AWN Headline News

The 2006 Cartoon d'Or has been awarded to Joanna Quinn of the U.K. for her short, DREAMS & DESIRES: FAMILY TIES. The hysterically funny 2D short with its reality show camera angle point-of-view is sweeping international animation contesta, racking up wins at Ottawa and Cartoon Forum this past weekend, as well as three awards at Annecy and two at Zabreb earlier this year.

Atom Ent. has opened the first NewsGames channel (www.addictinggames.com/newsgames.html) at the fast-growing online games destination, AddictingGames, and will develop dozens of new titles each year plus promote the best user-generated games that mock the most popular headlines and cultural topics of the day.

Jetix Europe announced today (Sept. 22, 2006) that Michael Lekes has resigned from his position as svp of programming for personal reasons. He leaves the company at the end of September after four years service. Jetix Europe actively seeking a replacement to take over the leadership of its content division as soon as possible.

The Kids WB! 2006-2007 programming slate kicks off on Sept. 23, 2006, on The CW Network, the new broadcast network launching this month. It features four new, original shows and the return of four established hit series on the Saturday morning schedule.

Carol Lee has been named vp, home entertainment, North America, Granada International, based at the companys U.S. headquarters in Sherman Oaks, California, and is responsible for delivering Granada Internationals substantial programming library across all digital platforms. She will be involved in securing new distribution deals, overseeing product release strategy and expanding sales opportunities.

BKN Home Ent. Ltd. announced today (Sept. 21, 2006) that its all-new CGI 3D animated movie, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, makes its U.S. theatrical debut on Nov. 4. Movie distributor Kidtoon Films will be screening the feature at some 100 U.S. theaters nationwide Nov. 4-26 during weekend matinees.

The Kidtoon Films program is a G-rated movie matinee event designed for kids and families with cartoon shorts, music videos and sing-alongs before the movie, complete with giveaways such as stickers, temporary tattoos, activity books or toys after the movie.

Cardiff-based Calon, will be launching its new new animated series for preschoolers, IG! at Cartoon Forum this week in France.

The 26x10 stop-motion animated comedy stars cave girl Ig. This junior terror has a curiosity and adventurous spirit that should appeal to every energetic pre-schooler. Her sidekicks are Doggy (Igs dinosaur pet), Monkey Boy, Triple Tog (her saber-tooth tiger duvet) and Birdie (the friendly pterodactyl), while Big Daddy, the titanic T.Rex, is the authoritative character whose roar is the final say.