CALL FOR ENTRIES: SICAF 2017
The 21st Seoul Int’l Cartoon & Animation Festival is seeking feature films, shorts, student work, kid-targeted films, online/digital works, TV and commissioned animations for the July 26-30 event. Deadline is May 21, 2017.
UK children’s entertainment company Platinum Films has appointed Bomanbridge Media as its TV distribution partner in Asia for popular animated adventure-comedy Matt Hatter Chronicles. The Singapore-based agency will market and license all four seasons of the series (52 x 22 min.) as well as the brand-new Matt Hatter TV movie (60 min.) through a three-year exclusive representation deal. Bomanbridge will showcase the property at MIPTV at Booth P-1.E18.
“Bomanbridge is thrilled to work with Platinum Films to bring Matt Hatter Chronicles to Asia. The series has ranked #1 in ratings on channels such as ITV in the UK, and Cartoon Network in Australia, to mention a few. This program brings impressive production budgets, high calibre animation and an immediate attention grabbing storyline to children everywhere,” said Sonia Fleck, CEO of Bomanbridge Media. “We believe this action-packed kids’ comedy series will resonate with our young audiences here, bringing about lucrative revenue streams and high ratings for all our broadcast platforms. Bomanbridge prides itself on offering the best programs to our broadcast partners and we are thrilled to have Matt Hatter added to our catalogue.”
Aimed at kids 6-10, Matt Hatter Chronicles follows the adventures of Matt Hatter, a schoolboy whose life is changed forever when he discovers a secret dimension known as the Multiverse. As the new Hatter Hero, it’s up to Matt, with the help of friends Roxie and Gomez, to battle and capture Super Villains from movie, myth and legend to save the Multiverse and free his Grandpa. The show has sold extensively worldwide, including to Cartoon Network, Disney XD and ITV.
“Expansion into Asia is the next phase in a deliberate and considered broadcast strategy for the Matt Hatter brand,” added Natalie Llewellyn, Head of Global Strategy at Platinum Films. “Bomanbridge is superbly positioned to bring Matt Hatter to new audiences across Asia. Their experience, passion and deep knowledge of the Asian market has earnt them a first-class reputation in the region. Matt Hatter is in very safe hands and we are excited about broadening our global footprint.”
Bomanbridge’s hand-picked catalogue currently holds over 4,000 hours of programming covering a range of genres. The agency acts as both a brand strategist and program distributor for entry into Asia Pacific markets.
The International Animation Film Festival, Pixelatl has announced that Sociedad Fantasma has been commissioned as creative partner for the 2017 event, taking place in Cuernavaca, Mexico from September 5-10. The studio will deliver the fest’s custom artwork, poster, teaser and all audiovisual materials in line with the year’s theme of “Diversity: Equal Is Different.”
Sociedad Fantasma (sociedadfantasma.com) is a collaborative storytelling studio specializing in animation and illustration, located in Mexico City. Pooling top talent in the fields of illustration, animation (2D and CG) and audio, the society is able to deliver original and impactful communication for clients.
The studio has worked on digital advertising for major brands including Google LatAm, Pepsi, Gatorade and Australia’s Pause Fest. Sociedad Fantasma is also developing original projects and an online animation course through the Domestika platform.
More about the Pixelatl association and annual festival at www.elfestival.mx.
Monster Entertainment has picked up three new children’s series for global distribution, and will be presenting them to international buyers at MIPTV: Cleo (Season 2, 39 x 7 min.), Misho & Robin (30 x 5 min.) and Noah’s Park (14 x 22).
Produced by Spain’s La Casa Animada and RTVE, Cleo is already a success around the world. The second season continues to follow inquisitive puppy Cleo and her best friend Irma, who has some delightful new eyeglasses. Cleo makes sure Irma never goes without her multicolored specs, and learns about the ways people can see. In an atmosphere of fun and puppyish mishaps, young viewers are encouraged to find new ways to solve problems and broaden their perspectives.
Misho & Robin, aimed at children aged 3-6, is produced by Recircle in Croatia. The brand new series centers on two adventurous characters whose exploits help teach about friendship, the joy of helping others, and good manners. The show has been picked up by HRT in Croatia.
Produced in the US by Noah’s Park LLC, Noah’s Park picks up the story of the animals when they left Noah’s Ark. Dreamer the rhinoceros, Honk the camel, Stretch the giraffe and six of their animal friend set off on a great journey to find a new home. After many perilous adventures, they came to a beautiful pond surrounded by a cozy cave, towering coconut trees, and a sparkling waterfall. When Ponder the frog saw Noah’s Ark setting on the mountain above them, he knew that they had found just the right place.
Noah’s Park uses a blend of puppets, life-size costumes, stop-motion animation and CGI for a unique approach to children’s entertainment.
Studio 100 Media has inked a number of deals that will bring its new CG series The Wild Adventures of Blinky Bill (52 x 12) even further beyond the Outback. New Nordic partners include kids’ public broadcaster NRK Super (Norway) and SF Studios for home entertainment and VOD rights.
The series had previously been acquired by SVT Barnkanalen, which will begin airing it in Sweden this summer; and by Nelonen Media in Finland.
“We are pleased about the ongoing collaboration with our long term partners Nelonen Media, NRK Super and SVT Barnkanalen as well as SF Studios,” said Martin Krieger, Head of Global Distribution at Studio 100 Media. “All these channels and distributors are already home to other Studio 100 animation and live action shows such as Maya the Bee, Heidi, Tashi or Kosmoo and Nightwatch. Our team is confident that the Australian icon Blinky Bill will sweep the Nordics off their feet in this witty and cheeky CGI version.”
Global kids brand Cartoon Network has announced a well-plotted slate of content for the 2017-18 upfront season designed to offer fans something new every day across a variety of platforms. With a bent for delivering even better content experiences that drive engagement across all screens, CN’s lineup includes six new series and seven returning hits, as well as 20-plus mobile and console games.
Further, the brand’s Emmy-winning flagship app will get an expansion to Chromecast later this year, and add at least nine new games to its slate, plus two integrated game consoles.
Cartoon Network is currently the No. 1 VOD choice across all of TV and is home to five out of the top 10 animated series for kids. The Turner brand has also amassed a robust digital/mobile portfolio with 44 apps racking up nearly 150 million downloads worldwide. Its roster of more than 400 free-to-play online games with the Game Creator franchise has generated more than 2 billion global game plays to-date.
“As kids’ viewing habits have evolved, Cartoon Network has always been there with them,” said Christina Miller, President, Cartoon Network-Adult Swim-Boomerang. “From their first experience with a kids’ network website and video app; to their first series VR game; and most recently, their first app to use ACR, we are keeping our sole focus on them as they inspire us to reimagine television.”
Cartoon Network TV & Games 2017-18:
NEW SERIES Apple & Onion – Being new and naïve to the ways of the “big city of sophisticated food” doesn’t stop the wide-eyed enthusiasm of the lovable buddies Apple and Onion who are destined to find their way and make lots of friends on their incredible adventure of life. The friendship comedy is created by George Gendi (The Amazing World of Gumball).
Craig of the Creek – At the Creek, the rules of the outside world don’t apply in this kid utopia of untamed wilderness where Craig and his two best friends have ventured and tribes of children reign over tree forts and dirt bike ramps. The adventure series is created by Matt Burnett and Ben Levin, formerly from Steven Universe.
Summer Camp Island – Having completed a momentous and critically acclaimed run at this year’s most notable festivals, including the Sundance Film Festival and SXSW, this wildly imaginative animated series, based on the original Cartoon Network short, will continue unfolding the mysteries that Oscar and his best friend Hedgehog encounter at a magical summer camp. The series hails from creator Julia Pott (Adventure Time). More info.
OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes – Cartoon Network powers up a world of original heroes across the TV and gaming landscape together with the greenlight of this action-packed comedy followed by the console and PC game jointly developed with indie video game studio Capybara games. The knockout series is inspired by creator Ian Jones-Quartey’s childhood and follows the heroic feats of K.O., an endlessly optimistic boy attempting to level up to be the best he can be in a dynamic universe of heroes, friends and challenging foes. More info.
Ben 10 – The newest show coming out of the highly successful franchise has launched multiple animated series, and numerous animated and live-action movies. Playmates Toys serves as the worldwide master toy partner for the new Ben 10 with a full line of toys based on the show that will include a range of figures, playsets, and role-play items set to launch at retail globally this fall. The wild adventures begin debuting Monday, April 10 and will introduce fun loving, 10-year-old, Ben Tennyson, his cousin Gwen, and Grandpa Max, as they traverse the country during summer vacation. Once Ben finds the Omnitrix, a mysterious watch that transforms him into 10 different heroic aliens, a world of extraterrestrial superpowers opens to him, which kids of all ages will admire. Ben 10 is created by and executive produced by Man of Action Entertainment. More info & clip.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs – The mouth-watering animated comedy series premiered earlier this month and is based on Sony Pictures Animation’s highly successful 2009 global feature Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and its sequel. The TV series is produced in association with DHX Media, Sony Pictures Animation and Corus Entertainment. More info.
RETURNING SERIES We Bare Bears – The BAFTA-winning stacks up a third season in which Grizzly (Eric Edelstein), Panda (Bobby Moynihan) and Ice Bear (Demetri Martin) meet up with friends and frenemies voiced by Patton Oswalt, Charlyne Yi, Jason Lee, Ellie Kemper and Cameron Esposito. Festive holiday specials and new guest appearances by comedian Ron Funches and voice actor John DiMaggio round out the season. Created by Daniel Chong.
The Powerpuff Girls – The Emmy-nominated series kicks off a second season featuring all-new characters and specials. The reimagined series is executive produced by Nick Jennings and co-executive produced by Bob Boyle, and will continue to further Cartoon Network’s commitment to STEAM education with two more themed episodes this season. The hit Powerpuff Yourself avatar maker, which reached over 12 million fans at launch, has also been updated. The original series was created by Craig McCracken.
Mighty Magiswords – The recently ordered second season will expand on Prohyas and Vambre’s epic adventures on hilarious quests in pursuit of the latest and greatest Magiswords to add to their collections. Mighty Magiswords is comprised of more than 500 pieces of original content including interactive shorts, narrative vlogs and a multitude of immersive digital games and apps. Created by Kyle A. Carrozza.
Adventure Time – The Emmy- and Peabody-winning show is back with an eight-part miniseries later this year. Fans will be just as surprised as Finn to discover what happened to the kingdoms of Ooo while he was away at sea. This next miniseries comes fresh off the heels of Adventure Time: Islands, which reached almost four million people. Created by Pendleton Ward and executive produced by Adam Muto.
Steven Universe – Friendships are tested as the Emmy-nominated series continues. New adventurous story arcs and specials will introduce more Gems, spend time with the Diamonds and provide insight into the ever-mysterious Gem Homeworld while the series’ titular hero Steven Universe grows as a leader. Steven Universe is lauded for having a voice of inclusion, and was recently nominated for its first GLAAD Media Award in the Outstanding Comedy Series category. Created by Rebecca Sugar.
Teen Titans Go! – Season four of the hit series continues — and get ready for the show’s 200th episode as Robin, Starfire, Raven, Beast Boy and Cyborg prepare to save the world in a special, two-part adventure. Audiences are also in for an egg-ceptional treat in a spring special featuring the mythical Tooth Fairy who tries to take over the holiday from the Easter Bunny. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation.
The Amazing World of Gumball – This BAFTA- and Emmy-winning series from Cartoon Network Studios EMEA conjures up a new Halloween special and continues warm-hearted adventures including an episode with live-action puppets with the energetic and fearless blue cat—Gumball—and his idiosyncratic family, the Wattersons.
GAMES The Powerpuff Girls LEGO DIMENSIONS – The LEGO toy and videogame hybrid is adding the Girls to its roster with a new Team Pack and Fun Pack. The Team Pack features Blossom and Bubbles minifigures, and the Fun Pack completes the team with Buttercup. Both packs give access to the Townsville Hub area where players can fly around Townsville and see sights like Pokey Oaks elementary, City Hall, Rainbow Land, the Pickle Museum and of course the girls’ home base complete with Professor Utonium’s lab.
Steven Universe: Save the Light – Developed with hit-maker Grumpyface Studios, this is a new console game with an original story crafted by Steven Universe series creator Rebecca Sugar. The RPG console game is a sequel to the 2015 hit mobile title, Attack the Light,and is expected to launch this summer.
OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes – This action brawler console and PC game with RPG elements is set in the outrageous world of the upcoming animated series OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes created by Ian Jones-Quartey. It is developed by award-winning Capybara Games and arrives later this fall.
Ben 10: Up to Speed – A runner that follows Ben Tennyson as he goes on the best summer vacation ever with his Grandpa Max and cousin Gwen. He discovers an alien artifact called the Omnitrix that allows him to transform into powerful alien heroes. Playing as Ben and his various alien alter egos, gamers will save the world by stopping evildoers, from giant robots to menacing mages.
Glitch Fixers – The Powerpuff Girls – Based on the popular episode “Viral Spiral,” Glitch Fixers is a turn-based puzzler that takes gamers on a wild digital ride. Using virtual command blocks, Bubbles is tasked with helping Blossom and Buttercup escape the internet and defeat the evil Amoeba Boys through the power of coding.
Surely You Quest – As part of a connected hub that includes the linear series Mighty Magsiwords, the newest mobile game links to another integrated app MagiMobile, to give fans access to their Magiswords and allow them to expand their collections. Gamers can use the swords they previously earned in MagiMobile for gameplay in Surely You Quest, and the more fans watch and engage with MagiMobile, the more options they will have for battles in the game.
Apple and OnionCraig of the CreekOK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes
Cologne-based public broadcaster WDR Mediagroup will be introducing MIPTV buyers to one of the cult hits of German television, Little Sandman. Subsidiaries RBB and RBB Media previously sold the show, and WDRmg will now be shopping broadcast, home video and VOD rights to the 24-episode series outside German-speaking territories.
Created by puppet designer and director Gerhardt Behrendt, Little Sandman (Unser Sandmännchen) premiered on East German state TV in 1959, and has remained a pop cultural touchstone in the territories where it first aired. The bedtime series followed the fantastic stop-motion adventures of Little Sandman and his young friends, sometimes introducing young viewers to new technological innovations.
WDRmg will also be showcasing animated series Kalli (39 episodes) and Lennart in Grumble Valley (26 eps.), hybrid series Timmi the Rocketeer (26 eps.), and puppet show Jan & Henry at the MIPTV market next week.
“Our co-operation with RBB Media enables us to bundle additional titles from the ARD family portfolio and make them known beyond the borders of Germany,” noted WDRmg’s Chief Content Officer, Andrea Zuska. “Plus, there is a strategic aspect to our taking over the international program sales of Jan & Henry – we’re acting as licensing and merchandising agency for this title, too, which enables us to implement an integrated brand management at the international level.”
You can sample Little Sandman on RBB’s (German-language) dedicated YouTube channel.
Adult Swim — the No. 1 basic cable network with millennials for over a decade — has given the greenlight to two new action-driven animated series set to premiere later this year. First up will be Apollo Gauntlet from MONDO’s animation studio Six Point Harness and Mosaic, set to debut this summer, followed by Hot Streets from Stoopid Buddy Stoodios in the fall.
Created by independent Canadian animator Myles Langlois, Apollo Gauntlet centers on an ordinary cop named Paul Cassidy who is transported to a futuristic-medieval world by the evil Dr. Benign. There he acquires a magical suit and a set of talking gauntlets, and sets out to become a hero fighting crime exactly how he wants under the name Apollo Gauntlet. The series is a quarter-hour comedy format.
Hot Streets is a sci-fi comedy adventure series created by animation writer Brian Wysol (Future-Worm!, Rick and Morty, Robot Chicken). A quarter-hour format, the show follows FBI Agent Mark Branski along with his partner, his niece and her dog as they investigate supernatural phenomena. Wysol executive produces with Stoopid Buddy’s Seth Green, Matt Senreich, John Harvatine IV and Eric Towner, and Justin Roiland.
Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice’s oft-revived Broadway musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is getting the animated feature treatment with the help of fellow musician and producer Elton John. The movie will be released under the STX Family label and is being produced by John’s Rocket Pictures (Gnomeo & Juliet, Sherlock Gnomes) in association with Really Useful Group.
The project was announced by Adam Fogelson, Chairman of STX’s Motion Picture Group, during CinemaCon this week. Fogelson revealed the film will feature new songs written by Lloyd Weber and Rice.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was originally conceived by Lloyd Weber and Rice in the 1960s, inspired by the story in the Bible’s Book of Genesis about the “coat of many colors.” After the success of the duo’s Jesus Christ Superstar rock opera, they rededicated themselves to turning Joseph into a complete, family-friendly musical which has seen multiple revival productions — including West End, Broadway and touring engagements — since its 1968 debut.
DreamWorks Animation has secured the rights to award-winning, internationally bestselling author Cressida Cowell’s upcoming fantasy novel series The Wizards of Once. The deal was announced Thursday by Chris deFaria, President of DreamWorks Feature Animation Group. The first book will hit shelves through Hodder Children’s Books (UK) and Little Brown Books for Young Readers (US) this fall.
Cowell is a prolific, UK-based children’s fiction writer who has already inspired one of DWA’s biggest franchises: How to Train Your Dragon. The 12-book original series authored and illustrated by Cowell has inspired hit animated films and TV series produced by the studio since the first feature took flight in 2010. How to Train Your Dragon 3 is currently in production and scheduled for release March 1, 2019 through Universal Pictures. The book series is published in 38 languages.
“Cressida is part of the DreamWorks family and with The Wizards of Once she once again anchors a new franchise for us,” said deFaria in the announcement. “The story is packed with the perfect elements to create a unique magical universe inhabited by adventurous, funny and memorable characters that will enthrall generations to come. We are honored to have another opportunity to partner with this amazingly creative author.”
With Cowell’s trademark blend of action, wit and emotional authenticity, The Wizards of Once will transport readers to a world of magic, where wizards and warriors collide in thrilling and enchanting adventures.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be continuing my partnership with DreamWorks Animation. The artistry and technical wizardry of their creative team is simply unparalleled. DreamWorks Animation is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in animation, and they have the imagination, ambition and vision that every writer dreams of,” added Cowell. “I have been blown away by their ability to translate the spirit, heart, humor and adventure of my How to Train Your Dragon books to the screen, and I know that they will be able to do the same with The Wizards of Once.”
DreamWorks Animation is now a division of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group following last year’s acquisition. Its 2017 releases The Boss Baby (out now) and Captain Underpants (June 2) will be the last films released under DWA’s distribution deal with 20th Century Fox.
Cowell is an ambassador for the UK’s National Literacy Trust and the Reading Agency, and a founder patron of the Children’s Media Foundation. She is repped by Nicky Lund of David Higham Associates Ltd., WME and attorney David Colden.
Season four of the hit animated series Sofia the First will premiere Friday, April 28 at 11:30 a.m. ET on Disney Channel. Featuring a fresh raft of special voice guests, the new season will see Sofia take on a larger role as protector of her kingdom and send her on a journey to an enchanted world called The Mystic Isles.
A great success for Disney Junior, Sofia holds the record for the top two cable TV telecasts ever among Kids 2-5, and top three cable TV telecasts ever among Girls 2-5. The show recently received a Humanitas Prize, which recognizes movies and series that inspire compassion, hope and understanding.
The season four guest star line-up includes Andrew Rannells (Girls) as an enthusiastic unicorn named Skye; Megan Hilty (Smash) as a Crystalmaster named Prisma; Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan (both from The Lord of the Rings franchise) as two gnomes named Malachite and Fig; Ming-Na Wen (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) as a magical human/hawk character named Vega; Jurnee Smollett-Bell (Underground) as a crystal fairy named Christa; and Kimiko Glenn (Orange Is the New Black) and Jane Krakowski (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) as dragons named Cinder and Sizzle.
Sofia the First tells the story of an ordinary girl who becomes a princess, and follows her journey at she learns the positive qualities that make someone truly royal. The series stars Ariel Winter as Sofia; Sara Ramirez as Queen Miranda; Wayne Brady as Clover; Tim Gunn as Baileywick; Darcy Rose Byrnes as Amber; Nicolas Cantu as James; Travis Willingham as King Roland II; and Jess Harnell as Cedric. Recurring guest stars include Eric Stonestreet, Ellie Kemper, Anna Camp, Kiernan Shipka, Hugh Bonneville and Bonnie Hunt.
Jamie Mitchell and Craig Gerber serve as executive producers, with Mitchell directing. Emmy winners John Kavanaugh (Elena of Avalor) and Kevin Kliesch (Tangled: The Series) are songwriter/music director and composer, respectively. Sofia is produced by Disney Television Animation.
VIDEO: ‘Gravity Falls’ Cast Reunites for Journal 3 Infomercial
Kristen Schaal (Mabel) and Jason Ritter (Dipper) make their best possible pitches for the perfect way to glam up or lock down your copy of Gravity Falls: Journal 3. The 288-page full-color hardcover actually comes with a book jacket that turns into a poster, so that’s pretty sweet. Order your copy here!
VIDEO: ‘DinoTrux’ Season 4 Trailer
DreamWorks Animation Television’s revved up dino show debuts a new season on Netflix this Friday. “There are so many new Dinotrux this season, it’s hard to choose a favorite. I like Snowblazer best. She’s a kooky Plowasaur who lives with a pet rock in a snowy cave in the high mountains,” says exec producer Ron Burch.
Ofcom Outlines Planes for Regulating BBC Performance
Just in case Brexit doesn’t lead to complete Mad Max-style meltdown, Ofcom will be keeping tabs on the pubcaster starting April 3 — including ensuring quotas for CBBC and CBeebies.
Kaleidoscope VR Showcase Vol. 2 Official Selection
Tickets for the traveling celebration of the artistry of virtual reality are on sale now for the London, Leipzig, Berlin, LA and Kyiv stops. The Sydney, Hong Kong, Paris and Seoul events will go on sale in the coming weeks.
Cosplay Talent Agency Launches in Los Angeles
The newly minted KOSPRE has opened with an array of talented and creative cosplay artists enrolled and ready to bring some extra geek sparkle to film premieres, cons, trade shows, concerts, and other events.
Wreck-It Ralph is busting out of the arcade and venturing into the expansive universe of the internet for the pixel-powered sequel Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2, coming to theaters March 9, 2018. The official title was revealed by The Walt Disney Studios head of distribution Dave Hollis at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. He also confirmed that voice stars Jane Lynch and Jack McBrayer are returning.
Also back on board are directors Rich Moore and Phil Johnston, who was a writer on the first film, and producer Clark Spencer — all of whom recently worked on Disney’s Oscar-winning feature Zootopia.
“To take these characters we love and have them enter the enormous world of the internet has given us so much to explore,” said Moore. “Our production team has been hard at work designing a world that takes something we all think we know – the internet – but shows it in a whole new, imaginative way.”
Johnston added: “We’re so excited to be working with Ralph, Vanellope von Schweetz, Fix-It Felix and Sergeant Calhoun again, and we have new characters we look forward to unveiling. At the center of this film, as in the first one, is the relationship between Ralph and Vanellope, two once-outcasts, who in each other, found true friendship.”
Wreck-It Ralph was released November 2, 2012, and broke a Disney Animation record for highest opening weekend at that time. The video game inspired adventure was nominated for the Oscar and Golden Globe best animated feature prizes, and won a PGA Award as well as five Annie Awards — including best feature, director, cast and screenplay. Ralph further scored accolades from the Broadcast Film Critics Association, Casting Society of America and the Kids’ Choice Award for favorite animated movie.
The all-new adventures of Rapunzel and Eugene jumpstarted on Disney Channel with the original TV movie Tangled Before Ever After — a fun-packed adventure serving as a narrative bridge between the theatrical feature and the new series. Soon, fans will be able to bring the hair-raising escapade home as Disney releases the feature on DVD on April 11.
In the movie, everyone’s favorite “barefoot princess” is eager to make up for all the lost years spent stuck in a tower. With the help of her true love, Eugene, pals Pascal the chameleon and Maximus the horse, and a daring new friend named Cassandra, Rapunzel postpones her wedding and royal duties to boldly explore life beyond Corona’s walls.
Executive produced by Chris Sonnenburg (Enchanted), Tangled Ever After features the voices of Mandy Moore as Rapunzel, Zachary Levi as Eugene (a.k.a. Flynn Rider), Eden Espinosa as Cassandra, Julie Bowen as Queen Arianna, and Clancy Brown as King Frederic. The movie also boasts music from Alan Menken.
The DVD release will also include four animated shorts or “Tangled Short Cuts”: Checkmate, Prison Bake, Make Me Smile and Hare Peace.
Fan can relive the ultimate animated Amazon adventure as Warner Bros. Home Entertainment released Wonder Woman: Commemorative Edition — a fresh treatment of Lauren Montgomery’s much-lauded DC Universe Original Movie. The feature-length, PG-13 film will launch on Digital HD on May 2, followed by Blu-ray Combo Pack (SRP $24.98) and DVD ($19.98) versions on May 16.
Wonder Woman tells the story of the heroine’s origins on the mystical island of Themyscira, where the Amazon princess Diana has been raised as a paragon of beauty, grace and strength. When US fighter pilot Steve Trevor crash-lands on their isle, the headstrong Diana defies Amazonian law to accompany him back to modern civilization. Meanwhile, Ares, the god of war, has escaped his imprisonment by the Amazons and decides to exact revenge by starting a World War that will last for centuries and destroy all life on Earth — and it’s up to Diana to stop him.
The all-star voice cast is lead by Keri Russell as Diana/Wonder Woman, with Nathan Fillion as Steve Trevor, Alfred Molina as Ares, Rosario Dawson as Artemis, Virginia Madsen as Hippolyta, David McCallum as Zeus, Marg Helgenberger as Hero, Oliver Platt as Hades, and Vicki Lewis as Persephone.
Bonus features on Wonder Woman: Commemorative Edition include the featurettes What Makes a Wonder Woman, Wonder Woman: A Subversive Dream and Wonder Woman: Daughter of Myth, creative team commentary (producers Bruce Timm & Gregory Noveck, director Lauren Montgomery, screenwriter Michael Jelenic), and a sneak peek at Batman and Harley Quinn.
Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment, Wonder Woman is directed by by Lauren Montgomery (Batman: Year One, Justice League Doom) from a story by Gail Simone (Birds of Prey, Secret Six) and Michael Jelenic (Batman: The Brave and the Bold , Teen Titans Go!) with a screenplay by Jelenic. Sam Register serves as executive producer, and Emmy winner Bruce Timm (Batman: The Killing Joke, Batman: The Animated Series) is producer.
Jetpack Distribution has announced multiple broadcast agreements with leading international channels as well as key licensing partnerships for preschool hit Yoko. The 52 x 12 animated series for kids 407 is co-produced by Russia’s Wizart and Spanish toon studios Somuga and Dibultoon, and Spanish broadcaster TVE.
Jetpack has secured deals with Canada’s BBC Knowledge for exclusive Pay TV and SVOD rights; Canal Panda in Portugal for exclusive Pay TV and non-exclusive SVOD; and with Sun TV for exclusive Pay TV right throughout India and Sri Lanka. Yoko will launch in these territories starting later this year.
Yoko premiered in Russia on CTC and Karousel at the end of 2016, and Wizard has inked separate broadcast deals through Wizard Distribution with additional Russian broadcast partners O! (Pay TV worldwide), Mult, Tlum and Ani (Pay TV), as well as VTV in Belarus and ETV in Estonia.
Yoko recently debuted in Spain on TVE’s kids’ channel CLAN, and will have its Basque language premiere on ETB this month.
Wizart has also signed on Russian licensor Bauer as Master Toy partner. The company will produce a range of Yoko construction sets, which will be joined by wooden toys from DUM and creativity kits from Alliance in the region. Yoko’s Spanish partners have secured a Master Toy agreement with Bizak, which will produce a range of plush, action figures and construction sets, set to launch winter 2017.
“We are delighted to be partnering with some of the world’s leading broadcasters and toy companies on Yoko. These new agreements underline this quirky brand’s broad international appeal and we are excited that the show is attracting attention from broadcasters and licensing companies in these key markets and beyond,” said Jetpack CEO Dominic Gardiner. “Yoko is already resonating with kids in Spain where it recently launched on TVE’s kids channel, Clan tv. I look forward to introducing Yoko to potential new partners at MIPTV.”
The International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) has revealed the nominees for the 2017 International Licensing Awards, selected from a record number of submissions to the prestigious contest. Spanning a wide range of categories across licensing, retailing, promotion, consumer products and more, the 126 finalists represent 10 countries of origin, with one quarter of the nominees originating outside the US.
“The LIMA Licensing Awards program recognizes outstanding performance across a range of categories throughout the global licensing industry,” said LIMA President Charles Riotto. “The level of excellence exemplified in this year’s submissions was truly impressive and it is a testament to the impact LIMA members are having all around the world.”
LIMA members will vote for winners in 20 categories, including digital (apps/video) and toys/games consumer products. Voting will take place online in April, with the winners to be revealed at the LIMA Award Ceremony on Tuesday, May 23 during Licensing Expo in Las Vegas.
A select list of category nominees is below. Full list of nominees here.
2017 International Licensing Awards nominees:
LICENSED PROGRAM
CHARACTER / TOY BRAND Barbie – Mattel Inc. Care Bears – American Greetings Entertainment DC Super Hero Girls – Warner Bros. Consumer Products Mr. Men Little Miss – Sanrio/Haven Peter Rabbit – Penguin Random House Shopkins – Moose Toys/The Licensing Shop Inc. The Gruffalo – Magic Light Pictures Ltd.
DIGITAL Angry Birds – Rovio Entertainment Ltd. Five Nights at Freddy’s – Scottgames/Striker Entertainment Jiang Hoo – Perfect World Kanahei’s Small Animals – Yurutto/TV Tokyo Communications Corporation LINE Friends – LINE Friends Corporation
FILM / TELEVISION / ENTERTAINMENT – ANIMATED DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls – Universal Brand Development Elena of Avalor – Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man – Marvel & Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media Masha and the Bear – Animaccord Ltd. PAW Patrol – Spin Master Ltd. Peppa Pig – Entertainment One Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Nickelodeon
LICENSED PRODUCTS
DIGITAL
Ink & Salt – ASL with Care Bears App
Jollywise – PJ Masks Moonlight Heroes App
NextGames – AMC’s The Walking Dead: No Man’s Land Mobile Game
SEGA – Total War Warhammer PC Game
Ubisoft – Trolls: Crazy Party Forest! Mobile Game
Whalerock Industries – NFLPA Player Emoji Collection
TOYS / GAMES / NOVELTIES / ROLE-PLAY
Dynacraft – Disney Princess Carriage Ride-On
Fisher-Price – Imaginext DC Super Hero Friends Super Hero Flight City Playset
Funko – Five Nights at Freddy’s Figures, Plush and Collectibles Collection
Grammercy – NERF Dog Toys
Hasbro – DreamWorks TrollsHug Time Poppy Doll
Mattel – DC Super Hero Girls Action Figures
The Bridge Direct – C3 Shopkins Kinstructions
The 18th edition of FICCI Frames took place last week in Mumbai, at the luxe moderne Renaissance hotel, capped by the presentation of the Best Animated Frames Awards. The BAFs celebrate the best in the national animation, visual effects and gaming industry.
This year’s top toon winners were Turtle in Motion’s feature film The Shonku Diaries: A Unicorn Adventure and Aum Animation’s series Ande Pirki. The 2017 edition also saw the event’s first award for voice acting in animation go to Meghna Erande Joshi, a prolific performer who has lent her voice and fluency in English, Hindi and Marathi to local productions as well as dubs of imported animation and live-action hits.
A select list of winners follows. The complete BAF Awards list can be found here.
FICCI BAF Awards 2017 winners:
ANIMATION
Film (International): The Shonku Diaries – A Unicorn Adventure, Turtle In Motion Studios
Film (Indian): The Shonku Diaries – A Unicorn Adventure, Turtle In Motion Studios
Claude Barras’ internationally acclaimed My Life as a Zucchini continues to rack up accolades, this time triumphing on its home turf by winning three categories at the 2017 Swiss Film Awards — including the Best Fiction Film prize. The animated short honors went to Rafael Sommerhalder’s Au revoir Balthazar.
Last month, Zucchini took both the Best Animated Feature and Best Adaptation at France’s César awards, adding to an impressive collection which already included the European Film Award for Best Animation Film and prizes from festivals around the world. The emotional and visually distinct stop-motion feature was a box office hi in Switzerland.
Produced by Rita Productions (Switzerland), Blue Spirit and Gebeka Films (France), Zucchini was also nominated for a Golden Globe and Oscar and has sold in more than 50 countries through Indie Sales. GKIDS released the film in North America.
The Swiss Film Awards was also a triumph for Petra Volpe’s live-action fiction The Divine Order, which also won three awards, and Heidi Specogna’s internationally recognized documentary Cahier africain.
Select Swiss Film Award winner:
BEST FICTION FILM My Life as a Zucchini, Claude Barras (Rita Prod.)
BEST ANIMATION FILM Au Revoir Balthazar, Rafael Sommerhalder (Freihändler Filmproduktion)
BEST FILM SCORE My Life as a Zucchini, Sophie Hunger
SPECIAL ACADEMY AWARD Marie-Eve Hildbrand, Casting Director, My Life as a Zucchini
Ahead of MIPTV, Mattel Creations has announced the appointment of ProjectFirst in Russia and Little Dot Studios in France to manage AVOD platforms and grow channel subscribers for top Mattel brands Barbie, Hot Wheels and Monster High, as well as cultivate new digital channels for Thomas & Friends.
“Both these appointments are strategically important to us to help maintain a robust, always-on digital presence in countries where the correct localization of our content will allow us to grow exponentially,” said Alex Godfrey, Director – Content Distribution, Home Entertainment & New Media Distribution for Mattel Creations. “ProjectFirst has incredible expertise in kids’ digital content distribution in their region and partnering with them will help us scale-up our channels to share Mattel’s rich content portfolio with even more kids and families in Russia. Equally, Little Dot Studios have the skills and know-how to develop a brand new channel for France in order to make it resonate with local audiences. We are delighted to be working with both of them as partners.”
ProjectFirst is a multi-channel YouTube network that creates, distributes and promotes family-friendly content in multiple languages. The company will cultivate Mattel’s AVOD presence in Russia, assuming channel management responsibilities, pursuing subscriber growth, localizing content and overseeing community management. ProjectFirst will also create a brand-new Russian channel for preschool brand Thomas & Friends, which has enjoyed double-digit growth in the last year.
Little Dot Studios, the biggest distributor of television content on YouTube, will create and manage a brand new channel for Thomas & Friends in France; building the channel, creating clips, compilations and targeted playlists and working on content and channel optimization, as well as working closely with YouTube Kids to maximize opportunities for audience growth.
