SIGGRAPH 2021 Reveals Technical and Art Papers Selections
The extensive line-up includes 191 research projects from 22 countries, covering numerous subfields of computer graphics and interactive techniques; live conference events run August 9-13, with on-demand available August 2 – October 29.
Winsor McCay Award Winner Marcell Jankovics Dies at 79
The famed Hungarian animation director and historian, who won a Palme d'Or and garnered an Oscar nomination in addition to his ASIFA-Hollywood honor, passed away May 29.
Netflix Drops Trailer and Images for ‘We the People’ Music Video Series
Created by Chris Nee and executive produced by Barack and Michelle Obama, animated shorts cover basic U.S. civics in an anything-but-basic way; Peter Ramsey, Trisha Gum, Jorge Gutierrez, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Daveed Digs and Amanda Gorman are just some of the artists participating.
Universal Drops New ‘The Boss Baby: Family Business’ Trailer
Kids will be kids, unless they’re CEOs; DreamWorks Animation’s sequel to their 2017 blockbuster comedy premieres on Peacock and in U.S. theaters, as well as select international markets, on July 2.
Podcast EP116: Stop-Motion Animator Max Winston on Running an Independent Studio
Famed for ‘I Live in the Woods,’ the artist shares the journey that led to launching his own company, RatBat Studios.
Annecy 2021 Announces Juries and More Special Programs
Festival reveals new judges, along with more must see/do special activities, programs, previews, and professional conference sessions; activities run June 14-19 online and in-person.
Creative Career Coach: Spring Clean Your Portfolio and Reel
Tailor your portfolio and reel to the position you hope to win, making sure to include memorable pieces that reflect your mastery and strength.
Acclaimed LAIKA Films Coming in HD on Blu-ray this Fall
Combo pack of ‘Coraline’ and ‘The Boxtrolls’ drops August 31, with ‘ParaNorman’ and ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’ following September 20; bonus features include interviews, behind the scenes looks, feature-length storyboards, and featurettes.
40 Animated Shorts to Compete at Palm Springs International ShortFest
295 films across animation, live-action, and documentary were selected from over 5,500 entries; in-theatre screenings of 49 curated programs run June 22-28.
Cartoon Network Debuts ‘Drawn to Expression’
Celebrating Pride Month, new episode recognizes kidsand families in the LGBTQIA+ community and how they express themselves and their individuality through various creative outlets.
Aardman Greenlights ‘The Very Small Creatures’
The preschool series, commissioned by Sky Kids, features five small clay toddler-like creatures who learn about friendship, empathy, and the world; show launches this November on Sky Kids and NOW.
‘Spirit Untamed’ Recaptures the ‘Spirit’ of the Cimarron
Opening in theaters June 4, director Elaine Bogan and DreamWorks Animation’s next entry in the film and TV franchise uses CG to beautifully capture both the majestic splendor of the American frontier and the emotional bond between a headstrong girl and a wild stallion.
‘A Costume for Nicholas,’ ‘Homeless Home,’ and ‘Petit’ Lead 4th Quirino Awards
Works from Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Spain, Mexico, and Portugal are honored across nine categories at May 29 in-person gala event and closing ceremony recognizing achievements in Ibero-American animation.
Pixotope Adds to Global Staff
Mixed reality software company taps industry veterans Juan Rubio, Brad Rochon, and David Dowling as new project specialist, VP of sales and marketing, and chief revenue officer, respectively.
Podcast EP115: ‘We Bare Bears’ Mikey Heller On Becoming a Writer at Cartoon Network
Head writer shares his path from webcomics to hit CN show, with behind-the-scenes writers’ room insights.
Expanded GLAS Animation Grants Program Open for Applications
New sponsorships have enabled larger awards for 2021; applications being accepted from U.S.-based individual filmmakers/artists through August 1.
‘Cartoon Network Climate Champions’ Initiative Launches Across EMEA
New 18 language campaign looks to educate kids about climate change, empowering them to join a community of young people to take on small changes that can ‘Make a World of Difference.’
‘Dabangg – The Animated Series’ Heads to Cartoon Network India
WarnerMedia and Cosmos-Maya collaborate on Bollywood-inspired animated series launching on Cartoon Network India May 31; previous joint projects include ‘Titoo – Har Jawaab Ka Sawaal Hu’ and ‘Lambu-G Tingu-G.’
More ‘Masha and the Bear’ Coming to Mexico
Mexican TV network Televisa has picked up Season 5 of the popular kids’ series as well as Animaccord’s new educational musical project ‘Nursery Rhymes,’ starring the popular Masha character; the new animated shows will launch in August 2021.
Play and Watch this Summer with PBS KIDS Weekend Family Night Slate
Kid-centric network offers fun activities and resources for the hot summer months; special weekend programming kick off June 4, followed by fan favorite specials ‘Molly of Denali: Molly and the Great One’ on June 7 and ‘Wild Kratts: Cats and Dogs’ on July 12.
Teen Animators Get an Online Club with YAY UK
AccessVFX and ScreenSkills launch Young Animator of the Year club and award program for aspiring young animators ages 13-18; teens will complete hands-on challenges set by UK animation studios with chance to compete for prizes.
Jon Ollwerther Named Kartoon Channel! President
Appointment comes in recognition of exec's contribution to growth and success of Genius Brands’ popular kids streaming platform; recent launch of ‘Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten’ has elevated viewership to new levels.
Exclusive Clip: ‘Duncanville - Who’s Vroomin’ Who?’
Airing May 31 on Fox in the show’s Monday time period debut, Duncan starts racing stock cars to escape his mom, but they make a great racing team; Jing demands a room renovation to secretly spend more time with Kimberly, while Jack struggles with the project.
Nickelodeon Drops Teaser Trailer for ‘The Patrick Star Show’
Bill Fagerbakke reprises his role in new 2D animated family sitcom starring the famed starfish in his younger days, living at home, his wild whims and surreal imagination constantly disrupting his family; new series debuts this July on Nick.
Suspects Outnumber Victims: New Images from ‘Batman: The Long Halloween, Part One’
Who is the Holiday Killer? It’s up to Batman, Captain Gordon, and DA Harvey Dent to decipher the clues in the upcoming DC Universe movie, coming to Blu-ray and Digital June 22.
