AWN Headline News

Navarre Corp., a leading publisher and distributor of a broad range of home entertainment and multimedia software products, is in the process of acquiring 100% of the general and limited partnership interests in FUNimation Productions Ltd. and The FUNimation Store Ltd., a transaction anticipated to close before May 15, 2005.

Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) has promoted Christoph Pachler from exec director to vp, business development, in charge of strategic planning and new business initiatives for SPTI's three business lines: distribution, international networks and international production. His primary focus is on identifying new opportunities to expand SPTI's international networks portfolio, including the launches of new networks and acquisition of existing channels, as well as the acquisition of local production companies worldwide.

SHREK 2 was a triple favorite at the People's Choice Awards, picking up honors for best animated motion picture, top film comedy and best sequel during the telecast Jan. 9, 2004, on CBS, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

Donkey, voiced by Edie Murphy in SHREK 2, also won for favorite animated movie star while the Fairy Godmother, voiced by Jennifer Saunders, also in SHREK 2 was named best movie villain.

DreamWorks SHREK 2 was the only animated winner in THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS, which gauge fan appeal.

Scholastic Inc., the world's largest publisher of children's books and a leading publisher and distributor of children's software, has partnered with Exent Technologies Inc. as a content provider of downloadable games. Agreement offers parents and children online access to Scholastic's library of educational and entertainment software

Exent, a global leader in secure digital software delivery technologies, offers licensed, protected content to its turnkey service customers using the EXEtender technology platform.

The creators of two camera crane systems have been voted Oscars by the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which will be handed out along with special Academy commendations among the 15 achievements to be honored at the Academy's annual Scientific and Technical Awards dinner on Feb. 12, 2005, at the Ritz-Carlton Huntington Hotel in Pasadena.

Horst Burbulla will receive an Oscar for the creation and development of the Technocrane telescoping camera crane, which has redefined camera crane technology.

London company VooDooDog, have recently completed six animated segments for the third series of the cult animation series MONKEY DUST for the BBC and Talkback.

The third series of the award-winning series sees the return of favourite characters as well as new ones including Noodles, the lab rabbit who bounces back like Tom and Jerry from every unpleasant experiment. The Noodles character and segments were created and animated by animation director John Sunter and produced by David Z.Obadiah.