CALL FOR ENTRIES: Animae Caribe Animation & Digital Media International Animation Festival June 1st 2021
Animation submissions and projects are now being accepted for Animae Caribe Animation & Digital Media International Animation Festival. The competition’s entry deadline is August 31st, 2021
‘Devil May Care’ Heads to Peacock
Even Hell needs a social media manager; produced by Psyop, the adult animated comedy, featuring a millennial whose Earthly job lands him the task of creating online ‘buzz’ for the devil, drops its entire first season June 7.
KEPYR’s ‘Kindred Spirits’ Campaign - UNICEF Aid for Displaced Kids Now Underway
The month-long online fundraiser runs through June 20 - World Refugee Day; campaign supports UNICEF’s work aiding displaced children around the world.
Fred Rogers Productions’ ‘Through the Woods’ Launches on PBS Kids
The series of 3-minute animated shorts inspires young viewers to explore and discover ecosystems in their own backyards; show airs beginning June 4 following episodes of ‘Donkey Hodie.’
‘When It’s Risky’ Immortalizes a Beloved Aunt and Educates About COVID-19
As a follow-up to ‘3 Teaspoons of Sugar,’ their animated short about diabetes, South Africa’s Cabblow Studios releases new film about staying safe during the pandemic, starring the filmmaker’s aunt, who lost her life in the second wave.
Netflix Drops F-Bomb Loving Trailer for ‘America: The Motion Picture’
Come June 30, the world will finally learn the ‘real’ story of the fight for American independence, complete with colonial AT-ATs, energy weapons, and plenty of salty language.
Get Geeked With New Netflix Teaser
Geeked Week, the streamers free virtual event, runs June 7-11 across the @NetflixGeeked social channels; catch exclusive news, trailers, art, and drop-ins from stars of popular shows including ‘Stranger Things,’ ‘Castlevania,’ and ‘The Old Guard.’
Fest Anča International Animation Festival Moves Online
Slovakia’s only animation festival targeted to mature audiences, running July 1-4, will feature online streaming of animated films via the Festhome.com streaming platform; film viewing will be available for one week after the program’s conclusion.
Imira Entertainment Launches ‘Zoonicorn’ CG Preschool Series
New show empowers kids using dreamtime adventures to teach important social-emotional and problem-solving skills; the brand includes interactive plush toys and music videos, available on YouTube and other streamers.
Studio Chizu Releases New Trailer for Mamoru Hosoda’s ‘Belle’
Animated musical fantasy from the Oscar-nominated ‘Mirai’ director boasts a talented Japanese and international crew that includes ‘Frozen’ and ‘Tangled’ concept artist Jin Kim as well as ‘Wolfwalkers’ co-directors Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart.
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.
