Geographical Region: North America
‘Lonely Castle in the Mirror’ Reflects Japan’s Ugly Rise in Child Suicide and Bullying
Director Keiichi Hara discusses his anime feature about a young girl, mercilessly harassed at school, who escapes through a portal to an enchanted castle where she and a group of teens must play a game together to uncover the mysterious connection that unites them; the GKIDS film’s limited North American theatrical run begins June 21.
‘Meneath: The Mirrors of Ethics’ Wins ‘New Voices Award’ at Tribeca
Based on Terril Calder’s award-winning 2021 animated short, the installation received an honor presented to XR creators who bring new perspectives and artistic languages to immersive storytelling; the interactive stop-motion exhibit reflects Indigenous teachings from the earth fused into the story, creating a unique viewing experience
Call for Animators: The NFB Opens Hothouse 14
‘Small Things Considered’ is this year’s theme for the three-month paid mentorship in all-inclusive, real-world animation filmmaking; the deadline for submission is July 10.
GKIDS Announces ‘Lonely Castle in the Mirror’ English-Language Voice Cast
The feature follows Kokoro as she is transported, along with six other students, inside an enchanting castle and invited to play a mysterious game; coming to select U.S. theaters June 21 and 22.
Corus Entertainment Reveals Upcoming Canadian Animation Slate
Nelvana is delivering a number of series and films to kids’ networks YTV and Treehouse including ‘Best & Bester,’ ‘Thomas & Friends: The Great Bubbly Build,’ and ‘Millie Magnificent.’
Doberman Pictures Names Sarah Wall Head of Production
New role includes responsibility for the company’s growing production slate; tenure at studio follows 13-year run in various executive roles at DHX Media.
Podcast EP 211: Colin Giles, Head of The School for Animation & VFX at Vancouver Film School
The career animator turned educator reflects on student life at VFS, the school’s investment in its animation studio and how students have changed over the last 10 years.
‘Blanket of Words’ Named Top Animated Short at 2023 LALIFF
Academy Award-nominated actor Edward James Olmos announced the festival winners to close out the 22nd edition of the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival.
Titmouse NY Artists Ratify TAG Union Contract
The studio’s union workers’ unanimous vote to ratify their first collective bargaining agreement highlights their determination to create fair and favorable working conditions.
Karen Jackson Takes the Reins as Barnabas Wornoff Steps Down as TAAFI Chair
Long-time board member assumes leadership in wake of the organization co-founder’s departure; Matthew Celestial named Treasurer, overseeing day-to-day operations.
Adult Swim Canada Releases Exclusive ‘Psi Cops’ Early Preview
The new adult animated series follows paranormal investigators as they look into alien sightings, ghosts, and demons; show premieres June 4.
Crunchyroll Sets ‘PSYCHO-PASS: Providence’ North American Theatrical Release Date
The newest addition to the ‘PSYCHO-PASS’ sci-fi thriller franchise continues the story of young inspector Akane Tsunemori and the authoritarian Sibyl System in futuristic Japan; film hits cinemas July 14 with advanced fan showings July 11 and July 13.
Sony Pictures Imageworks Expands to Montreal
VP of New Business Laura Fitzpatrick to helm new office with Senior VP Producer Doug Oddy stepping into her shoes at the Vancouver studio; the company is currently recruiting for all positions at the new state-of-the-art facility opening in Old Montreal.
Preymaker Expands West Coast Staff
Creative team hires include Adam Lambert, Roxy Zuckerman, and Michael Reed, with Mattias Andersson joining the studio’s dedicated technology crew.
New Episodes of ‘Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series’ Coming to Netflix
The animated show follows Ash and Pikachu as they compete in the Pokémon World Coronation Series; set to stream this June.
Chapman’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts Receives $2.5 million Gift
The anonymous contribution will provide students with the newest industry tools to help better prepare graduates for the continual evolution of technology and content creation.
VFS Announces ‘The Launch Scholarship’
Funding valued up to $158k will support students training at Vancouver Film School programs in film, animation, and design; the submission deadline is May 31.
Herne Hill Expands its VFX Business While Supporting Staff Work-Life Balance
Since launching in 2021, the Toronto visual effects studio has seen its talent roster grow to include 35% women across all areas of production and creative leadership, providing rewarding career paths, creative project opportunities, remote work options, and flexible family support that have previously been anything but industry standard.
NFB Announces Terril Calder’s ‘Meneath: The Mirrors of Ethics’ World Premiere
Based on the award-winning 2021 animated short ‘Meneath: The Hidden Island of Ethics,’ the stop-motion installation reflects Indigenous teachings from the earth, fused into the story, creating a unique viewing experience; debut set for Tribeca Festival’s ‘Tribeca Immersive’ showcase in June.
PNYA Celebrates Expansion of NY’s Post-Production Tax Credit
PPC funding for post increases from $25 million to $45 million and gets extended to 2034; cited studies show the program has contributed $156M to the state’s tax revenue.
WGA Strike Halts Production on Numerous Shows
From Marvel to Netflix, the studios behind a slew of series and films have both voluntarily and involuntarily halted filming as the strike hits its second week, with multiple studios threatening showrunners with salary cuts and potential legal action.
Kneading Bread and AI
GKIDS Acquires ‘The First Slam Dunk’ Distribution Rights
The Japan Academy Prize-winning feature, directed by original manga creator Takehiko Inoue, arrives in U.S. and Canadian theaters this summer.
Michael Hirsh to Receive Animaze’s Lifetime Achievement Award
The Nelvana co-founder and Canadian animation industry leader will also deliver the event’s Keynote; the Montreal International Animation Festival takes place September 17 – 19.