We are just ferociously delighted to share with our readers that Nickelodeon’s spankin’ new, original animated series Bunsen Is a Beast will debut on Tuesday, February 21 at 5:30 p.m. ET/PT! Created and executive produced by Butch Hartman (The Fairly OddParents, Danny Phantom, T.U.F.F. Puppy), the monstrous misadventures will air at 5:30 through Feb. 24, and continue to premiere new episodes Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.
Bunsen Is a Beast is produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studio in Burbank, which officially opened the doors on its newly expanded building — a 200k-plus square-foot, state-of-the-art, sustainable complex — on January 11.
The colorful 2D series follows Bunsen and Mikey, two new friends who seek out fun and adventure in their town of Muckledunk. As the first beast to ever attend a human middle school, Bunsen feels the pressure to succeed and prove to the world that monsters can live among humans (without eating them). With Mikey’s help, Bunsen learns how to do human tasks like complete homework, eat ice cream and ride the bus. And Mikey learns to navigate the Beast World, meeting all kinds of weird and wonderful creatures who live there.
In the premiere episode, “Bearly Acceptable Behavior,” Amanda tries to get Bunsen kicked out of school when he brings a dangerous bear to class. Then, in “Beast Busters,” Bunsen and Mikey have to save Amanda from mischievous Sneeze Beasts that escape from Bunsen’s nose.
The voice cast includes: Jeremy Rowley (iCarly) as Bunsen, Ben Giroux (Henry Danger) as Mikey, Cristina Milizia (Monster High) as Darcy, Bunsen and Mikey’s home-schooled friend; Kari Wahlgren (The Fairly OddParents) as Amanda Killman, the rigid and rule-bound beast hater; comedy legend Cheri Oteri (Saturday Night Live) as Miss Flap, Mikey and Bunsen’s eccentric teacher; Jeff Bennett (Jake and the Neverland Pirates) as Bunsen’s Dad; and Jennifer Hale (The Powerpuff Girls) as Bunsen’s Mom. Wahlgren and Rowley also voice Mikey’s Mom and Dad.
Viewers can visit nick.com, the Nick App and the network’s Facebook and Instagram feeds to learn more about Bunsen Is a Beast. A sneak peek will air Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m., and a full-length episode is available now on nick.com, Nick On Demand and the Nick App.
France’s Cesar Award Nominations Unveiled
The animated feature contenders are: La Jeune Fille Sans Mains by Sébastien Laudenbach; Ma Vie De Courgette by Claude Barras, and The Red Turtle by Michael Dudok De Wit.
The 2017 GLAS Animation Film Festival — taking place March 2-5 in Berkeley, California — has revealed its Official Competition Selections. The event organizers managed to sort through some 1,300 submissions to curate an exciting mix of films for the Narrative, Non-Narrative, Graduate, Undergraduate and Commissioned Shorts tracks.
GLAS has also sorted selections for the Children’s Competition, US Competition and International Showcase. Visit www.glasanimation.com for more information and to order your festival pass.
NARRATIVE COMPETITION
The Empty – Dahee Jeong
Among the Black Waves – Anna Budanova
Love – Reka Bucsi
Monkey – Shen Jie
Black – Tomasz Popakul
The Future – Greg Sharp
Jungle Taxi – Hakhyun Kim
Sore Eyes for Infinity – Elli Vuorinen
Nighthawk – Spela Cadez
Impossible Figures – Marta Pajek
Before Love – Igor Kovalyov
High Summer – Josselin Facon
Deer Flower – Kangmin Kim
The Bald Future – Paul Cabon
Et Ta Prostate, Ca Va? – Cecile Rousset
NON-NARRATIVE COMPETITION
Datum Point – Ryo Orikasa
Any Road – Boris Labbé
Lo – Ted Wiggin
Manhole Cover While Walking – Ryoya Usuha
The Reflection of Power – Nicolas Anthomé
Six God Alphabet Peter – Peter Millard
Slow Wave – Andy Kennedy
Jeu de Paume – Joshua Mosley
The Estate – Ronny Trocker
saVer – Simon Gerbaud
Unsatisfying – Parallel Studio
Red of the Yew Tree – Marie-Hélène Turcotte
The Mess – Peter Burr
GRADUATE COMPETITION
Hotaru – William Laboury
Service – Josh Shaffner
How are you today? – Sophie Marka
Feed – Eri Okazaki
What They Believe – Shoko Hara
Hot Dog Hands – Matt Reynolds
Garden Party – Florian Babakin
UNDERGRADUATE COMPETITION
Rituals – Isabelle Aspin
Tough – Jennifer Zheng
Auto – Conner Griffith
Pile – Raffaele Gans-Pfister
Big Surf – Brian Smee
Talking Cure – Felipe Di Poi
COMMISSIONED COMPETITION
Last Job on Earth – Moth Collective
Spectacle of the Real – Buck
Scavengers – Charles Huettner & Joe Bennett
Sisters – David Chontos
Flight Attendant XXX – Mattis Dovier
Johnny Bubble – Alan Resnick
Charles X – Can You Do It – Parallel
Another Love – Najeeb Tarazi & Michael Langan
Run the Jewels | Meowpurddy – Cyriak
FAMILY COMPETITION
Otto – Job, Joris, Marieke
First Snow – Lenka Ivančíková
Summer Camp Island – Julia Pott
Very Lonely Cock – Leonid Shmelkov
Au Revoir Balthazar – Rafalel Sommerhalder
Benches – Ivan Maximov
In a Cage – Loic Bruyere
INTERNATIONAL SHOWCASE
Je ne Sens Plus Rien – Noémie Marsily and Carl Roosens
Mom’s on Fire – Joanna Rytel
The Wild Boar – Bella Szederkényi
Three Fitted Flies – María Álvarez and Elisa Morais
Perfect Town – Anaïs Voirol
Uncanny Valley – Paul Wenninger
Little Girl – Steven Subotnick
9, Chemin des Gauchoirs – Lyonel Charmette
Planemo – Veljko Popovic
Decorado – Alberto Vázquez
Parade de Satie – Koji Yamamura
Danny Boy – Simon Lynen
Squame – Nicolas Brault
J’aimes les Filles – Diane Obomsawin
Absence of Eddy Table – Dave Cooper and Rune Spaans
Global Screen has acquired worldwide distribution rights to Germany-Luxembourg co-production My Fairy Troublemaker & Me, and will open presales for the title at the European Film Market in Berlin next month, Variety reports. The film is slated for delivery in 2020.
Currently in pre-production, the English-language 3D animated feature is produced by Fortune Cookie Film and Ella Film in Hamburg, in co-production with Fabrique d’Images (Ooops! Noah Is Gone…). Award-winning screenwriter Silja Clemens penned the original script.
“My Fairy Troublemaker & Me is a suspenseful, charming and high-end 3D-animated feature film,” said producer Maite Wokock. “The screenplay is full of action, humor, magic and heart, making us laugh about our foibles and showing that with a real friend everything is possible. This project is my project from the heart.”
My Fairy Troublemaker & Me centers on a boisterous 10-year-old girl named Maxie who can’t believe her luck when a funky little fairy named Violetta turns up in her bedroom. To Maxie, the magical being is her ticket to make her dream of returning to her grandmother’s house in the countryside come true. But it turns out that Violetta is a magical washout with a serious chocolate addiction.
“We are happy to present this magical adventure at the upcoming EFM, and we are sure our buyers will be amazed by its charming and unique characters and fast-paced script,” stated Alice Buquoy, Senior Sales & Acquisitions Manager at Global Screen. “It has all the ingredients to be great entertainment for the whole family.”
German world sales agent Sola Media will present the world premiere of Akkord Film’s animated feature Rabbit School – Guardians of the Golden Egg during the Berlin International Film Festival next month. The film adaptation of the popular German Easter book will screen in the children’s film competition track “Generation K+.”
“Our company’s strength lies in top level story development which enables us to internationally compete with animated films from around the world,” said Akkord Film’s CEO Dirk Beinhold. “It’s a big honor to be selected for the Berlinale’s children’s film competition with such a commercial film.”
Rabbit School – Guardians of the Golden Egg is a CG-animated feature (available in stereoscopic 3D) about an urban rabbit named Max, who finds himself trapped at an old-fashioned Easter rabbit school penned in by a scheming fox. With the help of new friend Emmy and training from the mysterious Madame Hermione, Max learns not only the secret magic of Easter bunnies, but also where he truly belongs.
The film boasts a pedigreed lead creative team, including director Ute von Münchow-Pohl (Laura’s Star and the Dream Monsters, Raven the Rascal), animation director Peter Bohl of Studio Rakete and fellow Ooops! Noah Is Gone… alum Heiko Hentschel, who serves as art director.
Rabbit School will bunnyhop onto 450 screens in Germany on March 16 through Universum Film, followed by a 120-plus screen release in France by Gebeka on April 5. The film will continue to roll out throughout the Easter season, with releases planned for Poland, Turkey, South Korea, Serbia, Middle East, Hungary, Iceland and Estonia, with additional territories coming.
Sola Media was attracted to the film’s charm and potential for L&M exploitation, as well as the fact that despite the holiday’s popularity, there is a scarcity of Easter films on the market each year as compared to Christmas-themed movies.
“We are thrilled about the huge interest in Rabbit School triggered by the screening of a short teaser during the Marché du Film in Cannes. The interest in the market for this title confirms that animated films made in Germany are currently in high demand among international distributors,” said Solveig Langeland, Managing Director at Sola Media.
Sandbox Partners (SBX) has taken a minority stake in award-winning, Brooklyn-based studio and and educational kids’ app developer Tinybop, becoming the company’s largest institutional shareholder.
With a global footprint spanning London, New York, Boston and Singapore, SBX’s investment in Tinybop complements its growing learning ecosystem, which aims to educate children for the world of tomorrow. It will support Tinybop’s ambitions to build an expansive range of educational apps, and give the developer access to SBX’s reach of 20 million kids, parents and teachers globally. As part of the board, SBX will also provide strategic, commercial and operational support to help scale the business and expand operations internationally.`
Tinybop is a collection of designers, engineers, animators and artists headed by Founder and CEO Raul Gutierrez which as to-date created 13 award-winning apps that bridge engineering, design and education. The studio’s offerings feature vibrant illustrations and animations as well as kid-friendly design and tools for parents to create dynamic digital experiences bolstered by information-rich resources on and off screen.`
The company’s Digital Toys line is a growing series currently comprising five open-ended building apps. The Explorer’s Library (eight titles) offers interactive playscapes designed to teach STEM fundamentals. Tinybop’s apps have won a number of accolades, including 2015 iPad App of the Year (The Robot Factory) and Parents Magazine Best Apps for Families honors (The Human Body).
“We pride ourselves on taking time and care in creating beautifully designed worlds, which resonate with kids, and enable them to explore and unlock their imaginations. We want to reach kids the world over and firmly believe in speaking in a universal language that appeals to adults just as much as children,” said Gutierrez. “This partnership with the SBX team marks a very exciting time for us. Their commitment to providing an unparalleled ecosystem of fun learning tools for every child across the world, regardless of location and age, is what sealed the deal. With their support, and domain and operational expertise, we will be able to experiment even further and unlock more potential for Tinybop.”`
“Raul has created a hub of incredible apps that educate and entertain,” commented SBX Founder and CEO Bhav Singh. “At SBX, our mission is to educate children for the world of tomorrow, which aligns perfectly with Tinybop’s mission to create toys for tomorrow. We hope that together, we can build on Tinybop’s success and most importantly, equip kids and their millennial parents with the skills and tools they need to navigate the world.”`
SBX’s family of award-winning products, platforms and brands for parents and kids includes Hopster, SuperAwesome, Poptropica, TeacherVision, FamilyEducation and more.
Mondo TV has announced that it will be highlighting four major new series at the Kidscreen Summit Miami (Feb. 13-16), three of which are animated properties with high international appeal.
Yoohoo & Friends 3D (2017: 52’ x 11) is a preschool series following a group of animal friends who inhabit the magical island of Yootopia who help endangered animals in their home and on Earth. The TV series is bolstered by high licensing awareness, with more than 80 million YooHoo & Friends plush toys sold since the worldwide launch of the line by Aurora World in 2007, driving enormous interest in the forthcoming animated version.
Invention Story (2018: 104 x 11’) is an innovative new 3D, HD animated comedy-action series for children ages 4 to 8. Combining fun and learning, the show stars Kit, a creative young fox, who, in each episode, comes up with a new invention, delighting the rabbit inhabitants of Carrot Town and infuriating their angry, jealous mayor.
Mondo TV has also announced an agreement with Korean content and marketing company CJ E&M to act as TV distributor and licensing agent in a number of territories for the new HD CGI animated action adventure show for 3-6 year olds: Robot Trains (2018- 32×11’). The series is set in Train World where all citizens are trains — some of whom are special trains that can transform into robots! The series follows the growth of the five train heroes – Kay, Alf, Duck, Selly and Victor – and their exciting adventures. Kay, the fastest train in the world, has lost his memory and skills in an accident. To get back to his old self, Kay goes on a journey with his friends, encountering many challenging missions along the way.
The company will also be shopping its live-action adaptation Heidi, Bienvenida a Casa (2017: 60 x 45’), a co-production with Alianzas Producciones. This modern take on the classic character Heidi is based on an original idea by Argentinian writer Marcela Citterio, and offers an exciting mix of music, comedy, colour, magic, and extraordinary characters as the charming and friendly girl who moves from her rural home to the confusing environment of the big city.
Studio 100 N.V., a Belgian corporation headquartered in Schelle, has acquired a 68% majority interest in German brand management and media company m4e AG. The stake was secured through an agreement with m4e founding and principal shareholders Hans Ulrich Stoef, Michael Büttner, Oliver Jansen and Cees Wessels (through his associated companies TSC Holdings B.V. and WMG Holding B.V.) to sell their shares to Studio 100 N.V.
“Together we are planning a strategic cooperation in the area of kids and family entertainment,“ commented Hans Bourlon, CEO of Studio 100. “We are very excited about taking the next step to our internationalization. The synergies that are created by this acquisition will pay off in the years ahead.”
This planned union of the entities creates one of the leading kids and family entertainment and content companies in Europe. Completion of the transaction is still subject to several suspensive conditions, including approval by the German Federal Cartel Office.
The strategic partnership will enable m4e to continue investing in new content and its worldwide exploitation. The combination of Studio 100 and m4e will strengthen both their local and international distribution power in the face of growing international competition.
“We are very happy about the agreement with Studio 100 and we are fully convinced that this is the right move for the future strategic orientation of m4e,” said Hans Ulrich Stoef, who will continue to act as CEO of m4e AG. “The international markets are in a huge upheaval and consolidation phase on every level, taking into account the ongoing digitalization amongst others. Personally, I find the new constellation extremely motivating and exciting and I am looking very much forward to working with Studio 100.”
(L-R) Hans Bourlon, CEO of Studio 100 N.V.; Hans Ulrich Stoef, CEO of m4e AG; and Koen Peeters, CFO of Studio 100 N.V.
Quebec-based Squeeze (creators of breakout non-dialog comedy series Cracké) has come onboard Troll, the Tale of a Tail — a new animated feature film to be 100% produced in Canada. The $18 million project is the result of an international partnership between Canada, Norway and China and is due for global release in 2018.
“We are so excited to participate in the creation of this international movie,” says Denis Doré, Squeeze’s President and co-Founder. “The studio just celebrated its fifth year – so the timing is perfect! We are ready to show our know-how to the world and push the quality to give life to characters that will become memorable.”
Troll, the Tale of a Tail centers on a young troll boy who in an attempt to impress his father, accidentally helps his evil cousin turn the beloved King of the trolls into stone. His action plunges the troll world into jeopardy as their civilization crumbles under the cousin’s rule. To make things right, the boy embarks on a quest to return the king to life and rescue the troll world from its new tyrant.
Squeeze is responsible for character design and animation on Troll, under the leadership of Creative Director and co-Founder Patrick Beaulieu — an experienced film, videogame and advertising pro with more than 50 projects under his belt. Leading the animation team is Éric Lessard, who joined Squeeze in 2012 after working at DreamWorks Animation for 12 years and tackling senior roles in films such as Shrek and Madagascar.
Production and financing partners on Troll, the Tale of a Tail are Sagatoon AS (Norway), Spring Era Films (Hong Kong), Global Genesis Group (USA), Blue Bug Entertainment (Canada) and China Lion Productions (China).
The film is being directed by Kevin Munroe (Sagatoon, Canada) and co-directed by Kristian Kamp (Sagatoon, Norway); produced by Jean Aubert (Blue Bug) and Claudio Castravelli (Sagatoon, Can.); and executive produced by Daxing Zhang (China Lion) and Rick Romano (Global Genesis).
Troll, the Tale of a TailTroll, the Tale of a TailTroll, the Tale of a Tail
The nominees are in! Read what the finalist filmmakers have to say about being recognized by the Academy, below. The 89th Oscars will take place February 26.
Best Animated Feature
Kubo and the Two Strings
[LAIKA/Focus Features]
“I’m over the moon! An Academy Award nomination is an extraordinary and cherished gift. Two nominations is more than anyone could hope for. Every filmmaker dreams of a moment like this. But the truth is, I already lived my dream by making this film. Movies have always given me great joy. They enriched my life. They inspired me to dream. That’s the kind of film our team at LAIKA sought to make with Kubo and the Two Strings. A film is a slice of a hundred souls. In this case many more. An incredible, immense community of artists gave ceaselessly and selflessly to breathe life into this story. I’m so thankful for their talents and efforts and so proud of what we’ve done together. I’m profoundly grateful to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, who somehow saw fit to include us among the finest storytellers in film. It is a tremendous honor to stand alongside them.” – Director and producerTravis Knight
*** Knight was previously nominated for the Oscar for The Boxtrolls, which he produced.
Moana
[Walt Disney Animation Studios]
“Hello, and a grateful ‘Thank you, Academy!’ from Sweden, where we are currently promoting Moana. We’re beyond honored and excited – for the film, for all of our colleagues at Disney Animation, and also for Lin-Manuel and his nomination for ‘How Far I’ll Go,’ which perfectly captured Moana‘s spirit of adventure and exploration. ” – Directors John Musker and Ron Clements, and producer Osnat Shurer
*** Musker & Clements were previously nominated for the animated feature Oscar for The Princess and the Frog (2010); Clements was also nominated for Treasure Planet (2002).
My Life as a Zucchini
[Rita Prod./GKIDS]
“To see My Life as a Zucchini nominated as one of the world’s five best animation films is a rare and incredible feeling. Our foremost wish was to tell a story to children, one that teaches them not to be afraid, not to respond to violence with violence and to break down the walls that prevent us from sharing our differences. The way in which the film and its message have been received have completely overwhelmed us. We have to thank all of those who created this film with much love. To receive such love in return today is the most beautiful of rewards for all of us. We would like to share this honor with all of those who supported us in Switzerland, in France, in Europe and now in the United States.” – Director Claude Barras
The Red Turtle
[Why Not Prod., Wild Bunch, Studio Ghibli, CN4 Prod., Arte France Cinema, Belvision/Sony Classics]
“I’m delighted that our animated feature film The Red Turtle has been nominated by the members of the Academy! It’s fantastic! What an amazing honor for all of us who worked on the film with so much dedication and so much passion.” – Director Michael Dudok de Wit
***This is Dudok de Wit’s third Oscar nomination; he won the Best Animated Short prize for Father and Daughter.
Zootopia
[Walt Disney Animation Studios]
“We want to thank the Academy for honoring the hard work and passion that each and every artist put into Zootopia – the film, and its message of unity in a complex world, has been recognized in ways we couldn’t have possibly imagined.” – Directors Byron Howard and Rich Moore, and producer Clark Spencer
*** Both directors are previous Oscar nominees: Howard for Bolt (with Chris Williams) and Moore for Wreck-It Ralph.
Best Animated Short
Blind Vaysha
[Canada, NFB]
“It’s really fantastic to get this nomination. I’m over the moon! But this honor is not just for me: I want to thank my collaborators, especially my producer, Marc Bertrand, and the author, Georgi Gospodinov. So the entire NFB will be over the moon, at a big party on the moon with Vaysha!” – Director Theodore Ushev
***This is Ushev’s first Oscar nomination — but it is the 74th for the National Film Board of Canada.
Borrowed Time
[USA]
“We set out six years ago to make a very different film from Borrowed Time. We stumbled and failed and picked each other up along the way, with the goal of simply making something that would find its audience. What started as a group of friends making a film for the love of it has turned out to be the journey of a lifetime. Never was the prospect of attending the Oscars in our minds. But here we are. We are so deeply grateful for this nomination!” — Directors Andrew Coats and Lou Hamou-Lhadj and producer Amanda Deering Jones
Pearl
[USA, Google Spotlight Stories]
“I continue to feel proud of the world wide team of artists and coders that made Pearl a reality. Thanks especially to the pirates of Google ATAP for rallying behind our little labor of love and thanks to the Academy for this morning’s recognition!” — Director Patrick Osborne
***Osborne is a previous Oscar winner in this category for Feast (2014)
“We are incredibly honored by this morning’s nomination of our Pearl. Pearl is dedicated for all parents and those that create beauty and possibility out of everyday life. Thanks to the Academy and the heart and spirit behind Google Spotlight Stories and our global crew that made it possible.” — Producer David Eisenmann
Piper
[Pixar Animation Studios/Disney]
“I was watching my kids grow, learn and take brave steps in the journey of growing up when the idea for Piper came to me. Since bringing it out into the world, I have realized Piper is very much like a child to me, and I’ve watched with awe as it has been embraced by audiences worldwide. Now, to be recognized with a nomination is truly humbling. To the Academy, and all those that have helped shepherd Piper along her way, I am truly thankful.” — Director Alan Barillaro
Pear Cider and Cigarettes
“I came back from lunch during the Oscar announcement to find a bottle of Pear Cider and a pack of smokes sitting on my desk. How cool was that?” – Director Robert Valley
Best Visual Effects
Deepwater Horizon
[Summit Ent.]
“I’m thrilled and absolutely humbled to be nominated. It’s a great achievement by everyone involved, and a privilege to help tell such an important true story. Extending my congrats to the many artists at Iloura who worked on the film, and for their families that support their craft.” — VFX supervisor at Deluxe’s IlouraJason Billington
“To get recognized for this work is truly amazing. Effects like those in Deepwater Horizon don’t happen without a tremendously talented and dedicated crew. We were fortunate to be challenged by Pete to do work that pushed the craft forward, and a crew that could do it. It’s rare these days to get to work on a film with such large effects that need to be seamless, and for such an important story that everyone felt so passionately about. I’m humbled to be able to represent all the hard work that went into it.” – Visual Effects Supervisor Craig Hammack, ILM
Doctor Strange
[Marvel Studios/Disney]
“Very thankful to the Academy for the nomination today. What an incredible list of films and great people to be amongst. Thank you Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Scott Derrickson, Susan Pickett and the amazing team at Marvel. Congratulations to my partners on the film Richard Bluff, Vincent Cirelli, Paul Corbould, and the many artists who all contributed so much.” — VFX supervisorStephane Ceretti
*** Ceretti has previously been nominated for the VFX Oscar for Guardians of the Galaxy (with Nicolas Aithadi, Jonathan Fawkner and Paul Corbould).
The Jungle Book
[Walt Disney Studios]
“This nomination is such a thrill and at the same time quite humbling when you remember that we represent the vast contributions of a tremendous team of artists – from Jon Favreau’s expert direction, to the actors’ inspired performances and the partnership of the animators to bring those performances to life, to the cinematography, art direction, set design and lighting, the list goes on and on. While the film was virtually created there is nothing virtual about the caliber and artistic contribution of literally hundreds of filmmakers sharing one vision for the film. Disney’s support made for a warm and encouraging atmosphere in which all of us could do our very best work and enjoy such a rewarding opportunity. Receiving this Oscar nomination from our peers is beyond ‘the icing on the cake.’ Humbling indeed.” — VFX supervisorRob Legato
*** This is Legato’s fourth Oscar nomination; he won the VFX award for Hugo (with Joss Williams, Ben Grossmann and Alex Henning) and Titanic (with Mark A. Lasoff, Thomas L. Fisher and Michael Kanfer).
Kubo and the Two Strings
[LAIKA/Focus Features]
“As much as Kubo and the Two Strings is an homage to Japanese culture and to woodblock artists including Kiyoshi Saito, it is also a tribute to special effects pioneers Ray Harryhausen, Willis O’Brien, Jim Danforth, and the many innovative FX artists who tell stories using in-camera effects, puppets, and human hands. We’re thrilled for the artists at LAIKA who put years into realizing Kubo. For all of us at the studio, being recognized alongside such distinguished and talented members of the VFX community is truly an honor.” – Steve Emerson, Oliver Jones, Brian McLean & Brad Schiff
*** McLean received a Scientific and Engineering Award for rapid prototyping advances last year, shared with Martin Meunier.
*** Kubo is the first animated film to be nominated for a visual effects achievement by the Academy since The Nightmare Before Christmas (1994).
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
[Lucasfilm/Disney]
“I couldn’t be more proud of the achievement on Rogue One. Although the Academy only recognizes four people on the nomination itself, visual effects is truly a team effort and we had an incredible team on this film. On behalf of the nearly 800 artists, technicians and production folks around the world that contributed tirelessly to the work you see on screen and equally important, everything that goes on behind the scenes to make it happen, we are deeply honored to receive this recognition.” – VFX supervisorJohn Knoll
*** This is Knoll’s sixth VFX Oscar nomination; he has won the award for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (with Hal T. Hickel, Charles Gibson and Terry D. Frazee).
Best Original Song
“How Far I’ll Go” – Moana
“Thank you to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences—thank you so much for this honor. I spent a good chunk of my childhood memorizing Billy Crystal’s musical Oscar monologues, so this is insane. Seeing The Little Mermaid changed my life at nine years old, so to work with its directors Ron Clements and John Musker on Moana has been a dream come true. I share this humbling honor with them, my Moana songwriting partners Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina, and the entire Disney family. Congratulations to all this morning’s incredible nominees. And future congratulations to the kids watching the telecast this year, singing along with their favorite songs, performing epic private concerts for the mirror with a comb or a toothbrush microphone. You’re next.” – Composer and lyricistLin-Manuel Miranda
Vancouver’s ConVRter Technologies Inc. and Conxion Creativa of Colombia have joined forces to form Last Studio Standing Inc., the largest hand-drawn animation studio in the Americas. The new studio’s focus will be on sci-fi animated features and TV productions, including science-based kids’ content as well as adult-targeted co-productions.
“We are taking a new path for animated film, but one that is well traveled in graphic novels and popular with audiences, yet not as prevalent in the mainstream media as it should be,” said ConVRter Technologies CEO Jonathan Kitzen.
Conexion Creativa has been in business over 20 years, and has produced nearly 10,000 minutes of on-air programming. It is also the last large-scale hand-drawn animation studio in North and South America — and one of only two in the world still using a paper workflow. The joint venture will help the studio to expand its offerings to English-language markets for the first time.
Last Studio Standing marries the latest in CGI, visual AI, convolutional neural networks, sound design and Ultra HD workflow with the warmth and artistic quality of “old school” animation. Conexion Creativa will focus on character design and the core of the animation, which will feed into a hybrid production system that incorporates computer generated backgrounds.
“Hand drawn still has its place in a world of CGI. There is still a desire for that organic look, that quality a computer cannot create, however, with this hybrid approach, I think we get the best of both worlds,” said Hernan Zajec, President of Conexion Creativa.
Last Studio Standing’s first feature project is Tonya (Almost) Saves the Earth; a sci-fi comedy set for Spring 2017. The film follows a 13-year-old student abducted at random and asked to lead the defense of humanity against aliens who believe humans are too violent and aggressive for the safety of the galaxy — citing Hollywood films showing humans’ violent victory over aliens time and again.
“At first we thought it was just a fun film – but after Brexit, Trump, and the rise of anti-religious and anti-immigrant political movements it really became a film about xenophobia and the fear of ‘other’ that is a very human fear,” said Jessica Hendrickson, who is a creative producer on the project.
“It is a good film because Last Studio Standing is all about making two competing styles get along so it is metaphorically about story, the real world, and combinations that have new outcomes – it is a good place for a company to start,” noted Zajec.
What time is it? Time to embark on another spectacular journey with Finn and Jake as Cartoon Network kicks off the all-new, eight-part miniseries Adventure Time: Islands on Monday, January 30 at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT. The four-night programming event will answer one of the most puzzling questions about the series: What happened to the humans?
In the show’s second miniseries — after the hit Marceline the Vampire Queen eight-parter Stakes — Finn (voiced by Jeremy Shada), Jake (John DiMaggio), BMO (Niki Yang) and Susan Strong (Jackie Buscarino) leave the Land of Ooo on a quest of epic proportions across the ocean and into new lands, encountering new creatures and flexing their teamwork muscles along the way.
Ahead of its broadcast debut, Islands is available now on DVD, iTunes, Amazon Video and Google Play, with all eight episodes plus exclusive home release content including animatics, art gallery and song demos (MSRP $14.97).
Adventure Time: Islands episodes:
Monday, Jan. 30: “Islands, Part 1: The Invitation” – A mysterious craft invades Ooo and Finn believes it may hold the secrets to his past.
Monday,Jan. 30: “Islands, Part 2: Whipple the Happy Dragon” – Finn, Jake, and Susan set sail on an ocean voyage full of wonders and danger.
Tuesday, Jan. 31: “Islands, Part 3: Mysterious Island” – After waking up alone and shipwrecked, Finn investigates a bizarre island in search of his friends.
Tuesday, Jan. 31: “Islands, Part 4: Imaginary Resources” – Finn and Jake travel to a land where reality has been redesigned and improved.
Wednesday, Feb. 1: “Islands, Part 5: Hide and Seek” – While exploring some futuristic ruins, Susan sees glimpses of a familiar girl.
Wednesday, Feb. 1: “Islands, Part 6: Min & Marty” – An unexpected revelation from Susan leads Finn closer to answers about his past.
Thursday, Feb. 2: “Islands, Part 7: Helpers” – Finn and his friends journey to a last refuge called Founders Island.
Thursday, Feb. 2: “Islands, Part 8: The Light Cloud” – Finn confronts the power behind Founders Island, but will he ever return home to Ooo?
Award-winning kids’ TV creator Dot To Dot Productions will deliver a new 2D-animated preschool series titled School of Roars (52 x 7) on top kids channels CBeebies (UK) and NBCUniversal’s Sprout (US) early this year. ZDF Enterprises is handling worldwide distribution, and further investment comes from Creative Europe.
School of Roars follows five mini monsters through their school day as they learn “monstery lessons” in mathematics, music, cookery and life. Their teacher is the lovable Miss Grizzlesniff, voiced by Kathy Burke (Gimme Gimme Gimme), who is joined on the cast roster by Sarah Lancashire (Happy Valley) as “Headmonstress” Mrs. Twirlyhorn, and Andrew Scott (Sherlock) as the narrator and characters including cookery teacher Mr. Marrow.
The series is being produced in-house, and will be supported by interactive elements including game apps, story apps and a dedicated website. Dot To Dot is a 25-person, Chiswick-based studio behind Get Squiggling!, Footy Pups and Art Ninja.
“School of Roars is a unique and exciting property that will appeal to both children and their parents, as it not only educates but prepares children for school in a fun and engaging way,” said Dot To Dot’s Founder, Jo Killingley. “What makes it even more exciting is that it is created, developed, produced and animated in-house by Dot To Dot following the launch of our own animation studio. The new studio will be producing and developing material for children of all ages.”
School of Roars is created by Alan Robinson, Head of Development at Dot To Dot, and executive produced by Jo Killingley for Dot To Dot and Sarah Leggs for CBeebies. The series was acquired by Kay Benbow, Controller of CBeebies, and Jackie Edwards, Head of Acquisitions and Independent Animation.
CG-animated preschool series Wissper has received a commission for a second 52 x 7 season package from the UK’s Channel 5, for its popular pre-k block Milkshake! The series debuted in the K in October of 2015 and has become one of Milkshake!’s most popular programs. The new order brings the show’s episode total to 104.
Set to arrive at the end of 2018/beginning of 2019, Wissper season 2 will again be produced by German brand management and media company m4e AG and London-based animation studio Cuckoo (formerly Absolutely Cuckoo).
“Dan [Good, Managing Director], his team at Cuckoo and m4e have created a beautiful show which is proving popular with our audience,” said Sarah Muller, Head of Children’s, Channel 5. “Wissper has a lot of promise and we are keen to see how we can grow and develop the property across a second series.”
Wissper follows a little girl of the same name who has the very special ability to communicate with animals, which allows her to understand their problems and help solve them.
The show was created by Cuckoo (also behind BBC hit Waybuloo) in coproduction with m4e, Telegael (Ireland), Discreet Art Productions (India) and the BASTEI Media GmBH (Germany) — a subsidiary of publisher Bastei Lübbe AG. m4e manages worldwide distribution.
Russian animation company The Riki Group announces that family feature Kikoriki: Legend of the Golden Dragon will open theatrically in South Korea on Wednesday, January 25 — coinciding with the national holiday Seollal, which marks the beginning of the lunar New Year. Distribution is being handled by The Big Film Company, which will present the film in nearly 300 theaters across the country.
“Kikoriki is the company’s first experience of collaboration with Russian animation projects. We are well aware of the popularity of the Kikoriki among the children in Russia. We decided that it would be possible to go to the Korean market, because it is a work that contains charmingly expressed animal characters that children would like, a story with cartoonish imagination, and a message of instruction,” said Big Film’s CEO, Dylan Park.
“We are marketing with the children’s program MC, which is highly supported by children, and the K-pop star Jinsol as a public relations ambassador, in order to heighten the awareness of the film. Kikoriki‘s release season is expected to be extremely competitive between Disney’s Moana, Korean animation Turning Mecard W: Resurrection of Black Mirror, Japanese animation Crayon Shin-chan, and Russian animation Kikoriki. In this situation, we are doing our best to open up to 250-300 screens.”
Directed by Denis Chernov, Kikoriki: Legend of the Golden Dragon is a madcap misadventure which kicks off when Kikoriki Island’s resident scientist invents “The Improverizor” — a helmet that swaps personality traits. When Wally uses it to try to become brave, he ends up more spineless than ever when he’s swapped into the body of a caterpillar. This second Kikoriki big-screen adventure bowed in Russia in March 2016 and has sold to 25 countries, including Shout! Factory in the US.
The Korean dub for the film features one of the most in-demand local voice actors, Chae-heon Lim (Kung Fu Panda 3, Turbo, The Boy and The Beast) as Wally and Sang-hoon Park (Inside Out, The Snow Queen 3) as Krash. You can watch the original Big Film announcement video featuring Jinsol here.
Last Chance! Animation Magazine’s 2017 Education & Careers Guide
We are extending our deadline to accept free listings from schools, online educators and career courses in animation, visual effects, game design and motion graphics. Submit your info by Friday, Jan. 27!
Kickstarter: Signe Baumane’s ‘My Love Affair with Marriage’
The multi-award-winning indie filmmaker (Rocks in My Pockets, Teat Beat of Sex) will tackle another personal experience-driven project that delves into the science and mythology of love.
We are delighted to share a cute and pun-derful new clip from DreamWorks Home: Adventures with Tip & Oh season 2, which launches exclusively on Netflix this Friday, January 27. The 13-episode season brings back the two best buds from different worlds — literally — for more heartfelt discoveries, hilarious mishaps and catchy tunes.
In this snippet from “A Deep Dish in Deep Trouble,” Tip practices some cheesy lines meant to woo her ideal Deep Dish Dance date, and gives Oh a lot to chew on when it comes to figuring out human courtship. The little Boov will have to come to the rescue however when Tip wakes up without a voice.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed Tuesday morning which of the year’s onscreen accomplishments will go for the gold as nominees in the 89th Annual Academy Awards. Finally, we found out which of the 27 contending animated feature films, and 10 shortlisted VFX titles and animated short films made the cut!
While animated projects didn’t manage to sneak into the Documentary, Foreign Film or Original Score categories despite strong contenders, it does bear special mention that 2017 will see the first fully animated nominee in the Best Visual Effects race since The Nightmare Before Christmas. And we have to give a shout out to Best Documentary nominee Life, Animated, by Roger Ross Williams.
The names were announced by an alumni class of previous nominees (including Guillermo del Toro, who advised that the newly honored “wear comfortable shoes” to the Oscars). The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on February 26, 2017 in Hollywood.
Below is a select list of category nominees with direct animation and visual effects ties; for more information, see oscars.org.
Best Original Song “Audition (The Fools Who Dream)” from La La Land | Music by Justin Hurwitz, lyric by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul “Can’t Stop the Feeling” from Trolls | Music and lyric by Justin Timberlake, Max Martin and Karl Johan Schuster (watch) “City of Stars” from La La Land | Music by Justin Hurwitz, lyric by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul “The Empty Chair” from Jim: The James Foley Story | Music and lyric by J. Ralph and Sting “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana | Music and lyric by Lin-Manuel Miranda (watch)
Best Visual Effects Deepwater Horizon | Craig Hammack, Jason Snell, Jason Billington and Burt Dalton Doctor Strange | Stephane Ceretti, Richard Bluff, Vincent Cirelli and Paul Corbould The Jungle Book | Robert Legato, Adam Valdez, Andrew R. Jones and Dan Lemmon Kubo and the Two Strings | Steve Emerson, Oliver Jones, Brian McLean and Brad Schiff Rogue One: A Star Wars Story | John Knoll, Mohen Leo, Hal Hickel and Neil Corbould
Best Animated Short 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
Best Animated Feature 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
From Top Left to Bottom Right: Kubo and the Two Strings, Moana, My Life as a Zucchini, The Red Turtle, and Zootopia
Deluxe Entertainment Services has tapped veteran production executive Kerry Shea to head its 500-person Vancouver studio, overseeing day-to-day operations for the company’s global visual effects brand Method Studios and TV post & VFX brand Encore, delivering top quality work for features and series. Shea reports to President and GM of Deluxe VFX and VR, Ed Ulbrich.
“Kerry’s institutional and operational knowledge of VFX and post is of the highest order,” said Ulbrich. “She has great operational skills and is fantastic at building teams, and we’re thrilled to have her overseeing our Vancouver operation.”
A key focus for Shea in this new role will be collaborating with global Head of Feature VFX Gabby Gourrier and studio leaders worldwide at Deluxe’s Method Studios facilities in L.A., Sydney, Melbourne, New York and India to appropriately match talent and production capacity with clients’ creative and budgetary needs. Shea’s leadership of both teams and studio-wide resources will optimize efficiency and quality across all productions.
Shea is credited on more than 60 feature films, carrying an extensive background in VFX and post production into her new position — as well as experience in live action, animatronics and creature effects. She joins Deluxe from previz company The Third Floor, where she was Chief Operating Officer.
Shea has previously served as a Digital Producer at Digital Domain on Disney’s TRON: Legacy; Head of Digital Productions at Jim Henson Co., where she spearheaded the digital studio and pipeline for Emmy-winning PBS series Sid the Science Kid; Production Manager at DreamWorks Animation on Madagascar; Digital Production Manager at Sony Imageworks (Polar Express, Stuart Little 2), Post Production Manager at Square USA; VFX Coordinator at DreamQuest Images; and Bidding Producer/Production Manager at Banned from the Ranch. Shea began her career at 20th Century Fox as a VFX Coordinator on Alien Resurrection.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with Method on a number of features and I’ve always been blown away by the quality and inventiveness of the work,” said Shea. “When I met the Vancouver teams personally, the camaraderie, the collaboration, and the welcoming environment made me want to join immediately. That culture of teamwork, on top of the talent and massive technical capability of Deluxe overall, made it a very easy decision.”
Method Studios’ recent feature film VFX projects include Doctor Strange, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Captain America: Civil War.
ACM SIGGRAPH has selected Mikki Rose, Fur Technical Director at Blue Sky Studios, as the SIGGRAPH 2019 Conference Chair. The longtime event volunteer and last year’s Production Sessions chair has been an active member of the organization for 15 years.
“We are thrilled to have Mikki on board to lead the SIGGRAPH 2019 conference,” said Rebecca Strzelec, SIGGRAPH Conference Advisory Group Chair. “She has consistently demonstrated superb leadership in her various roles with us over the years, starting as a student volunteer in 2002.”
Self-dubbed “CG hairstylist” Rose is an accomplished computer graphics artist from North White Plains, NY, whose film credits include The Peanuts Movie and Hotel Transylvania. As a fur specialist at Blue Sky, Rose tackles everything from hair and cloth to feathers and vegetation — the kind of textural details that can make or break a believable animated world.
Rose studied general CG production at university and holds BS degrees in Computer Science and Digital Animation from Middle Tennessee State University as well as an MFA in Digital Production Arts from Clemson University. Prior to Blue Sky, she lived in California and held positions with Rhythm & Hues Studios and Sony Pictures Imageworks.
“I have grown to rely on each SIGGRAPH as an opportunity for renewal of inspiration in both my professional and personal creative work. In taking on the role of Chair, my goal is to provide an environment for those exact activities (to others),” said Rose. “Our industries are changing and developing at an astounding rate. It is my task to incorporate new techniques while continuing to enrich our long-standing traditions.”
Jennifer Tyrrell, VP of Human Resources at Blue Sky Studios, commented:
“Blue Sky strives to be an innovator of talent and technology. We have long enjoyed being part of the SIGGRAPH community; fostering and building relationships within the animation industry and with educators alike. We look forward to continuing the journey with Mikki at the helm in 2019.”
Rose will pick up the torch from SIGGRAPH 2018 Conference Chair Roy C. Anthony, Research & Innovation at Christie.
SIGGRAPH 2019 will take place in Los Angeles from July 28-August 1. This year’s edition is set for July 30-August 3 in LA. Last year’s SIGGRAPH event hosted over 14,000 attendees from 73 countries.
