Target Entertainment Group has struck a deal with Chapman Entertainment to sell the international TV rights to the 52x10' pre-school comedy animation, Rah Rah! The Noisy Lion, excluding North America and the UK.

A script for an animated project from Seth Green, Matthew Senreich and Tom Robot has been ordered by Fox, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Gordon Ramsay has signed a prime time animation deal with Cuppa Coffee Studios, the recently Gemini-nominated Toronto-based animation house whose credits include Nick at Nite’s GLENN MARTIN DDS, a major new stop-motion comedy series developed by Michael Eisner and Eric Fogel, a second season of RICK & STEVE for MTV sister-channel LOGO, A MISER BROTHERS CHRISTMAS for Warner Bros and ABC Family, two new seasons of CELEBRITY DEATHMATCH for MTV and STARVEILLANCE for E! Networks.

Laika has laid off 63 employees in its CG department.

The International Animated Film Society, ASIFA-Hollywood, announces its 'Call for Entries' for this year's 37th Annual Annie Awards.

Yahoo has posted the first trailer to Wes Anderson's stop-motion feature FANTASTIC MR. FOX. Based on the Roald Dahl book, the story follows Mr. Fox as he tries to finally take down three nasty farmers after they come after his family. The voice cast includes George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Willem Dafoe, Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Jason Schwartzman, Brian Cox, Adrien Brody, Anjelica Huston, and Michael Gambon. The film arrives in theaters on Nov. 13, 2009.

View the trailer here.

Wes Anderson's stop-motion animated FANTASTIC MR. FOX will have its premiere at the 53rd Times BFI London Film Festival on Oct. 14, per VARIETY.

Anderson produced the film with Scott Rudin and Allison Abbate will likely attend along with voice talent George Clooney, Meryl Streep and Jason Schwartzman. Based on the Roald Dahl children's tale, the film was written by Anderson and Noah Baumbach. Voices also include Bill Murray, Michael Gambon, Willem Dafoe and Owen Wilson.

Adult Swim and ROBOT CHICKEN creators and executive producers Seth Green and Matt Senreich are celebrating the release of the ROBOT CHICKEN: STAR WARS EPISODE II DVD this summer by strapping on a pair of roller skates and living on a tour bus for two weeks just to bring ROBOT CHICKEN-style fun to the masses. Green and Senreich host the celebration throughout the nine-city roller rink tour across America, featuring performances by one of the hottest bands today, Decaydance/Fueled By Ramen recording group Gym Class Heroes, in addition to special ROBOT CHICKEN guests including the show's writers and producers, celebrity guest stars, ROBOT CHICKEN-themed activities and games and exclusive Adult Swim merchandise. Adult Swim's ROBOT CHICKEN: STAR WARS EPISODE II Roller Skating Tour kicks off in Los Angeles August 1. A preview party, which is also open to the public, will take place on July 25 in San Diego with a guest DJ. "Our show is so much fun, we want to invite everyone to have fun with us," says Seth Green. "Grab your friends, your couple's skate partner and some kneepads. We're coming to your town! Or at least to a major market somewhat close to your town." "When Seth first pitched the idea of throwing roller skating parties around the country, I rolled my eyes and laughed at him," says Matthew Senreich. "I said, 'That's crazy talk.' Now that we're actually going to do it, I'm in awe of its absurdity and can't wait to attend. It fits with the randomness of our ROBOT CHICKEN show. Why not throw roller skating parties across the U.S.?" Adult Swim's ROBOT CHICKEN: STAR WARS EPISODE II Roller Skating Tour schedule: * July 25, San Diego, Calif.: Skate San Diego-Preview party minus the band but with a guest DJ and extra Comic-Con awesomeness * August 1, Los Angeles, Calif.: Venue TBA * August 2, Las Vegas, Nev.: Rancho Crystal Palace Skating Center * August 4, Denver, Colo.: Skate City Westminster * August 6, Kansas City, Mo.: River Roll Skate Center * August 8, Indianapolis, Ind.: Skateland * August 10, Richmond, Va.: Roller Dome Skating * August 12, Philadelphia, Pa.: Jamz Roller Skating Center * August 14, New York: Venue TBA *Dates and times are subject to change. At each event, all ages are welcome, admission is free and doors open at 8 p.m. Patrons with an early entry-voucher will be admitted one hour earlier. Early-entry vouchers can be found in the new ROBOT CHICKEN: STAR WARS EPISODE II DVD, which will arrive at retail on July 21. More information about the tour can be found at AdultSwimPresents.com. Building on its tremendous broadcast success, the highly anticipated DVD release of ROBOT CHICKEN: STAR WARS EPISODE II features 15 minutes of never-before-seen footage. The sequel once again combines the satirical sensibilities of Seth Green and Matthew Senreich's Stoopid Monkey Productions Emmy Award-winning ROBOT CHICKEN with the unforgettable moments and favorite characters of the STAR WARS universe. Winner of three Annie Awards, including Best Animated Television Production, the ROBOT CHICKEN: STAR WARS EPISODE II DVD includes both the original broadcast version and extended version of the special, along with more than 90 minutes of bonus features. In addition to the roller rink tour and new DVD, the final nine brand-new episodes of ROBOT CHICKEN's fourth season will premiere on Adult Swim beginning July 26 at 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). Created by actor/producer Seth Green and Matthew Senreich, ROBOT CHICKEN uses stop-motion animation to bring pop-culture parodies to life in a modern take on the variety/sketch show format. The series is created in conjunction with ShadowMachine Films' Alex Bulkley and Corey Campodonico.

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 Bent Image Lab

The Portland, Oregon-based production company and creative laboratory Bent Image Lab is further expanding its roster with the recent signing of veteran animator and director Ken Lidster. Known for brilliant, award-winning commercials, such as those for Brisk iced tea that feature the voices and animated likeness of such stars as Bruce Willis and Danny DeVito, Lidster has directed noteworthy spots for Energizer, Chips Ahoy!, Kellogg's, Oscar Mayer, Quaker Oats, and Target.