AWN Headline News

Monster Distributes launched CAOZ�s edgy 3D animated film, ANNA AND THE MOODS at MIPCOM.

ANNA AND THE MOODS is written by Academy Award-nominated Icelandic writer Sj�n on a commission by the Brodsky Quartet. Julian Nott, composer of WALLACE AND GROMIT, sets Sj�n's story to music. The Brodsky Quartet has performed a musical version of the work on live tours in the UK, with Sj�n performing the story. Voices are by Bjork, Damon Albarn, Terry Jones, Sjon and Thorunn Laurusdottir.

Electronic Arts will ship SUPERMAN RETURNS: THE VIDEOGAME, licensed by Warner Bros. Interactive Ent., on Nov. 20, 2006. The game, which features storylines from both the Warner Bros. Pictures film SUPERMAN RETURNS and more than 60 years of DC Comics content, is being developed by EAs Tiburon Studio in Orlando, the award-winning studio that develops MADDEN NFL. SUPERMAN RETURNS: THE VIDEOGAME is an open-world superhero title for the Xbox 360, as well as current generation platforms.

Marvel Studios announced that Academy Award-nominee Terrence Howard (HUSTLE & FLOW) has joined the cast of IRON MAN. Howard will take on the role of Jim "Rhodey" Rhodes, Tony Stark aka Iron Man's best friend, in the project slated to launch into theaters May 2, 2008. Previously, Marvel announced that Robert Downey Jr. would be playing the title role and Jon Favreau would be directing.

ZDF Enterprises GmbH is bringing five properties to MIPCOM 2006, where they can be found at booths 21.02 and 23.01.

The live-action series, H2O JUST ADD WATER (2x90 or 52x26) is an adventure-drama about how to stay "normal" when you're a part-time mermaid. Three 16-year-old girls find themselves exploring the eerie, jungle covered island eventually ending up trapped in an ancient cave system under a volcano.

Taffy Ent. has signed a co-production deal with Korean broadcaster EBS and France 5, for its new preschool series LAMIMILA, produced by MoonScoop and Characterplan.

This 65x7 series is aimed at a preschool audience, which is set for a fall 2007 delivery.

Following the recent PRINCESS NATASHA brand licensing deals, KOL, the children's web service from AOL, has secured its first international television deal. As part of the three-year deal with ABC Australia, 40 original episodes of PRINCESS NATASHA will air in Australia and New Zealand. Potential licensing opportunities for PRINCESS NATASHA will be explored in Australia and New Zealand as well through the newly signed licensing agent Gaffney.

Exposure World Wide WebOct. 23, 2006 Dec. 17, 2006Deadline: Nov. 20, 3006

In an unprecedented campaign to turn the spotlight on the countrys best independent, makers of short films, SCI FI Channel, in conjunction with Sundance Channel, will be launching Exposure, an eight-week short film competition that will allow the online community of both websites to crown cinemas next master.

International Interactive Emmy Awards 2007Cannes, FranceApril 18, 2007Deadline: Dec. 11, 2006

The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences will be presenting International Interactive Emmy Awards and a Pioneer Prize, in partnership with Reed MIDEM, for the second year in a row. The International Interactive Emmy Awards at MIPTV 2007 will take place in Cannes, France.

The three International Interactive Emmy Award categories are:

Nickelodeon Preschool Television has announced that they have picked up a 14-episode season of the 2D-animated preschool series MAX & RUBY. In addition, a new MAX & RUBY Easter special will premiere on Nick Jr. and NOGGIN in Spring 2007 to kick off the new season.

Based on the classic childrens book series by author and illustrator Rosemary Wells, MAX & RUBY follows the adventures of two bunny siblings. The show, a co-production from Nelvana/Corus Ent. in association with Chorion Silver Lining, airs weekdays on NOGGIN at 10:30 am (ET).