ANIMATIONWorld Magazine

Experiencing life as the underdog - an outsider - teaches us empathy and a greater understanding of ourselves, our loved ones, and the critical connections that bind us together.

Philip Gelatt and Morgan Galen King resurrect an older, rotoscoped animation aesthetic, blending it with a blast of new creative storytelling and visual design energy in...

Expatriate Iranian director Reza Riahi and producer Eleanor Coleman discuss their expertly crafted, dialogueless stop-motion short film about a musician, blinded by Genghis...

Home Sweet Home! ANIMATIONWorld

The Surreal, Stop-Motion World of ‘The House,’ Part 1

In the first of three linked articles, directors Marc James Roels and Emma de Swaef talk about the inspiration and creation of their woolly story in Nexus Studios’ animated anthology, now streaming on Netflix.

In 2D, 3D, CG, Digital Media, People, Short Films, Stop-Motion, Television, Voice Acting | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

Home Sweet Home! ANIMATIONWorld

The Surreal, Stop-Motion World of ‘The House,’ Part 2

In the second of three linked articles, director Niki Lindroth von Bahr talks about her affinity for rodents and experience creating her chapter of Nexus Studios’ animated anthology, now streaming on Netflix.

In 2D, 3D, CG, Digital Media, People, Short Films, Stop-Motion, Television, Voice Acting | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

Home Sweet Home! ANIMATIONWorld

The Surreal, Stop-Motion World of ‘The House,’ Part 3

In the third and final linked article, director Paloma Baeza discusses how her acting career and being a cat lover helped in creating her apocalyptic story for Nexus Studios’ animated anthology, now streaming on Netflix.

In 2D, 3D, CG, Digital Media, People, Short Films, Stop-Motion, Television, Voice Acting | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

Animated Documentary Shorts ANIMATIONWorld

Animation’s Vital Role in Documentary Short Films

Last month’s special Academy Museum screening and discussion, ‘Animating Realities: Documentary Social Impact Shorts,’ shared six films that show the emotional impact animation can bring to real-life stories.

In 2D, CG, Digital Media, Diversity and Inclusion, Event, People, Places, Short Films | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

Sing a Bit of Harmony ANIMATIONWorld

‘Sing a Bit of Harmony’: The Rise of Music in Anime

In Yasuhiro Yoshiura, FUNimation, and J.C. Staff’s animated feature, an A.I. dropped into a high school to test her ability to fit in uses song to share feelings, resolve conflict, and bring happiness to those around her; film, hitting U.S. theaters January 23, treads new ground where what is sung is as important as what is said.

In 2D, Anime, CG, Films, Music and Sound, People, Voice Acting | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: North America

Becoming Your Truest Version ANIMATIONWorld

Mamoru Hosoda’s ‘Belle’: Learning to Become Your Truest Self

The Oscar-nominated ‘Mirai’ director discusses his new film, about a shy young high school girl who comes of age as she takes a fantastical journey through the virtual world of ‘U,’ releasing today in North American theaters.

In 2D, Anime, Art, CG, Films, People | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

Holy Dancing Irish Elk! ANIMATIONWorld

‘Riverdance: The Animated Adventure’ Reimagines an Iconic Musical

Director Eammon Butler and director/co-writer Dave Rosenbaum talk about authenticity, animating dance, and the challenge of transforming a world-renowned non-narrative stage show into a CG animated feature, now streaming on Netflix.

In 3D, CG, Digital Media, Films, Music and Sound, People, Voice Acting | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

Dept. of Had to Be Done ANIMATIONWorld

The Absurd, Surreal, Metaphysical Creation of a No-Budget Animated Feature

Over 15 years, more than 200 volunteers, and several brave firemen, assisted in the production of Oliver Simonsen’s CG animated film, ‘The Absurd, Surreal, Metaphysical and Fractured Destiny of Cerebus the Aardvark,’ based on Dave Sim’s celebrated comic series.

In 3D, Books, CG, Digital Media, Films, People, Technology | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

Their Appeal is Timeless ANIMATIONWorld

‘Hilda and the Mountain King’: Why We Love Our Trolls

Director Andy Coyle and executive producer Kurt Mueller talk about their new 2D animated movie special, now streaming on Netflix, that picks up where the Season 2 cliff-hanger finale of the Annie, BAFTA, and Daytime Emmy Award-winning series ‘Hilda’ left off.

In 2D, Books, CG, Digital Media, Films, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

Smile! ANIMATIONWorld

‘Smiling Friends’ Provides Big Laughs in a Small, Suspicious-Looking Package

Creators Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel guarantee that their new animated comedy series, premiering January 9 on Adult Swim, will make you feel better… unless, you know, it doesn’t.

In 2D, CG, Digital Media, People, Short Films, Television, Voice Acting | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

You Think You Know Kaiju ANIMATIONWorld

‘Dawn of the Monsters’: A Smash ‘Em Up Game Honoring the Origins of Kaiju

13AM’s new 2.5D animated brawler, set to release early this year, is a story-driven, co-operative monster mashup that lets players collaborate to destroy an alien horde and save the planet.

In 2D, 3D, Art, Books, CG, Digital Media, Games, People | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

indie animation ANIMATIONWorld

‘My Sunny Maad’ Explores Life and Love in Afghanistan

Award-winning Czech director Michaela Pavlátová discusses her first animated feature, about a Czech woman who marries an Afghan man with no idea what her life will be in post-Taliban Afghanistan, which won the Jury Award at Annecy and has been nominated for a Golden Globe.

In 2D, CG, Films, People, Short Films | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All, Europe

Business Headline News

Activision Blizzard Declines to Recognize Game Workers Alliance Union

The company’s decision means that the newly formed GWA will now seek certification by way of union election.

In Business, CG, Digital Media, Games, Jobs & Recruiting | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

It’s the IP Baby! Headline News

Disney is Developing a Live-Action Adaptation of ‘The Aristocats’

Early reports indicate that the forthcoming feature will have a similar look to Disney’s 2019 revamp of ‘Lady and the Tramp.’

In 2D, Business, Films, People | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Business Headline News

WarnerMedia OneFifty Acquires Baobab Studios’ ‘Namoo’ for HBO Max

Oscar-nominated director Erick Oh’s poignant animated short, about the beautiful and heartbreaking moments of a man’s life, to premiere on the streamer January 27.

In 2D, Business, CG, Digital Media, People, Short Films | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Special Events: Academy Awards | Geographic Region: All

People Headline News

Skydance Animation’s ‘Luck’ Gets Release Date and Additional Voice Cast

Eva Noblezada, Simon Pegg, and Lil Rel Howery join Whoopi Goldberg and Jane Fonda on the Peggy Holmes-helmed CG feature about Sam Greenfield, the unluckiest person in the world, who must unite with magical creatures to turn her luck around; an Apple Original Films and Skydance parnership, the film hits Apple TV+ August 5.

In 3D, CG, Digital Media, Films, People, Voice Acting | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

What’s Cooking? Headline News

‘Chefclub’ Cooks Up Kids’ Edutainment Series

Popular online cooking brand expands into the world of animation with ‘Chefclub Friends;’ currently in development, the show is set to be presented at Kidscreen and MIPTV.

In 2D, Business, CG, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Special Events: Kidscreen, MIP-TV | Geographic Region: Europe

Storytelling with Unreal Headline News

Epic’s Virtual Production Week Showcases Unreal Engine’s Use Across the Industry

With highlights including production insights on Reel FX and Netflix’s ‘Super Giant Robot Brothers!’ series, event provides aspiring independents and industry vets alike with free online discussions all this week on the evolving influence of the real-time technology.

Animated TV Series Headline News

PBS KIDS ‘Work It Out Wombats!’ Coming in 2023

Produced by GBH KIDS and Pipeline Studios, the animated show about a trio of marsupial siblings will demonstrate computational skills for preschoolers, providing them with powerful tools for self-expression and problem solving.

In 2D, CG, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Business Headline News

DNEG Going Public

Leading VFX and animation company enters deal with publicly traded SPAC Sports Ventures; combined company, to be led by current CEO Namit Malhotra, will be listed on the Nasdaq.

In 3D, Business, CG, Digital Media, Films, People, Technology, Television, Visual Effects | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News, VFXWorld | Geographic Region: All

Crypto Investors Buy Jodorowsky’s Fabled ‘Dune’ Book, Plan Animated Series

Spice DAO reportedly purchased the book for 100 times its estimated value and will try to adapt its concept art into a series despite no ownership or rights to ‘Dune’ IP.

In Art, Books, Business, Digital Media, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News, VFXWorld | Geographic Region: All

Business Headline News

Crunchyroll, Fuji TV, and Slow Curve + Ultra Partnership Kicks off with New Anime Titles

Companies shared new programming details at last week’s +Ultra event in Tokyo; previously announced ‘Estab Life: Great Escape’ to debut in April 2022 with newly revealed title ‘Ooyukiumi No Kaina’ coming in January 2023.

In 2D, Anime, Business, CG, Digital Media, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Stop-Motion Animation Headline News

Netflix Unveils First Teaser for Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Pinocchio’

First look at new footage from the Oscar-winning director’s stop-motion musical introduces us to the humble abode of Sebastian J. Cricket; film set to hit Netflix this December.

In 2D, 3D, Books, CG, Digital Media, Films, People, Stop-Motion, Voice Acting | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Business Headline News

‘Big City Greens’ Musical Announced as Disney Renews Series for Season 4

Key members of the animated comedy’s creative team, including Chris and Shane Houghton, have been confirmed as part of the new movie project, which is now in development.

In 2D, Business, CG, Digital Media, Films, Music and Sound, People, Television, Voice Acting | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Into the Kidaverse Headline News

Genius Brands’ Kartoon Channel! Kidaverse Launches in April

Subscription-based commercial-free kids’ destination to be built on recently acquired Ameba TVs technology platform; enhanced content to include Kartoon Channel! favorites along with custom avatars and emojis, games, branded Kidaverse VR goggles, immersive content and NFTs for kids.