Author: Mercedes Milligan

  • Fermin Muguruza Plans Animated ‘Black Is Beltza’

    Fermin Muguruza Plans Animated ‘Black Is Beltza’

    Multidisciplinary Basque artist Fermin Muguruza announced at the San Sebastian Film Festival that he will make his fiction filmmaking debut with an animated adult feature titled Black Is Beltza, according to Variety. “Beltza” is the word for “black” in the ancient Basque language — an isolated tongue that predates its Romance neighbors.

    The announcement comes as Muguruza’s latest documentary project Nola? premiered this week at San Sebastian. The animated movie will be produced by Talka Records & Films and Setmagic Audiovisual. Designs for the 2D production are being handled by Barcelona-based comic artist Josep Homs — appropriate, as the movie’s screenplay has already become a graphic novel, illustrated by Jorge Alderete.

    Black Is Beltza begins in October of 1965, when a group of parade Giants and Big-Heads (learn more about this tradition here are asked to march in New York’s Hispanic Day festivities — except for the two black Giants. Taking off from this real-life event, the film follows a young Basque man named Manex who travels to New York to walk in the parade.

    Manex proceeds to bear witness to some of the pivotal events and people from the decade. The Black Panthers, the Cuban Revolution and the Cold War, the sexual revolution and psychedelic drugs all factor in, as do legendary figures like Malcolm X, James Brown, Muhammad Ali, Fidel Castro and Jimmy Hendrix.

    Production on Black Is Beltza is set to begin this month, with a 2018 release planned.

    Black is Beltza
    Black is Beltza
  • DreamWorks TV to Premiere ‘Trollhunters’ at NYCC

    DreamWorks TV to Premiere ‘Trollhunters’ at NYCC

    DreamWorks Animation and Netflix will present an exciting pair of panels during the 2016 New York Comic Con, highlighting the hotly anticipated original series Trollhunters and Voltron Legendary Defender. Both show panels will feature world premiere new episode screenings.

    Making its public debut, the Trollhunters pilot will play at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, October 8 at 3:30 p.m., presented by series creator Guillermo del Toro. The living film legend will be joined by voice cast members Kelsey Grammer, Ron Perlman and Steven Yeun, and his fellow executive producers Marc Guggenheim and Rodrigo Blaas. Mashable’s TV editor Laura Prudom will moderate the panel.

    The Trollhunters adventure begins when ordinary teenager Jim Lake Jr. stumbles upon a mystical amulet on his way to school one morning, and inadvertently discovers an extraordinary secret civilization of mighty trolls beneath his small town of Arcadia. Suddenly destined to play a crucial role in an ancient battle of good and evil, Jim is determined to save the world – right after gym class.

    The Voltron festivities will include a sneak peek at the second season, plus a panel with executive producer Joaquim Dos Santos, co-executive producer Lauren Montgomery, story editor Tim Hedrick and voice actors Jeremy Shada and Bex Taylor-Claus. Slated for Friday, Oct. 7 at 2:30 p.m. on the NYCC Main Stage, the discussion will be moderated by ComicBook.com executive editor Jim Viscardi.

    DreamWorks Animation will also present a Voltron Legendary Defender signing with Dos Santos, Montgomery and Hedrick on Friday from 1-2 p.m. in the Autographing Area (Javits Center Hall 1-B, Table 21). Lion Forge Comics is also holding a Voltron comics signing with writers Hedrick and Mitch Iverson at booth #1669 on Saturday from 1:30-2:20 p.m. — a Voltron #1 NYCC exclusive variant cover will be available (limited to 250 copies).

    Fans of the legendary defender should also pencil in the Voltron Collective Fan Party, Friday night at 7 p.m. (location TBA), presenting a collaborative consumer products collection inspired by the series.

    Voltron: Legendary Defender
    Voltron: Legendary Defender
  • Michael Dudok de Wit’s ‘Red Turtle’ Trailer Arrives

    Michael Dudok de Wit’s ‘Red Turtle’ Trailer Arrives

    Sony Classics has released the full trailer for Academy Award-winning animator Michael Dudok de Wit’s highly anticipated desert island fable The Red Turtle. The footage reveals a storybook inspired 2D animated world of textured seas and sands, where the main character’s emotional journey lapses between reality and dream.

    The Red Turtle will receive an awards season qualifying run in New York and Los Angeles on November 18, with a wider release slated for January 20, 2017.

    From acclaimed director Michael Dudok de Wit (Father and Daughter), The Red Turtle centers on a man stranded on an uninhabited island, whose attempts to escape are thwarted by a giant red-backed turtle — perhaps for the best. The screenplay is co-written by de Wit and Pascale Ferran (Lady Chatterley, Bird People). The film is a co-production of Studio Ghibli, Wild Bunch, Why Not Productions, Belvision, Arte France Cinema and CN4 Productions, with Prima Linea overseeing the animation.

    The Red Turtle
    The Red Turtle
    The Red Turtle
    The Red Turtle
    The Red Turtle
    The Red Turtle
    The Red Turtle
    The Red Turtle
  • Daily News Bytes

    Daily News Bytes

    Animated Indie ‘Long Way North’ Combines Arctic Exploration and Female Empowerment
    Shout! Factory tosses its hat in the Oscar ring with the Annecy Audience Award-winning film about a determined Russian girl who sets out on a perilous arctic adventure.

    Video: ‘Storks’ World Premiere Cast Interviews with Lindalee Rose
    Intrepid kid reporter asks the tough questions from the “blue carpet” premiere — finally we can learn what Danny Trejo really thinks about babies.

    Angela Lansbury Sings ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at 25th Anniversary Screening
    The unstoppable performer surprised a New York audience by reprising her role as Mrs. Potts in honor of the film’s silver anniversary.

    How ‘Akira’ Has Influenced All Your Favorite TV, Film and Music
    Vice’s Tom Usher draws a line from Katsuhiro Otomo’s 1988 anime masterpiece to Stranger Things and Kanye West.

    Discovery Kids Will Roll out a Brand New Tale of Adventure with ‘Billoo Bhai’
    New Indian cartoon will follow a swashbuckling cat and his pals as they explore the natural world.

    Akira
    Akira
  • Tom Dooley Stepping Down as Interim CEO of Viacom

    Tom Dooley Stepping Down as Interim CEO of Viacom

    Viacom’s interim president and CEO, Tom Dooley, will be leaving the post effective November 15. The long lead on his exit is to allow Viacom’s board to ensure an orderly succession.

    Dooley announced the decision as other news out of the company, which has been rocked by contentions between leadership and investors this year, revealed it will be reducing its dividend payout “to preserve capital,” going ahead with plans to access debt capital markets to improve liquidity, and has closed efforts to secure a minority investor in Paramount Pictures.

    “While this was a difficult decision for me, I have great admiration for our new board and I feel that they will be best able to execute on their vision for the company in the hands of a new president and CEO,” said Dooley.

    “I am certain that the board will make the most of the company’s extraordinary potential. I want to thank Sumner, Shari and the members of the board for the opportunities they have provided me. I look forward to working with them to deliver Viacom into the hands of new leadership in excellent shape and poised for a remarkable future.”

    Shari Redstone, vice chair of the board, said, “While there is more work to do, the actions announced today are an important first step towards realizing the value of Viacom’s exceptional assets and positioning the company for the future. I also want to thank Tom Dooley for his service and his willingness to stay on through this transition period.”

    Viacom
    Viacom
  • ‘Miffy’ Series Coming to Nick Jr. and SVOD

    ‘Miffy’ Series Coming to Nick Jr. and SVOD

    Two charming animated preschool series starring Dick Bruna’s little bunny heroine Miffy are coming to TV and SVOD in the US through Nickelodeon. The popular character first appeared in 1955, with more than 120 books of her series published since then.

    The first season of Miffy’s Adventures Big and Small will premiere on Nick Jr. on October 3. The CG-animated series commissioned by Amsterdam-base publisher Mercis Media and produced by London’s Blue Zoo Productions features simple stories about Miffy and her companions exploring the world around them. The show also teaches early mathematics, vocabulary and colors.

    At the same time, the classic stop-motion series Miffy and Friends will be made available on Nickelodeon’s NOGGIN, a video subscription service available on iOS, Apple TV, Android and Amazon. This storybook-style narrated show originally premiered in 2003.

    Mercis Media owns Miffy and Friends and is the brand’s international licensor, and has secured more than 250 licensees. Big Tent Entertainment is the property’s North American licensing agent.

    Miffy's Adventures Big and Small
    Miffy’s Adventures Big and Small
  • ‘Regal Academy’ Anoints NorAm Master Toy Partner

    ‘Regal Academy’ Anoints NorAm Master Toy Partner

    Rainbow has appointed Auldey Toys of North America, a subsidiary of The Alpha Group, as the North American master toy licensee for its fresh animated fairytale property Regal Academy. The series, now on Nickelodeon, follows Rose Cinderella — the granddaughter of Cinderella — and her fellow descendents of fairytale characters as they navigate the magical Regal Academy.

    Auldey Toys will launch a full line of fashion dolls and playsets aimed at girls ages 5 and up in mid-2017. The initial line will be presented at the Fall Toy Preview in Dallas.

    “We are excited to enter into this new category with Rainbow as our partner,” said Adrian Roche, President of Auldey Toys of North America. “The Regal Academy line of dolls and playsets reflects the engaging storytelling, elegant animation style, rich colors and magical elements that can be seen throughout every episode. We believe that the comedic style of the show with light-hearted, magical, yet relatable characters and storylines, will resonate well with girls, and having Nickelodeon as the global broadcaster will deliver outstanding viewership to create lots of Regal Academy fans.”

    Regal Academy
    Regal Academy
  • ‘Lion King’ Director & ‘Frozen’ Writer Join GBI Series

    ‘Lion King’ Director & ‘Frozen’ Writer Join GBI Series

    Genius Brands International is teaming up with Rob Minkoff, director of Disney’s The Lion King, and Shane Morris, co-writer of Frozen, to develop and produce a new animated preschool series titled Rainbow Rangers. The announcement was made by GBI’s Chairman & CEO, Andy Heyward.

    Rainbow Rangers (52 x 11) is a CG-animated series following the adventures of seven unique, magical girls from the other side of the rainbow who serve as guardians of the Earth, protecting it from a wicked villain through teamwork, bravery, creativity and compassion.

    Minkoff will produce the series, with Morris serving as producer and head writer along with his partner Tim Mansfield. Key series designs were created by Brittany Myers and Ruben Aquino, who was a supervising animator on many of the major Disney characters from Little Mermaid through to Frozen. Emmy Award-winning producer Andy Heyward will executive produce.

    GBI expects to premiere a Rainbow Rangers special in the fall of 2017, with a full series launch planned for spring 2018. The company is concurrently developing a global licensing, merchandising and retail program to coincide with the series launch. GBI will be showcasing the property at MIP Junior next month.

    Frozen
    Frozen
  • CNE Makes Big Licensing Plans for South Asia

    CNE Makes Big Licensing Plans for South Asia

    Turner India’s licensing and merchandising branch is pursuing double-digit growth this year as it expands into new markets Sri Lanka and Nepal, in partnership with fast-moving consumer goods brands including Perfetti, Heinz, Unilever, Parle, Mondelez, United Biscuits and Kellogg’s.

    Expansion plans will also see Cartoon Network Enterprises pursuing collaborations with retail, e-commerce and FMCG to grow its footprint, partnering with Myntra and Future Group. In addition to the re-launched Powerpuff Girls brand, CNE will focus on DC universe characters from the Warner Bros. films, including Wonder Woman, Justice League, Aqua Man and Flash.

    These plans and a preview of 2017’s activities were revealed at CNE’s roadshow in Mumbai on September 20, which welcomed over 200 trade partners as it showcased Cartoon Network and Warner Bros. portfolio of established and future shows, movies and brands. Of note for upcoming properties is the new Ben 10 series, launching locally on Cartoon Network in October, with an extensive new product catalog to be announced thereafter.

    The Powerpuff Girls
    The Powerpuff Girls
  • VIDEO: ‘Smurfs: The Lost Village’ Teaser Arrives

    VIDEO: ‘Smurfs: The Lost Village’ Teaser Arrives

    Having just unveiled the first poster, Sony Pictures Animation has released the first teaser trailer for its upcoming, fully-animated adventure Smurfs: The Lost Village. The spot sees Smurfette, Brainy, Clumsy and Hefty cautiously breaking the fourth wall — until a ravenous carnivorous flower intervenes.

    The spot shows how the refreshed CG characters and their fantastical forest world reflect the original art created by Peyo. But while the look is leaning toward classic, there’s a definite modern vibe with “Get Back” by Ludacris providing musical accompaniment.

    In US theaters April 7, 2017, Smurfs: The Lost Village is a fully animated, all-new take on the Smurfs, a mysterious map sets Smurfette and her best friends Brainy, Clumsy and Hefty on an exciting and thrilling race through the Forbidden Forest filled with magical creatures to find a mysterious lost village before the evil wizard Gargamel does. Embarking on a rollercoaster journey full of action and danger, the Smurfs are on a course that leads to the discovery of the biggest secret in Smurf history!

    The film is directed by Kelly Asbury and written by Stacey Harman and Pamela Ribon, based on the characters and works of Peyo. Jordan Kerner is producer, with Mary Ellen Bauder Andrews as co-producer. The voice cast features Demi Lovato as Smurfette, Rainn Wilson as Gargamel, Joe Manganiello as Hefty, Jack McBrayer as Clumsy, Danny Pudi as Brainy and Mandy Patinkin as Papa Smurf.

    Smurfs: Lost Village
    Smurfs: Lost Village
  • John Rood Named Disney Channels Head of Marketing

    John Rood Named Disney Channels Head of Marketing

    Disney Channels Worldwide has hired on permanently John Rood as Senior Vice President of Marketing. Rood, who had been consulting with the division for the last 10 months, steps in for Richard Loomis, who is departing the company after nine years.

    In his new role, Rood will oversee creative marketing for Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior. He will report to President and Chief Creative Officer Gary Marsh.

    “John Rood is a maker and a builder, with a rare combination of creative and strategic leadership skills and an innate understanding of the Disney brand,” said Marsh. “He has a unique capacity to transform how large teams address viewers’ evolving needs in a complex, multi-platform portfolio.”

    Rood was previously Executive Vice President of DC Entertainment, from 2010 to 2014, and prior to this spent 10 years as part of the Walt Disney Company, with the latter six of these years spent as SVP of Marketing for ABC Family.

    Disney Channel
    Disney Channel
  • ‘Smurfs: The Lost Village’ Teaser Poster Arrives

    ‘Smurfs: The Lost Village’ Teaser Poster Arrives

    Sony Pictures Animation has unveiled a teaser poster for the upcoming, fully-animated Smurfs: The Lost Village — giving a glimpse at a magical new smurfy world for fans to explore. This latest adaptation of the characters and world of comics legend Peyo will arrive in theaters April 7, 2017.

    “[The Lost Village] is a radically different take on the Smurfs and their imaginary world, fully computer animated, and much closer to the tone and style that creator Peyo initially envisioned,” says director Kelly Asbury in an interview released today on the Smurfs Production Blog.

    “Many things inspired the type of movie we wanted to make. Everyone involved agreed that the story should be a high-adventure journey, so classic movies like Raiders of the Lost Ark and Goonies came to mind. The richness in color was influenced by the great French Impressionists painters. The Forbidden Forest where the Smurfs venture was envisioned as equal parts Oz, Pandora and Wonderland, filled with dangerous and magical creatures like Smurf-eating Flowers or Boxing and Kissing Plants, to name a few.”

    Synopsis:

    A mysterious map sets Smurfette (voiced by Demi Lovato) and her best friends Brainy (Danny Pudi), Clumsy (Jack McBrayer) and Hefty (Joe Manganiello) on an exciting and thrilling race through the Forbidden Forest filled with magical creatures to find a mysterious lost village before the evil wizard Gargamel (Rainn Wilson) does. Embarking on a rollercoaster journey full of action and danger, the Smurfs are on a course that leads to the discovery of the biggest secret in Smurf history!

    Smurfs: The Lost Village is directed by Kelly Asbury, written by Stacey Harman and Pamela Ribon, produced by Jordan Kerner and co-produced by Mary Ellen Bauder Andrews. The voice cast also features Mandy Patinkin, as Papa Smurf.

    Smurfs: The Lost Village
    Smurfs: The Lost Village
  • ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ Sets Off for France

    ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ Sets Off for France

    Lupus Films, Walker Productions and Union Media have secured the sale of their storybook adaptation animated special We’re Going on a Bear Hunt to leading French broadcaster Canal+ for its preschool channel, Piwi+. The French title is La Chasse a l’Ours, in line with that of the French edition of the popular book by Michael Rosen and illustrator Helen Oxenbury.

    The special has already sold to ABC in Australia, SVT in Sweden, NRK in Norway and YLE in Finland. Union Media handles distribution (MIPCOM stand P4.B1). The special will premiere on Channel 4 in the UK later this year, and will air in France and other territories in 2017.

    We’re Going on a Bear Hunt follows the intrepid adventures of siblings Stan, Katie, Rosie, Max and the baby and their pet dog Rufus, who decide one day to go on an adventure through the countryside in search of bears. The hand-drawn animation brings to life the story and artwork of the 25-year-old classic bedtime story, and is set to enchant a whole new audience with its story of perseverance, optimism and a love of nature.

    Co-directed by Joanna Harrison and Robin Shaw, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is a Lupus Films production in association with Bear Hunt Films, Walker Productions and Herrick Entertainment for Channel 4. It is produced by Ruth Fielding and Camilla Deakin with Norton Herrick as executive producer for Herrick Ent., and Helen McAleer and Julia Posen as executive producers for Walker Prod.

    We're Going on a Bear Hunt
    We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
  • ‘Adventure Time’ VR Mobile Game Coming to UK

    ‘Adventure Time’ VR Mobile Game Coming to UK

    Cartoon Network will be launching a brand-new, virtual reality mobile game and branded viewer inspired by its hit animated series Adventure Time, titled I See Ooo. This first VR experience for fans of Finn and Jake will land in the UK and Nordics on September 29.

    Launching as a Google Play exclusive promotion, I See Ooo is a fun, accessible and affordable way to experience virtual reality. Featuring many of the show’s much-loved characters, players can immerse themselves in an original story set in the Land of Ooo and take on the challenge of three different games, each with 20 levels and varying degrees of difficulty.

    The exclusive, high-quality Jake the Dog-branded viewer offers an optimised experience for this, as well as other virtual reality mobile games.

    The viewer and game (in the form of a unique download code inside each box) will be available at Forbidden Planet and pyramidshop.com (RRP £24.99). Developed by UK-based VR specialist Opposable, the experience includes two games: Glider Flight and Snowball Fight, plus a third game, Puzzle Path, which will made available as a free downloadable content pack shortly after launch.

    Each game offers 20 levels alongside 14 characters to discover and original music from the show. I See Ooo will also be available to download from the Google Play store.

    I See Ooo
    I See Ooo
  • Boomerang Shells Out for Multi-territory ‘Cracké’ Deal

    Boomerang Shells Out for Multi-territory ‘Cracké’ Deal

    Quebec studio Squeeze announces that Turner’s Boomerang channel will be bringing original animated short series Cracké to the UK, Germany, Italy and Portugal. The slapstick CG series will begin airing for new audiences in October, bringing its reach up to more than 175 countries and territories.

    “It’s always an amazing feeling to realize that our original characters will have the chance to make people laugh, no matter where they come from, or where they live!” says Denis Doré, Squeeze’s president and co-founder. “Seeing that Cracké can travel the world gives our team a wonderful boost of energy for the second season’s creative process that is well under way!”

    Cracké centers on an anxious ostrich dad named Ed, who in trying to protect his beloved brood of eight fragile eggs, causes all sorts of trouble and gets himself into dangerous predicaments. The series airs on Teletoon in Canada and has spawned a mobile game and innovative comic-book app.

    Cracké
    Cracké
  • Michael Hirsh One-on-One Session Set for OIAF

    Michael Hirsh One-on-One Session Set for OIAF

    Canadian toon titan Michael Hirsh will be participating at the 2016 Ottawa International Animation Festival in a unique One-on-One session: “The Executive Producer of My Canadian Childhood.” Sitting opposite Hirsh for this intimate discussion with one of the titans of Canadian cartoons will be Joan Vogelesang, former president & CEO of Toon Boom Animation.

    Likened to a Canadian blend of Warren Buffett and Walt Disney, Michael Hirsh’s career is a testament to his savvy at foreseeing industry trends and creating hit animated programming — including classics like The Care Bears, Franklin, Babar, Rupert, The Adventures of Tintin, Rolie Polie Olie and Beyblade. He is the co-founder of Nelvana Limited, Cookie Jar Entertainment, TeleTOON Canada, and was Vice-Chairman of DHX Media. He is currently Chairman of The Entertainment and Finance Group (TEAM), and CineCoup.

    “The Executive Producer of My Canadian Childhood” is scheduled for Wednesday, September 21 (4-5 p.m.) in the Big Jump Room of the Chateau Laurier. Hirsh’s session will take place as part of The Animation Conference at Ottawa.

    2016 Ottawa International Animation Festival
    2016 Ottawa International Animation Festival
  • Cutting Edge Animation Blooms for Water Security

    Cutting Edge Animation Blooms for Water Security

    The latest “Water Security Survivors” animated commercial for Cairns Regional Council features a tropical garden paradise that blossoms into song, thanks to Australia’s Cutting Edge, via agency Redsuit. The spot centers on a floral diva named Ginger and her backup singers performing the Gloria Gaynor hit “I Will Survive,” and spreads the message that native plants can thrive without excessive watering.

    To carry through the ’70s disco theme, Cutting Edge animation director Ian Anderson was tasked with designing a chorus line of performing plant characters. He decided on Alice in Wonderland as an artistic influence for the plants and their environment, blending storybook style with polished 3D animation.

    “We wanted to design and develop vibrant and lively plant characters that would really stand out on screen and by embodying a stylised 3D look and feel, we could bring the fable-like flora into a new, more modern era,” Ian Anderson explained. “Our 3D VFX pipeline meant we were able to embellish the animation of the plants with the addition of camera moves that bring us deeper into the garden world undergrowth.”

    Anderson used traditional background painting techniques within Maya and Photoshop to add warmth and texture to the spot. A vibrant color palette was used to highlight the unique North Queensland flora, while dappled sunlight illumination creates a disco effect shining through translucent leaves.

    Watch “I Will Survive” online here.

    "I Will Survive"
    “I Will Survive”
    "I Will Survive"
    “I Will Survive”
    "I Will Survive"
    “I Will Survive”
    "I Will Survive"
    “I Will Survive”
  • ‘Yo-Kai Watch: The Movie Event’ Coming to US Theaters

    ‘Yo-Kai Watch: The Movie Event’ Coming to US Theaters

    Fathom Events, Eleven Arts and LEVEL-5 are joining forces to present the “Yo-Kai Watch: The Movie Event” in theaters nationwide on Saturday, October 15 at 11 a.m. (local time). The screening will mark the first English-dubbed theatrical presentation for a Yo-Kai Watch feature.

    Fans are encouraged to show up promptly to snag an exclusive Yo-Motion Yo-Kai Watch Hovernyan Medal, which can be used with the upcoming Yo-Motion Yo-Kai Watch, unlock special content in LEVEL-5’s Yo-Kai Watch Land and Yo-Kai Watch Wibble Wobble apps, and unlock special features and bonuses in the Nintendo 3DS games. The fun can continue after the movie, with Yo-Kai Watch Day activities planned for GameStop stores.

    The film, which features the voice talent of the hit Disney XD show, follows Nate Adams and his Yo-kai friends, Whisper and Jibanyan, as they’re transported to the past to help Nate’s grandfather, Nathaniel, battle evil Yo-kai and invent the Yo-kai Watch. Created and developed by LEVEL-5, Yo-Kai Watch is a fantasy role-playing game and anime series which depicts a world where “Yo-kai” (supernatural beings only seen by using a special device, the Yo-kai Watch, responsible for everyone’s daily annoyances) co-exist with humans and affect their day-to-day lives.

    Tickets and participating location information available at FathomEvents.com.

    Yo-Kai Watch
    Yo-Kai Watch
  • Daily News Bytes

    Daily News Bytes

    Adult Swim Puts Alost Every Episode of Space Ghost Coast to Coast Online for Free
    To honor the unexpected passing of animator and voice of Zorak C. Martin Croker, many episodes of the cult hit show are available now on its website.

    The Animation-Lover’s Guide to New York Comic Con
    Captain Planet, Batman and Archie are joined by SuperMansion and RWBY in the con’s panel lineup this year.

    Global 3D Animation Software Market to Witness Growth through 2020
    A new study released by Technavio shows a forecasted CAGR growth of more than 12% thanks to increased demand from the games sector.

    ZDF Enterprises Announces Exciting Line-Up of Programs for MIPCOM
    Animated highlights from ZDF Junior include preschool series Inui and stop-motion comedy-horror Scream Street.

    Ayny Wins Student Academy Award for Best Foreign Animation
    A spotlight on Ahmad Saleh’s graduation film from the Academy of Media Arts Cologne, following the winners announcement last month.

    Space Ghost Coast to Coast
    Space Ghost Coast to Coast
  • ‘Yul and the Snake’ Takes Cartoon d’Or in Toulouse

    ‘Yul and the Snake’ Takes Cartoon d’Or in Toulouse

    The 2016 Cartoon d’Or award has been bestowed on French director Gabriel Harel for his freshman film, Yúl and the Snake. Juried by producer Clément Calvet (Superprod), director Mark Burton (Aardman) and director Alessandro Rak (MAD Ent.), the prize for outstanding European animation was announced at an awards ceremony held September 15 during the Cartoon Forum event in Toulouse, France.

    Harel’s film was selected out of five finalists, beating out Alike by by Daniel Martínez Lara & Rafa Cano Méndez (Spain), Machine by Sunit Parekh (Denmark), Peripheria by David Coquard-Dassault (France) and Under your fingers by Marie-Christine Courtès (France) for the 10,000 EUR prize from Creative Europe-MEDIA.

    Yúl and the Snake is a 2D short produced by Kazak Productions that combines dramatic and fantastical elements, while being inspired by the director’s childhood in the Southern Alps. The film received the Andre Martin Award at Annecy last year and has been selected for 10-plus international festivals.

    Also honored at the ceremony were the 2016 Cartoon Tributes awardees, selected by 950 animation professionals attending the Cartoon Forum. The winners were: Broadcaster of the Year – M6 Metropole Television / M6 Kid (France); Investor/Distributor of the Year – CAKE Entertainment (U.K.); and Producer of the Year – Autour de Minuit (France).

    Yúl and the Snake
    Yúl and the Snake