ADV Films, on Aug. 29, 2006, released the seventh and final volume in its modern mecha romance epic GODANNAR: WAR BRIDE. In addition, previously in August, ADV release new DVD editions of SHADOW SKILL and GATCHAMAN.
Nicktoons Network, Nickelodeons 24-hour animation network, will be airing six new half-hour specials of EDGAR & ELLEN, the animated tales of mischievous twins that originated as short form programming on the network. The first of these specials, ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTES, coinciding with the back-to-school season, will premiere Saturday, Sept. 2, 2006, at 8:30 pm. Viewers may catch a sneak peek of the special by logging on to www.nicktoonsnetwork.com and www.edgarandellen.com.
On the heels of the first ASTRO BOY ULTRA COLLECTORS EDITION DVD SET 1, containing the first 52 episodes of Osamu Tezukas seminal anime TV series from 1963, comes ULTRA COLLECTORS EDITION DVD SET 2 on Aug. 29, 2006, with the final 52 episodes (Right Stuf, $129.99). For the first time ever on DVD, the legendary series can be experienced in a stunning new transfer.
BROTHER BEAR 2 is a DVD-only sequel to BROTHER BEAR that streets Aug. 29, 2006 (Walt Disney Home Ent., $29.99). The DisneyToon Studios 2D production picks up where the theatrical feature left off, with Kenai (Patrick Demsey) continuing his life as a bear with his adopted bear cub brother Koda (Jeremy Suarez). However, with spring in the air, Kenai is strangely haunted by the memory of childhood friend Nita (Mandy Moore). But Nita is part of an arranged marriage and they must figure out a way to continue their bond even though they now have little in common.
On Nov. 14, viewers will shout "Andale! Andale! Arriba! Arriba!" when Warner Home Video (WHV) releases LOONEY TUNES GOLDEN COLLECTION VOLUME FOUR ($64.92) and LOONEY TUNES SPOTLIGHT COLLECTION VOLUME FOUR ($26.99).
Wacom Technology Corp.s patented new Intuos3 4x6 pen tablet is designed for serious photographers, designers and artists seeking optimal pen control and comfort when working with a widescreen display. The Intuos3 4x6 joins Wacoms Intuos3 6x11 and 12x19 models to form a complete range of professional pen tablets that feature active areas matched to the screen aspect ratio of widescreens and dual monitors. This latest Intuos tablet provides 20% more active area than the model it replaces (Intuos3 4x5) and its available immediately at a suggested retail price of $229.95.
50th San Francisco International Film Festival San Francisco, California, USAApril 26May 10, 2007Deadline: Dec. 8, 2006
The San Francisco International Film Festival (SFIFF) is a celebration of international and independent film that has brought progressive and discerning Bay Area film audiences together with the best films and filmmakers in the world since 1957.
European Independent Film Festival 2007Paris, France March 16-18, 2007Deadline: Feb. 1, 2007
WOW! WOW! WUBBZY! launched across several media platforms, migrated to TV on Nick Jr. on Aug. 28, 2006. The 26-episode whimsical, animated preschool comedy starring three offbeat friends who use cooperation, creativity and humor to solve everyday kid problems, debuted with a roadblock on Nick Jr. and sister network NOGGIN on Monday with two back-to-back episodes from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. The series will air regularly on Nick Jr. weekdays at 11:30 am.
Hey, is your company going to Cartoon Forum?
Test your skills and challenge your brain with AWN's Animation Trivia Quiz.
This week in AWN's Forums, members are debating the pros and cons of steady work versus exciting projects. Others are chiming in one who they think is the greatest Looney Tunes director. More discussion continues on why drawing is so important. Theres a member who is wondering whether they are being taken advantage of with a recent salary offer as a Flash animator. Other member has questions about making maquettes. There are also a thread on Cintiq and tablet-based animation, outsourcing and experimental animation.
Kerner Optical Llc., the new production company based in San Rafael, California, has officially opened for business. The company recently completed a deal finalizing its purchase from Industrial Light & Magic.
Digital-Tutors announced the availability of NEXT-GENERATION GAME TECHNIQUES IN XSI, a comprehensive resource for game artists and the newest release in an expanding library of interactive video-based training for emerging digital artists. Artists can now learn innovative and popular techniques being use in next-generation games in an interactive and self-paced setting.
While SNAKES ON A PLANE faded fast, Buena Vistas real-life football drama, INVINCIBLE, debuted in the top spot at the box office with $17M for the weekend ended Aug. 27, 2006. Holding second place was Sonys TAKKADEGA NIGHTS: THE BALLAD OF RICKY BOBBY, which hauled in another $8.1M for a cume of $127.8M. Shooting up to third place was Fox Searchlights LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE with $7.3M and $22.8M. The fourth spot belonged to newcomer BEERFEST from Warner Bros., with $7M.
VIZ Media Llc. has closed deals with three of the largest terrestrial television companies in Latin America for two animated series from Japan NARUTO and ZATCH BELL! America TV (Peru) has acquired 52 episodes each of ZATCH BELL! and NARUTO ; TV Globo (Brazil) has acquired 52 episodes of ZATCH BELL! and Televideo Services picked up 52 episodes each of ZATCH BELL! and NARUTO for Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Paraguay and Honduras.
Universal Pictures has purchased Scott Nimerfros horror pitch AGONY, according to THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. Studio has tapped Scott Stuber and Mary Parent to produce the project via their Stuber/Parent company.
Nimerfro (DOMINION: PREQUEL TO THE EXORCIST) is now penning the screenplay, which will center on an urban legend on a college campus that turns out to be true.
The deal was in the low- to mid-six figures.
Cult genre magazine FANGORIA is launching a broadband television network, according to THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. FangoriaTV.com already is offering on-demand movie trailers, public domain and independent movies and other content. The broadband networks official launch will be announced Oct. 1, 2006, at Fangoria's conference.
Blue Star Pictures and Mandalay Pictures have optioned T.S. Faull's original screenplay LIVING DEAD GIRL, according to THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. Eric Tessier (2003s SUR LE SEUIL) is set to direct.
The story centers on a dead woman who rises from the grave as a zombie to track down her killer to stop him from killing again. She is aided by a handsome funeral director who has a case of necrophilia.
Rhiannon Meier is overseeing development for Blue Star. Jason Shuman and William Sherak will produce.
Veteran television distribution exec Ken Werner, who was in charge of network distribution for The WB for the past nine years and was an important member of the Warner Bros. team that formed The CW, has been named president, Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution (WBDTD). He will take the reins of one of the leading distributors of first-run and off-network programming in the domestic television marketplace.
Werner assumes the role previously held for 17 years by Dick Robertson, who has been named senior advisor to the Warner Bros. Television Group.
Disney is expecting thousands of fans to show up for its first-ever ToonFest, the sold-out fan fest dedicated to the family-friendly videogame, Disneys TOONTOWN ONLINE. The event takes place this Saturday, Aug. 26, 2006, at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. Themed activities throughout the day include contests, activity stations, carnival games, computer panel discussions with Disney Online game designers, play, a costume parade and an appearance by Kyle Massey from THAT'S SO RAVEN and the upcoming Disney Channel original series, CORY IN THE HOUSE.
Picture Bug Prods., based in Ballaugh on the Isle of Man, has just celebrated its first anniversary, reports IOMOnline.co.im. The firm is run by Adrian Bell and Anthony Rea from their base at Iceman's Cottage where it creates animation, digital videos and moving graphics for commercials.
They have already worked with Manx Telecom, Sleepwell Hotels, Isle of Man Post Office and several other Island businesses and charities. They put together the Manx Telecom electronic Christmas card last year and have designed a video promoting Sleepwell Hotels.
PBS KIDS Sprout, the first and only 24-hour preschool destination available on TV, on demand and online for kids ages 2-5 and their parents and caregivers, is celebrating its first birthday this September with a month-long birthday bash filled with surprises, three new programs and two world television premieres.
At the Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany, Microsoft Corp. unveiled several new products to enhance its gaming line the Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0, Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows and Habu mouse in alliance with Razer USA Ltd. Guided by consumer feedback, these new products address specific gamer demands and demonstrate Microsoft Hardware's increased focus on the PC gaming market.
China, which recently banned the telecast of foreign cartoons during primetime viewing, plans to produce 70,000 minutes of animation this year, state media reported. Already the country has produced 50,000 minutes, exceeding last year's total output of 47,200 minutes.
"The rapid development of China's cartoon industry is attracting more and more international attention," an official with the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT), Jin Delong said.
