"Animation on the radio; it's like photosynthesis on the moon."

One of the most widely anticipated theme park entertainment experiences ever created - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort - is set for a public grand opening on June 18.

When you see a never ending line of Otaku marching toward an exhibition gate, a press pass is priceless. But even after bypassing this dragon's tail, I was immediately submerged in a wave of anime fans as I waded into the exhibition hall.

Now with the crazy award season over, AWN offers readers a chance to catch up with all the adventures of the animation nominees. Watch interviews with the nominees and a who's who of the animation community as part of AWN's Oscar Showcase videoblog! New episodes will be posting weekly. Check them out on AWNtv.

"We're almost there." I don't remember which nominee said it, but it was very fitting, given that Walt Disney Animation Studios was the last stop yesterday on the L.A. leg. Of course, "Almost There," from The Princess and the Frog, summarizes the hopes and dreams of all the nominees. So, it was also very fitting that Princess and the Frog directors Ron Clements and John Musker were on hand to view the shorts and meet with the nominees.

NOLA.com is reporting that test shooting has begun on Warner Bros. Pictures' GREEN LANTERN. The Martin Campbell-directed project began shooting in Madisonville, La.

VARIETY is reporting that Toonz Animation India has opened a distribution arm, Toonz Ent. USA, in Los Angeles.

The annual Tribeca Film Festival in New York City will kick off its ninth year on April 21 with the premier of SHREK FOREVER AFTER, COMINGSOON.NET reports.

Who says there are no celebrities in Animation? We arrive at Pixar an hour early, the van is buzzing with excitement. We are about to meet some of the ROCK STARS of animation. To be granted a tour at Pixar is a privilege not extended to everyone!

Pixar is living through a new golden age. The string of hit films, the triumph of Up, the promise of the studio’s ambitious new projects, all fill the space with a glow. I’ve visited Pixar before, and each time I’m aware that someday I’ll be telling people not yet born that, yes, I visited Pixar.