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Home Blog Page 34

Mac Miller’s ‘Balloonerism’ Animated Short Now Streaming on Prime

A mysterious animated journey unfolds in Balloonerism, a new 22-minute short inspired by the second posthumous album from Mac Miller (1992-2018). Produced by Hornet and directed by Samuel Jerome Mason — who also created the SXSW selected music video for “Colors and Shapes” by the late hip hop artist — the film about confronting your fears is now available to stream on Prime Video in the U.S.

The short follows a group of school friends who are transfigured by the music of a chord organ and launched into a shadow world. Swallowed by the ‘turtle of time,’ they must plod through the underbelly of adulthood.

Created in texturally realistic 3D CG, Balloonerism‘s story’s concept was anchored by the lyric, “But do you feel as big as your shadow?” According to Mason, the five central characters were conjured from lines from the song “Excelsior,” which inspired the director to explore the messiness of growing up and how time impacts our evolution into adulthood.

Balloonerism is directed by Mason with animation direction by Daniel Callaby, who was a lead aniamtor and layout artist on Arcane Season 1. Heather Hardin produced the project for Hornet. Wobbly Way Productions assisted with animation production and modeling under producer Stephanie Demeautis; Stim supported look and development.

Exec producers were Greg Bedard, Michael Feder, Hana Shimizu and Miller McCormick for Hornet; Remember Music, Warner Records and 4 Strikes.

[H/T Motionographer]

‘Gabby’s Dollhouse’ Partners with Children’s Museums Nationwide for Year-Long Celebration

DreamWorks Animation and the Association of Children’s Museums are launching a year long partnership called Gabby’s Dollhouse MEOWseum Discovery Days, bringing the magic of the popular series Gabby’s Dollhouse to children’s museums across the country.

While varying by location, the museum activations will include offerings ranging from activity stations, scavenger hunts, story times, crafting and Gabby costume character appearances.

The partnership kicks off at New York’s Brooklyn Children’s Museum, the world’s first children’s museum, on January 25. So far as confirmed, the collaboration will be featured at more than 25 ACM member locations across eight states from February to April, with additional locations and dates to be added throughout the year.

Gabby's Dollhouse
Gabby’s Dollhouse

“ACM and DreamWorks Animation share key values as they relate to playful learning,” said Arthur G. Affleck, III, executive director of the Association of Children’s Museums. “Like children’s museums, Gabby’s Dollhouse emphasizes social-emotional learning and showcases compassion, curiosity, creativity, learning from mistakes and the joy of teamwork.”

Gabby’s Dollhouse at its core celebrates growth mindset and failing fantastically, and the best way to learn is through play,” said Michael Vollman, EVP, Marketing for DreamWorks Animation. “Partnering with the Association of Children’s Museums is the perfect opportunity to bring this philosophy to life with Gabby’s fans across the country.”

The partnership comes as the global hit series debuts its 11th season, premiering February 17 only on Netflix.

Among the highlights, the new season brings an all new Dollhouse room, the Kitty-Care Ear. And Gabby fans can extend the Season 11 fun off-screen with the Kitty-Care Ear Purrfect Playset, a 17-piece toy from Spin Master, available for purchase widely online.

Gabby's Dollhouse playset

Gabby’s Dollhouse MEOWseum Discovery Days:

  • January 25 – Brooklyn Children’s Museum – Brooklyn, NY
  • February 1 – Children’s Museum Houston – Houston, TX
  • February 2 – The Doseum – San Antonio, TX
  • February 5 – The Woodlands Children’s Museum – The Woodlands, TX
  • February 8 – Temple Children’s Museum – Temple, TX
  • February 15 – Explora – Albuquerque, NM
  • February 16 – Santa Fe Children’s Museum – Santa Fe, NM
  • February 22 – Children’s Museum Tucson/Oro Valley – Tucson, AZ
  • February 23 – Children’s Museum of Phoenix – Phoenix, AZ
  • March 1 – Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert – Rancho Mirage, CA
  • March 2 – The New Children’s Museum – San Diego, CA
  • March 9 – Pretend City Children’s Museum – Irvine, CA
  • March 11 – San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum – Escondido, CA
  • March 15 – Cayton Children’s Museum – Santa Monica, CA
  • March 16 – Southern California Children’s Museum – Pasadena, CA
  • March 20 – Sacramento Children’s Museum – Rancho Cordova, CA
  • March 22 – Modesto Children’s Museum – Modesto, CA
  • March 23 – Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose – San Jose, CA
  • March 28-29 – Children’s Creativity Museum – San Francisco, CA
  • March 31 – Children’s Museum of Sonoma County – Santa Rosa, CA
  • April 4 – KidsQuest Children’s Museum – Bellevue, WA
  • April 5 – Hands On Children’s Museum – Olympia, WA
  • April 6 – Gilbert House Children’s Museum – Salem, OR
  • April 12-13 – Discovery Children’s Museums – Las Vegas, NV
  • April 19 – Thanksgiving Point – Lehi, UT
  • April 21 – WOW! Children’s Museum – Lafayette, CO

‘With You and the Rain’ Casts Its Tale of a Girl and Her Tanuki

A heartwarming new story of animal friendship will make its television debut in Japan this July in With the Rain and You (Ame to Kimi to), based on the manga by Ko Nikaido. The slice-of-live animated series centers on a young woman who forms a bond with an unusual pet who brings unexpected surprises and happiness to her life. The main cast and crew has just been announced via the show’s official website and social feeds.

Synopsis: On her way home, soaked from the rain, Fuji meets an odd sort of “dog.” The dog performs a flip to appeal to Fuji to pick it up, and offers her a folding umbrella. But this dog is more than just strange…

This unusual companion appeared on an ordinary day. Fuji and “Kimi” (“You”) eat, go out and chat together while experiencing the four seasons as she keeps telling herself, “Just for a little longer.”

The voice cast is led by Saori Hayami (Yor in SPY X FAMILY) as Fuji, Yuna Kamakura (Louisa in Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy) as Mimi, Satomi Sato (Wendy in Fairy Tail) as Ren and child actress Yuzu Yumoto as Krause Ella Kii.

The anime series is directed by Tomohiro Tsukimisato (Tanuki to Kitsune; How Clumsy You Are, Miss Ueno.) and written by Touko Machida (Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan, Smile Down the Runway), with character design by Ayano Ôwada (animation director on Black Butler: Book of Circus and Teasing Master Takagi-san 3). Studio Lesprit (How Clumsy You Are, Miss Ueno; Tanuki to Kitsune) is in charge of animation production.

The original manga by Nikaido has been serialized in Weekly Young Magainze since 2020, and has been collected into seven volumes which have circulated some 500,000 copies. The English-language version is published by Kodansha USA.

anekimi-anime.com

With You and the Rain © Nikaido Yuki / Kodansha / Rain and You Production Committee

[H/T Crunchyroll News]

‘Moana 2’ Hits $1 Billion; ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ Is Franchise’s Highest Grosser

It’s official: Moana 2 is Disney Animation’s latest feature to surpass the billion-dollar mark. This weekend brought in an additional $7.9M from 52 overseas markets (-32%) for an international total of $567.1 million, added to domestic takings of $442.8M through Sunday for a worldwide cume of $1.01 billion so far, making good on its multi-record-setting opening in November.

Moana 2 is the second-highest grossing animated release of all time in Brazil and France, and the highest grossing Disney Animation release ever in France, Australia, Brazil and Mexico as well as across the Latin American region, Greece, Slovakia, South Africa, Turkey, U.A.E., New Zealand, Peru, Chile, Central America, Ecuador, Bolivia and Uruguay. To date, the sequel’s top earning overseas destinations are France ($61.2M), U.K. ($50.5M), Germany ($43.1M), Australia ($30.9M) and Japan ($30.7M).

Combined, Disney and Pixar studios boast seven of the Top 10 highest-grossing animated films of all time, all of which have made more than a billion bucks. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ highest ranked film on the list is Frozen II (2019) at No. 2 (No. 3 if counting the photoreal The Lion King remake of 2019) with $1.453B, while Pixar holds the top stop with last year’s smash hit Inside Out 2 ($1.698B).

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 [Paramount Pictures]
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 [Paramount Pictures/Sega of America]
With this weekend’s box office, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has officially become the highest-grossing film in the Paramount Pictures/SEGA franchise, reaching $420M worldwide as of Sunday. Boosted by the addition of fan-favorite character Shadow the Hedgehog (voiced by Keanu Reeves), the third outing surpassed Sonic the Hedgehog 2‘s $405M.

Sonic 3 has screened in 64 overseas markets, racking up an international cume of $203.5M. This weekend brought in $15.2M (-36%) from offshore. The threequel notably had strong launches in Turkey and the Philippines. The top five markets to date are U.K. ($27.7M), Mexico ($20.2M), France ($17.3M), Brazil ($11.2M) and Australia ($15.5M).

Mufasa: The Lion King ©The Walt Disney Studios
Mufasa: The Lion King ©The Walt Disney Studios

Another strong holdover from the end of 2024, Mufasa: The Lion King (Disney) rakes in another $20.3M this frame from 52 overseas markets (-31%), bringing its international cume to $382.2M as of Sunday ($588M worldwide). Plus, Paddington in Peru (StudioCanal) expanded to 23 additional markets through Sony Pictures (34 total) and added $6.2M to its international total of $72.8M.

[Source: Deadline]

 

Sniff Out Clues with DreamWorks’ ‘Dog Man’ in Roblox

Fans of Dav Pilkey’s crime-solving demi-canine can forge their own adventure in Roblox with a new game inspired by the upcoming DreamWorks Animation movie Dog Man.

Dog Man has entered the Roblox sandbox, and now your can team up with him to answer Chief’s call for assistance: Petey the cat has invaded your favorite Roblox experiences! It’s up to players to help Dog Man track Petey through Barry’s Prison Run, Teamwork Puzzles 2, Escape Running Head and Floor Is Lava on the hunt for clues.

The crossover experience will last for two weeks on the platform, and offers a chance to win a fun UGC: a character backpack shaped like Dog Man’s head.

Based on the best-selling books by Pilkey, DreamWorks’ Dog Man is due in theaters January 31. The film is directed by Peter Hastings (The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants, Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness) and produced by Karen Foster (Spirit Untamed). The voice cast features Lil Rel Howery as Chief, Pete Davidson as Petey, Isla Fisher, Poppy Liu, Stephen Root, Billy Boyd and Ricky Gervais.

[H/T Filmibeat]

‘Gravity Falls’ Creator Alex Hirsch and Friends Help Raise Money for L.A. Fires Victims with Special Auction

You can always count on the animation community to pull together in times of need. On Thursday, Gravity Falls creator Alex Hirsch, Jason Ritter (voice of Dipper Pines) and Kristen Schaal (voice of Mabel Pines), director, character designer and artist Joe Pitt and artist Matt Braly (creator of Amphibia, who also worked as director and storyboard artist on Gravity Falls) helped raise over $93,000 to help those impacted by the recent L.A. wildfires through a special livestream. The timely charity fundraiser (which is still open) rewarded fans with live drawings, song performances and special animation-related memorabilia and collector’s item. The whole event was recorded, and you can watch Alex and friends’ entertaining, and one-of-a-kind stream here.

Autographed art from “Gravity Falls,” Over the Garden Wall and Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” are included in the special L.A. Fires charity auction organized by Alex Hirsch.

The auction features Alex Hirsch’s original storyboard pitch for Gravity Falls, Mike Rianda’s framed created for the movie The Mitchells vs. the Machines, Patrick McHale’s concept sketches for Over the Garden Wall, Rebecca Sugar’s signed Steven Universe comic-books and posters. You can also find Chris Houghton sketches for Big City Greens, Dana Terrace art created for  Amphibia, Jeff Smith’s autographed copy of Bone, Infinity Train collectibles signed by Owen Dennis and OK K.O! Let’s Be Heroes autographed by Ian Jones Quartey. There’s even a classic sketch from Disney’s The Beauty and the Beast signed by artist James Baxter.

Bidding on the animation auction closes on Jan. 21st at 5 p.m. You can donate and make your bids here.  All proceeds go to the Wildlife Relief Fund. You can find resources for how to help others impacted by the fires here. Find out more about fundraisers set up to help those impacted in the animation industry here. Gravity Falls ran for two seasons on Disney Channel and Disney XD (June 2012-Feb. 2016). It currently streams on Disney+.

Watch a special highlight below:

 

Studio4℃ to Make a Splash This Summer With a New Mermaid Movie Titled ‘ChaO’

Japan’s Studio4℃, which is best known for acclaimed titles such a Poupelle of Chimney Town and Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko, has announced its latest project. It’s a mermaid-themed movie titled ChaO, which is directed by Yasuhiro Aoki (Batman: Gotham Knight, Fluximation). According to the studio, the movie is set in “a future society where humans and mermaids coexist.” In the whimsical original story, office worker Stephen is suddenly asked to marry by Chao, a princess of the mermaid kingdom “This is a 100% pure love story!” declares Studio4℃’s X (formerly Twitter) feed.

Hirokazu Kojima provides the character designs and serves as animation director, while Hiroshi Takiguchi serves as art director. Toei will distribute the film in Japan in the summer of 2025.

Studio 4°C Co was founded by Eiko Tanaka and Koji Morimoto in 1986. (The name comes from the temperature at which water is most dense. Mind Game, Tekkonkinkreet, Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox and Children of the Sea are among the studio’s other well-known features. The studio has also produced a wide range of TV shows and OVA’s, including Macross 7, Transformers: Animated, ThunderCats, Phoenix: Eden17, The Animatrix, Batman: Gotham Knight, Street Fighter IV, Halo Legends and Green Lantern: Emerald Knights.

ChaO (Studio 4°C)

Source: Studio 4°C, Crunchyroll

GKIDS to Unleash ‘Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-‘ in U.S. theaters in February

The giant robots will be stomping back to theaters next month! We just got word that the latest movie from the popular franchise, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning– will be released by indie distributor GKIDS in North American theaters on Feb. 28.

Billed as the first major collaboration between Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno’s studio khara, and Sunrise, the historic home to the Mobile Suit Gundam animated works, the project brings together an all-star roster of top animation creatives: The pic is directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki, known for his work with Anno on the Evangelion series, as well as the original anime, FLCL. Yoji Enokido (screenwriter on Revolutionary Girl Utena, Bungo Stray Dogs, and the original anime FLCL) is the series supervisor and screenwriter, and was joined by Hideaki Anno for the screenplay. Illustrator Take (Katanagatari, Zaregoto, Pokemon Series) is the project’s character designer, and  Ikuto Yamashita (Evengelion series, Shin Kamen Rider) as the mechanical designer.

Here is the official synopsis:

Amate Yuzuriha is a high-school student living peacefully in a space colony floating in outer space. When she meets a war refugee named Nyaan, Amate is drawn into the illegal mobile suit dueling sport known as Clan Battle. Under the entry name “Machu,” she throws herself into fierce battle day after day, piloting the GQuuuuuuX. Then an unidentified Gundam mobile suit pursued by both the space force and the police appears before her, along with its pilot, a boy named Shuji. Now their world is about to enter a new era.”

The project was first announced in Japan on December 4 with character and mechanical designs, as well as a theatrical teaser revealed. The film, ‘Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-‘ is a theatrical debut using re-edited episodes from the upcoming TV series, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, announced at the same time. The theatrical package will be released in Japan on January 17th, 2025. Release information for the upcoming series has yet to be announced.

“Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-” is a repackaged version of the upcoming animated series. Images © SOTSU・SUNRISE. All Rights Reserved.

“The outrageous combination of artistic talent collaborating on such a storied series as Mobile Suit Gundam is appointment viewing,” said GKIDS President David Jesteadt. “We are proud to play a part in bringing such an exciting new project to audiences in the cinematic experience that the film truly deserves.”

The first Mobile Suit Gundam series was introduced in 1979, and was created by Yoshiyuki Tomino and Hajime Yatate. The hugely popular show kickstarted the Gundam franchise and the Real Robot genre of mecha anime. There are over 50 animated series in the Gundam franchise, including TV shows, films, and OVAs.

The official poster for the movie, which will be released by GKIDS on Feb. 28. Images © SOTSU・SUNRISE. All Rights Reserved.

 

Glitch Prod. Teases ‘Knights of Guinevere’ from ‘Owl House’ Creator & Writers

Fans of Disney’s The Owl House have hope of more animated magic from creator Dana Terrace and writers John Bailey Owen and Zach Marcus! Today, Glitch Productions (Digital Circus) launched the teaser trailer for Knights of Guinevere, a new indie project that marks the studio’s first 2D project.

The show is described as “an indie animated, sci-fi psychological thriller,” and the teaser opens on a fairytale scene of a blue-haired princess napping in a forest clearing, surrounded by animal friends … Suddenly, we cut to an alarms-blaring situation in a red lit room, where an android struggles on the bed of a machine and a panicked voice shouts, “S***! She’s waking up!”

According to the video’s YouTube description, a pilot is in the works to be released late this year.

Terrace, an SVA graduate, is best known for creating the critically acclaimed Disney Channel animated series The Owl House, which ran for three seasons from 2020 to 2023. The show was a fan favorite and earned praise for its LGBTQ+ representation. It won the Peabody Award for Children’s & Youth Programming in 2021, and earned nominations from the Daytime Emmys, Annie Awards and GLAAD Media Awards.

Prior to launching The Owl House, Terrace worked a as storyboard artist on Gravity Falls, Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure and The Mitchells vs. the Machines.

Knights of Guinevere is co-created by Terrace, Owen (story editor/writer/co-producer on The Owl House; writer for Future-Worm!, Clarence) and Marcus (staff writer on The Owl House; writer/storyboarder on Star vs. the Forces of Evil).

Visit glitchprod.com for more info on the studio.

Online Film Critics Society Awards Nominated 5 Animated Features

 

Nominations have been announced for the Online Film Critics Society Awards, which this year has put five films up for its animated feature category. Artful animated contenders also appear in other categories. Also of note, the VFX-fueled sci fi fantasy Dune: Part Two is the most-nominated project for this edition, with nine nods including Best Picture and Best Directing for Denis Villeneuve.

As awards season rolls on, the Best Animated Feature race holds no surprises for toon watchers. Up in the category are Gints Zilbalodis’ Golden Globe winner Flow, Pixar’s box office record smasher Inside Out 2, Oscar winner Adam Elliot’s Memoir of a Snail, Aardman’s charming Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and the critically acclaimed DreamWorks feat The Wild Robot.

Outside the main toon race, The Wild Robot is nominated for Best Original Score (composer: Kris Bowers), and Flow is up for Best Film Not in the English Language.

OFCS frontrunner Dune: Part Two (Warner Bros. Pictures) is among the nominees for Best Visual Effects, up against Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (Warner), Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (20th Century Studios), The Substance (Mubi) and Wicked (Universal Pictures).

[Source: Deadline]

NFB Animation Filmmaker Robert Verrall Dies Age 97

The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) has shared news of the death of Robert Verrall. The veteran animator, director and film producer died in Montreal on January 17, at the age of 97.

Born in Toronto on January 13, 1928, Verrall was one of the early generation of Canadian film pioneers at the NFB, where he worked from 1945 to 1987. Over the course of this more than 40-year career, his films earned accolades from the BAFTAs, Cannes and Venice Film Festival, as well as six Academy Award nominations.

Verrall began his career at the NFB in 1945 as a summer student and joined the staff of the animation department the following year, when he was hired by Norman McLaren. He apprenticed with McLaren and formed a close association with Colin Low and Wolf Koenig; the trio collaborated on The Romance of Transportation in Canada, which won best animated short at Cannes and was the first NFB film nominated in an animation category at the Academy Awards.

From 1967 to 1972, Verrall served as head of the NFB’s Animation Department, and produced notable short films including Ryan Larkin’s Oscar-nominated Walking (1968), Yvon Mallette’s Boomsville (1968), Zlatko Grgić’s Hot Stuff (1971) and Barrie Nelson’s Propaganda Message (1974).

During this time, Verrall directed Cosmic Zoom (1968), a non-dialog hand-drawn piece which “transports us from the farthest conceivable point of the universe to the tiniest particle of existence, an atom of a living human cell.” (You can purchase it to watch on nfb.ca.)

In 1972, Verrall became Director of English Production, a post he held until 1976. During his term he was responsible for extending NFB production activities to Toronto and Winnipeg while helping to establish Studio D, the NFB’s legendary women’s filmmaking unit, and Studio B, responsible for drama, both based in Montreal.

In 1977, he was appointed Executive Producer of Special Projects, which included the Canada Vignettes program and Paul Cowan’s Oscar-nominated Commonwealth Games film, Going the Distance.

In September 1980, Verrall was named head of Studio B and was instrumental in carrying out the NFB’s commitment to the co-production of feature films and television dramas, with titles such as The Wars, Empire Inc. and The Tin Flute/Bonheur d’occasion.

Verrall is credited with directing or producing more than 50 films during his lifelong career at the NFB. He retired in 1986 to his farm in the Eastern Townships of Quebec. In 2012, hew was interviewed by Joanne Robertson for the NFB anthology docuseries Making Movie History (stream for free here.)

The prolific and accomplished artist is survived by his son, David Verrall, who followed in Robert’s footsteps as a producer and executive producer for animation. David joined the NFB in 1977 and headed the English Animation Studio in Montreal before his own retirement in 2011.

[Source: NFB]

Animation UK Cheers Government’s Creative Industry Support Plans

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Animation UK has warmly acknowledge today’s announcements from Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy at the Creative Industries Growth Summit in Gateshead — including Government plans for a £60 million package of support and new measures to enhance access to finance. Recent data from the Animation UK Manifesto highlights the sector’s £1.6 billion contribution to the U.K. economy, marking it out as a crucial sector for sustained investment and strategic growth support.

The org notes the Government’s overall recognition of the creative industries as a growth-driving sector within the Industrial Strategy is a welcome development, particularly the focus on key regions and nations, including the North East, West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, and South Wales. Animation UK says it strongly supports this emphasis on regional growth, as the animation sector is inherently decentralized, with studios and talent hubs flourishing across the U.K.

Animation UK also applauds the continuation of the UK Global Screen Fund, a vital mechanism that enables British animation to reach international audiences, fostering export growth and co production funding. The announcement of enhanced support from the British Business Bank is another positive development. By increasing access to finance for creative businesses, including animation studios, Animation UK says the sector will be better equipped to scale, innovate and realize its growth potential.

“Today’s announcements are a clear signal of the Government’s commitment to unlocking the enormous potential of the U.K.’s creative industries. Animation is at the heart of this sector, driving innovation and creating globally loved content that enhances the UK’s soft power. The continuation of the UK Global Screen Fund, alongside regional investment and enhanced British Business Bank support, will enable animation studios to thrive across the UK, contributing to economic growth and cultural influence,” said Kate O’Connor, Executive Chair and spokesperson for Animation UK.

“With its unique blend of creativity, technology, and storytelling, animation has the power to engage audiences worldwide and drive significant economic impact. We look forward to collaborating with the Sector Plan Task Force and the Government and industry partners to address key challenges, including skills development, access to finance, and innovation funding, and kids’ content challenges to ensure the sector’s sustainable growth.”

Wonderblocks [Blue Zoo]
Wonderblocks [Blue Zoo]
Animation UK was instrumental in the introduction of the Animation Tax Relief (ATR) in 2013, which has since been a cornerstone for the sector’s growth. The organization also successfully lobbied for the uplift in 2023, ensuring the relief remains competitive and aligned with the needs of modern production. Animation UK welcomed the Enhanced Film Tax Relief measures announced last year and continues to advocate for further economic incentives to support the sector’s long-term growth and innovation. The org’s Blueprint for Growth underscores the cross-sector strengths of animation and its potential for economic and cultural impact.

Key stats:

  • The UK animation sector contributes an impressive £1.6 billion to the economy, offering employment of 20,00 people across the U.K.
  • Animation accounts for a significant portion of TV and film exports, showcasing the U.K.’s world-leading talent and creativity. This international acclaim is reflected in this year’s BAFTA shortlist, Aardman’s Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl picked up nominations in the Animated Film category and Children’s & Family category. Lupus Films picked up a nomination in the British Short Animation category for Mog’s Christmas and a nomination in the Children’s & Family category for Kensuke’s Kingdom. New TV releases this month includes Wonderblocks from award winning
    Blue Zoo, airing on CBeebies on Monday.
  • Animation is a nationwide industry in the U.K., with key studios and talent hubs located in regions such as the North East, West Midlands, Greater Manchester and South Wales.
  • The £7 million UK Global Screen Fund supports British film, TV and animation projects, boosting international sales and co-production deals.
  • Animation UK has played a pivotal role in advocating for increased funding for this initiative and continues to call for a review of the U.K.’s participation in Creative Europe, ensuring the UK maintains its competitive edge in global markets.
Mog's Christmas [Lupus Films]
Mog’s Christmas [Lupus Films]

‘Stomp! Stomp! Rhinos!’ Becomes the First Lithuanian Preschool Toon to Get Worldwide Distribution

OAK9 Entertainment (oak9e.com) today announced that Boat Rocker (boatrocker.com) will distribute its animated preschool IP Stomp! Stomp! Rhinos! worldwide. This milestone marks the program as Lithuania’s first-ever animated preschool franchise to secure international distribution, opening a new chapter for the country’s creative industry.

Designed to resonate with Gen Alpha children and their families, Stomp! Stomp! Rhinos! follows the charming Rhino siblings — Noah, Ela and Ron — as they tackle emotional outbursts and learn practical tools to manage their feelings. The show blends entertaining, age-appropriate  stories with psychologically informed lessons, empowering families to embrace emotional growth together.

Stomp! Stomp! Rhinos! [Oak9 Entertainment]

“We are incredibly proud that Stomp! Stomp! Rhinos! will now reach families worldwide, thanks to Boat Rocker’s unmatched distribution expertise,” said Mindaugas Jokubaitis, Producer, OAK9 Entertainment. “By addressing themes such as sadness, anger, and anxiety, we hope to provide children and their families with valuable tools to navigate their emotions. Additionally, we are honored to spotlight Lithuanian creativity on the global stage with this landmark deal.”

Gia DeLaney, SVP, Global Sales, Kids & Family, Boat Rocker Studios, added, “This collaboration exemplifies the power of emotionally resonant content to captivate global audiences. Stomp! Stomp! Rhinos! is a natural fit for our portfolio, blending commercial appeal with meaningful storytelling that parents and children alike will cherish.”

Stomp! Stomp! Rhinos! [Oak9 Entertainment]

This three-season deal for Stomp! Stomp! Rhinos! will provide Boat Rocker the opportunity to distribute the series to leading broadcasters and streaming platforms, and explore franchise management opportunities. Boat Rocker’s kids and family portfolio includes Dino Ranch (Disney+, Disney Junior, CBC), Love Monster (CBeebies), The Next Step (BBC, Corus, CBC) and Daniel Spellbound (Netflix).

Fans of the rhino family can sign up for the official newsletter to receive updates at stompstomprhinos.com.

Stomp! Stomp! Rhinos! [Oak9 Entertainment]

Exclusive Trailer: ‘Boonie Bears: Time Twist’ Blasts into Theaters with Viva Kids

Boonie Bears: Time Twist

Briar and Bramble, the box-office-busting animated stars of Chinese studio Fantawild’s super popular tentpole franchise, are back in a new big screen adventure! Boonie Bears: Time Twist will be screening across the U.S. through Viva Kids, hitting theaters on January 24.

Ahead of the release, check out the exclusive official trailer below!

Synopsis: Though a hero to all the animals in the forest, Vick is disappointed with his life. He has no money and no friends. When a crazy scientist gives Vick the opportunity to move to the lap of luxury in the city, he takes the deal and unknowingly erases his two best friends, Briar and Bramble from history. Determined to save his friends, Vick must adventure through his fractured memories before they are forgotten and the time-space continuum is ruptured forever.

The new Boonie Bears movie will be presented in an English-language dub starring Chris Boike, Patrick Freeman and Kieran Katarey. The CG-animated pic is directed by returning franchise helmer Lin Yongchang (Boonie Bears: Guardian Code, Realm of Terracotta).

ITFS & APD 2025 Celebrate Stop-Motion, Swiss Animation in Stuttgart

Organizers of the Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (ITFS) have revealed that the 32nd edition will shine a spotlight on hand-crafted films, particularly the art of stop-motion animation. The 2025 fest will also offer a special focus on the artistry and industry of Switzerland, among many other highlights. The fest will be held this year from May 6-11.

ITFS points out that puppet animation in particular has been back in vogue in the past few years. Its renaissance is also reflected in the festival film submissions and, therefore, in the competition programs of Tricks for Kids and the International Competition. Olga Bobrowska from the StopTrik Festival (Łódź and Maribor) is putting together two programs for the Focus on Stop Motion with a best-of selection and historical puppet animation films.

The program will also include recent stop-motion features. Audiences can look forward to Memory Hotel (2024) by German animator Heinrich Sabl, a project 25 years in the making, as well as the buddy comedy Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (2024) by the renowned British animation studio Aardman. Aardman animator and director Will Becher will attend ITFS 2025 to host a masterclass and share some behind-the-scenes insights, including the new film.

Despite its small size, Switzerland has ramped up to an enormous output of animation films, which have attained international success. In collaboration with the promotion agency SWISS FILMS, the Swiss Consulate General and the professional association of Swiss animation filmmakers GSFA (Groupement Suisse du Film d’Animation), ITFS will present national focus programs such as Women in Swiss Animation and Future Minds: Films by Upcoming Talents.

The Swiss focus brings fresh discoveries alongside familiar faces, including animator Elie Chapuis, who presented his film No Dogs or Italians Allowed at ITFS 2024 and hosted a masterclass. In 2025, he will organize a puppet and set exhibition for the stop-motion film Sauvages (Claude Barras, 2024), which will be on display during the festival week in Stuttgart.

ITFS’s business-focused sibling event Animation Production Days (APD) will also pay special attention to Switzerland’s animation industry.

The event trailers for ITFS and APD are an annual treat for animation lovers. While last year the trailers came from one source, in 2025 several teams will be responsible for the trailers. Once again, they were all produced by the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg.

The ITFS trailer (based on Knubbles by Ilya Barret) is super dynamic and shows how wild animation can be. The trailer for the APD 2025, on the other hand, is more about dialog and exchange, suited for the co-production market where people come together. The trailer is based on the short film Song of a Toad. Both trailers are available now on the event websites and on YouTube.

Speaking of websites, itfs.de underwent a full relaunch at the start of the year. In collaboration with Stuttgart’s studio panorama, both design and functionality have been modernized and improved. The website offers up-to-date information, including calls for submissions:

New this year: Projects competing for the Trickstar Business Award can pitch to industry professionals during the newly introduced Professional Afternoon (Thursday, May 9, 2 p.m.) at the Festival Centre. The AniX Awards ceremony at 7 p.m. in the Eugen Bolz Hall will announce the winners of the screenplay awards and the €7,500 Trickstar Business Award, funded by the Stuttgart Region Association.

Families with children also get their money’s worth at the ITFS. And for those who want to be more than just there: 10- to 12-year olds can apply for the ITFS children’s jury until March 1. All information about Tricks for Kids, how to apply and what the children can expect on the jury can be found at itfs.de/familien/tricks-for-kids.

ITFS is Germany’s largest animation festival and one of the most significant worldwide. As an Oscar-qualifying festival, winners of the Grand Prix are automatically longlisted for the Academy Awards. With prize money totaling nearly €60,000, ITFS features five competitions:

  • International Competition for Animated Short Films
  • Student Competition for film and art school students
  • Tricks for Kids – Animated Short Films for Children
  • Trickstar Nature Award – Animated Short Films on Nature and Environment
  • AniMovie – International Feature Film Competition

As a major industry event, ITFS also provides a key platform for networking and exchange. The APD and FMX – Film & Media Exchange take place parallel to the ITFS. The Stuttgart Animated Week, a unique combination of film festival, co-production market and conference offers a platform for animation projects and transforms Stuttgart into the hub of the animation world each May.

ITFS also draws a broad audience from the region, transforming Stuttgart’s city center into a free open-air cinema. Gaming enthusiasts can connect with others in the GameZone, while the family-friendly and low-threshold offer of the ITFS includes programs for everyone.

Whimsical Stop-Motion Feature ‘Tales from the Magic Garden’ Sets Berlinale Premiere

Indie European co-pro Tales from the Magic Garden, a new stop-motion animated feature based on the children’s fairytale book Of Unwanted Things and People by Czech author Arnošt Goldflam, has been announced as a World Premiere at this year’s Berlin International Film Festival. Screening in the young audiences Generation Kplus competition, the film combines elements of fantasy, humor and the connective power of imagination.

Tales from the Magic Garden tells the story of three children who spend the night at their grandfather’s house for the first time since the passing of their grandmother, a master storyteller. Unable to fall asleep without a bedtime story, the children decide to make up their own stories and embark on a journey that shows them that storytelling can help them cope with life’s challenges and offer solace through imagination.

Tales from the Magic Garden

The film is a co-production with an equal creative contribution from four countries, represented by the production companies Maurfilm (Czech Republic), Artichoke (Slovakia), ZVVIKS (Slovenia) and Vivement Lundi ! (France), led by an experienced team of animation producers Martin Vandas, Alena Vandasová, Juraj Krasnohorsky, Henrieta Cvangová, Kolja Saksida, Jean-François Le Corre and Mathieu Courtois. The CEE Animation network played a key role in bringing together these producers, whose collaboration now extends to numerous films and future projects.

“It has been a fantastic, friendly collaboration that lasted an incredible ten years, requiring patience from all the collaborators, funding bodies, and numerous other partners,” said Vandasová of Maurfilm. “The world premiere at Berlinale is a great reward and satisfaction for all of us.”

Saksida, producer at ZVVIKS, shared, “I am truly honored to share that after years of collaboration with our wonderful partners, this film marks a groundbreaking achievement. It is the first feature-length animated film for children with a Slovenian producer and director, where all production partners share equal involvement — an approach that is rare in the industry.”

Tales from the Magic Garden

The four creative teams worked together under the direction of the four directors: David Súkup (Czech Republic), Patrik Pašš (Slovakia), Leon Vidmar (Slovenia) and Jean-Claude Rozec (France). The screenplay was written by Jerneja Kaja Balog and Maja Križnik, Blandine Jet, Patrik Pašš, Marek Král and Petr Krajíček. The film’s art direction and design was handled by Patricia Ortiz Martínez and Jean-Claude Rozec. Slovakian composer Lucia Chuťková created the music.

“Children’s programming often avoid the topic of death for fear of evoking negative emotions, leaving children who experience a loss feeling isolated, as if no one acknowledges what has happened,” said Rozec. “Despite the creative and financial risks, the producers decided to approach this sensitive topic in a careful and thoughtful way, and that’s why this film is so important to me.”

Vidmar added, “Film is always a collaborative art form based on the collective vision and effort of many. But this project was a true team effort where each individual gave their best, and I believe together we created something greater than the sum of its parts.”

Tales from the Magic Garden

Following its world premiere at Berlinale on February 16, Tales from the Magic Garden will be presented in a sneak preview at Cartoon Movie in March 2025.

The film was co-produced by Czech Television, Slovak Television and Radio – STVR, RTV Slovenija, Pictanovo with the support of Région Hauts-de-France, studio Personne n’est parfait ! and financially supported by Eurimages, Creative Europe – MEDIA, Czech Film Fund, Slovak Audiovisual Fund, Slovenian Film Centre, Film studio Viba film Ljubljana, Région Bretagne / Bretagne Cinéma, Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée, TVR Tempo – Rennes Métropole, Gebeka Films, Tébéo, TébéSud, France Télévisions – France 3 Bretagne and NuFrame.

Tales from the Magic Garden

Webtoon Ent.’s LINE Joins Forces with Manga Studio No. 9

LINE Digital Frontier, a Japanese subsidiary of Webtoon Entertainment (own by Korean co. Naver), announced at the end of the year a strategic partnership with digital comics agency and manga studio No. 9. The goal of the collaboration is to drive the growth and global reach of Japanese webtoon content.

As of 2022, the domestic webtoon market in Japan was valued at approximately 50 billion yen, accounting for 10% of the overall digital comics market. The number of webtoon titles from Japanese creators is increasing, with some surpassing monthly sales of 100 million yen and several popular titles spawning anime and film adaptations.

No. 9’s webtoon production label, Studio No. 9, is behind notable titles like Savior of Divine Blood ~Draw Out 0.00000001% to Become the Strongest~  and I am the strongest awakener, recognized by all of the world’s cheat masters. Both titles have ranked high on the annual charts for LINE Manga, the leading digital manga app in Japan. LINE Digital Frontier also operates eBookJapan.

The new alliance will capitalize on the production know-how of No. 9 and the global reach of LINE’s digital distribution in pursuit of three key goals for “Creating the Future of Manga”: To foster sustainable growth for Japanese webtoons, accelerate the global expansion of domestic titles and develop new hit IPs.

[Source: Oricon]

5 Animated Features Nominated for Producers Guild Awards

Today, the Producers Guild of America (PGA) announced the nominees in the Motion Pictures and Television categories for the 36th Annual Producers Guild Awards. The ceremony will be held Saturday, February 8 at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.

Familiar titles made the cut for Outstanding Producer of Animated Theatrical Motion Pictures this year. Making their latest nomination list appearances this awards season are:

  • Flow | producers: Gints Zilbalodis, Matiss Kaza, Gregory Zalcman, Ron Dyens
  • Inside Out 2 | producer: Mark Nielsen, p.g.a.
  • Moana 2 | producers: Christina Chen, p.g.a.; Yvett Merino, p.g.a.
  • Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl | producer: Richard Beek
  • The Wild Robot | producer: Jeff Hermann, p.g.a.

Additionally, Porcelain War, which incorporates animated sequences and elements, has been put up in the Documentary Motion Picture category.

In the television race for Outstanding Children’s Program, Nickelodeon’s long-running hit SpongeBob SquarePants is the sole animated entry, up against the live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender, the musical puppet adventure Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, Percy Jackson and the Olympians and mixed media evergreen Sesame Street.

Additionally, What If…? – An Immersive Story, based on the Marvel Animation series, has been nominated for the PGA Innovation Award for new media storytelling.

Final Ballots for TV and Film, including Animated Motion Picture, will close on Thursday, January 30 (2 p.m. PST). Winners will be announced at the awards gala.

Final Ballots for Children’s, Short Form, and Sports Programs will close on Monday, January 20, 2025 (2 p.m. PST). Winners will be announced at the Guild’s Nominee Events in New York and Los Angeles the week of February 3.

See the full list of nominees at producersguild.org.

Earlier this week, the Producers Guild announced a partnership with the Entertainment Community Fund to establish a dedicated fund supporting producers of film, television and emerging media affected by the fires. The Guild is contributing a portion of the net proceeds from the Producers Guild Awards to the fund. In addition to the Guild’s contribution, members are also donating. Together, $300,000 has already been committed.

If there is a producer in need of financial assistance from the devastation caused by the fires, they can provide their contact information and eligibility criteria will be sent: producersguild.tfaforms.net/5133847

For anyone able to contribute to supporting producers who are struggling financially due to the fires, a donation site has been started here: entertainmentcommunity.org/2025CAfiresPGA

Prime Video Unveils ‘Invincible’ S3 First-Look Images

Prime Video today unmasked first-look images from the highly anticipated third season of its adult animated super-hero saga Invincible. Billed as “the craziest and bloodiest season yet,” Season 3 introduces a new supervillain: Powerplex.

The first three episodes will be available to stream in more than 240 countries and territories beginning on Thursday, February 6, with additional episodic drops every Thursday through March 13.

The critically acclaimed series is co-produced by Skybound Entertainment and Amazon MGM Studios. The first two seasons received “Certified Fresh” rankings on Rotten Tomatoes and was awarded Rotten Tomatoes’ Golden Tomato Award for Best Animated Series in 2023.

Synopsis: Based on the award-winning comic-book series by Robert Kirkman, co-creator Cory Walker, and contributing creator Ryan Ottley, Invincible follows 17-year-old Mark Grayson, as he inherits his father’s superpowers and sets out to become Earth’s greatest defender, only to discover the job is more challenging than he could have ever imagined. Everything changes as Mark is forced to face his past, and his future, while discovering how much further he’ll need to go to protect the people he loves.

The series stars Steven Yeun (Mark Grayson) and J.K. Simmons (Nolan Grayson), with Seth Rogen (Allen the Alien), Walton Goggins (Cecil), Gillian Jacobs (Samantha Eve Wilkins), Jason Mantzoukas (Rex Splode), Zazie Beetz (Amber Bennett), Grey DeLisle, Zachary Quinto, Chris Diamantopoulos, Ross Marquand, Khary Payton, Andrew Rannells, Kevin Michael Richardson, Ben Schwartz, Clancy Brown, Jay Pharoah, Mark Hamill and Melise Jow.

Executive producers are Kirkman, Rogen, David Alpert, Catherine Winder, Simon Racioppa, Margaret M. Dean and Evan Goldberg; co-executive producers are Helen Leigh and Cory Walker.

Invincible [c/o Prime Video © Amazon Content Services LLC]

Trailer: ‘Win or Lose’ Brings Pixar’s First Original Series to Disney+ Next Month

Stepping up to the streaming plate next month is Win or Lose, Pixar Animation Studios’ first-ever original series.  A trailer for the new series as well as character key art and stills were unveiled today.

Launching on Disney+ February 19, Win or Lose features the intertwined stories of eight different characters as they each prepare for their big championship softball game — the insecure kids, their helicopter parents, even a lovesick umpire

Win or Lose [Pixar/Disney+]

“I played softball growing up,” said Carrie Hobson, who wrote, directed and executive produced the series with Michael Yates. “Inspired by that experience, we felt fast-pitch softball was the perfect backdrop for the show. There are so many facets to playing sports that I love — it can bring out the best and worst of a person, the calmest person can lose their temper. And when it comes to winning and losing — the consequences are nothing, and yet, they’re everything. We really felt like it was the best arena for the themes we loved.”

According to Yates, the idea of spotlighting different perspectives was born of everyday life at Pixar. “Carrie and I were officemates on Toy Story 4,” he said. “We were both story artists on the film, and we would talk about a lot of things going on in the film, as well as things going on in the world — current events, news. We would always have different reactions or different interpretations of the same meeting. One of us would say, ‘That went great!’ and the other would say, ‘No! It was terrible, what are you talking about?’ We realized that our own experiences that we bring to the table change our perception of an event. We wanted to tell a story that illustrated all of that.”

Win or Lose features the voices of Will Forte, Rosie Foss, Josh Thomson, Milan Elizabeth Ray, Rosa Salazar, Dorien Watson, Izaac Wang, Chanel Stewart, Lil Re​l Howery, Melissa Villaseñor, Jo Firestone, Flula Borg, Kyleigh Curran, ​Jaylin Fletcher, Erin Keif, Tom Law, Beck Nolan, Orion Tran and Rhea Seehorn. The series is produced by David Lally, with music by composer Ramin Djawadi and original songs by CAMPFIRE and Djawadi.

Add Win or Lose to your watch list here on Disney+.