Author: Mercedes Milligan

My Funny Valentine: CN Gifts New Episodes for February

February is off to a sweet start on Cartoon Network with a slew of new episodes for fan-favorite animated series The Amazing World of Gumball (starting Feb. 6), Steven Universe (Feb. 10), Mighty Magiswords and Valentine’s Day themed episodes of Clarence (Feb. 10) and Teen Titans Go! (Feb. 20). Scroll down for a full rundown and a clip from the half-hour TTG special, “BBRAE”!

The Amazing World of Gumball

Monday, Feb. 6 at 5 p.m. ET/PT: “The Potato” – When Darwin has lunch with Idaho, he decides to stop eating potatoes in solidarity with his brotato. However, he finds his obsession with his favorite food harder to kick than he ever imagined so Gumball decides to help his friend curb his carb cravings.

Tuesday, Feb. 7: “The Fuss” – Nicole tries, and fails, to hide her disappointment when Richard and the kids fail to remember her special day. Richard has to figure out what special day he has actually forgotten and then make it a day to remember or else!

Wednesday, Feb. 8: “The Sorcerer” – Gumball refuses to accept he is the only kid at school that doesn’t have special powers. He convinces Mrs. Jotunheim, Hector’s mom, to take him on as his apprentice but she soon learns leaving Gumball unsupervised around magic is a big mistake.

Thursday, Feb. 9: “The Outside” – The family goes to visit Richard’s dad, Frankie. Based on his basic living standards and extended absence from Richard’s life, they assume Frankie must have done a stretch in the slammer. When Frankie comes to stay with the Wattersons, they decide the way to make him comfortable is to make him uncomfortable and turn their house into a prison.

Monday, Feb. 13: “The Vase” – Sick of Granny Jojo’s ugly gifts, Nicole encourages the kids to take matters into their own hands and accidentally break her latest hideous vase. But when Gumball, Darwin and Anais try to destroy it, they discover it is more robust than it seems.

Tuesday, Feb. 14: “The Matchmaker” – Gumball catches Darwin gazing wistfully at a photo of Teri on Elmore Plus and secretly enlists Carrie to help bring them together. But when they can’t make Darwin and Teri’s love blossom naturally, they decide to make it happen supernaturally.

Wednesday, Feb. 15: “The Box” – The Watterson’s receive an unmarked package in the mail. To distract themselves from the urge to open it they all take turns to imagine what it might contain. To Mom it could mean financial freedom, to Gumball it could mean superpowers, to whoever it’s actually for, it means they’re not getting their package.

Thursday, Feb. 16: “The Console” – When Gumball is given a cursed videogame console, Elmore becomes trapped inside a fantasy RPG world. Gumball, Darwin and Anais have to battle their way through town, unraveling the secrets of their new virtual reality. But they’ll have to level up if they’re going to stand any chance against the mysterious final boss.

Monday, Feb. 20: “The Ollie” – When Darwin asks Gumball to teach him how to skate, Gumball makes sure he covers every aspect of the skating lifestyle from wearing the right gear, using the right terms and choosing the right board. But when Darwin finally gets his wheels rolling, he realizes there might be one important aspect of skating Gumball hasn’t taught him.

Tuesday, Feb. 21: “The Catfish” – When Gumball and Darwin realize Grandpa Louie has no friends on Elmore Plus, they feel bad so they create one called Muriel. However when Granny Jojo finds out Louie has been spending time online with another “woman,” Muriel not existing isn’t going to stop her from being destroyed.

Wednesday, Feb. 22: “The Cycle” – Gumball, Darwin and Anais discover that Mr. Wilson has been picking on their Dad for most of his life; ever since he humiliated Richard with a high school prank. The kids try to work Dad through it but when their efforts fail, they realize that getting back at Mr. Wilson is the only way to break the cycle.

Thursday, Feb. 23: “The Stars” – When Dad gives Larry’s hairdresser a bad review for saying he’s bald, he gets offered a free haircut. This inspires Gumball and Darwin to go on a reviewing spree across town, forcing Larry to give them stuff with the threat of a bad review. Just because the customer is always right doesn’t mean that what they’re doing isn’t wrong.

Monday, Feb. 27: “The Grades” – Miss Simian discovers a failed test from Gumball’s past that brings down his grade point average. This means he has to retake kindergarten all over again, much to her delight. But by demoting him, Miss Simian has inadvertently brought herself down, and they’re left with no choice but to team up if they want things back to normal.

Tuesday, Feb. 28: “The Diet” – Gumball and Darwin discover the reason Dad’s diet wasn’t working was that he was actually on 10 of them and eating a meal for each of them. They eventually manage to help him lose weight, but Richard’s newfound buffness also brings out his more obnoxious side.

Mighty Magiswords

Friday, Feb. 3: “Share and Dislike” at 6:15 p.m. ET/PT – Super Shooting Star Magisword is the coolest Magisword ever, but Vambre and Prohyas can’t seem to share it, and even a quest to reclaim the never-melting ice cube back from Frosteratu can’t shake their obsession.

Friday, Feb. 10: “Bad Man Oldman” at 6:15 p.m. – When the Warriors re-thatch Old Man Oldman’s roof and absentmindedly make it look like Prohyas’ hair, Oldman dons a giant evil toupee and exacts his revenge!

Friday, Feb. 17: “Grup Jam” at 6:15 p.m. – Grup invents the “new” sport of basketball, but the stakes are too high for the Warriors to let him play the Galacton team, as the winner shall rule the Kingdom of Rhyboflaven.

Friday, Feb. 24: “Witchy Simone Ruins Everything!” at 6:30 p.m. – Witchy Simone joins Witch Way, but Gateaux is the odd cat out so he hires the Warriors to break up Witchy Simone and Morbidia and defeat a mission that has King Rexxtopher hopping mad!

Teen Titans Go!

Friday, Feb. 3: “Inner Beauty of a Cactus” at 6 p.m. ET/PT – The Titans play Spin The Bottle as Starfire tries to improve her vocabulary through kissing.

Friday, Feb. 10: “Movie Night” – It’s Movie Night and the Titans have a hard time deciding who gets to choose which movie they watch.

Monday, Feb. 20: “Teen Titans Go: BBRAE” (half-hour special) – Beast Boy writes a song to tell Raven how he feels about her. Beast Boy goes on tour with his song, but this upsets Raven.

Steven Universe

Friday, Feb. 10: “The New Crystal Gems” at 7 p.m. ET/PT – Connie helps look after Beach City while Steven is busy.

Friday, Feb. 17: “Storm in the Room” at 6:45 p.m. – Steven goes into his room in the temple to look for answers.

Friday, Feb. 24: “Rocknaldo” at 7 p.m. – Ronaldo sets out to find all the rock people living in Beach City!

Clarence

Friday, Feb. 3: “Pizza Hero” at 6:30 p.m. ET/PT – It’s the end of the school year and as is tradition at Aberdale Elementary, Papa Marianio is slated to dish out his famous pizza along with a spectacle of song and dance. As the kids wait in excitement, they share memories about times with Papa.

Friday, Feb. 10: “Valentimes” (back-to-back premieres) – When Clarence notices his teacher Ms. Baker is the only one in class left without a Valentine this year, he decides to enlist the help of Sumo to set her up with Sumo’s teacher, Mr. Mozer! Will sparks fly or will the boy’s naïve view of romance backfire?

Friday, Feb. 10: “Sumo Goes West” (back-to-back premieres) – Clarence learns his best friend Sumo may transfer to another school! It’s up to Clarence to protest, petition and rally to convince everyone to let Sumo stay – or face losing his closest school pal!

Friday, Feb. 17: “Clarence for President” – It’s school election time at Aberdale Elementary, and Jeff is once again determined to become Class President. However, like previous years, he’s unsuccessful in connecting with other kids – that is until he sees a shoe-in puppet President – the lovable Clarence.

Friday, Feb. 24: “Rock Show” – Chad’s band Dogmon, plays a show for the first time in years, giving Clarence and Mary a chance to really rock out.

Teen Titans

February 4, 2017
CG Supe Fabio Zangla Joins Framestore

Framestore announces the appointment of award-winning CG supervisor Fabio Zangla, who will work in the company’s global Film division. Zangla will be based in London, and collaborate with Framestore’s teams locally and in the Montreal facility.

With a background in graphic design and programming, Zangla began his career as a 3D generalist at a studio specializing in commercials and music videos in his native Italy. He joined in the international film industry swiftly, moving to Australia to work at Animal Logic where he was a lighting TD on the Oscar-winning animated feature Happy Feet.

Zangla then joined MPC, establishing himself as a lead in the Lighting and Look Development department and working on award-winning films including Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. He relocated to Weta Digital for Avatar before returning to London to supervise projects including Interstellar, Skyfall, Ant-Man and Assassin’s Creed.

“Being part of a industry-leading studio that is known for it’s innovative work, groundbreaking effects and creative team is very exciting,” commented Zangla. “I’m sure that there are many adventures ahead of me!”

Framestore

February 4, 2017
VES 2017 Board Officers Set, Chair Mike Chambers Re-Elected

The Visual Effects Society (VES) — the industry’s global professional honorary society — announces its 2017 Board of Directors officers. The five officers, who comprise the VES Board Executive Committee, were elected at the January 2017 Board meeting.

VFX producer Mike Chambers was re-elected as Chair. Joining him as officers are Jeffrey A. Okun, VES as 1st Vice Chair; Kim Lavery, VES as 2nd Vice Chair; Dennis Hoffman as Treasurer; and Rita Cahill as Secretary.

“We are fortunate to have such esteemed leadership represented on the Executive Committee,” said Eric Roth, VES Executive Director. “Collectively, these talented professionals bring passion, diverse experience and enormous commitment to our organization. We look forward to Mike Chambers’ continued leadership in taking the organization and our global membership to new heights.”

Chair Mike Chambers is a freelance VFX producer and independent VFX consultant, specializing in large-scale feature film productions who has worked with numerous A-list producers and directors on dozens of VFX-heavy films, and his consulting service clients include most major studios and several VFX facilities. Chambers is currently in post-production on Dunkirk, his third collaboration director Christopher Nolan, after The Dark Knight Rises and Inception. Other recent credits include Alice Through The Looking Glass and Transcendence.

Chambers has contributed to the VFX on many Academy & BAFTA award-winning films, and has personally won two VES Awards for Best Visual Effects for The Day After Tomorrow and Inception. He was also nominated for his work on I Am Legend.

A 20-year member of the VES, Chambers has served multiple terms on their Board of Directors. He is beginning his third term as Chair and previously served on the Executive Committee as both Vice Chair and Secretary of the organization. He is also a longtime member of the Producers Guild of America.

1st Vice Chair Jeffrey A. Okun is known for creating “organic” and invisible effects as well as spectacular VFX showpieces. Currently working on Albert Hughes’ The Solutrean (Studio 8/Sony Pictures), Okun has won the VES Award for Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects for The Last Samurai. His credits also include award-winning films Blood Diamond, Stargate, Sphere, Red Planet, Deep Blue Sea, Lolita and The Last Starfighter. He is also the creator of widely used VFX tracking and bidding software, and techniques for underwater bluescreen (PeriWinkle Effect) and accurate VFX count and budget prediction (Pencil Effect).

Okun was recently elected Chair of the Los Angeles Section of VES. He has also been named a Fellow of the VES and a recipient of the Founder’s Award. He also created the VES Handbook of Visual Effects. Okun served as VES Board Chair for seven years, and is also a member of AMPAS’ Visual Effects Branch, the Academy of Television Arts and Science, and an associate member of the American Society of Cinematographers.

2nd Vice Chair Kim Lavery is a 30-year industry veteran with experience in both production and post-production of film and VFX. Beginning her career as a news videographer and then a Today Show anchor, Lavery moved into film production at Universal Studios in its Studio Operations department, shifting to VFX in 1995. She has since been instrumental in building out boutique VFX studios as well as VFX producing, and is currently involved with aerial and AR/VR cinematography.

Lavery was recently named a Fellow of the VES as well as a recipient of the Founder’s Award. She has served as co-Chair of the VES Awards since its inception in 2002, and has served on the Board of Directors for most of the last decade. Lavery is also Secretary of the VES Bay Area Section Board.

Treasurer Dennis Hoffman is a 20-year VFX veteran and currently President of Stargate Studios Vancouver. He was previously MD and SVP of Framestore in Montreal, overseeing high profile projects Paddington (StudioCanal), The Legend of Tarzan (WB) and Pan (WB/RatPac-Dune). Hoffman has also held executive positions at Digital Domain, Deluxe’s Method and CIS, Cinesite and Dream Quest Images. Over the years he has been involved in VES Award-winning films Changeling and Flags of Our Fathers, Oscar nominee Mighty Joe Young, VES nominee Invictus and Emmy VFX prize winner Earth 2.

Hoffman is a founding member of the VES and also serves on the Board of the Vancouver Section. He is also a Board member of the Spark CG Society, which holds Animation and VFX conferences and festivals in Vancouver.

Secretary Rita Cahill is an international business and marketing/PR consultant for a number of US, Chinese, Canadian, UK and EU companies for visual effects and animation projects. Current and former clients include companies in the feature film, TV, VR and game industries, as well as government and educational entities. She is also a partner in MakeBelieve Entertainment, and serves as Executive Producer on a number of international projects. Cahill was previously VP of Marketing for Cinesite, which delivered work on over 200 feature films during her tenure — including the first ever DI, O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Prior to Cinesite, Cahill was a founding Board member of the Mill Valley Film Festival/California Film Institute, and remains on the Institute’s Emeritus Board of Directors. She was also the Founding Consultant for the Singapore International Film Festival. This is Cahill’s third term as VES Secretary, and she has served as Chair or co-Chair of the VES Summit for the last seven years.

Mike Chambers

February 4, 2017
Second Annual LAIKA Animation Fellowship Announced

Non-profit arts organization Film Independent (producers of the Spirit Awards and LA Film Festival) and Oscar-nominated studio LAIKA announce the second year of the LAIKA Animation Fellowship for Project Involve. The $10,000 grant goes to an animator in Project Involve, Film Independent’s signature diversity mentorship program which fosters the careers of talented filmmakers from communities traditionally underrepresented in the film industry.

“Film is at its best when it meaningfully reflects, connects with, and fosters insight into the world around us,” said Travis Knight, President & CEO of LAIKA and director of two-time Oscar nominated feature Kubo and the Two Strings. “And the world around us is a rich tapestry of voices and experiences. Encouraging and mentoring a new generation of bold, diverse voices and visions benefits us all. Which is why LAIKA is thrilled to continue our support of Film Independent’s Project Involve program. We look forward seeing how these inspiring artists enrich and expand the art and scope of cinema in the years to come.”

The LAIKA Animation Fellowship was created in 2016 and was awarded to animator Brandon Omari Lake. The Fellowship underwrote Lake’s participation in Project Involve and includes a $10,000 unrestricted cash grant for the filmmaker. Inspired at an early age by Caribbean folktales and the works of Disney and Rankin-Bass, Lake graduated in 2013 with an MFA in Animation and the Digital Arts from the University of Southern California. Since then his professional portfolio of work has grown and diversified, including Robot Chicken, Bratz, Buddy Thunderstruck, Verizon, and most recently two Honda Spots (“Paper,” “The Power of Ridgeline”) with animation director, PES. Lake has also produced several short films, two of which have been accepted into festivals including KLIK Animation and the Philadelphia Film Festival.

“We’re living in a golden age of animation right now, and the work done at LAIKA is jaw-droppingly original and unique,” said Film Independent President Josh Welsh. “We’re so happy to continue this partnership with them, and to be able to provide critical support to talented animators from under-represented backgrounds.”

Project Involve is a free, nine-month program for writers, directors, producers, editors, cinematographers and entertainment executives from diverse background to participate in one-on-ones with industry mentors, create short films, and attend master-workshops and networking events. Project Involve Fellows receive passes to the Film Independent Forum, Directors Close-Up and LA Film Festival. The 2017 participants were selected based on the quality of their projects, their passion, vision, talent and commitment to pursuing a career in film.

Project Involve alumni include Effie T. Brown (Dear White People), Jon M. Chu (G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Step Up 2: The Streets); Cherien Dabis (Amreeka, Empire), Kahlil Joseph (Lemonade), Tina Mabry (Queen Sugar) and Justin Simien (Dear White People).

The program is supported by Artist Development Lead Funder Time Warner Foundation and Project Involve Shorts Lead Funder Kiehl’s Since 1851. Principal Sponsors include EFILM | Company 3, HBO, The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, Loyola Marymount University School of Film and Television, National Endowment for the Arts and Sony Pictures Entertainment. Project Involve is also supported by AbelCine, Amazon Studios, the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, Focus Features, FOX HBCU Media Alliance, LAIKA, Participant Media and The Camera House.

LAIKA

February 4, 2017
WB Sets Super-Heroic Lineup for Toy Fair 2017

Warner Bros. Consumer Products will unleash a DC Super Hero takeover with its roster of global licensees and partners during the Toy Fair 2017 season — including Toy Fair Nuremberg (Feb. 1-6) and International Toy Fair New York (Feb. 18-21). WBCP’s highlighted properties will include tentpole films Wonder Woman, Justice League and The LEGO Batman Movie, as well as animated series DC Super Hero Girls, Teen Titans Go! and Justice League Action.

“With collections and must-have products from the most anticipated films of the year, we’re excited to showcase the full breadth and scope of WBCP’s DC Super Hero offerings in partnership with our super-powered global partners, programs and products at Toy Fair this year,” said Pam Lifford, President, Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

Wonder Woman hits theaters June 2, presenting global audiences with the Amazonian super hero’s first standalone feature film. In continuation of Wonder Woman’s 75th anniversary and in support of the upcoming film, WBCP and its partners created a line of products for fans of all ages. Global master toy licensee Mattel will unveil product from its powerful line, which will include a full toy line created in the likeness of the movie’s characters, collectible figures, dolls, playsets and role play. Wonder Woman will also be supported by global partners The LEGO Group (movie-inspired construction set) and Rubie’s Costume Co. (movie-inspired costumes & accessories, all ages).

Additional WW licensees with toy offerings include Funko (stylized collectible figures), Neca (18-inch replica figures), Tonner Dolls (detailed-design 18-inch fashion dolls), Madame Alexander (11-inch fashion dolls), Hot Toys (highly detailed collectible figures), Kotobukiya (high-end collectible statues), Mezco and QMX (stylized figures), Jada Toys (mini-metal figures), Schleich (collectible figures), Sakar International (electronics and accessories), and many more.

Justice League will bring DC’s finest heroes together on the big screen on November 17, following their refreshed animated debut in Justice League Action on Cartoon Network. WBCP will roll out a massive global merch program featuring the fan-favorite characters, anchored by an empowering line from global master toy licensee Mattel including action figures inspired by the most iconic Super Heroes and Super-Villains, playsets, vehicles, collectible figures, and action role-play toys highlighted by the much-anticipated Multiverse™ line, which captures the superior accuracy and details of the film’s characters. Also supporting Justice League is global partner The LEGO Group (movie-inspired construction set) and Rubie’s Costume Co. (movie-inspired costumes & accessories, all ages).

Additional toy partners supporting the film include Funko (stylized figures), Jakks Pacific (large-sized collectible figures), Jada Toys (metal figurines) and many others around the world.

The LEGO Batman Movie from director Chris McKay and the team behind animated blockbuster The LEGO Movie will swoop into theaters February 10. The brand will feature in the LEGO showroom at Toy Fair NY, where WBCP and The LEGO Group will display 10+ original construction sets, recently launched at retail. The collection includes 18 LEGO construction sets and a full line of 20 exclusive minifigures, featuring exclusive versions of characters from the film. Fans can also build on the film experience with The LEGO Batman Movie: The Batmobile set, which lets fans rev up hours of fun racing through Gotham City or smashing through any obstacle in The Dark Knight’s way; and The LEGO Batman Movie: Batcave Break-in set, which invites fans to defend the Batcave from The Penguin, utilizing a range of Batsuits that allow them to take on Super-Villains via air, land or sea. Additionally, all-new LEGO BrickHeadz based on Batman, Robin, Batgirl and The Joker from the film will launch in March.

WBCP and DC Ent.’s DC Super Hero Girls L&M program has garnered many accolades and award nominations for 2017, including “License of the Year,” and continues to expand in its mission to empower girls to reach their heroic potential. Bolstering the multiplatform property will be all-new collections of original content and product. Featuring consistently in-demand items, master toy partner Mattel will offer all-new action dolls, action figures, and action role-play featuring fresh characters, vehicles and gadgets in Spring and Fall 2017.

The collection features the industry’s first 6-inch action figures designed for girls, and the first 12-inch collection of action dolls featuring strong, athletic bodies that stand on their own in heroic poses. In 2016, the Mattel toy line also received much recognition, including a TOTY nomination in the Action Figure category for the DC Super Hero Girls Action Figures.

The LEGO Group assemblage features six original construction sets for kids, including Batgirl Batjet, Harley Quinn to the Rescue, Super Hero High School, and the recently released Lashina Tank, Bumblebee Helicopter, and Wonder Woman Dorm Room. Additional global partners include Rubie’s Costumes (costumes and accessories), Funko (stylized vinyl figures), and many others.

WBCP and Mattel join forces to provide fans with two new lines in support of the hilariously-fun animated series Teen Titans Go! and the power-packed Justice League Action. These toy lines capture the action, fun, humor and personalities of the DC Super Heroes with action figures, core characters and vehicles inspired by the the heroic and hilarious series. The Teen Titans Go! program also includes a collection of fan-favorite Funko figures.

WBCP also continues to support a strong DC TV slate with The Flash, Arrow and Gotham. Its top franchises include Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them; classic animation brands such as Scooby-Doo and Looney Tunes; hit TV series like The Big Bang Theory; and many more properties.

Warner Bros. Consumer Products

February 4, 2017
Dane DeHaan Joins ‘Boxcar Children’ Voice Cast

Legacy Classics and Shout! Factory announce the casting of Dane DeHaan (The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets) in upcoming animated feature, The Boxcar Children: Surprise Island. DeHaan will voice the mysterious character “Joe” for the project, currently in production.

DeHaan joins previously announced stars, Golden Globe winner Martin Sheen (as James Alden), Oscar winner J.K. Simmons (Dr. Moore), Joey King (Jesse Alden), Carter Sand (Benny Alden), Gil Birmingham (Lonan Browning), Griffin Gluck (Henry Alden), Stephen Stanton (Capt. Daniel) and Talitha Bateman (Violet).

The Boxcar Children: Surprise Island follows the adventures of the orphaned Boxcar Children as they spend an entire summer living on their Grandfather’s small, nearly uninhabited island. There they meet Joe, who is friendly and helpful, and inexplicably living on their island…

Legacy Classics founders Dan Chuba and Mark Dippé are directing the film from a screenplay written by Chuba. The Boxcar Children: Surprise Island is adapted from the book of the same name from Gertrude Chandler Warner’s best-selling children’s series. The film is produced by Legacy Classics and co-produced by Shout! Factory, Albert Whitman & Company and Blueberry Pictures, with the work underway at Legacy’s animation and VFX studios.

Surprise Island, planned for a fall 2017 release timed to the book series’ 75th anniversary, is part of a long-term, multifacted co-production and distribution partnership between Shout! Factory and Legacy Classics.

Dane DeHaan

February 4, 2017
Open Road Films Picks Up ‘Arctic Justice’

Open Road Films has acquired all US rights to 3D CG family feature Arctic Justice: Thunder Squad, from Andrea Iervolino and Monika Bacardi’s AMBI Media Group. The pick-up was announced by Open Road Films’ CEO, Tom Ortenberg. The distributor is planning a wide release for 2018.

“Tom and the Open Road team have a keen understanding of the audience that will love this film and are astute at reaching them in unique ways, resulting in great connectivity with viewers and a mutually beneficial relationship for our companies,” said Iervolino of AMBI. “They have been down this road before, and hit home runs with films like The Nut Job, so we’re excited that Arctic Justice is in their expert and very skilled hands. It really is the perfect home for this movie.”

Arctic Justice features an A-list voice cast lead by Jeremy Renner, Alec Baldwin, Heidi Klum, John Cleese, James Franco, Angelica Huston and Omar Sy. Animation on the project is underway at AMBI’s Toronto-based AIC Studios; Arctic Justice is fully financed and being produced by AMBI and its principals, Iervolino and Bacardi.

The deal was negotiated on behalf of Open Road Films by Ortenberg, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, Elliott Kleinberg, and SVP Acquisitions, Lejo Pet; and by Iervolino on behalf of AMBI Media Group.

Synopsis:

Swifty (Jeremy Renner), an arctic fox, dreams of becoming one the famous Top Dogs, a team of huskies that deliver packages for the Arctic Blast Delivery Service. In the Arctic, everyday trips can quickly turn into epic journeys, which make the Top Dogs the Arctic’s everyday heroes.

In an effort to prove himself, Swifty secretly commandeers a delivery sled to takes a mysterious package to a secret, icy fortress, where he comes face to face with Doc Walrus (John Cleese), a blubbery evil genius who walks around on robotic legs, and commands a loyal army of oddly polite puffins. Swifty stumbles upon Doc Walrus’ evil plan to drill to the center of the Earth to unleash enough lava to melt the polar ice caps in order to flood the planet and become be king of the world.

Now, Swifty has to enlist the help of his friends: PB (Alec Baldwin), an introverted polar bear; Lemmy (James Franco), a scatter-brained rock and roll albatross; Sal (Omar Sy) and Weez (Heidi Klum), two conspiracy theorist otters; and Jade, a red fox, who’s a tough as nails mechanic that Swifty has a secret crush on. This ragtag team has to band together and overcome their differences if they’re going to stop Doc Walrus and his army of Puffins from destroying the world.

Arctic Justice: Thunder Squad

February 4, 2017
Daily News Bytes

Disney Networks to Feature Black History Month Interstitials
Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior will present a series of “Be Inspired” interstitials hosted by live-action and animated stars, and featuring Disney Legend Floyd Norman, Charles Alfred Anderson of the Tuskegee Airmen, commercial air pilot Stephanie R. Grant, and physician/activist Dr. Myiesha Taylor.

VIDEO: Batman vs. Shrouds in All-New ‘Justice League Dark’ Clip
Constantine, Zatanna, Deadman and Batman encounter Shrouds outside Richie’s house … and they seem keen on the Dark Knight. The latest DCU animated movie is out now on Digital HD and comes to disc Feb. 7.

Steven Yeun on ‘Voltron,’ ‘Trollhunters’ and More Animated Antics Ahead
The Walking Dead star chats with Collider’s Dave Trumbore about his current VO roles and upcoming projects including Sony’s The Star and comic-book adaptation Chew.

’Super Wings’ YouTube Channel Now Available
Young fans can take flight with Jett and friends thanks to a new digital launch from Alpha Group US.

It’s Official: Denis Villeneuve Will Direct ‘Dune
The Oscar-nominated director of Arrival will be the latest to take a whack at adapting Frank Herbert’s sci-fi classic for the big screen, for Legendary Pictures. Villeneuve is also directing the sequel Blade Runner 2049, due out Oct. 6.

Disney Channel Black History Month

February 2, 2017
Kid Genius Cartoon Channel Launches Across OTTs

Genius Brands International has boosted the reach of its Kid Genius Cartoon Channel by approximately 20 million households with this week’s launch of channel on OTT platforms including Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire, growing its potential audience to an estimated 50 million households in the US.

Genius Brands is also launching new apps or its signature Baby Genius and SpacePOP brands on these platforms, offering multiplatform engagement opportunities.

“We’ve been anxiously awaiting the ‘go’ for Kid Genius Cartoon Channel on these platforms since we first announced the distribution agreement with Future Today in November,” said Debra Pierson, General Manager of Kid Genius Cartoon Channel. “As anyone with kids understands, being able to access and stream engaging entertainment on demand is essential in today’s world. And if you want to reach the widest possible audience, you do that through Roku, Apple, Amazon Fire and more. These are not alternative platforms, they are vital platforms, and Kid Genius Cartoon Channel will be there with hours of stimulating Smart TV for Kids.”

The Kid Genius Cartoon Channel, already available on Comcast’s Xfinity On Demand, offers programming for toddlers through to tweens. Original series include Baby Genius, SpacePOP, Warren Buffett’s Secret Millionaires Club and Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab. Acquired programs include Eddie Is a Yeti and Nancy Drew Codes & Clues.

Genius Brands International

February 2, 2017
VRLA Sets ‘Rick & Morty’ Co-Creator Justin Roiland as Keynote

The VRLA Expo, taking place April 14-15 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, will feature a Keynote Address on Saturday from Justin Roiland, co-creator of Adult Swim hit animated series Rick & Morty. Registration is now open for VRLA, which bills itself as the largest virtual and augmented reality event in the world and will feature an exhibit floor populated by leading hardware and software developers, demos, educational sessions, experimental work and presentations.

“This is the third year of VRLA, and with each event weve grown in size and scope. Its so exciting to serve both the industry and developers who make this whole thing go, as well as the VR-curious enthusiasts who want to see what its all about. That we can put Justin Roiland on the same stage as some of the industrys greatest technical thinkers is a treat, and a testament to the support the community has shown us,” said event co-founder John Root.

Roiland, also the founder of newly-minted VR studio Squanchtendo, aims to dive into the surreally funny possibilities of the medium in his keynote.

“What does the future of VR hold? Will there be more wizard games? Are grandmas real? What IS a wizard, really? Are there wizard grandmas? How does this factor into VR? I did all this (simple) math and then made a power point presentation that I **think** maaaayyybe has these questions (and more) all figured out,” the ineffable creative remarked in the announcement. “Please come to my incredible keynote address on the state of VR! You juuuust might learn something, maybe, I don’t know. I can’t make any promises on that because you may already know everything.”

VRLA is currently accepting applications for its Indie Zone, offering free exhibit space to small, innovative teams which have accrued less than $500,000 in venture capital funding or revenue.

Learn more at www.virtualrealityla.com.

VRLA

February 2, 2017
‘Mary and the Witch’s Flower’ Soars with Altitude Film

Altitude Film Sales has secured international rights to the first feature film from Studio Ponoc, Mary and the Witch’s Flower, according to Variety. The 2D fantasy adaptation is directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi and produced by Yoshiaki Nishimura, Studio Ghibli veterans who teamed for the Oscar-nominated film When Marnie Was There and co-founded Studio Ponoc.

Mary and the Witch’s Flower was adapted by Yonebayashi and Riko Sakaguchi (The Tale of the Princess Kaguya) from Mary Stewart’s children’s novel The Littlest Broomstick. The tale centers on a young girl whose life takes a magical turn when she stumbles upon a school for witches.

Altitude Film Sales, founded by CEO Will Clarke, will shop the project to distributors at the European Film Market in Berlin. Currently in post-production and set for completion this year, Mary and the Witch’s Flower has secured distribution in the UK through Altitude Film Entertainment, and in Australia and New Zealand through Madman Entertainment.

Mary and the Witches Flower

February 2, 2017
Autour de Minuit Celebrates Double César Short Nominations

Paris-based studio Autour de Minuit has the distinction being the first producer to have two of its projects nominated in the Best Animated Short Film category for the distinguished 2017 César Awards: Peripheria, directed by David Coquard-Dassault; and Journal Anime, directed by Donato Sansone.

You can watch Peripheria and Journal Anime here.

Also nominated in the animated short category are Café Froid (Cold Coffee) by Stéphanie Lansaque and François Leroy (Je suis bien content), and Celui qui a deux âme (He Who Has Two Souls) by Fabrice Luang-Vija (Fargo).

This year’s animated feature César nominees are The Girl without Hands, My Life as a Zucchini and The Red Turtle. Voting for Academy members is open until February 23 at midnight.

Autour de Minuit has also received coveted acknowledgements for two more of its films this year. The Spanish motion picture academy has nominated Alberto Vazquez’s Decorado for the Goya animated short award (with Alberto Rodriguez’s Ozzy, and Teresa & Tim by Agurtzane Intxaurraga); and co-production Estate by Ronny Trocker nominated in Belgium’s Magritte Awards (with Pornography by Eric Ledune, and Totems by Paul Jadoul). Both awards ceremonies are scheduled for Feb. 4.

Peripheria

February 2, 2017
Superights Feathers ‘Puffin Rock’ Sales Nest Worldwide

Superights Kids & Family Entertainment is sending the two-time Kidscreen Award-winning preschool series Puffin Rock (78 x 7). Initially commissioned by RTEJr (Ireland) and Nick Jr. (UK), the series is a co-production of Oscar-nominated studio Cartoon Saloon, Dog Ears and Penguin Random House.

Puffin Rock has now been picked up by Nick Jr. Australia, DR (Denmark), BBC Alba (Scotland), Sic Kids (Angola & Mozambique), e-Junior (UAE), Hop! (Israel), Daekyo (South Korea) and Good TV (Taiwan). These join previously announced broadcast partners NRK (Norway), SVT (Sweden), RUV (Iceland), ABC (Australia) and Netflix. Further, ABC Commercial has secured DVD rights and is planning a season 1 release this spring.

Narrated by comedy star Chris O’Dowd (The IT Crowd, Moone Boy), the series follows the playful, green-themed adventures of adorable sister and brother pufflings, Oona and Baba, as they explore the natural environment of their wild island home with their puffin parents and other animal friends.

Puffin Rock

February 2, 2017
Animator & Filmmaker Hal Geer Dies Age 100

Hal Geer, a producer, director, writer and editor for animation known for his work on the Warner Bros. Looney Tunes franchise, died January 26 in Simi Valley, California. He was 100 years old. The filmmaker and World War II veteran’s passing was announced by his family.

Over the course of his career, Geer worked on 25 feature films — including Disney’s 1953 feature Peter Pan, in the special effects department — as well as over 500 TV shows, 400 commercials and 100 short films.

Geer’s experience behind the camera got a dramatic start, with the young man enlisting as a Combat Cameraman just weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor and participating in 86 combat missions during the war. He sometimes doubled his documentary and combat duties, acting as a gunner in B-24 and B-25 planes while shooting newsreel images.

In 1946, Geer got a job as a color technician in the special effects department at Warner Bros. After four years, he moved over to Disney, working under Ub Iwerks and contributing to the Walt Disney’s Disneyland TV series. He then worked with several independent production companies before returning to WB in 1967, where he would be a key figure behind Looney Tunes for two decades.

Geer initially served as an editor for the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies shorts until WB ceased theatrical cartoon production in 1969. He stayed on to work on The Bugs Bunny Show, eventually becoming co-producer of the show. When producer William L. Hendricks retired in the late ‘70s, Geer assumed oversight of Looney Tunes, and when WB officially re-established its cartoon studio, Geer was put in charge.

During his tenure leading Warner Bros. Animation, Geer and Friz Freleng produced numerous compilation films and TV specials, including The Looney Looney Looney Bugs Bunny Movie and 1001 Rabbit Tales.

Geer was nominated with Freleng for an Outstanding Animated Program Emmy Award in 1981, for Bugs Bunny: All American Hero. Geer also drove the campaign for Bugs Bunny’s Walk of Fame star. He retired in 1987 and took up lecturing on cruise ships. His memoir, The Life, Times and Tales of Hal Geer, was published when Geer was 99 years old.

Geer is survived by his wife, Carol, whom he married in 1983; children Nancy and Wally; stepdaughter Brenda Lee; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Nancy, whom he married in 1939.

A memorial service is set for Feb. 11 at 10 a.m. at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park in Westlake Village, California. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Simi-Conejo Valley Chapter of the Military Association of America.

Hal Geer

February 2, 2017
Activision Blizzard Announces Consumer Products Dept., ‘Skylanders’ S3

Activision Blizzard has launched a new consumer products division with the aim of supporting its global growth strategy by creating new avenues for fan engagement with its game franchises and characters. The company has also announced that its Netflix original animated series Skylanders Academy has been renewed for a third season.

Veteran executive Tim Kilpin has been tapped as CEO and President of the new division, which will also include Activision Publishing, Blizzard Entertainment and King Digital’s consumer products team. Kilpin joins Activision Blizzard after serving as President & Chief Commercial Officer of Mattel. He was previously EVP for Mattel’s boys and girls division, leading global brand strategy for Barbie, Hot Wheels, Monster High, et al.

Prior to that, Kilpin was EVP of franchise management at The Walt Disney Company, where he oversaw global cross-category strategy for Disney Princesses, Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse and other franchises.

“Activision Blizzard is a global entertainment powerhouse, and its combination of iconic franchises and massive audience reach offers incredible opportunities for retailers and partners,” said Kilpin. “I’m excited to lead this newly-formed division and join Activision Blizzard’s already incredibly talented consumer products team in delivering powerful new partnerships and even more touchpoints to audiences.”

One of the company’s top brands is getting a third animated series season, as it was announced Thursday that Skylanders Academy has been renewed by Netflix. Production will kick off this month, with the animation again being handled by French studio TeamTO and delivery slated for 2018. The show, based on the $3.5 billion Skylanders game franchise, is the first TV series developed and produced by Activision Blizzard Studios.

“Response to the show has been incredibly enthusiastic, and we’ve taken a lot of creative inspiration from fans’ excitement,” said studio Co-President Stacey Sher, “We have a lot of fun in store for season three and are thrilled to give audiences even more of the characters they love.”

Skylanders Academy follows the heroic adventures of Spyro (voiced by Justin Long), Eruptor (Jonathan Banks), Stealth Elf (Ashley Tisdale), Jet-Vac and Pop Fizz as they travel the vast Skylands universe, protecting it from evil-doers. This year’s Season 2 also sees the return of cast members Norm Macdonald as Glumshanks, The Diamond Minecart (Daniel Middleton) as Cy and Daniel Wu as King Pen.

A new addition for Season 2 is Felicia Day (Supernatural), voicing a new Academy cadet named Cynder with a mysterious past. Additional voices this season are provided by Susan Sarandon, Parker Posey, James Hetfield, Catherine O’Hara, Bobcat Goldthwait, Chris Diamantopoulos, Jonny Rees, Harland Williams and Richard Horvitz. The series features the exclusive song “Harmony” (Skylanders Academy Theme) produced by Grammy winner Timbaland and performed by Timbaland feat. Dalton Diehl.

Skylanders Academy

February 2, 2017
Exclusive Clip: Tour Branch’s Bunker in ‘Trolls’ out Feb. 7

DreamWorks Animation’s feel-good CG animated hit Trolls is coming home on Blu-ray and DVD on February 7 (and is available now on Digital HD) through 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment. In addition to the musical, magical adventure of Poppy (Anna Kendrick) and Branch (Justin Timberlake) and their quest to rescue their fellow Trolls from the Bergens, the home video releases come packed with bonus features that will really get your Trolls party jumping.

One such treat is “Inside the Bunker,” an in-depth exploration of Branch’s secret hideout, narrated by Cloud Guy (voiced by co-director Walt Dohrn). As the least-upbeat Troll in Troll Town, practical yet curmudgeonly Branch has proactively built a survival bunker to protect him from the inevitable attack by the neighboring Bergens. Take a tour in the exclusive clip below!

Read more about the cool Trolls home release extras online and in the March issue of Animation Magazine, out soon.

Trolls is directed by Shrek franchise veterans Mike Mitchell and Walt Dohrn, and features the voices of Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Zooey Deschanel, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Christine Baranski, Russell Brand, Gwen Stefani, John Cleese, James Corden, Jeffrey Tambor and Ron Funches. Justin Timberlake, Max Martin and Karl Johan Schuster are nominated for an Oscar this year for the film’s original song, “Can’t Stop the Feeling.”

Trolls

February 2, 2017
Daily News Bytes

’Stranger Things’ Star Matthew Modine Joins Animated Film ‘My Love Affair with Marriage’
Recent SAG Awards nominee (and no stranger to voice acting for animation) signs on to Signe Baumane’s new feature project, which is crowdfunding through Kickstarter.

Bulgarian Film Hits Revive Cherished Animation Traditions
Theodore Ushev’s Oscar nod for Blind Vaysha (and an increasing number of international attention-grabbing films) builds hope of an animation renaissance in the country.

VIDEO: ‘Edo Superstar’ Launch Trailer
Devco Hi-Tops and publisher Cleaversoft unveil a vibrant game world for the beat-em-up side-scroller, which follows a martial arts hero monkey named Masaru fighting his way through ancient Edo. The game is created by Jed Henry, the artist behind Ukiyo-e Heroes.

ProSiebenSat.1 Licensing to Rep ‘Danger Mouse’ in Germany
FremantleMedia Kids & Family taps local agent for both the original and re-imagined animated series in Germany and German-speaking territories; global master toy licensee Jazwares is managing toy distribution.

Amazon Developing Alternate Universe Drama from Aaron McGruder & Will Packer
Hush-hush, untitled project from the Peabody Award winning creator of The Boondocks and feature film producer of Straight Outta Compton is getting polished by Amazon Studios. (OK, yeah, it’s probably live action, but who doesn’t love McGruder?)

Matthew Modine

February 2, 2017
Pete Docter, Jonas Rivera & Tim Miller Host Oscar Week Events

The Academy will present a series of public programs celebrating this year’s Oscar nominees in select categories in the week leading up to the 89th awards ceremony. Held in the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, Oscar Week events will include sessions on Animated Feature Film (hosted by Pete Docter and Jonas Rivera) and Animated and Live Action Short Film (hosted by Tim Miller).

The Oscar Week schedule will also cover Documentary Feature, Documentary Short Subject, Foreign Language Film, and Makeup & Hairstyling.

Oscar Week: Shorts

Tues., Feb. 21 at 7 p.m.

Hosted by director Tim Miller

Miller received an Oscar nomination in the Animated Short Film category for Gopher Broke and most recently directed last year’s Deadpool. The program will delve into the Animated Short Film and Live Action Short Film categories with complete screenings of all the nominated films as well as onstage panel discussions with the filmmakers (schedules permitting).

Animated Short nominees: Blind Vaysha, Theodore Ushev; Borrowed Time, Andrew Coats and Lou Hamou-Lhadj; Pear Cider and Cigarettes, Robert Valley and Cara Speller; Pearl, Patrick Osborne; Piper, Alan Barillaro and Marc Sondheimer.

Oscar Week: Animated Features

Thurs., Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m.

Hosted by director Pete Docter and producer Jonas Rivera

Docter and Rivera took home Animated Feature Film Oscars last year for Inside Out. Docter’s other feature credits include Up, which Rivera also produced, Monsters Inc. and Toy Story. This year’s nominees in the Animated Feature Film category (schedules permitting) will talk about their creative processes and present clips illustrating their techniques.

Animated Feature nominees: Kubo and the Two Strings, Travis Knight and Arianne Sutner; Moana, John Musker, Ron Clements and Osnat Shurer; My Life as a Zucchini, Claude Barras and Max Karli; The Red Turtle, Michael Dudok de Wit and Toshio Suzuki; Zootopia, Byron Howard, Rich Moore and Clark Spencer.

Oscars

February 2, 2017
‘P. King Duckling’ Gets Flying Start on Disney Junior US

UYoung and Little Airplane Productions’ new preschool comedy series P. King Duckling is off to a quacking good start on its new US broadcast home of Disney Junior, where it debuted November 7 and has achieved impressive ratings.

“P. King Duckling is the first Chinese production to air on Disney Junior in the US and we are delighted that it has launched so successfully with the channel’s viewers who have taken our intrepid trio to their hearts,” said Lisa Zhong, President of UYoung. “With the international roll-out and licensing program due to start soon, 2017 looks set to be a very important year for the show.”

According to Eurodata TV research figures from November 2016 to January 2017, P. King Duckling is the second-highest Disney Junior series with the 2-5 year-old audience and the fourth-highest ranking animated series across all US preschooler children’s channels, among children 2-5. P. King Duckling has reached over 18 million Total Viewers across the US, including approximately 6 million Kids 2-8 and more than 7 million Adults 18-49, for its telecasts to date.

The series is set to launch on SVT Sweden, YLE Finland, and in numerous international territories through Disney Junior, including Latin America, India, Korea and Southeast Asia.

P. King Duckling follows the adventures of an extremely intrepid, but slightly hapless, young duck and his two best friends, Chumpkins and Wombat. The series is set in the rural and rather wonky community of Hilly Hole, from where P. King and his friends embark on adventures all over the world; from the Left Bank of Paris, where they redecorate the Eiffel Tower, to the Great Wall of China, which they manage to turn into the Great Waterslide of China.

Emmy-winning preschool TV producer Josh Selig (Little Airplane) created the series in collaboration with James Chen Gu (GM, UYoung Animation); both serve as executive producers. UYoung’s creative director Eddy Bo Fan directs the series. UYoung holds global TV and licensing rights.

P. King Duckling

February 2, 2017
New ‘Dinosaur Train’ Movie Steams to PBS KIDS Feb. 20

PBS KIDS will premiere an all-new, one-hour movie special for its hit series Dinosaur Train, “What’s at the Center of the Earth?,” on Monday, February 20. Created by Craig Bartlett (Ready Jet Go!) and produced by The Jim Henson Company, the show encourages preschoolers to apply scientific thinking as they discover new prehistoric species, familiarizing them with paleontology and natural science.

In “What’s at the Center of the Earth?,” the Conductor has a special surprise for the Pteranodon Family: the Dinosaur Drill Train. This amazing machine gives its passengers a front row seat as they dig deep underground on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure below the Earth’s surface. There, they discover a whole new world – from fossils and troglobites to rivers of lava. Along the way, the family gains a new perspective on our planet and what it’s made of.

The special comprises four stories: Layers!, Fossils!, Troglobites! and Minerals!

Following its debut, the deep-digging adventure will repeat through the rest of the month on PBS Stations and the PBS KIDS 24/7 channel and live stream, as well as being available through pbskids.org and the PBS KIDS Video App. “What’s at the Center at the Earth?” will also join four other Dinosaur Train stories on a DVD release on Feb. 21.

“With this new Dinosaur Train special, we are excited to give families another opportunity to engage with their favorite characters and learn about nature and science,” said Lesli Rotenberg, SVP and General Manager, Children’s Media and Education, PBS. “By delivering educational programming through our member stations and their newly launched PBS KIDS 24/7 channel and live stream, we look forward to continuing to serve America’s children anytime and anywhere.”

New digital content for Dinosaur Train will include a new “Fossil Finder” game that lets players travel underground in the Drill Train on their own fossil hunt, which will launch the week of Feb. 13 on pbskids.org and the PBS KIDS Games app.

Dinosaur Train airs weekdays on PBS KIDS and daily on PBS KIDS 24/7. The series is produced by The Jim Henson Co. and co-produced with Sparky Animation (Singapore), with the participation and assistance of the Singapore Media Development Authority.

Dinosaur Train

February 2, 2017