With a 20% larger exhibition space, 16% more visitors (2,300 accredited delegates and 450 registered companies compared to 350 in 2009) and over 200 buyers, the 2010 edition of the International Animation Film Market is showing some very positive figures, which confirm those of the sector in general despite the still difficult economic situation.

The Annecy International Animation Festival kicks off next week, celebrating its 50th anniversary.

The 50th Annecy Int'l Animation Festival will show the first images from Luc Besson's pet project THE MECHANICS OF THE HEART, reports VARIETY.

WATCHMEN and CORALINE make their DVD/Blu-ray bows, along with the "complete experience" Blu-ray of 300 and the DVD/Blu-ray debut of season two ABC's whimsical series PUSHING DAISIES.

300: The Complete Experience on Blu-ray

Experience 300 in a whole new way when the cutting-edge, heart-pounding visual masterpiece from filmmaker Zack Snyder (WATCHMEN) marches onto home screens as 300: The Complete Experience in Blu-ray July 21, to coincide with Snyder's WATCHMEN and WATCHMEN Director's Cut DVD and Blu-ray debut. All are from Warner Home Video.

Press Release from Autodesk

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., July 6 -- Filmmaker Chris Landreth's latest animated short film, "The Spine", was shaped with Autodesk, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:ADSK) Autodesk Maya 3D modeling, animation and rendering software. Having used Maya to shape his 2004 Oscar-winning short "Ryan", Landreth once again chose Maya to express his creative vision.

U.S. Premiere of The Secret of Kells
New York, New York, USA
July 18-19, 2009

NYICFF is honored to present the US Premiere of THE SECRET OF KELLS, the highly anticipated new animated masterpiece from the producers of KIRIKOU AND THE SORCERESS and TRIPLETS OF BELLEVILLE. Hailed by international critics as one of the most beautiful films of the year and winner of the audience award at the prestigious Annecy Animation Festival. The film blends fantasy and mythology, folding traditionally Celtic influences into a riot of color and detail that dazzle the eyes.

Press Release from TV-Loonland

Munich/London, 18 June 2009 -- The brand new PAT&STAN series (39 x 7-minute) was awarded the Jury's Special Prize for Best TV Series at the Annecy Animation Festival 2009 last week. This hilarious show is produced by highly-acclaimed French production house, MacGuff and is now fully delivered and lined-up for launch on TV-screens in more than 170 territories worldwide this coming Autumn.

Press Release from Aardman Rights

Bristol, 17 June 2009. Leading independent distributor Aardman Rights is delighted to announce the hugely successful debut of its preschool property TIMMY TIME on CBeebies.

Press Release from UKTI

A delegation of top UK animation companies looking to expand internationally will showcase their work at the world's biggest animation industry event this week, as part of a government initiative to encourage exports.

The delegation includes Bournemouth University, whose students have already worked on feature films like SHREK and LORD OF THE RINGS, alongside the likes of the Bafta award winning Pesky Productions.

CORALINE and MARY AND MAX were the dual winners of the Annecy Cristal award for best feature, announced at the conclusion of the festival on Saturday.

French co-production BRENDAN AND THE SECRET OF KELLS came away with the audience prize.

The rest of the awards are as follows:

Short Films

The Annecy Cristal
SLAVAR

Special Distinction
PLEASE SAY SOMETHING

Junior Jury Award for a Short Film
L'HOMME A LA GORDINI

Audience Award
WESTERN SPAGHETTI