Special Event: MIP-TV

Continuing our special event specific Flash Newsletters, we will be publishing special editions for both NATPE and MIP-TV. The NATPE market is fast approaching and our editorial and advertising staff are gearing up for the NATPE-specific Flash Newsletter series. Here are the dates for the publications.

NATPE Flash NewslettersJanuary 12January 19

MIP-TV Flash NewslettersMarch 23March 30April 6

Adina Pitt has been promoted from director to vp of Acquisitions for Nickelodeon and Nicktoons, Nickelodeon's digital channel for the next generation of animation. Pitt will handle pre-buys and acquisitions for both networks, reporting to Pete Danielsen, svp of programming, Nickelodeon; and Keith Dawkins, vp/gm, Nicktoons.

As a result of the wonderful response to our new MIPCOM, MIP-TV and NATPE-specific Flash Newsletters, we will be publishing a special edition for E3, which is fast approaching and our editorial and advertising staff is gearing up for the new Flash Newsletter series. Here are the dates for the publications.

E3 Flash Newsletter May 6May 27 (Follow-Up issue)

If you didnt receive your copies of AWNs Special MIPCOM 2003, NATPE 2004 or MIP-TV 2004 Animation Flash Newsletters, here are the links to all four issues:

Since EM.TV head Werner Klatten sold his 24.8% stake in the troubled company to European investment firm Constant Ventures II, EM.TV has made several big acquisition and distribution announcements. These deals along with the announcement of a waiver agreement with 94.22% of the company's former bondholders is seen as a positive sign of the stabilization of the embattled production and licensing firm.

With the acquisition of the company by former Nelvana execs Michael Hirsh and Toper Taylor complete, Cinar's name has been officially changed to Cookie Jar Ent. The once publicly traded company will now be a private entity. The principals include Hirsh and Taylor along with Steve and Patty Carson, TD Capital Canadian Private Equity Partners and Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS). The overall Cookie Jar Group also includes leading education companies Carson-Dellosa and HighReach Learning.

This week in the Theatrical Release Database, new release dates top the list of changes. STEPFORD WIVES now has a firm date in the summer. FAT ALBERT, GARFIELD and SPIDER-MAN 2 will all be in theaters a little bit sooner than previously announced. And PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 2 and SPIDER-MAN now have target release dates. The sequel to ANACONDA being released in August has yet another title change. We have more details on the plot of ZATHURA (i.e. JUMANJI 2) and a new distribution firm for Jet Li's DANNY THE DOG.

This week in AWN's Forums, discussion has already begun about the Friday debut of the second part of CLONE WARS on Cartoon Network. A senior member wants to know some reasonably cheap 3D schools that teach 3ds Max and/or Maya. Another thread focuses on the outsourcing of animation jobs. A junior member wants members' opinions on some good 2D and 3D books to get. One of our members wants to know if others use maquettes for reference. Not even our animation forum can avoid the debating Mel Gibson's THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST.

Sesame Workshop arrives at MIP-TV with previous hits like DRAGON TALES and SAGWA, THE CHINESE SIAMESE CAT as well as a newly greenlit second season of PLAY WITH ME SESAME.

Netherlands-based AVRO will be bringing Lloyd Entertainment's first TV production, DIP & DAP at MIP-TV. The series began airing in The Netherlands and Belgium in fall 2003. New series of episodes are already in production. The show follows baby giraffes, male Dip and female Dap, as they meet their new surroundings. The characters and animation are based on illustrations by Jet Middag. The first series of 10x5 episodes was geared for children from 2 and up.