Pinkfong & Nick Make Fishtory in ‘Baby Shark’s Big Movie’ (Trailer)

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November 14, 2023

Pinkfong & Nick Make Fishtory in ‘Baby Shark’s Big Movie’ (Trailer)

Nickelodeon, Paramount+ and The Pinkfong Company today released the official trailer and key art for Baby Shark’s Big Movie, the first-ever feature-length original animated movie based on the global hit preschool property. The fin-tastic musical adventure will debut Friday, December 8, at 12 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon, streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S. and Canada the same day and the following day in the U.K. and Australia as part of the platform’s Holiday Collectino.

The animated family film will debut in additional Paramount+ international markets, where the service is available, in 2024. In Korea, Southeast Asia and China, Baby Shark’s Big Movie is distributed by The Pinkfong Company.

Co-produced by Nickelodeon Animation and The Pinkfong Company and directed by Daytime Creative Arts Emmy winner Alan Foreman (The Casagrandes, Welcome to the Wayne), the movie follows Baby Shark and his family as they move to Chomp City — the big underwater metropolis of sharks.

Synopsis: Baby Shark is forced to leave behind the world he loves after his family’s move to the big city and must adjust to his new life without his best friend William. When Baby Shark encounters an evil pop starfish named Stariana, who plans to steal his gift of song in order to dominate all underwater music, he must break her spell to restore harmony to the seas.

Fans will be able to sing and dance along to original songs from the movie, including the previously released “It’s Stariana!” and “Keep Swimmin’ Through” singles, with the release of the film’s official soundtrack on December 8. Released through a partnership with Sony Music Entertainment UK’s Relentless Records, the Baby Shark’s Big Movie soundtrack album will be available globally on all music streaming platforms, including Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, YouTube Music and more. Music for the film was composed by Jon Chau. Songs were written and produced by Matthew Tishler, Andrew Underberg, Chen Neeman, Doug Rockwell, Tova Litvin and Pinkfong.

The track list is as follows:

Baby Shark (Movie Version)
It’s Stariana!
Peak Fin-ship
Keep Swimmin’ Through
Dive On In
It’s Stariana! (Sea Me Now)
Peak Fin-ship Reprise
Oceans Apart
It’s My Ocean x Baby Shark (Finale) Mashup
Nothin’s Gonna Beat Our Fin-ship
Keep Swimmin’ Through x Baby Shark (Dance Remix)
It’s My Ocean
Baby Shark (Finale)

The project has hooked a number of special guest voice actors, including actress, singer and producer Ashley Tisdale (Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe, High School Musical) as Stariana, a sharp-witted and manipulative, rising pop starfish who wants to take center stage with a splash hit; Aparna Nancherla (Mira, Royal Detective) as Gillie, a charmingly chaotic, bumbling boxfish and Stariana’s assistant; Ego Nwodim (Saturday Night Live) as Leah, a lantern shark and Mommy Shark’s best friend from college; Chloe Fineman (Saturday Night Live, Father of the Bride) as Lannie, Leah’s hyper, lovable daughter; ENHYPEN as an underwater powerhouse K-pop band of belugas; and Lance Bass as TV announcer Lance Bass.

This lineup joins series regulars from Baby Shark’s Big Show! — Kimiko Glenn (Orange Is the New Black) as Baby Shark; Luke Youngblood (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone) as William; Natasha Rothwell (Insecure) as Mommy Shark; Eric Edelstein (We Bare Bears) as Daddy Shark; Debra Wilson (MADtv) as Grandma Shark; and Patrick Warburton (Seinfeld) as Grandpa Shark. The film also features returning guest star, Grammy-winning, multi-platinum superstar Cardi B as rap icon Sharki B and her family: Offset as Offshark; Kulture as Kulture Sharki; and newcomer Wave as Wavey Shark.

Baby Shark’s Big Movie is executive produced by Gary “Doodles” DiRaffaele (Breadwinners), Tommy Sica (Breadwinners) and Whitney Ralls (My Little Pony: Equestria Girls), along with Minseok Kim, Ryan Lee and Bin Jeong for The Pinkfong Company. Ralls also serves as writer for the movie. Baby Shark’s Big Show! is executive produced by DiRaffaele, Sica and Ralls. Both Babay Shark’s Big Movie and Baby Shark’s Big Show! are produced by Nickelodeon Animation in Burbank, Calif., with production overseen by Eryk Casemiro, EVP, Nickelodeon Animation, Global Series Content. Miriam Ritchie serves as Nickelodeon’s Executive in Charge of Production for Baby Shark’s Big Movie and Max Goodman serves as Nickelodeon’s Executive in Charge of Production for Baby Shark’s Big Show!.

Prior to the movie’s premiere, kids and families can also dive into this year’s 97th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, November 23, to see Nickelodeon and Pinkfong’s Baby Shark float featuring an underwater seascape that includes members of the Shark family who will bring their own special brand of aquatic holiday cheer. Showcasing a special performance by ENHYPEN of their single “Keep Swimmin’ Through” from the movie, the 18-foot-long float will also be followed by a larger-than-life 25-foot-long Baby Shark balloon.

The first season (26 episodes) of Baby Shark’s Big Show! is available now to stream on Paramount+. The series launched globally in 2021 across Nickelodeon-branded channels and platforms and is currently in its second season.

“Pinkfong’s Baby Shark” launched on YouTube in November 2015 and became the world’s first-ever video to hit 10 billion views on YouTube, making it the most-viewed video in YouTube history. With music, characters, story and dance all combined together, the song earned RIAA Diamond certification (11x platinum), having sold more than 11 million units in the U.S. and spawned a viral phenomenon, #BabySharkChallenge, which generated more than 1 million cover videos around the globe.

Trailer: ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ Special Unwraps the Wimpiest Christmas Ever

Mercedes Milligan

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November 14, 2023

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Trailer: ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ Special Unwraps the Wimpiest Christmas Ever

Disney+ is ready to stuff the “naugtiest, nicest, wimpiest Christmas ever,” debuting the official, zanily festive trailer for Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Christmas Cabin Fever, streaming exclusively on the platform on December 8. The original holiday adventure centered on the popular, disaster-prone middle schooler is the latest animated movie based on Jeff Kinney’s successful book series.

Synopsis: The winter holidays are turning out to be especially stressful for Greg Heffley this year. After accidentally damaging a snowplow while making a snowman with best friend Rowley Jefferson, Greg worries he won’t get the new video game console he so desperately wants for Christmas. To make matters worse, he gets snowed in with his family, including his grumpy older brother Rodrick and annoying younger brother Manny.

(L-R): Manny (voiced by Gracen Newton), Frank Heffley (Chris Diamantopoulos), Susan (Erica Cerra) holding Elfrendo, Greg (Wesley Kimmel) and Rodrick (Hunter Dillon) in Disney’s ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever,’ exclusively on Disney+. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Directed by Luke Cormican (Teen Titans Go!) and written and produced by Jeff Kinney, Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever features the voices of Wesley Kimmel (The Mandalorian), Spencer Howell (Ithaca), Chris Diamantopoulos (Beavis and Butt-Head), Erica Cerra (Power Rangers) and Hunter Dillon (Deadpool 2).

Pokémon Co. Chooses BBC as Exclusive U.K. Home of ‘Pokémon Horizons’

Mercedes Milligan

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November 13, 2023

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Pokémon Co. Chooses BBC as Exclusive U.K. Home of ‘Pokémon Horizons’

The Pokémon Company International has announced that the BBC will broadcast Pokémon Horizons: The Series in December, introducing fans in the U.K. to the newest adventure in Pokémon animation. The first six episodes will air next month on iPlayer and CBBC. The U.K. will be one of the first international markets to debut the new series, which premiered in Japan in April.

It is the first time the BBC will broadcast a brand-new series of the franchise, following Pokémon’s BBC debut in 2021, when the corporation acquired a celebratory slate for fans in the brand’s 25th anniversary year: all 189 episodes of Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl, 142 episodes of Pokémon the Series: Black & White for iPlayer, 145 episodes of Pokemon the Series: Sun & Moon and eight feature-length movies for iPlayer and CBBC.

All previous 25 seasons of Pokémon animation have focused on the adventures of Ash and Pikachu, but now that Ash has finally become a World Champion, the stage is set for a new journey in Pokémon Horizons: The Series, which follows Liko and Sprigatito along with Roy and Fuecoco.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with the world-renowned BBC to bring this hugely anticipated new season to U.K. viewers, free to air,” said Emily Arons, SVP of International Business for The Pokémon Company International. “We know that Pokémon’s massive U.K. fanbase can’t wait to catch their first glimpse of the enthralling new story arc, and we hope that the BBC’s huge audience will enjoy uncovering the mysteries of the Pokémon world along with Liko and Roy.”

Sarah Muller, Senior Head of Commissioning for CBBC, commented, “We know families love the world of Pokémon and we can’t wait to bring this all-new Pokémon animated adventure to the home of children’s programming in the U.K. and just in time for the festive season!”

Pokémon animation is broadcast in more than 160 countries and regions in more than 30 languages. The first 25 seasons spanned more than 1,200 episodes and 25 full-length movies.

Oscar-Qualified Animated Short ‘Ninety-five Senses’ Streaming for a Limited Time

Mercedes Milligan

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November 13, 2023

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Oscar-Qualified Animated Short ‘Ninety-five Senses’ Streaming for a Limited Time

Ninety-five Senses, the first animated short from husband and wife filmmaking duo Jared and Jerusha Hess (Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre), is receiving a limited four-week online For Your Consideration release. The 13-minute film is available to stream now for free through the Salt Lake City film accelerator program MAST’s Small Screenings platform.

The short stars Tim Blake Nelson, known for his roles in Coen Brothers films like O Brother Where Art Thou? and The Ballad of Buster Scruggs as well as his recurring performance as The Leader in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Nelson voices Coy, a folksy philosopher facing his own mortality on death row. As Coy bids a final farewell to each of his five senses, he reflects on his troubled past and dreams of a vibrant, multisensory afterlife.

Ninety-five Senses is directed by the Hesses and written by Chris Bowman and Hubbel Palmer, animated by six teams of artists from Latin America and the U.S. through the non-profit MAST. Producers are MAST co-founders Miles David Romney and Tori A. Baker.

The film won the Grand Jury award for animation from the Florida Film Festival, qualifying it for consideration for the 2024 Academy Awards. It has also been selected by 17 other Oscar-qualifying festivals around the world, winning awards at Animation Dingle in Ireland (Best International Professional Short), the Guadalajara International Film Festival in Mexico (Rigo Mora Special Jury Award) and the Flickers Rhode Island Film Festival (First Prize, Best Short Animation). It was also the sole animated Short Film nominee for the 2023 Humanitas Prize — the first animated short not produced by Disney/Pixar to be so recognized.

Ninety-five Senses is available to watch at smallscreenings.org now through December 11. Watch the trailer below.

DeAPlaneta Entertainment Suits Up with ‘Hero Inside’

Mercedes Milligan

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November 13, 2023

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DeAPlaneta Entertainment Suits Up with ‘Hero Inside’

DeAPlaneta Entertainment has struck a deal with production partners CJ ENM, Million Volt Animation Studios, Tencent Video and YGG Global to become the licensing agent and distributor in Europe and Latin America for Hero Inside, a new animated super hero action-comedy series set to screen worldwide through Warner Bros. Discovery outlets.

Hero Inside animates a childhood fantasy, unlocking a world where your favorite super hero can appear before you just by saying their name. The adventure begins after Scott, a cartoonist and free spirit, mysteriously vanishes after drawing 100 superheroes across 100 comic books, without ever publishing. His proofread books scattered across San Francisco, triggering odd occurrences. Mike, a 13-year-old boy, stumbles upon one of Scott’s books, Crying Man. When he casually says the hero’s name; Crying Man jumps out from the book, and his life changes completely. Other quirky heroes showcased in the series include Black Knight, Great Finger, Mummy Girl, Mr. Justice, Lucky and Sparkules.

The first season (11 x 13′) premiers in Latin America in November, following its market triumph in October as the third most-watched series by international buyers at MIPJunior 2023, out of 600-plus titles. Warner Bros. Discovery, which has commissioned the first two seasons of Hero Inside, plans to broadcast the series across multiple Latin American countries. From 2023 to 2024, the series will roll out across diverse territories including Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia, U.S.A. and Canada. Season 2 is already in production.

“The ultimate goal for Hero Inside is to become an iconic global superhero brand,” noted series director Joo-gong Meang, Founder & CEO of Million Volt. We plan to expand the universe of ‘Hero Inside’ beyond the animated series into feature films, spin-offs, games, comic books, and a range of products beloved by kids and audiences alike.”

Jong-min Yi, head of IP development for CJ ENM, added, “We deeply believe in excellency of the Million Volt’s crew and most of all, director Meang Joo-gong, who has already proven himself as a competitive director worldwide. We look forward to showing unique and creative characters and attractive stories of Hero Inside to more global audiences and we are a million percent sure that they will love it.”

Serving as Master Licensing Agent aside from Media and Digital Distribution Partner, DeAPlaneta Entertainment will work hand in hand with Warner Bros. Discovery to ensure an optimal launch for Hero Inside across LatAm and Europe.

“At DeaPlaneta Entertainment we know how difficult it is to find IPs capable of attracting a universal audience, whether in America, Europe or Asia,” said Diego Ibáñez Belaustegui, Chief Brand Officer of DeAPlaneta Entertainment. “Hero Inside, with its spectacular animation and its very human superheroes, achieves it thanks to a provocative proposal of frantic action that grabs you episode by episode.”

deaplanetaentertainment.com | cjenm.com | millionvolt.com

Oscar Winner Guneet Monga Kapoor, Chef Vikas Khanna Join ‘American Sikh’ Squad

Animation Magazine

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November 13, 2023

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Oscar Winner Guneet Monga Kapoor, Chef Vikas Khanna Join ‘American Sikh’ Squad

Following its premiere at Tribeca Film Festival this summer, the animated short American Sikh — inspired by the life of anti-bigotry activist and artist Vishavjit Singh, has welcomed two high profile execute producers on board: Guneet Monga Kapoor, the produce and executive producer of Academy Award-winning documentary shorts The Elephant Whisperers and Period. End of Sentence., and Michelin-star celebrity chef Vikas Khanna.

American Sikh tells “the true and unlikely story of an American born, turban-wearing Sikh man, Vishavjit Singh, who after a lifetime of facing prejudice, self-doubt and violence, finally finds acceptance in a superhero costume.” The film is directed by Singh and Ryan Westra, who previously put Singh’s life on screen in the live-action documentary short Red, White and Beard.

The short has won Best Animation at the San Diego International Film Festival and Sidewalk Film Festival, and a Special Mention in the Documentary competition of the Chicago International Film Festival.

The animation was provided by Melbourne-based Studio Showoff.

New York-based illustrator, writer, performance artists and diversity speaker Singh was inspired to create his turban-wearing version of Captain America after witnessing hate crimes against Sikhs in both India and in the U.S. in the wake of 9/11. Ever since, he has used the character to fight bigotry and intolerance, engaging audiences in talks for schools, government agencies and companies including Google, Apple and NASA.

Learn more and watch the trailer at americansikh.com.

[Source: Variety]

‘Coyote vs. Acme’ Rides Again! WB Sets Hybrid Flick Free to Find New Distribution

Animation Magazine

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November 13, 2023

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‘Coyote vs. Acme’ Rides Again! WB Sets Hybrid Flick Free to Find New Distribution

Word on the Hollywood streets is that Coyote vs. Acme — the live-action and animation feature film shelved by Warner Bros. Discovery last week for a tax write-off — has another chance to hit screens. Reportedly, the studio has decided to allow the filmmakers to shop the Looney Tunes adventure to other outlets, following backlash from both people who had worked on the film and supporters in the industry.

Among those who had seen footage in advance (principle photography was complete when WBD axed the Max-bound movie) and voiced their disproval of the decision included Brian Duffield (No One Will Save You), who dubbed the cost-cutting megastudio “anti-art,” and Peter Atencio (Keanu and the Machine), who called the decision to set Coyote vs. Acme aside a “disgusting turn of events.”

Based on the humorous New Yorker article by Ian Frazier (1990), Coyote vs. Acme finds Wile E. Coyote at the end of his tether when one too many ACME products ruins his plans to catch the elusive Roadrunner. Taking the company to court, Wile E. and his lawyer go up against the lawyer’s intimidating boss — but their growing, unlikely friendship across species and cartoon lines spurs them on.

The film is directed by Dave Green (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, Earth to Echo) from a screenplay by Samy Burch (May December), who worked out the story with Jeremy Slater and producer James Gunn. The cast is led by Peacemaker‘s John Cena as the law firm boss, Lana Condor and Will Forte as Wile E.’s lawyer, with Looney Tunes characters voiced by Eric Bauza (Wile E. Coyote), Tucker Hawkey (Roadrunner) and Jeff Bergman (Bugs Bunny).

WB previously allowed the dumped Batman: Caped Crusader, Merry Little Batman and Bat Family animated projects to be rehomed — all are now set for Prime Video. According to Deadline.com, screenings are being set up this week for Amazon Prime Video, Apple and Netflix to check out and possibly acquire the hybrid movie. Amazon’s head of film Courtenay Valenit was a big fan of the movie when she was Warner Bros.’ president of production and development.

Collider also posted a recent interview with Will Forte, who stars as Wile E.’s lawyer in the movie:

[Source: Puck via Collider, Deadline.com]

Mondo TV Inks Co-Pro Pact for Eco Kids’ Show ‘Lola on Board’

Mercedes Milligan

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November 13, 2023

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Mondo TV Inks Co-Pro Pact for Eco Kids’ Show ‘Lola on Board’

Mondo TV Group has signed a co-production agreement for the new children’s animated series Lola on Board, joining production partners TILE, Digitalcomoedia (both in Italy) and Toonzstation Mocca Studio (India).

TILE is led by Nicola Barile, an award-winning cartoon and documentary maker. Digitalcomoedia is a content production company for entertainment and industry which is establishing a global reputation for creating digital experiences. Toonzstation Mocca Studio creates entertainment content for various media and consumer platforms, with a strong focus on kids and families.

Lola on Board, a 3D CGI series of 26 x 7′ aimed at three- to-six-year olds, is currently well into the production phase. The first season will be available from summer 2024. The show will be distributed internationally by Mondo TV Group, Mondo TV Studios (which is now part of the Spanish group Squirrel Media), and Toonzstation for their respective territories.

The series follows the adventures of Lola, a little girl who spends part of her summer holiday with her grandmother Agata on the cruise ship Eloise. The ship’s crew, a friendly but slightly eccentric bunch, all love the resourceful, cheeky Lola, but she also has three very special friends: a seagull, a little monkey and a baby dolphin — and she can talk to them! While on the Eloise, Lola has fun adventures, discovers the world and learns about the natural world and the creatures that inhabit it.

The show highlights diversity and inclusion as well as sensitivity to issues of environmental sustainability.

“One little girl, seven seas, one thousand adventures! That’s what Lola on Board offers its young audience — and with the help of three highly regarded companies in their field we plan to bring to screens around the world a truly innovative, entertaining and educational show that is unlike any other,” said Mondo TV CEO Matteo Corradi.

Pass the ‘Paw’pcorn: The Trailer for Mark Dindal’s ‘The Garfield Movie’ Is Here!

Animation Magazine

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November 13, 2023

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Pass the ‘Paw’pcorn: The Trailer for Mark Dindal’s ‘The Garfield Movie’ Is Here!

The trailer for The Garfield Movie, next summer’s animated movie about Jim Davis’ lasgana-loving tabby cat has pounced on the internet today. Columbia Pictures and Alcon Ent.’s animated feature is directed by Mark Dindal (The Emperor’s New Groove, Chicken Little), with a screenplay by Paul A. Kaplan, Mark Torgrove and David Reynolds. The cartoon character’s original creator Jim Davis is also the movie’s art director and exec producer. John Cohen, Broderick Johnson, Andrew A. Kosove, Steven P. Wegner, Craig Sost, Namit Malhotra and Crosby Clyse are the film’s producers.

Chris Pratt, fresh off his voicing duties on The Super Mario Bros. Movie, is voicing the grumpy cat, and Samuel L. Jackson stars as his long-lost father, a streetwise kitty named Vic. The voice cast also includes Hannah Waddingham, Ving Rhames, Nicholas Hoult, Cecily Strong, Harvey Guillén, Brett Goldstein and Bowen Yang.

Here’s the official synopsis: “Garfield, the world-famous, Monday-hating, lasagna-loving indoor cat, is about to have a wild outdoor adventure. After an unexpected reunion with his long-lost father – scruffy street cat Vic – Garfield and his canine friend Odie are forced from their perfectly pampered life into joining Vic in a hilarious, high-stakes heist.”

Exec producing are Jim Davis, Bridget McMeel, David Reynolds, Scott Parish, Carl Rogers, Simon Hedges, Chris Pflug, Louis Koo, Steve Sarowitz, Justin Baldwin and Peter Luo. The animation is produced by DNEG Animation.

The Garfield Movie will be released in theaters on May 24, 2024

Watch the trailer below:

Makoto Shinkai’s Disaster Masterpiece ‘Suzume’ Coming to Crunchyroll

Mercedes Milligan

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November 13, 2023

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Makoto Shinkai’s Disaster Masterpiece ‘Suzume’ Coming to Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll announced today that Makoto Shinkai’s critically acclaimed latest animated feature Suzume will begin streaming exclusively on its service on November 16. The award-winning film will be available in North America and all of Crunchyroll’s international territories (excluding Asia and France).

Synopsis: On the other side of the door, was time in its entirety—

Suzume is a coming-of-age story for the 17-year-old protagonist, Suzume, set in various disaster-stricken locations across Japan, where she must close the doors causing devastation.

Suzume’s journey begins in a quiet town in Kyushu (located in southwestern Japan) when she encounters a young man who tells her, “I’m looking for a door.” What Suzume finds is a single weathered door standing upright in the midst of ruins as though it was shielded from whatever catastrophe struck. Seemingly drawn by its power, Suzume reaches for the knob… Doors begin to open one after another all across Japan, unleashing destruction upon any who are near. Suzume must close these portals to prevent further disaster.

—The stars, then sunset, and the morning sky.

Within that realm, it was as though all time had melted together in the sky…

Never-before-seen scenery, encounters and farewells… A myriad of challenges await her on her journey. Despite all the obstacles in her way, Suzume’s adventure shines a ray of hope upon our own struggles against the toughest roads of anxiety and constraints that make up everyday life. This story of closing doors that connect our past to the present and future will leave a lasting impression upon all of our hearts.

Drawn in by these mysterious doors, Suzume’s journey is about to begin.

The English-language dub stars Nichole Sakura (Ghosts, Superstore, Star Wars: Visions) as Suzume Iwato, Josh Keaton as Souta, Jennifer Sun Bell as Tamaki, Joe Zieja as Serizawa, Rosalie Chiang as Chika, Amanda C. Miller as Rumi, Mela Lee as Miki and Cam Clarke as Munakata.

Suzume had its international premiere in February 2023 at the Berlin International Film Festival, marking the first time that an anime feature film screened in the coveted competition section in over two decades. The film was met with critical acclaim and went on to gross over $300 million worldwide during its initial theatrical run, making it the fourth highest-grossing anime film of all time. The film also earned a 96% critics score and 98% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

The critically acclaimed film hit theaters globally in April of this year, and was distributed by Crunchyroll, in partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment, Wild Bunch International, Wild Bunch Germany, and Eurozoom (excluding Asia).

Suzume has recently been nominated at the World Soundtrack Awards for Discovery of the Year and the Asia Pacific Screen Awards for Best Animated Feature Film. The film was also awarded Outstanding Achievement in Music at the 46th Japan Academy Film Prize ceremony.

Prior to launching Suzume in theaters worldwide, Shinkai was well known for his prior feature films Your Name. (2016) and Weathering With You (2019). The latter was selected as Japan’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category of the 2020 Academy Awards and nominated in four categories in the 47th annual Annie Awards, including Best Animated Feature – Independent.

Suzume is produced by Shinkai’s CoMix Wave Films Inc. and STORY Inc. The creative team also included character designer Masayoshi Tanaka, animation director Kenichi Tsuchiya and art director Takumi Tanji.

Netflix Geeked Week: ‘Terminator’ Anime, ‘Scott Pilgrim’ & ‘MOTU: Revolution’ Headline Adult Animation Reveals

Mercedes Milligan

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November 12, 2023

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Netflix Geeked Week: ‘Terminator’ Anime, ‘Scott Pilgrim’ & ‘MOTU: Revolution’ Headline Adult Animation Reveals

Netflix Geeked Week ramped up the action for fans of mature animated storytelling this weekend, with more clips, trailers, teasers and first-looks at hot titles coming soon. Here’s a quick recap of the toon news (plus read about the new Geralt animated adventure, The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep, featuring original game voiceover actor Doug Cockle, in our previous post):

Blood of Zeus Season 2 got a first-look preview and an official clip. From Castlevania studio Powerhouse Animation, the anime-styled 2D series follows a commoner named Heron living in ancient Greece, who learns he is descended from the ruler-deity of Olympus, Zeus, and is destined to lead the fight against a demonic army. S2 will unleash the power of the demigod in 2024.

Speaking of supernatural monsters, the official trailer for the all-new anime series My Daemon dropped. Created by horror writer Otsuichi (Hirotaka Adachi) and animated by Igloo Studio in Thailand, the series takes place in the near future, and centers on a kindhearted human boy named Kento and a Daemon child called Anna, who set out on a grand adventure in hopes of saving Kento’s mother. Streaming November 23 worldwide. (netflix.com/mydaemon)

Otsuichi wrote the original story and script for the series, which is directed by Igloo CEO Nat Yoswatananont. The voice cast features Miyuri Shimabukuro (Kento Tachibana), Cocoro Kikuchi (Anna), Fumiko Orikasa (Kaoru Tachibana), Ayane Sakura (Kaede), Shou Okumura (Igisu), Wataru Hatano (Kouya Kokonoe), Naoya Miyase (Kiriko Nanbu/Restoration Daemon) and Jouji Nakata (Genjiro Houjou).

Geeked Week debuted a clip from the upcoming series Onmyoji, based on the Heian-period supernatural mystery novels by Baku Yumemakura and arriving on Netflix on November 28. In the Episode 1 clip, Abe Seimei (voiced by Daisuke Namikawa) and Minamoto Hiromasa (Shintaor Asanuma) meet for the first time. Produced by Marvy Jack studio, the anime adaptation is directed by Sobi Yamamoto and written by Natsu Hashiimoto and Yuiko Kato. The cast also features Yui Ishikawa as Tsuyuko, Kenji Hamada (Imperial Prince Atsumi), Rina Sato (Ashiya Doman) and Daisuke Kishio (Kamo Yasunori).

Synopsis: Yearning, obsession, burning desire… When people’s uncontrollable emotions begin to overflow, that is when they become demons.

In prosperous ancient Kyoto, court musician Minamoto Hiromasa, grandson of Emperor Daigo, visits the residence of the official onmyoji — the yin-yang diviners — in hopes of unraveling the mysteries of the demons that disturb the city. While there, he is introduced to a man perfectly suited for untangling these enigmas: the great onmyoji Abe Seimei, a man cloaked in an otherworldly aura. Hiromasa is vexed by Seimei’s lack of interest in the mundane world and his reluctance to help, but the two of them confront the demons at the cause of the incidents. They eventually find the onmyoji Ashiya Doman, who lurks in the shadows of the demons. Seimei and Hiromasa are joined by Hiromasa’s flute teacher Imperial Prince Atsumi, the emperor’s onmyoji Kamo Yasunori, and Lady Tsuyuko, who comes to accompany them as a result of a particular case. As their emotions intertwine like threads, will Seimei and Hiromasa be able to restore peace to the capital? The ordeal of these mismatched friends destined to share the same fate begins now.

Another upcoming anime was previews in a clip from Akuma Kun, based on the comic by Shigeru Mizuki, available to stream now. In the scene from the first episode, Akuma Kun (voiced by Yuki Kaji) and his partner, Mephisto III (Toshio Furukawa), face off against a demon for the first time. Rounding out the series voice cast are Ryoko Shiraishi as Sanae Kazama, Yumiri Hanamori (Mio Kazama), Ai Fairouz (Gremory), Yukiyo Fujii (Hina Asanagi) and Yuko Mita (The First Akuma Kun/Shingo Umoregi).

Akuma Kun is produced by Encourage Films, presented by Toei Animation, with a team including general director Junichi Sato, series director Fumitoshi Oizaki, series ouliner Hiroshi Ohnogi and supervising animation director Sakae Shibuya.

Synopsis: Strange requests often find their way to the doors of the Millenarianism Research Institute. The leader of the institute, Ichiro Umoregi, also known as “Akuma Kun,” is a prodigy that only comes along once every 10,000 years. However, he doesn’t know his real family. Along with his partner Mephisto III, Akuma Kun takes on mystical cases while digging into his own origins in this bizarre detective buddy story.

Continuing the animated exploration of Japan, we got a behind-the-scenes look at the “Making of a Warrior” for the recently debuted, critically acclaimed Blue Eye Samurai (read all about it here). The video offers an in-depth look at the show’s stunning fight choreography with Jane Wu (supervising director/producer) and Sunny Sun (stunt choreographer).

Bringing the popular game to life, the Exploding Kittens animated series dropped its official teaser trailer. Premiering on Netflix in 2024, the adventure unfolds as the eternal conflict between Heaven and Hell reaches epic proportions when both God and the Devil are sent to Earth … in the bodies of chunky house cats.

Starring Lucifer‘s Tom Ellis as the voice of GodCat, Abraham Lim, Lucy Liu, Ally Maki, Mark Proksch and Sasheer Zamata, the series is steered by showrunners Shane Kosakowski and Matthew Inman. Executive producers are Beavis and Butt-head team Mike Judge, Greg Daniels and Dustin Davis of Bandera Entertainment; executive producers Peter Chernin and Jenno Topping for the Chernin Entertainment Group; and executive producers and creators of the Exploding Kittens franchise, Elan Lee and Inman.

Creator Adi Shankar stepped in front of the camera for a BTS Featurette on the upcoming Devil May Cry anime series, announced during Netflix’s recent genre content event DROP 01. Shankar, who has also ushered the video game adaptation Castlevania and the Ubisoft-inspired recent launch Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix to Netflix screens, ofers fans a look into the making of the new series from video game studio Capcom and anime prodco Studio Mir.

The next installment (5 x 25′) of He-Man adventure, Masters of the Universe: Revolution, unveiled the official teaser spot, showcasing the clash of technology and magic as the hero of Eternia faces the forces of Skeletor! The second chapter of Kevin Smith’s revamped MOTU premieres in January 2024.

Featuring the voices of Diedrich Bader, Melissa Benoist, Liam Cunningham, Keith David, Mark Hamill, Lena Headey, Griffin Newman, William Shatner, Tiffany Smith, Tony Todd and Chris Wood, the series is executive produced by Smith, Ted Biaselli, Rob David, Christopher Keenan and Frederic Soulie. MOTU: Revolution is produced by Mattel Television for Netflix, with animation by the bustling Texas studio, Powerhouse.

Synopsis: It’s technology versus magic when He-Man and the heroic warriors face the forces of Skeletor and something more in Masters of the Universe: Revoolution — the new epic chapter in the battle for Castle Grayskull!

The newly mechanized Skeletor, armed with the might of Motherboard, attacks the heart of Eternia while Prince Adam grapples with a new responsibility and what that means for him as He-Man! Adam is forced to choose between the scepter or the sword, and a life as either the King or the Champion! Meanwhile, the new Sorceress Teela searches for the secret of Snake Magic in the mists of Darksmoke to rebuild a magic realm and help He-Man hold off the greatest threat Eternia has ever faced: the return of the despot Hordak, the ruthless leader of the Horde Empire!

Paying homage to the North American comics scene, the final trailer for Scott Pilgrim Takes Off arrived, giving fans a glimpse of the complicated romance blooming at the heart of the story. Coming to Netflix on November 17.

Based on the graphic novels by Canadian comicker Bryan Lee O’Malley, the 2D series follows Scott Pilgrim (voiced by Michael Cera), who is swept off his feet when he meets the girl of his dreams, Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). But ther’es a catch: Before he can date her, he must defeat her seven evil exes! …And then things get even more complicated.

And last but definitely not least, one of the icons of sci-fi cinema history gets its turn in the toon spotlight as Netflix announced Terminator: The Anime Series, coming soon! The teaser promises that, “On August 30th, 1997 … Two days from now … Everything changes.” — referring to the day the AI network Skynet usurped its human masters in the time-travelling cyborg blockbuster, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger (the highest grossing movie of 1991).

The project hails from Terminator prodco Skydance, Ghost in the Shell animation studio Production I.G and writer/executive producer Mattson Tomlin (who is also writing for the upcoming movies The Batman Part II, with Matt Reeves; Mega Man; BRZRKR; and Memetic).

Watch: Trailer for 2024 Animated Witcher Movie: ‘Sirens of the Deep’

Ramin Zahed

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November 11, 2023

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Watch: Trailer for 2024 Animated Witcher Movie: ‘Sirens of the Deep’

We now have more details on Netflix’s second animated feature in The Witcher franchise, titled The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep, which is slated to premiere on the streamer in late 2024.

The upcoming animated film is based on Witcher author Andrzej Sapkowski’s short story A Little Sacrifice. The film’s animation will be produced by renowned Studio MIR (The Legend of Korra, Voltron: Legendary Defender) is responsible for animation.

Here’s the official synopsis: “Geralt of Rivia, a mutated monster hunter, is hired to investigate a series of attacks in a seaside village and finds himself drawn into a centuries-old conflict between humans and merpeople. He must count on friends — old and new — to solve the mystery before the hostilities between the two kingdoms escalate into all-out war.”

“The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep” (Image: Netflix/Studio MIR)

Joey Batey and Anya Chalotra are returning from the live action series to voice Jaskier and Yennefer, respectively with Christina Wren joining the cast to voice Essi Daven.

Doug Cockle, the iconic voice of the Witcher video games, is also returning to voice Geralt of Rivia. He said, “I am super excited to announce my return to the world of the Witcher voicing Geralt of Rivia once again, but this time in the upcoming animated feature The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep. It’s been an honor to work with Studio Mir and Netflix on this new animated film and I’m thrilled to be able to share this next chapter of the White Wolf’s journey with fans of the Witcher universe. Mire taedh aen stráede!”

The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep is directed by Kang Hei Chul, who also worked on the first Witcher movie and Voltron: Legendary Defenders and produced by original series creator Lauren Schmidt Hissrich. The script is by Mike Ostrowski and Rae Benjamin. Mike Ostrowski, Tomek Bagiński & Jarosław Sawko (Platige), Jason F Brown & Sean Daniel (Hivemind) are exec producers. Co-executive producer is Rae Benjamin. Andrzej Sapkowskiis the creative consultant.

Watch the announcement video and trailer below:

Snapshots from Animag’s 2023 World Animation Summit

Top Stories

Animation Magazine

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November 10, 2023

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Snapshots from Animag’s 2023 World Animation Summit

Last week, Animation hosted the 2023 edition of the World Animation Summit at The Garland hotel in N. Hollywood (Nov. 1-3). We posted some of the first-day photos from the event last week. Now that we have the complete three-day collection, we decided to share some of the fun snaps from the wonderful keynotes, panels and parties. Once again, thanks to all our generous supporters and all the talented folks who participated in our event this year. If you missed it, we hope you’ll join us again for this annual celebration next November. [Photos courtesy of Will Thoren, Tanita Ross-Cady and Dana Fineman]

Keynotes delivered by, from left, Peter Sohn (“Elemental”), DreamWorks TV CCO Peter Gal, “Hazbin Hotel” creator Vivenne Medrano and “Once Upon a Studio” director Dan Abraham kicked off the Summit on Thursday and Friday.

From left, Rachel Larsen (“The Tiny Chef Show”), journalist Karen Idelson, Olubunmi Mia Olufemi (“Alma’s Way”), Stephanie Simpson (“Mighty Monster Wheelies”), Tom Warburton (“Muppet Babies”) and Guy Toubes (“CoComelon Lane”) discussed some of the latest trends and challenges of producing animated series for preschoolers

Our very topical adult animation panel featured journalist Jennifer Wolfe, Jane Wu (“Blue Eye Samurai”), Mike Cusack and Zach Hadel (“SMILING FRIENDS”), Sean Buckelew (“Scavengers Reign” and Steve Levy (“Krapopolis,” “Strange Planet”).

A jam-packed Apple TV+ toon showcase featured standing top left, Rob Hoegee (“Frog and Toad”), Mac Barnett (“Shape Island”), Raymond Persi (“Snoopy Presents One-of-a-Kind Marcie”), Kelli Bixler (“Shape Island”), J.J. Johnson (“Jane”), Jon Klassen (“Shape Island”) and Drew Hodges (“Shape Island”), moderated by Animation Magazine’s Ramin Zahed (seated left).

An inspiring panel focusing on future possibilities for animation producers and content creators featured producer John Derevlany (Pudgy Penguins), David Levy (Pinkfong USA), Daisy Wall (WildBrain), Walid Omar (Lil Critter Workshop).

From left, Eric Day (Seatd), Evan Bailey (“Sonic Boom”), Dirk Hampel (B Water Studios), Carl Reed (Composition Media) and Gordon Midwood (Anything World) brought us up to date with the latest in AI and the future of animation.

Julian Malagon (Sony Pictures TV), Emmy-winning veteran producer Sander Schwartz, Stacy Kim (Warner Bros. Animation), Dave Jargowsky (FOX Ent.) and Kari Kim (Nickelodeon) dispensed helpful advice on how to present your animated projects to development execs and what types of shows were in demand in 2023-24.

Our Award Seaons Shorts Panel featured from left, Dan Abraham ("Once Upon a Studio"), Ethan Barrett ("Rosemary A.D."), Flóra Anna Buda ("27"), Andreas Deja ("Mushka") and John Musker ("I'm Hip"). — Our Award Seaons Shorts Panel featured from left, Dan Abraham (“Once Upon a Studio”), Ethan Barrett (“Rosemary A.D.”), Flóra Anna Buda (“27”), Andreas Deja (“Mushka”) and John Musker (“I’m Hip”).

Janice Nadeau (“Harvey”), Animayo director Damián Perea, Andrew Ruhemann (“The Day I Became a Bird”) and Mitra Shahidi (“Starling”) were also part of our Award Season Shorts Contenders panel.

Animation veterans Josh Fisher, Adrianna Cohen, Camille Eden, Frank Falcone, Ben Jones and Fred Seibert offered valuable advice on how to survive in the animation business during these challenging times.

And some fun illustrations from talented animation director and artist Iain Gardner (Wotjek the Bear) instagram.com/anim8iain/

You can check out all the photos from our event here.

A VERY Early Animation Lover’s Holiday Gift Guide

Mercedes Milligan

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November 10, 2023

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A VERY Early Animation Lover’s Holiday Gift Guide

This article was written for the
December '23 issue of Animation Magazine (No. 335)

Orange juice is $12 a bottle, but putting smiles on the faces of your favorite toon fans is priceless! (Psst! Prices given are rounded-up SRP, check retailers for the latest discounts.)

The big Disney100 anniversary has inspired a ton of exciting goodies. Topping the list is the limited edition Disney Legacy Animated Film Collection, a three-volume set featuring 100 films from Disney and Pixar, plus a collectible Wish lithograph, poster art booklet and Disney100 crystal Mickey ears hat. Only the very fortunate will unwrap the $1,500 set that’s already selling out [on shelves Nov. 14].

Not enough luxury, you say wealthily? Through in the anniversary LEGO Disney Castle [$400], vintage Mickey & Minnie Mouse Picnic Dooney & Burke Camera Bag [$230] or the timeless Walt Disney & Mickey Mouse “Partners” Statue Watch by Citizen [$375], all available at shopdisney.com.

For the person on your list who wishes every holiday was Halloween, there are lots of fun items celebrating the 30th anniversary of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas! Our top pick is the OST vinyl set from Walt Disney Records, which features very cool zoetrope artwork on the two LPs packed with Danny Elfman’s iconic songs. [Amazon, $35]

Team bunny also has a packed wish list this year thanks to Warner Bros.’ Celebrating Every Story 100th anniversary campaign! The consumer products department had a lot of fun coming up with new mash-ups of beloved WB properties, like the Funko Looney Tunes x Scooby-Doo line (gotta love the Pop! Ride Mystery Machine with Bugs Bunny [$35] or the WB Shop tees for Looney Tunes X Casablanca [$32] and Tom & Jerry x Singin’ in the Rain [$29].

The celebration also includes DVD collections — notably the six-disc The Looney Tunes Complete Platinum Collection, packed with 150 theatrical shorts [$20].

Partners like Mattel, Monogram, Loungefly, RSVLTS and BoxLunch all have special items inspired by WB faves like The Jetsons, The Flintstones, ThunderCats and more. Look, if the studio’s centennial isn’t the occasion to treat yourself to a Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine Eyeshadow Palette [BoxLunch, $20], what is?

Add to your friends’ libraries with delightful titles for all ages. Little ones can relive Asha’s journey with the Little Golden Book: Disney Wish [Random House Children’s, $6] or Elemental: A City for Everyone [Penguin, $17], while order readers will love any of the beautiful art-of-the-movie books for this year’s hits — recent releases include The Art of Wish [Chronicle, $45, Oct. 24], The Art of DreamWorks Trolls Band Together [Cameron, $50, Nov. 7] and The Art of Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix [Dark Horse, $50, Oct. 31].

There are also inspiring options for artists of all ages — from Quentin Blake’s kid-focused Start with a Scribble to 3dtotal’s Fundamentals of Character Design and the splurge-worthy double box set set of Andrew Loomis’ Drawing the Head and Hands & Figure Drawing for refining figural skills. Maybe a new skill can hatch with the Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget Im-peck-able Crochet guide!

Give ’em something to Shout! about! The eclectic distributor has a number of new sets fans will be eager to unwrap, including Masaaki Yuasa: Five Films (GKIDS, Blu-ray, $100, available Dec. 19), Evangelion: 3.0 + 1.11 Thrice Upon a Time Collector’s Edition (GKIDS, 4K, $80) and Wallace & Gromit: The Complete Cracking Collection (Blu-ray, $25), to name a few.

Toys & Trinkets

Trolls Band Together Fashion Doll
Two kinds of hair, 15 accessories, endless possibilities! [Mattel, $25]

Nimona with Wings Plush
8″, also available in Shark form! [geemerch.com, $21]

Wish Star Light-Up Plush
14″ of huggable fun! [shopdisney.com, $35]

Elemental Clod Plush
9 ¾”; also available in Gale, Ember and Wade. [shopdisney.com, $25]

Spirited Away No-Face Ring
Sterling silver & enamel. [rocklove.com, $85]

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Sewer Lair Playset
20+ features and three levels to set battles between turtle and mutant action figures (sold separately) — includes Ooze! [Playmates, $96; action figure prices vary]

Chainsaw Man Pochita Otaku Lamp
16 colors, USB or battery operated. [store.crunchyroll.com, $35]

ARVERS Ruby Gillman Plush
9″ figure. [Walmart, $20]

Krapopolis Hippocampus Pin
Hard enamel, confusing physiognomy. [toddland.com, $12]

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Marvel Legends Action Figures
With premium detail and articulation, The Spot 6″ collectible figure includes 5 accessories while Jessica Drew rocks interchangeable hands. [Hasbro, $25 each]

Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures Nubs Backpack
An adorable fuzzy pack for any youngling to tote! [shopdisney.com, $35]

Shrek Knit Beanie
For the special ogre in your life who already bought the matching Crocs. [aelfriceden.com, $30]

Moomin “House of Disaster” Foldable Water Bottle
An eco option for the softcore fashionista, inspired by Tove Jansson. [shop.moomin.com, €26]

Life-Sized Coraline with Button Eyes
Make a big, slightly unnerving impression by gifting this five-foot exclusive from Kidrobot. Comes with stand! [$380]

The Super Mario Bros. Movie Van Playset with 1.25″ Mario
Open the 7″ x 7″ vehicle to uncover a portal to the mushroom kingdom! [Jakks Pacific, $15]

Wallace and Gromit Calendar 2024

While Chicken Run and its new sequel are getting most of the attention this holiday season, let’s not forget Aardman Animations’ original stars, Wallace & Gromit. This colorful 2024 calendar will put the charming duo back into your daily lives each and every day of the year. [Gromitunleashedshop.org/uk, $12, plus tax and shipping charges]

Looking for more inspiration? Check out past editions of our monthly Must-Have Lists by clicking here!

CEE Animation Forum Announces Winning Animation Projects

Mercedes Milligan

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November 10, 2023

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CEE Animation Forum Announces Winning Animation Projects

Central & Easter Europe’s largest animation-focused pitching and networking event, the CEE Animation Forum, came to a close after two days of programming in Pilsen, Czech Republic (November 8 & 9). A total of 28 diverse projects reaching a total budget of €29 million were presented in the four main competitions, with the juries presenting awards to a total of 12 animated works.

“I am very proud of every team on the stage — from debuting students fearlessly stepping in front of a professional audience for the first time, to experienced filmmakers unveiling a multitude of highly ambitious projects. Their creativity and courage defined the essence of our CEE Animation Forum,” said Marta Jallageas, Managing Director.

CEE Animation Forum 2023 Winners

AUDIENCE AWARD

My Little Heroes
Director Javier Galán, producer Ivan Agenjo
Peekaboo Animation, Fabrique Fantastique | Spain, Belgium)

FEATURE FILMS

Nine Lives Left
d. Zacharias Mavroeidis, p. Maria Kontogianni
Wild at Heart | Greece

Jury statement: We feel the potential of the story (at least we are going to discover what cats think of us!). But we feel this isnot around the travel between childhood and teenager more about what we want for our life.

SERIES/TV SPECIAL

WINNER: Rainy Days
d. and p. Ani Antonova Hristova
Austria, Bulgaria

Jury statement: We decided to give the main award to Rainy Days for its great potential and unusual main character. We see the
project as very original and poetic. We also appreciate the
personal aspect, since it’s female family business, artistic cooperation of two generations.

Special Mention: Dolls
d. Joachim Hérissé, p. Stéphanie Launay
Komadoli Studio | France

Jury statement: We decided to award Dolls with a Special Mention for its quality and originality. We appreciated its connection to the tradition of Czech puppet animation. We consider the project very artsy, a counterpart to consumerism and also a very personal endeavor.

SHORT FILMS

WINNER: Nightbloom
d. Kata Gugić, p. Vanja Andrijević
Bonobo Studio| Croatia

Jury statement: For the quality of the artists’ research, their originality and their capacity to experiment with narrative through the creation of an entertaining and pop universe.

Special Mention: Be Still My Heart
d. Melinda Kádár, p. Bella Szederkényi
CUB Animation | Hungary

Jury statement: For the vulnerability of the process, the clarity of vision and risk taking, as an encouragement to push the surreal element further and deeper.

RISING STARS

WINNER: Stuck in the Wasp Nest
d. Agnes Milla Bereczki
Estonian Academy of Arts | Estonia

Jury statement: The jury was impressed by the professional
presentation and the author’s ability to process a personal
trauma with honesty and humor. They were captivated by its
original visuals and clear storytelling.

Special Mention: It’s (Not) Yours
d. Santiago Ordoñez
Estonian Academy of Arts | Estonia

Jury statement: This film tells a deep story with a minimalistic style. The jury was impressed by the maturity and the strong
atmosphere behind, as well as by the expressive sound design
that complemented the graphic visuals.

CEE Animation Workshop

Riamise
d. Francesco Forti, p. Federico Turani
Ibrido Studio | Italy

Ciclic Residency

Nightbloom
d. Kata Gugić, p. Vanja Andrijević
Bonobo Studio | Croatia

TVPaint

Eruption
d. Zoe Nagy
MOME Anim – Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design | Hungary

Cartoon Movie – direct access

Dr. Howl
d. Joanna Jasińska-Koronkiewicz, p. Anna Mroczek, Wojtek Leszczyński, Przemysław Pilarczyk
Likaon, WJT | Poland

MouMoush – the King of Plastic
d. Milorad Krstic, p. Radmila Roczkov, Hermina Roczkov
Hungary

Young Horizons Industry – direct access

Rainy Days
d. and p. Ani Antonova Hristova
Austria, Bulgaria

Animarkt Stop Motion Forum – direct access

Dolls
d. Joachim Hérissé, p. Stéphanie Launay
Komadoli Studio | France

Financial support for the event was provided by the Czech Film Fund, Ministry of Culture Czech Republic, Audiovisual Producers´ Association (Czech Republic), Pilsen Region (Czech Republic) and the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design Budapest.

More information about CEE Animation Forum 2023 available at ceeanimation.eu.

Director Bret Parker Hits a Home Run with Her Gentle New Short, ‘Pete’

Ramin Zahed

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November 10, 2023

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Director Bret Parker Hits a Home Run with Her Gentle New Short, ‘Pete’

Writer-director Bret Parker’s new short Pete centers on an eight-year old with a dream of playing baseball like all the other kids on the cul-de-sac in Winter Park, Florida, in 1975. However, Pete is a bit different from the other kids on the team. We had a chance to chat with Bret (a voice actress and animator, who has worked on Ratatouille, Brave, Inside Out and Incredibles 2) about her project which won jury awards at Annecy and Chicago’s Intl. Children’s Festival, among others. Here is what she shared with us:

Animation Magazine: Can you tell us when you decided to make this short film?

Bret Parker: I guess I don’t remember exactly, but it would have been around fall of 2019. It was a story that we had been kicking around for a little while, and it finally just seemed like the right time to try and make it.

What was the inspiration for the short?

That is easy to answer, because “Pete” is my wife, and our film is based on a moment that happened when she was a kid. She is the consummate storyteller, so this was a story she told many times … but I think the more we talked about it, the more we realized that there was really a broader story to tell within this moment — and that is a story about identity, change and acceptance.

What would you say were your biggest challenges?

This film was made through the Pixar Cooperative, which was both an amazing opportunity and our biggest challenge because it meant that everyone working on the short were volunteering their time after they were “done” with their day job. It’s sort of tricky to ask someone who is volunteering their time to “volunteer faster,” but actually there was a lot of great energy around the project, and it was really a labor of love. The other biggest challenge was developing the look of the film. Ink and watercolor are not part of the Pixar wheelhouse, so we really needed to be scrappy and dive outside any traditional animation pipeline in order to create our final look.

What do you love about working in the short form?

Honestly, one thing I love about working in the short form is it feels attainable. It gives you a container where you can really explore and flesh out a story that doesn’t need some of the complexity that a feature demands. I feel like there’s also the opportunity to play and try things out — explore new looks or technology or even story that could potentially lead to further development.

How many people worked on the film and which animation tools were used?

It is always amazing to me how many people it takes to make an animated film, and it really goes to show what a collaboration film making really is. For our seven-minute short we had about 72 people who worked on it. As I mentioned previously, Pete was made through the Pixar Coop, which basically means that if you have a film that you want to make on your own time, once approved, you can use the resources at the studio, including software and people, to make the film. It’s an incredible opportunity, because I am surrounded by talented artists who opted in to work on the film, and was able to use our state of the art animation software to do it. Part of that talented group were also the engineers who literally developed new tools for us so we could both create and control the ink outline I wanted on the characters.

How did you finance the project?

Funding for the project came through artist donations as well as a post-production grant.

Can you talk about the visual style and influences of the short?

Since this is based on a true story about my wife Pete as a child, and takes place in 1975, much of the visual inspiration is from the art and colors and books that we grew up with. For art direction, for example, I was really inspired by the original Winnie-the-Pooh watercolor illustrations by E.H. Shepard as well as Bill Watterson’s watercolor paintings for Calvin and Hobbes. I grew up with Winnie the Pooh, and I really wanted to marry the look and style of the animation with the story. So even though the animation is done in 3D, we animated in more of a 2D style and flattened the look to feel more like a watercolor painting that came to life.

Developing the look of the film was one of the hardest aspects to figure out. There was still was more I wanted explore, but I am really happy with where we landed.

Who are your animation idols?

That’s an interesting question, because I didn’t start animating from a typical career path and didn’t come into animation knowing who my idols were. I was initially hired at Pixar in 1996 for a three-month temp job as a production assistant. I remember I even quit another job to take it, and my mom was really worried about that decision. At the time, I had some production experience, but no animation experience, and had definitely never thought about animation as a career. My background was in dance and theater, but once I was at Pixar, I quickly realized the similarities — timing, choreography, acting, movement analysis — and I think the moment I realized that I could have a job in the arts where I could create art and actually make a, living I was all in.

So, from that moment, I just started staying late at work and learning the principals of animation as well as the technology… I had some amazing mentors helping me along the way — so really for me, many of my animation heroes are some of my fellow colleagues! A few who stand out you’ll probably know — Mark Oftedal, Alan Barillario, Tony Fucile, to name a few. Without a doubt I would not be where I am today or have been able to create Pete without standing on the shoulders of the talent I was surrounded by during my career. I would also like to call out some of the early women pioneers in animation whose work I studied after I started working and were an inspiration for me, like Mary Ellen Bute, Caroline Leaf and Evelyn Lambert.

What do you hope audiences will take away from your short?

When kids are left to their own, acceptance and inclusion comes easy. We hope through Pete, we can continue to inspire change and erase the notion that difference equals exclusion. Pete is based on the true story of my wife, so as an inspiration, change doesn’t always have to be grand — it can happen on a small sandlot in Winter Park, Florida and forever change a community.

What kind of advice can you offer first time short-film makers?

To summarize, I’d say to be clear about your intention and what you want to make, and the framework you have to make it in. I’ve seen students come up with what is supposed to be a one-minute short, and you look at the boards or read the script and it’s easily a 10-minute short. That’s exactly how films don’t get made. I also find it really helpful to start with a clear logline. When you are forced to sum up a project in two to three sentences, it helps you focus on what the most important aspects of the film really are.

For more information, visit petethefilm.com. Watch the full seven-minute short on YouTube here, the trailer is posted below.

Wildling Pictures Launches TV Division with Adult & Kids’ Animation Slate

Mercedes Milligan

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November 10, 2023

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Wildling Pictures Launches TV Division with Adult & Kids’ Animation Slate

Toronto-based production company Wildling Pictures announced today (Friday, Nov. 10) the launch of its new TV division, featuring a varied slate of IP and scripted series. The production company has produced a range of original live-action feature films, including Young Werther and See For Me. Wildling’s new TV slate will have a particular focus on high-end drama, kids, YA and family projects.

With an extended focus on diverse stories and animation, Wildling is prepping the adult animated series Hot Flash, based on the animated short film by Thea Hollatz, which debuted at Sundance Film Festival in 2020. The animated workplace comedy centers on a woman working as a television newscaster, who experiences a menopause-related hot flash just as she is about to go on air to report on a snowstorm.

Thirty-one Sixty Pictures is co-producing the project in Canada, with Kristy Neville serving as an executive producer. Adapting the story for TV, Wildling has attached cowriters Susan Coyne (Daisy Jones & The Six, Slings and Arrows) and James Schultz (Disappearance at Clifton Hill) to the project.

Hot Flash (2019) is available to rent or buy on Vimeo and available to stream on Plex.

Leading the flock for Wildling’s kids’ TV slate is the preschool animated series Professor Goose, based on the children’s book series by Paulette Bourgeois and illustrated by Alex G. Griffiths, currently in development with CBC. Professor Goose follows the adventures of Marie Curious Goose, Ph.D., as she fact-checks the science in her great-aunt Mother Goose’s stories.

Initial announcements for the company’s live-action series slate include an adaptations of the bestselling mystery-thriller A Death at the Party by author Amy Stuart, and the YA fantasy Clara Voyant from Rachelle Delaney.

Wildling’s Matt Code (Accused), Natalie Urquhart (Suits) and Julie Strifler (Easy Land) are executive producing the projects.

As the prodco continues to expand its TV division, it is looking to partner with broadcasters, studios, established directors and series creators, both domestically and internationally.

“Our team are proud to introduce Wildling’s selection of high quality IP and elevated scripted original series,” said Wildling Pictures Producer & President, Matt Code. “Having built a strong reputation within the feature film production space, we are delighted to be expanding our expertise with the launch of our original TV content. We are looking forward to working with some incredible talent, and introducing these projects to potential partners at Content London in a few weeks.”

wildlingpictures.com

WIA & UNESCO Forge Partnership for Equity in Animation Worldwide

Mercedes Milligan

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November 10, 2023

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WIA & UNESCO Forge Partnership for Equity in Animation Worldwide

Today, WIA (Women in Animation), a global advocacy organization championing equity for women and people of underrepresented gender identities in animation, announced its partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the world’s leading organization protecting and promoting culture for sustainable development and upholding human rights around the globe. The partnership represents their joint vision to empower and support our contingency in animation, VFX, and gaming, especially in developing countries.

WIA President Marge Dean participated in a signing ceremony with Ernesto Ottone R., UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture, on Friday, November 10, 2023, at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France. She was then a featured speaker at the UNESCO Partner’s Forum.

“The partnership between WIA and UNESCO is an opportunity to make global change at the intersection of gender justice, and art, technology, business, and culture,” said Dean. “New animation industries are developing around the world and, together, WIA and UNESCO can advocate for gender equity to be built into the foundation.”

Since its founding in 1946, UNESCO has collaborated closely with civil society organizations and other partners that support and advance its diverse activities and programs around the globe. UNESCO gives priority to gender equality in line with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. UNESCO’s gender message is clear: “Women and men must enjoy equal opportunities, choices, capabilities, power and knowledge as equal citizens. Equipping girls and boys, women and men with the knowledge, values, attitudes, and skills to tackle gender disparities is a precondition to building a sustainable future for all.”

Over the years, UNESCO has built up a valuable network of cooperation with civil society organizations having expertise in its fields of competence. In fact, civil society actors played a major role in the adoption of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions in 2005. To date, UNESCO has partnered with more than 400 civil society partners, but this marks the first time the worldwide institution has partnered with an animation advocacy organization.

“Civil society actors played a major role in the development and adoption of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions in 2005,” said Toussaint Tiendrebeogo, Secretary of the UNESCO Convention. “Over the last decade, their role has only increased, as countries design and implement new cultural policies. Civil society organizations such as Women in Animation can drive the implementation of the UNESCO 2005 Convention on local, national, regional and international levels and ensure that the concerns of artists and cultural professionals — especially women — are heard.”

Both organizations agree that animation is a viable and sustainable employment opportunity for women around the world as well as an exceptional vehicle for sharing local cultural stories with a global audience.

“Animation is the perfect universal medium for telling culturally authentic stories that connect global audiences and show us not just the world as it is but the world as it could be,” said Jinko Gotoh, WIA Vice President. “WIA’s goal is to make sure that women and gender nonbinary people are reflected in those worlds, not just in the content but in the leadership and creative teams behind the industry as well as the stories.”

During the Partner’s Forum at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, Dean conducted a presentation entitled “Gender in the Film & Television Industry: Supporting the diversity of cultural expressions in the audio-visual sector through Women in Animation.” Dean highlighted how the advocacy organization is actively removing the frequent barriers faced by creatives of underrepresented gender identities within the animation field. Programs like Stories x Women and WIA’s flagship Mentorship Circles provide learning opportunities and tools for members to advance their overall careers, especially in creative leadership.

Through WIA’s global expansion efforts, partnering with UNESCO will open new opportunities for resources and connections in developing areas like Nepal, where WIA recently announced a partnership with WIA Nepal. WIA Nepal is led by Board President Sampada Malla and sponsored by Incessant Rain Studios, led by Founder/Co-CEO Kiran Bhakta Joshi and co-CEO Deepa Chipalu Joshi. They focus on helping young Nepali women and their families understand that there are viable career opportunities in animation and visual effects and to help those same women get into the industry by providing education scholarships.

The UNESCO Partners presentation was followed by a panel, featuring:

Marge Dean, WIA President
James Filippatos, Vice President for Global Public Policy at The Walt Disney Company
Irmak Atabek Ndungu, Co-founder/Executive Producer, MakoKids
Deepa Chipalu Joshi, Co-CEO of Incessant Rain Studios
Kiran Bhakta Joshi, Founder/co-CEO of Incessant Rain Studios

womeninanimation.org | unesco.org

‘Fullmetal Alchemist 20th Anniversary Book’: Steampunk Brothers Save the Day!

Charles Solomon

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November 9, 2023

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‘Fullmetal Alchemist 20th Anniversary Book’: Steampunk Brothers Save the Day!

This article was written for the
December '23 issue of Animation Magazine (No. 335)

Hiromu Arakawa’s fantasy-adventure Fullmetal Alchemist (2001) remains one of the best-loved manga/anime properties of the first decade of the 21st century. The manga has sold more than 80 million books in 25 languages worldwide; it’s been adapted into two animated TV series, OAVs, two animated theatrical features (all animated by Bones), a live-action theatrical feature, juvenile novels and video games. It was also the subject of two touring exhibits of original artwork.

Fullmetal Alchemist offers interesting, complex characters who face not only physical obstacles, but moral challenges. Child prodigies Edward and Alphonse Elric violated the greatest taboo of alchemy by attempting to bring their mother back from the dead — and paid a terrible price for their sin. Edward lost his left leg; Al would have died if Ed hadn’t sacrificed his right arm to bond his brother’s soul to an empty suit of armor with a magical seal drawn in his own blood. The complex robotic prostheses Ed wears earned him the title of the Fullmetal Alchemist.

Ed is brilliant, hot-tempered — and consumed by guilt over what happened to his brother. The gentle Al seldom complains, but he can neither taste nor touch anything in his armor: When they walk in the rain, he doesn’t feel the drops. It’s a lonely existence for an adolescent. Determined to restore their bodies, Ed focuses all his energy on learning the secret spells that could undo their curse.

‘The ethical complexities the characters face and the interesting secondary characters, including several empowered women, helped to break down the barriers between boys’ and girls’ entertainment.’

In Arakawa’s world, alchemical reactions are based on the principle of Equivalent Exchange: Everything taken must be matched by a sacrifice of equal value, much like the way chemical equations must balance. As they wander through cities and towns that look like early 20th century Europe, Ed learns that the Philosopher’s Stone isn’t bound by the laws of Equivalent Exchange. It could restore their bodies. But, like Tolkien’s One Ring, the power of the Philosopher’s Stone is inherently evil: Human lives must be sacrificed to create one.

Which American animated character has had to face a comparable moral dilemma? Or experience the frustration of a prodigy who can use his talent to help everyone but the person he wants most to help — his brother? The ethical complexities the characters face and the interesting secondary characters, including several empowered women, helped to break down the barriers between boys’ and girls’ entertainment. Everyone loved Fullmetal Alchemist.

This lavish volume celebrates the 20th anniversary of the manga’s initial publication in the magazine Shonen Monthly Gangan. It includes comments from Arakawa — who caricatures herself as a black-and-white cow, since she grew up in the dairy lands of Hokkaido. There are also comments from directors and actors who worked on the various adaptations of Fullmetal Alchemist. Of special interest to serious fans are the reproductions of the souvenir booklets and special manga Arakawa created to go with the releases of games and films.

A mini-manga drawn as a giveaway with tickets to the live-action feature reveals the backstory of the creepy Shou Tucker, the Sewing-Life Alchemist, whom the Elric brothers later encounter. Other special stories present short adventures for popular secondary characters: the Elrics’ superior, Col. Roy Mustang (the Flame Alchemist); Izumi-Sensei, the brother’s formidable teacher; mechanical wizard Winry Rockbell, who maintains and improves Ed’s prostheses; and the chilling Master Judo, who may have succeeded in human transformation. In addition to the serious stories, there are numerous cartoon strips Arakawa uses to poke good-natured fun at the characters and herself. Some of this material has been reprinted in earlier anthologies, but it’s nice to have it all together.

Fullmetal Alchemist: 20th Anniversary Book by Hiromu Arakawa and Square Enix (VIZ Media, 240 pages, $25 hardcover) would make an excellent gift choice for any anime fan on Christmas or Hannukah lists.

Katzenberg Says AI Will Reduce Animation Crews by 90%; ‘Shrek 5’ Release Year Leaked

Animation Magazine

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November 9, 2023

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Katzenberg Says AI Will Reduce Animation Crews by 90%; ‘Shrek 5’ Release Year Leaked

Less than 24 hours after the social media wires were abuzz with the unofficial news that Shrek 5 is coming in 2025, and as the broader entertainment industry celebrates the tentative agreement to end the SAG-AFTRA strike, more sobering comments from DreamWorks Animation co-founder Jeffrey Katzenberg left a swampy taste in animation lovers’ mouths.

Speaking about the impact of AI on the animation and entertainment industry — a major concern of the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes — during the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in Singapore, Katzenberg said he believed no industry would be more affected.

“If you look at how media has been impacted in the last 10 years by the introduction of digital technology, what will happen in the next 10 years will be 10 times as great — literally,” he opined. “And I think AI as a creative tool — think of that as a new paintbrush or a new camera — has so much opportunity around it.” Lobbing some more numbers, the longtime toon exec noted that in “the good old days,” animated movies required 500 artists working over five years. He predicts in just a few years, “it wont’ take 10 percent of that.”

Katzenberg, 72, has been involved in media for over 40 years. He became a notable name during his time as CEO and Chairman of Walt Disney Studios (1984-1994), and left to join Steven Spielberg and David Geffen in establishing DreamWorks SKG — now the NBCUniversal-owned DreamWorks Animation. The exec was an outspoken promoter of new digital 3D production technologies, telling Stephen Colbert in 2010 that all future DreamWorks Animation movies would be produced in stereoscopic 3D.

After leaving his post at DWA following the $3.8 billion NBCU acquisition in 2016, Katzenberg set up WnderCo, under which banner he was speaking at the Bloomberg panel. The company raised $600 million from investors and was created to invest in new media and tech companies. He was also co-founder (with former eBay CEO Meg Whitman) of Quibi, the short-lived, short-form mobile streaming platform.

As for everyone’s favorite ogre? According to the virtual watercooler talk, an intern at NBCUniversal accidentally leaked that Shrek 5 is slated for 2025 in a since-edited post on LinkedIn, per @DiscussingFilm. Whether it’s an innocent mistake or an extremely crafty guerrilla marketing move (we wish our mistakes caused such jubilation), at least the return of Shrek, Donkey, Fiona and the whole Far Far Away gang is a bright light at the end of the election year tunnel.

Watch Katzenberg’s segment on Bloomberg TV.

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Katzenberg Says AI Will Reduce Animation Crews by 90%; ‘Shrek 5’ Release Year Leaked

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