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The Saturn Awards organization has announced the esteemed recipients of three honorary awards to be presented at the 45th annual awards show on Friday, September 13, including a brand-new annual award named after the legendary Stan Lee.
Kevin Feige will be honored with the inaugural Stan Lee World Builder Award. This new award will be given annually to the creative force who has, over an extended period of time, created a world with multiple stories and characters that have amazed and engaged fans worldwide at the most galactic level. This award also honors the legacy of the late Stan Lee and is exclusively available to The Saturn Awards from Lee’s POW! Entertainment. Feige is being honored for creating and guiding the Marvel Cinematic Universe across 23 films and 11 years, from 2008’s Iron Man to this year’s Saturn Award-nominatedAvengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: Far From Home.
“As the safeguard of Stan’s iconic legacy, we’re thrilled to be associated with such an honorable award,” said Gill Champion, President of Stan Lee’s POW! Entertainment. “Kevin played a significant part in Stan’s life – he had a lot of admiration for him. I know he would be proud to know this has been awarded to Kevin and we look forward to celebrating with him!”
Filmmaker Jon Favreau will be honored with the Saturn Visionary Award. After establishing himself as a vital voice in modern cinema, Favreau has gone on to establish himself as a groundbreaking visual artist with his films Iron Man, Iron Man 2, The Jungle Book and, most recently, the retelling of The Lion King.
Jeph Loeb, Executive Vice President and Head of Marvel Television, will be receiving the Dan Curtis Legacy Award, honoring fellow masters of genre TV and quality programming. Loeb has long been lauded for his work across multiple mediums including film, television and comic books.
The 2019 Saturn Awards will take place on Friday, September 13 at the historic Avalon Theater in Hollywood and will be available, for the first time, on a streaming platform to be announced.
Global indie kids’ content distributor Jetpack Distribution has brought on industry expert Marie-Laure Roche as interim global head of sales. She is covering for Gillian Calvert Ridge, who holds the permanent position, while she is on maternity leave. Roche will be based in London, reporting directly to CEO Dominic Gardiner. She officially joins Jetpack on September 1, and will work alongside Ridge and Gardiner in the lead up to MIP Junior and MIPCOM in October.
“I am very excited to join the Jetpack team,” said Roche. “Since its inception I’ve followed the company’s growth path (including it’s ever growing catalogue) with keen interest. It’s a great opportunity!”
Gardiner commented, “Marie-Laure will be a great asset. She has some brilliant experience and contacts and I’m greatly looking forward to working with her as we head towards Cannes this Autumn.”
Roche has held several key roles within the children’s television industry, including managing the content distribution of entertainment properties at Mattel (including Thomas and Friends and Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures) and various roles managing sales across the globe over a five-year stint at Cake Entertainment. This included finding homes for properties such as Angry Birds, Total Drama and Angelo Rules.
Global game publisher Oasis Games has launched the highly anticipated mobile RPG One-Punch Man: Road to Hero — the first officially authorized mobile game based on the hit property available in Western countries (now in the App Store, coming soon to Google Play). The game garnered more than 200,000 pre-registered players after its initial announcement.
Produced under the joint supervision of the original author ONE and Yusuke Murata and the animation production committee in close cooperation with the well-known Japanese art team, Road to Hero follows the plot of the original series and includes nearly every character, all voiced by the original anime actors and ready to accompany players in their journey to become a hero. Additional content from the second season wrapped is slated to come after launch.
The highly popular Japanese manga One-Punch Man, written by ONE and illustrated by Yusuke Murata, has sold over 20 million copies in Japan. The manga tells the story of the protagonist Saitama who becomes a hero, losing his hair but gaining the greatest strength through strenuous workouts. Eventually, he joins the Hero Association with his disciple Genos and fights against various monsters, villains, and catastrophic events together with many other heroes.
Road to Hero faithfully reproduces the anime’s storyline, worldview and character design. Players will collect and train characters and experience the power of all the heroes from the series. As players progress throughout the game, they can join Saitama in knocking out opponents, meeting other heroes, spending time in the hot spring, shopping in the supermarket and jumping into the many special events waiting to be triggered. While Saitama doesn’t appear as a playable character, players can accumulate and exchange his mood value for his one punch and Combo Punches from the vending machine, allowing them to ask for Saitama’s help when it is most needed.
In the One-Punch Man series, a new enemy appears in almost every episode, from Vaccine Man to Mosquito Girl and later characters such as Lord Boros. In One-Punch Man: Road to Hero, players can relive these battles in a turn-based mobile card RPG by forming their own heroic teams (over 50 collectable characters) and fighting for justice! The game features multiple battle modes, and only by matching different card strengths can a truly powerful team be assembled. During battles, each character has a unique skill that can immediately launch an extra attack on the current enemy when activated. Collecting characters, building them up, and mixing and matching them for maximum effect is important, as is choosing when to unleash special powers in a battle.
“One-Punch Man: Road to Hero was created so loyal fans and players can battle, train, and collect characters on their own hero’s journey,” said Jinyang Xu, Producer at Oasis Games. “With Saitama as an ally, build the ultimate fighting team with complementary skills and prepare to immerse yourself in a fantastic combat experience with exciting storylines!”
One-Punch Man: Road to HeroOne-Punch Man: Road to HeroOne-Punch Man: Road to Hero
China-based Fantawild Animation is gearing up for an exciting back-to-school season. On top of the previously announced Russian release of two films in its hit Boonie Bears franchise, the furry stars will also receive a big welcome in Latin America with the wide release of Boonie Bears: The Big Shrink. The film will hit screens in Peru and Colombia on September 7 and 12, respectively, through Cinecolor Films, followed by debuts in Mexico through Cinemex and Brazil by Lanca.
In Peru, Cinecolor is working exclusively with Cineplanet, the dominant cinema chain in the country, to release the film in almost all its cinemas. That means the animation will be available in about half of all cinemas in the country. Cinecolor Films Colombia, Disney’s distributor in the territory, is no less excited about this release, given that the previous installment “made history” in the country’s box office.
“Since its first installment, this property has become very important to the Latin American market,” says Armando Aguilar, Distribution Manager at Cinecolor Films Colombia. “That’s why we are eager to see the next version in Colombian cinemas.”
Cinecolor will have a sneak preview of the film for the media and influencers to spread the word about the release. It will also promote and advertise on digital platforms like YouTube Kids.
After the Latin American theatrical release, rights to distribute the Boonie Bears franchise will then go to Sony Pictures Television.
Boonie Bears: The Big Shrink, featuring Beth Behrs, is the fifth installment in the franchise produced by Fantawild Animation. The family-friendly film first premiered in China in 2018 and yielded over $96 million in the domestic box office.
The Boonie Bears brand is one of the most famous animation brands in China. It has so far left footprints in over 100 territories and made over $415 million in box office for Fantawild Animation, making it an important Chinese player in the international animation market.
Boonie Bears: The Big ShrinkBoonie Bears: The Big Shrink
Leading interactive entertainment publisher and developer BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment and Crunchyroll Games today announced a strategic partnership with the goal of providing fans a rewarding and comprehensive experience with their favorite character IPs, through a variety of touchpoints including animation, games and comics.
Crunchyroll is the world’s largest destination for anime and manga, boasting a global community of more than 50 million registered users and over 2 million subscribers. This alliance combines BNE’s expertise on network content development and Crunchyroll’s direct connection to the anime community and robust platform services knowledge, providing a seamless anime and gaming entertainment experience for all.
“With Crunchyroll’s expansive global community and subscribers, this partnership was a strategic fit and critical step in expanding our entertainment business,” said Toru Konno, Director, BNE. “We have a corporate philosophy of creating “more fun for everyone” and we are always striving to do that and look forward to seeing what we can build together with Crunchyroll in the coming years.”
“BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment is a global force that shares our goal of connecting the anime community to each other through beloved content,” said Joanne Waage, General Manager, Crunchyroll. “We’re looking forward to building on our partnership to offer even more interactive experiences to bring our fans together.”
As a first step in this partnership, BNE’s browser and mobile game Naruto X Boruto Ninja Tribes will be made available to Crunchyroll users in the U.S. this winter. Based on the popular Naruto and Boruto anime series, the game brings together fan-favorite characters spanning multiple generations of both franchises for one-tap team-based battles. Crunchyroll fans who enjoy watching the anime series on its platform can find and instantly play Naruto X Boruto Ninja Tribes directly from Crunchyroll.com. BNE has plans to launch the game to other territories in the future.
Naruto X Boruto Ninja TribesNaruto X Boruto Ninja TribesNaruto X Boruto Ninja TribesNaruto X Boruto Ninja TribesNaruto X Boruto Ninja TribesNaruto X Boruto Ninja TribesNaruto X Boruto Ninja TribesNaruto X Boruto Ninja TribesNaruto X Boruto Ninja Tribes
BBC Studios has announced the mega-hit Australian kids’ series Bluey is set to premiere in the U.S., Monday, September 9, at 4:30 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Junior and DisneyNOW. The series will then regularly air weekdays at 7:30 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and 4:30 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Junior.
Aimed at preschool aged children and their parents, the show was created by Joe Brumm and is produced by the Emmy Award-winning Ludo Studio for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and BBC Studios. Bluey first launched on ABC in Australia last year enjoying massive success with parents and children alike, being the most viewed series in the history of ABC iview with over 100 million plays (per Webtrends, OzTAM VPM data). It was the most popular children’s TV show on terrestrial TV in Australia in 2018/19.
“From script to screen, Bluey is created entirely under one roof in Brisbane, Australia, and we’re so proud that Joe and the whole team’s work is now coming to the U.S. with Disney,” said Bluey EPs and Ludo co-founders, Charlie Aspinwall and Daley Pearson.
Bluey follows the adventures of a lovable and inexhaustible six-year-old Blue Heeler puppy who lives with her Dad (Bandit), her Mum (Chilli) and four-year-old little sister, Bingo. In each episode, Bluey takes the everyday events of family life and uses her limitless Blue Heeler energy to invent elaborate games that unfold in unpredictable and hilarious ways, bringing her family and the whole neighborhood into her world of fun. Bluey and Bingo love to roleplay and, whether they are doctors, fancy ladies, butterflies or hotel managers, they always drag in Mum or Dad to take part in their games. Bandit and Chilli are both dedicated working parents who, tired as they might be, appreciate the value of time spent playing with the kids, even if it means getting down on all fours for a horsey ride or keeping the last balloon in the air for as long as possible.
Bluey is an authentic dive into family life with preschool kids and celebrates the joyful simplicity of learning, growing and having fun through play. Unstructured, self-directed play allows Bluey to use her creativity while developing her imagination, and her mental, physical and emotional resilience. Exploring her world autonomously, Bluey conquers her fears while practicing grown up jobs, sometimes with her sister or with other children, and always with her parents to guide her.
“We wanted to create a genuine co-viewing show that parents and their kids can actually enjoy together,” said series creator Brumm.
The series has already become a proven co-viewing experience for families. In a recent call for “delightful children’s programming” put out by The New York Times, Bluey was the most popular reader submission despite only being available in Australia. The show has also inspired grown-up fans to share their approval over social media — such as in this Twitter thread where one “Bluey Superfan” tried to figure out exactly where the canine stars live.
=Wicked Cool Toys Launches My Partner Pikachu Interactive Toy
Bring a pocket-sized interactive Pokémon with you at all times! Touch sensor technology brings Pikachu to life and allows you to become an IRL trainer through a special touch combo training mode.
CALL FOR ENTRIES: Reallusion’s Animation at Work Contest 2019
The software developer is out to prove that its Cartoon Animator 4 isn’t just for pros with a contest awarding standout work in four categories: Business, Comic, YouTube and Education. There are 12 cash prizes to grab, so submit by the deadline: October 31, 2019.
Animae Caribe Shows Possibilities of Animation
The digital expo, hosted as part of the Carifesta Youth Village to educate and inspire young people in education & career options in animation, brought together students and energized young artists to share their inspirations and experiences in Trinidad and Tobago.
WATCH: Dazzling Stereoscopic Table-Top Animation from Max and Dave Fleischer
Scott Marks of The San Diego Reader reviews three beautifully bizarre classics of the iconic studio: Bimbo’s Initiation (1931, black and white), Popeye the Sailor in I Yam What I Yam (1933, black and white) and Dancing on the Moon (1935, color).
Nathalia Holt Animates a Lost History in Her New Book The Queens of Animation explores “The Untold Story of the Women Who Transformed the World of Disney and Made Cinematic History” focusing on the studio’s female employees in the ‘30s and ‘40s.
“It really bothered me that [these women] had not been recognized … I was struck by the fact that they persevered under some of these difficult conditions and were able to make such beautiful artwork.” — Nathalia Holt, author.
WATCH: ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ D23 Special Look
Thousands of D23 Expo attendees got an advance viewing of this special look at J.J. Abrams’ next installment of the saga, due in U.S. theaters December 20. The footage recalls the long legacy that rests on Rey’s shoulders — and hints at a shadowy threat to her Jedi journey.
Rebecca Sugar’s Emmy-nominated series will debut its musical masterpiece Steven Universe The Movie commercial-free on Monday, Sept. 2 at 6 p.m. (ET/PT). On of Cartoon Network’s many animated highlights for September, the movie shows Steven and the Gems are finally ready to settle down — but when an unknown enemy threatens to ruin everything, it’s time for Steven and the Gems to face their biggest challenge yet.
Later this month, Cartoon Network will premiere the all-new adventure series Power Players on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 12:30 p.m. (ET/PT). Plus, all-new episodes of fan-favorites OK, K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes, Mao Mao, Heroes of Pure Heart and a special two-part DC Super Hero Girls will have viewers wishing the adventures never end.
Steven Universe
Monday, Sept. 2
6 p.m. Steven Universe The Movie After so many harrowing adventures, Steven and the Gems are ready to celebrate how far they’ve come with a movie musical! Little do they know they’re about to face their worst enemy yet.
Friday, Sept. 6
7 p.m. (ET/PT) OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes “Dendy’s Video Channel” Dendy tries to update KO’s Video Channel for him, but has trouble finding something to post.
“Let’s Fight to the End” When a fighting tournament is announced at the Plaza, there is more at stake than meets the eye.
“Thank You for Watching the Show” When KO finds moments of his life slipping by, he begins to suspect something weird is going on.
Saturday, Sept. 7
6:30 a.m. Transformers Cyberverse “Sea of Tranquility” To save the Earth from destruction, the Autobots must defeat the Decepticons on the Moon.
10 a.m. (ET/PT) Mao Mao, Heroes of Pure Heart “Small” Mao Mao’s legendary, gigantic and critical father visits his son at his new job as sheriff.
“Legend of Torbaclaun” When the Sweetypies think the mythical Torbaclaun has come to Pure Heart Valley, Mao Mao tries to prove to them that it isn’t real.
“Meet Tanya Keys” When bounty hunter Tanya Keys comes to town for Badgerclops, it’s up to Mao Mao and Adorabat to save their friend – even if he’s been on the wrong side of the law.
“Weapon of Choice” Worried that his sword is a glorified consolation prize, Mao Mao sets out to prove the worth of his weapon.
7:30 p.m. (ET/PT) DC Super Hero Girls “DCSuperHeroBoys” What begins as a simple vandalism investigation becomes an all-out turf war when the team encounters a powerful trio of Kryptonians bent on world domination, and, perhaps even worse, a rival team of SUPER HERO BOYS!
Sunday, Sept. 8
7 a.m. (ET/PT) Bakugan: Battle Planet “Seek and Hide/Family First” Sent to investigate a Japanese island by Benton Dusk, the AO discover a hidden facility conducting experiments that affect The Hide. Then, trapped by his father, Shun is forced to battle his own friends.
Saturday, Sept. 14
6:30 a.m. Transformers Cyberverse “Bad Moon Rising” Starscream makes a power play for control of the Decepticons as the Moon hurtles toward the Earth.
10 a.m. (ET/PT) Mao Mao, Heroes of Pure Heart “The Truth Stinks” Badgerclops smells, but Mao Mao and Adorabat don’t know how to tell him.
“Trading Day” When they think each others’ lives are easier, the heroes switch roles.
Sunday, Sept. 15
7 a.m. (ET/PT) Bakugan: Battle Planet “A Door Closes, A Door Opens/Kazami’s Gambit” Shun must stand up to his father and protect his friends before Masato destroys everyone. Then, when Magnus looks to steal the Dimensional Doorway, Shun and Ichiro must make peace with the AO stop the Doorway from destroying them all.
Saturday, Sept. 21
6:30 a.m. Transformers Cyberverse “The Visitor” As one of Wheeljack’s inventions wreaks havoc on The Ark, Bee tries to figure out what he saw on the Moon.
10 a.m. (ET/PT) Mao Mao, Heroes of Pure Heart “Head Chef” Mao Mao faces off with Badgerclops in a competition to determine whether cooking (and being a hero) is an art or a science.
“Orangusnake Begins” Mao Mao goads Orangusnake and the Sky Pirates into becoming truly terrible villains worthy of a legendary hero such as himself.
12 p.m. (ET/PT) Ben 10 “Roundabout” Forever Knight finally assembles his Round Table of young but super-powerful Knights, including Ben?! Forever Knight and a group of super-baddies by his side are close to conquering all of history.
12:30 p.m. (ET/PT) Power Players “Unboxing” Axel, a 9 year old boy, discovers for the first time the incredible “Power Bandz” that give him the power to transform into a living toy. This is also the first time Axel meets the Power Players and…Madcap!
Sunday, Sept. 22
7 a.m. (ET/PT) Bakugan: Battle Planet “A Devil on Your Shoulder/Vestral Visions” Near giving up, Magnus gains new strength and insight on the AO’s mission to find Core Cells that will eventually lead him down a dark hole. Then, Drago’s sickness leads Dan to a revelation that there is an ailing Core Cell.
Mao Mao, Heroes of Pure Heart
Saturday, Sept. 28
6:30 a.m. Transformers Cyberverse “Bring Me the Spark of Optimus Prime” The Decepticons are thrown into chaos by an unexpected Autobot visitor in their midst.
10 a.m. (ET/PT) Mao Mao, Heroes of Pure Heart “Sugar Berry Fever” Mao Mao tries to hide his love of cobbler.
“Captured Clops” Badgerclops is tired of his responsibilities at Sheriff’s HQ, so he joins the Sky Pirates.
12 p.m. (ET/PT) Ben 10 “Cirque-Us” Ben is the guest of honor at an upcoming Gala, but when the cirque entertainment turns out to be Zombozo, in disguise, Ben must not only defeat the evil clown but his mysterious new sidekick, Pirouette!
12:15 p.m. (ET/PT) Ben 10 “Forever Road” During a drag race, Ben hopes to stay neck and neck with Vin Ethanol and La Grange as XLR8, but when his watch keeps shorting out, our hero must get creative if he is to keep up with his fast and furious foes!
12:30 p.m. (ET/PT) Power Players “Attack of Thermometron 9000” Axel must wrangle Galileo and Bobbie to shut down a rogue thermostat – improperly upgraded by Slobot – as it plunges the house into extreme hot and cold zones.
“The Dynamo Dynamic” Axel finds himself at the center of a disagreement between Sarge and Masko over what’s more important in battle – the weapon or the one who wields it – after Dynamo bonds the trio together!
Sunday, Sept. 29
7 a.m. (ET/PT) Bakugan: Battle Planet “Bakuzoned!/The Golden Secret” Strata’s return is much more than a simple rematch when he’s been infected by a strange ooze. Then, using Strata’s gauntlet, the AO think they’ve found a way through the labyrinth, but soon discover trusting the enemy is not always best.
The Festival Stop Motion Montreal returns for an 11th edition from September 16 to 22, under the theme of “stop motion in the digital age” After a decade, the Festival continues to grow and offer a unique event in the world: a full week dedicated to the art of stop motion. The open-to-the-public part of the Festival will take place Sept. 20-22 at Concordia University and Cinéma Moderne. Professional workshops will be organized from Sept. 16-19, in collaboration with MIAM and Salman Sajun Studio.
The 2019 Festival will welcome Phil Tippett as a special guest. A legendary stop-motion visual effects artist, Tippett has been working for several years on the short film series Mad God as an independent filmmaker. Three episodes of this series will be presented, in addition to its virtual reality version. The acclaimed artist will also offer a conference that allows festival goers to learn about the different aspects of his work. This conference is made possible by the Daniel Langlois Foundation for Art, Science and Technology. It will take place on Saturday, September 21 at 7 p.m. at the Alumni Auditorium at Concordia University (room H-110).
The Festival will also welcome Philippe Tardif. Originally from Gatineau, Tardif studied stop motion at Concordia University. An animator for several years at LAIKA in the United States, he has participated in five of the six feature films by the Oscar-nominated Oregon studio. Tardif will share his knowledge of the secrets and tricks behind LAIKA’s unique visual style during a conference focusing on the digital tools used in the creation of stop-motion films, to be held on Friday, September 20 at 7 pm at Concordia University’s J.A. de Sève Theatre.
Another special guest of this edition is Johan Oettinger, founder of the Danish animation studio Wiredfly, which specializes in animated short films, puppetry and video games. The studio is currently developing the video game Vokabulantis, produced by Kong Orange — an episodic game where the puppet film and video game merge. Segments of the game can be experienced by the public during the Festival. Oettinger will give a behind-the-scenes lecture on this interesting production on Saturday, September 21 at 4:30 pm at Concordia University’s J.A. de Sève Theatre.
The full lineup of the 11th Festival Stop Motion Montreal will be announced this Wednesday, August 28. More information at www.stopmotionmontreal.com.
A brand-new 22-minute animated special Marvel Rising: Battle of the Bands will serenade fans starting Wednesday, August 28 at 4 p.m. PT when it premieres on the Marvel HQ YouTube channel. The new adventure will also be available on DisneyNOW the next day, Aug. 29.
In Marvel Rising: Battle of the Bands, Gwen’s plans for the “Battle of the Bands” competition get derailed when mysterious attacks force her and the Secret Warriors to investigate. Can they save the city and get Gwen to the concert on time?
Dove Cameron (Descendants 3) voice stars as Gwen Stacy/Ghost-Spider, and features Tyler Posey as Inferno, Cierra Ramirez as America Chavez, Milana Vayntrub as Squirrel Girl, Kathreen Khavari as Ms. Marvel, Kamil McFadden as Patriot, Sofia Wylie as Ironheart, Dee Bradley Baker as Tippy-Toe, Skai Jackson as Gloria, and Tara Strong as Screaming Mimi/Mary Jane.
Marvel Rising: Battle of the Bands is executive produced by Joe Quesada, Dan Buckley, Cort Lane and Eric Radomski; co-executive produced by Stan Lee, Sana Amanat and Marsha Griffin. The special was written by Mae Catt. Alfred Gimeno served as supervising animation producer and Chris Rutkowski as director.
Marvel Rising: Battle of the BandsMarvel Rising: Battle of the BandsMarvel Rising: Battle of the Bands
A gorgeous new restoration of the captivating anime feature Millennium Actress will be released on Blu-ray + DVD combo pack and digital download on November 19, from ELEVEN ARTS Anime Studio and Shout! Factory. From legendary director Satoshi Kon (Perfect Blue, Paprika, Tokyo Godfathers) and famed studio Madhouse (Perfect Blue, Wolf Children, Death Note), the 2002 film earned countless awards and recognitions, including Grand Prize winner in the Japan Agency of Cultural Affairs Media Arts Festival.
This release includes the original Japanese audio and a new English dub.
Fans ordering directly from shoutfactory.com will receive a limited-edition lithograph, available while supplies last.
Synopsis: When the legendary Ginei Studios shuts down, filmmaker Genya Tachibana and his assistant are tasked with interviewing its reclusive star, Chiyoko Fujiwara, who had retired from the spotlight 30 years prior. As Chiyoko recounts her career, Genya and his crew are literally pulled into her memories where they witness her chance encounter with a mysterious man on the run from the police. Despite never knowing his name or his face, Chiyoko relentlessly pursues that man in a seamless blend of reality and memory that only Satoshi Kon could deliver.
The Japan Motion Picture Producers Association (known as Eiren) announced Monday that Makoto Shinkai’s new hit animated feature Weathering with You will represent the nation’s film industry at the Academy Awards. The teen teen summer adventure with a fantastical twist was selected out of 13 films shortlisted by a committee of seven directors, writers and film critics. The last animated project entered by Japan for the Oscar (now known as the International Feature Film Award) was Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke in 1998.
Weathering with You is currently closing in on the $100 million domestic box office milestone, on track to follow the smash-hit success of Shinkai’s 2016 feature Your Name., which made $358M worldwide and broke the Japanese animated feature record previously held by Miyazaki’s Spirited Away.
GKIDS has picked up the film for release in the States and is planning an Oscar-qualifying theatrical run for this year, in a bid for the Best Feature Animation race. The Int’l Feature Film Oscar does not require films to be released in the U.S. for eligibility.
Synopsis: The summer of his high school freshman year, Hokoda runs away from his remote island home to Tokyo, and quickly finds himself pushed to his financial and personal limits. The weather is unusually gloomy and rainy every day, as if to suggest his future. He lives his days in isolation, but finally finds work as a writer for a mysterious occult magazine. Then one day, Hokoda meets Hina on a busy street corner. This bright and strong-willed girl possesses a strange and wonderful ability: the power to stop the rain and clear the sky…
This fall, preschoolers can pull up their Thinking Chair and follow the paw prints to discover what’s in store for Blue the puppy and her pals in the brand-new hybrid series Blue’s Clues & You!, premiering Monday, November 11 at 9 a.m. ET/PT. Previous Blue’s Clues stars Steve Burns (Steve) and Donovan Patton (Joe) will reprise their roles in the series premiere, “Meet Josh!,” and help new live-action host Josh (Joshua Dela Cruz) and the audience solve their first game of Blue’s Clues.
Following the linear series premiere, NickJr.com and the Nick Jr. App will feature original short-form content and full-length episodes. Episodes will also be available on Nick Jr. On Demand and Download-To-Own services.
A remake of the groundbreaking, curriculum-driven interactive series Blue’s Clues (launched in 1996 by creators Traci Paige Johnson, Todd Kessler and Angela C. Santomero), Blue’s Clues & You! follows Blue as she invites viewers to join her and Josh on a clue-led adventure and solve a puzzle in each episode. With each signature paw print, Blue identifies clues in her animated world that propel the story and inspire the audience to interact with the characters.
Blue’s Clues & You! will feature brand-new elements alongside refreshed iconic items from the original series, including:
New CG-animation for Blue and Magenta
An updated Handy Dandy Notebook equipped with a new blue crayon and smartphone technology, allowing Josh and Blue to receive emails and video calls
An all-new Handy Dandy Guitar
The return of fan-favorite characters: Tickety Tock, Slippery Soap, Shovel, Pail, Mr. Salt, Mrs. Pepper, Cinnamon, Paprika, Felt Friends, Sidetable Drawer and Mailbox, plus the original Thinking Chair
The introduction of Mr. Salt and Mrs. Pepper’s newest additions — twins Sage and Ginger.
The show’s interactivity will be augmented with brand-new play-along videos in Noggin, Nick’s top-ranked interactive learning subscription for preschoolers. Launching alongside the series’ linear premiere, the play-along videos will allow users to explore the stories in an immersive way, and engage with live-action host Josh and the animated characters, by tapping, touching or swiping to navigate through enhanced learning experiences. Preschoolers will also have the ability to customize elements, like the color of the clues or the creation of birthday cards for Blue, and then see their designs appear throughout the video. The classic Blue’s Clues library is currently available on Noggin and additional Blue’s Clues & You! play-along videos will continue to roll out into next year.
Exciting new animated takes on a familiar web-slinger and a brilliant next gen heroine are heading to TV screens! Announced at D23 Expo in Anaheim this weekend were Marvel Animation’s first full-length preschool series Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends for Disney Junior, and Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur for Disney Channel (announced by screen icons Laurence Fishburne and Kermit the Frog!).
Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends
Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends (set to debut in 2021) will take the normally solitary Peter Parker (a.k.a. Spider-Man) on a journey to discover what it takes to be a truly amazing super hero: being a super friend who works well with others! Peter and pals Miles Morales and Gwen (Ghost-Spider) will team up with heroes like Hulk, Black Panther and Ms. Marvel to defeat evil and use teamwork to save the day.
“Preschool kids already love Spidey, so they’ll be delighted to have Peter Parker thwipping across their screens in this new series,” said Cort Lane, SVP Marvel Animation & Family Entertainment. “Everyone at Marvel is thrilled to launch our first preschool series on Disney Junior, the gold standard platform for the audience. We believe parents and kids will be excited about these stories filled with themes of friendship, cooperation, solving problems and using your abilities to help others.”
Joe D’Ambrosia, SVP Original Programming and General Manager, Disney Junior, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Marvel on this new series showcasing the exciting adventures of Spidey and his friends as they model the importance of teamwork and helping others in their community. This is the perfect series to introduce preschoolers to the super hero powers of friendship and working together to help others in need.”
Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends is executive produced by Alan Fine (The Avengers), Joe Quesada (Avengers Assemble), Dan Buckley (Marvel’s Spider-Man), Cort Lane (Ultimate Spider-Man) and Eric Radomski (Avengers Assemble); co-executive produced by Marsha Griffin (Marvel’s Spider-Man) and supervising producer Harrison Wilcox (Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy). Alfred Gimeno (Marvel Rising) serves as supervising animation producer, and Ashley Mendoza (PJ Masks) as story editor.
Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur
Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur from Disney Television Animation is based on the hit Marvel comic books about 13-year-old super-genius Lunella Lafayette and her 10-ton T-Rex, Devil Dinosaur. After Lunella accidentally brings Devil Dinosaur into present-day New York City via a time vortex, the duo works together to protect the city’s Lower East Side from danger.
The pick-up was announced by Laurence Fishburne — who is executive producing — during Disney Television Animation’s panel at Disney’s D23 Expo:
“As an avid comic-book fan, I am thrilled to be involved with Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur. Disney Channel is the perfect platform to explore this pint-sized female African-American superhero and I can’t wait for their audience to enjoy the lighthearted adventures of Lunella and Devil Dinosaur.”
“Lunella doesn’t know she is the smartest person on the planet, but audiences will soon know how very cool Moon Girl is,” said Marvel’s Cort Lane. “Her adventures with giant buddy, Devil Dinosaur, are filled with so much wonder and joy, and this historic partnership with Disney Television Animation and Cinema Gypsy Productions proved the right formula to bring them to television.”
Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur is executive produced by Fishburne and Helen Sugland’s Cinema Gypsy Productions (black-ish), Marvel Animation & Family Entertainment, and Emmy Award winner Steve Loter (Kim Possible). Jeff Howard (Planes) and Kate Kondell (The Pirate Fairy) serve as co-producers and story editors.
“Disney TV Animation is thrilled to collaborate with renowned producers Laurence, Helen and Steve and the talented Marvel Animation team to bring this modern-day roller-skating, gadget-wielding tween superhero and her larger-than-life partner to Disney Channel,” commented Meredith Roberts, SVP Animation Strategy, Disney Channels.
Saturday morning at D23 Expo, The Walt Disney Studios co-chairman and chief creative officer Alan Horn — joined by Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy, Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige, Disney live action’s Sean Bailey, Pixar’s Pete Docter and Disney Animation’s Jennifer Lee — offered nearly 7,000 attendees a captivating look at Disney’s upcoming film slate, including never-before-seen footage and a host of stars, plus a spectacular performance from Frozen 2 voice cast members.
“You’re not just fans, you’re family,” Horn told the packed room. “It’s because of you that we keep working so hard to make great movies, and we love D23 Expo because it’s where we can share them with you first.”
Pete Docter guided the audience through Pixar’s upcoming originals, beginning with next summer’s release, Soul, which he directs. The film journeys from the streets of New York City to the never-before-seen cosmic realms and “The You Seminar,” the fantastical place where we all discover our unique personalities. Producer Dana Murray, co-director/writer Kemp Powers and writer Mike Jones joined Docter on stage to set up the film for the audience and share a sneak peek. The team revealed members of the voice cast who joined them on stage, including Ahmir Questlove Thompson, Phylicia Rashad, Daveed Diggs, Tina Fey and Jamie Foxx.
Disney-Pixar’s ‘Soul’ opens in summer 2020
Foxx lends his voice to Joe Gardner, a middle-school band teacher whose true passion is playing jazz. Fey plays 22, a soul-in-training who has an unexpected encounter with Joe when he accidentally finds his way to the “You Seminar.” Together, the two are going to find a way to get Joe back to Earth, making him think again about what it truly means to have soul. Globally renowned musician Jon Batiste will be writing original jazz music for the film, and Oscar winners Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (The Social Network), from Nine Inch Nails, will compose an original score that will drift between the real and soul worlds. Soul opens in U.S. theaters on June 19, 2020.
Docter next introduced director Dan Scanlon and producer Kori Rae, who shared details and more than ten minutes of exclusive footage from Pixar’s upcoming feature film Onward. The movie, which opens in U.S. theaters on March 6, 2020, stars Tom Holland and Chris Pratt as two teenage elf brothers, Ian and Barley Lightfoot, who embark on an extraordinary quest to discover if there is still a little magic left in the world. Set in a modern fantasy world, Disney and Pixar’s Onward is inspired by Scanlon’s personal experiences with his brother. Holland, Pratt and Julia Louis-Dreyfus — who voices Mom in the movie — joined the filmmakers on stage — much to the delight of the audience, who all received an exclusive Onward poster.
Disney-Pixar’s ‘Onward’ enchants in March 2020
Jennifer Lee presented an overview of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ next two features, beginning with the Thanksgiving 2020 fantasy-action-adventure, Raya and the Last Dragon. Directors Paul Briggs and Dean Wellins (Big Hero 6, Frozen), producer Osnat Shurer (Moana) and writer Adele Lim (Crazy Rich Asians) joined to set up the film, which introduces Raya, a lone warrior from the fantasy kingdom of Kumandra who teams up with a crew of misfits in her quest to find the Last Dragon and bring light and unity back to their world. The D23 Expo crowd was the first to get a look at the new film, viewing an exclusive three-minute piece. They also met two newly announced members of the voice cast: Awkwafina lends her voice to Sisu, the Last Dragon, who was left on Earth in case dark forces return to the world, and Cassie Steele voices the lead character, Raya. Exploring themes of community and hope, and inspired by the beautiful and diverse cultures of Southeast Asia, Raya and the Last Dragon opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 25, 2020.
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ opens Thanskgiving 2020
Lee, who directs Frozen 2 with Chris Buck, and wrote the screenplay, invited Buck to join her on stage as the Oscar®-winning duo revealed new details about the upcoming film, which opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 22. Lee and Buck introduced two new cast members: Sterling K. Brown, who voices Lieutenant Destin Mattias, and Evan Rachel Wood, who voices Queen Iduna, Anna and Elsa’s mother. The crowd — who received an exclusive D23 Expo Frozen 2 poster — saw never-before-seen footage of the new characters, including a scene that featured Wood as Iduna singing to young Elsa and Anna.
Evan Rachel Wood voices Anna & Elsa’s mother Queen Iduna in ‘Frozen 2’Sterling K. Brown voices Lt. Destin Mattias, sworn protector of Arendelle (and longtime enchanted forest prisoner) in ‘Frozen 2’
The song, “All Is Found,” is one of seven all-new original songs by Oscar-winning songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. The audience also saw a sequence that showcased Elsa’s yearning for answers about the past, culminating in another song, “Into the Unknown.” And a climactic performance of the song “Some Things Never Change” by Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad brought the audience to its feet, capping off the studio presentation in extraordinary style.
(L-R) Josh Gad, Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel and Jonathan Groff of ‘Frozen 2’ at D23 EXPO 2019. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)
Lucasfilm’s Kennedy and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker director/writer/producer J.J. Abrams showcased the riveting conclusion to the Skywalker saga, introducing nine stars from the film (many making their first Expo appearance): Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Anthony Daniels, Naomi Ackie, Keri Russell, Joonas Suotamo, Kelly Marie Tran and Billy Dee Williams, plus special appearances from R2-D2, BB-8 and the new droid D-O. A brand-new poster was revealed — and gifted to the entire audience. And all were given a look back at the incredible legacy of Star Wars storytelling and treated to a sneak peek of The Rise of Skywalker, which opens in U.S. theaters on Dec. 20, 2019.
Marvel prez Feige kicked off his presentation with a surprise visit from Black Panther director and co-writer Ryan Coogler. Together, they revealed that Black Panther 2 (working title) will hit U.S. theaters on May 6, 2022.
Feige segued to next year’s The Eternals, inviting up cast members Richard Madden, who portrays the all-powerful Ikaris; Kumail Nanjiani, who plays cosmic-powered Kingo; Lauren Ridloff, who portrays the super-fast Makkari, the first deaf hero in the MCU; Brian Tyree Henry, who plays the intelligent inventor Phastos; Salma Hayek, who plays the wise and spiritual leader Ajak; Lia McHugh, who portrays the eternally young, old-soul Sprite; Don Lee, who plays the powerful Gilgamesh; and Angelina Jolie, who stars as the fierce warrior Thena. Feige revealed concept art images of each character, and announced three new cast members and their characters: Gemma Chan, who plays humankind-loving Sersi; Kit Harington, who was cast as non-Eternal Dane Whitman, and Barry Keoghan, who portrays aloof loner Druig, and was on hand for the event. Directed by Chloé Zhao, who helmed the critically acclaimed Sundance film The Rider, The Eternals opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 6, 2020.
Feige concluded with director Cate Shortland’s Black Widow, the first film in Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which hits U.S. theaters on May 1, 2020. Feige shared a pre-recorded greeting featuring stars Scarlett Johansson, who reprises her role of Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow; David Harbour, who was cast as Alexei the Red Guardian; and Florence Pugh, who plays Yelena. The audience was also treated to an exclusive look at the upcoming film.
WDS Motion Picture’s Bailey took the audience through upcoming releases for the studio, including next summer’s Jungle Cruise, inspired by the classic theme-park attraction. Star Dwayne Johnson, who plays riverboat captain Frank Wolff, entered Hall D23 aboard an original Jungle Cruise boat, introducing a “trailer” that showed off his character — so much so, that co-star Emily Blunt, who portrays Dr. Lily Houghton, arrived via classic car to share with fans her own “trailer,” offering a different perspective — Bailey laughingly informed Johnson and Blunt that neither trailer was official. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, Disney’s Jungle Cruise hits U.S. theaters on July 24, 2020.
Bailey welcomed Angelina Jolie back to the stage to present exclusive footage and details about Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, the exciting follow-up to the hit 2014 film. Maleficent (Jolie) and her goddaughter Aurora (Elle Fanning) begin to question the complex family ties that bind them as they are pulled in different directions by impending nuptials, unexpected allies and new dark forces at play. Aurora’s imminent marriage to Prince Phillip is cause for celebration — however, Prince Phillip’s mother, Queen Ingrith (Michelle Pfeiffer), challenges Maleficent’s role as Aurora’s mother figure. Chiwetel Ejiofor stars as Connal, one of the leaders of the dark fey who becomes Maleficent’s ally. Ejiofor, Pfeiffer and Fanning were all welcomed to the stage by an enthusiastic audience. Directed by Joachim Rønning, who co-helmed 2017’s Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Mistress of Evil arrives in U.S. theaters on Oct. 18, 2019.
Bailey next introduced acclaimed filmmaker Niki Caro, director of Mulan, the upcoming live-action reimagining of the 1998 classic animated film. Caro expressed to fans her passion for the project, sharing several minutes of footage from the epic adventure inspired by one of China’s fiercest warriors. In Disney’s Mulan, which opens in U.S. theaters on March 27, 2020, the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from Northern invaders. So, the eldest daughter of an honored but ailing warrior masquerades as a man, transforming into a heroic warrior to ultimately earn her the respect of a grateful nation and a proud father.
Next up, Bailey shared details about Cruella, an all-new feature film starring Emma Stone and Emma Thompson. Stone, who plays the iconic “Cruella,” sent D23 Expo fans a greeting from the London-based set with help from a spotted, four-legged co-star. Fans also got a glimpse of an image of Stone in full costume with Cruella’s signature black-and-white hair. Director Craig Gillespie, who helmed I, Tonya and The Finest Hours, brings Cruella to the big screen on May 28, 2021, with a fresh, 1970s, punk-rock approach.
D23 Expo got the weekend off to a strong start on Friday with the first-ever showcase presentation for upcoming streaming service Disney+, during which six new series in development were revealed and key details about hotly anticipated originals were debuted to fans in the Anaheim Convention Center.
“With less than three months until launch, Disney+ will soon entertain and inspire audiences of all ages for generations to come, and we’re excited to preview some of the amazing original content being created for the service exclusively from our world-class brands today at the D23 Expo,” said Kevin Mayer, chairman, Direct-to-Consumer & International. “Storytelling is the cornerstone of The Walt Disney Company and we’re thrilled to unveil a new slate of original shows from the Star Wars and Marvel cinematic universes, along with popular television franchises set to return with all-new series streaming only on Disney+.”
Some of the creative minds behind Disney+’s content slate — including Sean Bailey, president, Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production; Kevin Feige, president, Marvel Studios; Kathleen Kennedy, president, Lucasfilm; and Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Channel Worldwide — gave fans a first look at the service’s upcoming originals and announced exciting new titles:
Ewan McGregor made a surprise appearance to announce his return as Obi-Wan Kenobi in a new untitled series from Lucasfilm.
Kevin Feige announced that Marvel Studios is developing three new live-action series: Ms. Marvel, Moon Knight and She-Hulk, all derived from Marvel comics.
Hilary Duff surprised the audience when it was announced she will reprise the role she made famous in an all-new Lizzie McGuire series from Terri Minsky.
Forty years after leaving the swamp in his big screen debut in The Muppet Movie, Kermit the Frog is heading upstream with Miss Piggy, and the gang, bringing a new kind of mayhem and laughter to Disney+ with their first-ever unscripted short-form series, Muppets Now.
Coming exclusively to #DisneyPlus in 2020, @TheMuppets proudly present MUPPETS NOW, a new short-form unscripted series! I’d love to tell you more, but Joe The Legal Weasel is right behind me. Gulp! pic.twitter.com/UCXdaopQJR
During the 90-minute presentation, a parade of celebrities, filmmakers, and creatives treated the 6,800-person audience to the first public preview of Disney+’s original movies and shows set to stream when the service launches on November 12:
For Lucasfilm’s The Mandalorian, executive producers Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni joined series stars Pedro Pascal, Gina Carano, Carl Weathers and Giancarlo Esposito, along with Taika Waititi, who brings the droid IG-11 to life, to premiere the teaser trailer for the first Star Wars live-action series. Earlier in the day at the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, Robert A. Iger, chairman and chief executive officer, The Walt Disney Company, announced that new Disney Legend Ming-Na Wen will join the cast of the series. Set after the fall of the Empire and before the emergence of the First Order, The Mandalorian follows the travails of a lone gunfighter in the outer reaches of the galaxy far from the authority of the New Republic.
Host Yvette Nicole Brown joined fellow Lady and the Tramp cast members Rose (“Lady”) and Monty (“Tramp”) — the canine stars of the film — to premiere the first trailer from the film. In the timeless re-telling of the 1955 animated classic, a pampered house dog and a tough but lovable stray embark on an unexpected adventure and, despite their differences, grow closer and come to understand the value of home.
Tony Hale, who reprises his craft project turned toy role from Toy Story 4 in the new collection of Pixar animated shorts Forky Asks A Question, premiered the first short (“What Is Money?”). In the 10 shorts, Forky explores important questions about how the world works, such as: What is love? What is time?
Disney+ also rolled out the red carpet for its titles set to premiere after the service launches, inviting stars to share new details for their upcoming projects:
Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh’s musical stepbrothers return in the newly titled Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe. Set within the timeline of the TV series, the feature adventure will set the bros on a race against time to rescue their sister from a terrible fate: abducted by aliens to live in a littler brother-free utopia on a far-away planet.
Kathleen Kennedy announced that the highly anticipated new season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars will stream on Disney+ in February 2020. The Emmy Award-winning animated series will be returning with 12 all-new episodes and will mark the return of classic characters Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and fan-favorites Ahsoka Tano and Captain Rex.
Director Kari Skogland introduced Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan, the stars of Marvel Studios’ The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, which finds Falcon and the Winter Soldier teaming up after Avengers: Endgame. Emily VanCamp came on stage and Feige revealed that she will reprise her role as Sharon Carter. Then, he introduced the crowd to Wyatt Russell who will play John Walker — a character from the comics coming to the screen for the first time. Head writer Malcom Spellman was also on hand to greet the crowd. Launches in 2020.
Monsters At Work stars Ben Feldman and Aisha Tyler unveiled the latest design of their characters Tylor and Millie. Inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Academy Award-winning feature film Monsters, Inc., the new series from Disney Television Animation returns to Monstropolis and follows a new cast of monsters with special appearances from Mike and Sulley (voiced by Billy Crystal and John Goodman).
Stars Paul Bettany and Elizabeth Olsen were on hand for their new series, Marvel Studios’ WandaVision. Bettany returns as Vision and Olsen as Wanda Maximoff — two super-powered beings living their ideal suburban lives who begin to suspect that everything is not as it seems. Kevin Feige surprised the audience by bringing to the stage Kat Dennings and Randall Park who will reprise their roles from Thor and Ant-Man and The Wasp, and then he introduced Kathryn Hahn who has been cast as a new character in the series. Director Matt Shakman and head writer Jac Schaeffer joined everyone on stage to reveal that the streaming series will blend the style of classic sitcoms with Marvel Cinematic Universe. Premieres in 2021.
Kevin Feige welcomed the director Kate Herron and head writer, Michael Waldron of Loki to the stage. In Marvel Studios’ new Disney+ series, Tom Hiddleston returns as the mercurial Loki, the god of mischief and everyone’s favorite villain in stories that take place after the events of Avengers: Endgame. Debuts in 2021.
For Marvel Studios’ What If…? Hayley Atwell was on hand to greet the audience. Atwell will voice Peggy Carter in Marvel Studios’ first animated series that focuses on different heroes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and imagines what would happen if the events in the films worked out differently. Kevin Feige also introduced director Bryan Andrews and head writer Ashley Bradley to the crowd. Premieres in 2021.
Stars Diego Luna and Alan Tudyk joined Kathleen Kennedy to introduce the audience to the second Lucasfilm live-action series for Disney+, which is now in development. Both actors are reprising their roles from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and the stories follow Cassian Andor’s adventures as a rebel spy during the formative years of the Rebellion, before the events of A New Hope.
Star Wars: The Clone WarsForky Asks A QuestionLady and the TrampThe MandalorianMonsters At Work
The Television Academy announced today the juried award winners for the 71st Emmy Awards in categories from Animation, Choreography, Interactive Programming and Motion Design. The juried awards for these categories will be presented at the 2019 Creative Arts Awards ceremonies on Saturday, Sept. 14, and Sunday, Sept. 15.
In Outstanding Individual Achievement In Animation, there were seven first-time winners and one second-time winner from programs across two platforms, YouTube and Netflix. Adult animation anthology Love, Death & Robots earned four awards, followed by VR short Age of Sail with three and kids’ adventure Carmen Sandiego with one.
A full list of winners is available online. A two-part presentation ceremony for the Creative Arts Emmy Awards will be held September 14 and 15 at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, broadcast Sept. 21 at 8 p.m. on FXX.
Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation Age of Sail • YouTube • Google Spotlight Stories and Boathouse Studios • Céline Desrumaux, Production Designer Age of Sail • YouTube • Google Spotlight Stories and Boathouse Studios • Bruno Mangyoku, Character Designer Age of Sail • YouTube • Google Spotlight Stories and Boathouse Studios • Jasmin Lai, Color Carmen Sandiego“The Chasing Paper Caper” • Netflix • Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing and DHX Media • Elaine Lee, Background Painter Love, Death & Robots“The Witness” • Netflix • Blur Studio • Alberto Mielgo, Production Designer Love, Death & Robots ”Good Hunting” • Netflix • Blur Studio • Jun-ho Kim, Background Designer Love, Death & Robots “The Witness” • Netflix • Blur Studio • David Pate, Character Animator Love, Death & Robots “Sucker of Souls” • Netflix • Blur Studio • Owen Sullivan, Storyboard Artist
Outstanding Innovation in Interactive Media Artificial • Twitch • 96 Next • Bernie Su, Executive Producer; Evan Mandery, Executive Producer; Michael Y. Chow, Executive Producer; Bonnie Buckner, Executive Producer; Ken Kalopsis, Executive Producer
Wolves in the Walls: It’s All Over • Oculus Store • Fable Studio, Facebook, Story Studio, Third Rail Projects • Pete Billington, Director and Creator; Jessica Yaffa Shamash, Creative Producer and Creator; Edward Saatchi, Executive Producer
Outstanding Motion Design Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj • Netflix • A Netflix Original Production • Michelle Higa Fox, Creative Director; Jorge L. Peschiera, Creative Director; Yussef Cole, Head of Animation; Brandon Sugiyama, Lead Animator; Paris London Glickman, Lead Animator
Wolves in the Walls: It’s All OverCarmen Sandiego “The Chasing Paper Caper”Age of Sail
Although the computer graphics (CG) industry is secure and successful, it is also undergoing rapid technological changes to meet an ever-increasing demand for content. The overall CG market is expected to grow to $147 billion by 2021. From blockbuster movies to marketing campaigns, clients across the board are investing in visually impressive, interactive experiences.
To stay ahead of the curve, production studios are constantly looking to onboard the latest creative technologies into their pipelines. As Head of CG at Saddington Baynes, it’s my responsibility to keep an eye on these new innovations and reshape how our digital artists work accordingly. Here are the most impactful changes coming to the CG community in 2019.
Blurred lines between CG and reality
A huge amount of technology is now dedicated to blending CG and live-action footage, resulting in seamless new environments for audiences to enjoy. The hardware and software have become so advanced that it’s possible to completely replace (or replicate) any set with a CG version, sometimes without a green screen. You can even populate that set with virtual talent and digital humans, as opposed to real actors.
Blending practical effects and CG in this way opens new possibilities, which our team at Saddington Baynes experimented with on a recent pharmaceutical shoot. The crew filmed live action cyclists on a self-engineered bicycle rig and green screen rolling road. This footage was later manipulated in post-production to depict a cyclist defying gravity, with natural dynamic movements, while still keeping the shoot controllable and safe. By integrating production like this, artists can produce incredible shots that previously would not have been possible without a Hollywood-sized budget.
It’s now considered standard for studios to add CG into a live action background, working with the shoot’s cinematic director to pin down an overall look. At Saddington Baynes, we carry out our own live action shoots to maintain control over the set, ensuring consistency and creative direction is accounted for. We capture various lighting setups and camera angles to work with in post-production, making sure our artists have as much room to manipulate a shot as possible. Using the flexibility of CG assets, artists have complete freedom to make dramatic, even fantastical adjustments to a live action shot at any time.
Automated, real-time workflows
Out of all the technology that has changed how artists work in recent years, two innovations particularly standout — cryptomatte and GPU rendering. These technologies are not visually impressive, but they take the pain out of production, reducing administrative tasks and freeing up more time for the creative to actually be creative.
Cryptomatte is a free tool released by Psyop a couple of years ago. It creates ID mattes automatically with support for motion blur, transparency and depth of field. In the past, we had to create a matte for every single small object – either red, green, blue or alpha. Hundreds and hundreds of objects can appear in complicated shots, sometimes layered on top of each other. Compositors and retouchers require mattes so they can isolate a particular piece of an object and manipulate it freely. It wasn’t sexy, but it was necessary. Cryptomatte streamlines that whole painful process, saving time and preventing headaches.
Also on the rise is GPU rendering. It’s been around for ages but not necessarily picked up as industry-standard. Ongoing software and hardware developments mean that this workflow is becoming more and more accessible. GPU rendering will allow artists to stay creative and turnaround more iterations, without being held up by expensive or delayed renders. Artists are also more likely to notice any potential errors as they appear. It’s something we’ve recently introduced to the Saddington Baynes pipeline. With GPU rendering, artists can explore extra lighting and texturing options throughout the working day, without losing their train of thought.
The rise of remote working
Visual communication technologies have advanced, becoming secure and speedy enough to handle the big data demands of CG software. When I first started in the CG business, we’d always work with clients face-to-face. Now, everything is done via phone calls, screen shares and project management software, allowing studios to streamline the review process for both in-house and client-facing shots.
For example, on a recent production for automotive brand Nio, the client was based in Germany and the project was under strict non-disclosure. Using a fully CG workflow, Saddington Baynes could communicate remotely with Nio, whilst ensuring their new car launch was kept secret. Having no physical photoshoot meant that launch videos could be swiftly delivered, without anyone seeing a physical prototype of the car.
We’ve essentially gone through a worldwide production revolution. Sometimes this can be challenging, as the creative nuances of a project might get lost in email chains and phone calls, but it also means that we can also be more nimble and jump on a quick call without disturbing the client’s working day. There are plenty of collaborative tools available to allow for transparent comms — and in a market where clients, producers and artists collaborate at a global level, you’re going to need them.
Rebekah King-Britton is Head of CG at London’s production studio Saddington Baynes. She leads the 3D team in crafting digital environments, characters and products for a wide variety of clients.
The gamescom congress was held August 21, presenting a successful balance of enthusiastic visitors and heavyweight speakers in another sold-out edition. More than 900 attendees had the chance to hear from 103 speakers, who demonstrated the diverse potential of computer games, reinforcing the gamescom congress’ position as Europe’s leading think tank for games and digitalization.
Across the 48 sessions, the world of video games was illuminated from all angles. The emphasis was on topics that move the digital generation forward. Intense discussion was particularly enjoyed in the “Debatt(l)e Royale” political forum. The panel was attended by the federal directors and general secretaries of the German political parties CDU, SPD, FDP, Die Linke and Bündnis 90/Die Grünen.
In the subsequent keynotes, talks, panel discussions and workshops, the speakers demonstrated the impetus that digital games, games technologies and game developers provide. The new “Public Stage” program was streamed live on the internet with Axel Voss MEP, discussing network policy and political communication in the age of YouTube. In the “Quartet of Game Culture”, Lena Falkenhagen and Nina Kiel talked about historically inspired game settings that are fictitious at the same time. Lively discussions also took place in the other lecture halls where the use of games in schools and the important topics of cultural integration and inclusion were discussed. Prof. Dr. Linda Breitlauch (Trier University of Applied Sciences), Aiman Mazyek (Central Council of Muslims in Germany), Kathrin Trattner (University of Graz) and Olaf Zimmermann (German Cultural Council) discussed the integrative power of computer games, while Mark Barlet of Able Gamers demonstrated how inclusive games can be for people with disabilities.
“The gamescom congress 2019 demonstrates undeniably that there is much more to games than just entertainment. Digital games promote digitalization and support learning. Games are also an important cultural asset and bring people together worldwide. The congress attracted guests from all industries; from science, politics, and education. This diversity is unique,” said Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse GmbH.
The congress takes place annually as part of the gamescom event in Cologne, Germany.
A professional jury gave top honors in the gamescome awards to Dreams from Sony Interactive Entertainment (Best Sony PlayStation 4 Game, Most Original Game); another Sony title, Concrete Genie (Best Family Game); the remake of The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (Best Nintendo Switch Game); Gears 5 (Best Microsoft Xbox One Game); Codemasters Grid (Best Racing Game); Koch Media’s Wasteland 3 (Best Roleplaying Game); Ubisoft’s Roller Champions (Best Sports Game); and Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint (Best PC Game).
Gamescom Awards 2019 winners:
Best Action Adventure Game – Blacksad: Under the Skin, astragon Entertainment
Best Action Game – DOOM Eternal, ZeniMax Germany
Best Family Game – Concrete Genie, Sony Interactive Entertainment
Best Racing Game – Grid, Codemasters
Best Role Playing Game – Wasteland 3, Koch Media
Best Simulation Game – Planet Zoo, Frontier
Best Sports Game – Roller Champions, Ubisoft
Best Strategy Game – Desperados III, THQ Nordic
Most Original Game – Dreams, Sony Interactive Entertainment
Best Microsoft Xbox One Game – Gears 5, Microsoft
Best Nintendo Switch Game – The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, Nintendo
Best Sony PlayStation 4 Game – Dreams, Sony Interactive Entertainment
Best Mobile Game – Battle Chasers: Nightwar – Mobile Edition, HandyGames
Best PC Game – Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint, Ubisoft
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s AwakeningDreamsTom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint
At D23 Expo on Thursday evening, Ricky Strauss (President, Content & Marketing for Disney+) and Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts announced One Day at Disney — a collaboration between Disney Publishing Worldwide and the Mouse’s new streaming service comprising a 224-page coffee table book and documentary series. The project highlights the talented people who bring life to some of Disney’s most beloved stories.
On February 21 of this year, 76 unique photo shoots took place around the world, as Disney dispatched photographers to capture images of the employees and cast members who drive creativity and innovation at The Walt Disney Company. From Shanghai Disneyland and ESPN to Pixar and the set of Modern Family, these spectacular photographs — and the stories behind them — will be featured in the hardbound, collectible book, written by Bruce Steele, which is now available for pre-order.
On December 3, the same day the book arrives in stores, Disney+ will debut its new, 52-episode short-form series One Day at Disney, launching with a feature-length documentary. This exciting new series takes an in-depth look at the unique and surprising roles these men and women call their daily jobs. The series and documentary are from Endeavor Content’s Non-Scripted Division and executive produced by Michael Antinoro and David Chamberlin and produced by Victoria Chamlee.
Following the premiere special, which features legendary animator Eric Goldberg and other high profile talents, more than 50 One Day at Disney shorts will debut weekly. The shorts range in length from 4 to 7 minutes long and each profiles a single remarkable person and their fascinating job.
Profiled in the Disney+ docu-special (in alphabetical order):
Eric Baker: The Walt Disney Imagineer who has overseen the creation of many of the intricately detailed props and lifelike creatures that inhabit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the newest lands at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts
Ashley Girdich: A talented Walt Disney Imagineer who, as a Research and Development Project Manager, drives plans and helps teams execute some of the innovative robotics technology projects being created for our Parks around the world
Eric Goldberg: The legendary animator known for creating the Genie in Aladdin and Phil in Hercules, directing Pocahontas, as well as for animating Mickey Mouse in the Academy Award-nominated short Get a Horse!
Mark Gonzales: A Los Angeles native who works on the world-famous Disneyland Railroad
Grace Lee: A senior illustration manager at Disney Worldwide Publishing who has worked on titles from Zootopia to Fancy Nancy
Zamavus “Zama” Magudulela: The talented South African actor currently playing Rafiki in the Madrid production of phenomenally successful musical The Lion King
Ryan Meinerding: Marvel Studios’ head of visual development who has worked on films including Avengers: Endgame and Guardians of the Galaxy
Natalie Mylniczenko: The veterinarian who cares for creatures large and small at Walt Disney World Resort, including a number of endangered and threatened species.
Jerome Ranft: The skilled Pixar artist who created detailed sculptures for animators to use as reference for such films as Finding Nemo, Toy Story 3, and Ratatouille
Robin Roberts: The former ESPN sportscaster has been co-anchor of the Emmy Award-winning, top-rated morning show, Good Morning America, since 2005
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