Tag: featured

  • September Is Stacked on CN with Pile of ‘We Bare Bears’, ‘Ben 10’ & More

    September Is Stacked on CN with Pile of ‘We Bare Bears’, ‘Ben 10’ & More

    Join Grizz, Panda and Ice Bear on their most epic adventure yet when We Bare Bears The Movie debuts on Monday, Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. ET/PT, only on Cartoon Network. Fans can gear up for the TV premiere by watching every Bears episode ever (all 140 of them!) the entire, long weekend starting Saturday, Sept. 5 at 6 a.m. ET/PT until the movie airs on Monday.

    And the Bears fun doesn’t stop there! A Twitch charity livestream hosted by series creator Daniel Chong, featuring a multitude of special guests, will take place on Thursday Sept. 3, starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. Proceeds from the livestream will be donated to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund in support of Black Lives Matter. Join the conversation around the stream using #stackingforchange.

    While waiting for all of this fun to begin, jam out to the We Bare Bears The Movie Original Soundtrack, available on all major platforms.

    Presented with limited commercials by Nintendo Switch, the TV movie is about the bears’ love of food trucks and viral videos getting out of hand, catching the attention of the menacing Agent Trout from the National Wildlife Control, who pledges to restore the “natural order” by separating them forever.

    Chased from their home, Grizz decides there’s only one thing they can do to find refuge: move to Canada! The Bears embark on an epic road trip filled with new friends, dangerous obstacles, and massive parties. But most importantly, the perilous journey will force the Bears to face how they first met and became brothers, in order to keep their family bond from splitting apart.

    The month’s highlights on Cartoon Network also include a week of premieres for Ben 10, beginning Sunday, Sept. 13 at 7 a.m. ET/PT. Plus, brand-new Total Dramarama, DC Super Hero Girls, Bakugan and Ninjago.

    Ben10
    Ben10

    CN’s September premieres:

    Sept. 13

    6:30 a.m. Bakugan “Wynton’s Reality Show/Bakugan Soccer” — Lia has had it with Wynton’s pranking, but little does she know Wynton is in for a taste of his own medicine. Then, the Awesome Brawlers and their Bakugan decide to have a game of Bakugan Soccer!

    7 a.m. Ben 10 “Tokyo Fun” (half-hour special) — After Ben heroically shuts down the Bugg Brothers latest nefarious restaurant, Team Tennyson looks to enjoy sumo wrestling at the Global Games, but when the Twain Twins crash the event, Ben must stop the polarizing siblings if he is to salvage the family vacation in Tokyo!

    Ben 10 “Growing Up is Hard to Do” — Ben and Gwen are stoked to enter a skating competition, but when Nanny Nightmare shows up to teach the skater kids some manners by turning them into babies, it’s up to Team Tennyson to up their game if they are to have any chance at saving the day.

    Ben 10 “The Hex Factor” — When Hex mistakes an exclusive magic club for a top-secret Wizard society that snubbed him, Ben has to figure out how to work around the club’s strict code of conduct to stop him without getting booted by security.

    11 a.m. Ninjago “Shintaro” — The ninja are invited to attend the birthday party of Princess Vania, in the distant Kingdom of Shintaro. They depart, bringing along Master Wu, unaware that he is feeling his age…

    Ninjago “Into the Dark” — When Cole investigates a mysterious visitor, the ninja aren’t sure what to believe. Cole is frustrated with this lack of team support, until Princess Vania reveals a secret entrance that leads to an underground mine beneath Shintaro.

    Sept. 14

    7 a.m. Ben 10 “Sweet Tooth” — On a trip to the dentist’s office, Ben grows uneasy over the dentist’s odd behavior and goes into hiding, but when his suspicions prove right, and the dentist transforms into the monstrous Toothache, Ben must save the day!

    Ben 10 “Medieval Upheaval” — When Steam Smythe ‘time travels’ his way into a Renaissance Faire and kidnaps Max, Ben and Gwen must defeat him without breaking character.

    5 p.m. Total Dramarama “For a Few Duncans More” — While trying to photocopy his butt on Chef’s fancy new copier Duncan accidentally makes an entire other Duncan. Great! This other Duncan can do all the school stuff while the real Duncan chills.

    Total Dramarama “He Who Wears the Clown” — After trying on the nose of a clown Owen learns that this is how clowns are made and he is stuck as a clown until he can trick someone else into asking to try on the nose.

    Total Dramarama
    Total Dramarama

    Sept. 15

    7 a.m. Ben 10 “Speed of Sound” — Team Tennyson participates in the inaugural ride of the Sonitrain, the fastest train in the world, but when the conductor turns out to be Lord Decibel, Ben must derail his master plan if he is to save everyone on board the runaway train.

    Ben 10 “Xingo’s World” — Ben, Gwen, and Grandpa Max are on the road again and are supposed to be taking in the beautiful sights, but Ben refuses to put his video games away. Only the unexpected return of Xingo can spur him into action!

    5 p.m. Total Dramarama “Us ‘R’ Toys” — When Chef brings in some old toys from his childhood he, Duncan and Gwen, each get magically sucked into one of the toys and need to find a way to get back into their own bodies.

    Total Dramarama “Dream Worriers” — Izzy forgets the ending to her most amazing dream of all time, so the kids travel into her mind to find out what happened.

    Sept. 16

    7 a.m. Ben 10 “Tummy Ache” — Team Tennyson go on a tour of the new Biggie Box Candy Store, but when Toothache breaks out and kidnaps the owner, Mr. Biggie, it is up to Ben to stop the monstrous dentist and save the candy man and his wondrous candy store.

    Ben 10 “Players of the Lost Park” — When Team Tennyson visits Raspberry Park for some R & R, they get more than they bargained for. What they think are innocent games of chance are a revenge plot by Zombozo to steal the Rustbuggy and rob Team Tennyson!

    5 p.m. Total Dramarama “Grody to the Maximum” — Cody gets a super cool, new t-shirt. It’s SO cool that the kids don’t even recognize him, so Cody jumps on the chance to leave his old life behind and become popular.

    Total Dramarama “Wiggin’ Out” — Bridgette donates her hair to a charity that makes wigs for hairless cats and now some classmates want to do the same. But their quest for perfect wig hair drives them to weird and dangerous lengths.

    Sept. 17

    7 a.m. Ben 10 “De-Fanged!” — Team Tennyson travels to the new Laser Town VR, but when Kevin cheats his way to the top, Ben must team up with former champ Fang if he is going to defeat his souped-up rival.

    Ben 10 “Mock 10” — Ben, Kevin and La Grange find themselves stuck ‘outside of time’ after the latter hijacks a supersonic train with a faulty engine, forcing the trio to team up and slow down.

    5 p.m. Total Dramarama “The Upside of Hunger” — Owen has a mishap while baking an upside-down cake and is transported to an upside-down world where he is forced to outwit himself in order to get his cake back.

    Total Dramarama “Fire in the Hole” — Duncan cooks up a nuclear hot sauce to mess with Chef, but accidentally summons Terry Spice, King of the Underworld!

    Sept. 18

    7 a.m. Ben 10 “Rekoil” — As Team Tennyson fights to stop Dr. Animo from raiding an animal shelter, Ben faces one villain more than he bargained for, King Koil, now Animo’s pet.

    Ben 10 “Buktu to the Future” — After Tim Buktu’s live stream is mysteriously cut short, Team Tennyson must attempt a rescue mission and break inside the highly confidential Area 55 in order to save him.

    Bakugan
    Bakugan

    Sept. 20

    6:30 a.m. Bakugan “Shun and Lightning/Premonition of a Storm” — With all the devices related crimes happening in Los Volmos, Shun decides to investigate to try to get to the bottom of McQ’s nefarious dealings. Then, after a run in with McQ, Shun and Lightning find themselves in a little bit of trouble.

    11 a.m. Ninjago “The Worst Rescue Ever” — The ninja attempt to rescue Cole, but the bickering of his fellow prisoners, the Geckles and Munce, alerts the Skull Sorcerer, and soon the ninja are prisoners too.

    Ninjago “The Two Blades” — In order to escape the Skull Sorcerer’s chain-gang, the ninja must convince the Munce and Geckles to put aside their distrust and work together… by promising them something they may not be able to deliver — The Blades of Deliverance!

    4 p.m. DC Super Hero Girls “#HousePest” — When the Super Hero Girls discover that Diana doesn’t actually have a home, they gladly open theirs up to her… until they discover that life with an Amazon is much more challenging than they expected.

    DC Super Hero Girls “#ItsComplicated” — When Hal Jordan sees Carol Ferris with a new boyfriend, his ego can’t handle the rejection, resulting in the most absurd Lantern battle ever.

    Sept. 27

    6:30 a.m. Bakugan “Superstar Dan/Awesome Brawlers on Vacation” — The Awesome Brawler’s head to Tokyo for the Bakugan Battle League – Tokyo Edition. Then, Lia, Lightning, Shun and Wynton explore the sights of Tokyo when a rogue Bakugan shows up and rampages.

    11 a.m. Ninjago “Queen of the Munce” — Jay, Nya and Lloyd are led deep into the Mines of Shintaro by Murt, who brings them back to the Munce “Home- Cave” – a settlement deep in the mountain.

    Ninjago “Trial By Mino” — Separated from the others, Kai and Zane discover a party of Geckles who suspect them of being in league with the Skull Sorcerer, and bring them before their leader, Chancellor Gulch, who subjects them to a “Trial-By-Mino.”

    4 p.m. DC Super Hero Girls “#TheBirdAndTheBee” — Meek little Karen Beecher is intimidated by big broody Carter Hall until she discovers Hawkman’s tragically romantic destiny and vows to use her vast knowledge of cheesy teen movies to help him reunite with his beloved.

    DC Super Hero Girls “#FantasticBeastsAndHowToMindThem” — Diana Prince receives a care package from home, and her pet-raising skills are soon put to the test when a mysterious egg hatches into a baby griffin.

    Sept. 28

    6:45 p.m. DC Super Hero Girls “#AwesomeAuntAntiope” — Diana always preferred her “fun aunt” Antiope to her strict mother, but when Antiope visits Metropolis and takes the girls out on the town, Diana sees her aunt’s antics in a whole new light.

    Ninjago
    Ninjago
  • Disney Toons Up September with Season Premieres & Freeform Movie Marathon

    Disney Toons Up September with Season Premieres & Freeform Movie Marathon

    The seasons change, but one thing remains the same: Your favorite Disney animated series keep coming back with more exciting adventures, hilarious mishaps and good-nature life lessons. This month on Disney Channel and Disney XD, catch the season two premiere of Amphibia on September 12, then Noodle Burger Boy returns to test San Fransokyo’s team of heroes in the half-hour season three premiere of Big Hero 6 on September 21. Plus, new episodes of Big City Greens, DuckTales, Marvel’s Spider-Man and Mira, Royal Detective.

    Freeform is also getting in the animated spirit with a month-long series of 3-Day Disney Weekends — a Disney fan’s dream come true! Freeform will air beloved animation classics Moana and Wreck-It Ralph as well as live-action favorites. Fans can reconnect with these great stories every Friday, Saturday and Sunday all month long.

    Big City Greens
    Big City Greens

    Disney Channel & Disney XD:

    Saturday, Sept. 12

    8:00-8:30 P.M. EDT (Disney Channel) Big City Greens “Present Tense” – Cricket struggles to get the best birthday present for his best friend, Remy. Lorraine Toussaint (Orange Is the New Black) and Colton Dunn (Superstore) return as Russell and Rashida Remington; Danny Trejo (Machete) returns as Vasquez.

    “Hurt Bike” – After almost getting in a dirt bike accident, Cricket decides to live his life in shelter.

    8:30-9:00 P.M. EDT (Disney Channel) Amphibia “Little Frogtown” (Season Two Premiere) – Hop Pop investigates the disappearance of an old friend and the shadowy crime syndicate he suspects are behind it.

    “Hopping Mall” – Hop Pop takes the kids to a Newtopian shopping mall to buy souvenirs, and Anne will do anything to get the perfect gift for her mom back home. Misty Lee (LEGO City Adventures) and Romi Dames (Winx Club) guest star as Priscilla the Killa and Pearl, respectively.

    Saturday, Sept. 19

    8:00-8:30 P.M. EDT (Disney Channel) Big City Greens “Quiet Please” – When the Green’s visit the library, the librarian threatens to throw them out if they make a sound. Linda Hamilton (Terminator franchise) guest stars as the librarian, alongside Chris Houghton as Cricket Green, Artemis Pebdani (Scandal) as Gramma Alice, Marieve Herington (How I Met Your Mother) as Tilly Green and Bob Joles (Puss in Boots) as Bill Green.

    “Chipwrecked” – Chip Whistler attempts to make Cricket lose his job by running Big Coffee out of business. Mary Holland (Robbie) guest stars as Chairwoman and Paul Scheer (The League) returns as Chip Whistler.

    8:30-9:00 P.M. EDT (Disney Channel) Amphibia “The Sleepover to End All Sleepovers” – Anne and Marcy issue a Scare Dare Challenge that brings Sprig and Polly into forbidden areas of the castle.

    “A Day at the Aquarium” – Anne and the Plantars look to spend what could be their last day together at the Newtopia Aquarium.

    Monday, Sept. 21

    7:00-7:30 P.M. EDT (Disney XD) DuckTales “The Phantom and the Sorceress!” – When a mysterious magic thief arrives in Duckburg, Lena must confront her past and team with her treacherous aunt, Magica. Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad) guest stars as Phantom Blot and Catherine Tate (Doctor Who) returns as Magica.

    7:30-8:00 P.M. EDT (Disney XD) Big Hero 6 The Series “The Hyper-potamus Pizza-Party-torium” (Season Three Premiere) – Hiro and a short-handed Big Hero 6 team attempt to stop Noodle Burger Boy and his new family.

    Friday, Sept. 25

    8:30-9:00 A.M. EDT (Disney Channel) Mira Royal Detective “A Mystery Fit for a Queen” – When Queen Shanti’s lost jewelry suddenly turns up, Mira enlists the Queen to join her on the case.

    “The Case of Pinky and the Goat” – Mira asks her friend Pinky, the goat expert, to help find Dhruv’s pet goat. Hari Kondabolu (Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell) guest stars as vegetable cart vendor, Mr. Walia.

    Sunday, Sept. 27

    9:00-9:50 P.M. EDT (Disney XD) Marvel’s Spider-Man: Maximum Venom “Generations” When Spider-Man discovers a vial of jackal serum at Horizon High, he and Ghost-Spider track down Jackal’s secret lab in an attempt to destroy the villain’s evil plans.

    Monday, Sept. 28

    7:00-7:30 P.M. EDT (Disney XD) DuckTales “They Put a Moonlander on Earth!” Webby sets out to prove to a homesick Penumbra that Earth can be a lot of fun by riding Glomgold’s newest gift to Duckburg, the suspicious Flintferris Glomwheel. Julie Bowen (Modern Family) returns as Penumbra.

    7:30-8:00 P.M. EDT (Disney XD) Big Hero 6 The Series “Mayor for a Day” – Big Hero 6 responds to Richardson Mole’s every whim when he is made mayor for the day. Jane Lynch (Glee) and Sean Giambrone (The Goldbergs) return as Supersonic Sue and Richardson Mole, respectively.

    “The Dog Craze of Summer” – Hiro enlists the help of the team when Granville’s three dogs go missing while under his watch. Jenifer Lewis (black-ish) returns as Professor Granville.

    Freeform Disney movie marathon weekends:

    Friday, Sept. 4

    5:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – Tarzan (Disney Animated)

    7:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – A Bug’s Life (Disney-Pixar)

    9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – Monsters, Inc. (Disney-Pixar)

    Saturday, Sept. 5

    7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

    9:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

    12:40 p.m. EDT/PDT – Tarzan (Disney Animated)

    2:45 p.m. EDT/PDT – A Bug’s Life (Disney-Pixar)

    4:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – Monsters, Inc. (Disney-Pixar)

    6:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – Monsters University (Disney-Pixar)

    9:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – Moana (Disney Animated)

    11:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) (Disney Animated)

    Sunday, Sept. 6

    7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

    10:15 a.m. EDT/PDT – The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) (Disney Animated)

    12:20 p.m. EDT/PDT – Meet the Robinsons (Disney Animated)

    2:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – Lilo & Stitch (Disney Animated)

    4:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – Monsters University (Disney-Pixar)

    6:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – Moana (Disney Animated)

    9:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – Zootopia (Disney Animated)

    11:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – Wreck-It Ralph (Disney Animated)

    Friday, Sept. 11

    7:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – 101 Dalmatians (1996) (Live Action)

    9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – Freaky Friday (2003)

    Saturday, Sept. 12

    8:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – Freaky Friday (2003)

    10:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – 101 Dalmatians (1996) (Live Action)

    12:35 p.m. EDT/PDT – Hercules (Disney Animated)

    2:40 p.m. EDT/PDT – WALL-E (Disney-Pixar)

    4:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – Finding Nemo (Disney-Pixar)

    7:20 p.m. EDT/PDT – Finding Dory (Disney-Pixar)

    9:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – Toy Story 3 (Disney-Pixar)

    11:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – Bolt (Disney-Pixar)

    Sunday, Sept. 13

    8:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – Chicken Little (Disney Animated)

    10:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – Hercules (Disney Animated)

    12:35 p.m. EDT/PDT – WALL-E (Disney-Pixar)

    2:45 p.m. EDT/PDT – Finding Nemo (Disney-Pixar)

    5:15 p.m. EDT/PDT – Finding Dory (Disney-Pixar)

    7:20 p.m. EDT/PDT – Toy Story 3 (Disney-Pixar)

    9:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – Bolt (Disney-Pixar)

    12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – Chicken Little (Disney Animated)

    Friday, Sept. 18

    4:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – Holes

    7:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – Big Hero 6 (Disney Animated)

    9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – Wreck-It Ralph (Disney Animated)

    12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – The Shaggy Dog (2006)

    Saturday, Sept. 19

    7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – Holes

    9:35 a.m. EDT/PDT – Cars (Disney-Pixar)

    12:15 p.m. EDT/PDT – Cars 2 (Disney-Pixar)

    2:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – Big Hero 6 (Disney Animated)

    5:05 p.m. EDT/PDT – Wreck-It Ralph (Disney Animated)

    7:10 p.m. EDT/PDT – Up (Disney-Pixar)

    9:15 p.m. EDT/PDT – Ratatouille (Disney-Pixar)

    11:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – Tarzan (Disney Animated)

    Sunday, Sept. 20

    8:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – Cars (Disney-Pixar)

    10:35 a.m. EDT/PDT – Cars 2 (Disney-Pixar)

    1:05 p.m. EDT/PDT – The Emperor’s New Groove (Disney Animated)

    3:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – Tarzan (Disney Animated)

    5:05 p.m. EDT/PDT – Up (Disney-Pixar)

    7:10 p.m. EDT/PDT – Ratatouille (Disney-Pixar)

    9:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – Inside Out (Disney-Pixar)

    11:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – Meet the Robinsons (Disney Animated)

    Friday, Sept. 25

    11:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – The Game Plan

    4:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – Alice Through the Looking Glass

    7:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – Brave (Disney-Pixar)

    9:00 p.m EDT/PDT – Tangled (Disney Animated)

    Saturday, Sept. 26

    7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – Alice Through the Looking Glass

    9:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – The Princess Diaries

    12:05 p.m. EDT/PDT – The Princess Diaries: Royal Engagement

    2:45 p.m. EDT/PDT – Brave (Disney-Pixar)

    4:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – Tangled (Disney Animated)

    7:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – Moana (Disney Animated)

    9:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – Frozen” (Disney Animated)

    12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – Pocahontas (Disney Animated)

    Sunday, Sept. 27

    7:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – The Princess Diaries

    10:12 a.m. EDT/PDT – The Princess Diaries: Royal Engagement

    12:53 p.m. EDT/PDT – Gnomeo & Juliet (2011)

    2:53 p.m. EDT/PDT – Pocahontas (Disney Animated)

    4:53 p.m. EDT/PDT – Moana (Disney Animated)

    7:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – Frozen (Disney Animated)

    9:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – The Princess and the Frog (Disney Animated)

    12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – Gnomeo & Juliet (2011)

  • SYFY Orders Stoopid Buddy, Charlie Hankin Toon ‘The Summoner’ for TZGZ

    SYFY Orders Stoopid Buddy, Charlie Hankin Toon ‘The Summoner’ for TZGZ

    As if by magic, SYFY has brought forth a new series to add to its growing late-night adult animation block, TZGZ. From Stoopid Buddy Stoodios and writer, actor and The New Yorker cartoonist Charlie Hankin, The Summoner is a 2D animated series based on the short film from Hankin about Rory and his challenging roommate.

    Rory, in his 20s and living on his own for the first time, has found himself in a small two-bedroom with the Summoner, a magical alien with the power to summon any object to his present location. This sounds potentially useful, but it isn’t — the Summoner has a tenuous grasp of English and only summons the most useless shit.

    Greenlit for a straight-to-series order of 10 three-minute episodes expected to air in SYFY’s TZGZ block next year, The Summoner is executive produced by Seth Green, Hankin, John Harvatine IV, Matthew Senreich, Eric Towner and Chris Waters.

    “We’ve been a fan of Charlie’s work for The New Yorker for quite some time,” said Stoopid Buddy Stoodios co-founder Matthew Senreich. “We love the offbeat, observational humor of his comics, and can’t wait to bring his singular voice and design sensibilities into the world of animation as part of the TZGZ line-up.”

    The Summoner is a perfect example of how we’re experimenting with content for TZGZ by continuing to add smart stories from unique voices, but also playing with different formats and new animation styles, like Charlie’s distinctive hand-drawn look,” said Jon Cotton, VP, Short-Form Animation & Alternative Formats for SYFY. “Working with Stoopid Buddy Stoodios on this project was a no-brainer, given their track record for creating some of the buzziest adult animation out there.”

    TZGZ
    TZGZ
  • 2020 Concept Art Awards Finalists; Miyazaki, Froud Named Lifetime Achievement Recipients

    2020 Concept Art Awards Finalists; Miyazaki, Froud Named Lifetime Achievement Recipients

    On September 12, the Concept Art Association will bring its annual Concept Art Awards ceremony, Presented by LightBox Expo, into the virtual space. Hosted this year by Max Greenfield (New Girl) and Carla Renata (Superstore), the event is the first of its kind to recognize and bring increased awareness of the role of concept artists throughout the world of movies, television, video games, VR and more.

    The Concept Art Association was created with the mission of elevating and raising the profile of concept artists, their art and their involvement in various entertainment industries. At the center of their organization is an annual Concept Art Awards show, where these behind-the-scenes individuals working in entertainment concept art are showcased and recognized for their craft. The Concept Art Association was founded by Talent Manager Rachel Meinerding and producer and co-founder of the BRIC Foundation, Nicole Hendrix.

    "The Child" (The Mandalorian) by Christian Alzmann
    “The Child” (The Mandalorian) by Christian Alzmann

    This year’s Lifetime Achievement Awards will be presented to creator and Co-Founder of Studio Ghibli, Hayao Miyazaki (My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away) and legendary fantasy artist Brian Froud (The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth). These pioneers have pushed the concept art world forward and paved the way for entertainment artists everywhere. The LBX Concept Art Luminary Award, celebrating a person from the concept art community who has made an impact with their artwork in the past year, will be presented to Christian Alzmann for his work on The Child in Star Wars: The Mandalorian.

    During the event, artists will be honored for their artistic excellence in the Professional categories of Live Action for film and series, Animation for film and series, Games (both mobile and PC/console), VR, and then Original Concepts/Independent, Student Work, and Fan Art. Art was submitted from projects such as The Last of Us Part II, Klaus, Birds of Prey, Frozen II, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, and many more.

    "Margu" (Klaus) by Torsten Schrank
    “Margu” (Klaus) by Torsten Schrank

    Animated Film – Character Finalists

    “The Two Clans” – Daniel Fernandez Casas | Klaus (SPA Studios/Netflix)

    “Klaus Character” – Torsten Schrank | Klaus (SPA Studios/Netflix)

    “Margu” – Torsten Schrank | Klaus (SPA Studios/Netflix)

    “The Nokk” – James Woods | Frozen II (Walt Disney Animation Studios)

    Animated Film – Environment Finalists

    “Forest” – Szymon Biernacki | Klaus (SPA Studios/Netflix)

    “Post Office” – Szymon Biernacki | Klaus (SPA Studios/Netflix)

    “Smeerensburg” – Szymon Biernacki | Klaus (SPA Studios/Netflix)

    “Scoob” – Zac Retz | Scoob! (ReelFX/Warner Animation Group)

    "Tulip" (Infinity Train) by Allison Kim
    “Tulip” (Infinity Train) by Allison Kim

    Animated Series – Character Recipient

    “Tulip” – Allison Kim | Infinity Train (Cartoon Network Studios)

    Animated Series – Environmental Finalists

    “Bucks Store” – Guillermo Bustos | The Last Kids on Earth (Netflix)

    “1970s London Classroom” – Melissa King | Infinity Train (Cartoon Network Studios)

    “Background Paint” – Melissa King | Infinity Train (Cartoon Network Studios)

    “Roller Rink Pink Palette” – Melissa King | Infinity Train (Cartoon Network Studios)

    View all finalists at www.conceptartassociation.com.

    "The Nokk" (Frozen II) by James Woods
    “The Nokk” (Frozen II) by James Woods

    Sponsors for the 2020 Concept Art Awards Presented by LightBox Expo include Legacy Effects, The Art Directors Guild Local 800, MPTF, Adobe, ImagineFX Magazine, Gnomon School of VFX + Animation, Stuart Ng Books and BakersMan. This year’s show will also focus on raising funds for the Motion Picture & Television Fund’s COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund. It provides temporary financial assistance for needs created or complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The 2020 Concept Art Awards will take place on Saturday night, September 12 as part of LightBox Expo Online’s virtual programming. Registration, with options from as little as $1 to $40 for full access and exclusives, is open now at www.lightboxexpo.com.

  • ‘Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal’ Saga Continues with 5 New Eps.

    ‘Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal’ Saga Continues with 5 New Eps.

    Spear and Fang continue their journey together with five all-new episodes of Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal, premiering Sunday, October 4 at 11:30pm ET/PT on Adult Swim.

    Combining artistry, emotion and flat-out action, the series has as well been renewed for a second season for an additional 10 episodes. From the mind of Genndy Tartakovsky, the visionary creator behind the Emmy Award-winning series Samurai Jack, comes a new tale that follows a caveman at the dawn of evolution as he forms an unlikely friendship with an almost extinct dinosaur.

    With suspense, heartbreak, excitement, love and fear all without a single word of dialogue, the series is a painting come to life, relying solely on music and graphic imagery to tell the story of two unlikely allies as they navigate through a treacherous world. After bonding over unfortunate tragedies, they seem to become each other’s only hope of survival against a common enemy.

    Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal was created by Tartakovsky (Dexter’s Laboratory, Samurai Jack) with art direction from Scott Wills (The Ren & Stimpy Show, Samurai Jack) and music composition from Tyler Bates (Guardians of the Galaxy, Samurai Jack).

    Catch the first five episodes on AdultSwim.com or on HBOMax, streaming now.

  • Watch: Peter Ramsey Shares Career Lows and Highs on ‘Faceplant’

    Ever since Sony Pictures Animation’s widely acclaimed Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse first swung into theaters 2018, co-director Peter Ramsey has been in hot demand as a speaker at animation conferences, festivals and special programs around the world. But in a new episode of docuseries Faceplant from Million Stories Media (a free digital channel run by the Singleton Foundation for Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship), the award-winning filmmaker opens up about the speedbumps in his own road to Oscar gold and international note.

    “Everybody’s going to have ups and downs,” Ramsey says in the interview. “The ability to come back from one of those is the question.”

    An established animation storyboard artist, Ramsey’s future opened up with the opportunity to take the director’s chair on DreamWorks Animation’s Rise of the Guardians (2012) — but what should have been a breakout opportunity also came with the pressure of being the studio’s first African-American director, and unfortunately turned into a setback. In the episode, he shares his experience at the time, his worries, and how he set his career back on course.

    “You read these headlines on the internet like, ‘Epic Flop Casts DreamWorks’ Future into Doubt!’ and you’re like, ‘Woah! Why is my name in that paragraph?! Get it out of there!’” He recalls with a laugh. “Everybody, especially people who really try and reach for something, are gonna make mistakes.”

    Watch the episode on Tuesday, Sept. 1 on www.millionstories.com.

    Peter Ramsey was an established movie storyboard artist who was given a rare opportunity to direct an animated feature film for DreamWorks. As the first African-American given that position, it carried a lot of pressure. Then the movie flopped and his career was in jeopardy. That is, until his second film won him an Oscar.

    Faceplant is a documentary style show about some familiar faces, their (sometimes very public) career and life struggles, and how they overcame them to get back up stronger than ever. From Hollywood actors, directors and producers to Olympic athletes and social media superstars, the show gives inspiration as we hear how they took the lemons life gave them and turned it into lemonade. Subjects spotlighted in the series are:

    • Michael Santos, who was sentenced to 45 years in prison for a drug dealing conviction. Using his time in prison for good, he earned numerous degrees, became a renowned author, professor and a motivational speaker.
    • Endyia Kinney-Sterns, a TV producer and network executive who lost her job during the recession and was forced to reinvent herself and her career.
    • GloZell Green,a social media star that went broke after YouTube changed its algorithm which led to fewer views on her page, translating into less money. She had not budgeted prior or had a financial plan.
    • Danell Leyva, an Olympic athlete that had a fall and seeked redemption. Then he got injured by a dog which jeopardized his chances to make the Olympic team. He makes it by default, and then wins two silver medals.
    • Nanxi Lu, a college grad who co-founded a start-up company with her friends who then turned on her and asked her to step down as CEO.
    • Conrad Palmisano, a high school underdog who got kicked out of school and enlisted in the Vietnam War. The skills he learned in war prove to help him create a career as a stuntman in the movie business.
    • Dori Howard, an entrepreneur who prematurely launched a new company and created a product before finding out if the company name can be trademarked.
    • Maria De Faria, a Venezuelan actress who found early success as a child. But when she moves to Los Angeles, a language barrier and another canceled show challenge Maria as she learns to embrace failure and persevere. 
    • Emily Grace Buck, a video game narrative designer who is sideswiped both emotionally and financially when the company she is working for goes under. This catapults her into an activist for industry worker protections.
    Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
    Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
  • Nick Jr. Premieres Stylish & Sympathetic ‘Made By Maddie’ Sept. 13

    Nick Jr. Premieres Stylish & Sympathetic ‘Made By Maddie’ Sept. 13

    Family, friendship and fashionable fun drive Nickelodeon’s brand-new animated preschool series, Made by Maddie (formerly known as Fashion Ally), premiering Sunday, Sept. 13 at 11 a.m. (ET/PT) on the Nick Jr. channel.

    Created by Paula Rosenthal and produced by Silvergate Media (Sunny Day, Peter Rabbit, The Octonauts, Hilda), the 22 x half-hour series follows Maddie, and eight-year old living in New York City, as she uses her imagination and design ingenuity to turn every problem into a positive with the perfect fashion fix. Made by Maddie will continue to air regularly Sundays at 11 a.m. (ET/PT) on Nick Jr.

    The first season will feature guest voice appearances by Karamo Brown (Queer Eye), Rhyon Nicole Brown (Empire), Danny Burstein (Broadway’s Moulin Rouge!), David Burtka (Professional Chef), Monét X Change (RuPaul’s Drag Race), Joey Fatone (*NSYNC), Griffin Robert Faulkner (Raising Dion), Nina Garcia (Project Runway), Joy Lynn Jacobs (The Blacklist), Claudia Morcate-Martin (Seneca), Wanya Morris (Boyz II Men), Christine Pedi (Steven Universe), Christiani Pitts (Broadway’s King Kong), Al Roker (TODAY), D’Angelo Russell (Minnesota Timberwolves), Horatio Sanz (Black Monday) and Nico Tortorella (Younger).

    Made By Maddie
    Made By Maddie

    Maddie (Alyssa Cheatham) is a quick-thinking little girl with a big personality and a huge heart, who has a passion for fashion. She finds design inspiration around every corner and her big ideas couldn’t become a reality without the love and support of her aspirational and talented fashion designer mom, Dee (Patina Miller), and her super cool and upbeat musician dad, Rashad (James Monroe Iglehart), along with the assistance of friends and neighbors, including her kind, animal-loving best friend Jada (Sophia Torres) and the twins — rule-following Harper (Amanda Dressel) and fearless Hudson (Ames McNamara) — who are always up for adventure. Maddie’s creative thinking and dazzling designs are a reflection of the bustling, colorful city of New York and its residents. Maddie confidently embraces her own unique style, celebrates individuality, treats everyone with kindness, and encourages others to take risks and be themselves.

    Made By Maddie
    Made By Maddie

    In the series premiere, “If the Glue Fits/Mini Me DJ,” Maddie gets her hands stuck to a pair of shoes Dee designed. Once she finally gets the shoes unstuck, she has to come up with a redesign to save the day. Then, Maddie, Dee and her assistant Dustin design an outfit for DJ Fierce, a famous DJ. They scour the city for the perfect materials, but when a misunderstanding leads to an outfit mix-up, Maddie will have to get creative with a fashion fix.

    Made By Maddie
    Made By Maddie

    Following the series premiere of Made by Maddie, NickJr.com and the Nick Jr. App will feature short-form content and full-length episodes. Episodes will also be available on Nick Jr. On Demand and Download-To-Own services.

    Production of Made by Maddie for Nickelodeon Animation Studio is overseen by Eryk Casemiro, Senior Vice President, Nickelodeon Preschool.

  • Gamescom Awards 2020: ‘Cyberpunk 2077’ Wins Best of Show

    Gamescom Awards 2020: ‘Cyberpunk 2077’ Wins Best of Show

    The final honors of the gamescom award 2020 (www.gamescom.global), based in Cologne, Germany, were awarded Sunday night, revealing Cyberpunk 2077 as the Best of gamescom award winner, as well as the fan pick Best Streamer, Best Lineup and Heart of Gaming award for best virtual booth walk-through honors. Winners of the numerous juried categories were announced Thursday, and can also be found below.

    Cyberpunk 2077, an RPG developed by Polish studio CD Projekt Red and distributed in Europe by Bandai Namco, was also able to impress the jury in the categories of Best Sony PlayStation Game, Best PC Game and Best Role-Playing Game. gamescom fans further award the futuristic action title in the consumer voting as the most hotly anticipated of all the games nominated for the gamescom award.

    KeyWe
    KeyWe

    The winners announced during the gamescom: Best of Show ceremony are:
    Best Family Game KeyWe, Stonewheat & Sons
    Best Ongoing GameBorderlands 3, 2K
    Best PC GameCyberpunk 2077, CD PROJEKT RED
    Best Racing Game DIRT5, Codemasters
    Best RemasterMafia: Definitive Edition, 2K
    Best Role-Playing GameCyberpunk 2077, CD PROJEKT RED
    Best Simulation Project CARS 3, Bandai Namco Entertainment
    Best Sports GameTony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2, Activision
    Best Strategy Game Humankind, Amplitude Studios & SEGA Europe
    Most Original GameVoidtrain, Hypetrain Digital
    Most Wanted Hardware/Technology – Xbox Series X, Microsoft

    Little Nightmares 2
    Little Nightmares 2

    Global and consumer awards revealed during Best Of Show:
    Best Announcement Unknown 9: Awakening, Reflector Entertainment
    Best Lineup – Bandai Namco Entertainment
    Best of gamescomCyberpunk 2077, CD PROJEKT RED
    Best Presentation/Trailer Little Nightmares 2, Tarsier Studios
    Best ShowWorld of Tanks Blitz gamescom Stream, Wargaming
    Best Streamer – Erik “Gronkh” Range
    gamescom “Most Wanted” Consumer AwardCyberpunk 2077, CD PROJEKT RED
    HEART OF GAMING Award – Indie Arena Booth, Super Crowd Entertainment

    Operation: Tango
    Operation: Tango

    gamescom: Opening Night Live winners announced Thursday are:
    Best Action Adventure GameWatch Dogs: Legion, Ubisoft
    Best Action GameStar Wars: Squadrons, Electronic Arts
    Best Indie GameCurious Expedition 2, Maschinen-Mensch
    Best Microsoft Xbox GameTell Me Why, Microsoft
    Best Multiplayer Game Operation: Tango, Clever Plays
    Best Nintendo Switch Game Little Nightmares 2, Bandai Namco Entertainment
    Best Sony Playstation Game Cyberpunk 2077, CD PROJEKT RED

  • How Ethan Shaftel Conjured ‘Ajax All Powerful’ from the VR Lamp

    How Ethan Shaftel Conjured ‘Ajax All Powerful’ from the VR Lamp

    In the lead up to a world premiere this week at the Venice Film Festival, the trailer for a new VR comedy Ajax All Powerful debuts today. The 15-minute comedy, which stars Henry Winkler (Happy Days, Arrested Development, Barry) and Chris Parnell (Rick and Morty, SNL, Archer) is a fully-immersive animated film about a foul-mouthed genie (Winkler) addicted to the human souls he collects after tricking gullible masters. But something is different about the little girl who found his lamp this time: she’s hired a lawyer (Parnell) to negotiate her wishes.

    We caught up with L.A.-based writer-director Ethan Shaftel to learn more about this Tribeca- and Annecy-selected project, created by an international team of artists and produced by Beijing-based VR content & distribution company VeeR.

    Animation Magazine: Can you tell us when you started working on the project and how long it took to make?

    Ethan Shaftel: I wrote the first draft of Ajax All Powerful in April 2019 while I was at Tribeca for the premiere of my VR project Space Buddies. I pitched Ajax to VeeR and started discussing the financing in June. My collaborators and I started making VR storyboards and prototypes during the negotiations and we officially began production in October. We had a solid version of the movie done in time for what would have been our premiere at Tribeca 2020 in April, but because that was cancelled we continued to polish the sound mix, lighting, effects and the behind-the-scenes interactivity into May 2020. So, the project took just over a year, with approximately four months of production.

    What was the inspiration for the piece?

    I had been thinking about genies and lamps as an opportunity for a VR story because of the fact that genies can change size. The early vision was a movie that starts at micro-scale inside the lamp with the genie, then moves out of the lamp into the room at human-scale for the middle of the movie, and then ends up with the genie growing huge and towering over us at the climax.

    I needed a spatial structure as a starting point before I started deciding what those size relationships “meant,” what scale the visitor should be in relationship to those spatial moments, and how to use them to tell a story about power and power-shifts between a genie and a master. In VR, the space around the visitor is the canvas on which I’m trying to express the characters. Every time the visitor changes size and position in the storyworld it is because of a turning point for the characters and their relationships.

    How many people worked on the project?

    The main production team was five people — Frank Stringini the animator, Scott Wetterschneider the designer, Andy Runyon the developer, McKenzie Stubbert the composer, and me. I did a fair bit of hands-on production on background elements and most of the sound work myself. As the scope shifted and we kept adding new jokes and scenes, we brought in some additional designers and modelers for other characters and props, plus another animator.

    Ethan Shaftel
    Ethan Shaftel

    What was the toughest aspect/biggest challenge of the production?

    The biggest challenge was the constantly expanding scope. More so than in traditional film, the “writing” process in VR doesn’t really capture the complexities of the medium on the page. You can write a script, but until you have an actual VR prototype that you can experience spatially in the headset, you don’t really know what you are dealing with. We had done some prototyping during the writing process, but once we got into actual production and iterating on drafts, that’s when the best ideas started coming — funnier jokes, additional scenes, etc. In animation, a new gag could mean new props to design and model, while new scenes require whole characters and environments.

    And because it’s VR, every environment is a complete space in all directions, not just a simple backdrop. There are multiple characters in this movie that had to be drawn, modeled, rigged, animated and voiced that are onscreen for less than 10 seconds total. We had a very modest budget for how ambitious the project was already, but when an obviously good idea for an improvement comes up, it’s really hard to walk away from it without trying to make it happen. I’m just so grateful to the team for really stepping up and pushing to get those additions produced.

    What was your ballpark budget?

    Ugh, I hate that question! If the answer is a million dollars then you’ll wonder why I couldn’t manage to make something better, and if the answer is $50 dollars you’ll think I’m a genius. The truth is in the middle (much closer to the latter, believe me) but maybe I’ll opt out of being explicit at this stage and let the work speak for itself!

    Ajax All Powerful
    Ajax All Powerful

    What do you hope audiences will take away from the short?

    The more interesting question with this particular project may be what I hope the audience doesn’t notice — there is a lot in Ajax that is meant to be invisible. For instance, the visitor in the headset changes scale and position many times as I’ve said, but most visitors only notice the few big scale changes that are obvious. I don’t want them to notice the rest, I just want them to feel the change in space as it enhances the character moment. I also don’t want them to notice all the behind-the-scenes interactive triggers that keep the pace tight, the camera movement working as intended, and the punchlines happening just as their eyes fall on something. I definitely want them to laugh, but what I’m hoping is that the language of immersive comedy that I’m trying to develop remains invisible.

    What is your take on the state of VR animation in 2020?

    I’m only sticking my head above water right now after completing Ajax, so I don’t have a good answer for that. I’m hearing about really exciting work being done out there and projects I want to see, but the festival cancellations this year are a huge set back to indie VR creators like me. The funding of my next project is always so tied up with the launch of the previous one — and the type of conversations you have at a festival premiere with possible partners. So I’m looking ahead eagerly (like everyone else) to see what the “new normal” will be and when we as an industry can start meeting up again in real life.

    What was the biggest lesson you learned from this experience?

    I don’t know if I have a “biggest” lesson, but on every project I’m struck again by the power of iteration. You’ve got to get the first draft done, share, review, get feedback, then execute every improvement you can think of to the best of your ability. I try not to give in to the thought of “I’ll fix that later” or “don’t bother polishing at this stage” and just focus on trying to delight whoever the next person is to see it. When I look back at earlier drafts, I’m shocked at how bad it was, when I know I thought at that point that it was getting pretty good!

    What do you think the future holds for VR technology?

    The most useful answer to this is probably very short-term, because everything else ends up science fiction. Right now, the Oculus Quest is the most exciting platform in my opinion. It’s compelling to those of us working on VR narrative because it represents a bridge out of the world of VR games to non-gamers that would be interested in something like Ajax All Powerful if they had access to it. I’m all for games in VR but that’s not what I do, and I don’t even think the gaming audience would find what I do particularly compelling. For VR narrative to take off, a lot of people outside gamers have to have access to the content, and that only happens with cheap stand-alone gear.

    Aside from that, I’m trying to keep my head down and work on content at a low-enough budget to be sustainable for financiers so that by the time (cross your fingers) there is a decent sized audience for work like this, I’ve solved some of my own narrative questions and have a few tricks up my sleeve.

    Watch Ajax All Powerful in the virtually presented Venice VR Expanded program, Sept. 2-12.

    www.ethanshaftel.com | veer.tv

  • Animation Reigns in Spain: Pixelatl Paints a Healthy Picture of the Spanish Scene

    Animation Reigns in Spain: Pixelatl Paints a Healthy Picture of the Spanish Scene

    ***An abridged version of this article originally appeared in the Sept./Oct. ’20 issue of Animation Magazine (No. 303)***

    Spanish animation and VFX studios will have a strong presence at this year’s virtual Pixelatl Festival. “Spain is once again present at the event with a virtual stand that will include a Who’s Who of animation and VFX in Spain, promotional videos, information on news of tax incentives, as well as a directory of accredited studios and companies, such as Wise Blue Studios, Peekaboo Animation, El Ranchito, 3Doubles and Paramotion Films,” says Tito Rodríguez, director of marketing for Spain’s Institute of Cinematography and Audiovisual Arts (ICAA).

    Tito Rodríguez (ICAA)
    Tito Rodríguez (ICAA)

    On September 2 at 10 a.m. Mexico City time (CST), 5 p.m. Central European Summer Time (CEST), the ICAA in collaboration with Diboos, the Federation of Spanish Animation Associations, will offer the panel “Spain Your Animate Mate … New Spanish Tax Incentives” in which the participants will discuss the benefits of the country’s latest new tax incentives. In addition, together with WEIRD – Animation, Video Games and New Media Market, the org will present three animated short projects by young talents in a panel titled “3x Projects by New Spanish Animation Emerging Talents” (Sept. 3 at 1 p.m. CST, 8 p.m. CEST).

    Last, but not least, The Quirino Awards will once again bridge the animation scene between Spain and Latin America, presenting a report on “Resilience in Ibero-American Animation” in the framework of the League of Ibero-American Animation (formed by Quirino, Animation! Ventana Sur and Pixelatl).

    Becarias by Marina Donderis, Núria Poveda and Marina Cortón (3x Projects by New Spanish Animation Emerging Talents)
    Becarias by Marina Donderis, Núria Poveda and Marina Cortón (3x Projects by New Spanish Animation Emerging Talents)

    A Tax Haven For Toon Producers

    “Since May 2020, Spain has increased its tax incentives,” notes Rodriguez. “We have now a very competitive 25% to 30 % tax rebate for international productions (5% more than in previous years), having lowered the minimum expenditure for animation and VFX projects to 200,000 euros, and raising the maximum amount of the deduction to a total of 10 million euros. Also, the Canary Islands, thanks to their special Economic and Tax Regime, authorized by the EU, offer several tax incentives for the animation and VFX industry that are 20 points higher than in the rest of Spain. Specifically a 50% – 45% tax rebate for international productions and a 50% -45% tax credit for Spanish productions or coproduction.”

    In addition, the ICAA provides extra support to Spanish animated films, by reserving 8% of its two feature film production grants for animated titles. These two lines of support have a combined budget of almost 52 million euros in 2020. Normally, public support from all sources combined should not exceed 50% of the total budget of a film, but this year, the limit has been raised to 75% for animated films whose production budget does not exceed 2.5 million euros.

    “Raising the cap to 10 million euros and lowering the floor to 200,000 euros will be a game changer for the industry in Spain,” says Nathalie Martínez, CEO at Wise Blue Studios (Animal Crackers, Hero Dad). “On the one hand, setting the new cap as high as 10 million, means that a single company in Spain could undertake the production of a full movie up to $35-40 million budget and maximize the tax rebate. On the other hand, lowering the minimum expenditure required to only 200,000 euro, allows the Spanish companies to take production services of a diverse range of budgets or even partial services, as only post-production, VFX, etc, which the previous floor of 1 million expenditure minimum didn’t allow.”

    He Ran towards His Comrade by Génis Rigol (3x Projects by New Spanish Animation Emerging Talents)
    He Ran towards His Comrade by Génis Rigol (3x Projects by New Spanish Animation Emerging Talents)

    Among the many eagerly anticipated features coming out of Spain in the near future are Tad the Lost Explorer 3 (Lightbox Studios Animation), Unicorn Wars (UniKo), and Mibots (Wise Blue Studios). In addition, Clan, the children’s channel of RTVE (Spain’s public TV), has selected seven animated series in their 2020 call for project support. The projects are Get Along Gang (Tomavision), La Granja Feliz (Motion Pictures), Yo, Elvis Riboldi (Peekaboo), Bumpy the Bear (Koji), Billy Buenrollito (Imira), Annie and Carola (MB and Mondo International) and the second season of Momonsters (Big Bang Box and 3Doubles). These seven projects sum up a total of 326 episodes and more than 50 hours of top-quality, family-friendly Spanish animation.

    “Highlights also include Hero Dad (Wise Blue Studios), the first real-time animated show that [is entering] worldwide distribution with WildBrain, and Cry Babies (Hampa Studios), currently a hit on YouTube with a strong merchandising strategy,” adds Rodríguez. “And of course, Homeless Home by Alberto Vázquez, produced by UniKo and Autour de Minuit, which received the Jury Prize at Annecy earlier this year, which is also part of Pixelatl’s official program.”

    Hero Dad from Wise Blue Studios, distributed by WildBrain
    Hero Dad from Wise Blue Studios, distributed by WildBrain

    The director also points out that 2020 started on a very positive note with Sergio Pablos Animation Studios receiving an Oscar nomination and seven Annie Awards for the feature Klaus. Despite the delicate situation with the COVID pandemic, companies in the animation sector have continued to work and maintained jobs at a very high level.

    As Nico Matji, Diboos president stated earlier in the year, “The animation and visual effects industry in Spain, although affected by the global pandemic of COVID-19 like the rest of the cultural sectors, has demonstrated its strength and capacity to recover in this crisis. We have been able to move to teleworking with relative ease because we are eminently digital companies, accustomed to constantly learning and innovating.”

    Rodríguez says Spanish studios are now experiencing a “new normal.” “Office work is combined with working remotely from home,” he adds. “Productions have restarted, and international projects have been carried on under strict sanitary regulations. Festivals are coming back as physical or hybrid editions, cinemas are re-opening, and the box office is recovering, slowly. Thanks to initiatives like improving the tax incentives, for example, and increasing our public grants, we are experiencing a bit of fresh air and seeing more international investment and national audiovisual productions.”

    For more info, visit icaa.es.

    Pixelatl Festival takes place online Sept. 1-5 at elfestival.mx.

  • Mattel’s ‘Thomas & Friends’ Keeps Chugging Along: S24 Hits Netflix Sept. 1

    Mattel’s ‘Thomas & Friends’ Keeps Chugging Along: S24 Hits Netflix Sept. 1

    Mattel Television has announced the 24th season of its perennial preschool favorite Thomas & Friends. Featuring 20 11-minute episodes, the new season continues to follow along with the iconic blue engine and his friends — including Emily, Percy, Gordon, Rebecca, Nia and James — as they travel throughout Sodor and around the world.

    Adventures abound for Thomas and the Steam Team on the Island of Sodor and beyond. During Season 24, Thomas and his friends visit a variety of countries and meet new characters along the way – including an American inventor, an electric train from Japan and a car made of locomotive parts.

    Thomas & Friends Season 24 will be available on Netflix in the U.S. beginning on Sept. 1. Season 23 of the series, as well as six different specials, are also available on Netflix in the U.S.

    Created for television by Britt Alcroft, Thomas & Friends S24 is executive produced by Christopher Keenan and produced by Ian McCue, with David Stoten as series head writer. The animation is produced by Jam Filled.

    Thomas the Tank Engine was created 75 years ago by Rev. W. Awdry in stories for his son, Christopher. Today, Thomas is just as beloved by children as he was when he first chugged down the tracks in 1945. Through stories told across television, books, apps, and more, the Thomas & Friends brand introduces children to the world around them through the wonder and awe of trains, providing a trusted friend for adventure and discovery.

  • ‘Paradise PD’ Writers Developing ‘X-Files’ Animated Comedy with Fox

    ‘Paradise PD’ Writers Developing ‘X-Files’ Animated Comedy with Fox

    Fox is in development on another new animated series inspired by the hit supernatural investigation series The X-Files. The comedy spin-off, The X-Files: Albuquerque comes from Rocky Russo and Jeremy Sosenko, writers/producers on Paradise PD, confirmed for a third season on Netflix. The duo also wrote for Comedy Central’s Brickleberry (2012-2015).

    Produced by 20th Television and Fox Entertainment, with Fox-owned Bento Box (Bob’s Burgers, Paradise PD) providing the animation, The X-Files: Albuquerque is set in an office full of misfit agents tasked with investigating the cases too ridiculous for Mulder and Scully to touch. The X-Files creators Chris Carter and Gabe Rotter will executive produce.

    Fox has committed to a script and presentation for the spin-off.

    [Source: TVLine via Deadline]

    Rocky Russo and Jeremy Sosenko
    Rocky Russo and Jeremy Sosenko
  • V-CRX Adds Horror Master Junji Ito in Latest Round of Guests

    V-CRX Adds Horror Master Junji Ito in Latest Round of Guests

    Virtual Crunchyroll Expo announced another massive lineup of guests this week, including the legendary horror artist Junji Ito, a lineup of professional athlete anime fans, the creative staff and voice actors from The Rising of the Shield Hero and One Piece, among many others.

    Junji Ito (Tomie, Uzumaki, Gyo)will attend V-CRX to give fans a glimpse into the lives of Yon and Mu, the iconic horror manga artist’s beloved cats and stars of his self-parodying autobiographical series Junji Ito’s Cat Diary: Yon & Mu (Kodansha; 2008-2009).

    The creative staff behind The Rising of the Shield Hero will gather to discuss the show and make a very special announcement! The panel features Keigo Koyanagi (series composition), Masahiro Suwa (character design) and Junichiro Tamura (producer), with special messages to fans from voice actors Sarah Emi Bridcutt (voice of Myne), Kaito Ishikawa (Naofumi Iwatani), Asami Seto (Raphtalia) and Rina Hidaka (Filo).

    One Piece
    One Piece

    An exciting One Piece panel from Toei Animation will feature Japanese voice actors Mayumi Tanaka (voice of Monkey D. Luffy), Kazuya Nakai (Roronoa Zoro), Ikue Otani (Tony Tony Chopper) and Hiroaki Hirata (voice of Vinsmoke Sanji).

    Crunchyroll Games will also be bringing a slate of special guests to V-CRX, including Masayuki Yamaigishi (Yama-P), the NextNinja CEO and producer of Crunchyroll Games title Grand Summoners; Erik, Global Lead of Grand Summoners; Kensuke Mita, Producer of Naruto X Boruto Ninja Tribes from Bandai Namco Entertainment; and David Cai, Co-Founder of Gaudium, the studio behind the upcoming Crunchyroll Game Grand Alliance, which is coming soon from Crunchyroll and VIZ Media.

    Crunchyroll also revealed the stellar lineup for the “Professional Athletes of Anime” panel, which will be hosted by Jacki Jing and will include Aries Merritt, Olympic Gold Medalist for Team U.S.A. in track and field; Cole Anthony, rising star in the American basketball scene, playing for the North Carolina Tar Heels; and Miro, streamer and professional wrestling champion (appearing on WWE under the name Rusev).

    Additional guests announced this week include character designer Miho Tanino (Tower of God), voice actress and singer Minori Chihara (The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Violet Evergarden), and musician TeddyLoid.

    Minori Chihara
    Minori Chihara

    Panels will be available to stream live in the Theater District at Virtual Crunchyroll Expo, and will be uploaded to the V-CRX On-Demand section periodically throughout the weekend to ensure fans can catch up on any of the action they might have missed. The complete schedule for Virtual Crunchyroll Expo can be found here.

    Virtual Crunchyroll Expo will have a series of districts available for fan enjoyment: the Theater District will house panels, premieres and screenings; the Super Arcade will house fan activations and activities (including the Onyx Equinox scavenger hunt, MAPPA gallery tour, and Yuzu’s Cat Cafe, among others); the Anime Arts District will be home to the V-CRX artist alley; and the Central Shopping District will house the exhibitor hall.

    International registration for V-CRX is open at crunchyrollexpo.com. The global anime community is encouraged to sign up for a free pass for this year’s event to catch all the action, announcements, guest panels, and more.

    Virtual Crunchyroll Expo is a digital take on Crunchyroll’s yearly flagship convention that brings together the anime community to celebrate the best and brightest in Japanese animation. V-CRX will be streaming from September 4-6 only on crunchyrollexpo.com.

  • Watch: ‘Over the Moon’ Lead Single “Rocket to the Moon” Debuts

    Watch: ‘Over the Moon’ Lead Single “Rocket to the Moon” Debuts

    Netflix has debuted the lead single from upcoming animated feature Over The Moon with a new lyric video and making-of featurette. Performed by voice star Cathy Ang, “Rocket to the Moon” a stirring ballad in the best traditions of cinematic animated musical adventures. The tune is available to stream over the movie’s website and its official playlist on Spotify.

    “Rocket to the Moon” Lyric Video:

    The Making of “Rocket to the Moon”:

    Directed by Oscar winner Glen Keane (Dear Basketball) and co-directed by Oscar winner John Kahrs (Paperman), Over the Moon centers on a bright young girl with a passion for science and boundless determination, who builds a rocket ship to fly to the Moon and prove the existence of a legendary Moon Goddess. There, she ends up on an unexpected quest, and discovers a whimsical land of fantastical creatures.

    Written by the late Audrey Wells (The Hate U Give), Over the Moon is produced by Gennie Rim (Dear Basketball) and Pearl Studio’s Peilin Chou (Abominable). Executive producers are Janet Yang (The Joy Luck Club), Glen Keane, Ruigang Li, Frank Zhu and Thomas Hui. The movie features original songs by Christopher Curtis (Chaplin), Marjorie Duffield and Helen Park (off-Broadway musical KPOP).

    The cast features Cathy Ang (Fei Fei), Phillipa Soo (Chang’e), Robert G. Chiu (Chin), Ken Jeong (Gobi), John Cho (Dad), Ruthie Ann Miles (Mom), Margaret Cho (Auntie Ling), Kimiko Glenn (Auntie Mei), Artt Butler (Uncle) and Sandra Oh (Mrs. Zhong).

    Over the Moon premieres exclusively on Netflix on October 23.

    Over the Moon
    Over the Moon
  • Warner GKYAC Shuffles WBA, Cartoon Network Leadership

    Reorganization throughout WarnerMedia continues, with Warner Bros. Global Kids, Young Adults & Classics division President Tom Ascheim announcing key executive moves around Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Studios.

    Warner Bros. Animation President Sam Register is adding oversight of Cartoon Network Studios to his responsibilities, reporting to Ascheim. Register will lead both animation studios as separate entities, which together under the GKYAC umbrella currently produce more than 30series — including Teen Titans GO!, Looney Tunes Cartoons (WBA), Craig of the Creek and We Bare Bears (CNS).

    “The legacy of each of these great studios is long, with remarkable contributions to culture and the world of animation. There is no one better to usher in this exciting new period in these studios’ history than Sam,” said Ascheim. “We owe Rob a huge debt of gratitude for building the Cartoon Network brand to what it is today, creating a long list of imagination-capturing hit shows. He’s one of the most talented executives in our industry, someone who has changed the content game many times over, and I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next for us.”

    Register has served as WBA President since April 2014, supervising the studio’s TV animation unit and overseeing creative efforts related to the development and creation of new programming, including traditional animated series, original shorts and original movies. He also runs the Warner Bros. Television Group’s digital studio, Blue Ribbon Content, which was formed in 2014 and produces original series and content for digital platforms.

    Prior to his role at WBA, Register developed and produced animated series for both Cartoon Network Studios and Warner Bros, Animation. He began his animation career with Cartoon Network in 1994 and went on to run Cartoon Network Online, creating the company’s first website, CartoonNetwork.com, in 1998.

    Cartoon Network Chief Content Officer Rob Sorcher, who was heading Cartoon Network Studios, is moving into an overall live-action & animation production deal with Warner Bros. Television Group.

    Accomplished kids’ TV executive Amy Friedman has been brought in as a senior advisor to take over Sorcher’s CN programming oversight duties on an interim basis, reporting to Ascheim.

    Friedman has previously held senior creative management positions at Nickelodeon, Noggin, TeenNick, Scratch (Viacom’s in-house Millennial innovation lab), Sprout and Universal Kids, and is the founder and president of Redhead Consulting, a brand creation and content development company focused on kids, teens and families. Her work in branding, inclusive storytelling and pro-social content has earned multiple Peabody, Beacon, Cable Ace and Creativity Awards.

    Warner Bros. Animation Executive VP & General Manager Ed Adams will have an expanded role, serving both studios alongside Register, to whom he will continue to report.

    Adams joined WBA in 2009. He was promoted to General Manager in 2015, and again to EVP & General Manager in 2018 with oversight of all of the division’s non-production activities. He came to WBA after more than a decade of business affairs, legal and operations experience at leading companies in the animation industry including DreamWorks Animation and Cookie Jar Entertainment.

    Teen Titans Go!
    Teen Titans Go!
  • Studio 100 Blasts Off with T&B Media & Flying Bark for ‘FriendZSpace’

    Studio 100 Blasts Off with T&B Media & Flying Bark for ‘FriendZSpace’

    Studio 100 Group and T&B Media Global have announced a collaboration on a new CGI-animated series FriendZSpace, or adventure loving kids aged 5-9. T&B Media Global and Flying Bark Productions will co-produce the comedy-adventure series, which tracks three human kids who are dedicated to making friends with young alien beings who happen to be scattered all around the universe!

    “Many shows circle around ‘having’ friends. With FriendZSpace, the core of the show is how to find friends,” said Martin Krieger, CEO, Studio 100 Media / International. “It’s very easy to make friends with others who are just like you, but it’s so rewarding to make friends with completely unique people – even if they are aliens in all shapes and sizes. Making friends as the essence of the show means being open, showing kids that they should have fun exploring diverse perspectives on life, cultures, ideas and people. This is what enthused us about FriendZSpace, right from the very beginning. With such ingenious creators like Dan Clark and Oscar Covar, together with T&B Media Global and Flying Bark Productions, we are excited about FriendZSpace — a brand-new show that is literally reaching for the stars.”

    Studio 100 Media has secured the worldwide distribution rights (excluding Thailand) for all audio-visual as well as the L&M exploitation rights and will be presenting the show as a highlight at this year’s MIPCOM Rendezvous Cannes.

    Created by Dan Clark (Team Smithereen for Disney, Yo Gabba Gabba for Nick Jr.) and Oscar Covar (Team Smithereen, Tasty Tales of The Food Truckers for T&B), the first season of FriendZSpace (52 x 11’) is set for delivery in 2021.

    FriendZSpace is about three human kids traveling from planet to planet for the sole purpose of befriending dozens of funny and cool alien kids,” EP/co-creator Clark explained. “The production itself is based across Thailand, Australia, Germany, Mexico and the U.S., mirroring the series itself. Many cultures, much creativity, all working remotely (COVID-style), sharing a positive vision and, most importantly, making new friends!”

    FriendZSpace follows best friends Alice, Leo and Kim, who may seem like regular human kids, but behind their normal facade they are risk-taking deep space friend makers! Each episode follows the kids as they jet into space in their unpredictable star cruiser, “The Dart”. Accompanied by BotDog (half puppy and half high-tech Swiss army knife) their mission is simple and wonderfully weird: locate planets, find alien kids, introduce themselves, and make friends. But making friends with alien kids is tricky! Some kids live in the bushy eyebrows of a dangerously moody slobbering beast, while the kids from another planet are so colossal, the Earth kids need to climb them like skyscrapers just to say, “Hi!”

    Every alien kid we meet is friendable. But befriending alien kids is never easy. Different customs, funny alien biological quirks, and pressing narrative events create comic complications that must be overcome! FriendZSpace is all about kids and kid culture — alien and human— it’s about embracing our differences and getting into exciting trouble in the process!

    Jwanwat “Dr. Tan” Ahriyavraromp, Founder and CEO at T&B Media Global, said, “Every new friend is a new window into a world totally unknown to us. It is my hope that FriendZSpace will show our young viewers how to connect with the wonderful tapestry of humanity that we share this planet with.”

    Barbara Stephen, CEO at Flying Bark Productions, commented, “We are delighted to be setting off on this quirky space adventure with Dan, Oscar and the team at T&B! Wonderfully rich with vibrant characters and plenty of silliness, the often absurd encounters in FriendZspace reveal much about the joy of discovering new friends in the most unlikely of places. We are proud to be co-producing this light-hearted comedy and an opportunity for escape in what is otherwise a challenging time for kids around the globe.”

  • Ayo Edebiri Joins ‘Big Mouth’ Cast as New Voice of Missy

    Ayo Edebiri Joins ‘Big Mouth’ Cast as New Voice of Missy

    Ayo Edebiri has been cast as “Missy” on Netflix’s Emmy-nominated animated series Big Mouth, replacing Jenny Slate who has voiced the character since season 1.

    Fans can expect to first hear Edebiri in the role in the penultimate episode of season 4, and she will continue to voice Missy in the final episode and for future seasons — the show has been renewed through season 6.

    Edibiri has also joined the writer’s room for season 5 of the toon.

    Ayo Edebiri is a fast-rising writer/performer who has been profiled by Time Out NY, Vulture and Forbes. She is currently a co-producer on Tina Fey and Robert Carlock’s new animated series for Netflix, Mulligan. Edebiri is set to play “Hattie” in S2 of the Apple series Dickinson, a role that was created specifically for her after she joined the writers room.Previous writing credits include Big Mouth and Sunnyside. Edebiri is also voicing the lead role in the upcoming animated Netflix series We Lost Our Human, opposite Ben Schwartz, and co-hosts the podcast Iconography for Forever Dog. She was selected by Comedy Central as one of their “Up Next” comics to showcase at Clusterfest, and toured with Queer Eye’s Jonathan Van Ness.

    Season 4 of Big Mouth premieres on Netflix in Fall 2020.

  • Out-of-This-World Adventure ‘Ben 10 vs. The Universe’ Lands in October

    Out-of-This-World Adventure ‘Ben 10 vs. The Universe’ Lands in October

    Ben Tennyson is back on the alien-fighting scene, as Warner Bros. Home Entertainment releases Ben 10 vs. The Universe: The Movie globally on Digital ($14.99) October 11 and on DVD ($19.99 / $24.99 CA) October 27. Follow the alien-transforming kid hero with all-new powers and settings on this intergalactic adventure, filled with action-packed bonus content including Animatics, exclusive to the DVD.

    The action-packed movie, which will air globally first on Cartoon Network, will see a blast from Ben’s past returning to do double the damage on Team Tennyson and planet Earth itself, forcing Ben to go interstellar to save the day. Meanwhile, Gwen and Grandpa Max team up to help protect the world in Ben’s absence. But when our boy hero is confused for the villain in space, Ben must figure out a way to get back to Earth to help save it!

    “After 15 successful years, the Ben 10 franchise continues to thrive around the world,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, WBHE Senior Vice President, Originals, Animation & Family Marketing. “From its Emmy Award-winning series to its robust toy line from Bandai, merchandise in all forms have all combined to generate more than $4.5 billion in global retail sales to date. We know that fans and newcomers alike will want to own this latest installment in the franchise’s home entertainment catalog to add to their Ben 10 collections.”

    Ben 10 is produced by Cartoon Network Studios and created, and executive produced by Man of Action Entertainment (Big Hero 6, Generator Rex), with John Fang (Mixels, Generator Rex) as executive producer.

    Rainbow
    Rainbow

    Italian content powerhouse Rainbow recently celebrated its 25th anniversary with a special event at the children’s Giffoni Film Festival — which this year marks its 50th year. During opening night, a special Rainbow installation was inaugurated. The light-up sculpture traces the milestones of the group since its beginnings in 1995, when president and CEO Iginio Straffi gave life to his dream between the hills of the Marche region.

    For the entire duration of the event — extending until December — visitors can delve in the world of Rainbow through unpublished images and the first cartoon drawings that have conquered the hearts of children and adults, from the birth of the classic Winx Club world all the way up to 44 Cats, a revelation series of 2018 broadcast in over 20 languages, and the latest news born from Straffi’s inspiration.

    “There is something magical uniting Giffoni’s story with Rainbow’s one,” said Straffi. “The same tenacious and passionate ambition to try make a dream come true, to transform a youthful aspiration into a great reality. Claudio Gubitosi loved cinema as a boy and managed to make Giffoni a world capital of cinema. I wanted my stories, created by looking at the horizon beyond the Apennines, to be told and heard all over the world. Two impossible dreams, two dreams that, once fulfilled, met each other.”

  • News Bytes: ‘Archer’ Clips, TAAFI Call, D23 Dives into ‘Howard’, WOW! Reorg

    News Bytes: ‘Archer’ Clips, TAAFI Call, D23 Dives into ‘Howard’, WOW! Reorg

    FXX has unveiled new clips from animated favorite Archer ahead of the Season 11 premiere on September 16 (streaming next day on Hulu:

    Archer | Season 11: Range Teaser | Sterling’s back… testing more than just patience.

    Archer | The Dating Game | Which of Archer’s lovers is your favorite?

    Inside Disney
    Inside Disney

    D23 has launched a fresh video & audio installment of its Inside Disney podcast celebrating its one-year anniversary and exploring the magic of new Disney+ documentary Howard, on the life, career and legacy of composer Howard Ashman. Guests include Jodi Benson (“Ariel”, The Little Mermaid), Paige O’Hara (“Belle,” Beauty and the Beast) doc director Don Hahn and eight-time Oscar-winning songwriter/composer Alan Menken.

    Watch the podcast on theD23 website, Facebook page or Twitter.

    TAAFI 2021
    TAAFI 2021

    The Toronto Animation Arts Festival International has issued its call for submissions for the upcoming film fest, running Feb. 18-21, 2021. Submissions will be reviewed by a distinguished panel of animation industry professionals, and the selected feature films and shorts will be invited to screen their film at the festival in the Ted Rogers Hot Docs Cinema.

    “TAAFI remains dedicated to celebrating leading animated feature films and shorts from across the globe, making them accessible to everyone, while ensuring a safe and healthy space in response to COVID-19,” said John Rooney, executive director of TAAFI. “Our team values the tight-knit community that TAAFI has fostered over the years, making a home to some of the industry’s veterans and emerging leaders, and we believe that this year’s festival will be one of our best yet.”

    Juried categories include: Audience Choice, Grand Prix, Best Canadian Short, Best International Short, Best Kids Short, Best Student Short. Submissions are free and open until November 15, 2020..

    Every year, TAAFI sponsors the “Golden Ticket” award at Seneca College and Sheridan College, giving two students the right to bypass the submission process, automatically entering them into the festival based on their projects at their respective schools. This year’s Golden Ticket recipients are: The Hotline, directed by Christina Taratufolo (Seneca College) and Scattershot, directed by Jade Smania (Sheridan College).

    Castlevania
    Castlevania

    WOW! Unlimited Media announced that Fred Seibert has resigned his position as Director and Chief Creative Officer of WOW! and as CEO of the studio he founded, Frederator, effective November 27. Seibert will continue to work with the company on current and future projects such as Castlevania and Bee & PuppyCat as an independent producer. Michael Hirsch, CEO of WOW!, will take over leadership of Frederator as its CEO; and Neil Chakravarti, COO of WOW!, will become COO of Frederator — both appointments effective immediately.

    “I’m happy to have brought Frederator into the WOW! family where I know it will continue to grow and thrive,” said Seibert. “I am looking forward to returning to my roots as an independent cartoon producer who’s constantly searching – and finding! – unique talents with original voices. I’ll continue to collaborate with the Frederator/WOW! Team on projects going forward as we both share the same passion that goes into this great field of animation entertainment.”

    “As we look to the future, we will continue to provide fans with beloved Frederator franchises, alongside new and exciting content from the over 3,000-strong Channel Frederator Network,” Hirsh added. “We wish Fred the best in his next, independent venture, and look forward to continuing to work with him on projects we know our fans will love as we drive dynamic growth in the business.”

  • Joe Ruby, Co-Creator of ‘Scooby-Doo,’ Dies Age 87

    Animator, writer and executive Joe Ruby — who, with partner Ken Spears, created beloved Saturday morning cartoons such as Hanna-Barbera’s Jabberjaw, Dynomutt and the enduringly popular Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? — died on Wednesday of natural causes at age 87 in Westlake Village, California. The highly driven creator stayed imaginative into his later years, according to his grandson Benjamin Ruby, who told Variety: “He never stopped writing and creating, even as he aged.”

    An L.A. native, Ruby was born March 30, 1933. He studied art and began his animation journey as an inbetweener at Disney, later moving into music editing in the 1950s. Ruby enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a radio operator during the Korean War, and then moved on to his fateful gig as a sound editor at Hanna-Barbera, where he met and began working with Spears. The pair wrote a spec script and made it onto the studio’s writing staff in the 1960s, and created Jabberjaw.

    “There was no great awakening or such. I did some magazine cartooning years before, but never pursued it much. It was just a freak opportunity that came up at Hanna-Barbera in 1959,” Ruby told ScoobyAddicts.com in an interview. “They desperately needed people to write the short openings, closings and 30 second bridges for the Huck Hound and Yogi Bear shows, and both Ken and I started writing them on the side while we worked our regular jobs in the editorial department.”

    The development of Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? was speared by CBS children’s programming president, Fred Silverman, who hired Ruby and Spears to oversee the network’s Saturday morning cartoons and come up with a gentler alternative to the violent action in other kids’ animation. Together with character designer Iwao Takamoto (1925-2007), they played with a few different approaches (including the popular rock band setup) before setting up the Mystery, Inc. gang now known all over the world: Freddie, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy and the cowardly Great Dane, Scooby-Doo.

    With Scooby-Doo a success, Ruby and Spears left Hanna-Barbera, writing with Sid and Marty Krofft Television Productions and taking their shot at producing at animation studio DePatie-Freleng, where they created The Barkeleys and The Houndcats.

    The duo formed their own company, Ruby-Spears Productions, in 1977. When Silverman moved to ABC, the Scooby crew came back together to create Dynomutt (1976-77). Ruby-Spears creations included Fangface, Superman, Thundarr the Barbarian, The Plastic Man Comedy-Adventure Hour, the Mister T animated series and the 1980s Alvin and the Chipmunks show.

    The Ruby-Spears Prod. was acquired by Hanna-Barbera’s parent company, Taft Entertainment, in 1981, and its shows were folded into the H-B library when Turner acquired it in 1991.

    Ruby later executive produced animated series based on Rambo, Police Academy and Punky Brewster. Outside animation, he worked with famed comic-book artist Jack Kirby on a number of characters and storyworlds.

    [Sources: Variety, Den of Geek]

    Fangface
    Fangface
    Scooby-Doo Where Are You?
    Scooby-Doo Where Are You?
    The Houndcats
    The Houndcats
    Jabberjaw
    Jabberjaw