Hold on to your tails! A first-look clip for the upcoming My Little Pony: The Movie has arrived. Coming to theaters October 6 through Lionsgate, the Friendship Is Magic feature is produced by Hasbro’s Allspark Pictures and features a star-powered voice cast with Emily Blunt, Kristin Chenoweth, Liev Schreiber, Michael Peña, Sia, Taye Diggs, Uzo Aduba and Zoe Saldana — plus an original song by Sia.
Synopsis: A new dark force threatens Ponyville, and the Mane 6 (Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rarity) embark on an unforgettable journey beyond Equestria where they meet new friends and exciting challenges on a quest to use the magic of friendship and save their home.
MONDO has picked up exclusive, worldwide English-language television rights to the comics-inspired animated series LastMan. The title will join MONDO’s lineup of animations aimed at audiences 18-34 on its VRV channel in the US, and follow up with launches in other English-language territories.
“LastMan is a pulse-pounding action and sci-fi thriller that perfectly embodies our belief that animation can be daring, exciting, bold and challenging,” said Brendan Burch, chief creative officer of MONDO.
LastMan (26 x quarter-hour) follows a talented young boxer and mixed martial arts fighter named Richard Aldana who, out of loyalty, becomes the guardian of his murdered best friend’s daughter, Siri. He is then drawn into a supernatural web of danger when a violent religious sect called The Order of the Lion comes after the young girl, believing her to be the key to the “other world.” The story is set 10 years before the events of the best-selling comics.
Emmy Award-winning animation producer Bill Schultz (The Simpsons, King of the Hill) is overseeing the English language revamp for the US. The traditionally animated series recently made its home broadcast debut on France4, and is produced by feature film vet Didier Creste, with animation by Paris studios Everybody On Deck and Je Suis Bien Content. Dandeloo handles distribution.
“LastMan is authentic – an incredible blend of visual style and sophisticated story, a series that has engaged a truly passionate fan base in its native France, and we think will attract an equally enthusiastic reception here in the US,” said Schultz.
The series is written by Les Kassos co-creator Balak and directed by music video director/animator Jérémie Périn. LastMan was created by comic book team Balak, Bastien Vivès and Michaël Sanlaville.
VIDEO: Alt.vfx Showreel – March 2017
Mech suiting! Giant lava monster! An unnerving number of deer! These are just a few of the delights that away you in the latest reel from this multiple award-winning Australian studio.
CROWDFUND: Zoeflix – A Modern Zoetrope
Just one day left to fund this very cool product and pre-order your very own zoetrope (or “wheel of life”). Tool? Toy? Kick-ass desk accessory? How about: all of the above.
Rocket Readies for Grinch 60th Anniversary
UK agency is preparing for the Dr. Seuss character’s diamond anniversary with a raft of licensing deals and plans for in-store activities and events.
Framestore has appointed Kate Phillips as Head of Production, Montreal, charged with supporting the studio’s talent in creating top-notch VFX for feature films, and managing overall delivery for all film projects. Launched in 2013 with a core staff of 20, the faclity in Quebec’s digital production hub now boasts about 300 employees.
“I’ve always admired Framestore, both for the exceptional quality of its work and for its reputation for creating a happy and supportive environment for its crew,” commented Phillips. “I feel privileged to join the growing team in Montreal at such an exciting time as it takes on more and bigger projects, and hope I’ll be able to play a role in its continuing success.”
Phillips began her career in politics, first with the Liberal Democrat party in the uK and then as a political analyst for BBC News and later a coordinator on Film 2005. This taste of the production industry lead her into VFX, hiring on at Double Negative as Produciton Coordinator and working up the ladder while working on films including The Bourne Ultimatum, Prince of Persia and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Phillips moved to Baseblack in 2009, setting up its new production pipeline and delivering work on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Parts 1 and 2), Never Let Me Go and Johnny English Reborn. Returning to Double Negative in 2011, she earned credits on VFX-driven features including Snow White and the Huntsman, Les Miserables, Hercules, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (her fifth JK Rowling film).
“We are delighted to have Kate join us at Framestore. She will play a vital role in helping to manage the throughput of the varied and challenging projects currently on our slate,” added Lucy Killick, Managing Director in Montreal. “Kate’s experience and instincts as a VFX producer make her a natural leader for our expanding production team.”
Framestore’s Montreal studio is set to grow even more as it takes on exclusive locally-based projects, including the upcoming Blade Runner 2049. This spring, Framestore’s VR Studio will also set up a base in Montreal.
Framestore’s film work ranges from animated characters to environments and VFX. Current productions include Alien: Covenant, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Thor: Ragnorak, Geostorm and Paddington 2.
Liz Lain Reps, Inc. announces that acclaimed animation and VFX house Tippett Studio (www.tippett.com) has signed on to their roster of varied and talented production companies.
“We are thrilled to welcome Liz (Laine Shaw) on board, helping to expand our commercials and other short form content. She is a known go-to in the industry for quality animation talent. Liz has a broad knowledge and understanding of our business and can help agencies get the best VFX on any budget,” said Paul Grimshaw, the studio’s EP of Commercials & Branded Content.
Throughout the rapid evolution of the entertainment industry, Tippett Studio has maintained its position as a leader in animation, media production and visual effects. The Berkeley, California-based company prides itself on keeping pace with emerging media and breakthrough technologies, working with clients to provide quality character animation, VFX, environments, commercials, apps, VR/AR and special venue projects.
A few of Tippett’s notable credits include CG and VFX creative contributions to Netflix’s Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, Ted and Ted 2, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Immortals, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, and Jurassic World. ‘’
“I have been a long time admirer of Tippett Studio. I recognize their contributions to the world of animation and I’m excited to be part of their family,” said Liz Shaw, President of Liz Laine Reps. “They continue to do outstanding work that is both impactful and groundbreaking. It is an honor to be representing them in the US.”
Animation Libation Studios and Animation Magazine will once again present The World Animation Celebration in 2017. Hosted by Sony Pictures Animation, the international animated short film festival will take place September 30 and October 1 at the studio, located in Culver City, California.
The two-day event will showcase the best in traditional, CG, digital, stop-motion, experimental and VR animation from fllmmakers and students around the world, which will be reviewed by a panel of world-class professional judges. In addition to the film program, attendees will be able to take in industry panels, guest speakers and artist demos, meet with recruiters and school representatives, and participate in portfolio reviews.
Film submission and early bird registration information will be announced soon.
Animation Magazine, now celebrating its 30th anniversary year, is the oldest publication promoting the business, art and technology of animation worldwide throught its print and digital magazine, website, daily newsletter, job board and events.
Animation Libation Studio is a global animation studio and gateway between higher education and the industry that makes it possible for newly emerging artists to work together with seasoned industry professionals from around the world to create original content for film, television, and the web.
A world leading animation and family entertainment production company, Sony Pictures Animation is following its record-breaking Hotel Transylvania monster comedies and mouth- watering Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs worldwide hits with the fully animated reboot Smurfs: The Lost Village in April 2017; The Emoji Movie, a surprising and comic take at the secret world inside our phones, in August 2017; the inspirational feature The Star in November 2017; Hotel Transylvania 3 in July 2018; and an animated Spider-Man feature from the minds of directors Chris Miller and Phil Lord in December 2018. The studio’s recent home entertainment releases Open Season: Scared Silly and Surf’s Up 2: WaveMania are currently available on DVD and digital. Sony Pictures Animation is a division of the Sony Pictures Motion Pictures Group.
New Montreal-based multiplatform production company K6 Media Group — lead by Emmy Award winner Laurent M. Abecassis — is making its MIPTV debut this year, and announces the acquisition of rights to comic-book property Lil Santa. The company plans to introduce the charming character to viewers worldwide in the 2018 holiday season.
Lil Santa comics have been published by Dupuis in Belgium since 2000, with the five titles in the series selling well internationally. Lil Santa’s adventures are written by Lewis Trondheim, the creator of popular animated series Kaut and Zösky and Fly Tales. The original artwork is by French comicker/illustrator Thierry Robin.
Paris-based producer and distributor GO-N Productions continues to grow its global presence, having just announced its first partnership in China. The agreement between GO-N International and leading local animation distributor Jetsen Huashi Wangju Kids covers new media rights to Simon and Zip Zip, which will debut in China this spring.
“GO-N keeps expanding its presence worldwide and this deal marks the first time that GO-N Productions’ animated properties will be available in the Chinese market. We are very pleased to have entered in an agreement that will see our key properties distributed by such a renowned partner as Jetsen Huashi Wangju Kids,” said Marie Congé, Head of Sales and Business development at GO-N International.
Simon (52 x 5 min. HD) is a preschool series produced by GO-N with France Televisions, based on the best-selling book series by Stephanie Blake which have been published in over 20 countries (including China). The show follows an adorable young rabbit who is at that particular age where he is starting to come into his own — challenging his parents, starting school, learning about the world and honing his language skills.
Zip Zip (52 x 13 min. HD) is a comedy series aimed at kids 6-10 years old, produced by GO-N with Super RTL (Germany), France Televisions and Disney Channel (France). Already airing in more than 100 countries, the show features an ensemble cast of wild animals who have disguised themselves as domestic pets. Zipped up in their costumes, they’re ready to enjoy a life of luxury with an unsuspecting suburban family — although maintaining the quiet life they crave is not as easy as they imagined.
Leading Latin American preschool channel Discovery Kids has picked up broadcasting rights to animated series Cleo & Cuquin (52 x 7 min.) from Ánima Kitchent and Televisa. Based on the classic Familia Telerín cartoon, the show will debut on the netwrok this autumn.
Aimed at kids ages 4-5, Cleo & Cuquin follows the adventures of the most famous Telerín kids. Each episode finds little rascal Cuquin getting himself into trouble, with big sister Cleo doing her best to get him out of it — with the help of Teté, Pelusín, Colitas and Maripí. Together, the brothers and sisters play their way to he answer, pretending to be astronauts, scientists, pilots, or whatever is needed to get the job done. At the end of their journey, Cleo makes up her mind about what she wants to be when she grows up … at least for that day.
Cleo & Cuquin has been developed as a transmedia brand by Ánima Kitchent, Televisa, MAI and Selecta Visión. In addition to the refreshed TV show, the brand includes apps like The Bedder, web content, and music clips which have already generated over 400 million views and a million subscribers on YouTube in just 18 months.
Further, Mattel has recently been named the worlwide master toy licensee for the brand, with a line of Cleo & Cuquin playthings due in stores in time for Christmas 2017.
Familia Telerín first arrived in the late 1970s, created by José Luis and Santiago Moro. The show introduced the song “Vamos a la cama” (“Time for bed”), which became part of the nighttime routine of a generation of parents with sleep-resistant children.
Pan-regional network Discovery Kids, now in its 20th year, is making a major push to grow its series development slate. The broadcaster is teaming with some big names in animation to deliver original properties, as partnerships with Josh Selig’s Little Airplane Productions and Oscar-nominated director Alê Abreu have joined the lineup.
Part of a multi-title development deal with Little Airplane, Dog and Pony Show (working title) is a collaboration with multiple Emmy-winner Selig (Wonder Pets!, P. King Duckling). The comedy series centers on two misfits who leave the animated world of Rainbow Fjord behind in order to give life in the big city a try.
Brazilian director/animator Abreu (The Boy and the World) conceived Viva Viravento, which follows a girl named Viva on her search for a secret world accessible only through her beloved sketchbook. The imaginative project is being produced in partnership with audiovisual studio Mixer.
These projects join three previously announced animated series on the Discovery Kids slate. Floribella from Argentine producer/director/writer/composer/performer Cris Morena and the adaptation of feature film Underdogs from Oscar winner Juan José Campanella are both underway. And Baby Rockers (working title) is set to debut later this year — the show stars a band of multicultural music-loving babies and is produced by Campanella’s MundoLoco CGI.
Returning series are Doki, El Zoo de Zu and El Mundo de Luna. Discovery Kids has also picked up series The ZhuZhus (Nelvana), Zak Storm (ZAG), Nature Cat (9 Story), The Ollie and Moon Show (Cottonwood Media), Polly Pocket (Mattel) and Peppa Pig (eOne), plus movies from DreamWorks — Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, Shrek series, Madagascar, Puss in Boots — and Aardman’s Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were- Rabbit.
FremantleMedia Kids & Family and CBBC are calling in the World’s Greatest Secret Agent for another run of animated adventures in Danger Mouse. The next installment of 26 x 11 min. is due to launch on CBBC in the UK in 2018, following the second season which kicks off later this year. The new episodes will bring the series total to 104 x 11 min.
“Danger Mouse has quickly established himself as a channel defining and much loved hero for the CBBC audience and their parents. With even more dare-devil adventures in the pipeline he and Penfold are poised to keep on saving the world for a long time yet,” said CBBC Controller Cheryl Taylor, who commissioned the series.
Danger Mouse follows the titular hero and his faithful yet hapless hamster sidekick, Penfold, as they save the world time and again in mind-blowing missions aided, abetted and aggravated by a menagerie of old and new allies and adversaries. The voice cast is lead by Alexander Armstrong as Danger Mouse and Kevin Eldon as Penfold, joined by luminous talents such as Dave Lamb, Stephen Fry, Morwenna Banks, Lena Headey, John Oliver and Shauna Macdonal.
The 21st century update to iconic cartoon Danger Mouse premiered in September 2015, becoming an instant ratings and critical success. The show has since sold into more than 100 countries, including to top broadcasters in North America, Australia and New Zealand, Latin America, the Middle East, Japan, and much of Europe.
“I’m proud that Danger Mouse is now an award-winning series, as well as a huge hit with audiences all over the world,” said FMK’s President and General Manager, Rick Glankler. “Collaborating with the immensely talented teams at the BBC and Boulder has created a global smash that’s already much loved and is going from strength to strength and now there will be even more magnificent missions, dastardly plots and off the wall humour for our fans to enjoy.”
Danger Mouse is the result of a five-year co-production partnership between FMK and BBC Children’s. The series is executive produced by Tim Searle for CBBC Productions, and Bob Higgins and Chapman Maddox for FMK.
The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced the winners of the 5th International Emmy Kids Awards at a lively ceremony held Tuesday night at MIPTV in Cannes, presented in partnership with Reed MIDEM. Over 250 industry pros attended the event, held at the Martinez Hotel.
Among the animated winners were UK series Hey Duggee and Shaun the Sheep, and Aussie multiplatform series Doodles. The full list of winners is below (see the nominees here)
“Nothing is more vital on television than the programming kids watch every day, and the Academy is proud that the Emmy is the preeminent awards platform for kids programming,” said International Academy President, Bruce L. Paisner. “We congratulate all the winners for their outstanding achievements and for setting the high-quality standard we all expect for our kids.”
The International Emmy Kids Awards were presented in partnership with Shaw Rocket Fund, WDR mediagroup, TV Kids, Ernst & Young, and Junior@MIPTV.
International Emmy Kids Award Winners
PRESCHOOL Hey Duggee
Studio AKA (UK)
ANIMATION Shaun the Sheep: The Farmer’s Llamas
Aardman Animations (UK)
DIGITAL Doodles
Ludo Studio / ABC3 Australia / Screen Australia / Screen Queensland (Australia)
FACTUAL Horrible Histories
Lion Television (UK)
NON-SCRIPTED ENTERTAINMENT Ultras Sorte Kageshow (Baking in the Dark)
Danish Broadcastnig Corporation (Denmark)
KIDS SERIES Kasper en de Kerstengelen (Casper and the Christmas Angels)
NL Film & TV / Avrotros (Netherlands)
TV MOVIE/MINI-SERIES Peter & Wendy: Based on the Novel Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
Headline Pictures / Juliette Films (UK)
More information at www.iemmys.tv.
France’s Zorn Production International, publishing group Averbode/Erasme (Averbode Publishers), and illustrator Ingrid Godon have agreed to develop a second season of animated preschool series Nelly and César (52 x 7 min.), following strong international broadcast sales of the first batch.
“In signing this agreement for the new season, Zorn Production International is taking its development to the next level,” said Rodolphe Dietrich, who is in charge of the series development for Zorn. “Thanks to our network of partners and broadcasters who acquired the first season, some of whom have already shown an interest in taking a financial stake in the new season, we are launching the writing and development of season 2 right now, and already plan to enrich the franchise with new ancillary products.”
Adapted from the books by Godon, Nelly and César features a charming mouse and a funny frog who embark on heartwarming adventures together, often joined by their friends Fred the beaver, Mina the squirrel, and Léo the hedgehog. The show is anchored by the relationships between the characters and follow themes of friendship, mutual aid and respect for others. Each episode also includes an original song or a brief workshop which encourages young viewers to learn while having fun. Season 2 will introduce new characters and new horizons of adventure.
Season 1 was broadcast by more than 30 channels worldwide, including Disney Channel, Kika, Fuji TV, Ketnet, YLE, NOS/Z@pp, ABC, Ouftivi, TVO, EBS, PBS, IRIB, RAI, RTP, TRT, HOP Channel, TV3 Catalunya, and Al Jazeera. The show continues to sell to new territories. The first season was a co-production of outfits in France, Canada and Luxembourg, and season 2 will have a similar arrangement.
Turner International is enjoying brisk sales for key shows from across its portfolio, including animated series aimed at kids and adults, which are among the slate of new and returning series the company is shopping at MIPTV.
From its kids’ brand Cartoon Network, two 2016 revival series are generating significant interest from international buyers: The Powerpuff Girls and Ben 10. Both shows have so far sold to Citv (UK), Gulli (France) and Stan (Australia). Separately, Powerpuff Girls has been snapped up by Disney Channel for Germany, Switerzland & Austria, and TV 5 in the Philippines, while Ben 10 will air in the Philippines via GMA.
Also on Turner’s MIP ticket are Adult Swim series Rick & Morty, Robot Chicken and Samurai Jack; Cartoon Network’s Mighty Magiswords, The Amazing World of Gumball, Adventure Time. and We Bare Bears; and the first Boomerang original series The Happos Family.
“We’re thrilled to be sharing the early sales success for some of our key kids and entertainment series, as well as the extensive and highly appealing slate of programming we’ll be showcasing at MIPTV this week,” commented Humphrey Black, VP of Media Distribution for Turner EMEA. “We’re confident that Turner now offers a one-stop shop for buyers and we look forward to finding the best destinations for our shows, to complement their broadcasting on our own channels and platforms.”
Live-action programs being featured by Turner at the market includes TNT’s Good Behavior and TBS’ Search Party, both recently renewed for second seasons, plus 4 Blocks (TNT Serie, Germany), Will (TNT), I’m Sorry and Those Who Can’t (truTV).
‘Batman & Harley Quinn’ Animated Film’s Voice Cast, Villains Revelead B:TAS mastermind Bruce Timm is directing, with Kevin Conroy and Loren Lester reprising Batman and Robin, joined by Melissa Rauch as Harley Quinn, and others recently confirmed. Warner Bros./DC have not yet set a release date for the home video.
Appointments at FranceTV Distribution
CEO Laetitia Recayte has promoted and hired on a crack leadership team including Julia Schulte (Int’l Sales Manager), Aude de La Villarmois (Licensing), Xavier Bonnetain (Music/Live Entertainment) and Delphine Duclos (Executive Manager – marketing, communication and video).
Double Fine Amnesia Fortnight 2017 Humble Bundle – Buy and Vote!
Pay what you want for a bunch of cool prototypes created during Double Fine Prod.’s internet game jam and become eligible to vote for which of 25 proposals will be developed this year. Voting ends April 7 at 10 a.m. PST.
CALL FOR ENTRIES: Asia-Pacific Child Rights Award for TV 2017
Broadcasters who are ABU and CASBAA members in the region are invited to submit their programs (including animations) for and about children which address child rights issues. The award is also supported by UNICEF. Submission deadline is June 30, 2017.
Imagine Entertainment, the film and TV production company founded by Ron Howard and Brian Grazer, has teamed up with LEGO Movie studio Animal Logic to create a slate of animated and hybrid family films. The deal will see the partners develop, produce and finance six features over the next five years.
The joint venture is currently raising equity financing to cover 50% of the term’s production and development activities. The film production budgets will fall reportedly fall between $75 and $85 million.
Australia-based Animal Logic is a CGI and visual effects studio which has previously delivered animated features like Happy Feet, Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole and Walking with Dinosaurs. 2014’s The LEGO Movie netted nearly $470 million worldwide, while The LEGO Batman Movie released in February is just under the $300 million mark. Both films have inspired highly successful consumer products programs, as well.
Animal Logic’s next project, The LEGO Ninjago Movie, arrive Sept. 22 through Warner Bros. The studio is also working on Sony’s live-action/CG Peter Rabbit (March 23, 2018).
Animation makes up a thinner portion of Imagine’s credits list to-date. It produced the two Curious George feature films with Universal Pictures, released in 2006 and 2009. Imagine’s TV division also produced the Curious George series.
DHX Media has inked an agreement with Cartoon Network in the US to air the new Mega Man series — an original co-production of DHX Media and Dentsu Entertainment USA. The show will also run on DHX Media’s Family CHRGD channel in Canada. Based on the iconic Capcom video game franchise, the 3D animated Mega Man will enter production this summer at DHX’s Vancouver studio, written and executive produced by Man of Action Entertainment (Ben 10, Generator Rex, Big Hero 6).
“We are thrilled that Cartoon Network has picked up the new Mega Man series for its US viewers. This deal points to the solid demand for our original kids’ content, and highlights the strength of our strategy of collaborating with leading industry peers such as Dentsu and Man of Action to refresh evergreen properties for today’s kids,” said DXH Media’s EP of Content, Ken Faier. “Further, we believe Mega Man‘s incredible heritage and proven popularity also positions the brand extremely well for longer term consumer product opportunities.”
Aimed at kids 6-11 (and parents who grew up with the games), the new Mega Man series will feature exciting technologies and robots, and will introduce Mega Man’s alter-ego, Aki Light. Aki is a normal, upbeat, schoolboy robot who has nano-core technology that allows him to transform into the mega powered super hero Mega Man! With his Mega Buster arm cannon and iconic helmet, Mega Man battles the wickedest villains Silicon City has to offer. Beloved characterslike Rush the robotic dog will return, joined by new characters like Mega Mini and Suna Light.
The first Mega Man game launched in 1987, expanding to over 130 games across multiple systems and selling over 31 million copies worldwide — not to mention toys, comics and collectibles. The franchise spawned a popular cartoon in the 1990s, which aired on ABC Family in the US.
A second season of galactic adventure is coming this summer as LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures returns to Disney XD.
“The series creators expertly deliver an equal amount of comedy and signature Star Wars adventure into their storytelling,” said Marc Buhaj, SVP, Programming and General Manager for Disney XD. “We’re looking forward to bringing our viewers a brand new season of galactic adventures with the Freemaker family throughout summer.”
The first season concluded with the Freemaker family finding a new home with the Rebel fleet. Now, they came face to face with Imperial forces, desperate Hutts, conniving Sith Lords, and the Emperor’s new toy: a terrifying hunter droid named M-OC who constanty modifies himself to pursue any quarry. With new threats abounding, Rowan’s powers grow until he has a vision of an invulnerable ship that can save the Rebellion and stop the Empire — the Arrowhead. The catch? Young Rowan’s the only one who can build it.
Ahead of the debut, five new shorts that fill in the gaps between seasons 1 and 2 will air on Disney XD on May 4 as part of the “May the 4th Be with You” fan festivities. A peak at the new Freemaker Adventures will also be revealed at Star Wars Celebration in Orlando this month.
The season 2 voice cast includes Nicolas Cantu as Rowan, Vanessa Lengies (Kordi), Eugene Byrd (Zander), Matthew Wood (RO-GR), Trevor Devall (Emperor), Dana Snyder (Graballa), Vanessa Marshall (Hera), Yvette Nicole Brown (Lt. Valeria), Corey Burton (Quarrie), James Urbaniak (M-OC) and Matt Sloan (Darth Vader).
LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures is produced by Wil Film, the LEGO Group and Lucasfilm and developed for TV by Bill Motz and Bob Roth (Penguins of Madagascar), who serve as executive producers with Torsten Jacobson (LEGO Star Wars: Droid Tales) and Jill Wilfert (The LEGO Movie), alongside producers Carrie Beck (Star Wars Rebels), Jason Cosler (LEGO Marvel Super Heroes: Avengers Reassembled!), Jake Blais and John McCormack.
Season 1 was one of Disney XD’s top-rated animated series in 2016, reaching over 55 million Total Viewers across the US to-date (including 21M kids 2-14 and 11M boys 2-14), plus 6 million engagements across digital and social.
Singapore- and Mumbai-based Cosmos-Maya continues to build in the success of its multiple animated series by growing its digital presence with its WowKidz platform. The YouTube destination has attracted nearly 900 million views in the 18 months since its launch, adding over 3.5 million views on a daily basis. Cosmos-Maya is now embarking on a three-pronged plan to further the brand, with conten acquisitions, strategic partnerships and original productions.
“From USA & UK to Australia, Middle East and Asia, WowKidz has been the platform of choice when it comes to Indian animation content,” said Anish JS Mehta, CEO of Cosmos-Maya. “Our endeavor is to bring in the best of kids’ content at one destination in the Indian languages through this platform.”
WowKidz has been delivering strong numbers thanks to Cosmos-Maya’s successful IPs, headlined by its flagship property Motu Patlu, which has been the #1 Indian series for several months in a row. These also include ViR, Kisna, Eena Meena Deeka and the newly launched Bure Kaam Ka Bura Natija, Kyun Bhai Chacha Haan Bhatija.
The platform is pursuing a highly targeted strategy for content acquisitions, with its first pick-up being Hotwheels Battleforce 5 from Nelvana. With its action-adventure bent, the company pegs it as ideal for Indian audiences. The series will launch on WowKidz this summer.
The second avenue of expansion for WowKidz is the creation of dedicated local sub-brands in digitally relevant markets, beginning with the launch of WowKidz Indonesia. This strategic collaboration with local producer-distributor Spectrum Films will bring WowKidz content to digital viewers with a localized Bahasa-language channel. The Indonesian offshoot will feature shows from Spectrum’s vast digital catalog in addition to Cosmos-Maya shows.
Last but not least, the platform will be putting together a dedicated development team to create fresh content under a WowKidz Originals banner.
“So far we have been operating on a pure library mode only with the 700-odd half-hours of our own content. With language diversification and third party acquisitions, we are looking at adding volumes. The next logical brand extension is the production of original content for WowKid,” explained Mehta. “From development of short formats of our own content to exploring possibilities for spin-offs, we have a couple of interesting ideas for the original content creation in this space and will be announcing the details soon.”
NYC-based art and technology company The-Artery is expanding its operations to the West Coast by opening its first Los Angeles office. Industry veteran Karin Levinson has been named Head of Features and Television Content, and will be steering the new office while spearheading business initiatives across film, TV, advertising, virtual reality and augmented reality.
“We are thrilled to have Karin on our team, and to have the capacity and capability to expand into LA, where so many of our clients, and potential clients, are based,” said EP and Managing Director Deborah Sullivan. “Karin has a fantastic network across film, television, advertising, digital technologies and social media. Her relationships and work experience provide us a strong position to broaden our foothold within the entertainment industry, and to heighten our brand’s visibility.”
Prior to joining The-Artery, Levinson was VP of Marketing and Content Development at entertainment advertising agency Eclipse. She’s also served as Director of Marketing and New Business Development at Ant Farm agency. Earlier, Levinson was EVP, Features & Television at Artemple – Hollywood, and held the same title at VFX house Gravity (formerly RhinoFX). She has also served as EP and VFX Producer at Black Box Digital.
The-Artery’s recent projects include VFX for several feature and TV projects, including The Discovery, Norman, The Get Down and Billions. The company has also produced effects for ad campaigns for Allegra and IZOD and the TV promo for Broadway’s Anastasia, visual content for the VMA Awards, and social content for Pepsi.
The creative studio’s recently launched Experiential Division has created immersive experience projects for Cartier/Fifth Avenue, New York; TOPSHOP, Soho, New York; the Tel Aviv Museum; the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow; Radio City Music Hall’s Rockettes; and Expo Milan 2015. The-Artery is also involved in an artistic collaboration with video artist Ronen Sharabani, a 2006 Cannes Gold Lion winner.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of The-Artery given the company’s internal talent and broad range of creative and technical capabilities. The creative studio provides a high-end, full-service approach to creating content across all platforms,” commented Levinson.
