More beautifully bizarre and hilariously morbid animation is coming to Adult Swim, as the network announces all-new original series JJ Villard’s Fairy Tales is joining the slate. Also on deck are more visits to the surreal stop-motion series The Shivering Truth and the neon world of Lazor Wulf, as well as the long-awaited return of Mouse Fitzgerald in 12 Oz. Mouse. The new series and seasons are set to premiere in 2020.
JJ Villard’s Fairy Tales is a new, twisted, fun take on classic Brothers Grimm fairy tales like Cinderella and Snow White. The charm and cuteness of the original stories remain, but now they’ve been updated and packaged into a ball of raw, visceral, gross weirdness. The quarter-hour series is created and executive produced by JJ Villard (King Star King).
Critically hailed in its first season, The Shivering Truth is a delicately crafted, darkly surreal anthology comedy in stunning stop-motion. The quarter-hour series is created and written by Vernon Chatman, directed by Chatman and Cat Solen, and executive produced by PFFR (Neon Joe, Werewolf Hunter, Xavier: Renegade Angel) with Solen. The animation studio is ShadowMachine. (Watch season 1 online.)
Season two of Lazor Wulf will reunite fans with Stupid Horse, Lazor, Cannon and Blazor — but let’s not forget God and Wallace to round out the city of Strongburg’s finest. The quarter-hour series is created by Henry Bonsu and executive produced by Bonsu, Daniel Weidenfeld (China, IL), Carl Jones (The Boondocks) and Vince Staples. The animation studio is Six Point Harness. (Watch season 1 online.)
12 Oz. Mouse first aired on the network in 2005 and returns with season three to follow a new journey for Mouse Fitzgerald and his trusty sidekick, Skillet. The quarter-hour series features new cast members joining the original cast along with writer and creator, Matt Maiellaro (Aqua Teen Hunger Force). (Watch seasons 1 and 2 online.)
Twenty-five animation concepts have been selected for the 2019 Asian Animation Summit showcase this month. Representing the very best kids animated TV development work across Korea, Indonesia, Australia, Malaysia and Thailand, these projects will be presented live at the event to an audience of broadcasters, co-producers, distributors and investors from Asia and the international marketplace.
2019 AAS selections:
Alien Hunter Vera Hongdangmoo (South Korea) Atlas Boy Adventures AASKA Productions (Indonesia) Ball Bear Friends Studio M (South Korea) Boxania Lil Critter Workshop (Malaysia) Broccoli Expedition Popcorn Pictures (South Korea) Escape from Pirate Asylum Pop Family Entertainment (Australia—NSW) Foodzilla Sibsong Song Yeesibsee (Thailand) Galaxy Detectives Cocktail Media Co. (South Korea) Glow Monsters Jinjint Company (Thailand) Hey Blo! INVOYA (Indonesia) Iron Daddy E-DEHI Animation Studio (South Korea) Kalila and Academy of Magic NARA Digital Creative (Indonesia) Mildang Mazel Define (South Korea) Monster Teddies Cheeky Little Media (Australia—NSW) Nibling Michael Griffin (Australia—Screen Queensland) Qomara BASE—Brown Bag Films Bali (Indonesia) The Rimba Family Anak Rimba (Malaysia) Snowcat LOCO Co. (South Korea) Tales Down Below Spaceboys Studios (Malaysia) Throne Raynote Studio (Thailand) TimeBot 88BRICKS (South Korea) Tiny Tails Like A Photon Creative (Australia—Screen Queensland) Warriors of Netherworld Redvinn Studio (Indonesia) World of Spirit ICONMAX (Indonesia) X-Rabbit The Monk Studios (Thailand)
This year’s event is set to take place in Seoul, South Korea from November 20 to 22. Over the course of the three-day event, each project will be presented in a moderated live pitch and Q&A format, with plenty of time for follow-up meetings and casual networking built into the schedule.
Approximately 200 attendees are expected to take part in AAS 2019, which is designed to attract producers of animation who are interested in co-producing projects with partners in Asia-Pacific countries, as well as broadcasters, distributors and investors from the region and beyond.
Roughly 50% of projects that have debuted at previous AAS events have since gone into production, including such well-known series as Bluey (2017), Bottersnikes & Gumbles (2012), Kuu Kuu Harajuku (2013), Wonderballs (2012) and Balloon Barnyard (2014).
The 2019 Asian Animation Summit is owned and produced by Kidscreen, with generous support from: hosting partner KOCCA (Korea); presenting partner BEKRAF (Indonesia); and supporting partners Create NSW and Screen Queensland (Australia), MDEC (Malaysia) and DITP (Thailand).
To get fans primed to take flight with Red, Chuck, Mighty Eagle and the rest of the feathered friends, our friends at Sony Pictures have provided an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Angry Birds Movie 2. In it, see how animators brought the popular Rovio characters back to the big screen using their own formidable thespian talents!
Available now on Digital, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will release The Angry Birds Movie 2 on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on November 12.
Synopsis: When a new threat emerges that puts both Bird and Pig Island in danger, Red (Jason Sudeikis), Chuck (Josh Gad), Bomb (Danny McBride), and Mighty Eagle (Peter Dinklage) recruit Chuck’s sister Silver (Rachel Bloom) and team up with pigs Leonard (Bill Hader), his assistant, Courtney (Awkwafina), and techpig, Garry (Sterling K. Brown), to forge an unsteady truce and form an unlikely super team to save their homes. The voice cast also welcomes Leslie Jones and Eugenio Derbez for the second installment. Directed by Thurop Van Orman.
Blu-ray and Digital bonus materials (* indicates 4K/DVD bonuses)
*ALL NEW MINI MOVIE! – “Live Stream”: When Silver attempts her first livestream, Red is the ultimate Angry Bird while the adorable Hatchlings get into mischief.
6 Classic Hatchling Mini Movies
*DIY Family Fun!:
“Hangry Birds: Popcorn Balls”: No need to be angry or hangry with this simple, fun cooking tutorial. Follow along to make Red’s go-to comfort food and enjoy these tasty popcorn balls at home.
“Smarty Birds: Crafty Volcano”: From the volcano on Eagle Island, Zeta plots her sinister plan and sends her lava balls flying. But why should Zeta have all the fun? Build your own volcano and watch it erupt combining crafts and science in this brainy how-to video!
“Crafty Birds: Pig Snot!”: Ready to roll up your sleeves and get a little messy? It’s time to mix a few ingredients and create your very own pig snot (slime!). Just make sure to keep it away from Bomb…he likes to drink it. (Eeeew!)
*“Bird Watching”: In this hilarious “birds-eye” view of the real-life species that inspired the artists, we take a trip to the LA 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.
*“Meet The New Birds & Pigs”: Join the returning cast and meet the unique new cast members giving voice to the hilarious characters in Angry Birds 2. In exclusive BTS recording sessions and interviews, we’ll see how Leslie Jones, Rachel Bloom, Eugenio Derbez, and Sterling K. Brown bring these unforgettable characters to life.
*“Hatching the Hatchlings”: The Hatchlings are soooooo cute! And in Angry Birds 2, we get to join them on their very own adventure! Meet these mischievous little troublemakers as we talk to filmmakers about the creation of the Hatchlings and their expanded storyline in the film, and hear from cast members about their love for these adorable baby birds.
*“Flocking Together: Making The Angry Birds Movie 2”: Go behind the scenes with the flock of talented artists who worked together to make The Angry Birds Movie 2.
*“Happy Thanks-pigging”: Zeta is not a fan of the traditional Thanksgiving menu!
*“Jingle Birds: A Holiday Song From The Cast of Angry Birds 2”: Sing along with Rachel Bloom and Jason Sudeikis with a new twist on this holiday classic.
The Angry Birds Movie 2 4k Ultra HDThe Angry Birds Movie 2 Blu-ray
The different flavors of virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality are now collectively called “XR” as well as “Immersive Technology.” The recent XR Developers Conference in San Francisco covered a broad spectrum of these, ranging from existing products to technology and experiences upcoming in 2020, in categories including healthcare, gaming, entertainment, branding, training and industry partnering.
Several tracks ran next to each other in the giant hall of the Ft. Mason Festival Pavilion. Strangely, the crowds seemed eerily quiet — everybody was wearing lighted-up headphones, so the place looked like a giant Silent Disco Party.
Initial presentations reviewed financials for the XR market. Sales of software and apps have not taken off as once predicted, but are still growing, especially in North America and Asia. Standalone XR headsets which need no PC connections increased by 20% last year, and will be the major growth drivers for the immersive industry, which is expected to grow from $6 billion in 2018 to $10.6 billion in 2019, according to Nielsen Superdata. Digi-Capital gave a detailed presentation on how startup companies can use data analytics to fine-tune their pitches to investors and investment companies. Examples included what “tone” to take promoting different levels of a startup, including Seed and Series A/B/C/D.
One Silicon Valley investor of note in the VR/AR/XR area is Andreessen Horowitz, which supported companies in fields including location-based entertainment (Sandbox VR), peripherals (Leap Motion), content distribution (Within), utilities (Bigscreen) and platforms technology (Improbable Worlds). Sandbox recently announced a $68 million Series A round, and is now expanding its “Holodeck” VR experiences to entertainment sites around the globe, including Los Angeles. Celebrities including Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake and Will Smith provided another $11 million.
Sandbox VRSandbox VR Holodeck
Training was a major area for XR, especially for large corporations. SweetRush described its training for Hilton Hotels with its XR SPARK systems, to teach employees how to interact with customers and each other, using stereoscopic video, 3D environments, spatial audio and interactive scenarios. A Hilton rep stated that innovative learning is now a major competitive advantage for the company, resulting in more loyal customers and gaining the company the #1 spot on Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For.”
King County in Washington State identified training as a critical area for its utilities, including a huge water treatment plant. High personnel turnover and complex operating procedures raised the potential for mistakes with dire consequences, including releasing untreated, potentially poisonous sewage water into the nearby bay. Existing paper manuals were found to be too confusing for incoming workers. The plant was losing its experienced workers to retirement, so they would soon be unavailable to mentor new staffers.
Taqtile, Inc. of Seattle stepped in with the Microsoft Hololens, using it to capture how experienced personnel physically operated the plant. After this practical “tribal knowledge” of senior workers had been recorded, it was then passed on to new recruits coming in. The AR-based courses provided trainees graphic, step-by-step training, including exercises to physically activate long rows of daunting buttons and switches while the AR glasses showed them the correct sequences. King County has been very happy with the results of its new “future proofing” XR-based training, and plans to expand it to other operations throughout the County.
About 2,500 improved Hololens sets will soon be supplied to the U.S. Army under Microsoft’s new $480 million IVAS (Integrated Visual Augmentation System) contract; the program may eventually grow to use 100,000 of the sets. The Army’s Hololens will initially be used for training, but will then move into actual live combat use. Displays resemble those you see in Iron Man movies, and can include compass readings, night and thermal vision, hearing amplification and protection, building schematics, and maps. The U.S. military pioneered the use of XR for training, but this will be the first large-scale use of AR for combat, moving from sci-fi movies to real life. The Israeli military is also testing this capability.
US Army Hololens
A major player in using VR is Walmart, which plans to use 17,000 Oculus Go headsets for training more than a million employees, in new in-store technology, soft skills like empathy and customer service, and compliance. STRIVR generated dozens of training courses, which Walmart tested in its Academies. It is now rolling them out to every store. Andy Trainor, the Academies Director, noted that the use of VR greatly improved training and remembering the lessons, as well as boosting the self-confidence of the employees. Other large companies are getting into XR training. Lockheed Martin, for example, stated that its first use of VR training cut time and costs to such an extent (over 80%) that management at first refused to believe the results.
Walmart VR training
L’Oreal presented its Makeup Genius AR app, which lets a customer see how different shades of makeup, hair color and nail polish would appear on her/his own face and hands. The client takes a selfie photo and then digitally applies different types and colors of product. Stores let clients look into an instrumented mirror for the same effect. The ability to move one’s head or parts of the face enables a client to view the product from different angles. Stores have reported customer delight and increased sales.
L’Oreal Makeup Genius
New XR gaming technology was also presented. Owlchemy Labs demonstrated innovative uses of music, including turning game objects into musical instruments. Owlchemy is famous for its Job Simulator games, which include novel aspects of jobs such as how a chef can bribe a food critic into writing good reviews. The use of voice to command game characters was also shown. Based on Siri or Alexa with additional AI smarts, this enables a player to manage other characters in the game, such as ordering computer-generated soldiers to walk ahead and eliminate zombies in the path.
Although XR for gaming is on the increase, most experts agreed that there is now more potential in commercial and military projects. XR companies at the conference including STRIVR, SweetRush and Taqtile emphasized they have lots of job openings right now, for all areas of animation, gamification and program design.
November marks the 35th anniversary of Disney Television Animation, the studio that has created so many beloved, pop-culture toon phenomena which have touch viewers lives across generations — from the comical adventures of DuckTales, TaleSpin, Kim Possible and Phineas and Ferb, to the schoolyard foibles of Recess, friendly fun of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, the regal magic of Sofia the First and Elena of Avalor, or the bizarre, hilarious happenings of Gravity Falls.
To celebrate the big 3-5, Disney has put together a great highlights video featuring the incredible crew, creative talents and sage execs that have brought these favorite series to life. Check it out below!
Established in November 1984, Disney Television Animation is an industry leader in the creation of animated television for preschoolers, kids and tweens across Disney-branded channels and platforms. Born from the single greatest animation legacy in the world, DTVA is a creative community of visual storytellers who celebrate and embrace the magic of Disney. The Studio is a flourishing creative environment and the place to be for the creative community, animation veterans and new talent alike. Its content delivers heartfelt storytelling that centers on comedy, fantastical wish fulfillment, relatable and surprising characters and worlds, and authentic and inclusive stories that matter.
‘Sesame Street’ Joins Kanopy Kids
The library-based free-to-the-user video streaming platform has struck a two-year deal with producer Sesame Workshop to feature 24 episodes of the Emmy-winning program on its Kids section. These charming and educational episodes are pulled from seasons 39 and 40.
“For the last 50 years, Sesame Street has influenced generations around the world by leading educational growth and social change. We are elated to work with Sesame Workshop and reach new audiences with the timeless series, while reinforcing Kanopy Kids’ mission to encourage social and emotional development, promote respect for community diversity and inspire creativity.” — Kevin Sayar, CEO, Kanopy
Dr. Seuss Adds New Director of Global LIcensing & Retail Development
Tatjana Balanusa will identify and activate new licensing partners and build relationships with retailers to drive sales, brand affinity and channel growth worldwide. She will also be integral to planning and developing new environmentally-friendly initiatives and collaborations. Blanusa, who joins Dr. Seuss after holding several key positions at The LEGO Group since 2008, reports to VP of Global Licensing, Marketing & Communications Julie Dill.
Frederator Studios Expands E-Book Slate
The Wow! Unlimited Media division’s Frederator Books imprint is whipping up tons of new titles aimed at pre-k to middle school-aged kids, starting with 13 Wow! Wow! Wubbzy e-books and extensions for popular franchises Catbug and Lucy the Dinosaur. The company, which saw 297% year-over-year revenue growth the first half of the year, plans to double its library of nearly 50 e-books in the next year.
“There is a new generation of kids and parents who are tapping into the world of digital reading to discover new content. This medium is a perfect new opportunity for talented artists and writers, and an ideal moment for Frederator to invest in a growing industry and allow current fans of these beloved characters to experience them in new ways, and open a new avenue to introduce fresh new properties.” — Fred Seibert, CEO, Frederator and Chief Creative Officer WOW!
Mario and Sonic Set for New Olympic Adventure in Tokyo 2020
Developed by SEGA in association with the International Olympic Committee, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 sees the iconic video game characters take on a wide range of events, including new sports like surfing, skateboarding, karate and sport climbing. There’s also a retro 2D mode that takes Mario and Sonic back to the history 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Plus, players can explore the different venues of both Games in Story Mode, learn Olympic trivia, unlock additional characters from the Super Mario and Sonic franchises, and play mini-games featuring Tokyo landmarks.
WATCH: ‘Britannia VR: Out of Your Mind’ Trailer
Timed to the season 2 premiere of Sky original drama Britannia, Sky VR’s new immersive title has launched on SteamVR and is coming soon to the Oculus store. Developed by Hammerhead using VR photogrammetry and volumetric capture done with Dimension studios, the piece invites viewers into stunning sets to interact with the show’s talented cast.
Players choose whether to drink wine from a Roman goblet — which sets them on the path to worship Roman gods with Rufus (Ben Bailey Smith), enjoy their luxuries and witness Emperor Claudius (Steve Pemberton) entering the Oppida on his elephant — or inhale herbal smoke from a Druid bowl — and learn how to walk this magic path with Ania (Liana Cornell), participate in a dark woods rave and join the powerful Veran (Mackenzie Crook) in resisting the Empire.
Los Angeles theater-goers will have a unique opportunity to see an original, internationally acclaimed feat of animation when Away opens November 29. Presented by Subliminal Films, the dialog-free feature is written, directed and produced by award-winning Latvian filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis.
Away is told in four chapters, and centers on a young boy who has mysteriously crash-landed on a strange island. Pursued by a dark spirit, he makes his way through shimmering deserts and lush forests with the help of a small bird acting as his guide. Zilbalodis, in his early 20s, worked on the film entirely on his own for three and a half years — including writing, design, modeling/rigging, animation and even the music composition.
The film will have a same-day streaming release on Vimeo and Amazon Prime Nov. 29. Visit www.subliminalfilms.com/away.html for more info.
Away has played in and been selected for major animation festivals around the world, including the Ottawa Int’l Animation Festival, Animafest, Turku and the newly combined Dutch event Kaboom. The film was awarded the Contrechamp prize at Annecy this summer.
Zilbalodis discovered a fascination for filmmaking at an early age watching classic films. He has made seven short films in various mediums, including hand-drawn animation, 3D animation and live action, often mixing their characteristic aesthetics. His previous short films include Rush (2010), Aqua (2012), Clarity (2012), Priorities (2014), Followers (2014), Inaudible (2015) and Oasis (2017).
Walt Disney Animation Studios debuts its groundbreaking new VR short Myth: A Frozen Tale at the November 7 World Premiere of Frozen II at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Directed by Jeff Gipson, Myth explores the movie’s world in an immersive way using the latest advances in VR technology, an original music score and stylized art direction to deliver a unique virtual and visceral experience. It is the first Disney Animation VR short inspired by one of its feature films.
Gipson had previously helmed Disney’s first-ever VR short, Cycles, which debuted at SIGGRAPH in 2018, won The Advanced Imaging Society’s 2019 Lumiere Award for “Best Animated VR Experience,” and received two VES nominations.
“The idea for Myth: A Frozen Tale came from a personal place for me, and was inspired by my family’s tradition of telling bedtime stories. This led me to start thinking about what the world of Frozen and some of the film’s new elemental characters would look like in VR,” Gipson explained. “Myth: A Frozen Tale is set in a forest outside of Arendelle as a family sits down for a bedtime story. As the mother reads, the audience is transported to a mystical and enchanted forest where the elemental spirits come to life and the myths of their past and future is revealed. With breathtaking production design by Brittney Lee, and a brilliant musical score by Joseph Trapanese, this film follows in the Fantasia legacy of using imagery and music together in an experimental way, using the latest advances in virtual reality to achieve that.”
Clark Spencer, President of Walt Disney Animation Studios, said, “Frozen II takes place in such an incredibly rich and exciting cinematic environment, and Myth: A Frozen Tale allows viewers to explore and experience this world in a whole new way. Jeff Gipson is one of the leading pioneers in the world of VR, and he found a way to immerse viewers in this world that wouldn’t have been possible any other way. We are so excited to share this amazing VR film with audiences everywhere.”
Premiere guests will be able to view Myth: A Frozen Tale on the latest generation of the Positron Voyager Chair, which provides a cinematic VR experience showcasing Positron’s unique motion and multi-sensory capabilities which brings the audience into a deeper level of immersion and emotional connection to the story. Users sit comfortably in a VR motion chair while rotating 360 degrees horizontally, as well as 35-degrees backwards and forwards. The chairs are being provided under a special arrangement with Positron.
“We’re thrilled to see Disney Animation embracing cinematic VR as a story-telling medium, and Positron is excited to have partnered with the filmmakers of Myth: A Frozen Tale to bring a deeper level of immersion with motion and haptics in our award-winning Voyager chair,” commented Jeffrey Travis, CEO of Positron. “Audiences are going to love this film.”
The short’s producer, Nicholas Russell, noted, “The Positron Voyager chair allows the viewer to truly immerse themselves into the storytelling. As a tool for experiencing cinematic VR, the Positron Voyager chair is unrivaled.”
Russell also helped oversee Disney Animation’s Short Circuit experimental film program. Jose Luis Gomez Diaz served as VR Technology Supervisor on Myth: A Frozen Tale. Both worked on the award-winning Cycles with Gipson. Frozen and Frozen II visual development artist Brittney Lee is the production designer.
The partnership between Positron and Walt Disney Animation Studios to enhance the VR film was secured by StudioLAB. StudioLAB’s strategy is to continuously innovate new ways to experience content and assist Studio creatives in pushing the limits on advance technology.
Opportunities for fans to experience Myth: A Frozen Tale will be announced at a later date.
Over 7,000 industry professionals from more than 70 countries are expected to gather in Santa Monica, California for the annual American Film Market (Nov. 6-13). Here are some of the interesting animated movies that will be looking for buyers at this popular annual event. Learn more at americanfilmmarket.com.
Another Bloomin’ Christmas
Another Bloomin’ Christmas. Santa Claus has to come to terms with the reality of giving gifts to the jaded kids of today’s modern world, based on a character created by Raymond Briggs (Father Christmas). Directed by Dave Unwin and produced by Iain Harvey. GFM Films, Loews 516
Ark at 8
Ark at 8. Three simple penguins have their lives uprooted by the arrival of a dove with an invitation to take a cruise to a new world, via Noah’s Ark. Cédric Babouche directs this new take on the Noah’s Ark story, penned by Cory Edwards (Hoodwinked). SC Films International, Loews 7 Topanga
The Bears’ Famous Invasion of Sicily
The Bears’ Famous Invasion of Sicily. Directed by Lorenzo Mattotti (Fear(s) of the Dark) adapts a stunning graphic novel by Dino Buzzati, which tells the tale of the conflict that arises when the son of the King of the Bears is kidnapped by hunters in the Sicilian mountains. Produced by Prima Linea Productions (France), Indigo Films (Italy), France 3 Cinema (France). Pathé International, Loews 744
The Canterville Ghost
The Canterville Ghost. This new animated take on the Oscar Wilde story features Stephen Fry as the voice of the titular spirit, whose routine in disturbed by the arrival of an American family. With Freddie Highmore, Imelda Staunton and Toby Jones, and directed by Kim Burdon. Cinema Management Group
Dragonkeeper
Dragonkeeper. The eagerly anticipated CG-animated adaptation of Carole Wilkinson’s novels is the first official co-production between Spain’s Ilion and China Film Group. Co-directed by Ignacio Ferreras (Wrinkles) and Jian-Ping Li. Produced by Manuel Cristobal and Larry Levene and visual direction by Sergio Pablos (Klaus) and Borja Montoro (Zootopia). SC Films International
A Greyhound of a Girl
A Greyhound of a Girl. Acclaimed Italian director Enzo D’Alò (Pinocchio) lends his special touch to this adaptation of Roddy Doyle’s tale about a young Irish girl with a special talent for cooking and her different relationships with her mother and grandmother. Produced by Paul Thiltges Distributions (Luxembourg), The Illuminated Films Co. (U.K.), Aliante (Italy). GFM Films
Marmaduke
Marmaduke. The famous cartoon-panel dog makes the leap to the screen once again in this CG-animated feature, directed by Mark A.Z. Dippé, from a script by Byron Kavanagh. SNL’s Pete Davidson to voice the lead canine! SC Films International
The Monkey Prince. In the distant future, a young girl and her baby brother reluctantly rescue a mysterious and mischievous Monkey Prince and set off to find their way home. Produced by China’s Bona Film and Japan’s Toei Animation, the film is directed by John A. Davis (Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, The Ant Bully) will direct from a script by David Stem and David N. Weiss. Produced by Chuck Williams (Brother Bear) GFM Films
My Father’s Secret
My Father’s Secret. Based on the graphic novel by Israeli author Michel Kichka, this powerful movie documents a man’s experience during and after the Holocaust and ends with the man and his son making a highly emotional visit to Auschwitz. Directed by Véra Belmont (Red Kiss) and Xavier Picard (Moomins on the Riviera), and produced by Marc Jousset (artistic director of Persepolis). SC FIlms International
Pinocchio: A True Story
Pinocchio: A True Story. Writer/director Vasiliy Rovenskiy (Big Trip) puts his own stamp on this latest adaptation of Carlo Collodi’s timeless classic about a wooden toy who longs to become a real boy. Licensing Brands
Seal Team
Seal Team. Produced by South Africa’s Triggerfish studio (Adventures in Zambezia, Khumba), this 2020 offering centers on an orphan seal who decides to assemble a scratch team of like-minded seals to turn the tables on the sharks. Directed and co-written by Greig Cameron (Supa Strikas). Cinema Management Group
Pixar Animation Studios has offered a first look at upcoming original feature Soul, with a new poster, still and teaser trailer. Directed by two-time Academy Award winner Pete Docter, co-directed by Kemp Powers and produced by Academy Award nominee Dana Murray, Disney will open the existential flick in theaters on June 19, 2020.
“It started with my son — he’s 23 now — but the instant he was born, he already had a personality,” says Docter about the film’s origins. “Where did that come from? I thought your personality developed through your interaction with the world. And yet, it was pretty clear that we’re all born with a very unique, specific sense of who we are.”
Soul centers on Joe Gardner (voiced by Jamie Foxx), a middle-school band teacher whose true passion is playing jazz. “I think Joe is having that crisis that all artists have,” says Powers. “He’s increasingly feeling like his lifelong dream of being a jazz musician is not going to pan out and he’s asking himself ‘Why am I here? What am I meant to be doing?’ Joe personifies those questions.”
In the film, just when Joe thinks his dream might be in reach, a single unexpected step sends him to a fantastical place where he is forced to think again about what it truly means to have soul. That’s where he meets and ultimately teams up with 22, a soul who doesn’t think life on Earth is all it’s cracked up to be, voiced by Tina Fey. Soul also features the voices of Phylicia Rashad, Ahmir Questlove Thompson and Daveed Diggs.
“The comedy comes naturally,” says Murray. “But the subtle emotion that reveals the truth to the characters is really something special.”
The film is set in New York City — inviting the filmmakers to capture everything they love about the city of dreams. “I was born and raised in New York,” says Powers. “This is the first time Pixar has gone to my hometown and I’ve been so impressed by the amount of energy that goes into making sure that everything is right. When the character’s in Queens, it looks like he’s in Queens. When he’s in Manhattan, it looks like he’s in Manhattan. It’s pretty incredible.”
The big-city backdrop proves the perfect place to set a story interwoven with jazz music. Globally renowned musician Jon Batiste is writing original jazz music for the film, and Oscar winners Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (The Social Network), from Nine Inch Nails, are creating an original score that will drift between the real and soul worlds. The teaser trailer offers a taste of what’s in store for moviegoers.
“I grew up with Peanuts cartoons and the Vince Guaraldi music,” says Docter. “I feel like it’s coursing through my veins and this is our version of that. Jon Batiste is a fantastic musician — he’s a historian yet is able to push the music forward, bringing all these different influences to the work. I sincerely hope that the jazz music in Soul will inspire a whole new generation.
Adds Murray, “The contrast that Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross bring is really exciting. It’s an unexpected choice for Pixar — this is like nothing we’ve ever done before.”
The Visual Effects Society (VES), the industry’s professional global honorary society, named acclaimed director-producer-screenwriter Roland Emmerich as the next recipient of the VES Visionary Award in recognition of his valuable contributions to filmed entertainment. The award will be presented at the 18th Annual VES Awards on January 29, 2020 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
The VES Visionary Award, bestowed by the VES Board of Directors, recognizes an individual who has uniquely and consistently employed the art and science of visual effects to foster imagination and ignite future discoveries by way of artistry, invention and groundbreaking work. VES will honor Emmerich, an inventive and highly visual storyteller, for his inspired vision and distinctive ability to harness craft and technology in creating epic cinematic experiences.
“Roland Emmerich has been at the forefront of utilizing visual effects to tell remarkable stories that transfix audiences and create new worlds,” said Mike Chambers, VES Board Chair. “Roland has a unique ability to harness emerging technology to bring his expansive visions to life and he has made an indelible mark in the world of filmed entertainment. For this and more, we are honored to award him with the prestigious VES Visionary Award.”
Emmerich is an international director, producer and screenwriter whose films — including Independence Day, Stargate, Godzilla, The Day after Tomorrow, 2012 and Independence Day: Resurgence — have taken in more than $4 billion worldwide. His latest feature, Midway, recounts the epic naval clash between American and Japanese forces that marked a turning point in the Pacific Theater during World War II. The action-packed feature is based on real-life events, paying homage to the pilots, leaders and sailors, and their bravery. Summit Entertainment, a Lionsgate company, will release the film on November 8, 2019.
In his native Germany, Emmerich’s career began when his first film, a student project called The Noah’s Ark Principle, played in competition at the 1984 Berlin Film Festival. He subsequently set up Centropolis Entertainment in 1985 and under this banner, he has produced and directed over 20 feature films. Outside producing and directing, Emmerich is a campaigner and contributor for various charities and projects including, but not limited to, the Cambodian Children’s Fund, the Gay and Lesbian Education Network (GLSEN), Global Green, American Red Cross and the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
Previous winners of the VES Visionary Award have been Jonathan Nolan, Victoria Alonso, Syd Mead, J.J. Abrams, Alfonso Cuarón, Ang Lee and Christopher Nolan.
As previously announced, Martin Scorsese, Academy, DGA and Emmy Award winning director-producer-screenwriter, is the forthcoming recipient of the VES Lifetime Achievement Award. Acclaimed visual effects supervisor Sheena Duggal is the forthcoming recipient of the VES Award for Creative Excellence.
French independent producer and distributor Cyber Group Studios has appointed Medialink Animation International Limited, a subsidiary of HK listed company, Medialink Group Limited, as licensing agency for preschool animation IP Gigantosaurus. This deal will strengthen the exposure of the IP and create new licensing opportunities in Southeast Asia; i.e. Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia. With this collaboration, Medialink aims to further grow the merchandise, tie-in promotions, and events business for the brand.
Gigantosaurus is a multi award-winning adventure-comedy series based on Jonny Duddle’s book, published by Templar and sold at 500,000 units worldwide. The 52 x 11’ CGI series features four fiercely-fun dinosaur friends – Rocky, Bill, Mazu and Tiny – who take preschoolers on exciting, comedy-filled adventures as they dare to be themselves and explore the world beyond their nests. The laugh-out-loud show currently airs on Disney around the globe and is set to hit U.K. screens on free-to-air channel Tiny POP next year. The show is also confirmed to broadcast on free-to-air channels in other territories, such as France Télévisions, Germany’s Super RTL and Italy’s Rai Yoyo. Content is also available on Disney’s YouTube channel and will come to Netflix.
“Gigantosaurus is the perfect preschool brand for licensing. Both boys and girls love it very much. We are excited to work together with Cyber Group Studios,” said Noletta Chiu, Executive Director of Medialink Group Ltd. “As a licensing agent, Medialink has the expertise and experience in building strong preschool brands in Southeast Asia. We have made successful launches and events for international preschool brands that are well supported by consumers and retailers alike. With our strong network in the market, we have the leverage to further develop Gigantosaurus in toys, home products, apparel, character meet-and-greet and mall events. We look forward to bringing new and successful elements to Gigantosaurus.”
Bruno Danzel D’Aumont, International Licensing and Marketing at Cyber Group Studios, added, “Gigantosaurus is a global brand with an ambitious merchandise licensing program. We are delighted to work with Medialink as licensing agent in Southeast Asia. Medialink has a talented team with a strong experience and great expertise in the licensing business and retail development. I am confident that they will contribute to the success of Gigantosaurus in all product categories.”
Grab your spatulas, Krusty Krew! Pre-registration is now open for SpongeBob: Krusty Cook-Off, the brand-new mobile game which puts players behind The Krusty Krab grill to serve up tasty Krabby Patty orders to characters from Nickelodeon’s beloved SpongeBob SquarePants series.
Players can now pre-register for the game on Google Play, or pre-order it through the App Store to unlock different platform exclusive bundles of prizes to help them become the ultimate and fastest grill master.
Developed by Tilting Point, Nickelodeon and Nukebox Studios, SpongeBob: Krusty Cook-Off will be available worldwide on iOS and Android devices this winter. It is currently available on Android in the Philippines & Australia in open beta.
“We are excited for players to finally get their hands on SpongeBob: Krusty Cook-Off and begin testing their cooking abilities,” said Samir El-Agili, President of Tilting Point. “SpongeBob: Krusty Cook-Off provides a brand new adventure in very familiar settings – Bikini Bottom and The Krusty Krab grill — and its charming and engaging gameplay will be a treat for every SpongeBob fan.”
In addition to satisfying Krusty kravings from behind the grill, the game lets players customize their underwater restaurant, explore the world of Bikini Bottom and interact with SpongeBob SquarePants’ charming cast of characters.
For the latest info, visit tiltingpoint.com and nukeboxstudios.com.
The super-sized second annual Adult Swim Festival will be held next week, November 15 and 16, at the Banc of California Stadium in Downtown Los Angeles. The one-of-a-kind, 360° fan event will include top bands and musical artists, comedians, interactive games, and experiences that only Adult Swim can bring to life.
In addition to previously announced musical acts — such Dethklok, Jamie xx, Vince Staples, Captain Murphy and Tierra Whack — 2 Chainz and Rapsody have been added to the music lineup. (Previously announced Lil Nas X and Young Thug will no longer be performing due to personal reasons).
The Crunchyroll Anime Rave has been announced as the official after-party, taking place on Friday night and headlined by DJ and producer Ducky, whose genre-free style is a distinct range of melodic pop tunes to heavy rave bangers. Crunchyroll is the world’s most popular anime brand and after several programming collaborations, this marks the first time they have partnered with Adult Swim on a live event for fans.
In addition to music and comedy, fans will get access to one-of-a-kind experiences with new on-site activations, including The Rickflector, a machine that transports the melted minds of fans directly into the animated world of Rick and Morty; and the festival debuts of Morty Slide, which will launch fans into their own “Goodbye, Moonman” daydream, and Cat Joust, where they will mount valiant feline steeds to compete for honor and adoration against friend or foe. The always popular Mechanical Hot Dog Ride is the best seat in the house, and fans can escape the sun in the newly revamped Meatwad Dome to catch 360 degrees of Adult Swim premieres and favorites.
Adult Swim Festival also has launched their official app for iOS and Android, revealing the full schedule of events and debuting the RSVP feature for admission into limited capacity events and exclusive screenings within the festival.
For the first time, fans will be able to RSVP for events & screenings at the BabyCat Stage and Meatwad Dome including panels, signings, Rick and Morty S4 screening, music, comedy, and more! Fans can RSVP by downloading the Adult Swim Festival app now and registering their ticket before Nov. 11, 2019. RSVPs will open Monday, Nov. 11 at 9AM PST/12PM EST while supplies last.
Tickets start at $49 and up with two new premium package options available. Micro Prestige package includes access to Figueroa Club with private craft beer and cocktail bar, priority access to activations and more. For the super fan, the Prestige Plus package includes priority access to activations, main stage viewing area, an exclusive Adult Swim merchandise item, access to the Adult Swim garage sale gifting suite and a two-hour dedicated open Gold Bar service on the Sunset Roof Deck.
Fans 18+ can sign up to receive the latest news on festival activities, updated music and comedy line-ups and ticketing options at AdultSwimFestival.com.
Adult Swim Festival 2019
Friday, November 15: Dethklok * Captain Murphy * Leikeli47 * Tim Hecker & The Konoyo Ensemble * Cooly G * Conner O’Malley * DAWN * HEALTH * Inter Arma * Iron ReaganLadies of LCD Soundsystem * Sarah Squirm * Speedy Ortiz * Three Busy Debras
Saturday, November 16: Jamie xx * Vince Staples * 2 Chainz * The Eric Andre Show Live! * Tierra Whack * Rapsody * clipping. * CupcakKe * Freddie Gibbs & Madlib * Helado Negro * Joe Pera * Jena Friedman * Negative Gemini * No Joy * The Last Stream on the Left * Wham City
Exclusive Rick and Morty S4 Screening * Robot Chicken Intergalactic Power Summit * Squidbillies 10 Man Bunkhouse Stampede * A Discussion w/ Genndy Tartakovsky
Plus [AS]Experiences Including: Talent Appearances * Meet & Greets * Panels * Limited Edition Merch * Games & Attractions * Meatwad Dome * Screenings & More To Be Announced
ASIFA-Hollywood’s Annual Membership Drive on Now
Member benefits include: a packed calendar of events, members-only sneak peeks at current animated features and shows, screenings of rare films, lectures and workshops by noted animation professionals, social networking opportunities, and if a professional member, casting a ballot for the current year’s Annie Awards. The deadline to join and register to participate in 47th Annie Award voting is midnight Sunday, December 15. This is also a great time to renew existing ASIFA Memberships!
’Frozen II’ First-Day Advent Ticket Sales Set Animated Film Record
Disney once again tops itself with presales for the highly anticipated pic. Both Fandango and Atom Tickets have seen record-setting orders. Fandango also revealed that Frozen II is its fastest-selling animated title in the ticket seller’s 19-year history. The film is expected to score a $100 million opening Nov. 22-24, with some box office watchers pegging it as high as $125M.
The top five animated first day presale titles are:
Frozen 2 (2019)
Toy Story 4 (2019)
Incredibles 2 (2018)
Finding Dory (2016)
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Speaking of the super-cool sequel, Sámi presidents Aili Keskitalo (NO), Tiina Sanila-Aikio (FI) and Per-Olof Nutti (SE), as well as President Åsa Larsson Blind in the Sami Council, will participate in the official premiere of Frozen II in Los Angeles on Thursday. As part of the collaboration with Disney, the film will have a Northern Sámi premiere at the same time as the other Nordic language versions (Dec. 25). This will be the very first animation feature film available in the Sámi language, and it will have a huge impact for the Sámi communities in Norway, Finland and Sweden.
Fourth Season of ‘Rick and Morty’ Lands on Channel 4 in January
S4 of the award-winning Adult Swim hit will launch exclusively on Channel 4 in the U.K. in January 2020. Split over two parts consisting of five episodes in each, Rick and Morty will air on Channel 4, with repeats on E4 and episodes will be available to stream on All 4.
“Millions of fans have been waiting for more than two years for a new series of Rick and Morty, the most brilliantly bonkers show on television. We’re thrilled that it will be aired exclusively on Channel 4 and I promise it will be worth the wait.” — Ian Katz, Director of Programs, Channel 4
‘Klaus’ and Big Brothers Big Sisters Deliver Holiday Cheer Nov. 13 for World Kindness Day
Between its Nov. 8 theatrical opening and Nov. 15 Netflix debut, Klaus will be coming to town to spread cheer to kids by delivering larger-than-life presents in New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago. Working with mentoring charity BBBS, Netflix will fulfill thousands of holiday wish lists written by children (“Littles”) in BBBS, with the help of their adult volunteers (“Bigs”), in a “Letters to Klaus” initiative. To kick off this effort, Netflix will unwrap the massive gifts in each city, revealing bespoke presents benefiting each local community. Special gift wrapping and letter writing stations will also be available for those passing by to wrap presents and write thank you letters to their loved ones.
The Voice (1.3/6) and This Is Us (1.3/6) by 100% each. It was also Tuesday’s No. 1 most social entertainment telecast across broadcast and cable, earning 716,000 total social interactions across Instagram (43%), Twitter (43%) and Facebook (14%).
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but: Ladies, is he hot or is he just the first human man that you have ever seen?#TheLittleMermaidLive
WATCH: Chris Stapleton “Second One to Know”
Culminating a close collaboration between Stapleton, The LEGO Group and Pure Imagination Studios, the video required thousands of hours of work on storyboards, asset production, animation, lighting, FX and sound and features Stapleton depicted as a LEGO minifigure alongside dozens of members of his real-life band, family and crew as well as a special cameo from Chris Pratt. Chris and Morgane Stapleton’s Outlaw State of Kind fund will be donating royalties from the video to organizations implementing the LEGO Foundation’s Playful Parenting program.
“We wanted to do something fun for this song and it always sounded like a fight scene to me, so we approached The LEGO Group with this idea and a rough outline of what we wanted to do. Once The LEGO Group gave us the green light, David Coleman and the team at Pure Imagination took that outline and refined and built it into what it has become. Along the way, the fight got bigger and more absurd and I got a front row seat to watch the massive amount of work that animators put into what they do. The tiniest details were thought about and discussed and edited and revised. My kids even got to be a part of designing their characters and it was a cool thing for us to get to do together. It was an incredible experience for me and I couldn’t be happier with the end result.” — Chris Stapleton
“Working on this music video has been a career highlight, but what makes this even more special is the trust and creative freedom we were given thanks to the long-standing professional relationship Pure Imagination has had with The LEGO Group and the personal connection I have to Chris Stapleton. I have always admired Chris as an artist, but the fact that we are from the same hometown of Paintsville, KY makes it especially rewarding. True Stapleton fans will pick up on the ‘Easter eggs’ featured in the video, which pay homage to Chris’ touring team, to his catalog and to growing up in our hometown.” — David Coleman, director/producer, Pure Imagination Studios
The Little Mermaid LiveChris Stapleton – “Second One to Know”
Les’s Copaque Production’s Upin & Ipin: The Lone Gibbon Kris will screen for one week at the Laemmle Glendale, starting November 8, in a qualifying run for the 92nd Academy Awards Best Animated Feature category. One of 32 films entered in the race, it is the first film from Malaysia to qualify in this category.
Upin & Ipin will also screen at the Asian World Film Festival (Nov. 6-14, asianworldfilmfest.org) at the ArcLight Cinemas in Culver City on Friday, November 8 at 8 p.m.
The film was seen by two million in its Malaysia theatrical run, and is set to be released in a number of other countries. It has received awards at numerous film festivals, including the Montreal International Animation Film Festival (ANIMAZE) and is the only Malaysian film to receive an award from the Palm Springs International Animation Festival and Expo (PSIAF) in the Best Animated Feature category. It has also been selected as Malaysia’s representative for the Asian Academy Creative Awards, to be held in December.
Produced by Les’ Copaques, Upin & Ipin: The Lone Gibbon Kris follows the adventures of two brothers who are well known through Malay folk tales. This new, animated adventure follows the twins on their quest to save the fantastical kingdom of Inderaloka from the evil Raja Bersiong. It all begins when Upin, Ipin, and their friends stumble upon a mystical dagger that leads them straight into Inderaloka. While trying to find their way back home, they are tasked with restoring the kingdom to its former glory. The film is directed by Adam Bin Amiruddin, Syed Nurfaiz Khalid bin Syed Ibrahim and Ahmad Razuri bin Roseli.
Studio 100 Film and Kool Produktion have announced the international voice stars for the upcoming theatrical feature Ella Bella Bingo. Leading the cast are Summer Fontana (The Originals, Dark Phoenix) as Ella Bella, Jack Fisher (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Legends of Tomorrow) as Henry, Benjamin Plessala (Shameless, Big Little Lies) as Johnny, as well as Tress MacNeille (Tiny Toon Adventures, The Simpsons), Richard Kind (Inside Out, Argo), Fred Tatasciore (Family Guy, Star Wars Rebels) and Chris Sullivan (This Is Us, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2).
Joining the formidable ensemble for the Norwegian animation movie is Jamie Thomason (The Spectacular Spider-Man, Young Justice) as voice director.
“I am more than delighted that we have brought together such an internationally well-known and exceptionally talented cast,” commented Frank Mosvold, Producer at Kool Produktion AS. “Ella Bella Bingo tells a heartwarming story about friendship. We have found the perfect voices to bring Ella Bella and her friends to life.”
Thorsten Wegener, Director – Operations, Studio 100 Film, added, “We are very happy to represent this outstanding movie and look forward to the completed film this December. The talents that Frank Mosvold has gathered to create this movie are impressive and the result is spectacular – we are convinced it will win over audiences around the world.”
Ella Bella Bingo tells a touching story about the fear of losing one’s best friend, a story we all can identify with. Ella Bella and Henry are best friends, but one day a new boy moves into the neighborhood and their friendship is challenged. In the tradition of Astrid Lindgren, the film takes children seriously and sees the world through their eyes.
The film is a Scandinavian production of Kool Prod. and Gimpville AS, with delivery planned for December 2019. Studio 100 is the international sales agent for Ella Bella Bingo and is taking meetings this week at AFM in Loews Office #653.
AFM Market Screenings for Ella Bella Bingo are set for Thursday, Nov. 7 at 11 a.m. and Saturday, Nov. 9 at 1 p.m. at Arc Light theater 5.
Jeff Goldblum will be voice starring in animated film, They Shot the Piano Player, a new music-filled visit to the past from Oscar-nominated directors Fernando Trueba and Javier Mariscal (Chico & Rita). The announcement was made at the American Film Market in Santa Monica, Calif. Film Constellation (U.K.) will finance that project, currently in pre-production.
Based on historical events, They Shot the Piano Player is an animated origin story of the Bossa Nova music movement. The film captures a fleeting time of creative freedom in Latin America in the 1960s and ‘70s, before oppressive regimes took control of parts of the continent. Goldblum will voice a New York music journalist on a mission to solve the disappearance of young Brazilian piano virtuoso, Tenorio JR.
Cristina Huete of Spain’s Trueba Prod. (Chico & Rita) and Valeria Schermann of France’s Prima Linea (The Red Turtle) are co-producing, with Nano Arrieta and Fabien Westerhoff of Film Constellation as executive producers. The film will include music by João Gilberto, Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Vinicius de Moraes and Paulo Moura.
Director Trueba and illustrator Mariscal earned a Best Animated Feature Oscar nomination for their 2010 collaboration Chico & Rita — the first Spanish production to be nominated in the category. Sets in the 1940s and ‘50s, the romantic, musical picture centers on the romance between a young piano player with big dreams and a beautiful, talented singer. It won the Goya Award for Best Animated Feature.
Goldblum’s animation voice over credits include Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs, Triggerfish’s Adventures in Zambezia, The Prince of Egypt and TV’s Captain Planet and the Planeteers. He will be voicing Grandmaster in the debut episode of Marvel’s Disney+ toon What If…?, and will reprise his role as Ian Macolm in the third Jurassic World movie (both set for 2021).
Tenorio JR (Francisco Tenório Júnior) was born in Rio de Janeiro, and went missing while on tour in Buenos Aires in March of 1976 — at the very beginning of Argentina’s last military junta. Despite only publishing one solo album, “Tenorinho” is considered one of the best pianists of his generation.
Locksmith Animation is creating an animated feature for digital platforms based on a series of Christmas children’s books by writer/director Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Love Actually, Yesterday), under the title The Empty Stocking. Veteran producer Bonnie Arnold, (How to Train Your Dragon, Toy Story, Tarzan) will join Locksmith heads Sarah Smith and Julie Lockhart to oversee the project.
The company is partnering creatively on the feature with Curtis and his team, which includes illustrator Rebecca Cobb, executive Colin Hopkins and writer Peter Souter. Curtis and Souter will write the screenplay.
The three books in the series published by Puffin — The Empty Stocking, Snow Day and the forthcoming That Christmas – each tell a charming family story which takes place in the run up to Christmas, in a rural coastal town based on Curtis’s home. The stories will be interwoven to create what Locksmith describes as “Love Actually for kids.”
This will mark the first animated feature project for Curtis, the award-winning U.K. writer/director, whose hit films – including Yesterday, Love Actually, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill and About Time – have amassed a total box office of over $2.5 billion worldwide.
“It’s been such a pleasure writing these books – with Rebecca Cobb’s wonderful drawings – that I’m thrilled about the idea of turning them into a film,” said Curtis. “When I was young, Charlie Brown’s Christmas was my favorite Christmas thing – and I love the idea of making something that might be a joy at Christmas. I hope we can make it funny and touching and conjure up some of the magic that Christmas movies have always done for me and my family.”
“We are thrilled to be working with iconic British talent like Richard, of whom we are perennial fans, and delighted to be partnering on this utterly charming and unique material,” Smith said. “It is a perfect opportunity to expand Locksmith’s stories into new formats, and forge new relationships with digital platforms.”
Locksmith recently announced a distribution partnership for their theatrical features with Warner Bros. Pictures. Locksmith’s first feature, Ron’s Gone Wrong, is currently in production in London and will be released by Walt Disney Studios.
Toon2Tango GmbH & Co. KG., the new kids and family entertainment venture headed up by long-time television and movie industry experts Ulli Stoef and Jo Daris, has been named worldwide distributor for Monster Park (52 x 11’) — a highly original and very entertaining animated series for kids that offers a brand-new take on the concept of monster hunters.
Monster Park is an animated adventure-comedy about three kids who are being trained as monster hunters by their tough old grandfather, who has many years in the business. Cool, clever and tough young teen Edith, monster-phobic monster expert Ernest (he’s 10) and fearless (often reckless) five-year-old Bo are massive horror fans. They love dangerous paranormal creatures and want to protect them – and take selfies with them if possible! Grandpa Arthur, however, prefers to capture monsters and keep them in suspended animation in a prison in his basement, so he and the kids don’t always see eye-to-eye on monster welfare.
There’s fun, excitement and humor in this smart and funny show as well as action, character-driven comedy and a big heart. There are also bigger themes, like families, relationships, coping with our fears, being positive and the generation gap, but all delivered with wit, energy and stylish, skilled animation. And there are lots and lots of monsters: Power-sucking energy birds, huge mountain creatures, ghosts, werewolves, sorcerers and, of course, Dracula – along with a lot of very competitive monster hunters from all over the world.
The new show is co-produced by international content house Zentropa Belgium and full-service production company JA Film. Monster Park has already made a strong impression at Cartoon Forum, and is ready to scare up partnerships around the world with Toon2Tango.
“This is a wildly inventive story which takes on the popular themes of monsters and monster hunters but does so in a new and very appealing way with the help of some extraordinary characters, fantastically witty writing and stylish animation,” commented Daris. “We’re delighted to be on board with Monster Park, which we feel will have enormous appeal to kids everywhere.”
Toon2Tango recently announced a major strategic cooperation with leading European animation powerhouse Mondo TV Group. Its slate of in development and ready-for-sale titles includes the tween-focused Rebel Nature, Hey Fuzzy Yellow, Aliens vs Cavemen and Redd.
