The Paul Rudd and Patton Oswalt-starring adult animated comedy Nerdland is one of the must-see projects of the upcoming Tribeca Film Festival (April 13-24). In case you weren’t convinced by the novelty of the project alone, Variety has scored the first-look trailer for the 2D film, which is running in TFF’s “Viewpoint” competition (screening times and tickets here).
Nerdland is set in modern day Hollywood, where aspiring actor John (Paul Rudd) and would-be screenwriter Elliot (Patton Oswalt) are approaching their 30th birthdays without a hint of the fame and acclaim they have always dreamed of. The ambitious duo hatch a crazy plan to become stars, launch their careers, and get the the girls — all in one day.
Nerdland also features the voices of Hannibal Burress, Larraine Newman, Mike Judge, Kate Micucci & Riki Lindhome (a.k.a. Garfunkel & Oates), Jackson Publick (The Venture Bros.), Molly Shannon, Charlene Yi and Paul Scheer. Chris Prynoski serves as director on this first feature outing from his Titmouse, Inc. animation studio. The script was penned by Andrew Kevin Walker.
Square Enix has announced the production of Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV, a feature-length, CG-animated movie based on the RPG videogame which will tell a story that runs concurrently with the game’s. The new film project is being directed by Takeshi Nozue, who co-directed Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children. According to The Verge, Nozue has said that the core team on Kingsglaive also worked on Advent Children.
Kingsglaive will feature voice performances by Game of Thrones stars Sean Bean (Ned Stark) and Lena Headey (Cersei Lannister), as well as Breaking Bad’s Aaron Paul. Fans will have to wait and see whether Sean Bean dies in this movie, too.
The Final Fantasy XV game follows a young man named Noctis, but the Kingsglaive film story will center on his father, King Regis, in a parallel narrative. In the game, Noctis sets out from the capital city on a fantastical journey with three friends, while the movie reveals what happens to his pops back in Crown City after he leaves. Square Enix reportedly plans to release the movie sometime this year.
Last weekend, the newest animated DC Universe Original Movie Justice League vs. Teen Titans took WonderCon in L.A. by storm, with a fun and informative panel discussion following its world premiere on Saturday. The movie is now available for purchase on Digital HD, and will be released on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on April 12.
To celebrate, WBHE has released an all-new official clip featuring Nightwing (voiced by Sean Maher) delivering Robin (Stuart Allan) to Teen Titans headquarters for some much-need lessons in teamwork.
Directed by Sam Liu from a screenplay by Bryan Q. Miller and Alan Burnett, the animated adventure features the voices of Jason O’Mara (Batman), Rosario Dawson (Wonder Woman), Jerry O’Connell (Superman), Christopher Gorham (Flash), Sean Maher (Nightwing), Shemar Moore (Cyborg), Taissa Farmiga (Raven), Stuart Allan (Robin), Kari Wahlgren (Starfire), Brandon Soo Hoo (Beast Boy), Jake T. Austin (Blue Beetle), Jon Bernthal (Trigon), Terrence C. Carson (Ra’s al Ghul), Steven Blum (Lex Luthor), Rick D. Wasserman (Weather Wizard) and Laura Bailey (Angela Chen).
Brandon Soo Hoo and Jake T AustinJake T Austin, James Tucker, and Sam LiuChristopher GorhamBrandon Soo Hoo and Jake T AustinBrandon Soo Hoo
Cartoon Network has re-upped two of its hit original animated series for fifth seasons, with Cartoon Network Studios’ Steven Universe and Uncle Grandpa returning next season along with Adventure Time, Clarence, The Amazing World of Gumball and Regular Show. Both Steven Universe and Uncle Grandpa came out of CN Studios’ award-winning, artist-driven Shorts Program.
Created by Emmy and Annie-nominated Adventure Time artist Rebecca Sugar, Steven Universe has won wide praise from fans and critics for its deeply realized characters, expanding storylines, lush animation and charming original music. Named as one of WIRED’s 15 Best Shows of 2015, the series follows three magical defenders of the planet known as the Crystal Gems, and … Steven, their proverbial “little brother” who is still learning the ropes. The third season continues with the “Summer of Steven,” featuring new episode premieres through June and August.
Created by Peter Browngardt, Emmy Award winner Uncle Grandpa continues to delight audiences as it follows the adventures of Uncle Grandpa who is out to help every child and adult in the world through the power of imagination. With his mystical R.V. and eternal optimism, Uncle Grandpa is always ready to greet the day—and everyone he meets—with his signature, “GOOD MORNIN’. Starting this April, everyone’s favorite uncle and grandpa will begin hosting Cartoon Network’s “Good Mornings with Uncle Grandpa” Saturday block.
Disney-Pixar has fished out the full voice cast roster and character list for its long-awaited sequel, Finding Dory, which swims into theaters June 17. Directed by Andrew Stanton — helmer of the Oscar-winning films Finding Nemo and WALL-E — the film revisits everyone’s favorite forgetful blue tang Dory as she embarks on a life-changing adventure to find her family.
“It really is a whole new chapter this time,” said Stanton. “We’re introducing new characters—each with his or her own unique voice. Everyone has something special to offer, which makes it fun and elevates the whole story. Finding Nemo was a great calling card when it came to casting this movie. I don’t take that for granted.”
Ellen DeGeneres returns to the sea as Dory, the bright blue tang with a sunny personality. She suffers from short-term memory loss, which normally doesn’t upset her upbeat attitude—until she realizes she’s forgotten something big: her family. Dory’s found a new family in Marlin and Nemo, but she’s haunted by the belief that someone out there is looking for her. She may have trouble recalling exactly what—or who—she’s searching for, but she won’t give up until she uncovers her past and discovers something else along the way: self-acceptance.
Albert Brooks dives in again to help bring Marlin to life. He may have traveled across the ocean once, but that doesn’t mean Marlin wants to do it again. So he doesn’t exactly jump at the opportunity to accompany Dory on a mission to the California coast to track down her family. Marlin, of course, knows how it feels to lose family, and it was Dory who helped him find Nemo not so long ago. The clownfish may not be funny, but he’s loyal—he realizes he has no choice but to pack up his nervous energy and skepticism and embark on yet another adventure, this time to help his friend.
Hayden Rolence was called on to voice Nemo. One year after his big overseas adventure,Nemo is back to being a normal kid: going to school and living on the coral reef with his dad and their blue tang neighbor, Dory. His harrowing adventure abroad doesn’t seem to have sapped his spirit. In fact, when Dory remembers pieces of her past and longs to take off on an ambitious ocean trek to find her family, Nemo is the first to offer his help. He may be a young clownfish with a lucky fin, but Nemo wholeheartedly believes in Dory. After all, he understands what it’s like to be different.
Ed O’Neill lends his iconic voice to Hank, who is an octopus. Actually, he’s a “septopus”: he lost a tentacle—along with his sense of humor—somewhere along the way. But Hank is just as competent as his eight-armed peers. An accomplished escape artist with camouflaging capabilities to boot, Hank is the first to greet Dory when she finds herself in the Marine Life Institute. But make no mistake: he’s not looking for a friend. Hank is after one thing—a ticket on a transport truck to a cozy Cleveland facility where he’ll be able to enjoy a peaceful life of solitude.
Kaitlin Olsonprovides the voice of a whale shark named Destiny, who is a clumsy swimmer with a big heart. Destiny has a big everything, actually—whale sharks are the biggest fish in the sea. Destiny resides in the Marine Life Institute, where one day an oddly familiar blue tang named Dory falls into her pool. Destiny is admittedly embarrassed by her obvious lack of grace, a product of poor eyesight, but Dory thinks she swims beautifully. And Dory is delighted to learn that her supersized friend speaks whale, too.
Ty Burrell was tapped to give voice to Bailey, the Marine Life Institute’s resident beluga whale, who is convinced his biological sonar skills are on the fritz. The good news—or bad news, depending on who you ask—is that doctors at the MLI can’t seem to find anything wrong with him. Bailey’s flair for the dramatic never ceases to push his neighbor’s buttons: whale shark Destiny can’t seem to get through to him, no matter how hard she tries. Maybe he’ll listen to new friend Dory, who seems to be full of crazy ideas.
Diane Keaton and Eugene Levy were recruited to voice Dory’s parents. Jenny and Charlie would do anything for their only child. They celebrate and protect Dory, striving to arm her with the skills she’ll need to navigate the world with a faulty memory. Jenny may appear cheerful and a little flighty—but she’s a protective mother and a smart role model. Charlie likes to joke around, but nothing is more important to him than teaching his memory-challenged daughter how to survive.
Idris Elba and Dominic West team up as the voices of Fluke and Rudder, a pair of lazy sea lions who were rehabilitated at the Marine Life Institute. Marlin and Nemo find them snoozing on a warm—and highly coveted—rock just outside the center. These sea lions really enjoy their down time and would rather not be bothered mid nap—but their bark is far worse than their bite.
Bob Peterson is back as the memorable voice of Mr. Ray, the tune-loving teacher from the reef, who takes Nemo’s education—and that of his fellow undersea students—very seriously. Nobody enjoys Mr. Ray’s class more than Dory, who serves as his cheerful, albeit unnecessary, teacher’s assistant during their illuminating field trips.
Torbin Bullock voices Becky, an offbeat, kooky loon who takes a liking to Marlin. Although she inspires little confidence—especially from a certain, skeptical clownfish—Becky might be smarter than she looks.
Andrew Stanton and Bennett Dammann lend their voices to the ocean’s coolest turtles Crush and his son Squirt. They’re always happy to lend a flipper to a fish in need. Cruising the ocean for more than a hundred years definitely has its advantages.
Bill Hader and Kate McKinnon make a cameo appearance as a fish couple that Dory briefly encounters along the way.
DHX Media is heading into the MIPTV market flush with new commissions for three of its animated series: Chuck’s Choice has been commissioned by YTV Canada, and has already been licensed to Turner Broadcasting France’ Space Ranger Roger is commissioned by Family Jr.; and season two of Inspector Gadget is commissioned by TELETOON in Canada. All three are productions of DHX Studios.
MIPTV takes place in Cannes April 4-7 this year. DHX Media will be exhibiting at stand R7.A11 in the Riviera hall of the Palais des Festivals.
Chuck’s Choice (40 x 11) is a 2D-animated comedy aimed at kids 6-11, currently in production at DHX in Vancouver. The show is directed by Kid vs. Kat creator Rob Boutilier.
Synopsis: For Chuck McFarlane, life is all about making choices. But lucky for him, these aren’t just regular everyday choices! Through an intergalactic gift from the stars, Chuck is bestowed with what may be the greatest device in the universe: the U-Decide 3000, giving him the power to literally choose his next adventure! Some choices turn out great, others, not so much. After all, being given the power of flight sounds amazing. But what if it came with a larva sac attached to your abdomen? Suddenly everyone’s looking at you like you’re a bit strange. Of course Chuck’s life choices are a bit more mind-blowingly awesome, since he is…the DECIDER! While most kids have very limited choices, this 10-year-old gets to control his destiny and go on one thrilling adventure after another without any boring ol’ adults telling him what to do, and with his best friends coming along for the ride!
Space Ranger Roger (13 x 30) is a 3D preschool series produced by DHX’s Halifax studio. It is created by Jeff Rosen (Animal Mechanicals, Bo on the Go, The Mighty Jungle, Monster Math Squad).
Synopsis: Space Ranger Roger is a plucky little alien hero sent to help a strange, faraway world…Earth! No assignment is too big or too small. Roger’s motto is, “A friend in need is a mission for me!” Along with his trusty squad of Ranger bots, and his bot dog, Rover, Roger can always get the job done. Each day, Roger scans the surface of our small blue planet from orbit aboard the Friend Ship. When he picks up a distress signal from an Earth creature, it’s his job as a Space Ranger to gear up with his team of rambunctious fix-it bots, find out what the problem is and save the day in a fun and creative way.
Inspector Gadget (season 2: 26 x 30) is a 3D-animated series produced by DHX Halifax.
Synopsis: The new Inspector Gadget is back – again! The stakes are higher than ever in season two for Inspector Gadget, his niece Penny and their trusty dog, Brain. Will they be able to defeat Dr. Claw and his nephew Talon? Or will the MAD villains finally be victorious? Both sides are more determined than ever to come out on top…even if Inspector Gadget still hasn’t got a clue.
Animated hit Masha and the Bear continues its march to global conquest with a raft of broadcasting deals that give the show free-to-air coverage in Europe, Asia and North America.
Masha and the Bear’s newest broadcasting buddies include Europe DR (Denmark), VRT (Benelux), France 5, RAI (Italy), Nova TV (Croatia), TVP (Poland), EBS (South Korea), Tele Quebec (French Canada), MOMO TV (Taiwan), ABC (Australia) and Spacetoon (MENA). The series broadcasting and licensing rights are represented by Ink Global.
The charming preschool comedy was named the best animation project in the Creative Talent category at the 2015 Kidscreen Awards. The show is also a hit on YouTube, with the episode “Masha and the Porridge” recently hitting the 1 billion views mark.
Funimation Films has opened up advance ticket sales for the English dub release of The Empire of Corpses. The first in a three-part movie series based on novels by award-winning writer Project Itoh and directed by Ryotaro Makihara, the film will screen in more than 50 theaters across the United States on April 19 and 20.
“Moviegoers will be transported to Itoh’s steampunk vision of an alternate 19th century world occupied by Frankenstein-like laborers,” said Mike DuBoise, EVP and COO of Funimation. “Anime and sci-fi fans alike won’t want to miss this limited, two-day theatrical release and we encourage them to purchase tickets in advance.”
Project Itoh is the pseudonym of popular Japanese sci-fi writer Satoshi Ito. His first novel, Genocidal Organ, was published in 2007 and followed in 2009 by Harmony, which won that years Japanese Science Fiction Grand Prize. Itoh’s promising career was cut short after three years when he died of cancer at age 34. Two of his works — a novelization of Metal Gear Solid 4 and The Empire of Corpses — were published posthumously.
The anime adaptation of The Empire of Corpses was produced by indie animation house WIT STUDIO (Attack on Titan, Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign), which was founded by Production I.G producer George Wada in 2012.
Film synopsis:
In an alternate version of 19th century London, the world has been revolutionized by “corpse reanimation technology” creating armies of undead who serve the living as laborers across the globe. In an attempt to revive his dearly departed friend, young medical student John Watson becomes obsessed with replicating the work of Dr. Victor Frankenstein—the legendary corpse engineer whose research produced the only re-animated corpse to possess a soul. But when his illegal experiments put him at odds with the British government, Watson is drafted into a worldwide race to find the lost research notes of Victor Frankenstein before the secrets of the human soul fall into the wrong hands.
Disney has released a new trailer for its upcoming sequel Alice Through the Looking Glass, packed to the gills with shots of fantastical CG characters, locales and effects. The spot debuted exclusively on Facebook and preceded a special Facebook Live Q&A with star Johnny Depp (a.k.a. The Mad Hatter) and director James Bobin.
Alice Kingsleigh (Mia Wasikowska) has spent the past few years following in her father’s footsteps and sailing the high seas. Upon her return to London, she comes across a magical looking glass and returns to the fantastical realm of Underland and her friends the White Rabbit (voiced by Michael Sheen), Absolem (Alan Rickman), the Cheshire Cat (Stephen Fry) and the Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp), who is not himself. The Hatter has lost his Muchness, so Mirana (Anne Hathaway) sends Alice on a quest to borrow the Chronosphere, a metallic globe inside the chamber of the Grand Clock which powers all time. Returning to the past, she comes across friends – and enemies – at different points in their lives, and embarks on a perilous race to save the Hatter before time runs out.
Helena Bonham Carter returns as the Red Queen, with Timothy Spall as Bayard the Bloodhound and newcomers Rhys Ifans as Zanik Hightopp — Mad Hatter’s father — and Sacha Baron Cohen as the part human, part clock embodiment of Time. Inspired by the stories of Lewis Carroll, James Bobin directs from a script by Linda Woolverton. The film is produced by Joe Roth, Suzanne Todd and Jennifer Todd and Tim Burton with John G. Scotti serving as executive producer.
Alice Through the Looking Glass opens in U.S. theaters on May 27, 2016.
Alice Through the Looking GlassAlice Through the Looking Glass
NBCU’s 24-hour preschool network Sprout has announced the newest addition to its original series portfolio: Kody Kapow. The animated series is set to debut in early 2017 and will be produced by Zodiak Kids Studios. In addition, Sprout has greenlit a second season of animated original Ruff-Ruff, Tweet and Dave.
Season two of Ruff-Ruff will arrive this fall, followed by a Christmas special based on the series. The 2016 holiday season will also feature a Nina’s World Hanukkah special and Terrific Trucks Christmas movie, based on the live-action series coming this July.
Kody Kapow is about an aspiring martial arts–style superhero named Kody who spends the summer with his extended family in a small village in China. His grandfather, a martial arts master, teaches Kody ancient lessons of mindfulness, patience and perseverance, which Kody employs as he and his super spy cousin set off on adventures in the village together with their tiger friend Stripes.
The series is created by Alexander Bar and developed for television by Robin Stein and Dan Franklin. The executive producer for Zodiak Kids Studios is Eryk Casemiro; animation will be produced by Canadian studio Arc Productions.
The Fukushima prefectural government last month released a series of animated documentaries based on true stories and depicting events that took place after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, as well as the emotional effects the disaster had on people living in the area. The anthology is titled Letters to the Future – On Our Way There and the films are available through a dedicated website.
Five years since the Great East Japan Earthquake struck the prefecture on March 11, 2011, the area is working hard to rebuild while also dealing with international mistrust of the area’s agriculture and fishing products due to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant disaster caused by the quake. The local government commissioned the animations to show the world the “light” and “shadow” of present day Fukushima.
The animation for the 10 Letters to the Future episodes was produced by Fukushima GAINAX Co. — a new company opened by the acclaimed GAINAX studio, which produced Neon Genesis Evangelion. The stories reflect real life experiences: “My Teacher” centers on a high school teacher who ceases to cut his hair after the disaster as a physical reminder of the painful events.
The Great East Japan Earthquake was the largest earthquake in recorded history to strike Japan. The 9.0 quake hit on March 11, 2011 at approximately 2:46 p.m. local time off the coast at Sanriku in the Pacific Ocean, triggering a tsunami. 15,894 people in Japan lost their lives in the disaster, and another 2,562 people remain unaccounted for.
Registration is now open for the 2016 edition of leading computer graphics conference and exhibit SIGGRAPH. This year’s event, running under the tagline “Render the Possibilities,” will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center from July 24-28. Last year’s SIGGRAPH attracted over 15,000 attendees from the U.S. and 70 other countries, including China, Japan and the U.K., and more than 1,500 speakers, contributors and exhibitors.
A number of first-time exhibitors have been announced for 2016. Domestic companies include Intervoke Technologies, Pixel Plow, Puget Systems and Yost Labs. International newcomers include Binary Alchemy (Germany), ftrack (Sweden), HoloDigilog Human Media Research Center (Korea), Live2D Inc. (Japan), Presence Pictures (Singapore), Simlens (China), Skolkovo Foundation (Russia) and Umbra (Finland).
This year, the conference organizers are also launching a character design contest, “Spirit of SIGGRAPH.” Artists and designers are challenged to create an original character design that embodies the excitement and energy of the event. The character design should also reflect the creative and inventive spirit of the CG and interactive fields. The winning design’s creator will receive a complimentary, full conference registration for SIGGRAPH 2016 and social media exposure. Entries are open until April 15.
And, of course, attendees will once again be treated to the Computer Animation Festival, which has featured several films over the years that went on to receive Oscar nominations and wins — including this year’s Best Animated Short winner, Bear Story.
Ahead of MIPTV, Arabic language free-to-air kids’ channel Spacetoon — available in 22 countries with a 130 million viewer reach — and its licensing arm ALC have announced a number of major broadcast and licensing deals.
In addition to boys’ action series Power Rangers Dino Charge — which began airing on Spacetoon in March and is bolstered by a strong promo campaign with Bandai ME and Toy Triangle — the channel has secured TV rights for the new series of Japanese hit Doraemon. Asian distribution, publishing and licensing group Animation International and Japan’s TV Asahi Corp. are helping to develop a long-term strategy for the property in the region.
In April, Spacetoon will launch Little Charmers from Nelvana Enterprises, and ALVINNN!!! And the Chipmunks from PGS Entertainment.
Arabian Licensing Company (ALC) has been hard at work building the success of a number of properties now airing on Spacetoon, notably the first Arabic language version of Sesame Street in 25 years: Iftah Ya Simsim. Since premiering across 9 stations in September, ALC has secured stationery and apparel deals and will soon launch 12 coloring books in the EMEA markets. ALC and Copenhagen-based Ink Group recently combined to form Ink ALC, which is working with Simba ME on a regional toy line for preschool property Masha and the Bear.
The International Awards of Motion Graphics, Animation and Broadcast Design, or BassAwards, are now open for submissions for consideration in the 14th edition. The event seeks to celebrate the best in audiovisual production around the world produced in 2015.
BassAwards is accepting submissions now through June 7 (early entry fee deadline: May 3; regular fee: May 24; late fee: June 7) in the categories of TV Channel Branding, TV Program Branding, TV Ident, TV Titles, Film Titles, Commercial, Explanatory Video, Showreel, Experimental and Agency of the Year.
This year’s international jury is comprised of Silvia Morganti (Creative Director at Discovery Communications, USA), Mike Moloney (Founder & Creative Director at Art&Graft, UK), Maribel Martínez (Director & Founder at Diecinueve36, Mexico), Xavier Oon (Founder & Creative Director at Critica, Singapore), Martin Schurmann (Executive Creative Director/Owner at Váscolo, Argentina), Pep Prior (Owner and Creative Director at Cómodo Screen, Spain), Javier Boo (OnAir Production Manager at The History Channel, Spain), Ryan Riccio (Partner / Creative Director at Charlie Company, USA), Robert Grieves (Animation Director and Multi-Award Winner, UK), Rafi Nizam (Global Creative Director at NBCUniversal International, UK).
More information and submission instructions can be found at bassawards.org.
FIDH Looks Back at 2015 with Traditional Comic Strip
Human rights NGO partners for a second year with Cartooning for Peace, with international guest artists including Glez, Chocolo, Zunar, Plantu and Hani Abbas.
Sibling rivalry is taken to a whole ‘nother level in Nickelodeon’s newest original animated comedy The Loud House, premiering Monday, May 2 at 5 p.m. ET/PT. Inspired by creator Chris Savino’s life growing up in an extra large household, the 26-episode series follows Lincoln Loud and his 10 sisters as he gives an inside look at what it takes to survive the chaos of a huge family.
Ahead of the official broadcast debut, a first-look at full-length episodes will be available April 1 and April 15 on Nick.com, the Nick App and Nick On Demand. New episodes of the Nickelodeon Animation Studios production will premiere weekdays at 5 p.m. throughout May on Nickelodeon.
Based on an animated short of the same name from Nick’s Animated Shorts Program, The Loud House follows 11-year-old Lincoln, the only boy in a family with 10 sisters who each have unique personalities: Lori, Leni, Luna, Luan, Lynn, Lucy, Lola, Lana, Lisa and Lily. With his best friend Clyde, Lincoln always comes up with a plan to stay one step ahead of domestic chaos — but whether or not it works is where the adventure lies.
In the premiere episode “Left in the Dark,” Lincoln wants to watch the finale of his favorite show, but in order to do that, he must beat each sister to the couch first. Then, in “Get the Message,” after Lincoln leaves a scathing voicemail on sister Lori’s phone, he realizes he has to erase it before she hears it.
Created and executive produced by Chris Savino (Rocko’s Modern Life, The Powerpuff Girls), The Loud House features the voices of Grant Palmer as Lincoln, Caleel Harris as Clyde McBride, Catherine Taber as Lori, Liliana Mumy as Leni, Nika Futterman as Luna, Cristina Pucelli as Luan, Jessica DiCicco as Lynn and Lucy, Grey Griffin as Lola, Lana and Lily; and Lara Jill Miller as Lisa.
Nick.com and the Nick App will offer viewers a chance to learn more about the show and its characters, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the series. On April 25, a game inspired by the show — “Welcome to The Loud House” — will let users place Lincoln in different environments with any four of his sisters to manipulate a fun mix of hilarious, unexpected results. Episodes of the series will be available on the website, app and platforms including Nick On Demand, iTunes, Amazon, Xbox, Google Play, Vudu and PlayStation.
Genius Brands International has named former Kabillion executive and respected distribution, production, licensing and merchandising expert Debra Pierson as General Manager of its Kid Genius entertainment channel on Xfinity On Demand — delivering “Smart TV for Kids.” Pierson brings over 25 years of kids entertainment experience to her new position to spearhead the continued growth of Kid Genius. She will report to GBI’s SVP of Global Distribution Sales Andy Berman, who also heads Kid Genius.
“I consider Deb Pierson joining us as a tipping point in major value creation at Genius Brands,” commented Andy Heyward, Chairman and CEO, Genius Brands International. “Her experience and capability, in my opinion, is no less important for the Kid Genius channel as was Geraldine Laybourne to the creation of Nickelodeon, or Betty Cohen to Cartoon Network, or Margaret Loesch (our board member) to the creation of Fox Kids. As we enter into the next generation of kids content distribution systems, I believe Kid Genius is now positioned to become just as impactful and valuable.”
As VP of sales and marketing for Kabillion for several years, Pierson helped launch the Kabillion Kids VOD channel on Comcast, Time Warner and Charter. Responsible for content acquisition, traffic, viewership and monetization of the broadband and cable Kabillion content offerings, Pierson collaborated with MSO distribution partners and also attracted top advertising partners such as General Mills, Lego, Activision and Hasbro to the platform. Pierson also oversaw the creation and launch of the Kabillion GIRLS RULE Channel, launching with over one million unique viewers and creating a new home for Bratz branded content.
Prior to Kabillion, Pierson was VP of specialty merchandise for Neopets, creating an independent retailer L&M strategy and leading the product development, manufacturing, licensing and sales for Neopets’ specialty merchandise division. Pierson has also been key to creating successful marketing campaigns with companies like McDonald’s, Toys ‘R’ Us and Justice Retail. Most recently, Pierson was CEO of Cosmic Toast Studios, working with a talent pool of artists, director and producers to create live-action and animated content for toy companies, networks and brands.
REDCAT, CalArt’s downtown L.A. center for the contemporary arts, will be presenting the 11th annual REDCAT International Children’s Film Festival from Saturday, April 23 to Sunday, May 7, 2016. With three different programs per day, presented over three weekends, the RICFF features an exciting mix of live-action and animated shorts for audiences of all ages hailing from all around the world — and tickets are just $5.
Taking place at the Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater, the programs include:
Explore Galore (April 23, May 1, 12 p.m. & May 7, 3 p.m.) An all-animated selection of wacky, sweet and silly films offering fantastic adventures and a feast for the sense.
Magic Potion (April 23 & 30, 1:30 p.m.) For ages 5 and up, these shorts are full of “abracadabra” moments.
Adventurama (April 23 & 24, 3 p.m.) For ages 7 and up, these shorts take viewers into a journey into the wildest depths of the imagination.
Imagine That (April 24, May 1 & May 7, 1:30 p.m.) For ages 5 and up, peek inside this cinematic cabinet of curiosities and be inspired by the mind-blowing melange of images.
Cuddly Critters (April 24, 30 & May 7, 12 p.m.) For ages 2 and up, take a trip to an animated animal kingdom and meet the creatures — from teensy ants to huge hippos.
Show Me a Story (May 1, 3 p.m.) For ages 7 and up, a variety of genres from the heartfelt to the somewhat spooky come alive in a dreamscape of stop-motion, drawn and painted animation.
To purchase tickets and fine program and film details, click here.
TromaDance Film Festival (now in its 17th year) announces a new, free, independent film festival for 2016: The first ever TROMAnimation Film Festival, taking place at the Lucky 13 Saloon in Brooklyn, NY on April 30. The toon fest is being organized by Gary Trimarchi, animation consultant and curator of the exhibition, and was announced by Troma Entertainment president Lloyd Kaufman – creator of The Toxic Avenger.
TROMAnimation, like TromaDance, requires no submission fee and will be free to attend. Films will be selected from open-genre submissions, with the resulting program to feature over five hours of animation from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, April 30. Any animation that has been or will be submitted to TromaDance will also be considered for TROMAnimation.
Several notable animators are already confirmed for the event, including an “Emmy Award-winning mystery animator” who will give an introduction and open the festivities. Maxwell Atoms will premiere his lost student film, which served as the basis for his series The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy. Atoms and Courage the Cowardly Dog creator John Dilworth will be screening their shorts and hosting a Q&A panel. Popular web animation auteur Jonathan “Ukino Joe” Gran will also be on hand.
TROMAnimation submissions can be sent to cartoon (at) troma (dot) com. The deadline is April 15, 2016, and all genres and techniques are welcome.
