Emily Brundige Talks the ‘Undeniability’ of ‘Goldie’
The creator of Apple TV+’s new 2D kids’ show about a giant girl with a big heart who wears her emotions on her sleeve, based on her 2019 short film, discusses how the series grew out of frustration at not being able to show her own work after years spent writing on many notable animated series.
AWN’s Annie Awards Roundup: Top Contenders in Film and TV
Dig into the roster of animated feature films, TV shows, and shorts vying for wins in 36 different categories on February 8 at ASIFA-Hollywood’s 52nd annual ceremony recognizing the best in animation from the past year.
A Hit Anime with a Difference: ‘The Apothecary Diaries’
AWN’s anime columnist Andrew Osmond considers the popularity of the historical-mystery series, now streaming on Crunchyroll.
J.K. Simmons, Steve Yeun and Gillian Jacobs Talk ‘Invincible’
The lead actors in Robert Kirkman’s hit adult animated superhero series discuss their characters’ inner turmoil, emotional conflict, and ‘lurking in the grey areas’ as long-awaited Season 3 kicks off February 6 on Prime Video.
The Dark, Comic World of Steve Hely’s and Joe Bennett’s ‘Common Side Effects’
The creators of Adult Swim’s all-new comedy/thriller discuss their deep dive into the mysterious and surreal world of a newly discovered healing mushroom, big pharma, wellness culture, and their disruptive effects on society.
Tim Lamb and Christine Bian Talk ‘MacGyvering Our Way to Survival’ on ‘Orion and the Dark’
The production designer and art director approached the challenging, ‘scrappy indie project’ by honoring the hand-painted, watercolor feel of Emma Yarlett’s original book; written by Oscar-winner Charlie Kaufman, the DreamWorks’ and Mikros Animation film debuts on Netflix February 2, 2024.
How Marvel’s ‘What If...?’ Took the Multiverse Beyond Live-Action
Concluding with its most ambitious season, EP Brad Winderbaum’s seminal, Emmy and Annie Award-winning show, the studio’s first ever animated series, never failed to capture the limitless and exciting potential of alternate MCU character realities; now streaming on Disney+.
Music to Our Ears: Composer PT Walkley Talks ‘Gabby’s Dollhouse’ Season 10
The musician and songwriter shares the collaborative processes and joys of composing for the new season of DreamWorks’ hit hybrid live-action/animated preschool series about a cat-loving young girl who gets swept into various adventures within her dollhouse; new episodes debut August 5 on Netflix.
Honoring Holocaust Victims Using Animation
A new essay from noted historian, author, and educator Karl Cohen discusses a wide selection of animated films, from harrowing survivor biographies to inspiring stories of people, and historic events - more than 50 in all, 40 made since 2010 - that bring needed awareness to one of the most disturbing subjects in world history.
Unpacking Kenji and Brooklynn’s Trauma in 'Jurassic World: Chaos Theory' Season 2
Showrunner and EP Scott Kreamer digs deep into the lives of two key ‘Nublar Six’ members, and how their seemingly reckless actions, centered around efforts to find the truth and expose the dinosaur trafficking they’ve uncovered, in reality keeps them from dealing with some uncomfortable truths about their losses; new season now streaming on Netflix.
‘Jurassic World: Chaos Theory’ Takes a Darker, ‘Parallax View’ of Camp Cretaceous
EPs and showrunners Scott Kreamer and Aaron Hammersley talk about the all-new DreamWorks Animation series, set 6 years after the events at Camp Cretaceous and in the wake of tragedy, as ‘The Nublar Six’ reunite, deal with their grief and sense of loss, and try to unravel a conspiracy that threatens dinosaur and humankind alike; the 10-episode first season debuts May 24 on Netflix.
‘Castlevania: Nocturne’ or What is This Anime Thing Anyway?
The popular Netflix series isn’t anime, is it? AWN’s anime columnist Andrew Osmond wades into the definition debate.
Binocular Briefs - January 2025
AWN’s latest survey highlights under-the-radar animated shorts currently making their way through the festival circuit or newly available for online viewing.
Bringing ‘Dog Man’ to Life: A Conversation with Peter Hastings and Karen Foster
The director and producer discuss DreamWorks’ latest cinematic gem, adapted from NYT bestselling author Dav Pilkey’s kids’ book series about a dog who becomes much more than a police officer’s ‘best friend’ after they are both hurt on the job and fused together in a harebrained but live-saving surgery; hits theaters January 31.
Crafting the Bittersweet Stop-Motion in Adam Elliot’s ‘Memoir of a Snail’
The Oscar-winning ‘Harvie Krumpet’ director discusses how he’s failed as a filmmaker if audiences aren’t left emotionally wrecked by his latest film about the difficult lives of once inseparable twins forced to live with different families after their father dies; just nominated for an Oscar and two Annie Awards.
Blocking Out the Laughs for ‘LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy’
Lucasfilm’s Annie Award-nominated series turns the entire empire inside out and upside down in fun, playful ‘What If…?’ fashion, complete with Darth Jar Jar, good guy / bad guy role reversals, and lots of insider jokes; now streaming on Disney+.
God’s Gang Debuts ‘We Didn’t Start The Fire: Wildfire & The Mysterious Hero’
Now streaming on YouTube, the first of 4 all-new episodes finds the four interfaith heroes navigating danger found deep in a forest by relying on their instincts, teamwork and a mysterious new ally.
PreVIEW Panel Set: ‘Oscar Contenders for Best Animated Short Film’
Join AWN’s own Dan Sarto on February 27 for a free online conversation and Q&A with the directors of ‘Beautiful Men,’ ‘Wander to Wonder,’ ‘Yuck!,’ ‘In the Shadow of the Cypress,’ and ‘Magic Candies,’ hosted by the VIEW Conference.
New ‘Robot Chicken’ Special Celebrates Show’s 20th Anniversary
Coming to Adult Swim this summer, ‘The Robot Chicken Self-Discovery Special’ stop-motion comedy from Stoopid Buddy Stoodios takes aim at iconic reality shows from across Warner Bros. Discovery networks.
Nickelodeon Greenlights All-New ‘Avatar: Seven Havens’ Animated Series
Produced by Avatar Studios, the 26-episode 2D series centers around a young Earthbender who discovers she’s the new Avatar; announcement made as part of ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ 20th anniversary celebration.
Watch: ‘Dragon Ball DAIMA’ Series Finale Trailer
As the show reaches its climax, Goku and his allies take on Gomah with the Evil Third Eye in an epic showdown; final episode premieres February 28th.
AXS TV, Azuki Partner for ‘Anime.Com Hour’
After launching February 13, the programming block airs classic episodes of ‘Fate/stay night’ (‘Unlimited Blade Works’) and ‘My Hero Academia’ (Season 1-2).
HKIFF Industry Project Market Adds Animation, Indonesian Showcases
Completing its lineup with 8 additional titles, the event will present 48 featured projects from March 17-19 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, alongside the 29th Hong Kong International Film & TV Market.
Pixar’s ‘Win or Lose’ Debuts on Disney+
Watch new clips and a featurette from the all-new animated comedy, the studio’s first original series, which takes the perspective of eight different characters as they prepare for a championship softball game… and there’s no pressure… just don’t blow it!
Citizens Endows Fred Rogers Productions with $100K Grant
The sum will support two FRP initiatives: Writers’ Neighborhood, and community engagement events inspired by its series ‘Alma’s Way.’