Animation Magazine

Tag: featured

  • Adult Swim Bites into New Animated Originals ‘Royal Crackers’ & ‘Smiling Friends’

    Adult Swim Bites into New Animated Originals ‘Royal Crackers’ & ‘Smiling Friends’

    Adult Swim, the leader in adult animation and #1 destination for young adults, today announced two all-new original series from creators Jason Ruiz, Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel. Royal Crackers, Ruiz’s (Murder Police) first project with the network, will introduce fans to the cracker dynasty Hornsby family in a new half-hour comedy series. Cusack (YOLO: Crystal Fantasy), is partnering again with Adult Swim alongside Hadel (Hellbenders) on Smiling Friends, a whole new take on self-help.

    In Smiling Friends, Smiling Friends Inc. is there to lend a helping hand to any city inhabitant who calls their hotline with their troubling situation. No matter how absurd, the folks at Smiling Friends will send its representatives — cynical Charlie and star employee Pim — to save the day. Smiling Friends is a quarter-hour animated series created, written and produced by Cusack and Hadel and will premiere on Adult Swim later this year.

    The pilot for Smiling Friends originally aired during Adult Swim’s 2019 April Fool’s Day stunt to massive fan reaction. On Adult Swim digital platforms, the pilot has generated 1.3 million views and is the #1 most-watched episode on AdultSwim.com since its release. Cusack’s first show with Adult Swim, YOLO: Crystal Fantasy regularly won the half-hour across ad-supported cable among all adult demos. Additionally, it beat the key late-night competition by mostly double and triple digits among young adult demos.

    Royal Crackers is a half-hour animated series that follows two brothers: Stebe, a family man with a wife and child; and Theo Jr., a single bass guitar player trying to relive his glory days. Together they live in their comatose father’s house waiting for him to die (he never does) so they can inherit his cracker company empire. Royal Crackers is created by Ruiz, who also serves as executive producer along with Seth Cohen. The series is produced by Titmouse and will premiere on Adult Swim in 2022.

    Ruiz first started creating web animation at 12 years old and was the first writer to emerge from the Fox/20th Joint Inkubation Program with a completed pilot. He was also listed in The New York Times as one of five rising animators to watch, which also included Rebecca Sugar and Justin Roiland. Ruiz previously created and developed original animated content for Super Deluxe and Fox.

    Royal Crackers
    Royal Crackers
  • ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ Swoops to HBO Max & Cartoon Network

    ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ Swoops to HBO Max & Cartoon Network

    HBO Max and Cartoon Network have greenlit a straight to series order for Batman: Caped Crusader, an all-new animated series and reimagining of the Batman mythology through the visionary lens of executive producers Bruce Timm, J.J. Abrams and Matt Reeves and produced by Warner Bros. Animation (WBA), Bad Robot Productions and 6th & Idaho.

    The news was announced today by Tom Ascheim, President, Warner Bros. Global Kids, Young Adults and Classics (GKYAC) and Sam Register, President, Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) and Cartoon Network Studios (CNS).

    “It is always fun to feed the insatiable appetite fans have for all things Batman,” said Ascheim. “Batman: Caped Crusader will entertain first time and die-hard fans alike and, with such an impressive creative team in place, we know we have another future Batman classic in the making.”

    Batman: Caped Crusader represents Timm’s return to the iconic DC character in animated episodic television, which began with the Emmy Award-winning Batman: The Animated Series. Praised by many to be the gold standard of animated superhero storytelling, Batman: The Animated Series is considered one of the best depictions of the Dark Knight in any medium.

    Now, nearly 30 years since the series premiered, Timm once again takes on the mantle of the Bat alongside two of the most acclaimed filmmakers in the industry: J.J. Abrams and Matt Reeves. Utilizing state-of-the-art animation techniques and technologies available, this powerful creative partnership will once again reinvent Batman and his iconic rogue’s gallery with sophisticated storytelling, nuanced characters and intense action sequences all set in a visually striking world.

    “Batman: The Animated Series was a masterpiece that shaped the perception of the character for an entire generation of fans,” noted Register. “It is in that spirit that we are bringing together three master storytellers in J.J., Matt and Bruce – each with their own intuitive understanding and affection for the character – to create a new series that will continue in the same groundbreaking legacy.”

    Executive producers Timm, Abrams and Reeves commented: “We are beyond excited to be working together to bring this character back, to tell engrossing new stories in Gotham City. The series will be thrilling, cinematic and evocative of Batman’s noir roots, while diving deeper into the psychology of these iconic characters. We cannot wait to share this new world.”

    Having already brought explosive new stories from the Star Trek and Star Wars universes to the big screen, two-time Emmy winner Abrams is now tackling the DC fandom as producer on Zatanna and an untitled Superman movie written by Ta-Nehisi Coates, and as exec producer of Justice League Dark, all with Warner Bros. through his Bad Robot banner.

    Reeves (Cloverfield, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, War for the Planet of the Apes) is also becoming immersed in the world of Gotham’s cowled vigilante as the writer, director and producer on Warner Bros.’ upcoming The Batman feature film reboot, now in post-production. His 6th & Idaho prodco, co-founded with EVP Adam Kassam and Director of Development Rafi Crohn, is under an overall deal with Warner Bros. Television.

    Batman: Caped Crusader
    Batman: Caped Crusader
  • Adult Swim Launches Digital Short Spinoffs of ‘Rick and Morty,’ ‘Your Pretty Face Is Going to Hell,’ ‘Robot Chicken’ & ‘Aqua Teen Hunger Force’

    Adult Swim Launches Digital Short Spinoffs of ‘Rick and Morty,’ ‘Your Pretty Face Is Going to Hell,’ ‘Robot Chicken’ & ‘Aqua Teen Hunger Force’

    Adult Swim, the leader in adult animation and #1 destination for young adults, announced today they are expanding their creative portfolio with the production of four all-new digital short series based on breakout characters from or inspired by the network’s hit shows Rick and Morty, Your Pretty Face Is Going to Hell, Robot Chicken and Aqua Teen Hunger Force. Each mini spin-off series of 8-10 episodes will be available across digital platforms, globally.

    “We see it as our mission to put something hilarious within a fingers’ swipe of anyone on the planet,” said Michael Ouweleen, President of Adult Swim. “These shorts are a way to meet the next generation of Adult Swim fans where they are, while giving our creators another format to play in and innovate around.”

    Each digital short series will highlight minor characters that have previously appeared in or been inspired by fan-favorite series and create new worlds with them as the stars. Fans will go on missions with The Vindicators, catch up with the Aqua Teen villains, have fun with the demons in hell and explore the life of Alabama Jackson, a character invented at a Robot Chicken San Diego Comic Con panel by actor Donald Faison.

    The Vindicators: Answer the Vindibeacon and join your old pals Supernova, Vance Maxiumus, Alan Rails, Crocubot and Noob Noob as they fight crime, avert genocides, and yuk it up without Rick and Morty. The Vindicators is executive produced by Erica Rosbe, Sarah Carbiener, Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland.

    “We are thrilled to work in the Rick and Morty universe again, and these shorts are an incredible opportunity to explore what happens in the aftermath of the Vindicators saving (or destroying) worlds,” said EPs Carbiener and Rosbe, both producers on Homecoming and You’re the Worst and story editors on Rick and Morty. “We’re so excited to show how this team of superheroes is plenty dysfunctional whether Rick’s around to have half of them murdered or not.”

    Actor/creator Donald Faison embodies the character of Alabama Jackson for the first time at San Diego Comic-Con.
    Actor/creator Donald Faison embodies the character of Alabama Jackson for the first time at San Diego Comic-Con.

    Alabama Jackson: Donald Faison is Alabama Jackson, a smooth-talking time traveler who lands in exactly the wrong place at the wrong time, every time. If he can survive the past long enough to get back to the present, he just might find something he wasn’t looking for — himself. Alabama Jackson is a hilarious action-packed stop-motion animated series created by Faison and produced by Stoopid Buddy Stoodios.

    “It’s been my dream to create something with stop-motion animation ever since Seth Green showed me clips of this crazy sketch show he was working on where the stars were the toys I grew up playing with,” said Faison (Robot Chicken, Blark and Son). “For it to come full circle and for my show to be made with this same team of artists only makes me more excited to explore the stories of Alabama Jackson!”

    Aquadonk Side Pieces: The long-awaited continuation of the beloved Adult Swim animated series Aqua Teen Hunger Force, where fans will be bestowed with the gift of learning what happens in the later lives of various side characters and villains such as The Mooninites, The Plutonians, MC Pee Pants, The Frat Aliens, Happy Time Harry, Handbanana and The Cybernetic Ghost of Christmas Past. Aquadonk Side Pieces was created by original series creators Matt Maiellaro and Dave Willis. The new series will premiere later this year.

    Your Pretty Face Is Going to Hell: The Animated Series: Hell is eternal, and so is the beloved Emmy-nominated cult show Your Pretty Face Is Going to Hell as it returns for a fifth season, this time in animated internet shorts. Cruel boss Satan (Matt Servitto), bumbling demon Gary (Henry Zebrowski), and all your other favorites return in America’s beloved workplace comedy set in hell. Expect more laughs, more gore, and maybe a talking animal. Seems like it’s a cartoon they should add a talking animal. Maybe a fish? A Williams Street production, the show is created by Casper Kelly and Dave Willis.

    “We are thrilled to expand the Pretty Face universe into animation, especially since it will be animators sweating over their Cintiqs (alt. drawing tablets?) rather than us sweating in a humid Georgia August swamp battling mosquitoes while covered in red make-up,” said the Your Pretty Face creators Willis and Kelly. “We just hope the bosses will let us release the 10-hour Snyder cut of Your Pretty Face Is Going to Hell: The Animated Series.”

  • Toonbox Launches NFT-Financed Animated Series ‘Take My Muffin’

    Toonbox Launches NFT-Financed Animated Series ‘Take My Muffin’

    Toonbox Studios announces it became the first animation shop to launch an NFT campaign to finance an animated series last month, when the global fan community was introduced to Take My Muffin — a 30 x 22′ series aimed at teens and adults, ages 16+.

    Take My Muffin tells the tale of Korney, a unicorn who wakes up after a car crash with total memory loss. Not only that but some really, really bad guys are trying to kill him… But hang on, there’s some good news, too: Korney has the super-ability to spontaneously produce genius startup ideas. And an eccentric sleazy entrepreneur named Rok has the “medicine” Korney needs to get his memory back… if Korney will work on Rok’s team that is. Who could say no to that!?

    The series is set in an acid-trip version of Palo Alto, where robots live next door to dragons and walking potatoes while investors pump their money into developing psychedelic boogers and cross-species genital adaptors. And that’s just the nut-crusted top of the effin’ muffin…

    After three years of development, Toonbox decided to finance the series with cryptocurrency because it seemed like the only proper way to make a show that revolves around crypto, ICO, neural networks, startups, drones, mobile apps and so much other stuff that fills today’s world.

    Investors can participate at a variety of levels: small investing by acquiring NFT-tokens (minted at Rarible) and general investing by acquiring TMM-tokens with Ethereum cryptocurrency.

    The show was created and is being produced by Toonbox Studio. The studio, with headquarters in Cyprus, utilizes a decentralized team of writers, animators, actors and composers in the U.S., India, Russia, Cyprus, Serbia, Canada, Belarus and Ukraine to create its internationally broadcast productions. Toonbox has been a producer of international animated series since 2008. Their shows include Qumi Qumi, Kit^n^Kate, and the YouTube cult phenomenon, Mr. Freeman.

    Learn more about Take My Muffin and the NFT funding campaign launched April 19 at https://tmm.world/. Follow project updates on Twitter.

    Toonbox has been developing, producing and distributing original animated series and short films since 2008, and has created more than 440 episodes which have aired around the world. The studio’s shows have been broadcasted in more than 130 countries in 29 languages, and have racked up more than 3.5 billion views on YouTube alone.

    https://toonbox.studio

  • 25th Webby Awards Animation Winners

    25th Webby Awards Animation Winners

    Winners for The 25th Annual Webby Awards were announced on Tuesday, May 18, culminating with an online celebration hosted by actress, advocate and host Jameela Jamil.

    The Webby Awards received nearly 13,500 entries from 50 states and 70 countries worldwide this year. From the thousands of global entries submitted, fewer than 10% were selected as Nominees. The organizations earning the highest number of nominations this year include Google (22), HBO (20), Comedy Central (19), Condé Nast (16), National Geographic (13), Spotify (14), CNN (11), ViacomCBS (11), Vox Media (10) The Washington Post (9), Disney (9), Netflix (9), Annapurna Interactive (8), FRONTLINE (7), ABC News (7), BBC (6), Crooked Media (6), Tastemade (4), NPR (4), MTV (4) and Apple (4).

    The Awards honor achievements across dozens of categories, so here’s a quick run down of the 2021 animation, VFX and gaming winners. You can find all the winners online.

    Frank Sinatra 'Let It Snow! Let It Snow!' (Official Music Video)
    Frank Sinatra ‘Let It Snow! Let It Snow!‘ (Official Music Video)

    Video

    Animation Video:

    • Webby Winner: Frank Sinatra ‘Let It Snow! Let It Snow!’ (Official Music Video) | Legacy Recordings
    • People’s Voice Winner: Dua Lipa ‘Hallucinate’ | The Mill
    • Miquela ‘Speak Up’ | Brud
    • Right Now | Giant Ant
    • Where Do the Children Play? | Black Dog Films

    Animation (Branded):

    • Webby Winner: #wombstories | AMVBBDO
    • People’s Voice Winner: It’s Time to Assemble | RSA Films
    • HBO Backstories: Watchmen | Wieden+Kennedy
    • The Crossover: Earl “The Pearl” Monroe | Squarespace
    • World of Warcraft: Shadowlands | Blizzard Ent.
    #wombstories
    #wombstories

    Animation (Series & Channels):

    • Webby Winner: Life After | CNN
    • People’s Voice Winner: Countdown to Destruction | Mini Estudio
    • History of White People in America | WORLD Channel, Independent Lens and Room 608
    • Tales from the Trip | Comedy Central Digital
    • The Gene Explained: For Those without Microscopes | Baker & Hill / WETA

    Advertising, Media & PR

    Best Use of Animation or Motion Graphics:

    • Webby Winner: #wombstories | AMVBBDO
    • People’s Voice Winner: #EdgarsChristmas | Jung von Matt Donau GmbH
    • Destiny 2: Beyond Light – Reveal Trailer | The Mill
    • Gif a Little Love | Critical Mass
    • The Fight for Fair | Havas Chicago
    #EdgarsChristmas
    #EdgarsChristmas

    Apps and Software

    Entertainment:

    • Webby Winner: HBO Max
    • People’s Voice Winner: TV Tim
    • Ghosted: Love Gone Missing | Unrd
    • Reelgood Streaming Guide
    • The Star Wars App | Disney

    Family & Kids

    • Webby Winner: Duolingo ABC
    • PBS KIDS Video App
    • RakugariAR | Whatever Inc.
    • The Cat in the Hat Invents | Random House
    • WWF Amazing Planet | Kids Industries
    The Last of Us Part II
    The Last of Us Part II

    Games

    Adventure:

    • Webby & People’s Voice Winner: The Last of Us Part II | Naughty Dog
    • Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery | Jam City
    • Tohu | Fireart Games
    • The Pathless | Annapurna Interactive
    • Visage | SadSquare Studio Inc.

    Family & Kids:

    • Webby Winner: Story Time Chess | Thinking Cup Games
    • People’s Voice Winner: PBS KIDS Games App
    • Adventure Academy | Age of Learning, Inc.
    • Carto | Sunhead Games
    • Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum – Hero Maker | 9 Story Media Group
    Ghost of Tsushima
    Ghost of Tsushima

    Independent:

    • Webby Winner: Deep Rock Galactic | Ghost Ship Games
    • People’s Voice Winner: HoloVista | Aconite Co
    • Next Stop Nowhere | Night School Studio
    • Solar Explorer: New Dawn | Dwarf Cavern AS
    • The Boy in the Book | CYOD Ltd.

    Best Art DirectionWebby Winner: Ghost of Tsushima | Sony Interactive Ent.

    • People’s Voice Winner: Sky: Children of Light | thatgamecompany
    • Borderlands 3 | 2K
    • Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War | Activision Publishing, Inc.
    • Kentucky Route Zero: TV Edition | Annapurna Interactive
    The Book of Distance
    The Book of Distance

    Virtual & Remote

    Best Narrative Experience:

    • Webby Winner: The Book of Distance | National Film Board of Canada
    • People’s Voice Winner: The Present | Ruse and Subterfuge LLC, Geffen Playhouse
    • Gloomy Eyes | ATLAS V, 3DAR, Arte France, Ryot, HTC Vive Originals
    • Huluween – The Screamlands | Hulu
    • Paper Birds | 3DAR

    More animated winners:
    Among Us – Special Achievement, Webby Breakout of the Year
    Creature Discomforts: Life in Lockdown | ENGINE – Advertising, Media & PR, Social Video, Webby
    Gorillaz Aries Arcade Game | Warner Records – Advertising, Media & PR, Game or Application, People’s Voice
    Start with Connection | DiMassimo Goldstein and Partnership to End Addiction – Video, Best Art Direction, People’s Voice
    The Tiny Chef Show – Social, Arts & Entertainment, People’s Voice

    Did your project win a Webby in a category not mentioned here? Email info@www.animationmagazine.net and let us know.

  • ‘The Great North’ Keeps Cool with S3 Renewal on FOX

    ‘The Great North’ Keeps Cool with S3 Renewal on FOX

    Among a flurry of new series order and renewals announced by FOX for the 2021-22 television season, fans will be returning to an animated Alaska for a third season of The Great North, from Bob’s Burgers creator Loren Bouchard and co-creators/writers/EPs Wendy Molyneux, Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin and Minty Lewis. The re-up comes ahead of the show’s TBA second season, which in turn was ordered last year, before the series’ premiere.

    The Great North follows the Alaskan adventures of the Tobin family, as a single dad, Beef (Nick Offerman), does his best to keep his bunch of kids close – especially his only daughter, Judy (Jenny Slate), whose artistic dreams lead her away from the family fishing boat and into the glamorous world of the local mall. Rounding out the family are Judy’s older brother, Wolf (Will Forte), and his fiancé, Honeybee (Dulcé Sloan); middle brother, Ham (Paul Rust); and 10-year-old-going-on-50 little brother, Moon (Aparna Nancherla). While the children’s mother is not in the picture, Judy seeks guidance from her new boss, Alyson (Megan Mullally), and her imaginary friend, Alanis Morissette (guest-voicing as herself), who appears to her in the Northern Lights.

    The series is produced by 20th Television, with animation by FOX’s Emmy-winning studio Bento Box Entertainment.

    As announced, FOX’s returning animation slate also includes Bob’s Burgers, Duncanville, Family Guy and The Simpsons. Emily Spivey’s Bless the Harts has not been renewed for a third season, but audiences will get to check out the new suburban pet sitcom Housebroken starring Lisa Kudrow (premiering May 31).

  • Crunchyroll & Sentai Set New Slate of Home Anime Releases

    Crunchyroll & Sentai Set New Slate of Home Anime Releases

    Crunchyroll, the world’s most popular anime brand, and Sentai, one of the leading global suppliers of anime and official anime merchandise, are announcing today a new slate of anime titles for home video release, including Crunchyroll Original series and many other titles. These will be made available to fans across a mix of DVD, Blu-ray and EST releases in the U.S. and Canada, in both subtitled and dubbed formats.

    Crunchyroll Original series headed to home video include:

    • Noblesse – After awakening from an 820-year slumber, Raizel tries to fit in with modern high schoolers while protecting his fellow nobles! Noblesse is a Crunchyroll and WEBTOON Production.
    • Onyx Equinox – One young Aztec boy is summoned to act as humanity’s champion as a fight between gods breaks out.
    I'm Standing on a Million Lives / Monster Girl Doctor / Keep Your Hands off Eizouken!
    I’m Standing on a Million Lives / Monster Girl Doctor / Keep Your Hands off Eizouken!

    Additional top titles coming to home video include:

    • HAIKYU!! TO THE TOP – The Karasuno High School Volleyball team continues to reach TO THE TOP as the Nationals Tournament continues!
    • I’m Standing on a Million Lives – A lone wolf student is sent to another world where he must become a hero to save himself and his party.
    • Keep Your Hands off Eizouken! – This critically acclaimed anime follows a group of high school students as they create an animation club to realize the “ultimate world” that exists in their minds.
    • Monster Girl Doctor – The clinic is open for business in this medical fantasy that explores the physiologies of monster girls as never before!
    • My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! – This screwball love comedy follows wealthy heiress Katarina Claes who hits her head and realizes she’s been transported to become the villainess from a game she played in a past life. Now, she must focus on avoiding all the bad outcomes (like death or exile!) the story has prepared for her.
    • Rent-a-Girlfriend – A college student tries a new method of dating in this reckless rom-com filled with love and excitement.
    • Science Fell in Love, So I tried to prove it – A science-inclined girl and boy who are deeply passionate about research fall in love, and then try to prove that love exists!
    • Somali and the Forest Spirit – This is a chronicle of a journey that would bind a member of the dying “human” clan to the forest guardian Golem, as father and daughter.
    • Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun – A young man is taken to a demon school where he uses his innate kindness to win over enemies.
    Science Fell in Love, So I tried to prove it / Somali and the Forest Spirit / Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun
    Science Fell in Love, So I tried to prove it / Somali and the Forest Spirit / Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun

    Sentai and Crunchyroll first announced their home video partnership at Virtual Crunchyroll Expo last year with a slate that included Food Wars! The Fourth Plate, Ascendance of a Bookworm, Granbelm and World Trigger. These titles are all available for purchase now or coming very soon.

    Crunchyroll has a global community of more than four million subscribers and over 100 million registered users who engage with the brand through live and virtual events, like this year’s upcoming Virtual Crunchyroll Expo in August (expo.crunchyroll.com), home video, consumer products, social media and more.

    www.crunchyroll.com | www.sentai.com

  • Disney Junior Teams with The Roots’ Questlove & Black Thought for ‘Rise Up, Sing Out’

    Disney Junior Teams with The Roots’ Questlove & Black Thought for ‘Rise Up, Sing Out’

    As kids and parents continue to navigate and understand the current issues happening in our country and around the world, Disney Junior — home to the #1 preschool network — announced today the new animated short series Rise Up, Sing Out. Presenting important concepts around race, racism and social justice for the youngest viewers, the series consists of music-based shorts that are designed to provide an inspiring and empowering message about noticing and celebrating differences and providing a framework for conversation.

    The shorts are slated to premiere later this year across all Disney Junior platforms.

    Rise Up, Sing Out will feature music by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter of the Grammy Award-winning musical group The Roots, who are executive producing through their Two One Five Entertainment production company alongside Latoya Raveneau (Disney+s highly anticipated The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder), who also serves as executive producer.

    The Conscious Kid, an organization dedicated to equity and promoting healthy racial identity development in youth, is consulting on the series and will develop a viewing companion guide for parents. Rise Up, Sing Out is produced in collaboration with Academy Award-winning animation studio Lion Forge Animation (Hair Love) for Disney Junior.

    Joe D’Ambrosia, SVP Original Programming & General Manager, Disney Junior, said, “We recognize that many kids are experiencing a multitude of feelings around what’s happening in our world today and know that many families are struggling with how to discuss sensitive issues around race. Our goal with these shorts is to open up the conversation and provide families with the tools and knowledge to address these important topics with their preschoolers in an age-appropriate manner through music and relatable kid experiences.”

    In a joint statement, Thompson and Trotter said, “It is an honor to work with the Disney Junior team to help create a series of shorts that will empower and uplift the future generations in the way we know best, through music. We hope these shorts will encourage the young audience to recognize and celebrate our differences as human beings while learning the tools to navigate real-world issues of racial injustice.”

  • Oasis Animation Appoints Marianne Culbert Head of Production

    Oasis Animation, a Montreal-based 2D animation studio part of the Sphere Media group, is pleased to welcome Marianne Culbert as Head of Production. In a context of ongoing corporate growth, Culbert will be responsible for all production activities at Oasis and will supervise the studio’s artists.

    Culbert has extensive experience in the production sector, and a lengthy record of achievements. Over a career spanning more than 30 years, she has occupied various positions as producer and executive producer, leading large teams at several 2D animation studios across Canada, like Nelvana, Mercury Filmworks and, more recently, Portfolio Entertainment, where she served as Vice President of Production.

    Over the course of her career, Culbert has produced and delivered on many series for prestigious clients including PBS, Disney, Netflix and Teletoon, just to name a few.

    “We are extremely delighted and excited to welcome Marianne Culbert in our team,” said Jacques Bilodeau, President of Oasis Animation. “With her knowledge of the industry and her inspiring leadership style, Marianne will bring a breath of fresh air to the team, which is currently working on numerous significant and stimulating projects.”

    Culbert replaces Diane Dallaire, who left the organization mid-May to pursue personal projects.

    Founded in 2003, Oasis Animation is the biggest 2D animation studio in Quebec and one of the biggest in Canada. Specialized in producing high-quality animated series, the studio offers a full range of digital 2D animation services to the global animation industry. With its head office in Montreal, Oasis Animation employs 150 people and derives most of its current revenues from foreign markets. The company is known for its international productions like F Is for Family, Arthur and Curious George.

    Oasis Animation is part of Sphere Media, a leader in the field of creation, adaptation, production and distribution of television and cinematographic content.

  • Women In Animation Launches Talent Database to Boost Underrepresented Talent

    Women In Animation Launches Talent Database to Boost Underrepresented Talent

    Women in Animation (WIA) has long championed the need for more balanced representation in creative leadership roles within the animation industry, and the establishment of the WIA Talent Database is the organization’s latest global effort in support of achieving “50/50 by 2025.” Currently featuring over 5,000 candidates within the animation industry, the WIA Talent Database is designed to be an ever-growing resource available for studios to balance the diversity of their hiring for each and every production moving forward.

    Under the leadership of WIA President Marge Dean and combined focus of database creator Liz Luu, website developer Mickey Kyle and database manager Kate Menz, the WIA Talent Database was conceived and built to pool talent that covers the full range of roles on animated productions in an easily searchable collection of candidates to be considered for hiring by the international animation industry.

    “While studios around the world have heard our call for balance and pledged to champion diversity, the reality is that most animation hires are influenced by word of mouth and proximity to the hiring parties. Increasing the visibility and accessibility of women will make it harder to deny our existence. In other words, the statement, ‘I’d love to hire women, but I don’t know where to find them’ will no longer be acceptable,” explains Dean.

    The WIA Talent Database has been designed to fill in gaps left by other résumé and credit-listing websites as advised by a committee of studio recruiters, development executives and production management across the animation industry. The robust WIA system allows potential employers to filter talent searches based on a number of animation-specific hiring factors such as feature vs series experience, years of work in a particular animation role, CG pipeline knowledge and more.

    “Candidates within the database self-report their credits and our database team then verifies the information supplied before it is made accessible to employer searches, which has proven valuable to the integrity of a talent search,” explains Luu. Another unique feature of the system is the gallery view which can be used to compare candidate art styles side by side, “recreating the simultaneous portfolio review experience that best matches candidates with a production’s visual development goals,” adds Luu.

    Studios wishing to access the database for hiring purposes, or candidates wishing to add themselves to the database can visit womeninanimation.org or reach out to the WIA Talent Database team directly by emailing database@womeninanimation.org.

  • FOX Slates Dan Harmon NFT Toon ‘Krapopolis’ in 2021-22 Season

    Charlie Collier, CEO, FOX Entertainment, unveiled the FOX primetime slate for the 2021-2022 television season to the national advertising community during its virtual Upfront Presentation on Monday.

    FOX, television’s #1 network for the second year in a row, is adding four new dramas, two new comedies, four new unscripted series and one new animated comedy to its lineup, tapping into themes such as renewal, second chances and reinvention. As FOX goes broad, its free, AVOD streaming service, Tubi, is going deep with 140+ hours of original programming next season that speaks to viewers’ passions. Tubi’s original programming will include original documentaries from FOX Alternative Entertainment; animated titles from Bento Box Entertainment; and premium independent-minded titles across Black Cinema, thriller, horror, sci-fi, romance and western genres.

    “We are presenting a fall lineup that builds upon FOX’s legacy of bold stories and truth-telling-characters; stories that meet and reflect the cultural moment. FOX believes it’s a time for series that offer hope and to speak to American audiences with themes of reinvention and second chances,” Collier said. “Alongside our programming focus, we are forging ahead with a clear, 100% ad-supported vision. FOX’s acquisition of free-ad-focused Tubi has allowed us to expand our broadcast offering, bringing scale across both linear and streaming, all without any paywalls or subscriptions. This is a strategy that deepens FOX’s relationship with our audience and advertising partners, and it will continue to set FOX apart.”

    Joining the FOX animation lineup is Krapopolis, the animated comedy set in mythical ancient Greece from Emmy Award-winning creator Dan Harmon (Rick and Morty), announced in February. Centered on a flawed family of humans, gods and monsters that tries to run one of the world’s first cities without killing each other.

    Fully owned and financed by FOX Entertainment, the comedy will be produced by its Emmy Award-winning animation studio, Bento Box Entertainment. Additionally, Krapopolis will serve as the first-ever animated series curated entirely on the Blockchain, as FOX and Bento Box enter the NFT business. The company will launch a dedicated marketplace for Krapopolis that will curate and sell digital goods, ranging from NFTs of one-of-a-kind character and background art and GIFs, as well as tokens that provide exclusive social experiences to engage and reward super fans.

    Returning Sunday night animated comedy series will include The Simpsons (8 p.m.), The Great North (8:30 p.m.), Bob’s Burgers (9 p.m.) and Family Guy (9:30 p.m.), as well as Duncanville (two-part Season 2 premiere on Sunday, May 23 starting at 8:30 p.m.) and Housebroken (series premiere Monday, May 31 at 9 p.m.).

  • News Bytes: Warner & Discovery to Merge, V-CRX Sets 1st Guests, ‘Sweet Tooth’ Trailer

    News Bytes: Warner & Discovery to Merge, V-CRX Sets 1st Guests, ‘Sweet Tooth’ Trailer

    AT&T to Spin Off and Combine WarnerMedia with Discovery
    The to-be-named new standalone media company will be headed by Discovery CEO David Zaslav with the aim of creating a “streaming giant” to compete with Netflix. The deal is expected to take effect in mid-2022.

    WarnerMedia owns streamer HBO Max, home to animation brands including Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Adult Swim, Toonami and Warner Animation Group, as well as DC Films and the Warner Bros. Pictures catalog. The platform debuted hybrid family flick Tom and Jerry day and date with theaters earlier this year. Discovery, which launched its own streamer Discovery+ in the U.S. in January, hosting a library of content from 14 networks including TLC, HGTV, ID, OWN and many more; Discovery Family (a joint venture with Hasbro) is the home of animated originals Transformers: Rescue Bots Academy and My Little Pony: Pony Life.

    Virtual Crunchyroll Expo Announces First Wave of Guests, Programming
    Highlights of the 2021 event (streaming August 5-7 at expo.crunchyroll.com) will feature the premiere preview of TONIKAWA: Over the Moon for You OVA (trailer here), new and returning guests and exclusive merch — including a commemorative t-shirt available for preorder. Guests include:

    • English voice actor Cherami Leigh (Asuna Yuuki in Sword Art Online, Minako Aino/Sailor Venus in Sailor Moon, Lucy Heartfilia in Fairy Tail)
    • Japanese vegetable carver Okitsugu Kado returns to showcase his talent of carving edible anime characters
    • Cosplayer Vampy Bit Me and content creator Mario Bueno will be back to co-host the Crunchyroll-Hime’s Cosplay Cup international cosplay competition

    Production Begins on Disney’s ‘Disenchanted’
    The live-action musical comedy sequel to Enchanted is slated to debut exclusively on Disney+ in 2022. Directed by Adam Shankman (Hairspray, The Wedding Planner), the movie again stars six-time Oscar nominee Amy Adams as Giselle, Patrick Dempsey as her husband, Robert Philip; James Marsden as Prince Edward of Andalasia and Idina Menzel as his wife, former dressmaker Nancy Tremaine; Maya Rudolph as Malvina, Giselle’s new adversary in Monroeville, Kolton Stewart as her son; Yvette Nicole Brown as Rosalyn; Jayma Mays as Ruby; Oscar Nunez as Edgar; and introducing Gabriella Baldacchino as Robert Philip’s now grown daughter, Morgan.

    Watch the video of 19-year-old Badlacchino getting the news of her feature film debut from Shankman:

    Watch: ‘Sweet Tooth’ Official Trailer
    Based on the beloved DC Comic, and executive produced by Susan Downey & Robert Downey Jr., Sweet Tooth is a post-apocalyptic fairytale about a hybrid deer-boy and a wandering loner who embark on an extraordinary adventure. All 8 x 1-hour episodes premiere June 4, only on Netflix. Showrunners are Jim Mickle and Beth Schwartz. Stars Christian Convery (Gus), Nonso Anozie (Tommy Jepperd), Adeel Akhtar (Dr. Aditya Singh), Aliza Vellani (Rani Singh), Stefania LaVie Owen (Bear), Dania Ramirez (Aimee Eden), Neil Sandilands (General Abbot), with Will Forte (Father) and James Brolin (Narrator).

    Platige Image Creates a Cyberpunk Style Anime Spot for Sasa
    Art Director Michał Niewiara, CG Supervisor Marek Gajowski and CG Producer Agnieszka Górna present the various stages of the stylized 2D/3D work and reveal some behind the scenes details of the spot, commissioned by MilkyWay Studio in Jakarta.

    Sasa
    Sasa

    Watch: WEBTOON Partners with Singer-Songwriters Jeremy Zucker & Chelsea Cutler on MV
    Set to their song “this is how you fall in love,” the music video brings together webcomic Suitor Armor protagonists Modeus and Lucia over the ethereal vulnerability of Zucker and Cutler vocals, and captures the essence of what has made the series an instant favorite among the webcomic cognoscenti.

    Goblins Student Animation Wins at Atlanta Film Festival
    The Academy Award-qualifying prize went to Un Diable dans la Poche (A Devil in the Pocket) at the 45th ATLFF. Directed by Antoine Bonnet and Mathilde Loubes, the film centers on a group of children who witness a crime and are forced to keep the terrible secret. August, the youngest, finds the burden too great to bear and breaks the silence — turning the rest of the children against him. Miyu is handling distribution for the short. Watch on Vimeo here.

    Un Diable dans la Poche
    Un Diable dans la Poche

    Moonbug Expands Original Programming to Peacock
    Hit programs Blippi, My Magic Pet Morphle and Little Baby Bum are already available for streaming on the platform in both English and Spanish. Moonbug’s other programs joining the streaming platform include Arpo, Gecko’s Garage, Go Buster, Playtime with Twinkle, Supa Strikas, T-Rex Ranch and Ring-A-Tangs. Learn more at moonbug.com/shows.

    • Little Baby Bum is an animated show for children ages 1-4. Sing along with Mia and her friends, in a world where animals can dance, buses are friends, and rainy days are never boring! The program supports toddlers’ emotional, physical and cognitive development through classic and original nursery rhymes.
    • My Magic Pet Morphle, an animated show loved by children ages 3-6, follows Little Mila and her magical pet Morphle as they turn playtime into a series of fun and educational adventures while teaching themes of friendship, problem-solving and creativity.
  • CONICAL’s ‘The Green Fairy’ VR Takes Flight with Epic MegaGrant

    CONICAL’s ‘The Green Fairy’ VR Takes Flight with Epic MegaGrant

    Innovative Auckland-based games & animation studio CONICAL announces the launch of The Green Fairy, a whimsical VR fantasy adventure for all ages. The company is the recipient of an Epic MegaGrant from Epic Games, creators of the hit game Fortnite and the Unreal Engine.

    Initially released in prototype across Westfield shopping malls across New Zealand in 2016, CONICAL has now fast-tracked production of The Green Fairy with the support of the New Zealand Film Commission. The 10-minute VR film will be released worldwide on June 24, coinciding with International Fairy Day. The title is available to Add to Wishlist on Valve’s Steam VR, Oculus Rift and Quest by Facebook now.

    Follow the adventures of a little Green Fairy who is driven from her beloved home by the terrifying Fairy Catchers – she has no choice but to find a new place to live! As she embarks on her journey to the ‘Big Little City’, it is only through sheer faith and perseverance that she can overcome the rejection from other fairies and find her true place in the world.

    Additionally, CONICAL have magicked up a nine-part vlog series with the support of Epic Games, which will launch June 1 on The Green Fairy Instagram, Facebook and YouTube pages. These new projects follow the successful launch of the original 3D animated television series, broadcast nationwide in 2018 with TVNZ, NZ On Air and NZ Film Commission.

    “The future of CONICAL and The Green Fairy franchise is experiencing an exciting and innovative leap of progression – our vision along with support by key global industry partners, the like of Epic Games is to disrupt the family entertainment market through immersive entertainment. In future iterations we plan to introduce artificial intelligence for next-gen storytelling to promote a fully interactive Green Fairy experience,” said Alejandro Davila, Founder & Creative Producer, CONICAL. “CONICAL is a powerhouse of passionate storytellers, game developers and animators who collectively strive to expand the success of their IP to bring engaging and interactive experiences for the future enjoyment of audiences around the world.”

    The Green Fairy
    The Green Fairy

    The production team harnesses the latest in real-time tools and technologies, such as the Unreal Engine, NVIDIA, Oculus and HTC VIVE. The studio draws on cutting-edge motion-capture techniques blending full-body movements performed by actors in New Zealand at the AUT Mocap Studio Lab, with facial capture and lip-syncing performances for the lead roles by acclaimed U.S. voiceover actors from Disney, Nickelodeon and game characters seen in Castlevania, Final Fantasy VII, Pokemon Playhouse, Warframe and Marvel Avengers Academy. Professional motion-capture suite Motion Analysis enabled realistic body motion, while Faceware and GoPro cameras were the preferred choice for facial tracking.

    The CONICAL team merges the entire pipeline to successfully bring to life fantastical CG animated virtual characters and worlds for an exciting immersive storytelling experience. Participants play along in the interactive adventures of the female lead characters, Green, Red and Yellow Fairy – with quirky modern-day attitudes. Their home base is within a bustling traffic light, where the clever trio outwit the clutches of the lurking Fairy Catchers during hunting raids to capture all fairies.

    www.conical.nz/thegreenfairy

    The Green Fairy
    The Green Fairy
  • Disney Channel Conjures S3 of ‘The Owl House’ Ahead of S2 Premiere in June

    Disney Channel Conjures S3 of ‘The Owl House’ Ahead of S2 Premiere in June

    Disney Channel has ordered a third season of the Peabody Award-nominated animated series The Owl House, ahead of the Season 2 premiere, Saturday, June 12 (10 a.m. EDT/PDT).

    Season 3 will comprise three 44-minute specials. New episodes of the fantasy-comedy series debut every Saturday through Aug. 14 on Disney Channel and will also be available the same day on DisneyNOW.

    Created and executive produced by Dana Terrace (director, DuckTales), S2 picks up immediately following the confrontation with Emperor Belos and finds our heroes working together to return Luz to the Human Realm, help Eda confront her inner demons, and search for the truth about King’s past. Additionally, a new opening title sequence for the season was revealed today.

    “Dana and her team have created a series that continues to push the envelope with epic and diverse storylines, an astounding world and multifaceted characters that have captivated our audience,” said Meredith Roberts, SVP/General Manager, Television Animation, Disney Channels. “We’re eager to showcase more adventures in seasons two and three.”

    The Season 2 guest voice cast includes Peter Gallagher (The O.C.), Felicia Day (The Guild), Harvey Guillén (What We Do in the Shadows TV series), Nik Dodani (Atypical), Alex Lawther (The End of the F***ing World) and Debra Wilson (MADtv).

    The Owl House follows Luz, a self-assured teenage girl who stumbles upon a portal to a magical realm where she befriends a rebellious witch, Eda, and a tiny warrior, King. Despite not having magical abilities, Luz pursues her dream of becoming a witch by serving as Eda’s apprentice at the Owl House and ultimately finds a new family in an unlikely setting.

    Starring in the series is Sarah-Nicole Robles (Star Darlings) as Luz, Wendie Malick (Just Shoot Me) as Eda, Alex Hirsch (Gravity Falls) as King and Hooty, Matthew Rhys (The Americans) as Emperor Belos, Issac Ryan Brown (Raven’s Home) as Gus, Tati Gabrielle (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) as Willow, Mae Whitman (Good Girls) as Amity and Cissy Jones (Little Big Awesome) as Lilith.

    The Owl House
    The Owl House

    In 4Q20, The Owl House was a top-five cable animated series with kids and girls 6-11, and the series has amassed over 58 million views on Disney Channel YouTube since its launch in January 2020.

    The Owl House apparel and pop sockets are currently available at Amazon.com/DisneyChannel, including an exclusive t-shirt designed by art director Ricky Cometa (Steven Universe). Two children’s books inspired by the series, The Owl House: Witches before Wizards and The Owl House: Hex-cellent Tales from The Boiling Isles, were released earlier this year from Disney Publishing Group and are available at www.DisneyBooks.com.

    In addition to Terrace and Cometa, Stephen Sandoval (Gravity Falls) and Wade Wisinski (Be Cool, Scooby-Doo!) serve as supervising producer and producer, respectively. The Owl House is a production of Disney Television Animation and carries a TV-Y7 FV parental guideline.

  • Singer Ricky Wilson, ‘Derry Girls’ Dylan Llewellyn Join ‘Dodo’

    Singer Ricky Wilson, ‘Derry Girls’ Dylan Llewellyn Join ‘Dodo’

    A new animated school-based original comedy series, Dodo, narrated by singer-songwriter Ricky Wilson and starring Dylan Llewellyn (Derry Girls) as the voice of the lead character, is set to air on Sky Kids next month (June 14). The 20-episode British comedy animation, produced by BAFTA-winning Wildseed Studios, is a funny, relatable and heart-warming portrayal of everyday school life in the U.K. as experienced by 11-year-old Joe Connolly.

    “Joe’s dramas at secondary school will feel familiar to anyone who has ever experienced the highs, lows and anxieties of the first year in ‘big school’. Yet, with his incredible animated fantasies and disaster scenarios, they’re also uniquely funny and surprising. We know our audience will love this show,” said Estelle Hughes, Commissioning Editor for Sky Kids.

    Narrated by Kaiser Chiefs frontman, The Voice U.K. judge and former art teacher Wilson, the series follows Joe (Llewellyn) as he navigates the dramas and pitfalls of his first year at secondary school. With new situations and embarrassments around every corner, small events mean big drama for Joe, as he tries to fit in, make new friends, girlfriends and even loses his school trousers. But Joe has best friends Frisbo, Pete and Lily at his side, helping him realize that each challenge is really not the end of the world as he triumphs over adversity and survives another school day.

    Comedian Mark Watson voices the character of Joe’s Dad and Connor Swindells (Sex Education) plays Joe’s older brother Jamie, with Ellie Kendrick (Game of Thrones, The Diary of Anne Frank), Kadiff Kirwan (Chewing Gum, Fleabag) and Frankie Fox (Small Axe, Blinded by the Light) voicing Joe’s friends Lily, Pete and Frisbo.

    The series is based on multi-award-winning film and YouTube hit Not the End of the World, by British creator and series director Jack Bennett, which he made while still in his final year at university where he was discovered by Wildseed. In keeping with their mission to unearth new talent, Dodo is Bennett’s first series for television but, according to Wildseed’s creative director Jesse Cleverly, “I’m sure it will be the first of many.”

    Wildseed Managing Director Miles Bullough added, “Dodo presents a funny, humane and above all compassionate picture of what it is like to be 11 years old, discovering how bewildering the world can be. As a result, this warm-hearted and life-affirming show will resonate with anyone – whether still at school or looking back on their own school days – who has experienced the intensity of this stage of life.”

    Dodo is produced by Helen Stern (The Amazing World of Gumball) with the support of Ben Ward (Horrible Histories) on scripting and with executive guidance provided by Wildseed’s Head of Kids and Animation Sarah Mattingley. The series was commissioned by Lucy Murphy, Director of Kids Content at Sky U.K. & Ireland, and Exec Produced for Sky by Estelle Hughes, Commissioning Editor, Sky Kids.

  • VIS Inks Dev Deal with Cartoonist Liniers; ‘Flores Salvajes’ Animation in Works

    VIS Inks Dev Deal with Cartoonist Liniers; ‘Flores Salvajes’ Animation in Works

    Viacom International Studios (VIS,) a division of ViacomCBS, has signed a development agreement with renowned Argentine cartoonist and author Ricardo “Liniers” Siri. The deal includes the adaptation of his graphic novel Flores Salvajes (Wildflowers), a three-book series that pays tribute to childhood and imagination.

    “We are honored to be able to work with such a talented artist. Ricardo Liniers Siri’s work has gone beyond borders and has reached many diverse audiences,” said Federico Cuervo, Senior Vice President, CEO of VIS Americas. “We look forward to bringing this incredible story to life and to develop more new and exciting projects together.”

    “I’m extremely excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with VIS and watch the story of Flores Salvajes develop into a completely new format with the work of great animators and talented writers,” said Liniers.

    Wildflowers tells the story of three sisters who decide to explore a mysterious island and the wild adventures they overcome, while the smallest sister does not want to be left behind. The book was inspired by a family picture Liniers took of his three young daughters looking upon the jungle in Yucatan, Mexico, reflecting children’s fantastic imagination.

    Liniers has published more than 30 books. His work as an illustrator and cartoonist ranges from film posters and wine labels to covers for The New Yorker. His original works and paintings have been showcased in San Pablo, Rio de Janeiro, Lima and Madrid. In 2018 he had his first major exhibition of original artwork in the U.S. at The Society of Illustrators in New York City. The notorious author currently resides in the United States.

    www.viacominternationalstudios.com

  • Ánima’s ‘Here Comes the Grump’ Sets Spain Premiere Amid Raft of Sales

    Ánima’s ‘Here Comes the Grump’ Sets Spain Premiere Amid Raft of Sales

    Currently celebrating its 19th year in business as the leading animation studio in Latin America and recognized as a global player in the animation industry specializing in children’s programming, Ánima announced its CG animated family feature film Here Comes the Grump (97 mins.) will be released in Spain on May 21, with Paycom Multimedia serving as distributor. The announcement was made by founding partners Fernando De Fuentes Sainz, CEO, and José C. García de Letona, COO.

    Here Comes the Grump, produced by De Fuentes Sainz and García de Letona, along with Gregory Gavanski of Prime Focus World, has previously been sold, though not announced, to Mexico, Italy, CIS & Baltics, South Africa, China, Israel, Hungary, U.K., Portugal, Poland, Greece, Iceland, Former Yugoslavia, Vietnam, Middle East, Turkey, South Korea, France, Singapore, Kuwait, U.S. and LatAm. The sales were finalized by GFM Animation, the London-based production, financing and distribution sales company which launched four years ago, with LatAm sales handled by Ánima.

    Here Comes the Grump
    Here Comes the Grump

    “Based on an animated cartoon series of the same name produced by DePatie-Freleng (The Pink Panther), and structured as a battle between good and evil, Here Comes the Grump is a magical, family adventure story perfect for today,” commented García de Letona. “Based on its worldwide sales success, we have no doubt the audiences love Grump, the grouchy character, the adorable Princess Dawn, and Terry, the cool hero and, certainly, the Kingdom of Groovynham.”

    Synopsis: When the Kingdom of Groovynham is threatened by the wicked sorcerer Grump and his fearsome Dragon, Princess Dawn turns to the only person who can save them: the mysterious Terry — a timid, skinny teenager, owner of the biggest heart in the world. So, Terry must not only leave his own world to enter the magic kingdom, where dragons and talking trees are everyday things, but he must also find the strength and bravery to stop Grump and his evil magic, and together with Princess Dawn prevent Groovynham becoming the saddest and most miserable of kingdoms.

    The original English-language version of Here Comes the Grump stars the voices of Ian McShane (Deadwood, American Gods), Toby Kebbell (Black Mirror, Fantastic Four) and Lily Collins (Emily In Paris, Mank).

    Here Comes the Grump
    Here Comes the Grump
  • Trailer: It’s Monster Makeover Time in ‘Hotel Transylvania: Transformia’

    Trailer: It’s Monster Makeover Time in ‘Hotel Transylvania: Transformia’

    The Drac Pack is out of whack in the new official trailer for Hotel Transylvania: Transformia, from Sony Pictures Animation. The fourth and final installment of the hit film series will arrive in theaters on July 23.

    In the monstrous madcap adventure of Transformia, Drac is faced with his most terrifying task yet: When Van Helsing’s mysterious invention, the ‘Monsterfication Ray,’ goes haywire, Drac and his monster pals are all transformed into humans, and Johnny becomes a monster! In their new mismatched bodies, Drac, stripped of his powers, and an exuberant Johnny, loving life as a monster, must team up and race across the globe to find a cure before it’s too late, and before they drive each other crazy. With help from Mavis and the hilariously human Drac Pack, the heat is on to find a way to switch themselves back before their transformations become permanent.

    For this final film chapter, franchise creator Genndy Tartakovsky returns as screenwriter and executive producer. Selena Gomez also serves as executive producer, while reprising her role as Drac’s daughter, Mavis, alongside Andy Samberg, returning as Johnny. The film also features Kathryn Hahn, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, David Spade, Brian Hull, Asher Blinkoff, Brad Abrell, Fran Drescher, Jim Gaffigan and Molly Shannon. Directed by Jennifer Kluska and Derek Drymon, executive produced by Michelle Murdocca and produced by Alice Dewey Goldstone.

  • KEPYR Launches 5th Annual ‘Kindred Spirits’ Campaign for UNICEF Child Refugee Relief

    KEPYR Launches 5th Annual ‘Kindred Spirits’ Campaign for UNICEF Child Refugee Relief

    Kids Entertainment Professionals for Young Refugees (KEPYR), the grassroots, all-volunteer organization of kids and family entertainment professionals, has announced the May 20 launch of their fifth annual Kindred Spirits online fundraising event in support of UNICEF’s work aiding displaced children around the world. One hundred percent of all proceeds go directly to UNICEF’s refugee relief work, providing nutrition, clothing, shelter, health and immunization, psychosocial support and education to the world’s 33 million refugee, displaced and internally displaced children.

    For the month-long event, entertainment industry artists, actors, writers, executives and others are invited to join with colleagues from around the world in making tax deductible donations in any amount at www.kepyr.org.

    In congratulating the KEPYR community on celebrating its fifth anniversary and for the “incredible work [they] have done on behalf of Unicef and the world’s children” Michael J. Nyenhuis, President and CEO of UNICEF USA, said, “As professionals from the kids entertainment industry you understand the significance of bringing a smile to a child’s face. During these unique times, the millions of children who have been uprooted, driven from their homes by violence or deprivation, and are forced to make difficult and dangerous journeys abroad, need us now more than ever. Whether these children are migrants, refugees or internally displaced, they are all children first.”

    This year, KEPYR is seeking to raise a minimum of $50,000 in donations through its planned events. In addition to the Kindred Spirits fundraiser, the organization will host a virtual holiday gala and online silent auction on November 12. Individuals and companies are invited to donate items, experiences, or services for auction by contacting KEPYR volunteer Dustin Ferrer at dustin.ferrer@gmail.com.

    Commenting on KEPYR’s growth in the past five years, KEPYR founder Grant Moran said, “Since we started as a small group of friends in 2017, hundreds and hundreds of people on five continents have reached out to join this movement and it continues as our profile rises. That speaks powerfully to who we are as a community and why we do what we do every day. Kids media people care deeply about children. They’re particularly affected by the suffering of the most vulnerable among them and want to be part of the solution.”

    Since its inception, KEPYR has worked to build awareness in the global children’s media industry about the current child refugee crisis – the worst since WWII. The organization has raised nearly $200,000 for UNICEF’s refugee relief work through events like Kindred Spirits and live events like 2019’s “Stand Up for Children” comedy show, which featured Patton Oswalt and Al Madrigal, hosted by voice acting star Grey Griffin.

    The community includes artists, writers, actors, producers, game designers, content developers, authors, composers, agents, network and studio executives and others working independently and at companies and organizations like Mattel, Marvel, Disney, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, DreamWorks, Netflix, Amazon, Warner Bros., Hasbro, 9 Story Media Group, Animation Magazine, Blizzard Entertainment, Cyber Group Studios, Scholastic, King Features, Little Airplane, Silvergate Media, Rainshine Entertainment, Big Bad Boo Studios, Boulder Media, WGBH, WNET, Gaumont, Pukeko Pictures, Mechanic Animation, Crunchyroll, Aniplex USA, DR Movie Animation, D-Rights, Panaderia Licensing & Marketing and Ripple Effect Consultancy.

    A registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, KEPYR was recognized in 2020 as one of The Greater Sum Foundation’s 20 most innovative nonprofits.

    Learn more about KEPYR’s work and donate to the 2021 Kindred Spirits campaign (launching May 20) at www.kepyr.org.

    Kindred Spirits 2021
    Kindred Spirits 2021

  • Acclaimed French Animator/Director Olivier Jean-Marie Dies at 60

    We’re saddened by the passing of French animator, director and writer Olivier Jean-Marie on Thursday (May 13) at age 60, after a long battle with cancer. He died peacefully surrounded by his family. Jean-Marie was best known for writing and directing numerous animated series and features at Xilam Studios, including the popular and long-running Oggy and the Cockroaches, Space Goofs and the Annecy Cristal-nominated feature Go West: A Lucky Luke Adventure. His most recent venture was the Xilam animated series Mr Magoo, which offered a new take on the beloved UPA character.

    Jean-Marie began his animation career in the early 1980s, working as a background artist on projects such as Clementine’s Enchanted Journey and as animator on Robo Story. He soon moved up to animation director and supervisor positions on popular French TV shows such as Spirou and Space Goofs. He was also a writer on the series Les Minikeums. His many other storyboard artist credits include The New Adventures of Lucky Luke, Space Goofs, Snow White: The Sequel and the hugely popular dialogue-free slapstick series Oggy and the Cockroaches (both Gaumont and Xilam produced the show) which chronicled the adventures of a housecat tormented by three annoying cockroaches. Xilam and Netflix are working on a new CG-animated version of the long-running series. Amazingly, the prolific artist directed more than 300 episodes of Oggy and the Cockroaches.

    Jean-Marie transitioned easily from series animation to features with the movie Go West: A Lucky Luke Adventure (2007) and Oggy and the Cockroaches: The Movie (2013), which he wrote and directed. He also directed the Lucky Luke spinoff series Les Daltons. The prolific artist also created the Xilam series, Zig & Sharko, which followed the madcap adventures of a brown hyena and a great white shark who live on a volcanic island.

    Marc du Pontavice, CEO and Executive Producer of Xilam, said: “Olivier was an animation master, a mentor and a friend. His talent and vision have inspired so many artists, who will carry on his legacy. He will also live on through the characters he created, beloved by generations of kids who grew up with them.”

    His friend and colleague Belgian animation veteran Jan Van Rijsselberge (SantApprentice, Maya the Bee, Robotboy) told Animation Magazine via email, “Olivier was an exceptionally rare talent, he possessed an intelligence and a sense of humor which amazed me until the end. Even on his sickbed he could have us in stitches, still provoking uncontrollable bursts of laughter albeit with much darker jokes than the ones in his cartoon shows ( he was not the man to feel sorry for himself nor did he want others to be).  He was not your typical animation geek, soaking up inspiration from movies, bandes dessinées, contemporary art, ballet, theatre, travels, literature … These influences mixed with his uncanny sense of observation of the human psyche and infallible sense of comedic timing made his creations what they are: comedic gold.

    “Olivier was also very generous with his talents, he singlehandedly mentored 90% of the top cartoon storyboard artists and directors, this legacy has a lasting impact on French animation industry and can not be underestimated. But Olivier was also one of of my closest and dearest friends for over 30 years. We have a compatible personality and sense of humor, on our many travels we painted many a town red, drove a few production people crazy and never were more than five minutes without laughing like demented lunatics.  We all knew his end was coming but that doesn’t make the shock and sadness  any less, his passing is not only a huge loss for the animation world but especially for his family and many friends who loved him dearly, I miss him already.”

    As a studio press release noted, “This incredible list of accomplishments offers a glimpse into his role as the main founder of the slapstick spirit that defines Xilam’s studio, to which he remained faithful until his retirement in 2018. As early as 1996, he laid the foundations of this creative approach, which the studio has utilized and continuously enriched for 25 years; a comedic grammar that has been passed on to several generations of directors and animators. When Disney with Chip & Dale, followed by DreamWorks with Mr. Magoo, came to ask Xilam to revive their classic characters, it was to Olivier’s know-how and creative energy that the studio owed this honor. Director, writer, animator, designer and editor, Olivier was committed to mastering every task in order to perfect his art and then pass on his learnings to the next generation.”

    Jean-Marie is survived by his wife Agnes and his daughters Ianka and Julie.

    Xilam has launched a special page on its website for friends and colleagues to share their tributes and remembrances http://bit.ly/LivreDorOlivierJeanMarie

    Oggy and the Cockroaches: The Movie
    Oggy and the Cockroaches: The Movie
    Zig & Sharko
    Zig & Sharko
    Go West: A Lucky Luke Adventure
    Go West: A Lucky Luke Adventure
    Olivier Jean-Marie
    Olivier Jean-Marie