prod. “We are very grateful to WingsMedia for this special opportunity.”

Dream Defenders centers on twin siblings who use a supercomputer to zap into dreamworlds in order to protect the real world from nightmare monsters. The series has sold to 80 countries through DreamWorks, and screens on five platforms in the US alone — including Amazon Prime and Discovery Family. Other key international broadcasters include Super RTL, Planeta Junior and DreamWorks TV Asia in 19 countries.

The show has been fine-tuned for Chinese audiences, explains Kwok. “Somewhere in China, a city suddenly comes under attack by nightmare monsters based on Chinese mythology, such as the Dragon, Kirin and Phoenix. A pair of Chinese twins desperately sends out a distress call for help to Zane and Zoey from the original series, who reveal the secret technology to enter the Dream Worlds. Now these new Chinese heroes must race against time to save their friends and family from the threat of the nightmare monsters.”

Tiny Island also actively pursues the latest emerging technologies to help the show stand out, including a season 1 launch in stereoscopic 3D on 3Net, AR and VR experiences. A new app is being created with Presence Pictures to extend the story beyond TV screens for Chinese fans.

“Imagine, after watching an episode, you can pick up your smartphone, slide it into a pair of VR goggles that cost only USD$5 in China, and dive into the world of the show to further immerse yourselves in the story. We wanted to make something audiences can easily jump into, anytime, anywhere, instead of requiring expensive and complicated computer-based setups. But this is not a 360 video,” says Kwok.

“With the Dream Defenders app, when you physically look around, walk, run or jump in the real world, you will do the same in the virtual world. And when you stare and focus on the monsters, you can shoot at them without additional accessories. We are also allowing multiple viewers to simultaneously enter the same scenario, so that they can team up to adventure and fight alongside the heroes together. Audiences are no longer passive observers of the show. Now they are characters in the virtual world, and what they do will change the ending of the stories.”

Tiny Island plans to collaborate with fast food restaurants for promotional packaging that can be folded into VR goggles, helping make Dream Defenders easily accessible to a wide audience.

Dream Defenders

June 25, 2017
‘Glammys’ Catwalks to Italian Pay TV

Animated comedy series Glammys – School of Fashion Vlog, from indie Italian producer ETS Studios, has sold to De Agostini Editore for broadcast on home country pay TV channel DeA Kids, available on Sky Italia. The 13 x 2 min. show will air Monday through Thursday in multiple timeslots.

Aimed at kids ages 6-9, Glammys follows a group of boys and girls with a passion for fashion, who attend a prestigious high school for aspiring designers. The characters explore fashion in new and unconventional ways that reflect their unique personalities, from a moving handbag to a living pet keyring or artsy surfboard. POVs are expressed in each episode with video-blog narrative device.

Glammys – School of Fashion Vlog is created and developed by ETS Studio, with 2D Digital animation by Maga Animation.

Glammys – School of Fashion Vlog

June 25, 2017
Daily News Bytes: ‘Starship Troopers’ Tix, Andy Serkis in ‘Apes,’ CG Sharks & More

Tickets Now on Sale for ‘Starship Troopers: Traitors of Mars’
Don’t miss your chance to see the all-new CG animated installment of the hit franchise, hitting theaters nationwide one night only on August 21 with a special intro by writer and actor Casper Van Dien and behind-the-scenes interviews with the filmmakers.

’War for the Planet of the Apes’ Featurette Highlights WETA and Andy Serkis’ Performances
Perhaps the world’s biggest performance-capture celebrity shows his true face in the “Making History” featurette, which shows off his return as Caesar and the incredible VFX work that brings the movie to life. War for the Planet of the Apes hits theaters July 14.

VIDEO: ‘47 Meters Down’ VFX Breakdown
Shield your eyes, galeophobes. Outpost VFX delivered more than 420 shots for the new thriller from Johannes Roberts, including photorealistic CG sharks, vast set extensions and underwater environments.

Kenyan Superhero Animation Shopping for Financiers
One of the 9 semifinalists of the MIFA Animation du Monde pitches at DISCOP Abidjan, Neil Schell’s Machismo aims to be the nation’s first superhero toon. One episode has been produced in Nairobi.

Mermaids, Beasts, Genies and Lions: The Reawakending of Disney Animation
MoviePilot offers a detailed timeline of the iconic American studio’s industry-revolutionizing Renaissance.

Starship Troopers: Traitors of Mars

June 23, 2017
Meet the Friends & Foes of ‘Apollo Gauntlet’

With its TV debut set for July 9 on Adult Swim and a special preview slated for the Rooster Teeth Animation Festival, it’s time to get to know the Canadian cop turned superhero star of Apollo Gauntlet — and the other crazy characters of the interdimensional land of the Kingdom Bellanus.

Apollo Gauntlet is produced by Six Point Harness. All images are provided by Adult Swim. Read on, noble adventurers!

APOLLO GAUNTLET (Voiced by series creator Myles Langlois) - Paul Cassidy just your standard Earth cop who stumbles onto a nefarious plot by Dr. Benign to open an interdimensional portal between Earth and, well, wherever. When he awakens in Dr. Benign’s lair, little does he know they’ll both wind up in another dimension, where Paul Cassidy will become … Apollo Gauntlet! Armed (literally) with talking gauntlets, he’s stoic! He’s heroic! And he’s Canadian!

DR. BENIGN / PRINCE ORENTHAL BELLANUS (Voiced by James Urbaniak) – Dr. Benign is an evil Earth scientist who accidentally accompanies Apollo Gauntlet to Kingdom Bellanus, where he quickly aligns himself with the evil-doers in the alternate universe. Prince Orenthal Bellanus, meanwhile, is the black sheep of the Bellanus dynasty. Betrothed to Princess Daphne, there’s a problem: He doesn’t really like her that way.

PRINCESS DAPHNE (Voiced by Kelsy Abbott) – Though she’s just a commoner, Daphne’s also become engaged to Prince Orenthal Bellanus, something she’s not entirely excited about – but someone needs to save the Bellanus family, not to mention the kingdom, and she’s a strong hero in her own right. When Apollo Gauntlet comes on the scene, it’s hard to deny that they’ve got some real chemistry going on – and make an incredible team.

OZBORNE KING (Voiced by Tom Kenny) – A mystical wizard who appears to Apollo throughout the series, Ozborne believes that Apollo has been sent to undo the Oracles of Doom … and his own intentions may or may not be good. He does not have a particularly strong sense of humor.

CORPORAL VILE (Voiced by Myles Langlois) – Corporal Vile has ambitions to rule Kingdom Bellanus – maybe the universe, but he hasn’t thought that far yet – he’s Apollo’s chief nemesis. Evil through and through. Lives in a lair. That kind of guy.

June 23, 2017
SIGGRAPH Electronic Theater & New VR Program Revealed

SIGGRAPH’s prestigious Computer Animation Festival has slated its Electronic Theater screenings for the 2017 event, taking place in Los Angeles from July 30-August 3. This year, the festival will also present immersive short films and experiences in its new VR Theater. Another new element for 2017 will be two separate Director Q&A sessions featuring directors from both Electronic and VR Theater programs, set for Aug. 2.

The SIGGRAPH Computer Animation Festival is recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as an Academy Awards qualifying festival. Since 1999, several works presented at the Computer Animation Festival have been nominated for or won the Best Animated Short Oscar.

Pol Jeremias is the Festival Director. This year’s jurists are: Electronic Theater – Polly Ing (Apple, Inc.), Kim Libreri (Epic Games), Jessica Lynn (LAIKA), Disney Legend Floyd Norman, Till Nowak (Marvel Studios), Cristin Pescosolido (Lytro Cinema) and Rick Sayre (Pixar); VR Theater – Jeremy Cowles (Google AR/VR), Dioselin Gonzalez (Unity Labs) and Stephan Steinbach (Pixar VR).

ELECTRONIC THEATER

Analogue Loaders by Raphael Vangelis (UK)

Asteria by Alexandre Arpentinier, Mathieu Blanchys, Lola Grand, Tristan Lamarca, Thomas Lemaille & Jean-Charles Lusseau (ESMA, France)

Canal Kitchen by Maxime Luère, Leon Berelle, Dominique Boidin & Remi Kozyra (Unit Image, France)

Elemental by Adrian Meyer (Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, Germany)

Final Fantasy XV “Omen” Trailer by István Zorkóczy (Digic Pictures, Hungary)

Fortnite “From Husk Till Dawn!” by Gavin Moran & Michael Clausen (Epic Games, US)

Garden Party by Théophile Dufresne, Florian Babikian, Gabriel Grapperon, Lucas Navarro, Vincent Bayoux & Victor Caire (MOPA, France)

Happy Valentine’s Day by The Neymarc Brothers (Neymarc Visuals, US)

ILM VFX – Kong: Skull Island by John Vogt-Roberts (Industrial Light & Magic, US/Canada)

ILM VFX – Rogue One: A Star Wars Story by Gareth Edwards (ILM, US/UK/China/Canada)

John Lewis “Buster the Boxer” by Dougal Wilson (Moving Picture Company, UK)

Lou by Dave Mullens (Pixar, US)

MPC Presents: The Jungle Book by Jon Favreau (Moving Picture Company, US)

Our Wonderful Nature – The Common Chameleon by Tomer Eshed, Dennis Rettkowski, Michael Herm & Alexander Pohl (Lumatic, Germany)

Pirate Smooch by Tobias Trebeljahr (Filmakademie B-W, Germany)

Poilus by Guillaume Auberval, Léa Dozoul, Simon Gomez, Timothé Hek, Hugo Lagrange, Antoine Laroye & David Lashcari (ISART Digital, France)

Résistance by Alex Chauvet, Anna Le Danois, Quentin Foulon, Fabien Glasse, Juliette Jean & Julie Narat (MOPA, France)

Scrambled by Bastiaan Schravendeel (Polder Animation, Netherlands)

Seasonal Changes in Carbon Dioxide by Gregory Shirah & Horace Mitchell (Scientific Visualization Studio – NASA/GSFC, US)

Sirocco by Avril Hug, Lauren Madec, Kevin Tarpinian, Thomas Lopez & Romain Garcia (MOPA, France)

Song of a Toad by Kariem Saleh (Filmakademie B-W, Germany)

The Human Race by Rama Allen & Westley Sarokin (The Mill/Chevrolet/Epic Games, UK)

VR THEATER

Arden’s Wake by Eugene Chung (Penrose Studios, US)

Chocolate by Tyler Hurd (Gentle Manhands, US)

Dear Angelica by Saschka Unseld (Oculus Story Studio, US)

Fantasynth by Carlos Ulloa (HelloEnjoy, UK)

Rainbow Crow by Eric Darnell (Baobab Studios, US)

Son of Jaguar by Jorge Gutierrez (Google ATAP, US)

Sonaria by Scot Stafford & Chromosphere (Google ATAP, US)

The Antarctica Series “Under a Cracked Sky” by Graham Roberts & Jonathan Corum (The New York Times, US)

We Wait by Dan Efergen (Aardman Animations, UK)

Zero Days VR by Yasmin Elayat (Scatter, US)

Rainbow Crow

Garden Party

June 23, 2017
FOX Sets Fall Toon Premieres, Welcomes MacFarlane’s ‘Orville’

FOX TV has set the fall premiere dates for the 2017-2018 season, featuring the return of popular primetime animated comedies Bob’s Burgers, The Simpsons and Family Guy as well as the debut of animation wunderkind Seth MacFarlane and Jon Favreau’s new live-action sci-fi spoof The Orville, which will bow with a special two-night series premiere on consecutive Sundays (Sept. 10 and 17) before moving to its regular Thursday night slot.

From Emmy-winning exec producer and creator MacFarlane (Family Guy, Ted) and director Favreau (The Jungle Book, Iron Man), The Orville is set 400 years in the future and follows the adventures of The Orville, a mid-level exploratory spaceship. Its crew, both human and alien, face the wonders and dangers of outer space, while also dealing with the familiar, often humorous problems of everyday life. Starring MacFarlane as Ed Mercer, the ship’s Commanding Officer, and Adrianne Palicki (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) as his ex-wife, Kelly Grayson, who’s assigned as his First Officer. The series also stars Penny Johnson Jerald, Scott Grimes, Peter Macon, Halston Sage, J. Lee (Family Guy, The Cleveland Show), Mark Jackson, Chad Coleman and Norm Macdonald. MacFarlane, Brannon Braga, David A. Goodman, Jason Clark and Liz Heldens are executive producers. Favreau serves as an executive producer and directed the pilot. (Trailer)

Also offering fresh opportunities for cool VFX work is The Gifted, produced in association with Marvel Television and making its series premiere Oct. 2 after the return of Lucifer. The show tells the emotional story of a suburban couple whose ordinary lives are rocked by the sudden discovery that their children possess mutant powers. Forced to go on the run from a hostile government, the family seeks help from an underground network of mutants and must fight to survive. Set within the X-Men universe, the series stars Stephen Moyer (Shots Fired), Amy Acker (Person of Interest), Natalie Alyn Lind (Gotham) and Percy Hynes White (Night at the Museum 3) as the Strucker family. Also featured are Sean Teale, Jamie Chung, Emma Dumont, Blair Redford and Coby Bell. Written by Matt Nix, directed by Bryan Singer (the X-Men franchise) and executive-produced by Nix, Singer, Lauren Shuler Donner and Simon Kinberg and Marvel’s Jeph Loeb and Jim Chory. (Trailer)

FOX TV fall 2017 premieres:

Sunday, Sept. 10
8 p.m. ET/PT The Orville (Special Series Premiere, Part 1)

Sunday, Sept. 17
8 p.m. The Orville (Special Series Premiere, Part 2)

Tuesday, Sept. 26
8 p.m. Lethal Weapon (Season Two)
9 p.m. The Mick (Season Two)
9:30 p.m. Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Season Five)

Wednesday, Sept. 27
8 p.m. Empire (Season Four)
9 p.m. Star (Season Two)

Thursday, Sept. 28
8 p.m. Gotham (Season Four)
9 p.m. The Orville (Timeslot Premiere)

Friday, Sept. 29
8 p.m. Hell’s Kitchen (Season 17)
9 p.m. The Exorcist (Season Two)

Sunday, Oct. 1
7:30 p.m. Bob’s Burgers (Season Eight)
8 p.m. The Simpsons (Season 29)
8:30 p.m. Ghosted (Series Premiere)
9 p.m. Family Guy (Season 15)
9:30 p.m. The Last Man on Earth (Season Four)

Monday, Oct. 2
8 p.m. Lucifer (Season Three)
9 p.m. The Gifted (Season Premiere)

The Simpsons

The Orville

June 23, 2017