Author: Mercedes Milligan

Bay Area Kid Film Fest Celebrates ‘Women Breaking the Mold’

The Bay Area International Children’s Film Festival (BAICFF) is coming up on is 9th annual edition, set for March 10-12 at Chabot Space & Science Center. In celebration of Women’s History Month, the fest will kick off with a special panel discussion titled “BRAVE: Women Breaking the Mold,” featuring writer/director Brenda Chapman, Pixar character designer Deanna Marsigliese, filmmaker Cameo Wood, and video game designer Robin Hunicke.

The panel will be held Friday, March 10 at 7 p.m. at the center. Limited seats are available, and tickets are $12 for Adults and $6 for children. More information available at baicff.com.

Brenda Chapman started her career as a story artist at Walt Disney Feature Animation in 1987, where she worked on films such as The Little Mermaid, The Rescuers Down Under, the Oscar-nominated Beauty and the Beast, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Fantasia 2000. Chapman was the story supervisor on The Lion King, for which she won the Annie Award. Chapman then helped launch DreamWorks Animation Studios, where she co-directed the 1998 release of the Oscar-winning Prince of Egypt. Chapman was the first woman to direct an animated feature for a major Hollywood studio, for which she won the Movieguide Epiphany and Teddy Awards. She joined Pixar Animation Studios in September 2003 as a senior story artist on Cars. Chapman then created, wrote and directed Brave – inspired by her relationship with her own daughter – for which she won an Oscar, BAFTA and Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film.

Other awards include the Novus Creative Catalyst Award, the 2013 Burbank International Film Festival’s Feature Animation Honoree Award and the San Francisco International Women’s Film Festival Achievement Award. Chapman has helped to develop and consult on films for several studios over many years which include not only Disney, DreamWorks and Pixar, but also Universal, Sony, Lucasfilm and Fox. Currently, Chapman is writing, directing and producing several projects in different stages of development. She has been engaged to write and direct a Chinese financed/American made animated feature (working title Truth for Truth Pictures) and is attached to direct Come Away, a live-action film written by Marissa Goodhill. She is also collaborating on a hybrid script (working title The Touch) with her husband, director Kevin Lima (Enchanted, A Goofy Movie, Disney’s Tarzan).

Deanna Marsigliese is a Character Designer at Pixar Animation Studios. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Deanna first entered the industry as a 2D animator. Over the last 15 years, she has contributed to a wide variety of commercial, television and feature film projects, while teaching both Classical Animation and character development at the college level. Deanna is a vintage enthusiast and collector of mid-century clothing. When she isn’t drawing, Deanna explores the world, dabbling in travel photography and satisfying her fascination with amazing cultures around the planet.

Cameo Wood is a local Bay Area Filmmaker. Her debut short documentary film, Dukha in Summer, was shot solo in Northern Mongolia and premiered at the St. Louis Film Festival. Cameo wrote, produced, and directed Real Artists, a narrative thriller about Artificial Intelligence and the future of filmmaking. Cameo’s career began in 2012 when she produced and co-directed the web series, The Alternative Guide to Secret Beijing which was featured on Atlas Obscura. Cameo has since won awards for her direction, cinematography and screenwriting. She is currently in pre-production on her first feature.

Robin Hunicke is the Co-Founder of the independent game studio Funomena, which creates experimental games for Console, PC, VR & AR platforms (Luna, Woorld and Wattam) in the heart of downtown San Francisco. A game designer and producer by training, she has a background in Computer Science, Art and applied Game Studies. She has been designing, making and teaching about games for over 12 years (Journey, Boom Blox, MySims, The Sims 2).

Robin is an outspoken evangelist for increasing the participation of women and underrepresented minorities within the Arts, Games & Tech. She is Associate Professor of the Arts Division at UC Santa Cruz, Director of the Art, Games & Playable Media BA and faculty in the Digital Art and New Media MFA. She also supports a broad range of initiatives including: Amplifying New Voices, the annual Experimental Gameplay Workshop, Play SFMOMA, the Lexus Design Award, Google Made with Code, Girls Make Games, and the CS For All initiative.

Brenda Chapman / Deanna Marsigliese / Cameo Wood / Robin Hunicke

February 21, 2017
One Animation Taps Brandgenuity as ‘Oddbods’ Agent in NorAm

Global brand licensing agency Brandgenuity has been appointed by One Animation as the licensing agent for global hit animated series Oddbods in the US and Canada. The New York-based agency will build a program for the brand across categories including publishing, toys and games, apparel and accessories, back-to-school, home, gifts, social expression, experiences and more.

“We are very excited to be working with Oddbods. It has a broad appeal, with fans from all age groups who keep coming back for more and more content,” said Jay Asher, Partner at Brandgenuity. “But most importantly, Oddbods has something we think licensees and retailers are looking for: a positive property that encourages all of us to ‘celebrate our inner odd’!”

Oddbods is a non-dialog, slapstick comedy for kids and tweens that follows the madcap antics of seven adorable yet quirky friends getting through the perils of everyday life with hilarious consequences through a series (330 in total) of seven-, five- or one-minute episodes. Created and produced by One Animation, the series has dramatically expanded its reach over the last year, particularly in North America through Disney Junior (in addition to 70 million online views).

“Licensing in North America will be an important move for our global business plans,” explains Sashim Parmanand, CEO of One Animation. “The show has taken on a life of its own particularly with fan engagement online, something we see every day with the user generated content we receive. But obviously nowadays consumers, and particularly kids, really expect to be able to interact with their favourite brands across all platforms from TV and mobile gaming to ‘offline’ consumer products such as toys and clothing. This is where the team at Brandgenuity comes in, with their vast experience and huge industry knowledge and packed contacts book. We’re looking for exciting ways to expand the world of Oddbods, bringing them to life on and off-screen.”

Oddbods

February 21, 2017
Daily News Bytes

VIDEO: ‘Moana Easter Eggs’
Disney’s Pacific island adventure sets sail on Digital release today, so the studio is offering up this fun guide to its Easter eggs and a chat with Oscar-nominated songsmith Lin-Manuel Miranda on writing “We Know the Way.”

Oscar-Nominated Short ‘Borrowed Time’ Available Now
In Andrew Coats and Lou Hamou-Lhadj’s 15+ awards-winning film, a weathered Sheriff returns to the remains of an accident he has spent a lifetime trying to forget. With each step forward, the memories come flooding back. Faced with his mistake once again, he must find the strength to carry on. $2.99 on iTunes or Vimeo.

Oscar Handicap 2017: Animated Feature
FilmJerk.com turns its attention to breaking down the odds in the youngest category race.

VIDEO: ‘Dragons: Race to the Edge’ Season 4 – “That Perfect Moment”
Now available on Netflix, in season 4 the fate of Hiccup and the Dragon Riders is left in the hands of the mysterious Mala and the Defenders of the Wing, as they work to prove their innocence and create an unlikely alliance. With his elaborate and sinister plans beginning to take shape, Viggo will stop at nothing to get the Riders out of his way, including putting a pricey bounty on Hiccup’s head.

Facility for Animation, Gaming Firms Set to Take Shape
The first-of-its-kind Image Tower project in Hyderabad will offer a host of common facilities, studios, production wings, labs, auditorium and animation academy, taking up over 200k sq. ft.

Moana

February 21, 2017
‘BoJack Horseman’ Takes TV Animation WGA Award

On Sunday night, Patton Oswalt hosted the 69th annual WGA Awards — with honors presented by the Writers Guild of America at dual ceremonies in New York and Los Angeles. The animated series prize went to BoJack Horseman, which had two episodes nominated in the category alongside The Simpsons (FOX), Elena of Avalor (Disney) and Star Wars Rebels (Disney/Lucasfilm).

The overall top honors went to reigning awards season darlings from the live-action sphere: Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight won for Original Screenplay, with Eric Heisserer taking Adapted Screenplay gold for Arrival. FX’s Atlanta won both the Comedy Series and New Series honors.

Select 2017 Writers Guild Award winners:

ANIMATION

“Stop the Presses” (BoJack Horseman)

Written by Joe Lawson; Netflix

CHILDREN’S SCRIPT – LONG FORM OR SPECIAL

Once Upon a Sesame Street Christmas

Written by Geri Cole & Ken Scarborough; HBO

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN VIDEOGAME WRITING

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

TELEVISION GRAPHIC ART AND ANIMATION

“The Real History of Cinco de Mayo” (Gawker Media Group)

Graphic Animation by Elisa Solinas; youtube.com

BoJack Horseman

February 20, 2017
‘Moana’ Wins MPSE Golden Reel for Animation

The 64th Golden Reel Awards, presented by the Motion Picture Sound Editors (MPSE), took place Sunday to celebrate the best in cinema and television soundcraft from 2016.

The feature animation prize for sound and music editing went to Disney’s Moana, which was up against Finding Dory (Pixar), Kubo and the Two Strings (LAIKA), The Little Prince (Netflix), Zootopia (Disney), Sing (Illumination Ent.) and The Red Turtle (Studio Ghibli, Wild Bunch, Why Not Productions).

Moana had also been nominated along with Trolls in the musical feature race, but the award went to La La Land. Hacksaw Ridge took both the dialogue/ADR and FX/foley prizes for feature film. As previously announced, this year’s MPSE Filmmaker Award went to Guillermo del Toro, and the Career Achievement Award was bestowed on Harry Cohen.

Continue reading for the full list of 2017 animation and video game winners.

2017 MPSE Golden Reel Award Winners

BEST SOUND & MUSIC EDITING: ANIMATION – FEATURE FILM

Moana (Walt Disney Animation Studios)

Winners: Supervising Sound Editor Tim Nielsen, Supervising Dialogue Editor Jacob Riehle, Foley Editors Thom Brennan, Matthew Harrison; Music Editors Earl Ghaffari, Dan Pinder; Temp Music Editors Dominick Certo, Tommy Holmes; Sound Effects Editors Jonathan Borland, Pascal Garneau, Lee Gilmore; Foley Artists John Roesch, Shelley Roden.

BEST SOUND & MUSIC EDITING: TELEVISION ANIMATION

Albert (Nickelodeon Animation Studios)

Winners: Supervising Sound Editor Jeff Shiffman MPSE, Dialogue Editors Michael Petak, Anna Adams; Foley Editor Tess Fournier; Foley Artist Craig Ng; Music Editor Brad Breeck; Sound Effects Editors Jessey Drake MPSE, Tess Fournier, Jeff Shiffman MPSE.

BEST SOUND & MUSIC EDITING: DIRECT TO VIDEO ANIMATION

LEGO DC Comics Superheroes: Justice League – Gotham City Breakout (Warner Bros. Animation)

Winners: Supervising Sound Editors Devon Bowman, Rob McIntyre; Supervising Dialogue Editor Mark A. Keatts; Dialogue Editors Kelly Foley-Downs, Mike Garcia, Patrick Foley; Foley Editor Aran Tanchum; Foley Artist Vincent Guisetti; Sound Effects Editors Evan Dockter, Lawrence Reyes, Marc Schmidt, DJ Lynch.

BEST SOUND & MUSIC EDITING: SPECIAL VENUE

Pearl (Google Spotlight Stories, Google Inc.)

Winners: Supervising Sound Editor Jamey Scott, Audio Director Scot Stafford, Music Editor Alexis Harte, JJ Wiesler; Sound Designer Jamey Scott.

BEST SOUND & MUSIC EDITING: GAME CINEMATICS

Gears of War 4 (The Coalition)

Winners: Supervising Sound Editors Charles Deenen, Csaba Wagner; Sound Designers Tim Walston, Sam Justice, Crispin Hands; Sound Effects Editors Braden Parkes, Justin Davey, Chris Diebold, Mike Schapiro, Malte Bieler, Jamey Scott; Foley Editors Matt Cavanaugh, Colin Hart, George Pereyra, Craig Tomlinson; Audio Director John Morgan; Audio Lead Josh Linton.

VERNA FIELDS AWARD IN SOUND EDITING IN STUDENT FILMS

(TIE)

Fishwitch (National Film and Television School; animation)

Winner: Supervising Sound Editor, Foley Artist & Sound Designer Zoltan Juhasz.

Icarus (Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, Chapman University)

Winner: Supervising Sound Editor & Sound Designer Gerry Vazquez.

Moana

February 20, 2017
Daily News Bytes

VIDEO: “Rough Night” | ‘Archer’ Season 8 Official Trailer
Archer Dreamland gets noir (or a slightly darker noir) when the incompetents formerly known as ISIS return on their new broadcast home of FXX on April 5.

53rd CAS Awards
Finding Dory took the Motion Picture – Animated prize at the Cinema Audio Society awards ceremony. The other nominees were Kubo and the Two Strings, Moana, The Secret Life of Pets and Zootopia.

Donald Glover & James Earl Jones Board Disney’s Live-Action ‘Lion King’
Atlanta star and creator Glover will voice adult Simba, while the iconic actor Jones (I mean, c’mon, he’s the voice of Darth Vader) will reprise his 1994 animated feature role of Mufasa.

Andrew Coats and Lou Hamou-Lhadj Talk Exploring Guilt in ‘Borrowed Time’
Awards Daily chats with the Pixar alums (and longtime friends) about their Oscar-nominated short film project that explores powerful emotion in a Western setting.

Everything Else Awesome Nerdist Saw at Toy Fair 2017
Funko is at it again with new toon-inspired Pop! figures, Bluefin/Tamashii Nations bring crazy detail to inventive new collectibles, and so much more awaits your poor, abused wallet this year.

Archer

February 20, 2017
‘Miffy’ Creator Dick Bruna Dies Age 89

Dick Bruna, the Dutch children’s author and artist who created the internationally popular character Miffy the bunny, died Thursday, February 16 in his hometown of Utrecht, The Netherlands. He was 89 years old.

Over his six-decade career, Bruna wrote and illustrated 124 pictures books, including 32 featuring Miffy. The little bunny’s sweet-natured, everyday adventures were first published in 1955 and have since been translated into over 50 languages and sold more than 85 million copies worldwide. The character, known as Nijntje in Dutch, has a statue and public square named for her in Utrecht.

Born in 1927, Bruna began his career as a freelance graphic designer for the family publishing house run by his father, A.W. Bruna & Zoon. Reticent to follow in the same business, Bruna traveled to London and lived for a time in Paris, falling under the spell of pioneering 20th century painters like Picasso, Leger and Matisse. After a brief stint at the fine arts academy in Amsterdam, Bruna decided traditional painting was not for him.

Bruna first came up with Miffy (originally a little boy rabbit) in 1955, when he made up stories for his young son about a rabbit they had encountered during a family holiday. In addition to his prolific output of children’s picture books (also featuring characters Farmer John, Hettie the Hedgehog and Lottie), Bruna has undertaken design work for charities such UNICEF, World AIDS Day and Amnesty International; and illustrated over 2,000 book covers and over 100 posters for the family business.

Miffy has notably crossed into the world of animation, most recently in Miffy’s Adventures Big and Small — a CGI series from Blue-Zoo Animation and Mercis BV which premiered on Tiny Pop (UK) in 2015. The stop-motion series Miffy and Friends from Big Tent Ent. (2003-2007) also remains popular. The first Miffy the Movie debuted in the Netherlands in 2013, rolling out in key territories worldwide. Her first TV appearance was in the traditionally animated short-form Miffy series in the 1990s.

Bruna officially retired in 2014, having published his final Miffy book in 2011. In 2015, Utrecht’s Centraal Museum converted its Dick Bruna House (a recreation of his studio and retrospective of his work) into the kid-friendly Miffy Museum. Bruna was named the recipient to the triennially awarded Max Velthuijs Prize for illustration just last year. He is survived by his wife, three children and six grandchildren.

Dick Bruna

February 18, 2017
ZAG, Method & Planeta Junior Team for 5 ‘Zag Heroez’ Series

Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir creator ZAG, Method Animation and leading European kids’ entertainment company Planeta Junior (part of Planeta & DeAgostini Group) have formed a new co-production alliance to develop five animated TV series under the “Zag Heroez” label.

“Thanks to recent enhancements to our ‘Zag Heroez’ label, we’re now able to make childhood dreams come true: by creating a brand new universe, full of fantastic modern-day superheroes, for today’s generation of kids to grow up with … and to dream about,” said ZAG’s CEO, Jeremy Zag. “This strong partnership with Planeta Junior will help us promote this ambition for children around the globe.”

The partnership will kicks off with two large-scale projects: Power Players, an innovative hybrid animated series about a team of secret heroes formed by a boy and his toys; and Pixigirl, an adventurous and fun-packed animated series about a super-heroine with the powers of Mother Nature, battling the tyrannical rule of evil witches in New York.

“We are very honored and proud to announce this new partnership with Planeta Junior, and are fortunate to be joining forces as we enter our next chapter with the ‘Zag Heroez’ label, focused on delivering a powerful slate of kids’ entertainment franchises,” said Aton Soumache, CEO of Method Animation. “Jeremy and I are excited to extend our momentum through this partnership with Planeta, which brings the highest level of expertise to the TV distribution process and brand management in Southern Europe. Planeta Junior is the best home in these territories to expand licensing & merchandising, and promote our brands, following the first success we accomplished with Miraculous.”

Planeta Junior will manage the licensing program for the Zag Heroez properties, including Zak Storm, in all Planeta Junior territories. With the new partnership and established success of Miraculous licensing efforts in its territories, Planeta Junior has extended the partnership in Consumer Products with ZAG in Southern, Central and Eastern Europe.

“We are very excited to join this long-term partnership with Jeremy and Aton as the ‘Zag Heroez’ label is one of the most powerful slates for children’s programming in the animation market. We share with ZAG and Method Animation the enthusiasm for contemporary, multi-platform content for today’s modern kid. We are proud to bring this amazing universe to children all over the world,” added Ignacio Segura, General Manager of Planeta Junior.

Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir

February 18, 2017
Nelvana Names Three New Senior Management Execs

Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana is bolstering its senior management team with the appointment of three licensing and entertainment veterans. Joining the kids’ production-distribution outfit are Peter Crighton, Director, Marketing; Kelly Elwood, Director, Retail; and Tonya Lindo, Director, Licensing, North America. All report directly to Nelvana Enterprises Head Pam Westman.

“The addition of these seasoned professionals to the Nelvana team enables us to grow in new and dynamic ways and enhance our relationships with existing and new partners,” said Westman. “I’m so pleased to be working with Pete, Kelly and Tonya, each top-notch professionals who will help even more consumers across the US and Canada enjoy our family-friendly brands.”

As Director of Marketing, Peter Crighton manages consumer and trade marketing for Nelvana Enterprises. He was previously Manager of Franchise Marketing at Disney Consumer Products. Prior to that, he was Senior Manager, Retail Marketing for Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

Kelly Elwood, Director of Retail, leads all retail executions for Nelvana in North America. A licensing industry veteran, who most recently worked as a licensing consultant, Elwood was previously SVP of Marketing and Licensing at DHX Media and SVP, Marketing & Licensing for the Cookie Jar Group of companies.

Director of Licensing for North America Tonya Lindo is responsible for all of the company’s licensing activities throughout the U.S. and Canada. A former Director, North American Licensing for Nelvana, Lindo returns to Nelvana after serving as Senior Manager, Consumer Products at Mattel Canada and working as a licensing consultant.

The new directors join Westman’s management team which already included Head of Nelvana EMEA, Antoine Erligmann; VP of Worldwide Sales & Distribution, Jerry Diaz; Director of Brands, Lily Yan; and Director of Creative Services, Andrew Liem.

Peter Crighton

Kelly Elwood

Tonya Lindo

February 18, 2017
Daily News Bytes

’DreamWorks Dragons: Race to the Edge’ Season 4 Clip “Insomnia Insanity”
The fate of Hiccup and the Dragon Riders is left in the hands of the mysterious Mala and the Defenders of the Wing, as they work to prove their innocence and create an unlikely alliance. With his elaborate and sinister plans beginning to take shape, Viggo will stop at nothing to get the Riders out of his way, including putting a pricey bounty on Hiccup’s head. The battle against the Dragon Hunters rages on when Season 4 premieres exclusively on Netflix Feb. 17.

Tidy Cat Meets Messy Rat in This Adorable Odd-Couple Animation
Chintis Lundgren’s Life with Herman H. Rott is a painfully accurate portrayal of cohabitation. Which reminds me to ask my roommate how long that mysterious Tupperware has been in the back of the fridge…

Register Now! WIA Conversations: Laraine Newman
On Feb. 28, join Women in Animation in Glendale to hear from prolific voice actor currently performing in Dawn of the Croods, Puss in Boots, Doc McStuffins, Troll Hunter, Talking Tom, American Dad and Dorothy and the Wonders of Oz.

Concept One Adds Fox Properties
Accessories company will deliver headwear, cold weather gear, belts and suspenders, small leather goods, swimwear, bags, luggage, rainwear and more inspired by Bob’s Burgers and Alien.

New Animation Courses to Begin in the Fall
Beginning this fall, Central Michigan University’s Art and Design department will offer classes on 2D and 3D, storyboarding and more, according to chairperson Jonathon Russel.

Dragons: Race to the Edge

February 17, 2017
Jakks Pacific NY Toy Fair Lineup: DC, Marvel, Disney & More

Jakks Pacific has unveiled its portfolio of toys and entertainment products for the 2017 New York Toy Fair (Feb. 18-21). The array includes options for all ages, from active play innovations to licensed goodies for pop-culture fans.

“We are entering 2017 with a strong line of fun and innovative toys,” said Stephen Berman, Chairman & CEO, JAKKS Pacific. “We will be launching several new proprietary brands such as Little Mighty Gym and Cuppatinis as well as launching licensed-products inspired by some of the most anticipated entertainment properties this year,” continued Berman.

Mighty Runner: An interactive, endless runner gaming system geared to kids ages 5 to 10 that combines physical and digital play and is controlled by the kids’ feet. The gaming system will include a free downloadable app that is compatible with any iOS and Android device, and connects to the system through Bluetooth. Players will be able to set up an individual profile and customize their character by selecting from thousands of combinations. The first game will include three different worlds: Amazon Adventure, Zombie Dash, and Track and Field. As players run, jump, and slide through levels, they grab gold coins while dodging obstacles, objects, or zombies. When kids collect coins, new worlds open and it increases their accessory options.

Cuppatinis Dolls Assortment: Cute 3.5-inch dolls that transform from doll to teacup with a simple flip of their skirts! Collect all 6 dolls: Cha Cha Chai, Carmela la Crème, Rose Hippensip, Mocha Lisa, Lola Vander and Jasmint.

WORLD OF NINTENDO Figures and Plush: Highly detailed figures that are soft-to-the-touch with up to 13 points of articulation, and embroidered, detailed plush toys which seem as though the characters have jumped off the screen. Each figure comes with a power-up accessory for added play and the line features many of the top characters from franchises such as Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Star Fox, Metroid, Donkey Kong, Animal Crossing, and more.

DC Toddler Dolls: Adorable toddler dolls each dressed in an iconic DC Super Hero outfit, including Wonder Woman, Batgirl and Supergirl – each doll has rooted hair and comes with accessories such as belts, cuffs, masks, headpieces and shoes.

DC Super Hero Girls – Everyday Dress-Up: Girls can now master their super powers with the Everyday Dress-Up assortment. These two-piece outfits include key accessories like masks, headbands, headpieces or arm cuffs.

DC Super Hero Girls – Wonder Woman Action Purse: The perfect accessory to get ready for action when crime arises! This 2-in-1 action purse with built in bow and arrows is created with Wonder Woman’s iconic red, white and blue colors and includes a detachable bow handle and 4 arrows for bow and arrow action play.

BIG-FIGS: An all-new BIG way to play out the excitement of your favorite brands. Ranging in scale from 20-inches to 48-inches, these big figures are huge on fun for kids and collectors alike. The line includes some of the most popular entertainment licenses such as DC, Power Rangers, Nintendo, and more.

Smurfs: Highly detailed figures, playsets, and plush toys of iconic Smurf characters Smurfette, Brainy, Clumsy, Hefty, Papa Smurf and introducing Smurflily.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Ballroom Belle: A large-scale doll standing approximately 14-inches tall, and dressed in her beautiful yellow ball gown with gold details, shoes, plus her iconic “tree of life” pendant necklace, inspired by the film.

Disney’s Elena of Avalor Action & Adventure Feature Doll: With two ways to play, kids will love placing Elena’s sword in her hand for a swinging action, or placing her skirt loops in Elena]s hands to have her dance and sing “My Time” from the show! The doll plays three songs and says more than 20 phrases.

Disney’s Palace Pets – S.S. Pawcation Royal Yacht: The S.S. Pawcation Royal Yacht really floats and has a hot tub so the pets can have fun in the sun. Kids can take to the seas (or the bathtub) with Otto, Ariel’s pet otter.

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: XPV Rock N’ Roll Groot: Kids will love to control this new remote-controlled Rock N’ Roll Groot as he dances, spins, talks and lights up! Kids can enjoy playing with Groot in two different play modes: Manual and Listen. In Manual Mode, kids control the action with the remote, modeled after the iconic “Awesome Mix” cassette tape, while the song “Flashlight” plays. Groot can shimmy back and forth or spin around on the ground with some awesome moves. He will even spin himself back upright! In Listen Mode, Groot will dance on his own to almost any song when placed near a speaker. There is also a button on the remote that triggers four different “I am Groot” phrases during play. The base of the unit lights up as well for a galactic dance party with Groot!

Jakks Pacific

February 17, 2017
Hasbro Unbridles ‘My Little Pony’ Movie Merch at Toy Fair

At New York Toy Fair 2017, taking place Feb. 18-21 at the Javits Center, Hasbro will be debuting two darling new playthings inspired by the upcoming theatrical feature My Little Pony: The Movie (Oct. 6).

In addition to the reveal of the My Magical Princess Twilight Sparkle interactive figure and Canterlot & Seaquestria Castle Playset, voice stars Kristin Chenoweth and Sia are revealing the figures for their characters, Skystar and Songbird Serenade, on social media.

Hasbro is delivering figures for all the new pony-pals appearing in the movie, including Skyster, Songbird, Captain Celaeno (voiced by Zoe Saldana), Queen Novo (Uzo Aduba), Grubber (Michael Peña), Storm King (Liev Schreiber) and Tempest (Emily Blunt).

My Magical Princess Twilight Sparkle

[Ages 3+, $129.99, Fall 2017]

Discover the magic of friendship with the interactive My Magical Princess Twilight Sparkle figure, a pony with Pegasus wings and a unicorn horn that lights up! While interacting with her, she can move her head and hoof, say 90+ phrases, and light up her horn. Fans can press the star button on her hoof to hear her talk about spells, tales of friendship, stories or songs. She has poseable legs so kids can help her sit or stand and has moving wings. Princess Twilight Sparkle also has a beautiful mane and tail and a tiara to complete her look. Requires 4 C batteries, not included. Available at most major retailers and on HasbroToyShop.com.

Canterlot & Seaquestria Castle

[Ages 3+, $99.99, Fall 2017]

Hiding far beneath the ocean, Queen Novo rules over the underwater kingdom of Seaquestria in My Little Pony: The Movie. Fans can recreate adventures from the movie with Queen Novo and Spike the Pufferfish figures, and this 2-worlds-in-1, 29-inch playset. Place the figures on the slide or in the bubble-shaped elevator and have them ride from Canterlot down to the kingdom of Seaquestria or on the dance floor and spin the light up tower. The figures can also fit on the spinning octopus ride. Kids can push a button to open the treasure chest and jellyfish chandelier to hide treasure inside. The set includes 30+ accessories for bedtime, beach time, tea time, and more! Requires 3 AAA batteries, not included. Available at most major retailers and on HasbroToyShop.com.

My Little Pony

My Little Pony

My Little Pony

My Little Pony

My Little Pony

My Little Pony

My Little Pony

My Little Pony

February 17, 2017
Studio 100 Inks 3 Picture Deal with Korea’s Cinema Republic

Studio 100 Film has inked a multi-film agreements with theatrical distributor Cinema Republic that will bring the upcoming second and third Maya the Bee CGI features and Princess Emmy – The Movie to South Korean audiences. The deal includes theatrical, TV and home video rights for all three movies.

Maya the Bee 2 – The Honey Games will be completed by the end of 2017, with the third film set to take flight at the end of 2019. Princess Emmy is set for delivery in May of 2018.

“We are excited about this first collaboration with Cinema Republic that allows three of our movies to travel to South Korea. We all look forward to the new movies and hope that Maya’s brand-new adventures and Emmy’s captivating story will entertain children and families in South Korea,” said Thorsten Wegener, Director Business Operations of Studio 100 Film.

Maya the Bee 2 – The Honey Games unfolds as an overenthusiastic Maya accidentally embarrasses the Empress of Buzztropolis, and is forced to unite with a team of misfit bugs and compete in the Honey Games for a chance to save her hive. Fortunately, her best friend Willy, the loveable but clumsy ants Arnie and Barney and her trustworthy advisor, Flip the grasshopper, will be by her side. The film is produced by Studio 100 Media, in co-production with Studio B Animation (Australia) and in association with Flying Bark Productions. Studio 100 Film is the worldwide sales agent.

“Princess Emmy – The Movie, directed by Piet de Rycker (Laura’s Star, Little Polar Bear) tells the story of a young princess who is severely put to the test and risks everything in order to win the right to possess a truly remarkable gift. The project is produced by Studio 100 Media with its parent company, Studio 100 NV (Belgium), and Red Kite Animation as co-producer. Studio 100 Film acts as sales agent for the worldwide rights.

Princess Emmy – The Movie

February 17, 2017
Miss Crawly Gets Back in the Game in ‘Sing’ Mini Movie

Illumination Entertainment’s Sing is taking the home entertainment stage next month, with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment releasing the musical marvel on Digital HD March 3, followed by 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand on March 21. To get in the groove, check out this sneak peek at one of the three original mini-movies included with the Sing Special Edition release: “Love at First Sight.”

Synopsis: From Illumination Entertainment, the studio that brought you The Secret Life of Pets comes an animated comedy about finding the music that lives inside all of us. Sing stars Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey as Buster Moon, an eternally optimistic koala who puts on the world’s greatest singing competition to save his crumbling theater; Academy Award winner Reese Witherspoon as Rosita, an overworked and underappreciated mother of 25 piglets desperate to unleash her inner diva; Scarlett Johansson as Ash, a punk rock porcupine with a beautiful voice behind her prickly exterior; and Taron Egerton as Johnny, a young gangster gorilla looking to break free of his family’s felonies. Sing is the musical comedy event of the year!

Special Edition bonus features include “The Making of Sing,” “Finding the Rhythm: Editing Sing,” character profiles. “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing” music video, “Making a Music Video” with Tori Kelly, “Faith” music video, “Faith” lyric video, “Set It All Free” lyric video, Sing & Dance! – “Faith,” “The Sing Network,” “The Best of Gunter,” “Gunter Babysits” mini-movie, “Love at First Sight” mini-movie, “Eddie’s Life Coach” mini-movie and “The Making of the Mini-Movies.”

Sing

February 17, 2017
Take a Journey with LAIKA’s ‘Choose Kubo’ Featurette

Hot off its big wins at the BAFTA awards, LAIKA is doubling down on its big double-nominated push for the Oscars, with a beautiful new For-Your-Consideration featurette for Kubo and the Two Strings: “Choose Kubo.”

In the new featurette, director and studio head Travis Knight, producer Arianne Sutner and visual effects supervisor Steve Emerson — as well as voice star Charlize Theron (“Monkey”) — detail the film’s five-year production journey, from crafting the story to getting hands-on to deliver incredibly complex shots.

Kubo is nominated in both the Best Animated Feature and Best Visual Effects categories for this year’s Academy Awards. It has the chance to become LAIKA’s first Oscar winner, as well as the first stop-motion film in 10 years to take the animated feature statuette home.

Choose Kubo

February 17, 2017
CN Serves Up ‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs’ Series First Look

Cartoon Network will premiere the new Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs TV series on Monday, March 6 at 5:30 p.m. ET/PT. Based on Sony Pictures Animation’s 2009 feature hit and the 2013 sequel, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is a mouth-watering comedy toon produced by DHX Media and SPA in association with Corus Entertainment.

In the first look clip, which you’ll find below, the intrepid inventor of the franchise introduces an astonished audience to the Flint Lockwood Garbage Go Bye-Bye! (Or, FLoGaGoBaBa, for short.) A sneak peek of the show will run Monday, Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m. ET/PT on Cartoon Network, or see it first on the Cartoon Network app.

The Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs TV series takes place before giant food rains down on Swallow Falls, when sardines were still the driving force behind the town’s booming economy. Hero of the films Flint Lockwood returns as a teenager trying to change the world one invention at a time. Lucky for him, his best friend and aspiring meteorologist Sam Sparks is there to lend a hand. All of the great characters from the film return including Flint’s dad, Tim; Flint’s lab assistant, Steve the monkey; Earl, the school’s busiest teacher; Manny, the head of the school’s audiovisual department; Brent, the local teenage celebrity and captain of the mascot team; and Mayor Shelbourne, who wins every election with a pro-sardine platform.

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

February 17, 2017
Exclusive: New ‘Powerpuff Girls’ Comics Covers, Writers Q&A

IDW Publishing has just revealed some awesome/adorable cover art for its new three-issue Powerpuff Girls comics miniseries! Starting in May, fans and readers will get to take in an all-new adventure featuring the girls, “The Time Tie,” penned by Haley Mancini and Jake Goldman (who also write for the Cartoon Network animated series).

Synopsis: Mojo Jojo has decided that because he can never destroy the Powerpuff Girls, he’ll do the next best thing: zap them into another time!!! He uses his patented “Time Tie” to blast the three little heroes back into three separate eras in the past. Can the girls find their way back to the present before Mojo can fulfill his mission: The complete destruction of Townsville!

Read through Animag’s fun (and informative!) Q&A with Mancini and Goldman below, and check out the artwork, including Western-themed Issue 1 cover by Philip Murphy, and retail incentive cover by series storyboard artist Jay Hasrajani.

Q&A: Haley Mancini & Jake Goldman, Powerpuff Girls

Animation Magazine: Where did you get the inspiration for “The Time Tie”? Is this the first time the Powerpuff Girls have traveled through time?

Haley Mancini: This is Jake’s dream-come-true storyline. He loves time travel, and we always joke about it in the office. Sometimes it’s tough for an 11-minute show, but it worked perfectly for the comics. He pitched the initial idea that we’d send each girl to a different era in history, and we developed it together from there!

Jake Goldman: This has been an idea that Haley and I have bounced around for a while now, so we’re incredibly excited to bring it to life. I grew up on a steady diet of “Days of Future Past” style time travel stories, so it’s practically become a running joke in the office about how badly I wanted to send the Powerpuff Girls careening through the space-time continuum.

This is actually not their first trip in time, though it is their first trip into the past. In “Speed Demon,” another one of my favorites growing up, the Girls travel to an possible future where Him has taken over Townsville. Depending on how loudly I beg our editors and showrunners, we might see the Powerpuff Girls go time-hopping again.

Animag: How did you pick which eras the girls would visit?

Mancini: We wanted to send each of the girls to an era that would challenge their innate sensibilities, and Jake and I instantly knew where that was going to be. It was another dream-come-true to send Buttercup to Jane Austen-times. I love seeing her getting frustrated by dainty Pride and Prejudice types. For some reason, Blossom has always struck me as someone who would’ve given Annie Oakley a run for her money, so the Wild West made sense to us. As for Bubbles, I think Jake and I both just really wanted to see her cuteness juxtaposed against the gruffness of a pirate life.

Goldman: For each girl, we wanted something that would take them slightly out of their element. Lucky for the Powerpuff Girls, they’re no stranger to danger so they’re prepared to fight whatever monstrosities and villains the time-stream can throw at them. I will say that Haley and I knew where Buttercup would end up pretty much right away. We just wanted to see her lay the smackdown on some Pride and Prejudice types.

Animag: Since you also write for the show, do you tend to use ideas that don’t quite make it into the cartoon in the comics, or do they require different approaches?

Mancini: Oh, absolutely! As I mentioned before, sometimes, we’ll pitch something for the show that’s just too complicated for an 11-minute TV show with an intense schedule, but is perfect for a comic issue. And then sometimes, we just have a wacky idea we want to save especially for the comics.

We do approach story development similarly in both mediums, but we certainly tailor our jokes differently for each: when you don’t have the vocal delivery of the show, you have to find a different pathway for a joke. Similarly, it’s easier to enjoy the freedom of an insane visual gag or cutaway in the comic vs. the show. I love doing both—it really stretches us!

Goldman: Some stories and jokes just work better in a comic book than in a cartoon show. We do have to adjust our writing style somewhat for the comic books, but when you’re coming up with monsters for three super-powered little girls to punch, it’s always fun.

Animag: If you could do a crossover story for The Powerpuff Girls with any comic book/TV show, what would it be?

Mancini: Godzilla. I want the girls to team with Godzilla and Mothra against Ghidorah and Gigan.

Goldman: She-Hulk. I’m a big Jennifer Walters fan (especially when she breaks the fourth wall). Plus, I think it would be good for the Powerpuff Girls to meet a woman with an advanced degree who can also lift a building over her head.

Animag: And finally … will Mojo Jojo ever learn?!

Mancini: He only learns to try, try again. And again and again and again and again…

Goldman: Mojo has nothing to learn! He is already perfect and brilliant and a genius in every way, for he is Mojo Jojo, which is a name that means genius, which is fitting because it is his name, that name being Mojo Jojo.

Powerpuff Girls

Powerpuff Girls

Powerpuff Girls

February 16, 2017
Daily News Bytes

VIDEO: GLAS Animation Festival 2017 Trailer
Passes are now on sale for this year’s Berkeley event, taking place March 2-5. Visit the website for program details.

Disney’s Live-Action ‘Mulan’ Finds Director
Whale Rider helmer Niki Caro has taken on the project, following consideration by the studio of Ang Lee, Patty Jenkins (Wonder Woman) and Michelle MacLaren (Game of Thrones). Bill Kong (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) is also on board as executive producer.

VIDEO: Disney-Pixar International Movie Side by Side
Oh My Disney’s latest Disney Facts installment explores how the global hit films adapt to appeal to local tastes, and some of the translation challenges the studios face in taking their tales worldwide.

MPSE Filmmaker Award Winner Guillermo del Toro: An Appetite for Sound
Supervising Sound Editor Scott Gershin talks about working with the acclaimed filmmaker on Pacific Rim, Blade II and more. Del Toro will receive the Filmmaker Award at the 64th Golden Reels on Feb. 19.

2017 Governor General’s Awards in Visual and Media Arts Winners Announced
Among the recipients is Montreal-based animation filmmaker Michèle Cournoyer (Soif, The Accordion, The Hat). Medallions will be presented by His Excellency the Right Hon. David Johnston at Rideau Hall on March 1.

GLAS Animation

February 16, 2017
Cartoon Network Names Funko Master Toy for ‘Rick and Morty’

Cartoon Network Enterprises is growing its licensing program for hit Adult Swim animated series Rick and Morty by naming leading pop culture collectibles company Funko as the brand’s master toy partner. An array of products will be headed to shelves at select mass retailers nationwide.

Highlights up the upcoming Funko collection (appropriate for fans ages 17 and up) include:

Pocket Pop! Keychains [$5.99 each, April ‘17]

Rick, Morty and Mr. Meeseeks are now available on-the-go thanks to new keychains from Funko. Each highly detailed keychain captures the expression of the character and are a must-have for Rick and Morty fans.

Mystery Minis [$3.99 each, April ‘17]

The Rick and Morty Mystery Minis blind bag collection includes all of your favorite characters from the popular series on Adult Swim. Collect all 12 of the highly stylized characters for the ultimate mini Rick and Morty collection.

5” Action Figures [$12.99 each, May ‘17]

Funko is bringing the world of Rick and Morty to life with the introduction of 5” fully-posable Action Figures. Each figure is highly articulated and extremely detailed to capture the personality of the character. Available as Rick, Morty, Mr. Poopy Butthole, Mr. Meeseeks and Bird Person. Collect all five and you will be able to build your own Snowball!

Galactic Plushies [$9.99 each, April ‘17]

Galactic Plushies from Funko give Rick and Morty fans the opportunity to collect character plush with different expressions. Choose among three different facial expressions for both Rick and Morty. A smirking Mr. Poopy Butthole is available as well as two options of Mr. Meeseeks.

Pop! Vinyl Figures [$9.99 each, April ‘17]

Funko is introducing new characters to its Rick and Morty Pop! vinyl figure collection. In addition to Rick, the troubled scientist, and his kind-hearted grandson, Morty, fans can now collect Weaponized Rick, Weaponized Morty, Mr. Meeseeks, Mr. Poopy Butthole, Bird Person, Squanchy and Snowball.

Created and executive produced by Dan Harmon (Community) and Justin Roiland (Adventure Time), Rick and Morty follows a sociopathic genius scientist who drags his inherently timid grandson on insanely dangerous adventures across the universe. The series’ season two premiere ranked #1 in its time period among all key adults and men and charted triple-digit delivery gains over its prior season premiere. Rick and Morty season three is currently in production.

Rick and Morty

February 16, 2017
Crackle Unveils First Look at ‘SuperMansion’ Season 2

Sony’s online streaming service Crackle has released a first-look clip and key art for the second season of SuperMansion, an Emmy-nominated original series from Stoopid Buddy Stoodios. The new adventures debut Thursday, February 16, with fresh episodes premiering weekly until the season finale on April 20.

All 13 episodes of season one are available to view for free on Crackle now, which is accessible via app for TVs, connected devices, game consoles and mobile devices, or online at crackle.com/supermansion.

Returning voiceover stars Bryan Cranston, Emmy winner Keegan-Michael Key and Chris Pine will be joined in season 2 by newcomer Yvette Nicole Brown of Community. Season one regulars Jillian Bell, Heidi Gardner, Tucker Gilmore and Zeb Wells will also return.

SuperMansion follows the heroic misadventures of a dysfunctional yet well-intentioned group of imperfect superheroes. Titanium Rex (Cranston) and the members of the League of Freedom battle public backlash while a computer hack threatens to reveal some of their worst secrets. Starting off in a hole, the League does what they always do: get to digging. Throughout the season, our heroes confront villains, invaders and even themselves as they attempt to become trusted champions of Storm City and humanity itself.

The series is created and produced by Matthew Senreich (Robot Chicken) and Zeb Wells, who also writes. Seth Green, John Harvatine IV, Eric Towner, Tom Root, Bryan Cranston, James Degus and Moon Shot Entertainment are executive producers. Stoopid Buddy Stoodios produces the show.

SuperMansion

February 16, 2017