ANIMATIONWorld Magazine

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.

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-...

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...

We Shall Never Forget ANIMATIONWorld

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.

In 2D, 3D, CG, Education and Training, Films, People, Short Films | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

Life finds a way ANIMATIONWorld

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.

In 3D, CG, Diversity and Inclusion, People, Television, Voice Acting | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

Life Will Find a Way! ANIMATIONWorld

‘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.

In 3D, CG, Digital Media, People, Television, Voice Acting | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

Vampire Messiahs Oh My! ANIMATIONWorld

‘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.

In 2D, Anime, CG, Digital Media, Films, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

Animated Shorts of the Month ANIMATIONWorld

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.

In 2D, 3D, CG, People, Short Films | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

Policework Can Be Ruff ANIMATIONWorld

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.

In 3D, Books, CG, Films, People, Voice Acting | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

It’s Not All For Kids ANIMATIONWorld

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.

In 3D, CG, Films, People, Technology, Visual Effects, Voice Acting | ANIMATIONWorld | Special Events: Academy Awards, Annie Awards | Geographic Region: All

Jar Jar Returns! ANIMATIONWorld

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+.

In 3D, CG, Digital Media, People, Television, Visual Effects, Voice Acting | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

We Want More Eva ANIMATIONWorld

Jef Kaminsky Talks ‘Eva the Owlet’ Season 2

The executive producer discusses the ‘flaptastic’ production of Scholastic Entertainment’s 3DCG series about Eva, a creative, cheeky owlet with big ideas and an even bigger personality, who goes on high-flying adventures while expressing herself in her diary; debuts January 24 on Apple TV+

In 3D, Books, CG, Digital Media, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

Battle of the Titans ANIMATIONWorld

Anime’s Robot Titans: Weighing ‘Gundam’ and ‘Macross’

AWN’s anime columnist Andrew Osmond dives into not one but two huge science-fiction franchises.

In ANIMATIONWorld

Smile and Say Cheeeese! ANIMATIONWorld

Re-VIEW: ‘Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl’ – Celebrating The Human Touch

Aardman’s newest stop-motion film finds our hapless inventor and faithful canine companion wrestling with a 21st-century issue that is making headlines around the globe - the rise of AI - before concluding that there are some things a machine just can’t do; now streaming on Netflix.

In CG, Digital Media, Films, People, Stop-Motion, Voice Acting | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

We Return to Piltover and Zaun ANIMATIONWorld

Unveiling ‘Arcane’: A Conversation with Pascal Charrue and Alexis Wanneroy

The co-executive producer/director and co-supervisor of animation discuss the challenges, inspirations, and innovative techniques that pushed visual and storytelling boundaries and helped shape Netflix’s award-winning series’ second and final season.

In 2D, 3D, CG, Digital Media, Games, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

Ho Ho Ho! ANIMATIONWorld

Crafting Magic: Simon Otto Talks ‘That Christmas’

The animation veteran and first-time feature film director opens up about working with famed author and producer Richard Curtis on adapting his three Christmas kids' books into a heartfelt animated tale about the often complex, never simple dynamics that bring friends and families together during the holidays; now streaming on Netflix.

In 3D, Books, CG, Digital Media, Films, People, Technology, Voice Acting | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

Welcome to Zanadoo ANIMATIONWorld

PigBird Stop-Motion Studio Spreads its Wings One Frame at a Time

Trevor Hardy says six years spent struggling to build his animation business is akin to fiddling with a bad tooth, though his recent hugely popular music video, ‘The Happy Song,’ for Imogene Heap and newest short, ‘A Right Royal Sprout’ may signal a welcome bit of pain relief.

In CG, Commercials, Digital Media, Films, Music Videos, People, Short Films | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

Watch Out for Expired Snacks ANIMATIONWorld

‘Zenshu’: The Superpower of Animation

AWN’s anime columnist Andrew Osmond looks at MAPPA’s comedy fantasy, one of the best shows currently streaming, now on Crunchyroll; but first he discusses the often mis-identified universe of TV anime.

In 2D, Anime, Digital Media, Films, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

Leaders Driving Real Change ANIMATIONWorld

‘You Got Moxie!’: Changing the Game of Changemaking in Entertainment

Collective Moxie founder & CEO Julie Ann Crommett, a seasoned DEI advisor and former Disney and Google executive, shares insights gleaned from her podcasts with industry leaders like Pixar’s Danielle Feinberg and Disney’s Carlos Lopez Estrada, who discuss their own experiences and how they’ve worked to embrace inclusivity and effect change in their artistic efforts.

In Business, Community Outreach, Diversity and Inclusion, Films, People | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

Feature Film VFX Headline News

Base FX Powers Triumphant Return of NeZha in ‘NeZha 2’

Studio delivers more than 230 shots on 2019 hit film's sequel that just broke Chinese animated film box office records with a haul of $US 800 million in first 9 days of release; hits U.S. cinemas February 14.

In 3D, CG, Films, People, Visual Effects | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News, VFXWorld | Geographic Region: Asia, North America

Teaching with Games Headline News

PBS KIDS Announces ‘Skillsville’ Animated Series

The project, which harnesses gaming to introduce young viewers to a world of career possibilities that help hone their life skills, premieres March 3 in English and Spanish.

In 2D, CG, Games, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Events Headline News

Atlanta Jewish Film Festival Unveils Official Selections for 25th Anniversary Edition

Mix of animated films and works inspired by award-winning graphic novels includes ‘Legend of Destruction,’ The Most Precious of Cargoes,’ ‘Art Spiegelman: Disaster is My Muse,’ and ‘The Property.’

In 2D, Community Outreach, Diversity and Inclusion, Event, Festival, Films, People, Short Films | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: North America

Unicorns Abound Headline News

TFOU, Dandelooo Team to Develop ‘Hold On Gaston!’

The 2D animated series follows Gaston of Univille-on-Joy, a young unicorn whose rainbow mane changes colors according to his emotions.

In 2D, Books, Business, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Business Headline News

Korean Animated Series ‘PotenDogs’ Hits the U.S.

The 3DCG musical action/comedy is now streaming on Prime Video, Apple TV, and Tubi, and will hit HappyKids TV and YouTube FREE Movies & TV soon.

In 3D, Business, CG, Digital Media, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: North America

We Love Meeces to Pieces! Headline News

MeTV Toons Adds ‘The House Of Hanna-Barbera’ Programming Block

Classic HB toons are coming in a new weekday 11am-1pm timeslot beginning February 17 while the Sunday-afternoon 1-3pm block begins February 23.

In 2D, Cartoons, Digital Media, People, Television, Voice Acting | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Awards Headline News

‘The Wild Robot,’ ‘Dune: Part Two,’ ‘Wicked,’ and ‘X-Men ’97’ Win Critics Choice Awards

The shows take top honors for Best Animated Feature, Best VFX, Vest Production Design, and Best Animated Series, respectively, at the February 7 ceremony.