Podcast EP146: Show Creator Ali Kellner on How to Create a Winning Pitch Bible
The Toronto-based animator discusses her festival competition-winning pitch for ‘Melrose Middle School;’ the key to successful pitching; option agreements; and creating a compelling character for TV animation.
HBO Max Drops ‘Looney Tunes Cartoons Valentine’s Extwavaganza!’ Trailer
Crazy antics turn romantic when Porky pines over Petunia and Bugs has a secret admirer; the Looney Tunes’ characters continue their special type of mayhem in the all-new special debuting on February 3.
'DreamWorks Madagascar: A Little Wild’: A Milestone for Deaf Representation
See clips of Season 6 ‘sign over’ performances by deaf actress Shaylee Mansfield, using American Sign Language to communicate new character ‘Shaylee,’ expanding inclusivity and awareness of ASL.
‘The Legend of Vox Machina’: A Dream Project Made by Loyal Fans and Long-Time Friends
What began as a livestreamed web series about a group of friends playing ‘D&D,’ has become 24 episodes of an animated adult fantasy-adventure featuring an excitable band of misfits with a fondness for boozing, brawling, and just generally F**king S**t up, desperately trying to pay off their mounting bar tab; highly anticipated show hits Prime Video today, January 28.
Locksmith Animation Options ‘The Lunar Chronicles’
In first deal since ‘Ron’s Gone Wrong’ debut, studio nabs Marissa Meyer’s New York Times best-selling book series that reimagines classic fairy tale heroines.
Watch: Orchestra Performs South Park’s ‘Jackin’ It in San Diego’
In celebration of the Season 25 ‘South Park’ premiere on February 2, Comedy Central treats fans to a rendition of the musical number from the iconic Season 16 episode ‘Butterballs.’
A One-Eyed Weasel and a Couple of Possums Walk into a Dino Den…
Director John C. Donkin and Executive Producer Lori Forte talk ‘The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild,’ the latest zany installment in the literally ‘mammoth’ ‘Ice Age’ franchise, premiering Friday, January 28 on Disney+.
Comedy Central’s ‘Fairview’ Gets Trailer and Release Date
The eight-episode adult animation series is executive produced by Stephen Colbert, and skewers small-town Americana à la ‘South Park.’
‘Jujutsu Kaisen 0’ Gets New Teaser, North American Release Date
The prequel to the acclaimed anime series will explore the history of a high school for sorcerers, and the cursed energy of its strange students.
Woodblock Names Luiza Cruz-Flade and Crystal Campbell Executive Producers
Based in London and Berlin, respectively, new hires will bolster the studio’s growth in direct-to brand offerings, build the studio’s reputation in the UK and Europe, and develop and secure new projects.
‘Peppa Pig’ Owners Target ‘Wolfoo’ in New Lawsuit
eOne claims that Sconnect’s animated web series is in breach of trademarks related to Astley Baker Davies’ hugely successful preschool program.
Special Event: ‘Only a Child’ Virtual Screening and Q&A
Go behind-the-scenes of the Oscar shortlisted animated short with director Simone Giampaolo and producer Gabriella de Gara, moderated by ‘The Willoughbys’ director Kris Pearn, with special guest Severn Cullis-Suzuki, on Friday, January 28 at 11 am PST.
‘Josee, the Tiger and the Fish’: Embracing People with Disabilities in Anime
Kotaro Tamura’s brave, emotional animated love story features one of the first lead characters in a romance anime to use a wheelchair.
Activision Blizzard Declines to Recognize Game Workers Alliance Union
The company’s decision means that the newly formed GWA will now seek certification by way of union election.
Disney is Developing a Live-Action Adaptation of ‘The Aristocats’
Early reports indicate that the forthcoming feature will have a similar look to Disney’s 2019 revamp of ‘Lady and the Tramp.’
WarnerMedia OneFifty Acquires Baobab Studios’ ‘Namoo’ for HBO Max
Oscar-nominated director Erick Oh’s poignant animated short, about the beautiful and heartbreaking moments of a man’s life, to premiere on the streamer January 27.
Skydance Animation’s ‘Luck’ Gets Release Date and Additional Voice Cast
Eva Noblezada, Simon Pegg, and Lil Rel Howery join Whoopi Goldberg and Jane Fonda on the Peggy Holmes-helmed CG feature about Sam Greenfield, the unluckiest person in the world, who must unite with magical creatures to turn her luck around; an Apple Original Films and Skydance parnership, the film hits Apple TV+ August 5.
Re-VIEW: ‘Encanto’ - Seeking Beauty in Truth
Experiencing life as the underdog - an outsider - teaches us empathy and a greater understanding of ourselves, our loved ones, and the critical connections that bind us together.
‘Chefclub’ Cooks Up Kids’ Edutainment Series
Popular online cooking brand expands into the world of animation with ‘Chefclub Friends;’ currently in development, the show is set to be presented at Kidscreen and MIPTV.
Epic’s Virtual Production Week Showcases Unreal Engine’s Use Across the Industry
With highlights including production insights on Reel FX and Netflix’s ‘Super Giant Robot Brothers!’ series, event provides aspiring independents and industry vets alike with free online discussions all this week on the evolving influence of the real-time technology.
PBS KIDS ‘Work It Out Wombats!’ Coming in 2023
Produced by GBH KIDS and Pipeline Studios, the animated show about a trio of marsupial siblings will demonstrate computational skills for preschoolers, providing them with powerful tools for self-expression and problem solving.
DNEG Going Public
Leading VFX and animation company enters deal with publicly traded SPAC Sports Ventures; combined company, to be led by current CEO Namit Malhotra, will be listed on the Nasdaq.
‘The Spine of Night’: Redefining Fantasy and Animated Filmmaking
Philip Gelatt and Morgan Galen King resurrect an older, rotoscoped animation aesthetic, blending it with a blast of new creative storytelling and visual design energy in their epic, bloody, ‘swords and sorcerers’ tale about humanity’s battle between good and evil.
Crypto Investors Buy Jodorowsky’s Fabled ‘Dune’ Book, Plan Animated Series
Spice DAO reportedly purchased the book for 100 times its estimated value and will try to adapt its concept art into a series despite no ownership or rights to ‘Dune’ IP.
Crunchyroll, Fuji TV, and Slow Curve + Ultra Partnership Kicks off with New Anime Titles
Companies shared new programming details at last week’s +Ultra event in Tokyo; previously announced ‘Estab Life: Great Escape’ to debut in April 2022 with newly revealed title ‘Ooyukiumi No Kaina’ coming in January 2023.
