Animation Magazine

Tag: featured

  • CG Pioneers Paul Debevec & Donald Greenberg to Keynote VIEW

    CG Pioneers Paul Debevec & Donald Greenberg to Keynote VIEW

    VIEW Conference announces that two of the most highly-regarded researchers and teachers in computer graphics, Paul Debevec and Professor Donald Greenberg, are on tap to keynote the 21st annual digital media symposium.

    Paul Debevec
    Paul Debevec

    Paul Debevec is a senior scientist at Google VR and an adjunct research professor of computer science at USC, working within the USC Institute for Creative Technologies. He has received multiple awards for his work, which includes developing image-based modeling and lighting digital objects with real-world illumination. He has received SIGGRAPH’s first significant new researcher award, the SMPTE progress medal and two Academy Science and Technology Awards. He is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, a fellow of the Visual Effects Society, and has served on the Executive Committee and as Vice-President of SIGGRAPH.

    Donald P. Greenberg
    Donald P. Greenberg

    Dr. Donald Greenberg is the Jacob Gould Schurman Professor of Computer Graphics at Cornell University, where he teaches CG courses in Computer Science, computer-aided design in the Department of Architecture, computer animation in the Department of Art, and technology strategy in the Business School. He is the Director of the Program of Computer Graphics and was the originator Director of the Computer Aided Design Instructional Facility at Cornell University. Five former students have won Hollywood’s Sci-Tech Oscars, and five have won the prestigious SIGGRAPH Achievement Award. Dr. Greenberg’s honors include the ACM SIGGRAPH Steven A. Coons Award for Outstanding Creative Contributions to Computer Graphics, NCGA Academic Award, and the ASCA Creative Research Award in Architecture.

    “We are honored that these two brilliant pioneering researchers, Paul Debevec and Donald Greenberg , will bring their inspiring visions to VIEW,” said Conference Director Dr. Maria Elena Gutierrez. “They have opened the minds of so many people to new ways of looking at the world. They are the perfect speakers to highlight the October VIEW Conference in a revitalized Italy.”

    The 2020 VIEW Conference is now accepting submissions for its film competitions: The VIEW Award 2020 for short animated films with its €2,000 first prize, and the ItalianMix award for short Italian films.

    The VIEW Award is open to professionals or students, individuals or groups. Entries must be 2D or 3D animated films of 30 minutes or less created after January 1, 2019. An international jury drawn from the VIEW Conference speaker roster will award the €2,000 first prize.

    Italian artists working individually or with a group may compete for the ItalianMix award, and the winner will receive a Wacom tablet. Animated, experimental, or documentary films of 30 minutes or less created after January 1, 2019 are accepted.

    All dialog in any film entered must be in English or Italian or have subtitles in English or Italian. Each submission should come with a press kit, a project description, high-res still images of the work, and director credits.

    Enter either competition via https://festivals.festhome.com/f/776; deadline is September 15, 2020.

    The international VIEW Conference, Italy’s premiere event for computer graphics, interactive and immersive storytelling, animation, visual effects, games, and VR, AR and MR, brings top professionals from those fields to the beautiful baroque city of Torino, Italy for a week of talks, presentations and workshops.

    The 2020 VIEW Conference will take place from October 18 to 23 in Torino’s exciting new OGR venue.

    Registration is now open: www.viewconference.it/pages/registration

  • ‘The BeatBuds’ Get Animated with Nickelodeon, Scooter Braun

    Nickelodeon has inked a deal with Scooter Braun’s SB Projects to bring the musical stylings of The BeatBuds to TV with a brand-new animated preschool series based on the popular kids’ music duo. Each episode of The BeatBuds (working title) will follow the musical adventures of Jonny, Matty and the rest of the ‘Buds, and feature an original song.

    Written by Evan Sinclair (Ryan’s Mystery Playdate, The Aquabats! Super Show!), The BeatBuds short-form series (10 episodes) will begin production this summer and premiere on Nickelodeon’s preschool platforms in 2021.

    “My young daughter’s love for The BeatBuds turned me into a bona fide super fan, and now they’re pretty much our whole family’s go-to soundtrack,” said Brian Robbins, President, Kids & Family Entertainment, ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks. “I’m really happy to be working with Scooter Braun to bring them to Nickelodeon for a series that our audience is going to totally love.”

    “The BeatBuds are all my kids listen to and from the first time I saw them perform at a birthday party, I knew they could become one of the biggest kids acts,” said SB Projects founder and Executive Producer Scooter Braun. “This is going to be a really fun show the entire family can enjoy together, soon everyone will be singing along to The BeatBuds songs.”

    Jonathan Jonah and Matthew Shapiro, the performance duo who created The BeatBuds in 2012, added, “Energizing families through music is what The BeatBuds is all about. We have created a community like no other in which kids and parents are truly connected to us and our music. When we got the chance to create an animated series with Nickelodeon and Scooter, our excitement soared because we can bring The BeatBuds to the world. Let’s jam!”

    The BeatBuds is executive produced by Scooter Braun and Scott Manson on behalf of SB Projects. Production of The BeatBuds for Nickelodeon is overseen by Eryk Casemiro, Senior Vice President, Nickelodeon Preschool.

  • Dandelooo Launches S2 of Pre-K Series ‘Petit’

    Dandelooo Launches S2 of Pre-K Series ‘Petit’

    Emmy Award-winning French animation production and distribution company Dandelooo has announced the launch of a second season of Ibero-American-produced preschool animated series Petit, directed by Bernardita Ojeda.

    Nominated for the 8th International Emmy Kids Awards, a further 26 brand new episodes (currently in production) will continue the adventures of Petit — a sweet, fun, brave, creative, sensitive, thoughtful, intense and innocent child who has a unique point of view of the world around him, as every boy and girl does! And there’s the main concept of the series: it celebrates how kids see the world from their own original perspective.

    Based on the book Petit el monstruo written and illustrated by Isol, an Astrid Lindgren Award winner, Petit (Season I: 39 x 7’; Season II: 26 x 7’) is a 2D series targeted at 4- to 7-year olds. The series is produced by Chilean studio Pájaro in co-production with Argentina’s Pakapaka and Nonstop, Colombia’s Señal Colombia and Spain’s WKND, and distributed internationally by Dandelooo.

    “We are really excited to be introducing Petit to buyers around the world,” said Emmanuèle Pétry Sirvin and Jean-Baptiste Wéry, Joint Founders of Dandelooo. “Petit is a very special series observing the world through the eyes of a child. Its universal messages of being brave, confident and trusting yourself, helped by your imagination and friends even if you make mistakes will appeal and capture the imagination of children everywhere.”

    Synopsis: Petit always breaks the mold. Everyday events like swimming classes, challenging homework, wanting to go to an amusement park, or a simple bug bite are just starting points for Petit, who’ll always manage to scale things up by thinking way out of the box. He challenges the established rules and, along with his friends and family, finds his own unique answers. Skillfully presented in a funny and conversation-provoking manner, Petit offers a unique graphic and narrative palette that speaks directly to children in their own language.

    Petit
    Petit
  • Sony Makes $400M Investment in China’s Bilibili

    Sony Makes $400M Investment in China’s Bilibili

    Bilibili Inc., a leading online entertainment platform for young generations in China, announced Thursday that Sony Corporation of America will be investing approximately $400 million cash in the Shanghai-based streamer.

    Launched in 2010, Bilibili spotlights video content related to animation, comics and games. On top of user-generated content, the company has acquired anime series and commissioned original projects, with recent titles including the viral Karl Marx bio series The Leader and My Three-Body: The Legend of Zhang Beihai. A substantial slate was announced in November.

    Under the definitive agreement, SCA will subscribe for 17,310,696 newly issued Class Z ordinary shares of Bilibili at $23.1071 per share. The transaction is expected to close on or before April 10, subject to customary closing conditions. Upon the closing, SCA will beneficially own approximately 4.98% of Bilibili’s total issued shares.

    In addition, Bilibili and Sony will pursue opportunities for collaboration within the Chinese entertainment business, including anime and mobile games.

    “We are excited to partner with Sony, the world’s leader in entertainment and technology. The strategic investment and business cooperation further align our goals to bring best-in-class content offerings and services to our users, as we increase our domestic stronghold in animation and mobile games,” said Rui Chen, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Bilibili. “We look forward to joining efforts on a broader scale to fulfill the tremendous and growing entertainment needs in China.”

  • Roddenberry Foundation & Day of Unreasonable Conversation Launch $100K TV Creators Awards

    Roddenberry Foundation & Day of Unreasonable Conversation Launch $100K TV Creators Awards

    The Roddenberry Foundation and A Day of Unreasonable Conversation, a program of the social impact agency Propper Daley, announced the new Roddenberry Impact Awards to accelerate and inspire positive social change through storytelling.

    Ten Roddenberry Impact Awards of $10,000 each will be granted to television content creators who are committed to — and have innovative ideas and approaches for — reimagining the processes for writing and telling stories that better represent the diversity of people, thought and expression throughout society.

    The awards were originally slated to be announced at A Day of Unreasonable Conversation in March 2020, but the event was postponed due to the global spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

    “While we were disappointed to postpone the event, the actual work — leveraging diverse stories and characters to build empathy and understanding — feels more important than ever. As we ‘return to normal’ we have a chance to re-define what normal looks like and to create a more just and equitable future,” said Greg Propper, President of Propper Daley and Founder of A Day of Unreasonable Conversation.

    “The world would be more inclusive and fair if everyone saw themselves in it. If we change who we place in stories and how we tell them, we change the way we experience the world, and ultimately we change the story of our future,” said Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry, The Roddenberry Foundation board member and son of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry.

    The Roddenberry Impact Awards submissions will be judged by industry leaders who have driven significant positive change through their own storytelling and leadership in the business. The esteemed panel of judges includes Daniel Dae Kim, Gloria Calderón Kellett, Sara Gilbert, Jaime Dávila, Sameer Gardezi and Tanya Saracho.

    “We need stories that help us imagine a more equitable future. One where diverse, authentic voices and content creators help make it a reality,” said Daniel Dae Kim, founder of production company 3AD and executive producer of ABC’s The Good Doctor.

    Daniel Dae Kim
    Daniel Dae Kim

    A Day of Unreasonable Conversation launched in 2019 and brings together creators of popular culture with nonprofit leaders, advocates and others for a series of conversations to help content creators better understand and develop nuanced characters and storylines to inspire a more empathic, tolerant and informed public in the year ahead. The goal of the event — which has featured speakers like John Legend, Andrew Sullivan, Stacey Abrams, Valerie Jarrett, Dr. Joy Buolamwini, Kerry Washington and Tracee Ellis Ross — is to unlock social progress through the power of stories.

    The Award application period is open until May 8, 2020 at 5 p.m. PT. Following review by the judges, winners will be announced on June 9, 2020. Applications and criteria can be found at The Roddenberry Foundation’s awards website.

    The awards are open for submission to all Writers Guild of America West, Writers Guild of America, East, Producers Guild of America, Directors Guild of America, and SAG-AFTRA members in active status.

    A Day of Unreasonable Conversation will return in 2021.

  • The One Club Launches Online Student Portfolio Reviews

    An overlooked aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic is the effect it’s having on the next generation of creative talent: graduating students at colleges and advertising/art schools around the world who suddenly find themselves with little in the way of professional guidance, internships or job prospects. To help maintain opportunities for graduating students this year, The One Club for Creativity announced its annual in-person Young Ones Student Portfolio Review program has been transformed into a free global online portfolio review program.

    The virtual program will enable graduating students around the world to upload their portfolios at no charge and get feedback from some of the industry’s top creative professionals.

    Among those who have agreed to serve as reviewers are 35 members of The One Club’s National and International Boards of Directors, including FCB Global CCO Susan Credle (One Club chairperson), 72andSunny CCO Glenn Cole (vice-chair), McCann Global Creative Chairman Rob Reilly, Goodby Silverstein & Partners CCO/partner Margaret Johnson, Design Army co-founder/CCO Pum Lefebure, Burger King Global CMO Fernando Machado, Apple VP – Marketing Integration Nick Law, Google Director of User Experience Chloe Gottlieb and VP Robert Wong, Dentsu Head of Digital Creative/ECD Yasuharu Sasaki, AlmapBBDO CCO/partner Luiz Sanches and others.

    The current list of reviews, updated regularly, is here. Creative professionals interested in serving as reviewers can sign up here.

    “Graduating seniors have been dealt an unimaginable situation that no one has ever experienced before,” said Kevin Swanepoel, CEO, The One Club. “After years of hard work, their classes and graduations have been canceled, they suddenly have no opportunity for one-on-one professional guidance and little prospect of a job or internship. The advertising and design community owes it to these young creatives to step up and help them.”

    “We should do everything possible to prevent the next generation of creative talent from becoming a lost generation,” he added.

    Each year, The One Club holds a day of in-person portfolio reviews as part of the Young Ones Student Awards and Festival, where creative directors and recruiters already in town for the other Creative Week festivities volunteer to offer advice to eager up-and-comers. The One Club’s education program has benefited thousands of students through its various initiatives for over 30 years.

    With Creative Week this year being reimagined into a broader online initiative due to the pandemic, the organization has built a system to allow student portfolio reviews to continue in the new online format. Instead of being limited to students able to attend the in-person portfolio reviews of the past, this year’s online system opens up the review opportunity to students globally.

    “Young Ones has always been one of the highlights of Creative Week, where we get to support and celebrate amazing work from students around the world,” said Swanepoel. “We are committed to continuing that role in any way we can. This new online portfolio review, for the first time featuring dozens of the world’s top creative leaders as reviewers, is one small way to help young creative talent globally when they need it most.”

    The online student portfolio program is The One Club’s second new initiative in as many weeks to help the industry during the pandemic. As the world’s foremost nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the global creative community, the Club last week launched The One Club COVID-19 Jobs Board, a free resource to connect advertising and design creatives around the world with openings at agencies, studios, production companies and brands looking to fill full-time, project, freelance and internship positions.

    Learn more at www.oneclub.org

  • Draw-Along with DreamWorks Artists; ‘Trolls World Tour’ Arrives Friday!

    Draw-Along with DreamWorks Artists; ‘Trolls World Tour’ Arrives Friday!

    Poppy and Branch are ready to boogie to all-new musical lands (and fight for their right to party against the tyrannical rocker Queen Barb) when Trolls World Tour makes its streaming debut on Friday, April 10. To celebrate, the maestros of DreamWorks Animation put together some fun tutorials that will help inspire homebound artistes of all ages.

    Scroll down to check out the “How to Draw” character videos from head of story Tim Heitz, director Walt Dohrn, and a “How to Scrapbook Like Poppy” by super-creative vis dev artist (and Animag Rising Star of 2020!) Priscilla Wong.

    Trolls World Tour will be available to watch on April 10 through major digital rental platforms including FandangoNow and Vudu, which are offering pre-order discounts. Find more where-to-watch details at WatchTrolls.com — and be sure to prepare by downloading a mess of fun activites with the Home Premiere Party Pack!

    How to Draw Poppy with Tim Heitz

    How to Draw Branch with Tim Heitz

    How to Draw Tiny Diamond with Walt Dohrn

    How to Scrapbook Like Poppy with Priscilla Wong

  • News Bytes: Disney+ Subs Pass 50M, Ziva VFX Free for Students & Teachers, Social Distancing with CTN & More

    News Bytes: Disney+ Subs Pass 50M, Ziva VFX Free for Students & Teachers, Social Distancing with CTN & More

    Disney+ Paid Subscriber Count Surpasses 50M Milestone
    Disney+ has passed another benchmark, with 50 million paid subscribers globally within five months after its U.S. launch. In the past two weeks, Disney+ rolled out in eight Western European countries: the U.K., Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria and Switzerland. Additionally, Disney+ became available last week in India, where it is offered in conjunction with the existing Hotstar service, and already accounts for approximately 8 million paid subscribers.

    ViacomCBS Extends Trial Periods for LatAm Streaming Services
    ViacomCBS Networks Americas announced a one-month trial extension for OTT streaming services in Latin America (exc. Brazil) for new users accessing the service (iOS/Android), starting the week of April 13 — offering access to top-notch educational and entertainment services in Spanish while many are homebound and unable to attend school or work.

    • Noggin, Nick Jr.’s top-ranked interactive learning subscription service for preschoolers, allows subscribers and free trial users to watch online or download long- and short-form content featuring favorites like PAW Patrol, Blaze and the Monster Machines, Team Umizoomi, Dora the Explorer and Bubble Guppies. In LatAm, the safe and ad-free service also offers an English-language curriculum for preschoolers titled “Garden Academy,” a section within the app created in partnership with the Ecuadorian chapter of the prestigious Swiss academy, “The Bénédict International Language School.”
    • Paramount+ will also extend its trial period — the SVOD entertainment service brings together content on the same platform for the whole family, with films from the best studios and blockbusters, renowned and critically acclaimed series, popular International IPs from ViacomCBS brands (MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon) and successful local original content. For kids and families, this includes hundreds of episodes of Nick toons like SpongeBob SquarePants, The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Hey Arnold!, The Fairly OddParents and Avatar: The Last Airbender.
    Sony Kids Zone
    Sony Kids Zone

    Sony Pictures Ent. Launches Interactive Family YT Channel
    The Sony Pictures’ Kids Zone provides parents and kids with a one-stop central destination for interactive fun, physical movement, learning and hands-on activities. The YouTube Channel is curated with a wide range of activities inspired by SPE live-action and animated favorites that will support families coping with school closures, new work-from-home routines and social distancing. New content debuts every Tuesday & Thursday. Launch content includes:

    • Peter Rabbit “Make Your Own McGregor Garden”: You might not be able to raid McGregor’s garden like Peter, but you can grow your very own veggies at home. Follow along to learn planting tips, clever crafts and more!
    • The Angry Birds Movie 2 “Bird Watching”: In this hilarious “birds-eye” view of the real-life species that inspired the artists, we take a trip to the Los Angeles Zoo to get up close and personal with real-life Mighty Eagles, Blue Birds, Toucans, and more. With fun reactions from the cast intercut throughout the piece — get ready to laugh, learn and meet some amazing avian friends.
    • Hotel Transylvania 3 “It’s Party Time” by Joe Jonas lyric video
    • The Star “There’s No Me without You” sing-along with Bo and friends
    • Smurfs: The Lost Village “Learn to Draw Brainy Smurf”
    Morning Cartooning with Teacher Noah
    Morning Cartooning with Teacher Noah

    Social Distancing (Together) with CTN
    Creative Talent Network (CTN) is leveraging YouTube to keep bringing the animation community together in this, The New Normal. Open to all ages, aspiring animators can learn the essentials of drawing through Morning Cartooning with Teacher Noah, offering a new live lesson Tues./Thurs./Fri. from 10-11 a.m. PT. Those looking to flex their (costumed!!) life drawing fingers can tune in Wednesday evenings for CTN Sketch FEVER!, live from 7-10 p.m. PT.

    Ziva VFX
    Ziva VFX

    Ziva VFX Academic Licenses Are Now Free
    Ziva Dynamics announces that Ziva VFX, the world’s most advanced character simulation software, is now free for students and educators. The same tools used on Game of Thrones, Hellboy and John Wick 3 are now available for non-commercial projects, offering students the chance to learn physics-based character creation before they graduate. The Ziva method, used by over 90 studios, fundamentally improves the character creation process by combining the effects of real-world physics with the rapid creation of soft-tissue materials like muscles, fat and skin. Academic licenses include updates, tutorials, demos, direct feedback and support, free character assets and showcase eligibility.

    In addition to the software, Ziva Academic users will now receive free access to Ziva Dynamics’ simulation-ready assets, Zeke the Lion (previously $10,000) and Lila the Cheetah, which have been used by powerhouse VFX studios like Pixomondo, Mr. X and Trixter. Thanks to Ziva VFX’s Anatomy Transfer feature, the Zeke rig has helped make squirrels, cougars, dogs and more for films like John Wick 3, A Dog’s Way Home and Primal.

    WATCH: DC Daily | Harley Quinn Season 2 Out Now!
    Clarke Wolfe sits down (virtually) with Samm Levine and Sam Humphries to talk about the all-new, foul-mouthed adventures of Harley Quinn.

  • Kabillion Toons Up Month-Long Earth Day Celebration

    Kabillion Toons Up Month-Long Earth Day Celebration

    Just because families are hunkered down, doesn’t mean that fun and learning has to end — especially with Earth Day around the corner (April 22)! Kabillion and Kabillion Girls Rule! are celebrating all month long with animated episodes that spark curiosity about the natural world and its phenomenons.

    From emerald hunting on a deserted planet with Sonic X to investigating a mysterious energy signal with Transformers, going camping with Bobby’s World and making things grow with Chloe’s Closet, to learning about sea life with LEGO Friends, the featured episodes will help teach and inspire kids to do their part to protect the planet – right from their own homes!

    The abillion> platform offers kids and families free access to kabillions of great animated shows. Available on-demand through most cable and satellite providers, audiences can also access Kabillion as a free app on Roku, XUMO, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV.

    In addition, the new Freebies section on the Kabillion website features a range of printable/downloadable word searches along with coloring pages featuring characters and scenes from some of kids’ favorite shows on Kabillion, providing plenty of hands-on activities for them to enjoy beyond the screen.

    [transformers]

    Kabillion Earth Day featured episodes include:

    • Sonic X “Trick Sand” The crew of the Blue Typhoon go emerald hunting on a deserted planet.
    • Sonic X “Underground” Sonic and the gang go exploring another earth-like planet.
    • Transformers “Nature Calls” Prowl, Bumblebee and Sari get more than they bargained for when they head out to the remote woods to investigate a mysterious energy signal.

    Kabillion Girls Rule!:

    • Bobby’s World “Fish Tales” The Generics go camping in Canada!
    • Chloe’s Closet “All Green Thumbs” The kids have fun making things grow with water, but when they overgrow a mouse, she’s too tall to get inside her home and reach her babies. They enlist Mac who’s short enough to help.
    • Chloe’s Closet “In The Fix” Handyman Chloe and friends are called to fix Mother Nature’s run-down cottage.
    • LEGO Friends “Dolphin Cruise” Olivia, Stephanie, Andrea, Mia, and Emma enter a science contest at school and win a trip on a luxury yacht – but not everything goes as planned when they set out to sea.
    Transformers
    Transformers
  • Mobile SpongeBob Game ‘Krusty Cook-Off’ Tops 14M Pre-Regs

    Mobile SpongeBob Game ‘Krusty Cook-Off’ Tops 14M Pre-Regs

    As folks are ordering up much-needed boredom-busters, pre-registration for SpongeBob: Krusty Cook-Off has surpassed 14 million players. The highly anticipated mobile game puts fans behind The Krusty Krab grill, as they serve Krabby Patties and more to a cast of characters from the beloved animated series.

    Fans can continue to pre-register for the game on Google Play to earn a special gift bundle including a unique player avatar, an exclusive Gary decorative item and a special restaurant skin for fine under-the-sea dining in a player’s first restaurant. Developed by Tilting Point and Nukebox Studios in partnership with Nickelodeon, the game will be available on iOS and Android devices this spring.

    “To reach 14 million pre-registrations in such a short span of time is an incredible achievement made possible by our hard-working team at Nukebox Studios and SpongeBob’s loyal fans,” said Yang Wen, VP of Product at Tilting Point. “We look forward to continuing this momentum for SpongeBob: Krusty Cook-Off as we prepare for the game’s launch this spring, and are excited for players to finally put their underwater culinary skills to the test.”

    “This milestone, and the support that fans have shown SpongeBob: Krusty Cook-Off continues to inspire us to create a memorable and addicting game that players will find themselves returning to over and over,” said Amit Hardi, CEO at Nukebox Studios. “Working with Tilting Point and Nickelodeon has allowed us to fulfill our vision for a great SpongeBob experience, and it is wonderful to see so many players join us from day one.”

    In SpongeBob: Krusty Cook-Off, fans take a hilarious culinary journey through the unforgettable world of SpongeBob SquarePants. Players collect and customize their favorite characters from the show, cook up delicious dishes in the iconic kitchens of Bikini Bottom and play through an all new narrative featuring SpongeBob, Mr. Krabs, Patrick Star and more!

    Nukebox Studios and Titling Point previously partnered on the hit cooking and food truck management game, Food Truck Chef, which has been downloaded over 25 million times, became the No.1 Android Casual Game in 40 countries (including the U.S.) and made it to the Top 100 Grossing Charts in more than 100 countries on the App Store and Google Play.

  • How Future-Proof Planning Enabled Mainframe Studios Pivot to WFH

    As animation and VFX producers around the world adjust to the work-from-home realities of pandemic lockdown, Mainframe Studios (a division of Wow! Unlimited Media) reached out to share how its swift transition to a fully remote workforce of hundreds was eased by years of future-proof planning.

    In order to protect its valued artists, producers, coordinators and executives, Mainframe took immediate action to confront the COVID-19 outbreak: In just one week, the studio had all of its 400-plus staff set up for remote work. The path to this unprecedented shift was paved at the beginning of 2017, when Mainframe assembled a plan to upgrade its technology in order to expand the studio and future-proof the business.

    A majority of workstations were put on a remote-access model powered by Canadian virtual workstation and cloud access tech Teradici. At the same time, Mainframe began planning for its ‘Global Studio Pipeline’, which smoothed the fast, full transition to WFH.

    The Global Studio Pipeline was developed in 2018 to expand scalability to work with third-party studios, without sacrificing creative production value — giving Mainframe tremendous flexibility to work on a variety of projects with existing and future partners. It was first deployed with Infinite Frameworks in Batam, Indonesia, to produce three Octonauts specials for Silvergate Media, along with a new preschool animated series titled Made By Maddie.

    The partnership with Infinite Frameworks is unique because the Global Studio Pipeline keeps the assets and versions in sync on the servers between Vancouver and Batam. Because of this, both parties have the flexibility to work on the same assets and shots, in tandem. The time zone difference between Vancouver and Indonesia means two full days of production every 24 hours, which is a huge boost for productivity. Mainframe has created a virtual studio that allows employees to collaborate, whether they’re sitting next to each other or are halfway across the world.

    The ‘Work from Home Model’ is an extension of the remote workstations and is ‘Stage 2’ of Mainframe’s Global Studio Pipeline. Due to the current global crisis, the planned four-month testing window shrank to one week, and the Work from Home Model was deployed to the employees’ 400+ homes. With the hard work and efforts of countless people, the test was a success, and the Work from Home Model will be adapted to continue beyond the current crisis, expanding and no longer limiting Mainframe’s employees to a physical studio location.

    Throughout this shift, Mainframe reports its employees have maintained an optimistic attitude, and working from home has become a positive experience rather than a hindrance. They can continue their regular workflow, choose their hours, avoid long commutes and maintain safety at home with their families — not only able to work, but also able to thrive. (And yes, they’re hiring!)

    Mainframe has always put an emphasis on studio culture, promoting a variety of clubs for employees to bond over everything from gardening to improv comedy; the ‘Culture Club’ promotes diversity, inclusion and overall fun activities. The Work from Home Model won’t take away from the culture and events the studio is so well known for. Mainframe’s employees have maintained relationships with their co-workers and clubs through Google Chat, emails, video calls, contests for the best and most innovative home set-ups, and virtual ‘Beer Fridays’ on Zoom.

    Michael Hefferon
    Michael Hefferon

    “At a time when many businesses have been forced to close, we are all very fortunate to have this ability to work from home and to continue to do the amazing work we do as a studio,” said Michael Hefferon, President & CCO. “In the absence of playdates and outings, the content we create for kids has an important function: to put a smile on kids’ faces, to make them laugh, and to hopefully let them forget what is going on in the world for a moment. If our shows do that, then we have succeeded.”

    With globally beloved partners like DreamWorks, Mattel and Silvergate Media, Mainframe has continued to maintain quotas and produce amazing work. The success of the Work From Home Model and Global Studio Pipeline have made Mainframe’s transition for the current crisis almost seamless, and it is something they will continue to implement to expand their projects and partnerships while supporting employees.

    Founded in 1993, Mainframe created the first fully-CG TV series, ReBoot, and has since produced more than 1,000 half-hours of TV, over 60 feature-length projects and two feature films. Recent projects include Knowledge Network special Luna, Chip & Inkie: The Festival of Wishes, Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures, Bob the Builder, Spy Kids: Mission Critical and hybrid series ReBoot: The Guardian Code. 

    Learn more at www.mainframe.ca

    Mainframe Studios
    Mainframe Studios
  • Bento Box & Princess Pictures Form First-Look Animation Pact

    Bento Box & Princess Pictures Form First-Look Animation Pact

    As demand for animated content across all distribution platforms continues to grow worldwide, FOX Entertainment’s award-winning animation studio Bento Box Entertainment and Melbourne-based television and film production company Princess Pictures have entered in a first-look animation development deal. The announcement was jointly made Wednesday by Scott Greenberg, Co-Founder and CEO of Bento Box, and Laura Waters, Founder of Princess Pictures.

    Under terms of the agreement, Bento Box and Princess will develop animated content from undiscovered, Australian-based, multi-hyphenate creators that will be fully produced in the country with local talent and crews and made available for the global market.

    In addition to Greenberg and Waters, Bento Box Co-Founder and President of Production Joel Kuwahara and Creative Director Ben Jones; and Princess’ Senior Producer Mike Cowap and Managing Director Emma Fitzsimons will executive produce all projects developed by the two companies.

    “Laura, Mike and their entire team have the keen ability to identify emerging, multi-faceted storytellers, and, in doing so, are delivering some of the strongest comedy material we’ve seen,” said Greenberg. “Expanding our creative footprint globally is a top priority of ours; and we are excited to partner with Princess Pictures in Australia on finding, championing and introducing animation’s next wave of creators who deserve a shot to showcase their voices and points of view across platforms in the U.S. and beyond.”

    Scott Greenberg
    Scott Greenberg

    “Australia punches above its weight in animation talent, with scores of Oscar nominations and wins, and very successful children’s animation series,” said Waters. “There’s a slew of Australian talent making hilarious animation online, all with dedicated audiences. In collaboration with Bento Box, we’re excited to support this new wave of comedy talent with professional budgets and access to opportunities on major platforms.”

    Laura Waters
    Laura Waters

    Earlier this year, as part of its strategic plan to expand its activities into content development and creation, Bento Box hired animation and VFX veteran Brooke Keesling as Head of Animation Talent Development, with the mandate to develop and grow the company’s artistic talent acquisition and internal artist relations. Moreover, Caitlin Winiarski joined Bento Box last month as its Creative Executive. She is responsible for seeking out and assessing pilot proposals, scripts and pitches, and identifying relevant source material for development from established and emerging talent.

    Bento Box’s recent work includes programming on Adult Swim (Lazor Wulf), Apple TV+ (Central Park), Comedy Central (Brickleberry, Legends of Chamberlain Heights), FOX (multiple Emmy-winning Bob’s Burgers, Duncanville, upcoming The Great North and Housebroken), HBO Max (recently ordered series The Prince), Hulu (The Awesomes), NBC (The David S. Pumpkins Halloween Special), Netflix (Mulligan, Paradise PD, Hoops, The Who Was? Show) and Syfy (Alien News Desk). Additionally, Bento Box has produced music videos with Alicia Keys, Coldplay, LSD, Pharrell and other top artists. For more information, visit bentoboxent.com.

    Princess Pictures is one of Australia’s most prolific TV and film production companies, best known for producing the comedy series of Chris Lilley, including Summer Heights High and Angry Boys. The company also pioneered the Emmy-nominated drama Wrong Kind of Black, Superwog — the most-watched scripted comedy series in Australia of 2019 — the AACTA-nominated adult animation Koala Man, and several ground-breaking documentary series. Aside from producing the country’s first Aboriginal sitcom (8MMM), first gay sitcom (Outland) and only comedy opera (The Divorce), Princess continues to develop cutting edge projects in every genre and is thrilled to bring that sensibility to the animation world through the partnership with Bento Box. Learn more at princess.net.au.

  • Topo Gigio’s First Italian Toon Premieres on RaiPlay

    Topo Gigio’s First Italian Toon Premieres on RaiPlay

    Topo Gigio, the famous puppet created more than 60 years ago by Maria Perego and star of more than a million endlessly-repeated TV appearances worldwide, returns to TV screens with a brand new 2D comedy adventure animation series.

    This is the first Italian-produced animated series about the famous mouse, co-produced in collaboration with the kids’ division of the Italian public broadcaster Rai Ragazzi by Milan-based studio Movimenti Production — a full-service production group with studios in Milan, Rome and Florence — and Topo Gigio srl.

    Topo Gigio (52 x 11’) will air on Rai Yoyo next autumn, but to brighten up this homebound Easter holiday, the first 13 episodes will arrive starting April 8 in an exclusive preview on multimedia platform RaiPlay and on the pubcaster’s app dedicated to the youngest viewers, RaiPlay Yoyo: a delightful surprise in the Easter baskets of children and families across Italy.

    Each episode is a self-contained story and therefore the public will be able to fully appreciate this Easter preview.

    This colorful series tells the daily adventures of the first mouse that lives in the world of humans: Topo Gigio! For the witty and charming Topo Gigio, every human experience is new and exciting. Topo Gigio’s loyal companions include his very best friend Zoe, who always helps to make things right; Bike Bob, the perfect buddy to ride with around the city; and the ‘G-Team’, his long-time country friends (Mole, Pigeon, Bunny Twins, Turtle, Toad), who are always ready to join Topo Gigio wherever and whenever their carefree and irresistible adventures take them. Because Topo Gigio may seem like a quiet mouse, but behind that sweet air hides a dynamic mouse full of ideas.

    And, when the day is done, it’s time for a simple (and famous) request: “Kiss me goodnight and… Hug me ‘til I pop!”

    Produced entirely in Italy between Milan and Florence, the new series is the last project for Perego, the brilliant creator of the character, who passed away last November at the age of 95. She supervised the animated series to the last and participated in the creation and writing of the episodes.

    With his blonde hair, protruding teeth, large round ears and an unmistakable little voice, Topo Gigio lives in the collective imagination of Italians — but not only. Topo Gigio became a genuine global phenomenon, having appeared in thousands of episodes of TV broadcasts in every major market around the world, including high profile appearances in the U.S. on prime-time classic The Ed Sullivan Show.

    The charming mouse has delighted children worldwide on television, in theatrical events, in music, books and magazines and most recently with hundreds of millions of views on social media. Heartfelt stories, kid-identifiable characters and the lovable Topo Gigio ensure that this series will provide wonderful memories for children worldwide.

    New York-based Lacey Entertainment has secured the worldwide English language distribution rights to the Topo Gigio series. Lacey is most recognized for the global distribution of hit kids series, notably Pokemon, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Yu-Gi-Oh!

    Topo Gigio is directed by Davide Rosio and Girogio Scorza, produced by Perego, Rosio, Scorza, Fabrizio Margaria and Mike De Seve.

  • Keith Chapman & Toonz Team for ‘Paddypaws & Pals’

    Keith Chapman Productions, one of the most successful creators of kids’ IP, and Toonz Media Group, a prolific global production and distribution company, are uniting forces on the Keith Chapman and Emily Chapman created Paddypaws & Pals, a 52 x 11’ CGI preschool series.

    Paddypaws & Pals is planned to be launched in October to coincide with MIPCOM ’20. The production and distribution are planned between Toonz’s group companies: Telegael in Ireland and Imira Entertainment in Spain.

    As part of this agreement, Toonz will be handling the financing, development and production of the series — from script to screen — with Keith Chapman Productions overseeing the creatives for the development and production of the series. Toonz Media Group will distribute the series worldwide through its distribution division, Imira Entertainment.

    The series follows the adventures of Paddypaws, a cute, naughty, fearless and funny young black and white kitten who lives on a farm with his other kitten pals and little farm animal friends. Due to his small size, Paddypaws is an expert at hiding, creating many fun situations for the young audience around the concept of “hide and seek.”

    “I am thrilled to be working with Toonz on Paddypaws & Pals, an idea originally conceived by my wife Emily and myself as a children’s book, inspired by Emily’s sister’s cat!” Chapman noted. “I look forward to collaborating with the talented producers, directors and designers at Toonz to bring these adorable and entertaining characters to life and help build the IP into a globally successful brand.”

    “With Paddypaws & Pals, Keith has created a fresh and lively interactive preschool series, and we are delighted to be partnering on this with Keith,” added P. Jayakumar, CEO of Toonz Media Group. “As a major fully-integrated independent studio, Toonz looks for original and engaging kids’ concepts with universal values and appeal, as well as a strong interactive element. Paddypaws & Pals has all these ingredients and more to become a global preschool success.”

    Keith Chapman is the creator of the global phenomenon and BAFTA award-winning Bob the Builder, with 18 series in 240 territories, as well as PAW Patrol, which premiered on Nickelodeon in Autumn 2013 and is still the No. 1 preschool show worldwide.

    Toonz Media Group has produced over 65 animation and live-action series and five feature films, partnering with several leading studios and broadcast platforms globally. Toonz produces 10,000 minutes of 2D and CGI animation through its studios in India, Turkey, New Zealand, Spain and Ireland.

  • Global TV & Streaming News

    Global TV & Streaming News

    Corus Entertainment’s Global TV App, newly available on Amazon Fire TV and Roku devices, has announced the addition of Adult Swim (Rick and Morty, Robot Chicken) and National Geographic (Cosmos: Possible Worlds) to its suite of premium networks. The outfit already features Food Network Canada, HGTV Canada, W Network, HISTORY, Showcase, Slice and free 24/7 local and national news feed access through Global News. 

    Kiva Can Do
    Kiva Can Do

    Around the world, Gulli channels are rallying to comfort, inspire and entertain kids and families during these difficult times. Gulli AFRICA — broadcast to 25 French-speaking countries — has created an animated music video to teach kids safe habits, while Moussier Tombola of Trop bien chez toi proposes short, fun and useful home activities, and preschool programming has been bolstered with Kiva Can Do, Ubongo Kids (created in Tanzania!) and Dimitri. In Russia, Gulli Girl and TiJi are being offered for free to more than 20M families. The former highlights strong female characters and funny adventures with Barbie Dreamhouse, My Little Pony and Winx, while younger-skewing TiJi celebrates gentle and educational pre-k faves like Molang, Pirata & Capitano, Tall Tales, Ernest & Celestine, The Octonauts, Fireman Sam, Bob the Builder and local series Masha and the Bear.

    The Berkowitz Brothers’ Not A Billionaire has partnered with Emmy winner and VP Creative for JibJab studio Mauro Gatti (Ask the Story Bots) to bring his The Happy Broadcast concept to animation. The platform delivers positive news to offset the widespread anxiety of a bleak news cycle.

    Ben Berkowitz — who is executive producing the series with Max Berkowitz — told Deadline: “For the same reason Mauro created The Happy Broadcast platform, my brother and I were fed up with all of the negative stories filling our news feeds. So we decided to take charge during this time of uncertainty and create a show that will not only inform, but inspire and add a sense of warmth and happiness to people’s homes from all around the world. Mauro is a brilliant creative filled with a child-like light, and we could not be more proud to help him and all of his hard work touch millions of lives.”

    NAB is currently developing the fantasy adventure series Forever House with Mike Mignola (Hellboy) and Starburns Industries (Rick and Morty, Anomalisa).

    PGS Entertainment has secured more than 10 public broadcaster partners around the world for Moominvalley, the new adaptation of Tove Jansson’s beloved stories by Finnish studio Gutsy Animation. Commissioned by YLE (Finland), Sky (U.K.) and NHK (Japan), the 26 x 22′ series has been picked up by France Television, ZDF (Germany), RAI (Italy), NPO ZAPP (Netherlands), RTS (Switzerland), Czech TV, ERR (Estonia), MTVA (Hungary), RTP (Portugal) and Once Nino (Mexico). Other partners include Canal+ & Puls TV (Poland), Medialaan (Fl. Belgium), Kidzone (Baltics), Talit & Noga (Israel), Jeem TV (U.A.E.), Qualson (South Korea) and Youku (China). PGS Ent. is the global distributor of the series excluding the U.K., Finland, Japan, South Korea and China.

    Hailing from an award-winning creative team with a stellar voice cast, Moominvalley has won several accolades, including Best Children’s Series at British Animation Awards (2020) and Best Animated Kids Program at TBI Content Innovation Awards (2019) since launching on YLE, Sky and NHK in Spring 2019 successfully started broadcasting the series (26×22′) in Spring 2019. In Finland, the series saw record-breaking ratings, with one in four Finns (1.5M) tuning in to the first episode. On VOD, the show became the #1 program on YLE Areena, with an average audience size of 348,000 (period between Feb. 25 – April 24). Moominvalley was the most watched TV series in Finland 2019 (all channels and platforms included). The season 1 soundtrack has reached over 20 million streams on Spotify alone.

    Ne Zha
    Ne Zha

    Chinese streaming giant iQiyi has made locally produced animated blockbuster Ne Zha (2019) available to VIP subscribers in nine Southeast Asian markets: Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Brunei and Cambodia. Written and directed by Yang Yu (a.k.a. Jiaozi) and produced by Enlight Coloroom Picture, Cocoa Bean Animation and October Culture Animation, the film is based on the myth of a demigod hero who defies his evil destiny. The picture caused a major stir in China and abroad, earning $726M in global box office to become the country’s most successful animated picture and second-highest-grossing film of all time. Ne Zha was also the first Chinese 3D animation to be released for IMAX, and was brought stateside by WellGo USA.

    The Octonauts
    The Octonauts

    Silvergate Media’s popular preschool animated series Octonauts is making a splash in new markets, with recent broadcast deals that will introduce the award-winning underwater adventures to audiences in Latin America and the Middle East. In a deal brokered by Panaderia, the show got its first major LatAm broadcast launch through TV Azteca (Mexico) in October, demonstrating excellent ratings. Los Octonautas also screens on Netflix and Spanish-language YouTube channels in the region, gaining rising audience figures in Q4 2019 (Mexico is its 4th highest global territory on YT). Meanwhile, Spacetoon acquired the series for MENA through agency 20too, debuting the first episodes in March. Silvergate is preparing a live stage show to debut at Global Village Dubai, which welcomes 7M+ visitors every season.

    CBS All Access is putting some Washington DC players in the animated hot seat in segments of Tooning Out the News this week, with new segments streaming Tuesday through to the full weekly episode on Friday. Starting with Olivia Nuzzi, a political reporter who serves as the Washington correspondent for New York Magazine appearing on Big News; (Wed., April 8) Paul Krugman, an economist and New York Times Op-Ed columnist, appearing on Inside the Hill; (Thurs., April 9) Rep. Eric Swalwell, U.S. Congressman serving California’s 15th district, appearing on Big News; (Fri., April 10) Rep. Donna Shalala, U.S. Congresswoman serving Florida’s 27th district, appearing on Inside the Hill.

  • Tom Ascheim Named President of Global Kids, YA & Classics at Warner Bros.

    Tom Ascheim will join Warner Bros. as President of Global Kids, Young Adults and Classics. The appointment was announced Tuesday Warner Bros. Chair and Chief Executive Officer Ann Sarnoff, to whom he will report. Ascheim will be responsible for leading the global strategy for Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and Boomerang, managing the studios of Cartoon Network and Warner Bros. Animation in Los Angeles and having global responsibility for the Turner Classic Movies (TCM) channel.

    Ascheim will join Warner Bros. this summer.

    Warner Bros. Global Kids, Young Adults and Classics has distribution in 192 countries around the world. The division’s networks are in 500 million homes and delivered through over 65 channels in 31 languages. Ascheim will work collaboratively with his colleagues at Warner Bros. and the WarnerMedia Global Distribution and Advertising Sales team to build, enhance and drive ratings for the brands, while developing and implementing both global and local strategies.

    “I am excited that Tom will be joining Warner Bros. He is an excellent executive and collaborative leader with an impressive track record and deep experience in the kids and young adult worlds. I had the benefit of seeing Tom’s skills firsthand when we were at Nickelodeon and really look forward to working with him again,” said Sarnoff.

    “I am thrilled to be joining Warner Bros. and especially excited to be working with the deeply talented folks at Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Boomerang, TCM and Warner Bros. Animation,” said Ascheim. “I’ve been watching their work since I was a child and it’s thrilling to be part of such a storied group. I’m equally excited to be working again with Ann Sarnoff who remains one of the best people I’ve ever had the privilege to work with.”

    Ascheim was most recently president, Freeform, since December 2013. In that role, he had oversight of original programming and acquisitions, franchise management, marketing, sales and operations, and responsibility for the overall strategic and creative direction for the channel. In January 2016, Ascheim led the network in a major transformation, taking the former ABC Family network and rebranding it as Freeform and deepening the network’s commitment to the young adult audience.

    Prior to Freeform, Ascheim served as chief strategy officer of Sesame Workshop and executive vice president of Sesame Learning, where he led the team in developing a digital, in-school and companion-home offering, which paired differentiated learning solutions with in-school assessment. From 2007-2011, Ascheim was CEO at Newsweek, successfully leading its sale and merger with The Daily Beast.

    As executive vice president and general manager of Nickelodeon Television, Ascheim ran the company’s portfolio of channels, including Nickelodeon, Nick@Nite, Nick Jr., and Nick’s three digital networks. He also spearheaded the repositioning of Nick@Nite away from being “home of the reruns” to the driving brand in Nick’s new family strategy. He had held the title of executive vice president and general manager of Nickelodeon Digital Television Networks, where he managed all aspects of the brand, including production, development, programming, online, on-air promotion, marketing and advertising sales. He also led the negotiation between Nick and Sesame Workshop, which resulted in a joint venture and the creation of Noggin, and oversaw The N, a channel dedicated to serving millennials. Ascheim originally joined Viacom in 1990 as vice president of Nickelodeon Business Development and Media Products.

    Ascheim received his Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Yale College and a Master of Business Administration from Yale School of Management.

    Tom Ascheim
    Tom Ascheim

  • Atlantyca’s Vacchi Shares Tips on Producing Toons in the COVID-19 Era

    We recently put out a request to see how different animation companies around the world are adapting to the new COVID-19 normal and continuing to create and produce their content despite all the challenges of shutdowns and life-saving quarantine restrictions. We heard back from our friends at Italy’s Atlantyca Entertainment, the Milan-based outfit responsible for animated franchises such as Geronimo Stilton, Berry Bees and Pat Bat.

    Caterina Vacchi, Atlantyca’s head of animation, exec producer and distribution director, told us that they have been in lockdown mode since March 8, but since they’re based in Milan (Lombardia region), they implemented the “smart-working” plan on Feb. 25, when the situation became critical locally.

    “We determined that this was the safest and most necessary solution to what was happening all around us,” she explains. “We have now been locked in our homes for more than a month (going on six weeks). Staying sane without going out at all is, without a doubt, extremely hard, difficult but not impossible. Basically, establishing a routine has helped immensely! Without the commuting time I can start working much earlier. Now restricted to home, I am working more hours than in the office with each hour counting more, because you are alone with no distractions. Meetings by Skype while working to meet our previously committed schedule plan of production deliveries and deadlines are part of the important routine. And of course, include exercising, since staying at home without walking and without sports can be very dangerous.”

    Caterina Vacchi, head of animation, Atlantyca
    Caterina Vacchi, head of animation, Atlantyca

    Like many working in the animation business, Vacchi says her team is short-term planning for a long-term project and trying to see the light at the end of the tunnel. “We are working very diligently to be on target, ready to deliver to the industry new programming content that they are anxious to have — even more so at this time with kids bunkered-down at home anxious to learn new things while seeking new forms of entertainment,” she notes.

    Vacchi adds, “Critical for us, has been to finalize our production and delivery of our new animated series Berry Bees. With the world slowly being in a lockdown down mode, country by country we had to deal with all aspects of different production: First, it was here in Italy managing our post audio production; coordinating with our partners in Ireland for video post-production and also India for the wrap up of the animation. We succeeded with the enormous effort and outstanding collaboration of our teams and a great coordination from home, thanks to these really amazing people.”

    Berry Bees
    Berry Bees

    She says they all use Skype, WhatsApp or Google Meet to communicate daily. “We are constantly talking and exchanging information. We have an excellent IT flow and are able also to do big group meetings without any problems.”

    In addition, Vacchi has some helpful tips for survival during these difficult and uncertain times.

    “Dress up every day just as if you were heading into the office. Pajamas all day long is not recommended. Make regular calls with people that you are usually talking to in the office — not just for business, but also take a five-minute break (the five-minute coffee break that you used to take at the office!). Don’t forget the original goals and objectives you had set previously in your work. If they are no longer feasible, set other goals. One of the real risks of being in lock-down (quarantine) for such a long period of time is not having a reason to be active, which will eventually render a sense of meaninglessness after a while!”

    For more info, visit atlantyca.com.

  • Funimation Reveals 24 Series Additions for April; 12 US Exclusives

    Funimation Reveals 24 Series Additions for April; 12 US Exclusives

    Funimation has unveiled a spring deluge of 24 series coming to the streaming service in April, including 12 available only on Funimation in the U.S. This is one of Funimation’s biggest months of content yet, offering something for fans of every genre. As viewership continues to increase and new fans discover anime, the new series along with Funimation’s deep catalog of thousands of hours of popular programs means there are amazing stories to enjoy for everyone.

    The line-up includes popular continuing shows including Plunderer, Black Clover Season 3 and One Piece; returning shows Sword Art Online Alicization War of Underworld Part 2, Fruits Basket Season 2 and No Guns Life Season 2; and shows only available on Funimation, including Kaguya-sama: Love is War? Season 2, The Millionaire Detective – Balance: UNLIMITED and Kakushigoto.

    Check Funimation.com for details on simulcast or English dub availability, full line-up and airdates/times.

    Funimation April additions:

    • Sword Art Online Alicization War of Underworld Part 2 (April 25) – Log in to the latest SAO game where Kirito must face the danger of false memories and a girl with a name he can’t afford to forget.
    • Black Clover Season 3 (English Dub only) – In a world where magic is everything, the next Wizard King could be a boy without power.
    • One Piece – With a loyal crew by his side, Monkey D. Luffy won’t drop anchor until he’s claimed the greatest treasure on Earth: One Piece!
    • Fruits Basket Season 2 (English Dub only) – Tohru goes from living in a tent to rooming with the mysterious boys of the Soma clan. But she’ll learn they have a shocking family secret!
    • Plunderer – Everyone’s “Count” is a number based on how a person chooses to live their life. But no one wants to reach 0 and be sent to the Abyss!
    • Gleipnir (April 5) – When saving a beautiful girl, Kagaya discovers he has a strange power: he can transform into a monster that looks like a dog costume with an oversized gun!
    • APPARE-RANMAN! (April 10) – Genius engineer Appare Sorano and samurai Kosame Isshiki enter a race across America to win the prize money and find a way back home.
    • Shironeko Project ZERO CHRONICLE (April 6) – A young hero and three others embark to a floating island. But plans change after one of the adventurers becomes corrupted by darkness.
    • Listeners (April 3) – In a world devoid of music, Echo and a young amnesiac girl named μ journey to uncover her past and save humanity from the Earless.
    • A Certain Scientific Railgun T (English Dub only) – A third season blasts its way through Academy City where Mikoto Misaka and her esper friends prepare for the Daihasei Festival!
    • Arte – In Florence, Italy, during the 16th century Renaissance era, Arte is willing to cast aside her aristocratic lifestyle to become an artist.
    • A3! Season Spring & Summer (April 27) – Izumi is in over her head when she confronts yakuza loan sharks, promising to bring her father’s all-male theater back into the spotlight.

    Funimation April exclusives:

    • Kaguya-sama: Love is War? Season 2 (April 11) – People think Miyuki and Kaguya should date. However, arrogance is in ample supply, so the only move is to trick the other into acting first!
    • No Guns Life Season 2 (April 9) – Ex-soldier Juzo Inui awakens with no memory of who transformed his head into a giant gun! Now he seeks answers as a Resolver!
    • The Millionaire Detective – Balance: UNLIMITED (April 9) – Talented MCPTF detectives Daisuke and Haru can solve any mystery they’re tasked with — just not how to get along as partners.
    • Kakushigoto – Keeping his young daughter, Hime, from discovering his job is producing way more mischief than Kakushi was prepared for!
    • Shachibato! President, It’s Time for Battle! (April 5)
    • Wave, Listen to Me! (April 3) – Minare’s drunken night out of oversharing leads to an on-air confrontation at a radio station the next day — and the offer of a lifetime.
    • Gal & Dino (April 4) – After a night of drinking, Kaede realizes that she brought home a dinosaur! Now she’s learning how to live with a prehistoric roommate.
    • Kingdom Season 3 (April 5) – In a time plagued by war, Zheng and Xin have become comrades fighting together to attain their goals and change the history of China.
    • Diary of Our Days at the Breakwater – Introverted high-schooler Hina Tsurugi discovers quirky new friends and the charms of the ocean in the Breakwater Fishing Club.
    • TAMAYOMI: The Baseball Girls – Pitcher Yomi Takeda has a new shot at baseball after reuniting with her childhood friend and catcher, Tamaki. It’s time to bring the heat!
    • Sakura Wars the Animation (April 3) – The new Imperial Combat Revue’s Flower Division gets a new captain and must fend off a demon invasion while continuing to put on shows.
    • Bungo and Alchemist -Gears of Judgement- (April 3) – Famous and handsome historical figures from the field of literature must use their abilities to save books tainted by some truly evil forces.
    Sword Art Online Alicization War of Underworld Part 2
    Sword Art Online Alicization War of Underworld Part 2
    Kaguya-sama: Love is War?
    Kaguya-sama: Love is War?
  • Netflix Adopts Jacinth Tan’s ‘Sharkdog’

    Netflix Adopts Jacinth Tan’s ‘Sharkdog’

    Netflix and ViacomCBS International Studios (VIS) announce Sharkdog — a new 20 x 7-minute animated series from first-time Singaporean creator Jacinth Tan. Produced by VIS in partnership with Singapore-based CGI studio One Animation (Oddbods), the series will roll out to audiences worldwide in 2021.

    The series follows 10-year-old Max and his best friend Sharkdog — half shark, half dog, all appetite. Blissfully unaware of his own strength, stealth and general sharkiness, Sharkdog often leaves a trail of chaos in his wake. But, like all good half-dogs, he’s Max’s BFF and Max is his.

    Sharkdog is VIS’ first internationally originated global animated series for Netflix. It is also the first animated series from Singapore to come out of Nickelodeon’s Global Animated Shorts Program, designed to identify and develop long-form original comedy-driven content for kids globally.

    The concept was previously developed as a short-form digital series for the Nickelodeon Play App in Asia.

    Pictured: Sharkdog short still and development artwork by Jacinth Tan.

    Sharkdog
    Sharkdog

  • China’s Starlight Media & Lion Forge Animation U.S. Ink Multi-Picture JV

    Starlight Media, Inc., a China-backed film financing and production company, and wholly-owned subsidiary of publicly traded Starlight Culture Entertainment Group Limited, has formed a multi-year / multi project joint venture partnership with David Steward II’s Lion Forge Animation studio, that will see the two companies co-finance and co-produce a slate of original animated films as well as projects based on popular Lion Forge IP and broader cultural IP.

    The deal with Steward II’s burgeoning animation studio, which produced this year’s Academy Award-winning animated short Hair Love, follows Starlight’s ongoing deals with top-tier filmmakers as part of a $100+ million development fund. Starlight Media operates under the leadership of CEO Peter Luo with the company based in Beverly Hills, CA.

    Under terms of the joint venture, the two companies will work together to produce and introduce Lion Forge Animation’s existing IP (including comics, graphic novels, original content and celebrity affiliations) in China, develop new intellectual properties for the Chinese market, and explore traditional Chinese stories and IP to develop innovative remakes and derivative content for exploitation throughout international markets.

    For each project under the joint venture, Starlight will maintain distribution, licensing and merchandising rights in the Greater China region (including Mainland China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macau Special Administrative Region and Taiwan), while Lion Forge Animation will maintain distribution and licensing rights in the rest of the world.

    The first two projects will be a feature-length animated re-imagining of “Journey To The West”, based on the historical Chinese novel of the same name, which is one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature; and an original animated short film inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on humans and other species. Given the relevance of the COVID-19 animated short, production is being fast tracked for an April start. Lion Forge Animation and Starlight will simultaneously begin developing “Journey to the West”.

    The projects will be jointly developed and financed by Lion Forge Animation and Starlight Media. The partners will collaborate on the development and pre-production of the projects including the creation of story, character design, backgrounds and other assets. Animation work will be conducted at the Lion Forge Animation studios in St. Louis, Missouri.

    Lion Forge Animation’s Steward II commented, “We operate on the premise of championing diversity, so crossing borders to collaborate with partners like Starlight Media is a move we’re very happy to make in the spirit of achieving a desired content slate that reflects diverse voices and stories. Aligning with Peter and the Starlight team on this joint venture together feels natural because we all share the same goals and philosophy when it comes to creating content. Lion Forge Animation is committed to establishing a strong brand identity that equates to the best animated projects in the world and this strategic partnership allows for greater economies of scale with a premier partner in Starlight that is among the most dynamic and visionary companies in the industry.”

    Starlight’s Luo stated, “We have a great deal of admiration and respect for the incredible work that is being done out of Lion Forge Animation and are very excited about this new multi-year, multi-picture partnership that will allow us to create groundbreaking content with family friendly messaging. We want to be in business with Lion Forge Animation because we share a common vision, not just on taste and preferences of films, but on the execution of a business model that will bring high quality, very entertaining films to the marketplace.”

    “This partnership will allow us to bring the highest quality Hollywood content to the Chinese audience, as well as local language adaptations, and merchandising opportunities. The China film industry has been one of the fastest growing industries in the world and we are excited to work with David and the Lion Forge Animation team, who not only have strong passion for the Chinese market, but also respect and understand the differences and uniqueness of the local audience and ecosystem in China. Our partnership will leverage the resources and strengths of both companies to deliver the highest caliber content to a global audience,” Luo added.

    Launched less than a year ago, Lion Forge Animation contributes to the growth of Lion Forge IP with TV series and feature film adaptations and is one of the only African-American owned animation studios in the world, but unmatched in size and scale (and the only African-American owned studio with an Oscar). The studio sits within Steward II’s holding company Polarity, which houses media businesses including the Lion Forge comics publishing unit. Steward II has been putting resources behind his vision of expanding the market for comics and comic-related pop culture to new age groups and demographics since the early 2010s, building a portfolio of titles and imprints that feature characters and creators from a wide variety of backgrounds. He’s extended that vision and ethic to the larger media landscape with an organization that can orchestrate content development, production and distribution across different channels.

    With Lion Forge Animation, Steward II is widening the diversity of creative voices available in the animated space. The company’s goal remains in line with what Steward II and his team accomplished in publishing — to showcase a variety of authentic voices and experiences through their work, whether created internally or through partnership with top talent.

    www.starlightcul.com.hk/en | www.polarityltd.com

    David Steward II and Peter Luo
    David Steward II and Peter Luo