Animation Magazine

Exclusive: Sophisticated Sci-Fi Is Back in ‘Love, Death + Robots’ Vol. 3

Ramin Zahed

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May 20, 2022

Exclusive: Sophisticated Sci-Fi Is Back in ‘Love, Death + Robots’ Vol. 3

***This article was written for the 35th Anniversary issue of Animation Magazine (June/July ’22, No. 321)***

The third season of Netflix’s multiple-Emmy-winning series Love, Death + Robots offers only nine episodes of various lengths, but it also delivers some of the anthology’s most sophisticated and eclectic shorts.

We have the return of the beloved characters introduced in the first season’s Three Robots, who are continuing their journey on our post-apocalyptic planet. There’s an original and thrilling sea-faring episode (Bad Traveling) about an unforgettable monster, directed by live-action master David Fincher (Se7en, Mank, Zodiac), who is an executive producer on the series. Volume III also includes the jaw-dropping and visually stunning Jibaro by Alberto Mielgo (the man behind this year’s Oscar-winning short The Windshield Wiper and Volume I’s The Witness). The anthology’s creator and exec producer Tim Miller also returns with Swarm, a remarkable adaptation of Bruce Sterling’s novelette about an unusual hive-like form of life on an alien planet. In short, some very high-flying episodes and glorious eye candy are on the menu!

“One of the biggest [announcements] about the third season is that David Fincher has directed his first animated film,” says Miller, the founder and creative director of Blur Studio, who came up with the idea for the anthology more than a decade ago and pitched it all over town until Netflix came on board. “It’s everything you’d think it would be, and it really delivers on the promise. I think it’s one of the most horrifying and gripping films he has done. It’s just his style — and the tone of the piece goes back to Se7en.”

Deep, Dark Universe

Miller, an Oscar-nominated director (Deadpool, Terminator: Dark Fate) and producer (the two Sonic the Hedgehog blockbusters) who is a huge fan of science fiction stories, says it’s hard for him to say what makes the third season of the show stand out from previous ones.

“I think that this one has some really beautiful stories,” he notes. “It’s difficult for me to say that any one is different from the others. We kind of just make the best version of what we think we can create. I can’t say that this year’s The Very Pulse of the Machine is better than Pop Squad. I can’t make that choice. I cry when I see both of them … People that have seen the third season tell me that it’s a little darker.”

Volume III also showcases the talents of the amazing Jennifer Yuh Nelson, the Oscar-nominated DreamWorks veteran who directed Kung Fu Panda 2 and 3 and has been the show’s supervising director since season two. “The third season episodes took a bit longer to cook,” she points out. “David Fincher’s episode is quite ambitious; it’s about 20 minutes long and the longest one we’ve ever done. Alberto Mielgo started working on The Witness from the very first day. Then he won an Emmy for it, then won the Oscar for his short. He said Jibaro was the most ambitious thing he’d ever done. For Alberto, it was being able to do something that he was almost afraid to do. And then, we also have the return of familiar faces with our Three Robots coming back [this time directed by Patrick Osborne], and also pushing the familiar faces beyond their comfort zone.”

According to Yuh Nelson, the episode The Very Pulse of the Machine took the longest to make. Directed by Emily Dean, it centers on a wounded astronaut who begins to hear a mysterious voice that may lead her to safety … or death.

“This short was based on a prize-winning story by Michael Swanwick which had been in Tim [Miller’s] back pocket for a while, and he just knew he wanted to include it in the series,” recalls Yuh Nelson. “It’s a very bizarre, and yet strangely emotional story about a woman who is dragging her dead comrade on a sled and communing and tapping into some sort of other intelligence. Emily came in with such an amazing deck, filled with beautiful images — and really like a walking Moebius painting. The final version is very true to what she originally pitched.”

Both Miller and Yuh Nelson point out that each episode of the anthology is quite different from the others, not only because of the stories that inspired them but also because different teams and studios worked on each individual one. “In the case of The Very Pulse of the Machine, it took so long to make not because a massive crew was working on it,” says Yuh Nelson. “It was the case of a very small crew of very advanced professionals — rather than having a lot of people working on it for a shorter duration. That’s why you get such high quality in every frame. The people who worked on it really wanted to fit it in and work on it as a passion project.”

The new season also includes an episode titled Kill Team Kill, which is a full-on, traditionally hand-drawn work, directed by Yuh Nelson herself, with music by Grammy-winning dance artist Skrillex. “I think a lot of people miss that, and we had some of the best animators from all over the world working on it,” she recalls. “They got to animate a lot of veins and bullets and punches! It’s not meant to be taken seriously. It’s just a funny, dumb piece for people who want to get away from too many serious events in their lives right now.”

Swarm, the season’s stunning episode directed by Miller himself, is based on a story by Bruce Sterling, one of his favorite sci-fi writers. “I’ve been a fan for a long time and read his short stories and novels back in college,” he recalls. “That whole cyberpunk wave of science fiction really hit me hard and just resonated with me. The story takes place on a floating asteroid and it has many interesting creatures to animate. But at the end of the day, I love what it has to say about humanity. That we think we’ve got everything figure out, and yet we’re so dumb. As we move into an even higher gear, technologically speaking, I hope it makes people think that perhaps we should give it some thought before we take any big steps, because we don’t know what we don’t know!”

The Spanish Master Is Back!

Of course, one of the season’s not-to-be-missed episodes is Mielgo’s Jibaro, which centers on a deaf knight who becomes mesmerized by a golden woman who lured his companions to their deaths.

“This piece is an homage to nature, as everything is in a fully natural setting,” Mielgo explains. “So, I prepared for this project by traveling all across America’s West Coast. We were in full pandemic mode, so I just took the van out in the fall of 2020. I wanted to capture the end of summer, early autumn colors, where the green colors are fading but you don’t have full orange or full yellow foliage. I was collecting visual references and getting lost in all the forests.”

Produced by Sergio Jimenez, the animation for the short was handled by Mielgo’s studio, Pinkman.tv. About 75 people in total worked on Jibaro at the Madrid studio. “We also had great feedback from the team at Blur in Los Angeles,” says the director. “They were super supportive and never gave any obnoxious notes!”

The recent Oscar winner adds, “In terms of visuals, it’s very brutal and raw. It’s also very sophisticated in terms of the CG effects and depictions of water, blood, liquids, cloth simulation, horses and tons of people killing each other on the screen! I hope audiences will love it. I was really trying to make paintings in every shot. I consider the story to be very personal, and I believe it’s my biggest achievement visually.”

While Netflix is tight-lipped about a fourth season, Miller and Yuh Nelson admit that they have numerous ideas for stories to create in the future. “Jennifer and I look at this big deck of all the story ideas we have collected, and there are at least enough for three more seasons,” says Miller. “I have reached a point now that I get sad when I find a new story, because I think, ‘If we don’t get more seasons, I won’t get to do this one.’ I also love that Jennifer and I are just different enough that we have a nice mix of ideas, but we’re similar enough that I knew she’ll get excited about a story that I find interesting. But I just can’t say enough about the debt that we owe the original writers. Their stories have been like these diamonds scattered on the beach, just waiting for us to pick them up.”

All three seasons of Love, Death + Robots are streaming on Netflix worldwide today (Friday, May 20).

Love, Death + Robots: Volume III Episodes

Three Robots: Exit Strategies. Dir. Patrick Osborne (Blow Studio)

Bad Traveling. Dir. David Fincher (Blur Studio)

The Very Pulse of the Machine. Dir. Emily Dean (Polygon Pictures)

Night of the Mini Dead. Dir. Robert Bisi & Andy Lyon (BUCK)

Kill Team Kill. Dir. Jennifer Yuh Nelson (Titmouse)

Swarm. Dir. Tim Miller (Blur Studio)

Mason’s Rats. Dir. Carlos Stevens (Axis Studios)

In Vaulted Halls Entombed. Dir. Jerome Chen (Sony Pictures Imageworks)

Jibaro. Dir. Alberto Mielgo (Pinkman.tv)

Previously announced full episode info including synopses and voice cast is available here.

Exclusive: Animation Block Party Returns to Brooklyn in August

Mercedes Milligan

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May 19, 2022

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Exclusive: Animation Block Party Returns to Brooklyn in August

Dedicated to exhibiting the world’s best animation, the Animation Block Party brand brought together animation festivals and block parties for the first time on September 9, 2004. This summer, ABP returns to celebrate it’s 19th annual festival August 12-13 in Brooklyn.

The opening night party drops on the evening of Friday, August 12, featuring live animated comedy from Picture This at Union Hall, located at 702 Union St, Brooklyn, NY, 11215.

Festival screenings will take place all day on Saturday, August 13 at the prestigious Brooklyn Academy of Music, located at 30 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11217.

Summer program highlights at BAM Film include Malt Adult Presents Barber Westchester and the 15th anniversary of the animated documentary Chicago 10.

Barber Westchester is a stunning independent feature by the prolific animator Jonni Phillips, and the film is making its New York theatrical debut at Animation Block Party 2022. The film centers on Barber navigating family life, a cult preacher dad, and complicated friendships while getting an internship at NASA only to find out that space is fake.

Philips will be appearing at the screening in conversation with Malt Adult founder, Sarah Schmidt.

Chicago 10 follows the Chicago Eight, who were charged by the federal government with various charges related to anti-war and countercultural protests during the 1968 Democratic National Convention.

The film was directed by Brett Morgan, and the animaiton crew is a who’s who of animation legends, from Dan Haskett to Doug Crane to Tissa David.

Animation Block Party opens for festival submissions on June 1, 2022 at animationblock.com, with a special focus on student films.

GKIDS Says Hello to ‘Goodbye, Don Glees!’

Mercedes Milligan

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May 19, 2022

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GKIDS Says Hello to ‘Goodbye, Don Glees!’

Acclaimed animation producer-distributor GKIDS has acquired the North American distribution rights for Goodbye, Don Glees! Produced by the hitmaker studio Madhouse, the film is the first original feature from writer/director Atsuko Ishizuka, who previously helmed the widely lauded series A Place Further Than The Universe. GKIDS will release the pic theatrically in both the original Japanese and an all-new English-language dub this year.

Goodbye, Don Glees! follows the story of three friends over the course of one summer, as their backyard adventures turn one small incident to a life changing journey. It was domestically released in February 2022, and stars famed Japanese voice actors Ayumu Murase (Shoyo Hinata in Haikyu!!), Natsuki Hanae (Tanjiro Kamado in Demon Slayer), Kana Hanazawa (Akane Tsunemori in Psycho-Pass) and Yuuki Kaji (Eren Jaeger in Attack on Titan). The film is represented internationally by Kadokawa.

“We were all incredibly moved by Atsuko Ishizuka’s perceptive and fresh take on a classic story of teenage friendship,” said GKIDS’ President David Jesteadt. “We can’t wait for audiences to share this beautiful blend of comedy and drama, set in the days of summer when anything seems possible.”

Synopsis: Teen misfits Roma, Toto and Drop call themselves the “Don Glees,” an informal name for their backyard adventures. One day, when the trio gets blamed for a nearby forest fire, they set off into the woods to prove their innocence. As disaster strikes their expedition, tensions flare between the friends as they realize that growing up has taken them on wildly different paths in life.

Director Atsuko Ishizuka follows up her critically acclaimed series A Place Further Than the Universe with her first original feature film. With luminescent animation and lush backdrops, Goodbye, Don Glees! is a tender coming-of-age story about the fearlessness of being young and the bittersweet journey of self-discovery.

The film’s core creative team also including art director Ayano Okamoto (Given, Mieruko-chan) and character designer Takahiro Yoshimatsu (Slayers, Trigun, Ninja Scroll, Overlord) . Madhouse is known for producing the critically acclaimed films of Satoshi Kon, including Paprika, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time and Perfect Blue, as well as Mamoru Hosoda’s Summer Wars, Rintaro’s Metropolis and many more.

goodbyedonglees.com

Buckle Up! Cartoonito Unmasks the Villainous Voice Cast for ‘Batwheels’

Mercedes Milligan

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May 19, 2022

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Buckle Up! Cartoonito Unmasks the Villainous Voice Cast for ‘Batwheels’

Holy Hubcaps! Cartoonito is revving up for Batwheels, announcing today the DC Super-Villain voice cast lineup. Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin) as Catwoman, Xolo Maridueña (Cobra Kai) as Snowy the Snowcrawler and Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants) asCrash lead the talented cast voicing some of Batman’s most iconic adversaries in the upcoming preschool action-adventure animated comedy.

The villains will go bumper-to-bumper against the heroes of Batwheels voiced by the previously announced cast led by Ethan Hawke as Batman, Jacob Bertrand as Bam the Batmobile and AJ Hudson as Duke Thomas/Robin. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, the series will race onto Cartoonito on HBO Max and Cartoon Network this fall.

The evil counterpart to the heroic Batwheels, the Legion of Zoom is a team of sentient vehicles brought to computerized life by Badcomputer, the new ultimate computer of the DC Universe. They, like the Batwheels, are essentially kids with little to no life experience. However, unlike the Batwheels, “The Zooms” are under Badcomputer’s malevolent guidance and often don’t make the best decisions. Prank (the Jokermobile) and the rest of the villainous squad wreak havoc on Gotham City alongside The Joker, Catwoman, Harley Quinn and more of the Caped Crusader’s infamous rogues gallery.

The complete DC Super-Villain voice cast lineup includes:

the zooms — L-R: (top) Griffin Burns, Alexandra Novelle, Josey Montana McCoy, (bottom) Ariyan Kassam, Xolo Maridueña, Tom Kenny

The Legion of Zoom

Griffin Burns (The Addams Family 2) as Prank — The Joker’s favorite ride, Prank is tricked out with all manner of pernicious pranks — confetti cannons, a joy buzzer and the like. Prank is often more interested in having a good laugh at someone’s expense than carrying out a plan.
Alexandra Novelle as Jetstah — Harley Quinn’s souped-up ATV, Jetstah displays all of the same obnoxious irreverence as her owner, along with an even bigger, badder giant mallet! Jetstah is full of tricks and loves to mock and tease the Batwheels as they chase her through the streets of Gotham City.

Josey Montana McCoy (Genshin Impact) as Quizz — Like his owner, The Riddler’s helicopter loves to befuddle the Batwheels with riddles, but unlike The Riddler’s, his riddles don’t always make sense. Quizz has the ability to skywrite them, broadcast them, and even drop parachuted riddle leaflets from above. As the youngest of the Zooms, Quizz is prone to throwing tantrums, especially when no one can figure out his riddles, even when they’re “sooooooo obvious!”

Ariyan Kassam (Great Pretender) as Ducky — The Penguin’s vehicle is an amphibious duck boat. Ducky can travel on land or sea, and is equipped with an array of sneaky surprises like umbrella shields and a squid-ink sprayer. He is a bit of a snob like his owner, and doesn’t always get along with the rest of the Zooms.

Xolo Maridueña (Cobri Kai) as Snowy — Mr. Freeze’s snowcrawler is armed with snow blowers and icicle missiles that can freeze opponents in their tracks. But due to his big, clumsy treads, Snowy is the slowest of the Zooms, often lagging behind and becoming the object of derision. Because of the way he’s treated by his teammates, he sometimes thinks about swapping sides and joining the Batwheels, though he would never admit that to the other Zooms.

SungWon Cho as Badcomputer — Badcomputer will not rest until he reigns supreme as the most advance computer intelligence in Gotham City — a title threatened by the hyper-advanced Batcomputer. As a being of refined intellect, Badcomputer holds little patience for the humbling antics of the Legion of Zoom, but fueled by his unrelenting jealousy of Batcomputer’s impressive hardware, he’ll have to settle for the tools he has at his disposal. It’s hard to get good help these days…

Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants) as Crash — Badcomputer’s robotic minion, Crash is a begrudgingly obedient test dummy tasked with assisting Badcomputer’s evil schemes. Despite being constantly blown to bits (often accompanied by his signature snark and quick wit), Crash is a powerful adversary who can hold his own against the Batwheels.

The Rogues Gallery

Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin) as Catwoman — The sneakiest of our Super-Villains, Catwoman loves to utilize her stealth and cunning to get her claws on the shiniest of trinkets and baubles Gotham City has to offer. Though she prefers to work alone, Catwoman is no stranger to playing both sides—good or bad—in order toget what she wants.

Mick Wingert (What If?) as The Joker — The ultimate prankster, all The Joker wants is to make everyone laugh … No matter how far he needs to go! The Joker revels in pushing Batman’s buttons, and if it means he can sneak off with a few bundles of cash from the bank in the process, even better! The Joker rarely takes anything seriously, but nothing makes his blood boil quite like getting burned by Batman.

Chandni Parekh (Big Nate) as Harley Quinn — Harley Quinn is the hyper kid on the block with no boundaries. She’s all about fun all the time — and what’s more fun than dunking on Batman? Nothing! Harley’s got a penchant for fast-paced heists and daredevil antics. Watch out for that mallet!

SungWon Cho as The Riddler — The Riddler would probably be respected for his quick wit and clever mind if he weren’t such a nagging know-it-all! He’s a super-nerd that thinks he’s the smartest person in Gotham City, and he’s on a personal mission to make everyone know it.

Jess Harnell (Animaniacs) as Penguin — A villain with a bottomless appetite for more, more, more! Penguin is the spoiled man-child of the bunch, always wanting to have the biggest, most ambitious schemes and heists. But with his mega-inflated ego, Penguin is also prone to throwng mega-tantrums when things don’t go his way. He’ll stop at nothing to get things his way — even if it means throwing his fellow Super-Villains under the bus.

Regi Davis (Mindhunter) as Mr. Freeze — A grouch and a grinch, Mr. Freeze is the ultimate downer who always seems to wake up on the wrong side of the bed. Just about everything (especially fun, ugh!) annoys his peevish popsicle — so he sees it as his personal mission to ice over Gotham City to make things nice and quiet. You don’t want to end up on the wrong side of his ice cannon (of his signature ice-based puns).

James Arnold Taylor (Star Wars: The Clone Wars & Rebels) as Toyman — Toyman loves nothing but playing with the latest and greatest toys — the only problem is, his idea of “toys” increasingly seems to encompass volatile high-technology. All he wants to do is play in peace, but that pesky Batman keeps ruining his playdates. He might be a bit of a choking hazard for the Caped Crusader.

the rogues L-R: (top) Gina Rodriguez, Mick Wingert, Chandni Parekh, (bottom) Jess Harnell, Regi Davis, James Arnold Taylor

Previously announced DC Super Heroes joining Hawke’s Batman, Bertrand’s Bam, and Hudson’s Robin include the rest of the Batwheels team: Bibi (The Batgirl Cycle) voiced by Madigan Kacmar, Redbird (Robin’s Sports Car) voiced by Jordan Reed, The Batwing voiced by Lilimar, and Buff (The Bat Truck) voiced by Noah Bentley — plus Bat-family member Cassandra Cain/Batgirl voiced by Leah Lewis. The Batwheels are cared for by their trainer and mother figure Batcomputer, voiced by Kimberly D. Brooks, and Batman’s robot repairman Mo, voiced by Mick Wingert.

Synopsis: They are a team of incredible crimefighters who have banded together to oppose evil, combat crime and clean up the streets of Gotham City. They are…okay, they’re NOT Batman and Robin. They’re the Batwheels: an awesome group of sentient super-powered crime-fighting vehicles defending Gotham City alongside Batman, Robin, Batgirl and a host of DC Super Heroes.

Having just been created by the Batcomputer, our heroes are essentially kids with little to no life experience. Led by Bam (The Batmobile), the Batwheels — Bibi (The Batgirl Cycle), Redbird (Robin’s Sports Car), The Batwing and Buff (The Bat Truck) — must navigate the growing pains of being a newly formed super team as well as the growing pains that come with just being a kid. This relatable and aspirational series will follow the journey of this dynamic team as they thrill and entertain with their heroic adventures as well as demonstrate to kids the value of self-confidence, friendship and teamwork.

Sam Register (Looney Tunes Cartoons) serves as executive producer. Michael G. Stern (Doc McStuffins) serves as co-executive producer, Simon J. Smith (Penguins of Madagascar) is supervising producer and Steven Fink of Bang Zoom Ltd. is producer.

Trailer: ‘Dead End: Paranormal Park’ Summons a Heartfelt, Demon-Possessed Comedy

Mercedes Milligan

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May 19, 2022

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Trailer: ‘Dead End: Paranormal Park’ Summons a Heartfelt, Demon-Possessed Comedy

The official trailer for Dead End: Paranormal Park has arrived! The new 2D animated series is bringing demonic mix ups, friendship and terrifying fun (not to mention an adorable, possessed pug) to Netflix on June 16. Out.com premiered the preview, which you can check out below.

Synopsis: Based on Hamish Steele’s horror-comedy graphic novels DeadEndia and web short Dead End, Dead End: Paranormal Park follows the adventures of Barney, Norma and magical-talking-dog Pugsley, as they balance their summer jobs at the local theme park haunted house while battling the totally real supernatural forces that dwell within it. Together with their guide to the underworld multiplane, a sardonic thousand-year-old demon named Courtney, they’ll face zombie mascots, demonic game show hosts, sleep-sucking witches and the scariest thing of all: their first crushes!

Produced by Blink Industries, with Steele taking on showrunner duties, the series will also feature a special musical episode with songs written by Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy.

Dead End: Paranormal Park is voiced by cast members Zach Barack, Kody Kavitha, Emily Osment, Alex Brightman, Clinton Leupp (a.k.a. Miss Coco Peru), Kenny Tran and Kathreen Khavari.

Guest stars include Alan Cumming, Angelica Ross, Crystal Nelson, Kemah Bob, MJ Roridguez, Patrick Stump, Sam Jay, Taylor “Effy” Gibson, Tom Lenk, Z Infante and more…

Rudyard Kipling’s ‘Kim’ Heads to the Big Screen with Cosmos-Maya

Mercedes Milligan

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May 19, 2022

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Rudyard Kipling’s ‘Kim’ Heads to the Big Screen with Cosmos-Maya

Singapore- and India-based animation studio Cosmos-Maya announced today it has selected Rudyard Kipling’s classic novel Kim to be adapted for its next feature-length animated film. Cosmos-Maya has teamed up with Irish animation studio Piranha Bar to co-develop the movie.

Kipling is one of the earliest modern European writers with connections to India, and his stories showcase strong themes of cultural crossover. Set in 1890s India, Kim is a kung fu odyssey about the eponymous original child spy and his exploits — full of friendship, treachery and adventure. In the story, as external forces attempt to take control of colonial-era India, savvy street kid Kim becomes the apprentice of a Shaolin monk and an unlikely spy for the British Empire in an epic voyage of self-discovery.

With a cast of many colourful characters — including Colonial British soldiers, treacherous villains and Maddy, another child spy — Kim is an exhilarating adventure full of kung fu action that also has important messages about peace and enlightenment at its heart.

Award-winning director Ketan Mehta will direct the film. Mehta has directed many landmark historical films like Sardar Patel, Mangal Pandey, Mirch Masala and Maya Memsaab, and has previously received the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. Mehta, James V. Hart and Jake Hart have co-written the screenplay. James V. Hart’s previous credits include Steven Spielberg’s Hook, Francis Ford Coppola’s Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Robert Zemeckis’s Contact.

“With Cannes Film Festival about to commence, we couldn’t be more pleased to announce our animated feature film version of the legendary text from none other than Rudyard Kipling. Adapting this timeless tale, much beloved around the globe, is a true honor,” said Anish Mehta, CEO of Cosmos-Maya. “With our co-production partner Piranha Bar, talented director Ketan Mehta, and acclaimed writer James V. Hart, we’re confident this will excite audiences all over the world. We’re looking forward to bringing more partners on board for this brilliant IP, and it’s fantastic that we’ll be able to have these conversations in person at the upcoming festival.”

Dave Burke, CEO, Piranha Bar, commented,“We are thrilled to be involved with Cosmos-Maya in bringing Kipling’s final and most famous novel to the big screen. Creating the world of Lahore, Kimball O’Hara and the full ensemble of diverse characters has been an incredibly ambitious and successful undertaking for our teams in Ireland and Mumbai. We now set our sights on bringing Kipling’s visually striking and emotionally gripping story of Kim, the original child spy, to life.”

Kim was originally published as a serial, beginning in 1901. The story has been adapted into live-action films featuring stars like Errol Flynn, Dean Stockwell, Peter O’Toole and Julian Glover, as well as an installment of NBC’s Shirley Temple’s Storybook in 1960. A 2D animated series produced by Italy’s Mondo TV & RAI was released in 2008.

Founded by internationally acclaimed Indian filmmakers Ketan Mehta and Deepa Sahi, Cosmos-Maya produces high quality 2D and 3D animated content with a focus on creating kids’ IP. The studio is presently working on multiple Indian animation TV series with major broadcasters, including Motu Patlu, Selfie with Bajrangi, Titoo, Eena Meena Deeka and Dabangg. Cosmos-Maya presently has 18 shows on air and 10 in production, including four finished European co-production series and an international animation feature film, Dogtanian and the Three Muskehounds. (cosmos-maya.com)

Piranha Bar is both a production company and a full-service post facility. Its roster of directors and studio of animators, 3D genii, flame artists and production elves all share a passion for effective storytelling. Utilizing live-action to animation, high-end VFX to origami (and lots in between), the studio is blazing its own production trail while its extensive facilities offer agency, TV broadcast & prodco clients post production services for long-form, short-form and cross platform content; high-end editing, finishing, motion graphics & cutting edge VFX. (piranhabar.ie)

Netflix Debuts Final Trailer, Voice Cast & Full Episode for ‘Love, Death + Robots’ Vol. 3

Mercedes Milligan

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May 19, 2022

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Netflix Debuts Final Trailer, Voice Cast & Full Episode for ‘Love, Death + Robots’ Vol. 3

Ahead of the highly anticipated season premier this Friday, May 20, Netflix Animation dropped a full episode sneak-peek of Love, Death + Robots Volume 3 last night and, this morning, unveiled the final trailer as well as the official voice cast for the third batch of mindbending adult animated shorts.

You can watch the first episode, Three Robots: Exit Strategies now on YouTube. The first direct sequel in Love, Death + Robots history – from the mind of acclaimed sci-fi novelist John Scalzi – follows the titular trio of droll droids on a whirlwind tour studying post-apocalyptic human survival strategies before mankind was finally snuffed out.

Directed by Oscar winner Patrick Osborne (Feast, Pearl) and animated by Blow Studio, the short features the voices of Josh Brener, Gary Anthony Williams, Katie Lowes and Chris Parnell.

Check out the final trailer and read on for the rest of the episodes and their newly announced voice stars, including Rosario Dawson, Joe Manganiello, Christian Serratos, Jai Courtney, Mackenzie Davis, Joel McHale, Seth Green, Gabriel Luna and more! (Plus lovely new images):

Bad Travelling
A jable shark-hunting sailing vessel is attacked by a giant crustacean whose size and intelligence is matched only by its appetite. Mutiny, betrayal and ventriloquism with a corpse… welcome aboard the animation directing debut of David Fincher. Written by Andrew Kevin Walker, based on the short story by Neal Asher. (Blur Studio)

***Voice Cast: Troy Baker, Kevin Jackson, Fred Tatasciore, Anthony Mark Barrow, Chantelle Barry, Parry Shen, Time Winters, James Preston Rogers, Jason Flemyng, Elodie Yung, Max Fowler

The Very Pulse of the Machine
When an exploratory expedition on the surface of the moon Io ends in disaster, an astronaut must trek to safety dragging the body of her co-pilot while using potentially mind-warping drugs to deal with the pain of her own injuries in this trippy tribute to comic book legend Moebius. Director: Emily Dean; writer: Philip Gelatt, from a short story by Michael Swanwick. (Polygon Pictures)

***Voice Cast: Mackenzie Davis, Holly Jade, David Shatraw

Night of the Mini Dead
The apocalypse is conceived – literally – in a graveyard in this biting zombie satire, which starts with some cheeky cemetery sex and accelerates into a walking dead invasion of everywhere – from downtown L.A. to the Vatican. It’s the end of the world as we gnaw it. Directors: Robert Bisi, Andy Lyon; writers: Robert Bisi & Andy Lyon, from a short story by Jeff Fowler & Tim Miller. No voice cast. (BUCK)

Kill Team Kill
Young, dumb and full of… blood, lots and lots of blood, a ’roid-raging, adrenaline-fuelled force of U.S. soldiers faces a foe unlike any they have faced before, the result of a CIA experiment that gets really fucking Grizzly. From the director of Kung Fu Panda 2, Jennifer Yuh Nelson. Writer: Philip Gelatt, from a short story by Justin Coates. (Titmouse, Inc.)

***Voice Cast: Joel McHale, Seth Green, Gabriel Luna, Steve Blum, Andrew Kishino

Swarm
A story of fear, sex and philosophy on the farthest frontier, as two post-human scientists study an apparently mindless insectoid-race. Tim Miller writes and directs the first ever screen adaptation of the work from renowned Cyberpunk author Bruce Sterling. (Blur Studio)

***Voice Cast: Rosario Dawson, Jason Winston George, Fred Tatasciore

Mason’s Rats
You know you have a pest control problem when they start to shoot back. The ratpocalypse comes to Scotland, as a grumpy farmer takes drastic steps to deal with an invasion of hyper-evolved rodents. Exterminator: Judgment Day. Director: Carlos Stevens; writer: Joe Abercrombie, based on the short story by Neal Asher. (Axis Studios)

***Voice Cast: Craig Ferguson, Dan Stevens

Christian Serratos as Harper in Love, Death & Robots: In Vaulted Halls Eternal | Courtesy of Netflix © 2022

In Vaulted Halls Entombed
Deep in the mountains of Afghanistan, a squad of Special Forces soldiers has the dangerous job of recovering a hostage held by terrorists. But the real evil they must confront is an elder god of ancient and terrifying power. Director: Jerome Chen; writer: Philip Gelatt, based on a short story by Alan Baxter. (Sony Pictures Imageworks)

***Voice Cast: Joe Manganiello, Christian Serratos, Jai Courtney, Noshir Dalal, Stanton Lee, Jeff Schine, Debra Wilson, Fred Tatasciore

Jibaro
Fantasy and greed combine in this re-imagining of the traditional folktale of a siren whose song lures men to their doom. But her sorcery fails to work on the deaf knight, Jibaro, and the Golden Woman becomes fascinated by him. Thus begins a deadly dance of two predators. Written and directed by Oscar winner Alberto Mielgo (The Windshield Wiper). (Pinkman.tv)

***Voice Cast: Girvan ‘Swirv’ Bramble

Read more about the new season in the upcoming 35th Anniversary issue of Animation Magazine (June/July ’22, No. 321).

Makoto Shinkai’s ‘Suzume no Tojimari’ Sets Global Distribution with Crunchyroll, Sony & Wild Bunch

Mercedes Milligan

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May 19, 2022

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Makoto Shinkai’s ‘Suzume no Tojimari’ Sets Global Distribution with Crunchyroll, Sony & Wild Bunch

Crunchyroll today announced it has acquired the global distribution and marketing rights (excluding Asia) from TOHO, for Makoto Shinkai’s upcoming film, Suzume no Tojimari (working title).

The deal was finalized at this week’s Cannes Film Festival and was negotiated by Crunchyroll’s Chief Content Officer Asa Suehira, Wild Bunch International’s CEO Vincent Maraval and TOHO’s Akihiro Takeda. Rights are handled worldwide by TOHO (excluding South Korea and India).

Suzume no Tojimari will debut in Japan on November 11 this year, and will be distributed in all major territories beginning in early 2023. In North America, Crunchyroll is the sole distributor. In Latin America, Australia/New Zealand, the Middle East and portions of Europe, the film will be distributed by Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment. In French- and German-speaking Europe, the film will be co-distributed by Crunchyroll, Sony Pictures and Wild Bunch International.

“It’s with humility and honor that CoMix Wave Films, Makoto Shinkai, and TOHO have decided to partner with Crunchyroll on the next masterpiece,” said Rahul Purini, President of Crunchyroll, LLC. “It’s also an incredible opportunity to work with our partners at Sony Pictures Entertainment and Wild Bunch International to co-distribute this film across a wide swatch of territories. We know both animation fans and general audiences will fall in love with this prestigious film, and we can’t wait to see the world’s reaction and reception to it in cinemas, festivals and for awards consideration.”

Vincent Maraval, President of Wild Bunch International, commented, “We are excited to work with Makoto Shinkai, CoMix Wave Films, TOHO and Crunchyroll. We consider Makoto Shinkai as a major artist with whom we wanted to work for a long time. He is a talented director that we welcome in our family of cinema masters and we feel proud to be able to bring his vision to the cinema world all around the globe.”

Award-winning creator, writer and director Makoto Shinkai has been a visionary in the animation space for decades, with the most recent films Your Name. (2016) and Weathering With You (2019), both of which have catapulted him a leading animation auteur with international viewers. Weathering With You 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 independent feature.

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

Suzume no Tojimari 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.

‘Ron’s Gone Wrong’ Studio Locksmith Pacts with DNEG for ‘That Christmas’

Mercedes Milligan

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May 19, 2022

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‘Ron’s Gone Wrong’ Studio Locksmith Pacts with DNEG for ‘That Christmas’

Leading London-based CG feature studio Locksmith Animation has awarded the digital production of its second movie, That Christmas, to DNEG Animation. The studios previously teamed up to deliver Locksmith’s debut film, Ron’s Gone Wrong, which garnered multiple Annie Award nominations and won Best Feature at the 2022 British Animation Awards.

That Christmas is based on the successful series of children’s books by filmmaker Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Love Actually, Yesterday) and marks the feature film directorial debut of renowned character animation and story artist veteran Simon Otto (How to Train Your Dragon trilogy).

The three books in the series written by Curtis (published by Puffin) — The Empty Stocking, Snow Day and That Christmas — tell charming family stories taking place in the run-up to Christmas in a small English beach town.

“We are happy to continue our collaboration with Oscar-winning DNEG,” said Locksmith CEO Natalie Fischer. “DNEG Animation’s contribution to Ron’s Gone Wrong was integral to the film’s appeal to audiences and we look forward to this new chapter.”

“We are thrilled to be working with Locksmith again for their second project, following the success of Ron’s Gone Wrong,” said Tom Jacomb, President of DNEG Animation. “I’ve been a huge fan of Simon Otto and all his work on the How to Train Your Dragon series, so I’m very excited to now be working with him in the director’s chair!”

Locksmith has also set an impressive lineup of producers and creatives for the film: Former Netflix and Disney veteran Nicole P. Hearon (Moana, Frozen) and Adam Tandy (The Thick of It, Detectorists) are producers. Locksmith’s CTO/SVP of Digital Production Doug Ikeler (Arthur Christmas, Open Season) is tapped as VFX supervisor; Ashley Boddy (Ron’s Gone Wrong, A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon) is head of story and Sim Evan-Jones (The Chronicles of Narnia, Shrek) is editor. Justin Hutchinson-Chatburn (His Dark Materials, Black Mirror) is production designer, Dave Edwardz (Star Wars IX: The Rise of Skywalker, Mary Poppins Returns) is head of layout and Kapil Sharma (Ron’s Gone Wrong, Trolls) is animation director.

“It is a privilege to work with such a stellar team of animation veterans on our second movie alongside Simon Otto and Richard Curtis,” said Julie Lockhart, Locksmith Animation Co-Founder & President of Production. “By corralling their collective expertise, we are dedicated to creating a holiday film that families will enjoy for years to come.”

Otto and his team are currently in production on That Christmas in London. Curtis is writing the screenplay with Peter Souter. This marks the first animated feature project for Curtis, whose hit films, which include Yesterday, Love Actually, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill and About Time, have amassed a worldwide box office of over $2.5 billion.

Executive producers include Elisabeth Murdoch, Sarah Smith, Julie Lockhart, Bonnie Arnold, Richard Curtis, Peter Souter, Colin Hopkins and the books’ illustrator, Rebecca Cobb.

DNEG Animation will be at the Annecy Int’l Animation Film Festival this summer with two sessions on Thursday, June 16:

11:30 a.m. — Pathways to DNEG
2 p.m. — DNEG Animation: A Proper Hello

The leadership team will share how it built a startup animation studio within an established, award-winning visual effects company and how it is staying true to the history, art and craft of animation while leveraging technology for the future.

locksmithanimation.com | dneg.com

SC Films Snags ‘Girl in the Clouds’ Sales Rights

Animation Magazine

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May 18, 2022

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SC Films Snags ‘Girl in the Clouds’ Sales Rights

U.K.-based SC Films International has acquired world sales rights (excluding France and Belgium) to the animated feature Girl in the Clouds. The $15 million CGI book adaptation is currently in production for delivery and release in 2024, with a promo available to view at the Cannes Film Market.

“When Luc [Bossi, producer] first pitched me Girl in the Clouds, I was sold immediately,” commented Simon Crowe, Managing Director of SC Films. “The characters are terrific and the script is full of action, comedy and surprises. I am really excited by the potential of this film.”

The film is inspired by Romain Puértolas’ 2015 French novel The Girl Who Swallowed a Cloud as Big as the Eiffel Tower, which has been translated into nine languages. It follows a 12-year-old bookworm entrusted with a magical quill that can grant any wish it writes. Partnered by her talking guinea pig, she embarks upon a dangerous adventure to save the planet from environmental destruction.

Girl in the Clouds is being written and directed by Philippe Riche (Rabbids Invasion), with Luc Bossi (The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir, Mood Indigo) of Brio Films acting as lead producer. Sawsan Asfari from Cocoon Films (The Teacher) and Geneviève Lemal from Scope Pictures (Annette) joined the project as co-producers. Jon Goldman is executive producer.

“Beyond the great poetic and visual potential offered by the novel, I saw the journey of Providence as an opportunity to develop a strong concept in the vein of the great Pixar movies, namely: What becomes of children’s dreams when one has the possibility of living them?” said writer-director Riche.

Bossi added, “This exciting animation venture gathers outstanding world-class talents from the French and Belgian 3D animation industry around a talented French director to offer a package full of humor, adventure, suspense and a universal environmental message.”

Visit SC Films at Cannes (May 16-26) at 5th Floor, La Brise, 24 La Croisette.

[Source: ScreenDaily]

Moonbug & Disney Join Forces for New ‘Morphle’ Series

Mercedes Milligan

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May 18, 2022

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Moonbug Entertainment today announced an agreement with Disney Branded Television to create a new CG original series, Morphle, based on the hit short-form My Magic Pet Morphle.

The 52 x 7′ comedy-adventure series will debut in 2024 exclusively on Disney+ and Disney Junior globally, excluding China. Disney will also launch episodes of My Magic Pet Morphle on its platforms. This strategic partnership is the first creation and distribution agreement of its kind between the two leaders in kid’s entertainment.

Morphle follows Mila and her stepbrother, Jordie, as they leap into a world of adventure with the help of Morphle, Mila’s magical and loyal pet who has the power to change into whatever she needs. The trio will use their skills and smarts to keep magic pets out of mischief, solve problems and find “magic matches” for each of the hilarious and unique newcomers.

“The agreement with Disney Branded Television is a significant milestone for the Morphle brand and recognizes Moonbug Entertainment’s continued growth within the kids’ market,” said Andy Yeatman, Managing Director of Americas and Originals at Moonbug Entertainment. “We are excited to expand our original content initiatives and bring the fun and fantastical Morphle universe to more families around the world.”

Jane Gould, EVP, Content Research, Insights & Scheduling, Disney General Entertainment, said, “This inaugural partnership with Moonbug Entertainment for this new iteration of Morphle is a welcome venture for us. The characters and stories from this beloved franchise have delighted and entertained kids and families for more than a decade and the sensational combination of magic and adventure is the perfect fit for our Disney Junior and Disney+ audiences.”

Arthur van Merwijk is the creator of the short-form series My Magic Pet Morphle. The new Morphle series was co-developed by Mark Palmer (Hello Ninja) and Consulting Producer Jill Sanford (Go! Go! Cory Carson). Nick Confalone (Helpsters) serves as Story Editor.

moonbug.com.

Adult Swim Festival Returns with Summer Block Party in Philadelphia

Mercedes Milligan

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May 18, 2022

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Adult Swim Festival Returns with Summer Block Party in Philadelphia

For the first time ever, the Adult Swim Festival makes its way to the East Coast as a three-day block party in Philadelphia’s popular Fishtown neighborhood. Headlined by performances from Run The Jewels, Dethklok and Philadelphia-native Tierra Whack, the series of events will run Friday, August 5 through Sunday, August 7, 2022.

Fans will enjoy a dynamic schedule of music, comedy, live panels, outdoor screenings and exclusive merchandise in celebration of all things Adult Swim — not to mention sneak peeks at exciting animated projects coming down the pipe.

Advance tickets go on sale Thursday, May 19 at 10 a.m. EDT.

“After several successful years in L.A. and online, we’re excited to bring the Adult Swim Festival to the East Coast,” said Michael Ouweleen, President of Adult Swim. “Fishtown is the perfect setting for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of the city, Adult Swim and top talent who are at the forefront of the music and comedy worlds.

In partnership with Live Nation, the Adult Swim Festival Block Party will be a curated series of individually ticketed events across four famed venues in Fishtown including The Fillmore Philly, The Foundry, Punch Line Philly and The Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia, all within an ongoing neighborhood block party filled with beer gardens, food trucks, and fun fan attractions.

Attending fans will get sneak peeks and breaking news about some of Adult Swim’s biggest shows at must-see panels and series watch parties. Creators Matt Maiellaro and Dave Willis will take the stage with their Aqua Teen Hunger Force co-stars Carey Means (Frylock) and Dana Snyder (Master Shake) to spill all the details and reveal a first look of the second movie adaptation based on the fan-favorite series.

Smiling Friends creators Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel will bring the joy to Philadelphia and exclusively debut footage from a forthcoming special.

Plus, the wait is finally over for Rick and Morty fans as a peek at the highly anticipated sixth season of the series will also debut exclusively during the festival.

ASF panels — Aqua Teen Hunger Force | Rick and Morty | Smiling Friends

For the last two years the Adult Swim Festival was virtual, reaching a combined 26+ million views globally. The Adult Swim Festival Block Party will continue reaching fans around the world this year with select performances and panels available to fans via Adult Swim on HBO Max and YouTube.

The Adult Swim Festival Block Partywill feature performances by top music and comedy talent, including some hailing from Philadelphia. With more to be announced in the coming weeks, a running list of performers and guests scheduled to appear includes:

Run The Jewels
Tierra Whack
Dethklok
Ana Fabrega
Bia
Carmen Christopher
DJ Diamond Kuts
Eshu Tune (Hannibal Buress)
Flo Milli
Hop Along
Jak Knight
JEWELSSEA
Jo Firestone
Maddy Smith
River L. Ramirez
RJD2
Sam Jay
SNACKTIME PHILLY
Spirit of the Beehive
Trackstar The DJ

ASF headliners — Run The Jewels, ‘Metalocalypse’ band Dethklok and Philly native Tierra Whack headline the Block Party performers

Fans will also be the first to get access to never-before-seen videos and show updates at digital watch parties featuring animated faves Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal, Toonami, Royal Crackers, Tuca & Bertie, Teenage Euthanasia, YOLO: Crystal Fantasy, Birdgirl and Metalocalypse, as well as The Eric Andre Show and more.

The Adult Swim Mural Project also announces Philadelphia as its newest location this summer! In partnership with Living Walls, the Project is an ongoing initiative created to help spotlight local up-and-coming Black artists and creators to produce large-scale murals around the city. Now in its third year, the project extends from Atlanta and New Orleans to include Philadelphia, with more cities to follow.

Adult Swim Festival Block Party performances are individually ticketed and vary in pricing, with tickets to panel events available at no charge while supplies last. Presale begins Thursday, May 19 at 10 a.m. EDT, general sale begins Friday, May 20 at 10 a.m. EDT.

Fans 18+ can also sign up to receive the latest news on festival activities, partners, merchandise, updated line-ups and ticketing options at AdultSwimFestival.com.

Watch: ‘Mavka. The Forest Song’ Team Shares Message of Ukrainian Resilience in Final Production Stages

Mercedes Milligan

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May 18, 2022

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Watch: ‘Mavka. The Forest Song’ Team Shares Message of Ukrainian Resilience in Final Production Stages

The unbreakable creatives at Ukraine’s Animagrad animation studio (part of FILM.UA Group) announce they have entered the final stage of production for their highly-anticipated animated fantasy feature, Mavka. The Forest Song. Despide facing the violent invasion by Russia, the team is on track to complete the project for its planned delivery in Q4 2022.

Already the headline project in the studio’s lineup (pre-sold to more than 20 countries across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa), Mavka‘s release will now take on an even more signifcant, symbolic value for Ukrainians as the film celebrates not only the unique folklore, culture and artistry of the country, but also the triumph of love and peace.

“Our stories are our weapon. So, we have to be loud. One of the instruments for us to be loud is to make a huge effort now not only to finish the production, but also to distribute the rights to as many countries as possible, so that we are heard all over the globe,” said producer Iryna Kostyuk. “Also for that purpose we are trying to involve international star talent — especially those who have publicly declared their support to Ukraine — to be the voice cast of our wonderful characters of the international version of the movie.”

Animagrad has released a special video to give the international audience a glimpse of what the team has overcome to restart production just days after Russia launched its full-scale war on Ukraine. Artists, technicians and production workers survived displacement, sheltered from bomb strikes and returned to just-vacated occupied territories to bring Mavka to life. The video also includes never-before-seen footage from the film.

“We are longing for that very moment when audiences all around the globe, of both kids and grownups, will not only enjoy the beautiful imagery of our film and the exciting story, but will also learn the message that we’ve been trying to work on for so many years,” Kostyuk concludes in the video. “The message that says: Love and kindness will always win, because love is the most precious thing we humans have.”

Mavka. The Forest Song is one of the top projects being featured in FILM.UA Distribution’s catalog at the Cannes Film Market (May 17-25). A new poster crafted for the occasion updates the key art by tinting elements of Mavka’s magical forest with the yellow and blue colors of the Ukrainian flag.

Cannes attendees can find Mavka presented as one of the five international projects selected for the work-in-progress section of Animation Day on May 22 at 9:30 a.m. (“Annecy Goes to Cannes 2022” event). Producers Anna Eliseeva and Egor Olesov will be on hand to introduce the film and participate in a follow-up Q&A. A screening of all the finished scenes will be held on May 23 at 2:15 p.m. (email e.drachov@film.ua for more informaiton).

The entire Ukrainian film industry is represented in Cannes in a joint national pavilion under the slogan #StandWithUkraine. In addition, FILM.UA Group Distribution has also opened its own stand at Palais des Festivals (booth number J11). The team is particularly focusing on negotiating rights sales to the North American and Chinese markets as well as global streaming platforms.

Mavka. The Forest Song is a CG-animated feature film based on the masterpiece fairytale drama by Lesia Ukrainka, an outstanding Ukrainian writer, as well as on Ukrainian myths and legends.

“Mavka is a strong female character from Ukrainian legends. She strives for peace in her world like millions of Ukrainians and people across the globe do,” says Oleg Malamuzh, the movie’s director. “Together with other female characters of Animagrad’s animated features The Stolen Princess (2018) and Roxelana (in development), Mavka embodies the strength of the spirit of a Ukrainian character.”

You can read more about how the team at Animagrad have pulled together to complete their ambitious, empowering film and support their community in the upcoming 35th Anniversary issue of Animation Magazine (available soon).

Follow Mavka’s journey at mavka.ua or on the Mavka. The Forest Song Facebook and Instagram.

Trailer: ‘Fairfax’ S2 Is Back on the Prime Video Block Next Month

Mercedes Milligan

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May 18, 2022

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Trailer: ‘Fairfax’ S2 Is Back on the Prime Video Block Next Month

Today, Prime Video revealed the official trailer and key art for Season 2 of its adult animated comedy series Fairfax. The gang-gang’s back for more shenanigans as they navigate the timeless struggles of first crushes and misadventures with your ride-or-die crew.

All eight episodes will premiere on June 10, exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.

Synopsis: The gang-gang is back for more fun in Season 2 of this irreverent animated comedy following the misadventures of four middle schoolers looking to earn their place in the culture. It’s a modern look at the timeless struggle to fit in and stand out, hold on to your ride-or-die crew, and kiss your first crush — who may or may not be A.I.

Created and executive produced by longtime friends Matthew Hausfater, Aaron Buchsbau and Teddy Riley, the series stars Skyler Gisondo (Dale), Kiersey Clemons (Derica), Peter S. Kim (Benny) and Jaboukie Young-White (Truman).

S2 guest stars include: Billy Porter, Zoey Deutch, Camila Mendes, Rob Delaney, Yvette Nicole Brown, Ben Schwartz, JB Smoove, Tim Simons, Pamela Adlon, Guy Fieri, Annie Murphy, Michael Rooker, Jeff Bottoms, Larry Owens, John Leguizamo, Michaela Dietz, Edi Patterson, Mark Proksch, David Strathairn and Colton Dunn.

Additional executive producers include Jon Zimelis and Jason U. Nadler for Serious Business (@midnight); Peter A. Knight (BoJack Horseman); and Chris Prynoski, Ben Kalina and Antonio Canobbio for Titmouse (Big Mouth). The artist Somehoodlum, who designed the characters for the series, serves as a consulting producer alongside the pop/internet culture clothing and media brand Pizzaslime.

Sacha Baron Cohen, Greg Daniels, Mike Judge Develop Animated Special ‘Chelm: The Smartest Place on Earth’ for HBO Max, CN

Mercedes Milligan

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May 18, 2022

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Sacha Baron Cohen, Greg Daniels, Mike Judge Develop Animated Special ‘Chelm: The Smartest Place on Earth’ for HBO Max, CN

HBO Max and Cartoon Network announced today during the Warner Bros. Discovery Upfronts that Sacha Baron Cohen (Academy Award-nominated Borat and Who Is America?) has teamed up with Greg Daniels (King of the Hill) and Mike Judge (King of the Hill) of the newly formed Bandera Entertainment, as well as Michael Koman (SNL, co-creator of Nathan for You, EP of HBO’s How to with John Wilson) to bring their fresh wit to new, younger audiences with a new family-oriented animated special.

Set in the mythical “Town of Fools” and originally told in Yiddish, Chelm: The Smartest Place on Earth shares the absurdist humor and interpretive questioning that is a nod to Jewish intellectual traditions. Narrated by Cohen, the special will present a fresh take on the silly antics and exaggerated conflicts of the town, while also preserving the essence and heart of the classic folktales.

“This pitch was so hilarious; we just knew the HBO Max audience needed to get a dose of this original brand of storytelling. Chelm: The Smartest Place on Earth is a perfect pairing of comedy and satire, and no one does that combination better than Sacha, Greg, Mike, and Michael,” said Amy Friedman, Head of Kids & Family Programming, Warner Bros. “This unique project will breathe new, hysterical life into the nonsensical Chelmic wisdom that originated from this imaginary city of folks who aren’t quite the sharpest tools in the shed.”

Cohen, Greg Daniels and Mike Judge are developing the story with Michael Koman, who is also attached to write. The four will executive produce the special, alongside Bandera’s President Dustin Davis.

Trailer: ‘The Amazing Maurice’ Steps into Sky’s Spotlight

Mercedes Milligan

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May 18, 2022

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Trailer: ‘The Amazing Maurice’ Steps into Sky’s Spotlight

Following Sky’s successful Up Next showcase event at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London last night (May 17), where the broadcaster unveiled an exciting slate of programming to a star-studded line up of British talent, it has released first-look trailers for seven of its upcoming original British series.

These series sit among over 200 Sky Original shows across all genres this year – a 60% increase from 2021 and testament to Sky’s investment in the U.K. creative economy.

Of course, the stand-out title of the batch for Animation Magazine is the highly anticipated CGI-animated feature, The Amazing Maurice!

A lively animated adventure based on one of Sir Terry Pratchett’s wildly popular Discworld novels starring Hugh Laurie (Avenue 5), Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones), David Thewlis (Wonder Woman), Himesh Patel (Yesterday), Gemma Arterton (The King’s Man) and Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey).

Synopsis: Maurice is a streetwise ginger cat who masterminds a money-making scam by befriending a group of talking rats and a human boy, Keith. Going town to town, the rats pretend to infest the town and Keith uses his pipe to lead them away – all for a tidy profit. However, as Maurice and the rodents reach the stricken town of Bad Blintz, they discover something sinister going down beneath the city’s streets.

The Amazing Maurice is directed by Toby Genkel (Yakari: A Spectacular Journey, All Creatures Big and Small) from a script by Terry Rossio (Aladdin, Shrek). The animation is produced by Germany’s Ulysses Filmproduktion (producer: Emely Christians) and co-produced by U.K.’s Cantilever Media (producers: Andrew Baker and Robert Chandler), with additional animation provided by Sheffield-based studio Red Star 3D.

The film was sneak-peeked at Cartoon Movie earlier this year.

Adult Swim Greenlights ‘Rick and Morty: The Anime’, ‘Ninja Kamui’

Mercedes Milligan

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May 18, 2022

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Adult Swim Greenlights ‘Rick and Morty: The Anime’, ‘Ninja Kamui’

Leading adult animation outlet Adult Swim, the #1 screen destination for young adults, announced the greenlight of two all-new anime series: Rick and Morty: The Anime from director Takashi Sano (Tower of God) and Ninja Kamui from director Sunghoo Park (God of High School, Jujutsu Kaisen).

Announced during the Warner Bros. Discovery Upfronts, both series are in production and will premiere on Adult Swim and HBO Max.

“Toonami helped introduce anime to a U.S. audience 25 years ago, and is creating new, dynamic originals for the next generation of anime fans,” said Michael Ouweleen, President of Adult Swim. “These two series build on the legacy of those recent originals such as Fena: Pirate Princess, Blade Runner: Black Lotus, Shenmue the Animation, with Uzumaki and Housing Complex C, premiering later this year.”

Based on the Emmy-award-winning adult animated series, Rick and Morty: The Anime is a 10-episode adventure debuting on Adult Swim and HBO Max. Sano previously directed two anime shorts, Rick and Morty vs. Genocider and Summer Meets God (Rick Meets Evil), which received widespread fan and critical acclaim upon release, generating over 10 million combined views on Adult Swim digital platforms.

While celebrated anime director (and Rick and Morty superfan) Sano will adapt themes and events of the main series, Rick and Morty: The Anime will stand on its own as an original work. “The multiverse-straddling exploits of Rick and the gang pose challenges to the family bond, but they always rise to the occasion. It’s such a life affirming sight, and Jerry is no exception,” explains Sano. “I am honored to have been given an opportunity to tell a new story about this amazing family. I hope you enjoy their adventures!”

Like Sano’s previous Rick and Morty anime shorts, the series is from Telecom Animation Film (Lupin the IIIrd Series, Shenmue the Animation, Tower of God).

A futuristic action/adventure anime, Ninja Kamui comes on the heels of the massive success of Park’s recent anime feature Jujutsu Kaisen 0, the seventh biggest anime film of all time and the 15th highest grossing film in Japan of all time.

Ninja Kamuifollows Joe Higan who is a Nukenin — a former ninja who escaped his clan and is hiding from his violent past in rural America with his family. One night, he is ambushed by a team of assassins from his former organization who exact a bloody retribution on Joe and his family for betraying their ancient code. Rising from his seeming “death,” Joe will re-emerge as his former self — Ninja Kamui — to avenge his family and friends. Kamui is a 21st century ninja, a shadowy anachronism who pits his ancient skills against high-tech weaponry with brutal finesse. He must face off against trained assassins, combat cyborgs, and rival ninjas to bring down the very clan that made him.

“This is a story I’ve always wanted to tell,” said Park. “Transgression and punishment of a ninja who loses everything and goes out for revenge, and what lies at the end of his road. I am very excited about this new project and hope fans will be too.”

Ninja Kamuifeatures character designs by Takeshi Okazaki (Afro Samurai, Star Wars Visions, Batman: Ninja), and is produced by E&H Production and Sola Entertainment (Lord of The Rings: War of The Rohirrim, Blade Runner: Black Lotus, Ultraman).

DNEG Scores Multiyear VFX Services Agreement with Netflix

Mercedes Milligan

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May 17, 2022

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Leading technology-enabled visual effects and animation company DNEG has announced the signing of a new, multiyear services agreement with Netflix. The studio provides award-winning work across feature film, television and multi-platform content, including the highly anticipated fourth season of Netflix hit Stranger Things (May 27).

The non-exclusive agreement covers the provision of visual effects and virtual production services by DNEG for Netflix series and feature programming. The new agreement extends and expands on a previous agreement that the companies signed in September 2020 and creates a pipeline of Netflix programming work for DNEG through 2025.

This team-up aligns DNEG’s scale and global footprint as one of the world’s largest content services companies with Netflix’s diverse programming slate. As part of the agreement, DNEG will build upon its existing award-winning Netflix work with a significant expansion of its premium VFX work, both domestic and abroad. DNEG’s ReDefine division will also supply VFX services and top-end creative supervision for select Netflix programming.

“Netflix is the leader in the field of streaming content, and DNEG is at the forefront of VFX and virtual production services. This agreement is transformative for DNEG and creates the opportunity for further expansion of our global scale and further investment in DNEG’s industry leading technology,” said Namit Malhotra, DNEG Chairman & CEO. “The signing of this multiyear agreement reflects the success of our partnership with Netflix to-date and validates DNEG’s strategic direction and worldwide growth initiatives.”

Namit Malhotra

“This deal allows us to continue providing Netflix with the very highest levels of quality and service across its programming globally,” Malhotra continued. “I am proud of the long relationship DNEG enjoys with Netflix and our work on some of their most popular and critically acclaimed shows. To meet the strong demand for our services and drive even further growth, DNEG is looking to expand our capacity up to 40% by year-end 2022.”

DNEG, which in recent years has won seven Academy Awards for its visual effects work, including six of the last eight awards, is already working with Netflix on a number of projects in its upcoming slate. In addition to Stranger Things S4, these include Rian Johnson’s Knives Out 2, fantasy action-dramas The School for Good and Evil and Avatar: The Last Airbender, origin story The Witcher: Blood Origin and upcoming fantasy comedy-adventure Slumberland for director Francis Lawrence.

DNEG Animation is providing animation services for the much anticipated animated feature film Nimona, which will be released by Netflix in 2023.

DNEG has previously delivered VFX for Netflix series including Locke & Key S1 & 2, Shadow & Bone, The Irregulars, Cursed, Altered Carbon S1 & 2, Jupiter’s Legacy, Away, The Letter for the King, Black Mirror S4 & 5 and The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, as well as a number of Netflix movies. The studio won a Visual Effects Society Award for its work on Altered Carbon and a BAFTA TV Craft Award for its work on Black Mirror.

ReDefine has delivered VFX for Netflix movies such as The White Tiger, Mimi and Sweet Girl, and is currently in production on the upcoming Adam Sandler movie, Hustle.

dneg.com

Exclusive: Disney Junior Welcomes Deaf Drum Wiz Fig to ‘Mickey Mouse Funhouse’

Mercedes Milligan

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May 17, 2022

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Exclusive: Disney Junior Welcomes Deaf Drum Wiz Fig to ‘Mickey Mouse Funhouse’

This weekend, young viewers were introduced to a special new friend of the Mickey Mouse Funhouse when “The Music of the Seasons” premiered on Friday, May 13 on Disney Junior. Set to re-air throughout the month, this episode saw iconic Disney characters connect with Fig the gnome — a gifted drummer and music lover, who also happens to be deaf. In this new preschool adventure, Fig and his hearing sister, Olive, help Minnie and Daisy understand how he communicates and creates his danceable drum beats.

“The Music of the Seasons” was brought to screens by writer Kate Moran, who previously worked with the classic characters in Mickey Mouse Mixed-Up Adventures and has credits on Chip ‘n Dale’s Nutty Tales, Jake and the Never Land Pirates and Gravity Falls. In addition to drawing on her personal experience with deaf family members, Moran was aided by consultants (and brothers): RespectAbility board member and animation veteran Delbert Whetter (Igor, upcoming Pierre the Pigeon Hawk) and fellow deaf filmmaker/American Sign Language consultant Jevon Whetter (Live at the Deaf Club, upcoming Flash Before the Bang), who performed the ASL dialog for the animation team’s reference videos.

We caught up with the episode experts over email to find out more about developing Fig’s character, crafting an inclusive story for kids and how to adapt ASL for four cartoon fingers (or even no fingers). Disney Junior was also kind enough to provide a clip featuring Fig, Olive, Minnie and Daisy so you can watch them in action. (The character is expected to return for more Funhouse fun soon!)

Animation Magazine: How did you come up with the idea for Fig’s character?

Kate Moran: Fig is an amalgam of my deaf and hard of hearing cousins and two deaf drummers I’m a huge fan of.

I wanted Fig to be the kind of character my cousins and I would have delighted in seeing when we were children, where any differences are a wonderful addition to the character but not necessarily the defining characteristic of the character.

When it came to crafting the story and incorporating American Sign Language — did the most age-appropriate signs influence the story, or vice versa?

The story came first, based on my love of Fall (my favorite season), gnomes, music and the magic of letting people be their best selves.

What are the key goals and considerations when crafting an awareness message for young kids?

Kate: My main goal is to show that differences can bring wonderful things to friendships, that “normal” is a wider spectrum than previously represented.

Jevon Whetter: Our team is very mindful of the target audience when we create ASL dialog for animation — we will carefully choose ASL signs that are appropriate for young signers with a developing ASL vocabulary, especially if they are also early readers, which means captions may not be very accessible to them, if at all.

For such audiences, we often encourage creators to consider incorporating more visual elements into their content that complements its dialog or sound elements, which helps convey understanding and context while uplifting one’s imagination.

For instance, if a character is singing a song about life underwater, the content may include underwater features or fish in the form of graphics or animation in the background, or performing lyrics in ASL using nuances that resemble signing ASL while underwater.

What are the benefits (and perhaps challenges!) of using animation to explore real-life issues, disability and diversity?

Delbert: I am a long-time veteran of the animation industry with over 20+ years of experience in producing animated feature films. I have always believed we are uniquely positioned to be a leader in disability inclusion in Hollywood because there is literally nothing under the sun that cannot be created with or about people with disabilities. The only limit is one’s imagination.

With that comes countless possibilities and opportunities for storytelling, but that also means that we have an obligation to “get it right” by ensuring that we do not rely on old tropes or stereotypes but instead, tap into the rich tapestry of experiences that are represented by experiences of authentic persons with disabilities.

Kate: Animation can be an amazing medium to explore real-life issues! For example, I am grateful that Mickey and Minnie have a deaf friend and the positive impact that can have on children who see Mickey and Minnie being friends with someone like themselves.

I think representing some of these issues in animation can create additional challenges, like animating ASL — but I also believe that these challenges should be met head-on. It’s time. And the benefits far, far outweigh any additional effort needed. I want to say to these kids that they are absolutely 100% worth the effort to show them on screen. It just feels good to see someone who is like you.

Fig (left) gets to know Minnie and Daisy with a little help from his sister, Olive, in ‘Mickey Mouse Funhouse’. Both characters use ASL in the new episode.

It must have been hard to get those classic four-fingered cartoon hands to sign clearly. How was it managed?

Delbert Whetter: It is actually not hard at all… ASL is a language that incorporates body language and facial expressions just as much as it does the hands and fingers. We can communicate in ASL with just one hand while holding an object, for instance, or with fingerless mittens in cold weather, by adapting the way we express ourselves in ASL with careful nuances that often come naturally to deaf signers.

This is why it is so important to incorporate authentic, deaf-led professionals into the creative process, because the solutions to many of the challenges or conditions that deaf characters might find themselves in frequently can be found only within the lived life experience of an authentically deaf person. Moreover, many deaf performers are well-versed in the art of performing ASL as characters of all shapes, sizes and species such as lions or fantastical creatures for stage plays. For instance, in our animation work we have created ASL dialog for animal characters that have hooves, wings and claws.

How does it feel to put ASL in the gloved hands of such iconic Disney characters?

Delbert & Jevon: It is truly awe-inspiring — we feel so privileged and honored to connect young deaf and hard of hearing children with such iconic characters as Mickey and Minnie using ASL, a language that is visually accessible to them.

There have been a few other animated series introducing deaf or hard of hearing characters and ASL in recent months — do you think this is a function of culture, disability activism, the technological capacity of animation … all of the above?

Delbert: We have worked on a number of animated series incorporating animated ASL dialog for Disney, such as Big City Greens, as well as for other studios, and I can tell you without a doubt, that there is a clear uptick of interest and enthusiasm for deaf/hard of hearing animated characters and ASL dialog. But, more importantly, for other characters with other disabilities as well.

Much of this is due to the hard work of organizations like RespectAbility (I serve on their board of directors), which has tirelessly built relationships with children’s content creators throughout the industry to ensure that children with disabilities not only see themselves on screen, but can feel that their voices are seen and heard as well.

A key part of RespectAbility’s mission involves connecting creators with “behind the camera” professionals (such as writers, directors, producers, artists, etc.) with disabilities who not only know the industry but have lived life experience as a disabled person, which supplies them with plentiful creative material that is fresh, authentic and relatable for all.

Looking forward five years, how do you think disability diversity and representation in animation will measure up? How can the industry embrace more of it?

Kate: Looking forward five years, I would love for representation to not even have to be a conversation, that it is just normal — because it’s our world, this is what is outside in the lives we live. But getting there means that initially, it will take individuals making that effort to push forward these stories and characters. It can be intimidating to be the first or only voice to suggest it; do it anyway. Please.

Mickey Mouse Funhouse premiered in Summer 2021 and has been greenlit for a second season. New episodes air Fridays on Disney Channel and Disney Junior, available on demand through DisneyNOW.

Learn more about RespectAbility at respectability.org.

Tubi Snags Three Exclusive Movies from ‘Bob’s Burgers’ Studio Bento Box

Animation Magazine

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May 17, 2022

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Tubi Snags Three Exclusive Movies from ‘Bob’s Burgers’ Studio Bento Box

In Monday’s Upfronts, Fox announced that its ad-supported streamer Tubi is getting a trio of exclusive animated movies from its Bento Box Entertainment studio (Bob’s Burgers, Duncanville, The Great North, Housebroken). The projects include original concepts from Aqua Teen Hunger Force co-creator Matt Maiellaro, comedian Sam Taggart and stand-up comic Jerron Horton.

First on the slate is Maiellaro’s Pastacolypse. The movie is a wild horror-comedy concept about a billionaire celebrity chef who seeks revenge when a global ban on gluten destroys his life. In the process, Alfredo Manicotti is transformed into a hideous half-man, half-macaroni creature, and leads a pasta uprising against humanity. The fate of mankind rests with Alfredo’s spoiled daughter, the angel-haired heiress Emma, who must make the ultimate sacrifice to save the world from the impending ‘pastacolypse’.

In addition to ATHF, Maiellaro’s portfolio of Adult Swim cult toon hits includes creating 12 oz. Mouse, co-creating Perfect Hair Forever and serving as writer/producer for Space Ghost Coast to Coast and Sealab 2021.

Millennial Hunter is an action-comedy that centers on a flawed hero with a thirst for righteous revenge against his enemies: Millennials. The project is conceived by actor/writer/comedian Taggart (Los Espookys, ZIWE), host of the longrunning New York alt-comedy show Future Forms and named one of Brooklyn’s 50 Funniest by Brooklyn Magazine.

Big Bruh is a satirical comedy centered on an undefeated boxing champ who is “as ignorant as he is materialistic,” who gets paired with a “bratty kid with high morals” through the mentorship program Big Bruh. This odd couple comes from Duncanville co-producer & writer Horton, who is also executive story editor for Tracy Mordan’s The Last O.G.

tubitv.com | bentoboxent.com

Exclusive: Sophisticated Sci-Fi Is Back in ‘Love, Death + Robots’ Vol. 3

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Adult Swim Greenlights ‘Rick and Morty: The Anime’, ‘Ninja Kamui’

DNEG Scores Multiyear VFX Services Agreement with Netflix

Exclusive: Disney Junior Welcomes Deaf Drum Wiz Fig to ‘Mickey Mouse Funhouse’

Tubi Snags Three Exclusive Movies from ‘Bob’s Burgers’ Studio Bento Box

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