AT&T to Spin Off WarnerMedia in Merger with Discovery
The $43 billion deal calls for creation of a new company, Warner Bros. Discovery, that will aim to outflank Disney and Netflix in the streaming space.
ATKPLN Adds 3 Key Hires in Chicago Expansion
The studio, which kicked off the new year with a refreshed look and midwestern presence, adds Chicago-based creatives Daniel Pernikoff as associated creative director, Travis Saul as creative technical superviso,r and Scott Rachwalski as art director/CG supervisor.
Spire Animation Secures $20 Million from Epic Games and Connect Ventures
Investment will enable Unreal Engine integration into studio’s feature film animation pipeline to allow simultaneous build out of worlds and experiences for the metaverse; Danny McBride’s ‘Trouble’ set as first project to use new collaborative real-time technology.
Corus Entertainment Acquires Majority Stake in Aircraft Pictures
Deal with Oscar-nominated animation studio bolsters company’s expansion into the global kids and family entertainment market.
New Moonbug Series Coming to HBO Max’s Cartoonito and Cartoon Network
WarnerMedia acquires studio’s popular shows including ‘Blippi Wonders,’ ‘CoComelon,’ ‘Lellobee City Farm’ and Season 2 of ‘Mia’s Magic Playground.’
‘Only a Child’: Powerful Reflections on Three Decades of Environmental Inaction
Director Simone Giampaolo discusses how 12-year-old Severn Cullis-Suzuki’s 1992 UN Summit speech, almost 3 decades later, led to the creation of a compelling animated short film involving more than 20 artists employing a dozen techniques, which has been shortlisted for an Oscar.
Sony Acquires ‘Destiny’ Developer Bungie For $3.6 Billion
Studio to become independent subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment; acquisition signals big plans for future IP, though FAQ addressing the deal says new titles won’t be published as PlayStation exclusives.
Watch ‘South Park’ Season 25 Premiere Episode Clip
Comedy Central kicks off the new season with ‘Pajama Day’ at South Park Elementary, as Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny don't ‘respect the authority’ of PC Principal - and now they aren’t allowed to wear their PJs to school - what’s a kid to do! The all-new episode airs February 2 on Comedy Central.
THE 2022 HUMANITAS PRIZES ARE OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS
Have you written a script that embraces our common humanity? Do yourself and the world a favor! Enter it!
Apple TV+ Releases ‘Pretzel and the Puppies’ Official Trailer and Art
All-new CG animated series, based on the popular kids’ book by the creators of ‘Curious George,’ follows a modern-day dog family led by stay-at-home dad named Pretzel; show hits the streamer February 11.
Netflix Drops ‘Disenchantment’ Part 4 Trailer
Key art also revealed for the next chapter of the not so enchanting Matt Groening comedy fantasy; all 10-episodes hit the streamer February 9.
Studio Ghibli Theme Park Reveals Opening Date, New Details
The first of Ghibli Park’s five themed areas will open to the public this November; check out how the park is shaping up in these new photos.
FMX 2022 Shares Official Event Trailer
Conference confirms presentations on the VFX behind ‘Reminiscence,’ ‘The Witcher,’ ‘Lost in Space,’ and ‘Stowaway;’ Animation Production Days is now accepting projects for the ‘Producer Programme.’
‘Night Bus’ Wins Sundance Short Film Jury Animation Award
The macabre short from writer-director Joe Hsieh continues its festival circuit success since qualifying for this year’s Oscars and scoring an Annie nomination for best short subject.
Taylor James Bolsters Creative Team with Key New Hires
Following a year of rapid growth, the studio gears up for 2022’s continued success by adding award-winning creative director Luciano Tapia, and CG leads Bill Mata and Fola Akinola.
Superprod Group Names Charles Vaucelle Creative Director
‘Pat the Dog’ and ‘Dogmatix and the Indomitables’ director bolsters Superprod Animation’s growing creative team.
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.’
