Israel-based Twist Animation has debuted its latest animated series on YouTube, a preschool-targeted continuation of its hit show TuTiTu called Nuni. The new CG animated series stars a 3 ½ year old toddler who shares her daily dilemmas and the changes she experiences as she grows up in each 7-ish minute episode.
Focusing on day-to-day situations, the series stars Nuni and her two best friends: Abbit the Rabbit and Effi the Giraffe, who represent the two opposing voices in Nuni’s inner world. Abbit is impulsive and emotional but easily adapts to new situations, while Effi has a harder time with change and sees everything from a rational perspective.
Nuni is available on YouTube through your internet browser and through the YouTube Kids app for iOS and Android.
“At YouTube Kids, we’re always looking to give kids and families access to more of the content they love,” said Greg Dray, Head of YouTube Kids & Learning in EMEA. “We’re excited for the continued success of Twist Animation and their newly launched series, Nuni. This series underscores the importance of speaking to children in a way that is fun, creative, and relatable.”
Nucleus art gallery in Alhambra, California is presenting an exhibition in honor of the godfather of manga, Osamu Tezuka. Opening October 8 and running through October 23, the “Official Tezuka 70th / Unico 40th Celebration” show will feature pieces by 30-plus artists inspired by the legendary man and his work.
As ever, Nucleus will kick off the show with an opening reception on Saturday, October 8 from 7 to 10 p.m., where firstcomers can view the works and peruse exclusive new prints, pick up a copy of The Osamu Tezuka Story manga and art books, try their luck with giveaways, raffles and prizes, and enjoy free themed refreshments.
Participating artists are: Alex Ahad, Alina Chau, Anna Cattish, Anthony Holden, April Liu, Benson Shum, Bob Okazaki, Brianne Drouhard, Becky Dreistadt, Cameron Garland, Crowded Teeth, Chogrin, Drew Hartel, Erik Ly, Gemma Román, Glen Brogan, Grant Alexander, Guillaume Morellec, Jed Henry, Jorge Gutierrez, Robot Soda, Luke Chueh, Mark Nagata, Mathilde Kitteh, Mizna Wada, Naoshi, Natali Koromoto, Peter Chan, Phillip LIght, Sean Danconia, Seb Mesnard, Tiffany Le, Tomás Hijo, Violaine Brialt and Will Feng.
Osamu Tezuka“City of Sweets” by Naoshi“Ocean Adventure” by Alina Chau“Princess Knight” by Phillip Light“The Atom” by Erik Ly
Soda Pictures (A Thunderbird Company) will be presenting the theatrical release of French animated film Long Way North in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal on October 14.
The debut feature from director Rémi Chayé screened at TIFF Kids this year and numerous esteemed festivals around the world, winning the Annecy 2015 Audience Award and the Grand Prize and Governor of Tokyo Award at the Tokyo Animation Festival.
Inspired by the first attempted land crossing of the Antarctic continent, Long Way North tells the story of 15-year-old Russian aristocrat Sasha, who, when her explorer grandfather mysteriously goes missing on his latest expedition, embarks on an epic adventure to find him and his lost ship.
The voice cast stars Chloe Dunn as Sacha, Vivienne Vermes, Peter Hudson and Antony Hickling. Long Way North is French-Danish co-production by Sacrebleu Productions, Maybe Movies, 2 Minutes, France 3 Cinema and Nørlum.
You can read more about Long Way North in the November 2016 issue of Animation Magazine.
From October 14, 2016 through March 5, 2017, Art Ludique – The Museum will present for the first time the special exhibition “L’Art des Studios d’Animation Walt Disney – Le Mouvement par Nature.” The gallery space is located in the 13th arrondissement of Paris, in the “Les Docks” fashion and design complex near the national library.
A selection of 350 pieces assembled in collaboration with the Walt Disney Animation Research Library will pay homage to the studio’s near century of innovation and artistry. From the ground-breaking feature Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs through to the global phenomenon Frozen, the show aims to illuminate the visionary work behind Disney’s beloved films.
“Le Mouvement par Nature” specifically addresses Walt Disney’s dedication to capturing natural movement in order to create lifelike characters. On display will be unpublished design studies used to fine-tune the motion animals in Bambi and 101 Dalmatians, and human heroes like Snow White, Maleficent and Tarzan.
Visitors can also see the development of artistic influence through the 20th century, as the studio picked up inspiration from contemporary movements like surrealism, Cubism and abstraction; as well as the stylistic revival in the late 1980s that marked the “Nine Old Men” handing over the reins to a new generation of artists, to the studio’s modern achievements.
The exhibit will feature original works from the very first Mickey Mouse cartoons, such as “Plane Crazy” (1928) and “Steamboat Willie” (1928); and feature films Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), Pinocchio (1940), Fantasia (1940), Dumbo (1941), Bambi (1942), Saludos Amigos (1942), Alice in Wonderland (1951), Lady and the Tramp (1955), Sleeping Beauty (1959), 101 Dalmatians (1961), The Jungle Book (1967), The Little Mermaid (1989), Beauty and the Beast (1991), The Lion King (1994), Pocahontas (1995), Mulan (1998), Tarzan (1999), Rapunzel (2010), Wreck-It Ralph (2012), Frozen (2013), Big Hero 6 (2014), Zootopia (2015), and the latest big screen adventure: Moana, known in France as Vaiana (2016).
Art Ludique was founded in 2013 by Jean-Jacques and Diane Launier, and has previously presented exhibitions on Pixar’s 25th anniversary, Marvel super heroes, the layout design of Studio Ghibli’s Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki, Aardman Animations and Blue Sky Studios.
“L’Art des Studios d’Animation Walt Disney – Le Mouvement par Nature”
PBS KIDS is planning a range of tooned-up tricks and treats for young viewers for the month of October, with all new themed episodes of favorite animated series and the premiere of TV movie The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot about Halloween! — debuting on October 28.
The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot about Halloween! (Oct. 28, 29 and Nov. 1) follows The Cat in the Hat as he takes Nick and Sally on a wild Halloween ride as they venture deep into the Ooky-ma-kooky Closet, where the kids discover the best Halloween costumes ever.
The Cat in the Hat will be joined in spooky celebration by new episodes of Dinosaur Train, Nature Cat and Ready Jet Go!, as well as encore programming from Peg + Cat, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and more on-air and streaming all month long.
Dinosaur Train “Spooky Tree/Spinosaurus Super Model” (Oct. 17, streaming Oct. 28) sees the Pteranodon family explore a mysterious tree that seems to come alive at night, and learn about bioluminescence. Then Don tries to convince Old Spinosaurus to pose for a sculpture, highlighting the many features of the world’s largest carnivore.
In the Ready Jet Go! half-hour special “Jet’s First Halloween” (Oct. 24, streaming Oct. 28), Sydney, Sean and Mindy help Jet experience his first Halloween — from carving Jack-O-Lanterns and putting on costumes, to trick-or-treating and visiting a haunted house. Along the way, the gang learns about lunar eclipses and the Red Moon.
And Nature Cat “Runaway Pumpkin/Lady Bug Tough” (Oct. 10, streaming Oct. 14) joins the backyard gang for a Halloween party featuring the biggest, most beautiful pumpkin ever.
Digital delights will include a variety of Halloween-themed games for kids on the PBS KIDS Games App and pbskids.org, like Cat in the Hat Corn Maze Craze, Cat in the Hat Camp Time, Nature Cat Park Builder and Peg + Cat Parade. Virtual world Kart Kingdom is getting a new Spooky Street. The PBS Parents page will have holiday-themed hands-on activities, and a range of materials for PreK-12 teachers are available at pbslearningmedia.org.
London’s Seed Animation Studio has teamed with Breast Cancer Care for a new 30-second short that puts a sassy spin on health care advice for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The spot features a mix of animation styles and techniques (and lots of tooned up tatas, so here’s your NSFW warning).
The studio called on animation directors from around the world who were each asked to contribute one-second segments inspired by a different euphemism for breasts. Left to their own devices, the directors delivered their own interpretation of their phrases, which were then assembled into a playful collaborative PSA with the message: “Whatever you call ’em, check ’em.”
“Check ’em” is written and produced by Seed Animation Studio, with music and sound effects by Mcasso Music. The studio gives a thank-you credit to Abigail Dankwa.
Participating artists are, in order of appearance: Mark M, Jak Sachs, Pencil Bandit, Ben Ommundson, Jelly Gummies, Chris O’Hara, Robert Loebel, Everyone’s Favourite, Igor Bastidas, Neal Coghlan, Morgan Powell, Dan Castro, Jack Nelson, Henrique Barone, Corentin Penloup, Griff, Caroline Attia, Antonio Vincenti, Andy Khosravani, Ariel Victor, Steve Smith, Sophie Koko Gate, Neil Kidney, Vera Babida, Yukai Du, Aran Quinn.
Hoho Rights, the commercial arm of Hoho Entertainment, has secured new international TV sales for its anarchic, animated comedy Everybody Loves a Moose (52 x 7). New partners include TG4 in Ireland, Sic K in Portugal, and Portuguese-language channel DSTV in Angola and Mozambique.
Aimed at kids ages 6-11, Everybody Loves a Moose follows a young boy named Jack and his impulsive, expert-in-everything friend, Moose. Commissioned by RAI in Italy, the madcap animation recently made a successful broadcast debut, with its ratings significantly outperforming the slot average.
“As these latest sales and viewing figures show, it would appear that that everybody does indeed love a moose!” says Helen Howells Joint MD of Hoho Rights. “We are delighted that this distinctive property continues to grow and resonate with buyers and audiences all around the world.”
Animation Block Party is preparing a special one-night event to celebrate the spookiest of mini-animations with GIFoween. Sponsored by GIPHY, the spine-tingling loops will be on display October 26 at Brooklyn Bazaar at 7 p.m.
“It’s wild how everything today is digital-blips of conversation, as if we can’t remember a time before texting memes to our besties,” reads ABP organizer Casey Safron’s announcement. “When MTV started, critics were shocked by how quickly images flashed by in videos. Decades later, 1980’s visual pacing seems antique. Millennial artists are making audiences blink at increasingly rapid rates, to the point where animators now tell entire stories in 5-second loops.”
GIFoween will feature special prizes for the creepiest creations, so visual artists are invited to create an account at GIPHY.com and upload festively fearsome “micro-short” GIFs by October 7. The event is free, but be sure to RSVP through the Facebook page.
Aadarsh Pvt. Ltd., the company behind the Purple Turtle brand, has acquired a stake in VawWorld Animation Studio — a CG production house with clients in the US, UK, Japan and Korea, delivering animation for TV series, games, feature films, et al.
This partnership will help Aadarsh ensure quality animated content for its flagship IP. “We wanted full control of the creative part,” said Aadarsh’s Creative Director, Swati Rajoria, “and only when we are working in very close association we can achieve this.”
The first 26 x 11 season of the Purple Turtle animated series is set for delivery at the end of 2017, with a second season to follow. Based on the books (published in more than 25 countries), the show’s creative team includes three Emmy Award winning writers: Carter Crocker, Dev Ross and Karl Geurs.
Gorillaz Share a Mysterious Video Story, “The Book of Noodle”
Everyone’s favorite collaborative cartoon band has released a rather odd series of tearers in recent months, which hints that a new album is coming — and with it, more awesome animated music videos.
Mail Order Family Comedy Not Going Forward at NBC After Objections
NBC has opted to pull the half-hour animated sitcom project after Asian American groups raised concerns about stereotyping of Filipina women. (Apparently Change.org petitions actually work sometimes!)
Artella Creates Show Open for CTN 2016
The eXpo will kick off Nov. 18 with a collaborative short film, followed by a panel with director Tim Rudder and the creative team.
Disney XD and Walt Disney Imagineering have teamed up with renowned stop-motion house Stoopid Buddy Stoodios for four uniquely Halloweeny spot that send favorite modern TV toons into the iconic world of Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion. We are ghoulishly pleased to be able to present two of these shorts to you ahead of their on-air debut!
The spots feature music and sound effects from the original Disneyland park attraction, with the original voices giving after-life to the Haunted Mansion haunts. Frequent park visitors will also note that the pun-filled tombstones are also lifted directly from the site. A new original apparition, Baby Boo, was created just for these spots and inspired by original concept art by legendary Disney artist Marc Davis — one of the Nine Old Men.
Here you can see what happens when the characters from Star vs. The Forces of Evil and Pickle and Peanut embark on an otherworldly adventure inspired by the classic attraction.
On Monday at 8 p.m. ET/PT, during the premiere of Milo Murphy’s Law, Star and Pony Head from Star vs. The Forces of Evil stumble into the wrong dimension and disturb Madame Leota from her restful trance.
Next Monday, October 10, at 6:30 p.m. ET/PT — during a spooky Halloween-themed episode — Pickle and Peanut search for their lost keys in the famous Haunted Mansion graveyard, where they meet brand new ghost Baby Boo and the infamous Hatbox Ghost.
Video – Star Wars: Commander Introduces New Rogue One Content
The latest update to the mobile strategy game includes new characters and vehicles from the upcoming film including Shoretroopers, Rebel Commandos, Gigoran Fighters and AT-ACT Walkers, plus a new Armory feature.
Al Kahn, the former founder of 4Kids Entertainment and licensing guru behind bringing the Japanese sensation Pokemon to the states, has been appointed Chairman of the board of on-demand kids’ entertainment company Toon Goggles. Over his career, Kahn has generated over $15 billion in gross product sales.
“Kahn will be spearheading our expansion in entertainment content, branding, marketing, and major global partnerships,” said Toon Goggles CEO Stephen L. Hodge. “He will also be responsible for helping us break into new technologies. We are thrilled to have an executive with his accomplishments join forces with us.”
Kahn is co-founder of CraneKahn, an international children’s entertainment and licensing company. An inductee into both LIMA’s Murray Altschuler Licensing Hall of Fame and the Kidscreen Hall of Fame, Kahn has been responsible for many of the biggest licensing hits of the last few decades — including Cabbage Patch Kids, Pokemon, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Yu-Gi-Oh! He is also credited with the marketing and licensing programs for iconic brands like Nintendo and its top properties, James Bond and Polly Pocket.
VIZ Media is planning a jam-packed weekend for New York Comic Con 2016, which will take place October 6-9 at the Javits Convention Center. The anime/manga powerhouse has lined up creator events, panels and a selection of exclusive retail items for purchase during the show.
Plus, at the VIZ booth (#2036), fans can drop by to try their luck at the VIZ Media 30th Anniversary Prize Wheel for a chance to win exclusive goodies, don a Sailor Moon tiara and pick up a cool RWBY poster.
Join the VIZ Media team as they talk about favorites like Naruto, One-Punch Man, Tokyo Ghoul, Sailor Moon and much more. There will be announcements, exclusive first looks at new titles, and prizes!
An Evening with Yusei Matsui, Creator of Assassination Classroom
Fri., Oct. 7, 5:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. | Room 1A06
Yusei Matsui will discuss his career and creative process behind his global hit! This special presentation will explore the ins and outs to bringing the story of a pathetic class of misfits and their bizarre tentacled teacher to life.
Weekly Shonen Jump Panel
Sat., Oct. 8, 1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. | Room 1A10
Hang out with the English language editors of the world’s most popular manga! Yusei Matsui, creator of the global sensation Assassination Classroom, will make a special appearance.
One-Punch Man Official Panel
Sat., Oct. 8, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Room 1A10
What’s it like when a hero becomes too strong? Find out! Lucky attendees will get the inside scoop from the VIZ Media team on what’s next, plus a surprise or two.
Sailor Moon Official Panel
Sun., Oct. 9, 2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. | Room 1A06
Everyone’s favorite Guardian of Love and Justice is back and better than ever! Join the VIZ Media Sailor Moon team for all the can’t-miss news and updates on the legendary anime series, as well as the all-new Sailor Moon Crystal.
VIZ Media Booth Retail Exclusives:
Advance Pre-street Manga Releases:Assassination Classroom Vol. 13 with exclusive collectable button ($10); JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure – Part 3: Stardust Crusaders Vol. 1 ($20); The Legend of Zelda: Legendary Edition Vol. 1 ($18); Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt Vol. 1 ($15); Itachi’s Story Vol. 1 – Day Break (Naruto novel) ($11); Super Mario Adventures ($15)
One Piece Full Color Framed Replica Manga Artwork – $230 each, exclusive from Japan
Naruto Shippuden“Kakashi Hatake” 1/6 Scale Statue by Grecco – $220; Exclusive – includes special accessories just for the show!
Tokyo Ghoul & One-Punch Man Black & White Manga Replicas – $15 each, exclusive from Japan!
Sailor Moon Crystal Season 1 Set 1 Combo Pack – $65 Includes a Limited Edition Sun Catcher as a special free gift with purchase
Sailor Moon S (Season 3) Set 1 Combo Pack Pre-Order – $65 Pre-order the set now to have it mailed when it releases; also receive a special free collectible Sailor Moon Coin as a gift with purchase
Hunter X HunterSet 1 Blu-ray Pre-order – $50 Pre-order the set now to have it mailed when it releases; also receive a special free Hunter’s License as a gift with purchase
Weekly Shonen Jump Premium Annual Membership – $30 Secure a digital subscription to the world’s most popular manga magazine that also includes exclusive YU‐GI-OH! Promo Card: Masked Hero Blast and an exclusive Shonen Jump t-shirt designed for NYCC
Exclusive One-Punch Man “Oppai” T-shirts in a limited edition color – $20
Exclusive Sailor Moon S T-shirts – $15 each, exclusive design featuring all of the Guardians’ symbols; available only from VIZ Media!
The Art of Pokemon Adventures2016 Con Exclusive – $15
Limited edition VIZ Media tote bag – free gift with purchase of any item from VIZ Media. Select from Sailor Moon or One-Punch Man (while supplies last).
Sailor Moon Crystal Set Limited Edition Combo Pack
Series creator Adam Reed has declared his intent to end his adult spy spoof comedy Archer after three more seasons, for an even 10. FX announced it was renewing the popular show for three more short seasons of eight episodes each this summer, just after the finale of season 7.
As reported by AV Club, Reed revealed his plan during a recent episode of Modern Film School’s Murmur podcast:
“The plan is to end Archer after season 10. I don’t know that anybody has talked about that, but that is definitely my plan—to do 8, 9, and 10 and they’re gonna be each shorter seasons of just eight episodes, and then wind it up … I was gonna end it after 8, but then I had sort of a brain explosion of a way that I could do three more seasons and really keep my interest up. So the three seasons that are coming up are gonna be pretty different from what has come before, and they’re gonna be different from each other.”
Produced by Floyd County and FX, the show premiered in 2009 and centers on the entirely self-centered secret agent, Sterling Archer (voiced by H. Jon Benjamin), who works for the ISIS spy agency run by his mother Malory (Jessica Walter) with his ex-girlfriend Lana (Aisha Tyler) and an assortment of wildly dysfunctional coworkers (Judy Greer, Amber Nash, Chris Parnell, Lucky Yates).
In the fifth season, the crew became equally incompetent drug kingpins before returning to the spy world in the next season. Archer season 7, which saw the ISIS gang move to LA to start a private detective firm, concluded in June.
Pendleton Ward’s smash-hit series Adventure Time will end its run in 2018, Cartoon Network has confirmed. The show’s currently-in-production ninth season and some TBA specials will be the final series of outrageous quests through the Land of Ooo for Finn the Human and Jake the Dog.
“Adventure Time was a passion project for the people on the crew who poured their heart into the art and stories,” Ward said in the release. “We tried to put into every episode something genuine and telling from our lives, and make a show that was personal to us, and that had jokes too! I’m really happy that it connected with an audience for so long. It’s a special thing, I think.”
Adventure Time, co-produced by Cartoon Network Studios and Frederator, premiered on Cartoon Network in 2007 and introduced the world to a plucky, bear-hat wearing kid named Finn (voiced by Jeremy Shada) and his “brother,” a talking dog with shape-shifting powers named Jake (John DiMaggio). Together the best friends explored the most bizarre corners of the Land of Ooo, attacking any challenge with gusto to help (or hinder) the strange characters they meet.
“Adventure Time changed the definition of what a kids’ TV series could be, and it’s had a resounding impact upon popular culture around the world. Cartoon Network Studios is proud to have brought together this group of brilliant artists and animators who helped make Adventure Time one of the most critically acclaimed TV series of a generation,” said the network’s Chief Creative Officer, Rob Sorcher.
The eighth season of the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning series is set to premiere late this year. Full episodes and more Adventure Time content available at cartoonnetwork.com.
Titmouse, Inc.’s first feature animation project Nerdland — directed by studio co-founder Chris Prynoski — has been picked up for North American theatrical distribution by Samuel Goldwyn Films. The adult-targeted film features the voices of Patton Oswalt and Paul Rudd, and had its world premiere at New York’s Tribeca Film Festival earlier this year.
“Nerdland is a personal favorite of mine. It’s rare to be able to work with such a wealth of talent on a film that is so original and unapologetic,” said Samuel Goldwyn Films’ President, Peter Goldwyn. The film will arrive in theaters through SGF this December.
Nerdland is about the outrageous lengths that two best friends and Hollywood wannabes will go to for the sake of fame. Aspiring actor John (Rudd) and failed screenwriter Elliot (Oswalt) decide on the cusp of their 30th birthdays to get famous at any cost. What follows is an increasingly reckless series of publicity stunts, culminating when John and Elliot get caught up in a high profile crime that makes them household names in the worst way.
The voice cast also features Hannibal Buress, Riki Lindhome, Kate Micucci, Laraine Newman and Paul Scheer. Prynoski directs from a script by Andrew Kevin Walker, who also produces with Gavin Polone. Executive produced by Kathy Landsberg, Chris Prynoski, and Shannon Barrett Prynoski, co-produced by Ben Kalina, with production design by Antonio Canobbio, and music by Night Club. Nerdland is produced by AKW Worldwide, Pariah, and Titmouse, which did the animation.
Prior to the wide release, West Coast audiences can catch the regional premiere of Nerdland at Beyond Fest this weekend on Saturday, Oct. 1 just before midnight. Patton Oswalt, Chris Prynoski and Andrew Kevin will be in attendance. Read more about the film in the October 2016 issue of Animation Magazine (#263).
’Phineas and Ferb’ Creators Rap About ‘Milo Murphy’s Law’
A new promo video showcases Dan Povenmire and Swampy Marsh’s skills ahead of the new series’ premiere October 3. (Psst, you can read more about the show in the November issue of Animation Magazine — out now!)
’Imaginary Mary’ Order Trimmed by ABC
The live-action/CG hybrid comedy order has been cut down to nine episodes — Jenna Elfman stars as a woman whose unhinged childhood imaginary friend returns unexpectedly.
10th Animahenasyon Festival Coming November 22-24 to Manila
The event organized by the Animation Council of the Philippines seeks to encourage local production of original content and recognize Filipino talent. Highlights include Bridging the Gap program, screenings and competition.
Snaptoys, Inc. has been selected as master toy licensee by The Jim Henson Company for its Netflix original preschool series, Word Party. The first season of the show launched in July with 14 episodes of 11 minutes, with a 12-episode second season arriving October 21.
Word Party is a vocabulary building show that follows four adorable baby animals — Bailey the Elephant, Franny the Cheetah, Kip the Wallaby, and Lulu the Panda — as they sing, dance, and play. The show invites young viewers to help teach the baby animals new words, practice these new words themselves, and celebrate these achievements with a “Word Party!”
“Through our retail partnership with Snaptoys, children everywhere will have their very own Lulu, Bailey, Franny, and Kip to learn and play along with as they build their vocabulary skills,” said Federico San Martin, VP Global Consumer Products at The Jim Henson Company.
Snaptoys will launch with a range of products including plush, figures, playsets and electronics in Fall 2017 or sooner.
