Tag: featured

72nd Emmy Awards: The Primetime Animation Nominees Are…

Nominations for the 72nd Emmy Awards were announced Tuesday, recognizing a host of groundbreaking new programs and up-and-coming talent, along with beloved performers and hit shows that have been integral in helping television viewers navigate a changing world. See the list of animation & VFX category contenders below.

The live ceremony, reimagined as a virtual event due to production restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, was hosted by Supermarket Sweep star and Saturday Night Live alumnus Leslie Jones with presenters Laverne Cox (Inventing Anna), Josh Gad (Central Park), Tatiana Maslany (Perry Mason) and Television Academy Chairman and CEO Frank Scherma.

HBO’s Watchmen took the top spot for program nominations with 26 followed by The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (20), Ozark (18), Succession (18), newcomer The Mandalorian (15), Schitt’s Creek (15), Saturday Night Live (15) and The Crown (13).

Netflix led the nominations in totals by platform with 160, setting a record previously held by HBO with 137 nominations in 2019. HBO had the second-most nominations with 107, and rounding out the top five were NBC with 47, ABC with 36 and FX with 33.

“Despite the unprecedented challenges facing the entertainment industry, it has been an extraordinary year for television,” said Television Academy Chairman and CEO Frank Scherma. “Television has inspired, united and comforted a global audience this season. We are honored to be recognizing so many of the talented programs, producers, directors and craftspeople behind the remarkable storytelling that has brought us together while we remain apart.”

And the animation/VFX nominees are…

Outstanding Animated Program
Big Mouth • Disclosure The Movie: The Musical! • Netflix
Bob’s Burgers • Pig Trouble In Little Tina • FOX • 20th Century Fox Television
BoJack Horseman • The View From Halfway Down • Netflix • Tornante Productions, LLC
Rick and Morty • The Vat Of Acid Episode • Adult Swim • Rick and Morty, LLC
The Simpsons • Thanksgiving Of Horror • FOX • Gracie Films in association with 20th Century Fox Television

Outstanding Short Form Animated Program
Forky Asks A Question • What Is Love? • Disney+ • Pixar Animation Studios
Robot Chicken • Santa’s Dead (Spoiler Alert) Holiday Murder Thing Special • Adult Swim • Stoopid Buddy Stoodios
Steven Universe Future • Fragments • Cartoon Network • Cartoon Network Studios

Outstanding Special Visual Effects
Lost In Space • Ninety-Seven • Netflix • Legendary Television
The Mandalorian • Chapter 2: The Child • Disney+ • Lucasfilm Ltd.
Stranger Things • Chapter Eight: The Battle Of Starcourt • Netflix • Netflix
Watchmen • See How They Fly • HBO • HBO Entertainment in association with White Rabbit, Paramount Television, Warner Bros. Television & DC Comics
Westworld • Crisis Theory • HBO • HBO Entertainment in association with Kilter Films, Bad Robot and Warner Bros. Television

Outstanding Special Visual Effects In A Supporting Role
Devs • Episode 8 • FX Networks • FX Productions
The Handmaid’s Tale • Household • Hulu • MGM, Daniel Wilson Productions, The Littlefield Company, White Oak Pictures
Tales From The Loop • Loop • Prime Video • Fox21 Television Studios and Amazon Studios
Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan • Strongman • Prime Video • Paramount Television and Amazon Studios
Vikings • The Best Laid Plans • HISTORY • An Octagon and Take 5 production in association with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance
Big Mouth • How To Have An Orgasm • Netflix Maya Rudolph as Connie the Hormone Monstress
Central Park • Episode One • Apple TV+ • 20th Century Fox Television Leslie Odom Jr. as Owen
Crank Yankers • Bobby Brown, Wanda Sykes & Kathy Griffin • Comedy Central • Kimmelot, ITV, Central Productions, LLC Wanda Sykes as Gladys
The Mandalorian • Chapter 8: Redemption • Disney+ • Lucasfilm Ltd. Taika Waititi as IG-11
The Simpsons • Better Off Ned • FOX • Gracie Films in association with 20th Century Fox Television Nancy Cartwright as Bart Simpson, Nelson, Ralph, Todd
The Simpsons • Frinkcoin • FOX • Gracie Films in association with 20th Century Fox Television Hank Azaria as Professor Frink, Moe, Chief Wiggum, Carl, Cletus, Kirk, Sea Captain

Outstanding Children’s Program
Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: Age Of Resistance • Netflix • The Jim Henson Company
Star Wars Resistance • Disney Channel • Lucasfilm Animation Ltd.
We Are The Dream: The Kids Of The Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest • HBO • HBO Documentary Films in association with Know Wonder

Main Title Design
Abstract: The Art of Design • Netflix • A Radical Media Production in association with Tremolo Productions & Godfrey Dadich
Carnival Row • Prime Video • Legendary Pictures TV and Amazon Studios
Godfather Of Harlem • Epix • ABC Signature Studios
The Morning Show • Apple TV+ • Media Res
The Politician • Netflix • A Fox21 Television Studios Production
Watchmen • HBO • HBO Entertainment in association with White Rabbit, Paramount Television, Warner Bros. Television & DC Comics
Westworld • HBO • HBO Entertainment in association with Kilter Films, Bad Robot and Warner Bros. Television

Outstanding Derivative Interactive Program
Big Mouth Guide To Life • Netflix • Social Life | Part of Jellyfish Group
Doctor Who: The Runaway • BBC America • British Broadcasting Corporation / Passion Animation Studios

Outstanding Original Interactive Program
The Messy Truth VR Experience • Oculus • Magic Labs Media, EAB, RYOT
Rebuilding Notre Dame • Oculus • TARGO in association with Facebook Oculus
When We Stayed Home • Oculus • TARGO in association with Facebook Oculus

Outstanding Interactive Extension Of A Linear Program
Mr. Robot • Season_4.0 ARG • USA Network • Ralph Interactive, 5th Column Games
Stranger Things • Scoops Ahoy: Operation Scoop Snoop • Netflix • 22Squared, m ss ng p eces, Baskin Robbins
Westworld • Free Will Is Not Free Interactive Experience • HBO • HBO Entertainment in association with Kilter Films, Bad Robot and Warner Bros. Television

The 72nd Emmy Awards will be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, who also serves as executive producer for television’s biggest night. Recently announced executive producers for the telecast include Guy Carrington, Reginald Hudlin, David Jammy and Ian Stewart. The show will be broadcast Sunday, September 20 (8-11 p.m. EDT / 5-8 p.m. PDT) on ABC.

The 2020 Creative Arts Awards will air on FXX on Saturday, September 19 at 8 p.m. EDT/PDT.

Big Mouth

Bob’s Burgers

BoJack Horseman

Rick and Morty

The Simpsons

July 28, 2020
‘PBS KIDS Talk About: Race and Racism’ Special Premieres October 9

PBS KIDS announced a new special, PBS KIDS Talk About: Race and Racism, will premiere October 9. The half-hour program will feature authentic conversations between real children and their parents, and will include content from PBS KIDS series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Arthur and Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum.

The show will feature kids and their parents talking about race and racial justice-related topics in an age-appropriate way, such as noticing differences in race, understanding what racism can look like, and embracing the role we all have to play in standing up for ourselves and each other – offering viewers ideas to build on as they continue these important conversations at home.

The special will debut as part of PBS KIDS Family Night on the PBS KIDS 24/7 channel, and will also be available on PBS stations nationwide (check local listings), and streaming on pbskids.org, the PBS KIDS Video app and on PBS KIDS’ Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

“PBS KIDS believes kids are capable of understanding and talking through tough, but important issues with the adults in their lives – something that has been core to our mission for the last 50 years,” said Lesli Rotenberg, Chief Programming Executive and General Manager, Children’s Media and Education, PBS. “Through the PBS KIDS Talk About: Race and Racism special, our goal is to support parents in talking with their children about race, anti-Black racism in our country, and how to be actively anti-racist. Parents have increasingly asked us for these resources, and we hope that this special will provide a helpful starting point in whatever way they choose to have these conversations with their children.”

PBS KIDS Talk About, previously an online-only video series, models authentic and practical parent-child conversations that reflect PBS KIDS’ core values of kindness and curiosity, and has included real families addressing topics such as feelings and emotions, relationships and family, curiosity and wonder, bravery and courage, and self-confidence and determination.

To support this new offering, PBS KIDS provides a variety of resources to help parents talk to young children about race and racism. This resource hub on PBS KIDS for Parents includes articles, a webinar, booklists, links to programming and more tips and resources to help parents have meaningful conversations with young children about race, racism and being anti-racist.

Produced by Crossroads Productions for PBS, the special was developed in consultation with Dr. Aisha White (Director, The P.R.I.D.E Program [Positive Racial Identity Development in Early Education]), Dr. Renée Wilson-Simmons (Executive Director, ACE [Adverse Childhood Experience] Awareness Foundation) and Dr. Dana Winters (Director of Simple Interactions and Academic Programs; Assistant Professor of Child and Family Studies, Fred Rogers Center).

The PBS KIDS Talk About series and the PBS KIDS Talk About: Race and Racism special were created with major funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

PBS KIDS Talk About

July 28, 2020
ABC Australia Orders ‘The Strange Chores’ S2

The eerie adventures of animated series The Strange Chores will continue into a second 26 x 11′ season thanks to a commission from ABC Australia. Produced by Emmy Award-winning Ludo Studio and Media World Pictures, the series originally premiered on ABC Australia last October and the first season has sold in territories all over the world since.

The Strange Chores sees two teenage wannabe heroes Charlie and Pierce, and spirited ghost girl Que, master the skills they need to replace aging monster-slayer Old Man Helsing, by doing his supernatural chores.

“We love The Strange Chores and it’s just starting to find its audience now which is brilliant,” said Daley Pearson, co-founder of Ludo Studio and showrunner for the series. “We’re so thankful for this incredible opportunity to create more characters and stories for an audience who we love.”

The first season of The Strange Chores has been sold to leading broadcasters around the world including Sony’s Pop in the U.K., CBC in Canada, Discovery Kids in LatAm, Cartoon Network in Italy, Showmax SVOD platform in Sub Saharan Africa, MBC in the Middle East, Junior in Israel, Disney in South East Asia and TVB in Hong Kong.

Global distribution and licensing for S2 will continue to be managed by Boat Rocker Studios based in Toronto, Canada, with offices in New York, London, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Ottawa.

“The Strange Chores is a wildly funny series, with strong international appeal, that has struck a chord with broadcasters around the world,” said Jon Rutherford, President, Rights & Managing Director, Boat Rocker Studios. “This second series allows us to keep global audiences entertained with another dose of Charlie, Pierce and Que’s hilarious magical antics.”

Libbie Doherty, Head of Children’s at ABC Australia, said, “The focus on the life of these unique and funny teenagers is a brilliant introduction to genre storytelling for a young audience. Season 2 will build on that wonderful story world for all kids.”

The Strange Chores is a Ludo Studio and Media World Pictures production for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Production investment is from Screen Australia, Film Victoria and Screen Queensland.

July 28, 2020
Viva Kids Brings Magical ‘Bayala’ Movie to US Homes August 4

Schleich, the world’s leading manufacturer of animal figurines, is bringing its Bayala franchise to life in the U.S. with an animated feature-length movie, The Fairy Princess and the Unicorn: The Bayala Movie. Made possible through a partnership with Viva Kids, this latest expansion for the film into the U.S. follows its European theatrical release during the fall of 2019.

“We are thrilled to have the Bayala franchise come to life for our U.S. fans and anyone who loves fantasy and magic,” said Annie Laurie Zomermaand, Chief Commercial Officer, Schleich USA. “To be able to bring richer and more immersive brand experiences like this is exciting and a sign of things to come from Schleich.”

Available On Digital and On Demand August 4, the film takes kids on an adventure in the world of Bayala, a magical country where fairies have been living in harmony with nature for centuries. The peaceful country is put at risk when the evil shadow fairy queen, Ophira, steals the precious dragon’s eggs, in which lie the kingdom’s magic. The fate of Bayala is in the hands of the brave Princess Surah and her companions as they go on an adventurous journey to bring the dragons back and save the kingdom.

The movie is from the producers of Ooops! Noah Is Gone and Luis and the Aliens and was co-directed by Aina Järvine and Federico Milella. The Fairy Princess and the Unicorn is a production of Ulysses Films, Fabrique d’Images and Schleich.

The Bayala product line launched in 2012 and features an enchanting world of unicorns, fairies, mermaids and other wondrous creatures.

www.schleich-s.com/en/US/bayalamovie

The Fairy Princess and the Unicorn: The Bayala Movie

July 28, 2020
Crunchyroll Expo Reveals First Wave of Guests, Panels & Opens Registration

Crunchyroll, the world’s most popular anime brand, announced the first wave of guests, panels, and programming for this year’s Virtual Crunchyroll Expo including the the cast and creators from Rent-a-Girlfriend, So I’m a Spider, So What and The Hidden Dungeon Only I Can Enter.

Rent-a-Girlfriend

V-CRX attendees will have the chance to hear from the cast of Rent-a-Girlfriend, including Sora Amamiya, the voice actress for Chizuru Mizuhara (also Aqua in Konosuba); Aoi Yuki, the voice actress for Mami Nanami (also Tanya in The Saga of Tanya the Evil); Nao Toyama, the voice actress for Ruka Sarashina (also Yui Yuigahama in My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU) and Rie Takahashi, the voice actress for Sumi Sakurasawa (also Emilia in Re:ZERO).

The Hidden Dungeon Only I Can Enter

Director Kenta Onishi, producer Yuki Yamada and original work editor Satoshi Shoji will be virtually on hand to share more about the upcoming anime The Hidden Dungeon Only I Can Enter.

Okina Baba

So I’m a Spider, So What light novel author Okina Baba is also set to make an appearance at V-CRX.

In addition to the guest and programming announcements, Virtual Crunchyroll Expo also unveiled details around this year’s New Crunchy City Anime Arts District and the Cosplay Cup. The V-CRX anime arts district will include highlights and links directly to the digital stores of each artist chosen for this year’s event. The artists are available on the V-CRX website now, and their artwork can be purchased now throughout the run of the show. Additional artists will be added to the site every two weeks.

Crunchyroll announced Mario Bueno and Vampy Bit Me as the hosts, and Creature of Habit and God Save the Queen as two of the four judges of Crunchyroll-Hime’s Cosplay Cup, which will be a celebration of fan-created costumes from anime and anime-inspired series. The Cosplay Cup will take place Saturday, September 5 and interested entrants are encouraged to submit an application by July 26.

Registration for V-CRX opened today 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. The event will be streaming from September 4-6 only on crunchyrollexpo.com.

July 28, 2020
The Gates of ‘Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous’ Open September 18

Netflix and DreamWorks Animation announced today that the highly anticipated animated series Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous will debut globally September 18 on Netflix. The thrilling new action-adventure show for viewers of all ages is set within the same timeline as the 2015 blockbuster film Jurassic World and is inspired by the multi-billion-dollar franchise from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment.

Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous follows a group of six teenagers chosen for a once-in-a-lifetime experience at a new adventure camp on the opposite side of Isla Nublar. When dinosaurs wreak havoc across the island, the campers are unable to reach the outside world and will quickly go from strangers to friends to family as they band together to survive.

The eight-episode CG animated series features a dynamic cast of campers, including Paul-Mikél Williams (Westworld) as resident dinosaur expert Darius; Jenna Ortega (You) as social media sensation Brooklynn; Ryan Potter (Big Hero 6: The Series) as self-appointed VIP Kenji; Raini Rodriguez (Bunk’d) as gregarious and enthusiastic Sammy; Sean Giambrone (The Goldbergs) as sensitive and bookish Ben; and Kausar Mohammed (Silicon Valley) as world-class athlete Yaz. Jameela Jamil (Legendary) and Glen Powell (Top Gun: Maverick) recur as camp counselors Roxie and Dave.

The series is executive produced by Scott Kreamer (Cleopatra in Space) and Aaron Hammersley (Star vs. the Forces of Evil) who serve as showrunners. Steven Spielberg, Colin Trevorrow, Frank Marshall and Lane Lueras (Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny) serve as executive producers. The series was developed by Zack Stentz, who also serves as consulting producer.

Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous

Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous

Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous

Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous

July 28, 2020
Epic Games Provides Over $42M in Epic MegaGrants to Date

Epic Games shared an update on the status of its Epic MegaGrants program, revealing that to date, the company has provided over $42 million in financial support to more than 600 recipients. Launched just over one year ago, Epic MegaGrants is a $100 million program to globally accelerate the work of talented teams and individuals working with Unreal Engine, 3D graphics tools, and open source software.

This announcement follows a record initial round of support, which saw Epic MegaGrants distributed to more than 200 recipients, surpassing the four-year distributed total of the initiative’s predecessor, Unreal Dev Grants, in only eight months.

In addition to this news, Epic is sharing that AMD has extended their support to Epic MegaGrants with the generous contribution of 200 AMD Ryzen 7 3800X desktop processors eligible for giveaway to new and existing recipients. There is no deadline to apply, and hardware is available on a first-come first-served basis, based on project merit. Creators across games, entertainment, architecture, and many other industries are encouraged to apply now via online submission for an AMD Ryzen 7 3800X desktop processor.

“AMD is excited to contribute to the Epic MegaGrants program by leveraging the power of Third Gen Ryzen desktop processors for content creators around the world,” said Ritche Corpus, senior director of ISV gaming and software at AMD. “Third Gen AMD Ryzen processors set a new standard in content creation with award-winning performance and features. We are excited to see what new levels of creativity and productivity will be unlocked with the AMD Ryzen 7 3800X.”

“We couldn’t be happier to welcome AMD as our newest Epic MegaGrants contributor. Software development requires high-performance computing solutions, and giving easier access to Ryzen processors to more creators supports our goal to help people succeed,” said Epic MegaGrants Director, Jeff Peres.

In April 2019, Magic Leap pledged their support of Epic MegaGrants by placing spatial computing hardware at the fingertips of talented developers. In addition to cash assistance, 66 recipients have already received Magic Leap 1 devices to date, with a total of 129 devices reserved for distribution. Developers building Unreal Engine spatial computing applications across entertainment, architecture, automotive, healthcare and many other industries can apply via online submission to receive Magic Leap hardware.

A full list of recipients is available here. Some of the selected MegaGrants recipients include:

D.A.N.G.E.R. Team. by On3D Studios – Independent Game. From Colombia-based On3D Studios (www.on3d.co), D.A.N.G.E.R. Team. is a stylized action game where the player controls a team of three uniquely-capable spies. Experience the game’s secrets, gadgets, explosions, absurd situations, and unforgettable villains alone or with a partner via co-op. https://youtu.be/BUahX-3c3PI

Dreamscaper by Afterburner Studios – Independent Game. From Afterburner Studios, a three-person team of ex-AAA developers, comes Dreamscaper (dreamscapergame.com) — a roguelite action RPG about lucid dreaming. Play as Cassidy, dive into her subconscious, and use lucid powers to take on the surreal nightmares she wrestles with in order to save her from a dark fate. Dreamscaper is coming to Steam Early Access in August 2020. https://youtu.be/wDXmchCOoLU

F.I.S.T.: Forged in Shadow Torch by TiGames – Independent Game. Journey into the winding city dieselpunk streets of F.I.S.T., an action-focused Metroidvania title from Shanghai-based TiGames (www.tigames.com/blank-2). Explore, solve puzzles, uncover secrets, and take on a robot army with your giant fist, alongside a cast of charming characters. https://youtu.be/DPClwmxIutQ

Hundred Days – Winemaking Simulator by Broken Arms Games – Independent Game. Hundred Days (www.hundreddaysgame.com) puts you in charge of managing a small and abandoned winery, from selecting the types of vines you want to grow, to naming your final product. Take care of your vineyard, learn to follow the rhythm of the seasons, harvest, label your bottles and sell them on the market — every choice you make will have an impact on the quality and quantity of the wine you produce and sell. https://youtu.be/3Uf7Te-Vwio

Slice Back Up by Atomic Kraken Ltd – Independent Game. With a stunning neo pixel art style, Slice Back (slicebackgame.com) is a hilarious side-scrolling hack and slashimi game with action that’s as sharp as a sword. Enjoy aerial combat that’s spicier than wasabi, feed on aliens to get new superpowers and, eventually, (spoiler alert) save planet Earth. Grab your soy sauce and get ready for a taste of Slice Back! https://youtu.be/8rf5nlZqll4

ORamaVR by ORamaVR SA – Enterprise. Combining principles in neuroscience, spatial computing and artificial intelligence, ORamaVR (oramavr.com) hopes to rapidly accelerate human learning in healthcare through an array of immersive VR medical training simulations. https://youtu.be/htNeAU1QFV4

Self-service Publication for Cloud-streaming by PureWeb Inc. – Enterprise. PureWeb’s (www.pureweb.com) self-service and fully-managed high capacity cloud platform will provide users with the tools necessary to easily build, publish and manage their pixel streaming applications for web and mobile-based users. This toolset will include features such as an Unreal Editor plugin for easily packaging and uploading projects onto the PureWeb platform, as well as a web dashboard for scheduling deployments to different global regions and monitoring capacity and usage. https://youtu.be/vaVvk-Sxa_E

Simbotic AI by Vertex Studio – Enterprise. Generating infinite amounts of synthetic data for AI models and providing highly realistic environments for intelligent agents to acquire experience — Simbotic AI (simbotic.ai) is a modern 3D simulation engine and AI platform designed to bridge the reality gap between simulation and the real-world. https://youtu.be/-ryn17OpqKw

DeepMotion VR Avatar Tracking by DeepMotion Inc. – Tools and Open-Source. DeepMotion’s VR Avatar Tracking solution (deepmotion.com) brings to life realistic full-body motion and interaction with as little as 2 or 3 trackers. Motion Brain, which uses the latest in AI and physics simulation, we are able to generate a full-body avatar that moves with you and interacts naturally with its virtual environment, providing a rich sense of physical presence and embodiment. VR Avatar Tracking simulates full-body motion using inverse dynamics and obeys biomechanical joint limits, instead of a simple approximation provided by inverse kinematics. VR Avatar Tracking runs on Windows and Mobile platforms, with your choice of VR hardware. With DeepMotion’s motion intelligence solutions your characters will move as real as they look in Unreal Engine 4. https://youtu.be/V1GmJh-MPT8

Godot Engine – Tools and Open-Source. A free and MIT-licensed open-source game engine developed by contributors around the world, Godot Engine (godotengine.org) offers a complete editor, dedicated 2D and 3D engines, animation tools, multi-platform exports, plugins, a free asset store and much more. h ttps://youtu.be/NlKEO1N8wMM

Live Streaming of High-res, Mesh-based Laser Scan Data by Cintoo – Tools and Open-Source. Cintoo (cintoo.com) is developing a new cloud-client solution that will change the way people use terrestrial laser scans and BIM or CAD models in AEC, manufacturing, and Energy industries. The Cintoo Cloud platform makes terrestrial laser scans fully cloud compatible and available at any time anywhere — viewable in a web browser, shareable and distributable — by using a unique point cloud-to-mesh technology. Those high-resolution, mesh-based laser scans will soon be streamed from Cintoo Cloud directly in Unreal Engine to create rich, immersive experiences, mixing as-built scan data with CAD and BIM models. https://youtu.be/BQSraGHUasM

Free Online UE4 Game Development Learning Opportunities for Computer Science Undergraduates by Ball State University – Education. This project supports the creation of free online content to teach computer science and software development concepts using game programming, focusing on Unreal Engine technology. Video tutorials are included, as well as free online course materials for accessible self-study. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLL4s8QTahRc11XP1Zn21F0v4CVD3abVKI

Unreal Python Repository & Tutorials by Muhammad A. Moniem – Education. Learn, understand, and master python scripting for the Unreal Engine with this step by step guide (www.udemy.com/course/ue4python), complete with real-world production samples. https://youtu.be/tmSNFBisCOM

Beyond the Stars by S1T2 – Education. Beyond the Stars is an education program that combines interactive storytelling, health research and school curriculum (www.s1t2.com.au) to inspire children to adopt healthy living habits while considering the impact their actions have on the environment. In the story, children embark on a journey to reclaim the lost knowledge of the Pacific that holds the key to restoring health and happiness to the land. https://youtu.be/KMfWavvRRjk

Glimmer by Sequin, Inc. – Media & Entertainment. Sequin AR (www.sequinar.com) provides augmented reality consulting, creative, broadcast production and custom Unreal Engine software development services to media companies. Glimmer, an Unreal Engine plugin, makes it easy for non-developers to manage augmented and immersive reality content, leading to more impactful content and speeding the iterative process. https://youtu.be/Da00RB0fpng

Faraday’s Magnets by ScienceVR – Media & Entertainment. ScienceVR (www.sciencevr.com) asks, what if we could see the “invisible forces” around magnets? This experience empowers VR learners to see the “math” around magnets. Users can take their time to try repeatedly to build up their understanding and interact with virtual scientists. https://youtu.be/N0UuZLAzpUE

Zen Universe by ZenArt VR – Media & Entertainment. Bulgarian-based ZenART (zenartvr.com) uses Unreal Engine and advanced photogrammetry techniques to capture natural and historic landmarks, turning them into explorable interactive VR experiences featuring narrative, puzzle-solving, and minigames with awe-inspiring visual quality. The first two Zen Universe locations, Tales of the Rocks and Olympus: Home of the Gods are available now in Steam Early Access. https://youtu.be/0Ujr_n2CVb0

D.A.N.G.E.R. Team.

Dreamscaper

F.I.S.T.: Forged in Shadow Torch

July 27, 2020
Takashi Sano ‘Rick and Morty vs. Genocider’ Teaser, S5 Teaser Surprise Fans

With the simultaneous Comic-Con@Home and virtual Adult Swim Con seeking to raise animation fans to a fever pitch, Adult Swim dropped a teaser for the highly anticipated fifth season of chaotic hit comedy Rick and Morty, revealing rough footage of the contentious duo’s upcoming interdimensional adventures. A premiere date has yet to be revealed, however series co-creator Dan Harmon affirmed that the writers have moved on to scripting Season 6 and production continues despite coronavirus shutdowns.

A Japanese-language short with an anime aesthetic flair, Rick and Morty vs. Genocider, directed by Takashi Sano (Tower of God, Fire Emblem: Three Houses), also debuted over the weekend. The animated sidequest sends egotistic scientist Rick and his hapless grandon Morty off to Tokyo in on behalf of the Council of Ricks in search of a nefarious group known as “The Genocider.”

The short, produced by Sola Entertainment with animation by Telecom Animation Film (which are producing Tower of God for WEBTOON/Crunchyroll) has received nearly 3 million views as of Monday evening.

[Source: Deadline]

July 27, 2020
ViacomCBS Networks Int’l Announces New Youth & Entertainment Leadership

ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI), a unit of ViacomCBS Inc., has announced three key Youth & Entertainment leadership appointments. Reporting to Kerry Taylor, Executive Vice President of VCNI’s Youth & Entertainment brands, these senior leaders will maximize content and programming across the international suite of brands including Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central and Paramount Network in 180 countries outside the U.S.

“This brilliant, creative team will partner with me to harness the power of our combined brands by bringing the best, most compelling content to audiences around the world,” said Taylor. “Each of these leaders has a wealth of experience that will grow and transform our business for the future while furthering our role as a global content engine.”

Kelly Bradshaw will now serve as Vice President of Brand & Content Strategy, VCNI Youth & Entertainment. In this new, expanded role, Bradshaw will lead content strategy and maximize IP expansion globally. Additionally, she will partner with the Production, Development, Sales, LBE, Music and Consumer Products teams to support their efforts to monetize content and drive brand revenue.

Most recently, Bradshaw was the Vice President & Brand Lead for MTV UK, Northern & Eastern Europe. In this role, she oversaw a portfolio of 18 U.K. channels including the MTV & VH1 flagships. Bradshaw, who joined MTV in 2004, commissioned hit shows such as Teen Mom UK and The Charlotte Show and worked in collaboration with MTV International on developing original programming hits such as Just Tattoo of Us. Under her leadership, MTV UK grew nearly 140% in the last 10 years, and in 2018 delivered its highest youth share since 2003. The brand also won multiple awards including Creative Channel of the Year at Promax 2018 and Specialist Channel of the Year at Edinburgh TV Festival 2019.

Craig Orr, formerly Vice President, Commissioning & Development, MTV International is expanding his remit as Vice President, Content & Development, VCNI Youth & Entertainment. Orr is now responsible for the development and commissioning of all original content for linear, digital and OTT platforms across the combined suite of international brands, bringing brand defining stories to audiences worldwide.

Orr, who joined MTV International in 2011 as an Executive Producer, has overseen the growth of MTV juggernaut Geordie Shore since 2013 along with its multiple spin-off series, and launched notable top-rated reality franchises including the #1 hit series Ex on the Beach, Just Tattoo of Us and True Love or True Lies. Most recently, Orr commissioned the remotely produced MTV Cribs: Footballers Stay Home and the digital first series Served! With Jade Thirlwall.

Kate Sils, who oversees digital for Nickelodeon International, is expanding her role by adding oversight of the Youth & Entertainment brands to her remit as the Vice President of VCNI Digital & Multiplatform. In this role, she will lead the strategy and production teams responsible for third party platform digital consumption.

Since joining the company in 2003, Sils has evolved with the digital landscape, moving from launching websites and web games to debuting global blockbuster apps and programming content across multiple digital platforms globally. Her work has helped propel ViacomCBS to #1 in the Tubular rankings for entertainment brands in digital content consumption. Under her leadership, Nickelodeon has seen exponential growth on third party platforms, and now boasts some of the highest-ranking YouTube channels in the world.

Jemma Yates is expanding her role to Vice President of Programming & Acquisitions, VCNI Youth & Entertainment. In this role, she will be responsible for creating engaging content experiences for consumers across all markets and services by leading international content acquisitions and VCNI’s programming strategy across its Youth & Entertainment brands.

Formerly Vice President of Content for Comedy Central and Paramount Network International, Yates oversaw acquisitions, programming and scheduling for the two brands. She joined Viacom International in 2015, and has helped Comedy Central International see four consecutive years of share growth. On Paramount Network International, she secured a multi-territory deal to bring the hit series Yellowstone to regions around the world, and is playing a leading role in the expansion of the Paramount+ streaming service around the world.

Across the three international brands, which are in 180 countries with 28 unique languages and in 375M households outside the U.S., linear viewership for 2Q20 was up +17 percent and market share was up +3 percent YOY. The monthly average video views also spiked over +175 percent for the year to date.

July 27, 2020
RTVE Joins ‘Annie & Carola’ in Co-Pro with Mondo TV Iberoamérica

Mondo TV Iberoamérica Group (part of the Mondo TV Group one of the largest European producers and distributors of animated content) has announced that Spanish public broadcaster RTVE has confirmed its participation in the co-production of the animated series Annie & Carola, an exciting and original new project from the celebrated producer and director Myriam Ballesteros.

The details of RTVE’s participation will be announced at a later stage.

Clan, RTVE’s children’s channel, has included Annie & Carola among six projects in its 2020 call for animation, the annual event that is part of RTVE’s undertaking to support the Spanish audiovisual industry.

Annie & Carola is written by Txema Ocio and directed by Ballesteros, owner of MB Producciones. Mondo TV Iberoamérica recently signed a strategic agreement with MB Producciones through which Mondo TV will receive the majority of the show’s IP and will be in charge of the show’s international distribution. Ballesteros is a respected producer and director with many years’ experience in the audiovisual sector. Her portfolio of globally successful animated series includes Lucky Fred, Lola and Virginia and Sandra: The Fairytale Detective.

Annie & Carola (52 x 11′, HD 2D) is a funny and inventive animated comedy. But it’s also much more. It’s a unique and original project that aims to bring together a rich cast of characters whose feeling and emotions have a universal relevance, reflecting the aspirations and concerns of today’s children.

Carola is a nerd with no social skills. She’s also a genius. She builds a robot friend who, she thinks, will share her love of science and keep her safe from the world of teenagers that she doesn’t understand and makes her very nervous. But things don’t go to plan: An accident transforms what was meant to be a clone of herself into a crazy and uninhibited friend, Annie, who will get Carola to face the situations she fears the most.

The series is expected to launch in the second half of 2022.

The entire pre-production phase of the series will be overseen by Mondo TV Producciones Canarias, which will play a key role in the development of the property, thus further reinforcing its role within the Mondo TV group and expanding the range of its offer.

“The selection of Annie & Carola by Clan TV is an important vote of confidence from the channel – and will be a major boost for the development of this funny, clever and highly original series,” said Maria Bonaria Fois, CEO of Mondo TV Iberoamérica. “It is a privilege for all of us at Mondo TV Iberoamérica to be part of this very special project together with Myriam Ballesteros.”

Ballesteros, CEO of MB Producciones, added, “It is a true honor that Annie & Carola has been selected as one of the projects supported by RTVE. It’s a comedy with all the crazy situations, visual gags and hilarious dialogue that make great animation but it’s much more than that. Like all great comedies, Annie & Carola has emotional truth at its core and has real substance to go with the wacky humor. It’s a combination that we believe reflects the concerns of our young audience and will have enormous appeal for them.”

July 27, 2020
Flying Bark TV & Feature Slate ‘Busier Than Ever’ Despite COVID

With a raft of new service projects and a recent animated film release, the team at Australia’s Flying Bark Productions has been busier than ever despite the global coronavirus pandemic. The crew is hard at work on a number of upcoming movies and series with partners around the world.

LEGO’s new Monkie Kid I.P has already been released with a bang and is based on the Monkey King legend from the Chinese novel Journey to the West. The team at Flying Bark Productions was brought in to produce and direct the TV series including specials for the global toy brand.

Monkie Kid

In addition, the Sydney-based outfit is producing the animation for three episodes of Marvel Studios’ highly anticipated What If…? The anthology series is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and features stories that present alternate realities in the Marvel universe. The show is set to premiere on Disney+ in 2021.

With the closure of cinemas halting the Australian theatrical release of Flying Bark Productions’ newest animated film 100% Wolf, the movie instead celebrated its PVOD release late last month following its official selection for the Kristiansand International Children’s Film Festival 2020. Starring the voices of Akmal Saleh, Jai Courtney, Jane Lynch, Magda Szubanski, Rhys Darby and Samara Weaving, the story centers on Freddy Lupin, heir to the leadership of a proud family line of werewolves. Positive he’ll become the most fearsome werewolf ever, Freddy is in for a shock when on his 14th birthday his first “warfing” goes awry, turning him into a ferocious… poodle. The film is available to rent on Google Play, iTunes, Fetch and Foxtel Go.

100% Wolf

With three other major projects in various stages of production including the third instalment in the popular movies aimed at preschoolers, Maya the Bee: The Golden Orb; a feature length spin-off of the Mia and Me franchise; and the 100% Wolf television series set to air on the ABC (Australia) later this year, Flying Bark Productions successfully managed to transition its team of over 270 employees to a work from home environment.

Not without challenges in terms of productivity and costs, the studio is determined to see a return to the physical studio over the next few months adopting the industry guidelines for social distancing and best safety practices. As a proud employer of a diverse workforce, Flying Bark Productions hopes to attract new artists and animators over the coming months to ramp up on in-house CGI and hand-drawn 2D animated projects which will be kicking off from late 2020.

“The global animation industry has remained working (albeit slower than usual) during the COVID-19 crisis despite a complete shut-down of nearly all other forms of drama production around the world,” said Barbara Stephen, CEO of Flying Bark Productions. “The costs but relative stable revenue has complicated the business, however the willingness of clients, broadcast partners (in particular the ABC) and Australian Government partners to be flexible has supported our company in a way which has enabled us to sustain significant employment for our crew. Our teams will have produced three theatrical feature films, two television specials and 74 episodes of the highest quality animation releasing over a 12-month period at a time when we feel the world is in need of some laughter.”

July 27, 2020
DNEG Feature Animation Crafts a Heartfelt Thanks to Healthcare Workers

As communities around the world come together to face down the threat of COVID-19, the past few months have illuminated the importance of our healthcare workers in a whole new light. To recognize the tireless work of these extraordinary people the team at DNEG Feature Animation has put together an animated short featuring their Queen’s Guard mascot, presenting a sincere salute of thanks.

“I woke one night with the feeling that we needed to say ‘thank you’ in some way to healthcare workers. If we could find a vehicle where our team could rally together a little and feel proud of generating something to say thank you, so much the better,” said David Prescott, SVP Creative Production, who wrote and directed the piece. “It is a small piece and a little gesture that we hope means a lot more. As part of DNEG Feature Animation’s growth. we are encouraging more short ideas like these as a way to be both socially conscious and to encourage our incredible talent to stretch their legs.”

The short’s score was built around the traditional British infantry bugle call “The Last Post” by composer Rob Wasilauski (The Man That I Was, Assassin X).

“‘The Last Post’ is a piece of music that already has so much emotion and cultural significance as a tribute to sacrifice. It seemed fitting to use it as a musical framework to honor the nurses and doctors waging this frontline battle against COVID-19,” explained Wasilauski. “So much of the suffering during this crisis has been out of sight of the general public, hidden behind hospital walls. Pieces like this are valuable to express our collective gratitude for the sacrifices healthcare workers have made to protect our society, but also to serve as a poignant reminder that this is an ongoing battle that is still being tirelessly fought by these nurses and doctors every day.”

“After many months of this pandemic it’s easy to grow complacent regarding the sacrifices being made by our healthcare workers. Projects like this allow us to emphasize the profound work that they continue to do and remind us that we need to stay vigilant and do our part to combat this crisis.”

DNEG Feature Animation is overseen by President Tom Jacomb. It is a branch of leading VFX and animation studio group DNEG, which has earned five Oscars, five BAFTAs, two Primetime Emmys and many more awards for its visual effects work on titles such as First Man, Chernobyl, Blade Runner 2049, Ex Machina, Interstellar and Inception. DNEG is currently in production on Denis Villeneuve’s Dune, Tenet, No Time to Die, F9: The Fast Saga and animated feature Ron’s Gone Wrong.

www.dneg.com

David Prescott

July 27, 2020
Rooster Teeth Offers Animated Sneak Peeks, Announcements at SDCC Panel
During Comic-Con@Home this weekend, WarnerMedia’s pioneering media and entertainment company Rooster Teeth revealed exclusive footage from their slate of upcoming animated series including RWBY Volume 8, Transformers: War for Cybertron, Red vs Blue: Zero and Recorded by Arizal.

Rooster Teeth hosts Barbara Dunkelman (voice of Yang Xiao Long in RWBY), Kerry Shawcross (director of RWBY), Yssa Badiola (creator of Recorded by Arizal), Fiona Nova (voice of Agent One in Red vs. Blue: Zero, cast member of Achievement Hunter), Torrian Crawford (showrunner for Red vs. Blue: Zero) and special guest F.J. DeSanto (showrunner and executive producer for Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy) chatted, answered fan-submitted questions and revealed details on their popular shows. You can view the panel here.

Here is a roundup of announcements from the Rooster Teeth virtual panel:

Red vs Blue: Zero
- Red vs. Blue: Zero will premiere this fall and star Achievement Hunter member Fiona Nova in the lead role of Agent One. Red vs. Blue: Zero is written and directed by first time showrunner Torrian Crawford (Death Battle). In the series, a mysterious syndicate leader known only as Zero seeks an Ultimate Power, and a ragtag team of heroes and misfits called SHATTER SQUAD must work together to save the galaxy. During the panel, Torrian premiered a teaser that previewed the series and revealed a behind-the-scenes look at the production.
Recorded by Arizal
- Recorded by Arizal follows Arizal, a smart, inquisitive teenage girl on the brink of adulthood and in pursuit of her dream career: to become a Record Keeper. The 2D animated series is helmed by Rooster Teeth Animation Director Yssa Badiola. The series premiered on July 13 and runs until August 3. During the panel, Badiola revealed an exclusive clip.
- Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy will premiere on Netflix on July 30. On their dying planet, the Autobots and Decepticons battle for control of the AllSpark in the Transformers universe’s origin story. Showrunner and executive producer J. DeSanto joined the panel to talk about the series and his experience working with Rooster Teeth Studios on the production. He premiered a first look featuring Rooster Teeth voice actor Miles Luna as fan-favorite Cliff Jumper.
RWBY Volume 8
- Despite the pandemic, RWBY Volume 8 continues production from home and is premiering later this year. In Volume 8, our heroes’ worst fears have finally been realized: Salem is here, and the timing couldn’t be worse for the divided Kingdom of Atlas. Fear has turned friends into enemies, while doubt threatens to splinter humanity’s remaining allies. With both Salem and Ironwood stacking the odds against them, and the fate of Remnant at stake, it’s up to team RWBY to make their play before it’s too late. Series director Kerry Shawcross and Barbara Dunkelman, voice of Yang Xiao Long, talked through the upcoming Volume and premiered a first look clip. Other RWBY announcements:
- Collaboration with artist Babs Tarr to release a limited collection of RWBY merch available later this year.
- RWBY Volume 7 soundtrack launches on July 31 on all streaming platforms and will be available for purchase on iTunes, Google Play and Amazon.
- Good Smile Company and Rooster Teeth are partnering to release a collection of RWBY Pop Up Parade collectibles beginning with a Ruby figure. Pre-orders are available starting August 3 at www.goodsmileus.com.
RWBY x Babs Tarr
July 27, 2020
Netflix Sets ‘Witcher’ Prequel Miniseries ‘Blood Origin’

Netflix has announced the upcoming limited series The Witcher: Blood Origin. The six-part, live-action limited series will be a prequel to the hit Netflix series The Witcher, set a millennium earlier when a great happening formed the world as Geralt, Ciri and Yennifer know it.

Declan de Barra (producer/writer, Iron Fist, The Originals) will act as executive producer and showrunner and Lauren Schmidt Hissrich (The Umbrella Academy, Daredevil series) will act as executive producer. Author and creator of The Witcher Andrzej Sapkowski will serve as creative consultant on the series. Jason Brown and Sean Daniel from Hivemind and Tomek Baginski and Jarek Sawko from Platige Films will all serve as executive producers.

“As a lifelong fan of fantasy, I am beyond excited to tell the story The Witcher: Blood Origin. A question has been burning in my mind ever since I first read The Witcher books: What was the Elven world really like before the cataclysmic arrival of the humans?” said de Barra. “I’ve always been fascinated by the rise and fall of civilizations, how science, discovery and culture flourish right before that fall. How vast swathes of knowledge are lost forever in such a short time, often compounded by colonization and a rewriting of history. Leaving only fragments of a civilization’s true story behind. The Witcher: Blood Origin will tell the tale of the Elven civilization before its fall, and most importantly reveal the forgotten history of the very first Witcher.”

Set in an elven world 1200 years before the world of The Witcher, Blood Origin will tell a story lost to time — the origin of the very first Witcher, and the events that lead to the pivotal “conjunction of the spheres,” when the worlds of monsters, men, and elves merged to become one.

“I am so thrilled to collaborate with Declan and the Netflix team on The Witcher: Blood Origin,” said Lauren Schmidt Hissrich, who is showrunner on The Witcher. “It’s an exciting challenge to explore and expand The Witcher universe created by Andrzej Sapkowski, and we can’t wait to introduce fans to new characters and an original story that will enrich our magical, mythical world even more.”

Sapkowski added, “It is exciting that the world of Witcher — as planned in the very beginning — is expanding. I hope it will bring more fans to the world of my books.”

The Witcher: Blood Origin will shoot in the U.K.

July 27, 2020
Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Dragon Prince,’ ‘Ask the Storybots’ & ‘Last Kids on Earth’ Win Key Animation Categories for Netflix

The winners of the 47th Daytime Emmy Awards – Children’s, Lifestyle & Animation were announced Sunday in a telecast, on watch.theemmys.tv and the @TheEmmys app, hosted by Loni Love (The Real), with recipients and special guests like Blue’s Clues and You star Josh Dela Cruz making video appearances from home due to pandemic precautions.

Some additional categories were announced via Twitter (@DaytimeEmmys) at the same time, while others will be awarded at a separate ceremony in July.

Animation luminaries were certainly in the virtual spirit, judging by early tweets from DuckTales co-creator/EP Frank Angones and Vampirina / Doc McStuffins creator Chris Nee!

Waiting on the #DaytimeEmmys feed with the rest of the #DuckTales crew like: pic.twitter.com/KPRDv4x4hk

— Frank Angones (@FrankAngones) July 26, 2020

Tonight is the Emmy Awards. I’m in Colorado about to leave on a backcountry hike. Thus, my Emmy outfit. And yes, I’m the acceptor. Truthfully wearing flannel to the @DaytimeEmmys is me living my best life. Go Doc McStuffins and Vampirina!! pic.twitter.com/09Fb1fgXn1

— Chris Nee ?️? (@chrisdocnee) July 26, 2020

The night started off with exciting news for animation music icon Alan Menken, who officially joined the EGOT club with a Original Song win for Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure (“Waiting in the Wings”); the tune’s lyricist, Glenn Slater, accepted the award via video chat.

Alan Menken

It was a great evening for Netflix, which scored in the Outstanding Children’s Animated Series (The Dragon Prince), Preschool Children’s Animated Series (Ask the Storybots) and Special Class Animated Program (The Last Kids on Earth). Also announced during the stream were the Performance in an Animated Program awards for children’s and preschool series, with Tom Kenny scoring his second Emmy for starring in SpongeBob SquarePants, and Matt Danner earning his first for playing Kermit and others in Muppet Babies — he has previously been nominated in this category as well as for directing the show.

Via Twitter, the TV Academy announced additional animated category winners for Directing (Disney Mickey Mouse for Children’s and Tumble Leaf for Preschool) and Writing (Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure, Elena of Avalor), casting (Green Eggs and Ham), Music & Composition (The Tom & Jerry Show), main title (TIE: The Casagrandes and Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure), sound, editing and more. Tumble Leaf also won for Cinematography in a mixed-media category, going to director of photography Jeff Gardner.

Sesame Street was awarded Outstanding Preschool Children’s Series for the fifth year in a row, marking the 25th time the show has won this accolade (among its many, many Emmy wins and nominations over the last 50 years).

Sesame Street

Animation and related category winners & nominees listed below; a full list can be found at https://theemmys.tv/daytime/.

OUTSTANDING PRESCHOOL CHILDREN’S ANIMATED SERIES
WINNER: Ask the StoryBots Netflix | Executive Producers Evan Spiridellis, Gregg Spiridellis; Producer Sarah Kambara
Bubble Guppies Nickelodeon
Doc McStuffins Disney Junior
Floogals Universal Kids
Norman Picklestripes Universal Kids
Vampirina Disney Junior

OUTSTANDING CHILDREN’S ANIMATED SERIES
Arthur PBS
The Casagrandes Nickelodeon
Craig of the Creek Cartoon Network
WINNER: The Dragon Prince Netflix | Executive Producers Aaron Ehasz, Justin Richmond, Justin Santistevan, Tina Chow, Richard Grieve, Clint Kisker, Delna Bhesania, Giancarlo Volpe; Co-Producers Devon Giehl, Iain Hendry, Neil Mukhopadhyay; Line Producers Josh Eckland, Lauren Topal
The Loud House Nickelodeon
Niko and the Sword of Light Amazon Prime Video
Trolls: The Beat Goes On! Netflix

OUTSTANDING SPECIAL CLASS ANIMATED PROGRAM
Big City Greens: Green Christmas Disney Channel
Carmen Sandiego Netflix
Elena of Avalor: The Magic Within Disney Junior
WINNER: The Last Kids on Earth Netflix | Executive Producers Max Brallier, Scott Peterson, Matthew Berkowitz, Jennifer McCarron
Milo Murphy’s Law Disney Channel

OUTSTANDING PERFORMER IN AN ANIMATED PROGRAM
Paget Brewster as Della Duck, DuckTales Disney Channel
Marieve Herington as Tilly Green, Big City Greens Disney Channel
Chris Houghton as Cricket Green, Big City Greens Disney Channel
WINNER: Tom Kenny as SpongeBob SquarePants, SpongeBob SquarePants Nickelodeon
Parker Simmons as Mao Mao, Mao Mao: Heroes of Pure Heart Cartoon Network

OUTSTANDING PERFORMER IN A PRESCHOOL ANIMATED PROGRAM
Eric Bauza as Fozzie, Bunsen, Robin, Mr. Statler; Muppet Babies Disney Junior
WINNER: Matt Danner as Kermit, Rowlf, Mr. Waldorf, Beaker, Chef; Muppet Babies Disney Junior
Maurice LaMarche as Sylvester Slapdash, The Rocketeer Disney Junior
Kevin Michael Richardson as King Topher, Puppy Dog Pals Disney Junior
Christian Simon as Freddy, T.O.T.S. Disney Junior

OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL SONG IN A CHILDREN’S, YOUNG ADULT OR ANIMATED PROGRAM
“Gonna Go Good” Big Hero 6: The Series Disney Channel
“Never Leave” Elena of Avalor Disney Junior
“As You Move Forward” The Lion Guard Disney Junior
WINNER: “Waiting in the Wings” Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure Disney Channel | Composer Alan Menken, Lyricist Glenn Slater
“The Vamp Opera” Vampirina Disney Junior

OUTSTANDING PRESCHOOL CHILDREN’S SERIES
Blue’s Clues & You! Nickelodeon
Dino Dana Amazon Prime Video
Helpsters Apple TV+
Ryan’s Mystery Playdate Nickelodeon
WINNER: Sesame Street HBO | Executive Producers Brown Johnson, Benjamin Lehmann; Senior Producer Stephanie Longardo; Coordinating Producer Mindy Fila; Producers Karyn Leibovich, Ken Scarborough, Todd E. James, Autumn Zitani; Film Producer Kimberly Wright; Line Producer Aimee Blackton

OUTSTANDING SHORT FORMAT CHILDREN’S PROGRAM
Muppet Babies: Play Date Disney Junior
Mushroom and the Forest of the World Cartoon Network
Sesame Street in Communities: A Place for You YouTube.com
WINNER: Sesame Street in Communities: Meet Salia YouTube.com | Supervising Producer Melissa Dino; Producers Beth Miranda Botshon, Ashmou Younge; Studio Director Ken Diego; Directors/Writers Elaine McMillon Sheldon, Curren Sheldon; Writer Kama Einhorn; AVP, US Social Impact Rocio Galarza
Snoopy in Space Apple TV+

Elena of Avalor / Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure / Disney Mickey Mouse / Tumble Leaf

OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A PRESCHOOL ANIMATED PROGRAM
Ask the StoryBots Netflix
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood PBS
WINNER: Elena of Avalor Disney Junior | Writer/Producer Craig Gerber; Story Editor Silvia Olivas; Writers Kate Kondell, Tom Rogers, Rachel Ruderman, Cam Baity
Nature Cat PBS
The Rocketeer Disney Junior
Tumble Leaf Amazon Prime Video

OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR AN ANIMATED PROGRAM
Big City Greens Disney Channel
Big Hero 6: The Series Disney Channel
DuckTales Disney Channel
Green Eggs and Ham Netflix
WINNER: Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure Disney Channel | Head Writer/Story Editor Jase Ricci; Writer Ricky Roxburgh

OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A PRESCHOOL ANIMATED PROGRAM
Ask the StoryBots Netflix
Elena of Avalor Disney Junior
Muppet Babies Disney Junior
Norman Picklestripes Universal Kids
True and the Rainbow Kingdom Netflix
WINNER: Tumble Leaf Amazon Prime Video | Director Drew Hodges; Animation Directors Michael Granberry, Dan MacKenzie
Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum PBS

OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR AN ANIMATED PROGRAM
The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle Amazon Prime Video
Carmen Sandiego Netflix
WINNER: Disney Mickey Mouse Disney Channel | Director Eddie Trigueros
Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny Amazon Prime Video
Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure Disney Channel

OUTSTANDING MUSIC DIRECTION AND COMPOSITION
The Dragon Prince Netflix
Elena of Avalor Disney Junior
Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu Netflix
Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure Disney Channel
WINNER: The Tom & Jerry Show Boomerang | Composers Vivek Maddala, Steve Morrell

OUTSTANDING CASTING FOR AN ANIMATED SERIES OR SPECIAL
Archibald’s Next Big Thing Netflix
Carmen Sandiego Netflix
Elena of Avalor Disney Junior
WINNER: Green Eggs and Ham Netflix | Casting Director Mary Hidalgo
Puppy Dog Pals Disney Junior
Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure Disney Channel

OUTSTANDING MAIN TITLE FOR AN ANIMATED PROGRAM
The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle Amazon Prime Video
WINNER: The Casagrandes Nickelodeon | Directors Alan Foreman, Miguel Puga; Art Director Miguel Gonzalez; Color Supervisor Hallie Lal
Green Eggs and Ham Netflix
WINNER: Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure Disney Channel | Executive Producer/Title Designer Chris Sonnenburg; Animation Directors Bryan Deemer, Jezreel Carlos; Illustrator Claire Keane
The Rocketeer Disney Junior

OUTSTANDING PICTURE EDITING FOR AN ANIMATED PROGRAM
WINNER: Disney Mickey Mouse Disney Channel | Editor Tony Molina; Assistant Editor Mark Bollinger
DuckTales Disney Channel
Mao Mao: Heroes of Pure Heart Cartoon Network
Pinky Malinky Netflix
Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure Disney Channel

OUTSTANDING SOUND MIXING FOR AN ANIMATED PROGRAM
WINNER: Batman: Hush Amazon Prime Video | Re-Recording Mixer D.J. Lynch; SFX Mixer Rob McIntyre; Foley Mixer Aran Tanchum; Production Mixers Mark Mercado, Jon Abelardo
DC Showcase: Death WarnerBrothers.com
LEGO DC Batman: Family Matters Amazon Prime Video
Reign of the Supermen Amazon Prime Video
SpongeBob SquarePants Nickelodeon

OUTSTANDING SOUND MIXING FOR A PRESCHOOL ANIMATED PROGRAM
Dragons Rescue Riders Netflix
WINNER: Elena of Avalor Disney Junior | Re-Recording Mixers Melissa Ellis, Fil Brown
Let’s Go Luna! PBS Kids
The Rocketeer Disney Junior
Tumble Leaf Amazon Prime Video

OUTSTANDING SOUND EDITING FOR AN ANIMATED PROGRAM
WINNER: Batman: Hush Amazon Prime Video | Supervising Sound Editors D.J. Lynch, Rob McIntyre; Sound Effects Editors Lawrence Reyes, Evan Dockter, Derek Swanson; Sound Editor Devon Bowman; ADR Editors Mark Mercado, Jon Abelardo; Dialogue Editors Mark Keatts, David Cowan, Kelly Foley Downs, Patrick Foley, Mike Garcia; Foley Artist Vincent Guisetti; Foley Editors Aran Tanchum, Alfredo Douglas
Carmen Sandiego Netflix
DuckTales Disney Channel
Invader Zim: Enter the Florpus Netflix
Reign of the Supermen Amazon Prime Video
Tales of Arcadia: 3Below Netflix

OUTSTANDING SOUND EDITING FOR A PRESCHOOL ANIMATED PROGRAM
Ask the StoryBots Netflix
Dragons Rescue Riders Netflix
WINNER: Elena of Avalor Disney Junior | Sound Designer Robert Poole II; Dialogue Editor Robbi Smith; Foley Mixer David Bonilla; Foley Artist J. Lampinen
Puppy Dog Pals Disney Junior
The Rocketeer Disney Junior

July 26, 2020
Disney+ Sneak Peeks New ‘Phineas and Ferb The Movie’ Song

The cast and creative team of Disney+’s out-of-this-world animated movie Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Candace Against the Universe participated in a virtual Comic-Con@Home panel, hosted by San Diego Comic-Con, on Saturday, July 25.

Stars Ashley Tisdale (Candace), Vincent Martella (Phineas), Maulik Pancholy (Baljeet) and Dee Bradley Baker (Perry the Platypus) were joined by creators/executive producers Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh and director Bob Bowen to discuss the origins of the iconic animated series and share an exclusive sneak peek of the upcoming movie’s opening song, “Such A Beautiful Day.” Check out the clip below!

You can watch the full CC@H panel here.

Premiering on Disney+ on Friday, August 28, Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Candace Against the Universe is an adventure story that tracks stepbrothers Phineas and Ferb as they set out across the galaxy to rescue their older sister Candace, who after being abducted by aliens, finds utopia in a far-off planet, free of pesky little brothers.

Read more about the new movie in the August Comic-Con issue of Animation Magazine, available to download for free at our virtual booth #1532.

Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Candace Against the Universe virtual Comic-Con@Home panel, hosted by San Diego Comic-Con, on Saturday, July 25

July 26, 2020
Adult Swim & Crunchyroll Set Sail with ‘Fena: Pirate Princess’ from Production I.G

As a surprise to fans at the first-ever Adult Swim Con, the Toonami team revealed that the network will partner once again with Crunchyroll, the world’s most popular anime brand, to produce an all-new anime series – Fena: Pirate Princess.

Directed by Kazuto Nakazawa (B: The Beginning, Kill Bill) and with animation by Production I.G, the original series will air on Adult Swim’s Toonami and stream on Crunchyroll in 2021.

“I’m thrilled to be able to announce our next co-produced anime series with our partners at Crunchyroll and bring Nakazawa’s unique vision to life,” said Jason DeMarco, SVP/Creative Director On-Air for Adult Swim. “I hope you come to love these characters as much as I do.”

“The global anime community is going to love adventuring alongside Fena in this new series setting sail next year,” said Sarah Victor, Head of Development, Crunchyroll. “We’re delighted to be working alongside Adult Swim to bring this new series to life.”

Fena: Pirate Princess is a 12-episode original anime series that tells the tale of a young orphan girl, Fena Houtman. Fena has been raised on an Island where there is no hope of becoming anything more than chattel, to be used and discarded by soldiers of the British Empire. But Fena is more than just another powerless orphan. When her mysterious past comes knocking, Fena will break the chains of her oppressors. Her goal: forge a new identity, free of bondage, and search for a place where she can truly belong and find out the true mysteries behind a keyword “Eden.” It is the story of a lifetime adventure she and her crew of misfits and unlikely allies will have, in pursuit of her goals!

July 25, 2020
‘Dragon Prince’ Gets Four-Season Renewal from Netflix

The Dragon Prince Saga Is Coming! After three hit seasons, Netflix has renewed the original animated series from Wonderstorm for four more seasons. Seasons 4 through 7 will each have nine episodes and the premiere date for S4, which is currently in pre-production, is TBD. The announcement was revealed to cast and fans today at The Dragon Prince Comic-Con at Home panel.

With this multi-season renewal, Netflix is committing to fully realize the creators’ vision for the Saga, as The Dragon Prince story unfolds its full epic scope over seven seasons.

You can watch the full CC@H panel featuring co-creators Aaron Ehasz and Justin Richmond here.

The Dragon Prince

Wonderstorm has also announced a multi-year licensing agreement with Fandom to produce Tales of Xadia — a tabletop roleplaying game series set within the rich and diverse fantasy world of the Emmy Award-nominated animated series.

In the game (based on the Cortex system), players will take on the role of characters they create to bring their own epic quests to life with friends. The experience will consist of the core roleplaying game, a digital companion and toolset, a community content creation and sharing platform, and an organized play program that will give fans the opportunity to participate in a connected, living story with other players around the world that will directly tie in with the action of the show.

“We are always blown away by the creativity and imagination we see in The Dragon Prince community, and this game is the perfect match for fans who want to venture into Xadia and share adventures with friends,” said Ehasz and Richmond. “As longtime fans of tabletop RPGs, we’re so excited by this collaboration with Fandom and can’t wait for you all to see what’s coming.”

A teaser for Tales of Xadia, due out in 2021, was revealed during the panel:

The producers also previewed several pages of The Art of The Dragon Prince, a new hardcover art book produced in conjunction with Dark Horse based on the series. It is available for pre-order now and will be released on August 18.

The Art of The Dragon Prince

During the panel, the cast did a reading of the first 15 pages of Through the Moon (The Dragon Prince Graphic Novel #1). An exclusive, canon, original story set between seasons 3 and 4 of The Dragon Prince, the graphic novel from Scholastic is available for pre-order now and will be released on October 6. A core novel, The Dragon Prince, Book One: Moon was released in June, and is currently available.

Through the Moon (The Dragon Prince Graphic Novel #1)

July 24, 2020
‘Central Park’ Casts ‘Umbrella Academy’ Star Emmy Raver-Lampman as Molly

Umbrella Academy star Emmy Raver-Lampman is bringing her stage musical chops — honed as an original Hamilton ensemble cast member and as Pearl Krabs in the SpongeBob SquarePants musical — to Apple TV+ music-filled animated comedy Central Park. The actress is taking over as the voice of Molly Tillerman, following Kristen Bell’s departure.

Bell and the Central Park team announced her surrender of the role via social media last month, with The Good Place star saying, “Playing the character of Molly on Central Park shows a lack of awareness of my pervasive privilege. Casting a mixed race character with a white actress undermines the specificity of the mixed race and Black American experience.”

Raver-Lampman has previously performed voiceover for animation in a 2019 episode of American Dad! (“Stompe le Monde”) and the Robot Chicken’s Santa’s Dead (Spoiler Alert) Holiday Murder Thing Special. In addition to her main role as Allison in Netflix comic-book adaptation The Umbrella Academy (Season 2 premieres July 31), the Marymount Manhattan College Theater graduate’s live-action credits include Jane the Virgin and A Million Little Things.

“Our gratitude for and thanks to Kristen Bell and the fantastic work she did in Season 1 can never be overstated,” series creators and exec producers Loren Bouchard (Bob’s Burgers), Nora Smith and Josh Gad (Frozen) said. “And as we look for new ways to utilize Kristen’s brilliant vocal talents moving forward, we are forever grateful for her support, her camaraderie, and most importantly her beautiful performance as Molly Tillerman in Season 1. We consider ourselves lucky to have both of these women as part of our ‘Central Park Family’ with so many more stories ready to be told.”

The series has a two-season order from Apple TV+, and Season 2 had already been recorded. Raver-Lampman will be re-recording Molly’s dialogue.

Central Park follows the Tillermans, a family that lives in Central Park. Owen, the park manager, and Paige, his journalist wife, raise their kids Molly and Cole in the world’s most famous park, while fending off hotel heiress Bitsy Brandenham (and her long-suffering assistant, Helen), who would love nothing more than to turn the park into condos.

The series voice cast also includes Gad, Leslie Odom, Jr., Kathryn Hahn, Tituss Burgess, Daveed Diggs and Stanley Tucci.

Season 1 is streaming now on Apple TV+.

[Source: Deadline]

July 24, 2020
Artist Nicholle Kobi Teams with Netflix Alum Erik Barmack on ‘Queens’

Former Netflix executive Erik Barmack, who helped drive the streaming giant’s move to set up production operations around the world, is teaming up with New York-based Afro-French artist Nicholle Kobi (@nichollekobi on IG) for a high-concept animated African history anthology: Queens.

Produced by Barmack’s Wild Sheep Content, Queens will relate the stories of six real-life African queens, visiting points in time ranging over thousands of years and blending authentic history with magical elements. As well as being separated by time and geography, each story will be told with different visual and musical styles. The project is intended to reclaim a history and source of inspiration for Black people around the world which has been denied to them by mainstream media and public education.

“One [of my daughters] will tell me: ‘I want a beautiful dress like one worn by a Black queen or princess.’ But she’d also ask me if there have really been any Black queens and princesses. I’d show her history books and she’d say — she’s 12 — that they were complicated. So I started to draw them for her,” Kobi told Variety. “I draw for my daughters and for all women … There are Black people on every continent. I want to tell them: ‘Your ancestors were queens, not only slaves.’ Now, when everybody wants to fight for their rights, we need this positive image.”

Episodes will cover Queen Amanirenas of Kush, who after the death of her soulmate Emperor Tergetas in battle, led her troops into battle and stopped the Roman Emperor’s press south from Egypt (1st century BCE); Nandi, mother of King Chaka Zulu (18th century); Queen Mother Yaa Asantewaa, who fought against European colonialism (19th century); Queen Amina of Nigeria, who created crucial trade routes across Northern Africa (16th century); and Queen Makeba of Sheba, who told riddles to the biblical King Solomon (ca. 900 BCE).

The series leads intend to use storyboard artists based in France and have the animation produced in South Africa, using both writers with experience in the markets where the Queens stories are set and U.S. writers with animation expertise.

Kobi and Barmack are also in development on another animated series project for BET (part of ViacomCBS), La Femme Noire, described as a Sex and the City-style romance based on Kobi’s Instagram drawings inspired by Black women from around the world. Yvette Foy (First Wives Club) is writing.

[Source: Variety]

Queens concept, courtesy Erik Barmack

Nicholle Kobi (Photo courtesy Nicholle Kobi)

July 24, 2020