Animation Magazine

Author: Ramin Zahed

  • Karen K. Miller Promoted to VP at Disney Channel

    Karen K. Miller has been promoted to Disney Channels Worldwide’s VP of programming strategy, acquisitions and co-productions. She has been with Disney since 2011.

    In her new position, Miller will continue to be responsible for directing the development of overall scheduling strategies to ensure regional and local programming plans are consistent with global priorities. She also oversees the global acquisitions process, sourcing live action and animated series and movies on a worldwide basis for Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior. In addition, Miller steers co-production opportunities, from creative development and production, for Disney Channels Worldwide, and is Disney Channels’ lead representative at annual TV and entertainment markets.

    “Karen is both strategic and creative and is highly respected for her expertise and unfailing work ethic,” says Paul DeBenedittis, senior VP of programming strategy, Disney Channels Worldwide. “Her leadership greatly contributes to the success of our kids TV business and this well deserved promotion recognizes that fact.”

    Miller previously held the position of Executive Director, Worldwide Programming Strategy, Acquisitions and Co-Productions, and previously Director, Acquisitions and Co-Productions, Disney Channels Worldwide. Before her days at Disney, Miller worked in development, production and distribution for Atlantyca Entertainment and was Animation Associate Producer on Fox’s The Simpsons Movie. Prior to that, she was at Warner Bros., last serving as VP of property acquisitions for consumer products.

    Born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Miller graduated from California State University, Northridge with a degree in Cinema and Television Arts. She is based in Burbank, California, at the headquarters of Disney Channels Worldwide.

    Disney Channel
    Disney Channel
  • MIPTV News: ‘Camp Lakebottom’, ‘Filly’ and ‘Peppa Pig’

    MIPTV News: ‘Camp Lakebottom’, ‘Filly’ and ‘Peppa Pig’

    With only a few days left until the 50th edition of MIPTV market kicks off in Cannes next week, various TV distributors and producers are sending us their news of global TV sales and greenlights.

    Here is our latest wrap-up of pre-MIP news.

     

    Camp Lakebottom
    Camp Lakebottom

    The Mouse Likes Camp Lakebottom: First up, congrats to the team at 9 Story Entertainment’s Camp Lakebottom. The 26x 22’ animated kids series has been sold to Disney XD in the U.S. and to international Disney Channels in the U.K., Ireland, Benelux, Italy, Spain, CEE including Poland, Asia—including Japan, Korean and India, Middle Easter, Turkey, South and Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. The series, produced by 9 Story Entertainment for Teletoon Canada, will also air on ABC (Australia), Super RTL (Germany), Canal + Family (France), Noga (Israel), and Luk International for Spain and Portugal. The high-energy toon is a comedy about 12-year-old prankster McGee, who was headed for an awesome summer at Camp Sunny Smiles when his bus took a wrong turn and landed him at old, run down and ridiculously spooky place!

    Filly
    Filly

    BRB’s Filly Set for a Magical Debut at MIPTV: Spanish producer and distributor BRB Internacional will present the first trailer for its new animated show Filly at the 50th edition of MIPTV next week. Based on the popular brand created by Dracco, the 3D high-def series (26 x 30) centers on the adventures of Rose and her friends as they attend the Magic Royal Academy of Funtasia. The project is created by a team of American scriptwriters (including Sean Derek of The Smurfs, Batman, Zhu Zhu Pets and Pac-Man) who create a new universe of magic and adventure around the Fillys together with Screen 21 and Dracco’s Content Team. The show is set to debut in 2014 around the world.

    Peppa Pig
    Peppa Pig

    Peppa Goes to Discovery: Entertainment One Family (eOne Family) announced today that its popular animated preschool show Peppa Pig will air on Discovery Kids in Latin America. The award-winning pre-school series from animation studio Astley Baker Davies will air three times daily in half hour blocks on Discovery Kids. The channel is supporting the broadcast launch with PR and marketing to help build awareness and drive tune-ins. Peppa will also be included in the extensive promotional activity planned for the relaunch of Discovery Kids. The charming toon is steadily building brand awareness in the U.S. on Nick Jr.. In Canada, Peppa Pig will debut on Corus Entertainment’s Treehouse Channel this month.

  • MAXON Announces New Cinema 4D/After Effects Pipeline

    MAXON Announces New Cinema 4D/After Effects Pipeline

    MAXON has revealed the first step in its strategic alliance with Adobe Systems today, aimed at delivering a new level of integration between its 3D application, CINEMA 4D, and Adobe After Effects. The recently revealed next release of Adobe’s industry leading software will include two MAXON technologies directly within the new Adobe After Effects: CINEWARE and CINEMA 4D Lite.

    CINEWARE: The New Live 3D Pipeline between CINEMA 4D and After Effects, which eliminates intermediate rendering between applications, is made possible by CINEWARE, which establishes a bridge between the two applications. One of the biggest benefits to artists will be seen in a streamlined workflow, enabling them not only to import native CINEMA 4D scenes directly as assets into After Effects but also to utilize CINEMA 4D’s multi-pass workflow as layers. Users will benefit from decreased rendering time because CINEWARE makes CINEMA 4D’s Advanced Rendering Engine available directly inside After Effects. With access to this functionality, rather than having to render every revision, users will now be able to work on CINEMA 4D projects within After Effects and see the changes real time.

    “This pipeline cannot be found anywhere else to this extent, and it will completely change the workflow of artists in the future,” says Harald Egel, MAXON’s co-founder and CEO.

    CINEMA 4D Lite: Also included in the next version of After Effects is a taste of CINEMA 4D’s powerful workflow and toolset. This limited, yet feature-rich version of CINEMA 4D gives artists access to an exceptional selection of the software’s functionality. Since CINEMA 4D Lite launches directly from within After Effects, the availability of a full 3D application is expected to have a significant impact for artists interested in or already incorporating 3D into their After Effects workflow.

    “Now more than ever, our users have been asking for 3D capabilities in After Effects to enhance their motion graphics and/or visual effects projects,” says Steve Forde, senior product manager for After Effects at Adobe. “CINEMA 4D is a ‘go-to’ application for 3D motion graphics. That’s why we have chosen to work closely with MAXON to provide digital artists a fully integrated 3D pipeline that allows them to spend more time to create compelling, rich media,” he adds.

    For more info, visit www.maxon.net.

    MAXON CINEMA 4D
    MAXON CINEMA 4D
  • ‘Angry Birds’ Helps Rovio’s Revenues Double in 2012

    ‘Angry Birds’ Helps Rovio’s Revenues Double in 2012

    Those Angry Birds have must have less stress in their lives now that Finnish videogame developer Rovio has posted a 57% growth in net profits to $71 million in 2012, with revenues doubling last year to $195 million.

    According Rovio, Angry Birds games attracted over 263 million active players in December. The company made 45% of its revenues from its consumer products division, selling merchandise such as plush toys and Angry Birds accessories, with revenues more than tripling last year to $87.8 million.

    Rovio introduced its new Angry Birds animated show on its website last month and a 3-D CG-animated Angry Birds movie is also in the works for 2016, with heavyweights John Cohen (Despicable Me) and David Maisel (former Marvel chairman) signed on as producer and exec producer. Rovio also launched a free online game based on DreamWorks The Croods in conjunction with the film’s release last month.

    Rovio Entertainment
    Rovio Entertainment
  • Disney Jr. Wags Bejuba’s ‘Fuzzy Tales’

    Disney Jr. Wags Bejuba’s ‘Fuzzy Tales’

    Bejuba! Entertainment’s children’s short-form series Fuzzy Tales has landed on Disney Junior in the U.S. Produced by Brain Power Studios in Canada, the pre-school show features live-action animals re-enacting beloved fairy tales in a CGI-hybrid world. The series will begin airing on Disney Channel and Disney Junior in the US beginning this Friday (April 5). Fuzzy Tales is also airing on Disney Australia.

    “We’re delighted that Disney US has come on board. The series has immediately become a fan favorite on the CBC with its fresh storytelling, humor and cuddly animals” says Tatiana Kober of Bejuba! Entertainment, which also handles shows such as The Hive, Jibber Jabber and Stella and Sam.

    The series is the first proprietary property launched by industry veteran Beth Stevenson’s media company Brain Power Studio Inc.

    “We are overwhelmed with the audience’s reactions to Fuzzy Tales,” says Stevenson. “We continue to receive an outpouring from kids and families that are connecting with the characters and the show. It really demonstrates the power of pets and what they bring to our lives.”

    The series takes place in Fuzzy Phil’s Pet Shop. Every afternoon, after the customers have gone, these adorable pets in waiting gather together for their own special story-time. With Gertie the Guinea Pig as Narrator, the animals act out stories to make each other laugh and giggle.

    For more info, visit www.bejuba.com and www.brainpowerstudio.com.

    Fuzzy Tales
    Fuzzy Tales
  • Cartoon Network and Toonz Launch ‘Krrish’ Animated Pics

    Cartoon Network and Toonz Launch ‘Krrish’ Animated Pics

    Bollywood’s popular superhero franchise Krrish has inspired a series of animated features, to be produced by Cartoon Network India, Toonz and Film Kraft. Directed by filmmaker and actor Rakesh Roshan, the deal calls for four animated movies.

    “The Krrish franchise has been very well received by kids across the country and we are certain that they will be enthralled and excited to watch this adaptation of their superhero on Cartoon Network,” said Siddharth Jain, Turner International India’s managing director for South Asia.

    “The animated Krrish franchise are fun films that are guaranteed to be a visual treat with mass appeal. We are thrilled about partnering with the legendary Rakesh Roshan and Cartoon Network,” Toonz Animation India chief executive P Jayakumar told The Hollywood Reporter.

    Roshan explained that the Kirrish 3 movie will be ready for release this November, timed with the Diwali Festival.

    “I wanted to revive the memory of Krrish with children and the newer generation who may not have seen Koi… Mil Gaya or Krrish. I am happy to have collaborated with Turner and Toonz Animation,” said Roshan.

    The animated versions will focus on the childhood adventures of Krishna, who discovers that he can help people and save the world with the special powers bestowed upon him. A series of four movies will be created in the next two years, the first of which, Kid Krrish, will air on Cartoon Network on July 14.

    Krrish
    Krrish
  • Toon Boom to Release Storyboard Pro 4

    Toon Boom to Release Storyboard Pro 4

    Montreal-based animation software powerhouse Toon Boom has announced the arrival of the Storyboard Pro 4 release. After receiving a 2012 Primetime Emmy Engineering Award, Storyboard Pro is now offering a new version that efficiently and elegantly caters to live action, gaming and animation studios alike.

    Now in 64 bit, Storyboard Pro 4 offers the ability to draw directly in the software using bitmap drawing tools. In addition, Storyboard Pro 4 enables users to draw with different styles and textures for full artistic freedom.

    “Storyboard Pro is considered one of the most innovative technologies and enables studios and professionals to keep pre-production under the same roof, resulting in local job creation” says Joan Vogelesang, president and chief executive officer of Toon Boom.

    Among the new release’s features:

    • Bitmap Drawing Tools allow users to draw with different styles and textures for full artistic freedom.
    • 64-bit gives users the freedom to use more of the computer’s resources, and allowing the use of the new bitmap technology.
    • Playback Enhancements ensure a smooth playback through panels.
    • Sequences allow users to organize projects into four divisions: Acts, Sequences, Scenes, and Panels.
    • Integrated 3D Technology enables users to work in a 3D space, import 3D models, and export to FBX.
    • Collaboration tools allow multiple users to work on a project simultaneously.

    Toon Boom Storyboard Pro 4 is now priced at $999. Customers owning Toon Boom Storyboard Pro 2 can upgrade to version 4 for $499. Customers with a valid support and maintenance agreement can upgrade for free.

    Toon Boom will be showcasing Storyboard Pro 4 at MIPTV 2013, Booth C1.09. A cocktail to celebrate the Storyboard Pro 4 launch will be held at the booth on Tuesday, April 9, from 5 pm to 7 pm. To RSVP, visit www.toonboomevents.com.

    For more info, visit www.toonboom.com/storyboardpro/.

    Storyboard Pro 4
    Storyboard Pro 4
  • New ‘Smurfs’ DVD Set for July 16 Release

    New ‘Smurfs’ DVD Set for July 16 Release

    Warner Bros. Home Entertainment announced plans to release a new DVD collection The Smurfs: Smurfs to the Rescue! On July 16, 2013. Fans can enjoy Smurf favorites Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Jokey, Handy, Clumsy, Dreamy and others in a set of six adventures from the classic Hanna-Barbera Saturday morning cartoon series. The Smurfs: Smurfs to the Rescue! will retail for $14.97. The DVD will include the following episodes:

    1. The Goblin of Boulder Woods
    2. Sideshow Smurf
    3. The Three Smurfketeers
    4. It Came from Outer Smurf
    5. One Good Smurf Deserves Another
    6. The Sky is Smurfing, the Sky is Smurfing

    Produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions, The Smurfs originally premiered as part of NBC’s Saturday morning programming lineup. The Emmy-nominated series ran for nine seasons on NBC earning a 42% share of the U.S. Saturday morning audience.

    The Smurfs: Smurfs to the Rescue!
    The Smurfs: Smurfs to the Rescue!
  • CTN Plans a Special Road Trip in April

    CTN Plans a Special Road Trip in April

    If you can’t wait until November for the Creative Talent Network’s big expo at the Burbank Hilton, you’re in luck. Tireless CTN organizer Tina Price and her team are hosting a special free outdoor weekend event featuring many of the artists in the animation community in downtown Burbank (On S. San Fernando Road, between Oliver and Verdugo) Saturday April 13 and Sunday April 14 from 10 AM until 5 PM. Held in association with the Burbank Arts Festival, this casual, free event will offer a great opportunity to meet artists, buy art books and original artwork and receive critiques of your work from respected professionals in the community.

    You can just show up at the event or sign up at www.ctnanimationroadtrip.eventbrite.com/ where you’ll be automatically entered into the Road Trip Raffle. To be eligible to win you must both sign up online and then stop by the Creative Talent Network booth and fill out a ROAD TRIP RAFFLE card and drop it in the raffle box!

    Some of the exhibitors include Chris Ayers, Brett Bean, Sue Blanchard, CTN, CGMA Online Education, David Colman, Dominick Domingo, Arthur Fong, Mike Kunkel, LA Film School, Chris Oatley ,Los Angeles Society of Illustrators, Stuart Ng Books, Guy Vasilovich, Virtual Animators, Ed Wexler, Woodbury University and Dean Yeagle. For a complete list and to get more information, visit www.creativetalentnetwork.com/roadtrip_burbank/index.html.

    CTN Animation Road Trip
    CTN Animation Road Trip

  • Puppeteer, Philanthropist Jane Henson Dies at 78

    The Muppets co-creator and philanthropist Jane Henson, the widow of the beloved Jim Henson, died Tuesday after a long battle with cancer. She was 78. Born in Queens, New York, Jane Nebel met Henson while they were both attending a puppetry class at the Univ. of Maryland in 1954. Together they created and performed the earlier versions of the Muppets for the TV show Sam and Friends and made their national TV debut on The Tonight Show with Steve Allen.

    Jane married Henson in 1958 and had five children. They separated in 1968 but continued to share their vision for the Muppets. She pursued her fine arts studies at Catholic University in Washington, D.C. and became an art teacher at the Mead School for Human Development. However, she continued to participate in various Henson projects including Sesame Street Live and Muppet Show on Tour.

    Mrs. Henson was also a board member of the Jim Henson Foundation, which was started by Jim Henson in 1982 to develop the art of puppetry and is now headed by daughter Cheryl Henson. She also co-founded the National Puppetry Conference at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center. She donated the original Kermit the Frog and nine of her late husband’s puppets from Sam and Friends to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in 2000.

    Jane Nebel Henson was always modest about her own contribution to the creation and success of the Muppets, and would often speak to the public about Jim Henson’s body of work and how “Jim wanted to leave the world a better place.” As Arthur Novell, the Trustee of The Jim Henson Legacy points out, “most would agree they both did.”

    A tribute page celebrating Jane and featuring images from her life can be found at www.henson.com/jane.html. A memorial mass is planned for next week. Donations may be sent in memory of Jane Henson to the following:

    Center for Puppetry Arts: www.puppet.org/contribute/donation.shtml

    The Jim Henson Foundation for the support of puppetry: www.hensonfoundation.org

    The Puppetry Conference at the Eugene O’Neill Memorial Theater Center: www.theoneill.org

    Jim and Jane Henson
    Jim and Jane Henson
  • MIPTV News: Foothill, Rainbow and Vodka

    MIPTV News: Foothill, Rainbow and Vodka

    Santa Barbara-based Foothill Entertainment will bring the acclaimed new CG-animated series Boy and the Dinosaur from 1461 Limited and Studio Liddel to the MIPTV market this month. The charming show ranked third on the most-viewed projects lists at MIP Junior and has attracted interest from several major broadcasters worldwide. More announcements about the show will be made at the market.
     

    Boy and the Dinosaur
    Boy and the Dinosaur

    “What began as a short student film that premiered at MIPJunior several years ago, has blossomed into something incredible,” says Jo Kavanagh-Payne, Foothill president. “The series has been painstakingly developed by 1461 Limited and its brilliant creative and production team, and we are proud to be part of its growth.”

    The series will be written, animated, composed and produced by a multi-BAFTA award-winning UK team, including director Paul Couvela (Bob the Builder, Chuggington), producer David Bunting (Shaun the Sheep, The Tigger Movie) and writer Davey Moore (Octonauts, Thomas & Friends, Rastamouse). The series follows the adventures of a young boy and his extraordinary best friend, Dinosaur. It blends strong visual storytelling and broad, physical comedy with plenty of original music and a simple educational philosophy that resonates on a global basis. Delivery date is April 2014.

    Mia and Me
    Mia and Me

    Italian producer and distributor Rainbow will be taking the sixth season of Winx Club and Season two of Mia and Me to the MIPTV market in France this month. The new episodes of the CG-animated Winx Club will debut on Nickelodeon worldwide in spring of 2014. Rainbow also announced that SBT (Brazil), Disney Spain, Okto (Singapore) and NTV7 (Malaysia) have all  recently acquired season five and theatrical features of Winx Club. Meanwhile, the liveaction-CG-animated hybrid children’s show Mia and Me was picked up by Clan TVE (Spain), RTBF (Belgium) and Televisa (Mexico) and Chello (Central Europe) has signed a deal fort he studio’s action show Huntik.

    Bugsted
    Bugsted

    German broadcaster SUPER RTL has acquired licensing rights for Vokda’s animated multiplatform series Bugsted in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Aimed at 8-12 year olds, BUGSTED will be available as a 13 x 1’ mini-series, a gaming-app for iPhone, iPad and Android, and collectible action figures. The inspired, fast-paced toon follows the escapades of a group of mutated bugs from the Moon that accidentally wind up on Earth. Their mission to return home is thrown off course by all kinds of imaginary moons: a headlamp, a disco ball. Vodka’s previous big toon project Jelly Jamm is currently broadcast in over 150 countries in 18 languages.

  • Hurley Named Technicolor’s Animation Creative Director

    Owen Hurley has been named the new creative director of Technicolor’s Animation and Games group. Hurley will be based at Technicolor Digital Productions’ animation studio in Bangalore, India where he will oversee creative development. He will oversee the artistic and creative expertise of Technicolor’s studio in India and executing on its clients’ visions. He will also support the group’s original content development business. Reporting to the management team in Los Angeles, he will have oversight of the creative workflow among the various departments and the implementation of innovative solutions for the studio’s productions. He recently produced and directed Barbie in the Pink Shoes production for Mattel.

    “Owen will be an invaluable member of our creative management team,” said Robert Winthrop, head of animation and games for Technicolor Digital Productions, “His wealth of production experience across a multitude of formats and genres, combined with his extensive leadership and project management skills, will serve to grow Technicolor’s Animation and Games unit by ensuring that our studio continues to surpass our clients’ creative and qualitative expectations.”

    “I’ve enjoyed working with the Technicolor Animation and Games team in both Los Angeles and India,” added Hurley. “This group of talented and hard-working artists share my work ethic and commitment to innovative, high-quality animation. I’m excited to make the move to India and look forward to leading the continued growth of this flourishing animation studio.”

    Prior to working with Technicolor, Hurley served as director of animation and cinematics with Vancouver-based Relic Entertainment from 2005 through 2010. He also directed episodes of Beast Wars, ReBoot, War Planets and Weird-Ohs as well as the world’s first computer animated direct-to-DVD movie, Casper’s Haunted Christmas during his time at Mainframe. Hurley directed the video debut of Barbie in 2001 with Barbie in The Nutcracker for Mattel Entertainment and went on to helm Barbie as Rapunzel and Barbie of Swan Lake as well.

    Technicolor
    Technicolor
  • ‘Finding Nemo’ Sequel Gets Name and Release Date

    ‘Finding Nemo’ Sequel Gets Name and Release Date

    Disney and Pixar announced today that the much anticipated sequel to the 2003 Oscar-winning feature Finding Nemo will be released on Nov. 25, 2015. The new pic, which will be directed by Andrew Stanton and feature Ellen DeGeneres reprising her role as the friendly and forgetful blue tang fish will be titled Finding Dory.

    “I have waited for this day for a long, long, long, long, long, long time,” said DeGeneres. “I’m not mad it took this long. I know the people at Pixar were busy creating Toy Story 16. But the time they took was worth it. The script is fantastic. And it has everything I loved about the first one: It’s got a lot of heart, it’s really funny, and the best part is—it’s got a lot more Dory.”

    Director and Pixar veteran Andrew Stanton takes audiences back to the extraordinary underwater world created in the original film.

    “There is no Dory without Ellen,” said Stanton. “She won the hearts of moviegoers all over the world—not to mention our team here at Pixar. One thing we couldn’t stop thinking about was why she was all alone in the ocean on the day she met Marlin. In Finding Dory, she will be reunited with her loved ones, learning a few things about the meaning of family along the way.”

    Finding Dory takes place about a year after the first film, and features returning favorites Marlin, Nemo and the Tank Gang, among others. Set in part along the California coastline, the story also welcomes a host of new characters, including a few who will prove to be a very important part of Dory’s life.

    Finding Nemo won the 2003 Oscar for Best Animated Feature; the film was nominated for three additional Oscars (Best Writing, Original Screenplay; Best Music, Original Score; Best Sound Editing). In 2008, the American Film Institute named Finding Nemo among the top 10 greatest animated films ever made. At the time of its release, Finding Nemo was the highest grossing G-rated movie of all time. It’s currently the fourth highest grossing animated film worldwide. The film has more than 16 million Likes on Facebook, and Dory—with more than 24 million—is the most Liked individual character from a Disney or Disney-Pixar film.

    Finding Nemo
    Finding Nemo

  • Laurence Fishburne Joins Cast of Triggerfish’s ‘Khumba’

    South African animation studio Triggerfish announced today that Laurence Fishburne has joined the voice cast of its upcoming 3D animated pic Khumba as the lead character’s father, Seko. The impressive voice cast also includes Liam Neeson, AnnaSophia Robb, Jake T. Austin, Loretta Devine and Richard E. Grant.

    Khumba tells the story of a half-striped Zebra (Austin) who is blamed for the drought by his superstitious herd. He leaves his home in search of the magic waterhole where legend has it, the first Zebras got their stripes. Teaming up with an overprotective, sassy wildebeest (Devine) and a self-obsessed ostrich (Grant), this plucky young zebra meets an array of wacky characters in an unforgettable adventure through the Great Karoo to earn his stripes.

    The original story was penned by Triggerfish writers Raffaella Delle Donne and Anthony Silverston in consultation with Jonathan Roberts, co-writer of The Lion King. Silverston is also directing the pic. Stuart Forrest of Triggerfish Animation Studios (Zambezia) produced the feature. The film is represented internationally by Edward Noeltner’s Cinema Management Group. Millennium Entertainment will release the film in the U.S. later this year.

    “Fishburne’s performance as Seko was terrific,” says CMG head Edward Noeltner. “His powerful voice and amazing acting talents really show off in his role as Khumba’s father and we are honored to have him on board as our newest voice cast member. We’ll be adding the final voice cast members before the film screens in Cannes.”

    Stuart Forrest, CEO of Triggerfish Animation, adds “It’s great to be able to work with professional actors of this caliber – Fishburne’s acting brought a depth into the animated character and we’re thrilled with the results.”

    Based in Cape Town, Triggerfish Animation is the studio behind last year’s family pic Adventures in Zambezia. The film is billed as South Africa’s biggest box office hit of the past 30 years.

    Khumba
    Khumba
  • Marvel Releases 10-Disc Phase One Collection

    Marvel Releases 10-Disc Phase One Collection

    Marvel fans got a big home entertainment gift today (April 2) as the 10-disc, six-movie collection Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One Collection – Avengers Assembled arrived in stores.

    Complete with glowing Tesseract, this exciting collection includes stunning Blu-ray 3D and regular Blu-ray presentations of Marvel’s The Avengers, Captain America: The First Avenger and Thor as well as Blu-ray versions of Iron Man, Iron Man 2 and The Incredible Hulk in exclusive collectible packaging.

    Fans will also be granted special access to S.H.I.E.L.D.’s most confidential archives, including a top-secret Bonus Disc filled with never-before-seen deleted scenes, extended scenes, featurettes and more.  This collectors’ dream package also features exclusive memorabilia (prop reproductions and artifacts) from the motion pictures. Bonus material also includes an exclusive indie look at the upcoming Iron Man 3 and other films from Phase Two of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The suggested retail price is $219 in the U.S. and $239 in Canada. (We found it on amazon for about $150!).

    For more information, visit  www.AvengersAssembled.com.

    You can also check out this special preview:

    Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One Collection - Avengers Assembled
    Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One Collection – Avengers Assembled
  • VFX House Pixomondo Ankles Film VFX Business

    VFX House Pixomondo Ankles Film VFX Business

    The 2013 VFX nightmare scenario continued today with news that Pixomondo is shutting its Shanghai office and abandoning its film business work, per TheWrap.com. The studio’s founder Thilo Kuther told the website that it just laid off about 20 animators and artists in its Shanghai office, following closures of its London and Detroit offices. About 12 employees were relocated to the Beijing office.

    Kuther told TheWrap that his company will be taking its business away from feature work and focusing on design and conceptual work. He emphasized that Pixomondo was not near bankruptcy and it’s not shutting down. With about 850 employees in about 12 cities around the world, about 30% of Pixomondo’s revenues came from Hollywood animation and vfx features.

    In between come continual reports of layoffs, cutbacks and shutdowns elsewhere, largely due to movie studios finding cheaper labor abroad and moving productions constantly to chase global tax incentives.

    “I believe in the philosophy that every seven years your company has to reinvent itself,” he told The Wrap. “For two to three years you build up, five years you run your business, and six to eight you come up with a new idea and the business has to adapt….I’m not related to that R&H story. I never opened a place because of rebates — not really,” he said. “If I open an office in London, I’m not looking for L.A.”

    Last Friday, Bay area shop Tippett Studio also laid off about 50 employees, or 40 percent of its workforce. Also last week, a federal bankruptcy judge approved the sale of Rhythm & Hues, the Oscar-winning visual effects company that recently filed for bankruptcy protection, to an affiliate of Prana Studios, a Los Angeles and India-based animation and effects company. The sale was valued at about $30 million.

    Pixomondo
    Pixomondo
  • Shows & Parade Planned for L.A. Puppet Festival

    Shows & Parade Planned for L.A. Puppet Festival

    If you happen to enjoy puppetry as an art form, then you’ll be happy to know that April is the official month of the L.A. Puppet Fest. This citywide celebration will bring together a wide variety of events, shows, exhibits and classes for all ages, April 2nd through the 28th. Among this year’s participants are: Automata; Bali & Beyond; Bob Baker Marionette Theater; Grand Performances; International Puppetry Museum; Leslie K. Gray and Mercado La Paloma; Los Angeles Guild of Puppetry and Handmade Puppet Dreams; Million Puppet March; Puppet School; Rogue Artists Ensemble; Skirball Cultural Center; and UCB Theatre.

    “The Los Angeles region is home to an eclectic world-class history of innovative puppetry arts; and we are still growing as a dynamic center for creative entrepreneurs, superb companies and presenting venues that embrace or specialize in puppetry arts,” says Joe Smoke, L.A’s director of cultural grant programs.

    For more information, you can visit the L.A. Puppet Fest website at www.LAPuppetFest.com. Events range from Free to $25 per person and may have age recommendations.

    Among the highlights: “La,La, La, LA: A Puppet Musical” at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater kicks off the festivities on Tuesday, April 2 at 9:30  p.m. Then, on Sunday, April 7, fans can enjoy a whole day of puppet programming at The Skirball Cultural Center (10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) The Bob Baker Marionette Theater will present “Pulling Strings & Funny Things” on Saturday, April 13 at 8 p.m. The Los Angeles Guild of Puppetry and Handmade Puppet Dreams will offer “Awesome Puppet Films & Filmmakers” on Tuesday, April 23, at 8 p.m. at Barnsdall Gallery Theater in Hollywood.

    Of course, the piece de resistence may very well be L.A.’s largest puppet parade and closing ceremonies scheduled for Sunday, April 28, beginning at 10 a.m. You can check out the awesome parade organized by Michael Bellavia and his famous Million Puppet March, at 11 a.m. at the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica. (For more info, visit www.millionpuppetmarch.com). The Puppet Parade Grand Marshall is Alan Cook, the founder of the International Puppetry Museum in Pasadena, who will be recognized at the Closing Ceremonies immediately following the parade.

    Million Puppet March
    Million Puppet March
  • ‘Geronimo Stilton’ Catches More Global Buyers

    ‘Geronimo Stilton’ Catches More Global Buyers

    Italy-based children’s entertainment house Atlantyca Entertainment announced new global sales for its animated series Geronimo Stilton in advance of the MIPTV market this month. Canal Panda (Portugal) acquired season 1, 2, and also season 3 which is currently in production. Additional sales include season 1 and 2 DVD rights to Polyband (Germany) with TV D-Smart (Turkey) picking-up rights for season 2.

    Inspired by the popular book series of the same name, Geronimo Stilton is a co-production between Atlantyca Entertainment and France’s Moonsoop. The charming 2D toon focuses on the life and adventures of the super famous mouse journalist, and head of the Geronimo Stilton Media Group. The third season will encompass even more friends, old and new, who get involved in new journeys set in a background of distinctive locations.

    Geronimo Stilton the animated series first season launched in September 2009 on Rai 2, with season two launching in October 2011. The series is currently being broadcast in over 100 territories. For more info, visit www.geronimostilton.com and www.atlantyca.com.

    Geronimo Stilton
    Geronimo Stilton
  • Toei Unveils New Seasons of ‘Saint Seiya’ and ‘Driland’

    Toei Unveils New Seasons of ‘Saint Seiya’ and ‘Driland’

    New seasons of Toei Animation’s top properties, Saint Seiya Ω (Omega) and Driland will debut internationally at MIPTV 2013 according to Hiroyuki Kinoshita, Toei Animation’s managing director.

    Previously available only inside of Japan, the debut of these new seasons are a response to high international demand. Saint Seiya Ω, the latest iteration of the long-running property launches season two. At the same time, Driland is entering into its second season as well.

    Saint Seiya, one of Japan’s most popular and longest running anime series, has captivated audiences for over 20 years with its epic storylines, intense action and dazzling imagery. Based on the popular manga by Masami Kurumada, which was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine from 1985, Saint Seiya is a timeless masterpiece following the adventures of a group of youths clad in “Cloth,” a mystical armor.

    Driland brings the popular mobile game’s enigmatic storyline to life by following the ongoing adventures of the game’s main characters, Princess Davina and her band of heroes – Milo the caretaker, Horace the hunter and Ryan, the wandering knight.  Embarking on a quest to search for the most revered treasure throughout Driland, they come across mysterious monsters and discover a cloud of evil making its way across the land, threatening its very existence. What does fate have in store for them as Davina and her friends fight against the impending crisis?

    “We are delighted to announce the global availability of Saint Seiya Ω and Driland,” said Kinoshita. “The worldwide embrace of these series conveys Toei’s ongoing commitment to programming that speaks to audiences on an international level.”

    Saint Seiya Ω (Omega)
    Saint Seiya Ω (Omega)
    Driland
    Driland
  • Threadless Community Launches ‘Regular Show’ Contest

    Threadless Community Launches ‘Regular Show’ Contest

    The global online design community at threadless.com is kicking off a new contest which invites artists to re-imaging the world of Cartoon Network’s hit animated series Regular Show. The new design challenge will give artists three weeks to submit their original designs based on the popular animated show. The approved submissions will be voted on by the Threadless global community of 2.4 million members through April 29th. The winning designs will be printed as graphic t-shirts and sold exclusively on www.threadless.com.

    Cartoon Network Enterprises, the licensing and merchandising arm of the network, and Threadless previously combined efforts for a successful Adventure Time design challenge in 2011. The winning designs have been Threadless fan favorites ever since.

    Debuting in September of 2010, Regular Show follows the day-to-day adventures of best buds Mordecai and Rigby, a blue jay and a raccoon who often get mixed up in over-the-top predicaments while avoiding their jobs as groundskeepers of a park. With the tagline “It’s anything but,” Regular Show’s off-the-wall humor and goofy characters fit perfectly with Threadless’ creative community of graphic artists.

    The winning design from the challenge will receive $2,500 cash, a $500 Threadless gift certificate, and a Cartoon Network prize pack stuffed with Regular Show goodies. For more information about the challenge, including submission guidelines and more about Regular Show, visit www.threadless.com/regularshow.

    Regular Show
    Regular Show