Tag: featured

‘Star Wars: Galaxy of Adventures’ S2 Blasts Off with 3 Episodes

The Jedi Council’s animated, educational introduction to the Star Wars universe continues to unfold, with an all-new season of Star Wars: Galaxy of Adventures has launched on the Star Wars Kids YouTube channel with three compelling, kid-friendly new episodes. The adventures feature the popular heroes (and villains) of Disney/Lucasfilm’s Skywalker Saga sequel trilogy.

Star Wars: Galaxy of Adventures

The Force Calls to Rey | The Force calls to Rey as she embraces her destiny on a path to becoming a Jedi.

Star Wars: Galaxy of Adventures

Rey and Friends vs. The First Order | Rey, BB-8, Chewbacca, Poe Dameron and Finn work together to defeat the First Order.

Star Wars: Galaxy of Adventures

Kylo Ren and Darth Vader – A Legacy of Power | Kylo Ren follows in the footsteps of Darth Vader, wielding the awesome power of the dark side on a quest to dominate the galaxy!

March 13, 2020
CN’s Transformers Launch S3 ‘Bumblebee Cyberverse Adventures’ Sunday

On Sunday, March 15 at 7 a.m. EST Cartoon Network premieres the third season of the hit Transformers animated series, Cyberverse. Season three, titled Transformers: Bumblebee Cyberverse Adventures, introduces new characters including Hammerbyte, Thunderhowl, Wildwheel and Meteorfire, as the war for the Allspark rages on. All new episodes will air Sundays, weekly on Cartoon Network.

In the third season of Cyberverse , Bumblebee and the Autobots encounter mysterious new threats and unlock the ancient secrets of Cybertron as they continue their adventure to bring their planet back to life. After winning a new battle against the Decepticons, Bumblebee and the Autobots begin to rebuild Cybertron. But things are not what they seem, causing the Autobots and Decepticons to join forces to fight a new enemy. Unlikely alliances will be formed, new legends will be made, and new heroes will emerge as the war for the Allspark comes home.

Launched in 2018, CYBERVERSE follows the ongoing battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons to find the Allspark. It follows Bumblebee, Optimus Prime, Grimlock, Windblade and the larger Autobot team as they work to defeat the menacing Megatron and his team of Decepticons.

Transformers: Bumblebee Cyberverse Adventures is produced by Allspark Animation for Cartoon Network.

March 13, 2020
‘True and the Rainbow Kingdom’ Returns to Netflix with Easter Special

The hit Netflix Original series True and the Rainbow Kingdom, produced by Guru Studio (PAW Patrol, Abby Hatcher, Justin Time, The Breadwinner), is returning to Netflix on March 27 with TRUE: Wuzzle Wegg Day – a new Easter-themed special. The 22-minute special is filled with mystery, big laughs and a heartwarming festive message.

Synopsis: It’s Wuzzle Wegg Day and everyone in the Rainbow Kingdom is celebrating by exchanging beautifully painted Wuzzle Weggs. But when Bartleby’s giant Wegg goes missing, the clues lead him to believe that his Wegg was stolen! With the help of the magical Wishes, True and Bartleby must find the thief and save Wuzzle Wegg Day!

The new special comes on the heels of the successful launch of the winter Holiday special TRUE: Winter Wishes, the Halloween special TRUE: Tricky Treat Day and the Thanksgiving special TRUE: Grabbleapple Harvest.

New True and the Rainbow Kingdom content will continue rolling out this year on Netflix, including all new episodes, seasonal specials and a mix of comedic shorts.

Consumer products for True and the Rainbow Kingdom have also launched including storybooks, activity books, Halloween costumes and a collection of plush by Aurora World, which are available now on Amazon.

March 13, 2020
Watch: Flula Borg Toddles to ‘Boss Baby Back in Business’ S3

Netflix is prepping the streaming nursery for the return of DreamWorks’ tiny titan of industry, when The Boss Baby Back in Business Season 3 arrives March 16. The new episodes kick off with Boss Baby thrown for a loop, as his hopes of being named CEO are dashed and he’s kicked down the Baby Corps ladder.

In an exclusive clip shared with Animag by our playmates at DreamWorks Animation, Boss Baby (JP Karliak) has an unwelcome visitor: The glad-handing, self-satisfied Mega Fat CEO Baby! Comedian, musician, YouTube personality and “German Man of Adventure” Flula Borg returns to voice Mega Fat, who also finds himself demoted to “regular baby” in the new season.

Season 3 will also welcome guest stars Rhys Darby (Jumanji 2, Voltron Legendary Defender) and Cheri Oteri (Saturday Night Live). The regular series voice cast features Karliak (Wabbit: A Looney Tunes Production), Pierce Gagnon (Looper, Tomorrowland) and Kevin Michael Richardson (All Hail King Julien, Cleveland Show).

The Boss Baby Back in Business is executive produced by Emmy Award winner Brandon Sawyer (DreamWorks The Penguins of Madagascar).

S3 Synopsis: When Boss Baby is summoned to the Board of Directors for what could only be the culmination of his corporate journey – to finally be named CEO – he’s instead fired and dragged back down to earth when he’s blamed for every bad thing that’s ever happened to Baby Corp. Now surrounded by regular babies (gross!), Boss Baby must get his mojo back and assemble a new field team in order to return to the top of the corporate ladder.

The Boss Baby Back in Business

March 13, 2020
UPDATING: Animation Companies Encourage Employees to Work Remotely
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a wide-spread impact on the animation and visual effects business. We reported on the cancellation or postponement of many of the events and gatherings such as MIPTV, WonderCon, E3, the Licensing Expo, Berkeley’s GLAS Festival and the Stuttgart Animation Festival here. The pandemic has also caused many of the animation and vfx studios to ask their employees to be safe and work remotely instead. Here is an update of what everyone is doing:

DreamWorks Animation. Employees are following parent company NBCUniversal’s overall policies and are encouraged to work from home if possible. Animation president Margie Cohn sent out the following letter to employees:

Dear DreamWorkers,

You recently received a memo from Jeff Shell regarding our company-wide response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. As the situation continues to evolve rapidly, I hope you’re taking recommended precautions for the health and safety of you and your family.

We know that the direction in Jeff’s note regarding work from home is not one size fits all, as it’s easier for some to work remotely than others. At DreamWorks, over the next few days, we will begin a phased roll out to reduce the number of people in our workplace. As Jeff mentioned, those who can work remotely should speak with their manager as soon as possible about a work from home schedule.

On the production front, we have been exploring and testing work from home solutions and show leadership will be sharing unique plans for each production soon. In the meantime, our studio will remain open as many of our production and post-production workflows require access to campus. As you’ve seen, we are continuing to take proactive measures to deep clean and disinfect our work areas.

Some key information to note:

Effective immediately, for the time being, there will be no visitors of any kind permitted at Flower or Central.

All employee events are being canceled or postponed for now.

If you will be working remotely, you are expected to stay in close touch with your team, continue to actively participate in ongoing work, and attend virtual meetings as needed.

Our Technology team has created a helpful remote user guide via Google Drive. For other technology related questions, please call 5-HELP.

While we do not know how long this situation will last, we will revisit our plans at the end of the month in coordination with state and local government as well as our counterparts at NBCU.

Please stay connected with your immediate manager or HR business partner about appropriate next steps. For updates, FAQs and resources about COVID-19, visit NBCUNow.

During these uncertain times, I want you to know how deeply I appreciate your commitment to our beloved studio. While this situation is rapidly evolving, we will continue to share additional information as needed.
- Nickelodeon Animation employees are being sent home on today (March 13) as a trial. A Nickelodeon spokesperson referred us to a report from Yahoo.com. It noted that Viacom CEO Bob Bakish has told employees that they are testing new procedures to allow them to work from home. “This [test] will allow us to assess our remote access capabilities, ensure everyone has the technology they need to do their jobs remotely, and help us practice how we work together when we’re all out of the office at the same,” Bakish wrote in a memo. He also encouraged any employee that would feel more comfortable working remotely to discuss doing so with their manager
- Netflix had to close its main office in Los Angeles on Thursday (March 12) after an employee was suspected to have caught the coronavirus from their spouse, per Deadline.com. The studio’s L.A. staffers have been recommended to work from home until further notice.
- Warner Media (parent company of Warner Bros. Animation) told employees to work from home in order to practice caution over the spread of the virus. On Friday, John Stankey, president and COO of AT&T and Warner Media’s CEO wrote in a memo, “Beginning Monday, March 16, all WarnerMedia employees around the world who are able to work remotely are encouraged to do so until further notice.” He added that the company’s offices will remain open for employees who need to continue working there, or to pick up their equipment or resources to work remotely. We also got this official statement from Warner Bros. TV Group (which includes Warner Bros. Animation) today: “With the rapidly changing events related to COVID-19, and out of an abundance of caution, Warner Bros. Television Group is halting production on some of our 70+ series and pilots currently filming or about to begin. The health and safety of our employees, casts and crews remains our top priority. During this time, we will continue to follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control as well as local officials and public health professionals in each city where our productions are based.”
- Bento Box. The prolific Burbank-based studio behind shows such as Bob’s Burgers, Paradise P.D. and the upcoming Central Park, is working on finalizing a plan to allow employees to work from home soon. A company spokesperson told us this contingency plan will be finalized early next week.
- Titmouse. Studio founders Chris and Shannon Prynoski released the following statement: “As an artist-run studio, we remain flexible and are making accommodations such as working from home. Everyone’s safety and health is the priority. In the midst of this emergency, we continue to evaluate how to best work through the crisis and weather it together.” The L.A.-based animation studio inked an overall deal with Netflix in January and produces shows such as Big Mouth, Bless the Harts, Tigtone and the upcoming Midnight Gospel. It has studios in New York and Vancouver as well.
March 13, 2020
2020 British Animation Awards Winners Announced

The winners were announced Thursday for the prestigious British Animation Awards 2020 (BAAs). Held at London’s BFI Southbank, the BAAs was hosted by comedian-actor Miles Jupp. It is the only U.K. awards ceremony to recognize all forms of animation and honor the finest achievements in the genre produced in this country over the last two years.

The Snail and the Whale

Sally Hawkins scooped up the award for Best Voice Performance for her portrayal of Snail in The Snail and the Whale, Magic Light Pictures’ festive animation about a mollusc on an epic adventure. Three major awards went to acclaimed studio Aardman Animations, which picked up the prestigious award for Best Long Form Animation for its hugely successful madcap caper A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmaggedon (directed by Will Becher and Richard Phelan); the Children’s Choice Award for an episode from its CBBC series Shaun The Sheep: Squirreled Away (directed by Carmen Bromfield-Mason); and Best Music Video for Coldplay’s “Daddy” (directed by Asa Lucander).

The Adventures of Paddington

Adam Shaw and Chris Drew picked up the Best Children’s Pre-School Series award for their charming Nick Jr. series The Adventures of Paddington — which features the voice of Ben Wishaw as Paddington and a song written and performed by Gary Barlow. The Amazing World of Gumball added another two BAAs to its prodigious collection, picking up Best Use of Sound and the Writers Award for Richard Overall, Mic Graves and Tony Hull. Meanwhile, the Best Children’s Series was awarded to Gutsy Animations’ Sky One series Moominvalley (directed by Steve Box), which was praised by the judges for its “undeniable beauty” and “top-notch vocal performances.”

A Whale’s Tale

The Best Original Music Award went to multi award-winning duo David Arnold and Don Black for Lupus Films’ The Tiger Who Came to Tea. A roaring success when it was transmitted on Channel 4 over Christmas, the score featured the song “Hey Tiger,” sung by Robbie Williams. The award for Best Original Short Form Content went to Giovanna Utichi and Robin Celebi for Cartoon Network UK’s animated short for the Hope Works Project – A Whale’s Tale.

Border/Line

Some of the leading British animation courses were represented in the student film categories, including nominees from Falmouth University School of Film and Television, University of Creative Arts in Farnham, Arts University Bournemouth and the Royal College of Arts London. The winner of the all-female nominated Best Undergraduate Student Film category was Megan Earls from RCA, Farnham for Border/Line, and the Best Postgraduate Student Film winner was Alex Widdowson, also from RCA, for his film Music and Clowns.

Roughhouse

The Best Short Film was awarded to Jonathan Hodgson for Roughhouse, which the judges described as a “masterful piece of short form storytelling.” The Best Animation in a Commercial award went to Thomas Harnett O’Meara and Matthew Day for their charming take on The Wind in the Willows for The Wildlife Trusts. Best Film or TV Graphic, Motion Design was awarded to Second Home Studios for their “varied and imaginative idents” for DaVinci Learning. Best Commissioned Animation was picked up by Moth Studio for the “beautifully delicate animation” in Conception: Catie & Jen. The Best Immersive category was won by Marshmallow Laser Feast for We Live in an Ocean of Air, which was praised for “inspiring us to think about nature in a different way.” And, in a new category for 2020, the Best Social Good Award honored Danny Capozzi for his animation for United for Global Mental Health – New Mindset.

Grandad Was a Romantic

There were also two Public Choice Awards – for Favourite Short Film and Favourite Music Video, which were voted for by audiences at screenings held across the U.K. in early 2020. The winners were Maryam Mohajer for her short film Grandad Was a Romantic and Alasdair Brotherston and Jock Mooney for their music video The Beatles “Glass Onion.”

Finally, the brand-new Lamb Award, which bridges the gap between current student and general best-in-class awards and recognizes rising stars in the industry, was presented to Roxannah Linklater, rigger and armaturist at Aardman Animations.

“This is my first year at the helm of the BAAs and I was blown away by the quality of the entries this year,” said awards director Helen Brunsdon. “The BAAs are a brilliant way to showcase the incredible talent we have here in the U.K. and help cement Britain’s position as one of the leading countries in the world for animation.”

See the full list of nominees here.

Held every two years, the British Animation Awards reward the very best new and established British animators across a variety of categories including short films, animated graphics for film and television, children’s series, music videos and commercials. The awards themselves (the BAAs) are unique artworks, featuring sheep, created especially for the occasion by a range of leading international and U.K. animation artists: a measure of the world-wide respect felt for British animation.

The BAAs are sponsored by Astley Baker Davies, Blue Zoo, Brown Bag Films, Sue Terry Voices, Disney, Pact, United Voice, Cartoon Network/Boomerang, Glass Works, Beano, Karrot Animation, Jellyfish Pictures, Lupus Films, Toon Boom, Aardman, A Productions, CBeebies, Cloth Cat Animation, Industry Media, Tiger Aspect, Magic Light Pictures, Milkshake!, Studio AKA, Peacock Sound, Locksmith Animation, Wildseed Studios, Animation UK, Fonic and Sixteen South.

March 13, 2020
Pandemic Delays ‘Mulan,’ ‘New Mutants,’ ‘Peter Rabbit 2’ & More Major Releases
As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, it’s not just major festivals and theme parks shutting down. In an effort to contain the disease, more and more folks are bunkering down to avoid possible contact, even without government orders.

A number of major motion pictures are delaying their theatrical releases as studios anticipate low turnouts and face total cinema closures in key markets including China, Denmark, Norway, Greece, Italy, Poland and some states in India, with more expected to follow.

Disney abruptly moved upcoming tentpoles Mulan (March 27) and 20th Century/Marvel’s The New Mutants (April 3) off its release schedule on Thursday, with hopes that normalcy will return in time for both to open later this year.

Sony Pictures has pushed back Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway from its Easter window to August 7 (international and domestic). The hybrid family flick was to have started rolling out next week, with a U.S. release set for April 3.

MGM/Eon/Universal have knocked back new James Bond movie No Time to Die to a pre-Thanksgiving release on November 25. The Daniel Craig actioner was to open April 2 in the U.K. and April 10 in the U.S./global.

Universal is pushing back the next Fast & Furious installment F9 to Easter weekend of next year. Originally set for May 22 (globally), the high-octane sequel will now open April 2, 2021 — the date originally reserved for Fast & Furious 10.

Other films affected include:
- A Quiet Place Part II (Paramount | March 20) TBA
- The Lovebirds (Paramount | April 3) TBA
- Antlers (Searchlight | April 17) TBA
[Source: Deadline]
March 13, 2020
Wizard World to Launch Virtual Experiences Bringing Cons Online

Wizard Entertainment Inc. for more than 20 years has produced “Wizard World” events at which attendees have enjoyed meeting celebrities, participating in Q&A panels, collecting signatures and conversing with their favorite artists and writers in gatherings at convention centers across North America. Now, that experience is going online with “Wizard World Virtual Experiences,” which make many of the elements that fans at Wizard World shows love most accessible to everyone, regardless of location.

Wizard Entertainment will launch this exciting venture later this month, with the celebrities and groups involved in the inaugural programming to be announced soon. Fans will have the ability to purchase a personal one-minute video chat, 15- or 30-second personalized video recording, signed 8×10 photos and signed memorabilia, group chats and exclusive limited edition art. Select session dates will feature live video panels that are free for fans to view and hear, accessible through the Wizard World website (www.wizardworld.com) and other social media platforms.

“‘Wizard World Virtual Experiences’ will bring the Wizard World experience to fans across the globe, wherever they live,” said John D. Maatta, CEO, Wizard Entertainment, Inc. “We will capture the excitement of interacting one-on-one with celebrities and creators in a format that will be unique and compelling.”

The sessions will be on set dates, with live panels, video chats and signings taking place at designated times during the day.

The 2020 Wizard World convention schedule is available at www.wizardworld.com/comiccon.

March 12, 2020
Disney Taps Animation Vet Vanessa Morrison to Lead Streaming Production

Family feature films veteran Vanessa Morrison has been named President, Streaming for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Production, tasked with overseeing development and production of Disney+ movies from The Walt Disney Studios’ live-action and 20th Century Studios divisions. She will report to Sean Bailey, President, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Production.

Morrison most recently served as President of Fox Family since 2017, after presiding over Fox Animation for a decade. During her time at 20th Century Fox, she oversaw Blue Sky Studios animated features including the Ice Age and Rio franchises, Ferdinand, The Peanuts Movie and Epic; Jorge R. Gutierrez’s The Book of Life (Reel FX) and Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox, as well as the live-action/CG hybrid Garfield movie.

Current projects under Morrison’s purview for Disney+ include films based on well-established franchises Cheaper by the Dozen, Night at the Museum and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

Steve Asbell has been named President, Production for the 20th Century Studios film division, taking over from Emma Watts. An 18-year employee of the studio, Asbell will report to Walt Disney Studios Co-Chairman, Chief Creative Officer Alan Horn and Co-Chairman Alan Bergman. Previously EVP, Production, Asbell has worked on hit flicks including James Mangold’s The Wolverine, Logan, double Oscar winner Ford v Ferrari, and Ridley Scott’s seven-time Oscar nominee The Martian. He is currently working with Scott on historical thriller The Last Duel, due out Christmas.

Philip Steuer was named President, Production, Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, leading physical production as well as post and VFX. He has led physical production for WDSMPP since 2014, overseeing production for big-screen blockbusters The Jungle Book, Beauty and the Beast, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Aladdin, The Lion King and upcoming live-action reimaginings Mulan, Jungle Cruise and Cruella, as well as Disney+ originals Lady and the Tramp, Togo, Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made and Stargirl.

Prior to joining Disney, Steuer served as producer or executive producer on films such as Saving Mr. Banks, the Chronicles of Narnia series and Oz the Great and Powerful.

The studio group also announced Thursday that Randi Hiller has been appointed Executive Vice President, Casting, overseeing both Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios. The Emmy-nominated CD has led casting for WDSMPP since 2011, working on many of the hit live-action revamps including Maleficent, Cinderella, The Jungle Book, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King and Mulan as well as the upcoming Jungle Cruise and Cruella. Previously, as an independent, she case several of the early Marvel Cinematic Universe entries including Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and The Avengers.

Both Steuer and Hiller will report to Asbell and Bailey.

[Source: Deadline]

Vanessa Morrison

March 12, 2020
‘Marvel’s Spider-Man: Maximum Venom’ S3 Premieres April 19

Season three of the web-slinging, Emmy Award-nominated Marvel’s Spider-Man: Maximum Venom debuts with a one-hour special on Sunday, April 19 at 9 p.m. EDT/PDT on Disney XD and DisneyNOW. Comprising six one-hour specials and featuring appearances by favorite Marvel characters — including Captain Marvel, Groot, Dr. Strange and Star-Lord — the new season follows Spider-Man as he is pushed to his breaking point after Venom summons an earth-shattering threat from its home planet.

The guest voice cast for season three includes Yvette Nicole Brown (Community) as Head Administrator, Sofia Wylie (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series) as Ironheart/Riri Williams, and Disney Channel’s ZOMBIES 2 stars Meg Donnelly, Kylee Russell and Carla Jeffery as Symbiote Sisters Scream, Scorn and Mania, respectively.

Felicia Day (The Guild) joins the cast as Mary Jane Watson, who makes her debut appearance in the new season.

The series stars Robbie Daymond (Costume Quest) as Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Ben Pronsky (Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures) as Venom, Fred Tatasciore (Marvel’s Avengers Assemble) as Max Modell, Nadji Jeter (Jessie) as Miles Morales, Melanie Minichino (Blaze and the Monster Machine) as Anya Corazon/Spider-Girl, Laura Bailey (Marvel’s Avengers Assemble) as Gwen Stacy/Ghost-Spider, Scott Menville (The 7D) as Grady Scraps, Max Mittelman (Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir) as Harry Osborn/Hobgoblin, Yuri Lowenthal (Ben 10: Omniverse) as Curt Connors and Nancy Linari (The Addams Family) as Aunt May.

Produced by Marvel Animation, the series’ award-winning creative team includes executive producers Alan Fine (Marvel’s The Avengers), Joe Quesada (Marvel’s Avengers Assemble), Dan Buckley (Marvel’s Avengers Assemble), Cort Lane (Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man), Eric Radomski (Marvel’s Avengers Assemble) and Marsha Griffin (Marvel’s Avengers Assemble).

Marvel’s Spider-Man: Maximum Venom

March 12, 2020
DreamWorks’ Rescue Riders Take Off in ‘Hunt for the Golden Dragon’

An exciting and scaly new 45-minute special is ready to take flight on Netflix this month, when DreamWorks Dragons Rescue Riders: Hunt for the Golden Dragon roars to streaming on March 27.

Dak, Leyla and the Rescue Riders crew brace for their newest adventure when greedy pirates get their hands on a map leading to a precious Golden Dragon’s nest. The young Rescue Riders must race against time to beat the pirates and save the dragon’s egg! Expanding the world of DreamWoks Dragons, the special is executive produced by Emmy Award winner Jack Thomas (Regular Show, DreamWorks Dragons: Race to the Edge) and co-executive produced by Brian Roberts (DreamWorks VeggieTales).

DreamWorks Dragons Rescue Riders features the voice talents of Nicolas Cantu (The Amazing World of Gumball, Sofia The First, LEGO Star Wars) as “Dak,” Brennley Brown (semifinalist on The Voice; Sofia The First, Tangled: The Series) as “Leyla,” Carlos Alazraqui (Happy Feet, Inside Out, Batman: Arkham City) as “Guggard,” Moira Quirk (Skyrim, The Wild Thornberrys, Castlevania) as “Hannahr,” Roshon Fegan (Shake It Up, Camp Rock, Greenleaf) as “Elbone,” and Brad Grusnick (Bunnicula, Bioshock Infinite) as “Magnus Finke.”

Voicing the young dragons are Marsai Martin (Little, black-ish) as “Aggro,” Zach Callison (Steven Universe, The Goldbergs, Just Add Magic) as “Winger,” Skai Jackson (Jessie, Bunk’d, Bubble Guppies, The Smurfs) as “Summer,” Noah Bentley (Adam Ruins Everything, Reel Kids, Afternoon Delight) as “Burple,” and Andre Robinson (Hotel Transylvania 2, Doc McStuffins) as “Cutter.”

Additional cast includes John C. MicGinley (Scrubs, Stan Against Evil) as “Grumblegard,” Tara Strong (The Fairly OddParents, My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic) as “Vizza,” Grey Griffin (DC Super Hero Girls) as “Marena,” and Jacob Hopkins (The Goldbergs) as “Axel Finke.”

Donald Faison (Scrubs, Robot Chicken), Talon Warburton (Man with a Plan), Danny Pudi (Harvey Girls Forever), Sam Riegel (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) and Maurice LaMarche (Futurama, Pinky and the Brain) also guest star.

March 12, 2020
Pluto TV LatAm to Launch with 55 Content Partners On Board

Pluto TV, the leading free-streaming television service in the U.S., announced Thursday they have entered into partnerships with over 55 major media and content providers, building a rich and diverse library of premium streaming content, to debut with the launch of the free new service for Spanish-speaking audiences in Latin America.

Pluto TV in Latin America will offer a diverse slate of programming tailored to the region with hit television series and award-winning movies, across a variety of genres including reality, anime, lifestyle, competitions, nature, true crime and kids’ content. The ad-supported streaming platform is easy and features content from world-renowned movie studios, television networks and production companies.

At launch, Pluto TV will include 24 live, linear channels curated thematically into categories including Movies, Entertainment, Curiosity, Lifestyle and Kids. Viewers will be able to drop in, for free, and stream blockbuster movies like the Star Trek franchise and feature films such as The Big Wedding, Chef, Blue Valentine, Snowpiercer, The Immigrant and The Lincoln Lawyer.

In addition to a broad collection of movie titles, Pluto TV in Latin America will stream critically acclaimed, award-winning series like Broadchurch, The Honourable Woman, Steven Spielberg Presents Taken, Montecristo, Daria and Naruto, nail-biting competition shows and action-packed sports programming. Non-scripted content explores people, places and cultures across the globe as they relate to true crime, animals & nature, realities and fan-favorites like MasterChef, Food, Booze, & Tattoos and Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations.

Kids will be able to watch their favorites such as Babar, Caillou, Sonic the Hedgehog, Gullah Gullah Island, Grossology, Bob the Builder, Rescue Heroes, CatDog, Rugrats All Grown Up and many more.

“We are thrilled to have these amazing quality content partners supporting the launch of Pluto TV in Latin America,” said Eduardo Arias, Senior Director of Content Partnerships. “We look forward to working with them, bringing new partners on board, and offering our audiences diverse and engaging content.”

Content partners include: A2 Filmes, All3Media, BBC Studios, Big Media, Blue Ant Media, Castalia, CDC International, Cineflix, Cisneros Media, Combate Americas, DRG, Endemol Shine, FilmRise, Fremantle, Glory Sports, Hard Knocks Fighting, Hearst, Impact Wrestling, Inverleigh, Kinpil, Latin Angels, Leda Films, Legendary Entertainment, Life Design, Lionsgate, Marvista, MPI Media, MTV, Nelvana, New Dominion, Nick Jr., Nickelodeon, Off The Fence, Otro.com, Paramount, Polar Star, Pongalo, Sabbatical Entertainment, Samuel Goldwyn, Sonar Entertainment, Sony Pictures Television, Spanglish Movies, Telefe, Televix, The Asylum, TV Azteca, VIP 2000, Viz Media, Wildbrain and World Poker Tour.

Pluto TV Latin America launched end of March in 17 countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Paraguay, El Salvador, Uruguay and Venezuela; while in Brazil it will arrive at the end of the year. The service can be streamed from its website, applications to download on iOS and Android devices, and after launch will also be available through local pay-tv operators or mobile phone service providers.

March 12, 2020
New ‘Soul’ Trailer Tours the Before-Life

The new spot for upcoming Disney-Pixar original feature Soul has descended from the animated heavens, letting us tag along with nearly departed music teacher Joe (Jamie Foxx) as he stumbles into a special section of reality, where young souls prepare for their destinies on Earth. The studio’s accomplished artists have tapped some intriguing influences to create the visually distinct worlds of the living, the not-yet-living, and the grand foyer to the afterlife.

Soul opens in U.S. theaters on June 19.

Synopsis: Joe Gardner is a middle-school band teacher who gets the chance of a lifetime to play at the best jazz club in town. But one small misstep takes him from the streets of New York City to The Great Before – a fantastical place where new souls get their personalities, quirks and interests before they go to Earth. Determined to return to his life, Joe teams up with a precocious soul, 22, who has never understood the appeal of the human experience. As Joe desperately tries to show 22 what’s great about living, he may just discover the answers to some of life’s most important questions.

Featuring the voices of Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Phylicia Rashad, Angela Bassett, Ahmir Questlove Thompson and Daveed Diggs, Soul is directed by Academy Award winner Pete Docter (Inside Out, Up), co-directed by Kemp Powers (One Night in Miami) and produced by Academy Award nominee Dana Murray (Pixar short Lou).

Globally renowned musician Jon Batiste will be writing original jazz music for the film, and Oscar-winners Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (The Social Network), from Nine Inch Nails, will compose an original score that will drift between the real and soul worlds.

Soul

Soul

Soul

March 12, 2020
Watch: Pop Star Ally Brooke Gets Animated in ‘The Casagrandes’

Carlota’s vlog is discovered by a famous musician in a brand-new episode of The Casagrandes, premiering Sat., March 14, at 11:00 a.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon. In “V.I.Peeved,” Carlota worries that her family will embarrass her after kind-hearted and enthusiastic pop star Alisa Barela, voiced by real-life pop star Ally Brooke, invites her to attend her concert.

“V.I.Peeved” features an original song, “I’ll Be There For You,” performed by Ally Brooke and written by Jonathan Hylander (composer, The Casagrandes).

Nickelodeon also invites fans to check out the newly-launched official The Loud House & The Casagrandes YouTube Channel, where Lincoln tries to navigate a LOUD household with his 10 sisters, while his best friend Ronnie Anne explores life in a new city with her lively family. Launching today, the channel features vlogs and podcasts, as well as, hilarious moments, interactive guides and more.

As well as the new original tune, Brooke also performs the show’s theme song — an energetic and authentic tune that celebrates all of the things that make up The Casagrandes: family, love, humor and food. Written by award-winning composer Germaine Franco and performed by Brooke, the song has elements of urban and pop music and authentic, fast and upbeat Latin music rhythms, giving it a catchy vibe made for kids and adults alike. Most importantly, The Casagrandes’ extended theme song expresses that “we’re all familia!”

The Casagrandes was recently greenlit for second season and tells the story of Ronnie Anne, who moves to the city with her mom and older brother to live with their big, loving family, the Casagrandes. A spinoff of The Loud House, the series showcases the culture, humor, and love that’s part of growing up in a multigenerational Mexican-American family. New episodes air Saturdays on Nickelodeon.

March 12, 2020
The Buzz on Glassbox’s BeeHive Virtual Production Solution

Virtual production software specialist Glassbox Technologies has released its real-time, collaborative software solution BeeHive. Hot on the heels of its Advanced Imaging Society Technical Lumiere Award win, BeeHive is out now for Unreal Engine, Unity 3D and Autodesk Maya. Content creators can download a Free Trial from the Glassbox website starting today.

“Our mission is to help virtual production teams collaborate as efficiently and seamlessly as possible,” said Glassbox CPO and co-founder Mariana Acuña Acosta. “It is with that in mind that we developed Beehive, a first-of-its-kind software solution for teams working in Unreal Engine, Unity 3D and Autodesk Maya. Beehive has been in beta since last July and now we’re rolling it out to the world. We can’t wait to hear what users think!”

BeeHive is a cross-platform software solution built to enable collaborative, real-time workflows between Unreal Engine, Unity 3D and Autodesk Maya. It removes the inefficiencies of manual import and export, allowing directors, cinematographers and artists to sync, edit and review cameras, assets and virtual scenes from multiple applications at the same time and from any location. For instance, a supervisor can work inside of Unreal Engine or Unity 3D, alongside a connected Maya artist, to review and modify assets, troubleshoot lighting and FX, check actors’ faces and body performances, modify scenes, even build entire worlds from scratch for virtual reality (VR) experiences… and each user can see any change reflected instantly in each platform.

BeeHive is also interoperable with Glassbox’s virtual camera DragonFly, enabling creators to visualize changes from a camera’s viewpoint as they occur, which is useful for virtual location scouting and real-time review sessions.

Introducing BeeHive: Real-time virtual sync, review and collaboration from Glassbox Tech on Vimeo.

BeeHive operates as a plug-in for Unreal Engine, Unity 3D and Autodesk Maya, so different users with different roles can work together in the software platform and interface of their choice. Beehive includes a high-performance, real-time versioning system and a custom-tailored C++ database, which means all changes to files, across platforms, are instantly stored and available should a user wish to roll back to an earlier modification. Finally, Beehive is multi-threaded, so it introduces minimal overhead to other applications.

Learn more about BeeHive’s features.

Available to purchase as packages of floating licenses, based on team size, as either a Forever perpetual license (including maintenance) or For A While annual subscription, starting at $5,300 p/y for five users.

More information at glassboxtech.com

March 12, 2020
Capacitor Studios Launches with Full TV & Film Slate

Former Covert Media CEO, Annapurna Productions COO and QED co-founder Paul Hanson has partnered with Elan Freedman of Surge Licensing, development executive Ian McGloin and content financing executive Asa Greenberg to launch Capacitor Studios.

Backed by capital from Europe and Asia, the new venture is a next-generation studio that will create and scale entertainment and consumer product franchises. The company takes a holistic, 360-degree approach to IP that integrates consumer products licensing with TV/OTT series and feature film production.

Capacitor will launch with a slate of episodic and feature titles for children’s, family and YA audiences, in partnership with leaders from the toy, traditional publishing, digital publishing, video game and hobby game industries.

Initial projects include an animated series based on the global toy brand Feisty Pets, with Michelle Raimo Kouyate (former President of Production for Sony Animation, where she oversaw Hotel Transylvania 1 & 2 and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2, and prior to that was an executive producer on Puss in Boots for DreamWorks Animation) attached as a producer.

One of the company’s first feature titles is an animated and live-action hybrid based on the designer vinyl toy phenomenon, KidRobot. Matt Ember and Tom Astle (Home) adapted the screenplay and Clio Award-winning commercial veteran Rob Rugan will direct.

“It all starts with great storytelling that turns audiences into rabid fans. That passion drives a desire for further engagement with a brand or franchise, potentially including toys and other consumer products, video games, hobby games and publishing,” said Hanson. “With world-class production and licensing groups under the same roof, we are uniquely suited to deliver tons of value to the global marketplace.”

Hanson will serve as CEO, segueing from Covert Media. Greenberg, who was entertainment group head of a mid-market hedge fund and an executive producer on Blade Runner 2049, will serve as the company’s Head of Corporate Development. Ian McGloin, a seasoned entertainment executive, formerly of Scott Rudin Productions and DreamWorks’ Wild Child Films, will serve as Head of Content Strategy.

Elan Freedman of Surge Licensing, the agency behind the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise, will oversee the company’s IP, franchise and brand management activities. Mark Freedman, founder of Surge Licensing and architect of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise, will oversee all licensing activities as the company’s joint venture partner.

Elan Freedman added, “Independent IP creators, including those with tremendous brands, have been disconnected from the global entertainment world, leaving licensors with very few strategic options. By blending our collective backgrounds in IP, consumer products and content, our team is poised to address the needs of living and breathing brands and translate them into media and merchandising powerhouses.”

March 11, 2020
‘Space Face’ Doc on Comics Artist Mike Allred Hits Crowdfund Goal

A recently launched Kickstarter campaign to produce Space Face — a documentary about the life, career and existential entanglements of comics artist Mike Allred by his son, Han Allred — has surpassed its $30,000 funding goal, paving the way for the film’s expected release in 2021.

Throughout his career, Allred has brought incredible graphic stories to life, notably in his originals Madman, Red Rocky 7 and the Atomics; co-creations iZombie (adapted as live-action series by The CW) and X-Statix; the brand-new David Bowie biographical graphic novel Bowie: Stardust, Rayguns & Moonage Dreams; and his work with favorite franchises including Silver Surfer and Batman 66. However, from a young age he has experienced periodic episodes of extreme existential anxiety and psychological suffering — near out-of-body experiences which have impacted his psyche and his work.

In Space Face, Han Allred seeks to explore these moments, the existential questions about space, time and meaning that trigger them, and their impact on his father throughout his life. The documentary combines conversations with Mike Allred and his fellow creatives — including industry greats Kevin Smith, Brian Michael Bendis, Matt Fraction, Craig Thompson, Joëlle Jones and many more.

Check out the Kickstarter page to see the full list of on-camera participants and learn more about the film. Bowie: Stardust, Rayguns & Moonage Dreams (featuring a foreword by Neil Gaiman) was published in January by Insight Comics and is available for purchase.

Space Face

Mike Allred

March 11, 2020
Marvel Taps Quebec Studio Squeeze to Animate ‘What If…?’

Marvel Studios announced Wednesday that Québec City-based animation studio Squeeze has been given the nod to create five episodes of upcoming series What If…? Scheduled for exclusive release on the Disney+ platform in summer 2021, What If…? is the first animated series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Squeeze CEO and co-founder Denis Doré shared his enthusiastic response to the decision:

“Marvel was looking for a world-class animation studio to come up with a fresh and unique style that would be in keeping with their brand essence. We really clicked, right from our initial talks in Los Angeles last year, and they loved our proposal. I’m thrilled our artists’ creativity and talent resonated so strongly in Hollywood.”

Re-imaging various key moments in MCU’s history, What If…? uses dramatic twists to take viewers into uncharted territory. The animated show is inspired by the speculative comic-book series of the same name which began in the late 1970s.

Ranked 57th on Canadian Business’ 2019 Growth 500 list of Canada’s fastest-growing companies and 89th on the Globe & Mail’s 2019 list of the top growing companies by three-year revenue growth, Squeeze is an internationally renowned and award-winning animation studio in Quebec City and Montreal.

Co-founded by Denis Doré and Patrick Beaulieu in 2011, and backed by a passionate creative team of almost 150, the studio develops larger-than-life characters through the magic of 3D animation. Squeeze works with companies including Disney, Marvel, Universal, Illumination, Warner and Ubisoft. The studio also produces its own original creations, including its hit brand Cracké, which has aired in over 210 countries and territories and has garnered over 325 million views on various digital platforms, including Tencent in China, since launching in 2016.

What If…?

Marvel Studios and Squeeze

Cracké

March 11, 2020
Disney Archives Founder Dave Smith to Be Honored with Disneyland Window

The late Disney Legend David Smith, founder of the Walt Disney Archives, will be commemorated with a window along Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A. celebrating his incredible legacy and impact on The Walt Disney Company. The honorary window will be unveiled on June 22, 2020, marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Archives. The announcement was made by Disney Executive Chairman Bob Iger during the company’s annual shareholders meeting on Wednesday.

Smith died in February 2019 at age 78, leaving behind a lifetime’s work preserving, cataloging and bringing to light the artifacts and ephemera of Disney’s legacy. The archivist wrote extensively on the company’s history, with a regular column in The Disney Channel Magazine, Disney Magazine, Disney Newsreel and articles in publications such as Starlog, Manuscripts, Millimeter, American Archivist and California Historical Quarterly. Smith also authored the official encyclopedia, Disney A to Z (now in its fifth edition); co-authored of The Ultimate Disney Trivia Book and Disney: The First 100 Years; and edited The Quotable Walt Disney.

Smith was honored with the prestigious Disney Legends Award in October 2007, and retired in 2010 after his 40th anniversary with The Walt Disney Company. He continued consulting for the Company as Chief Archivist Emeritus through his final years.

Details of the unveiling ceremony will be announced at a later date.

[Source: D23]

March 11, 2020
Watch: New Teaser for Anima Vitae’s Upcoming Movie ‘Fleak’

Last week, at the Cartoon Movie event in France, Finland’s leading animation studio Anima Vitae received the Eurimages’ Co-Production Development Award (a cash prize of 20,000 €) for its upcoming animated feature, Fleak. Chosen from among nine projects in development selected in Cartoon Movie, the film is produced by Anima Vitae (Finland) in co-production with Animoon (Poland) and Godo Films (France).

Fleak is a CG-animated fantasy adventure about Laurence (Lauri), a 12-year-old boy who loses his ability to walk after an accident, but gains a friendly creature from another dimension who helps him save both their worlds from a Shadow monster. Told from a child’s perspective, the well-crafted feature emphasizes the healing power of imagination and the importance of family connections to overcome adversity.

At Cartoon Movie, Antti Haikala, co-founder and head of animation at Helsinki-based Anima Vitae (Moominvalley, Niko and the Way to the Stars), presented an engrossing pitch for the upcoming movie. “I came up with this magical character Fleak to entertain my sons when they were younger,” said Haikala. “On the surface, our movie is about a 12-year-old boy’s adventure with this friendly creature from another dimension, but it also explores the character’s relationship with his older siblings, their daily conflicts and the notion of courage.”

Haikala added that he and the film’s director Jens Moller wanted to create a world that looked unique — something that audiences hadn’t seen before. They also interviewed many children with disabilities to help build a positive message about persevering, bravery and the power of imagination into the story.

Anima Vitae was kind enough to share with us their first teaser for their movie, which is slated for a summer 2023 release. Watch it here.

Fleak

Antti Haikala

March 11, 2020