SAG-AFTRA Responds to ‘Best and Final’ Studio Offer
While details of the response have not yet been disclosed, an agreement still seems out of reach with continued disagreement on ‘several essential items.’
Apple TV+ Greenlights New 3DCG ‘Peanuts’ Feature
From WildBrain Studios and Peanuts Worldwide, the untitled film, set to begin production next year, will see the Peanuts gang go on an epic adventure to the Big City and learn the true meaning of friendship, while meeting some surprising new friends along the way.
Whiteboard Geeks Animation Workers Vote to Unionize
The Virginia-based studio's workers file with the National Labor Relations Board and seek representation by The Animation Guild.
Live-Action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Production Delayed
Ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike pushes out Universal’s adaptation, starring Mason Thames and Nico Parker as franchise romantic leads Hiccup and Astrid, to a June 13, 2025 theatrical release.
ACE Canada’s ‘Ostinato’ to Debut at Spark Animation 2023
The animated short’s creative team, part of the immersive career excel-erator program, along with Netflix and Women in Animation Vancouver, will present their film’s world premiere, including a Q&A and panel, at the festival, which runs November 13 – December 31.
Watch: DreamWorks ‘Dew Drop Diaries’ Season 2 Trailer
The 3DCG preschool series about a tiny fairy family of ‘Dew Drops’ is back with 12 all-new episodes, turning everyday challenges into extraordinary adventures next month.
Apple TV+ Shares ‘The Velveteen Rabbit’ Trailer
Based on the famed children’s book by Margery Williams, the live-action animated hybrid tells the story of a child who, with his new favorite toy, discovers lifelong friendship and a world of magic; the family holiday series streams November 22.
Starz to Lay Off Over 10% of Workforce in Upcoming Lionsgate Split
The planned restructuring, which includes cutting business ties in the U.K. and Australia, is meant to ‘align our organization with the growth areas of the business and to prepare us for our next chapter as a standalone company,’ says CEO Jeffrey Hirsch.
Marvel Studios Drops ‘Echo’ Trailer, Poster
The gritty, action-packed dramatic series that follows anti-hero Maya Lopez as she runs from a criminal empire debuts all its bingeable episodes at once January 10, 2024 on both Disney+ and Hulu.
Skybound Entertainment Relaunches Iconic 'Spike & Mike’s Festival of Animation'
Submissions now open for short films from creators in the U.S., Canada and U.K.; festival details still to be worked out, but awards will include project stipends, acquisitions, and development opportunities.
Podcast EP 231: Ed Hooks with Master Tips on ‘Acting for Animators’
The NY actor turned teacher discusses how DreamWorks’ 1996 request shifted his life path and kicked off his 30+ year career training animators.
Production Underway on ‘Badjelly’ Kids’ Animated Series
Mukpuddy Animation, Sphere Animation, and Cantilever Media team up on the show, based on the beloved 1973 story from legendary comedian Spike Milligan, starring the ‘Harry Potter’ film franchise’s Miriam Margolyes OBE; debut set for 2025.
2nd Annual Children’s & Family Emmy Nominees Announced
Lots of great animation being recognized - ‘Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures,’ ‘The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special,’ and ‘I Am Groot’ among top nominees; the award’s ceremony to be revealed next week.
All-Star Animated ‘Ozi: Voice of the Forest’ Sells to Signature for U.K., Ireland
The 3DCG feature follows teenage orangutan Ozi’s journey across the rainforest to find her parents and stars Laura Dern, Amandla Stenberg, Donald Sutherland, Djimon Hounsou, RuPaul, Dean Charles Chapman and Rachel Shenton.
Delicious Seconds: Nick Orders ‘The Tiny Chef Show’ Season 2 Plus 2 Holiday Specials
The Annie Award-winning stopmo series starring culinary social media sensation Tiny Chef will return to Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. channels beginning with the ‘Fwendsgiving’ special on November 20 and ‘Tiny Chef's Marvelous Mish Mesh Special’ on December 4.
Sanrio Celebrates ‘Hello Kitty’ 50th Anniversary with Cavalcade of Digital Content
In anticipation of this major milestone on November 1, 2024, the coming year will be filled with ways to celebrate in both the digital and physical worlds, including an AR app, short animations on TikTok, monthly promotions in My Hello Kitty Cafe on Roblox, and a presence in the digital world of Zepeto.
Walt Disney Animation Studios Production Workers Vote to Unionize
After the studio refused to recognize their organization efforts this past March because of issues with job titles, 63 employees, including coordinators, managers, and supervisors, have now successfully voted to join The Animation Guild.
Foundry’s Katana 7.0 Now Available
Latest version includes USD updates and VFX Reference Platform 2023 support with new USD scene manipulation, muti-threaded live rendering and Optimized Geolib3-MT Runtime.
Watch: 20th Century Studios Teases ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’
This and a Diet Coke… what else do you need? Directed by Wes Ball and starring Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Peter Macon and William H. Macy, the newest chapter of the storied franchise comes to theaters Spring 2024.
GKIDS Drops Miyazaki’s ‘The Boy and The Heron’ English Trailer
The all-star English voice cast includes Christian Bale, Dave Bautista, Gemma Chan, and Willem Dafoe; Studio Ghibli’s latest film kicks off November 22 in LA and NY with special preview engagements, followed by nationwide U.S. and Canadian release in December.
16th ACM SIGGRAPH Asia Brings the CG World Together
A gathering place for technical and creatives in research, science, art, animation, gaming, interactivity, education, and emerging technologies, the annual conference and exhibition on computer graphics and interactive techniques comes to Sidney, Australia, December 12-15.
Sesame Workshop Launches ‘Bea’s Block’
The new preschool ‘kindness adventure’ follows 5-year-old Bea and her two best friends as they hop their way through their diverse and inclusive Blocktown neighborhood; series now available on Sky Kids platforms in the U.K. and Ireland.
Netflix Drops ‘Blue Eye Samurai’ Episode 1 Sneak Peek
Streamer shares trailer, ‘Behind the Animation’ short, and an entire episode, all ahead of show’s highly-anticipated November 3 debut; the adult animated debut; the adult animated series, set in Edo-period Japan, tells the story of a master of the sword who lives a life in disguise seeking revenge.
Nelvana Secures ‘Builder Brothers Dream Factory’ International Deals
Inspired by the HGTV series starring real-life ‘Property Brothers,’ Drew and Jonathan Scott, the animated series centers on friends, family, school, and community – and really big dreams.
Disney to Purchase Remaining Stake in Hulu from Comcast
The company expects to spend approximately $8.61 billion by December 1 for Comcast/NBCU’s 33% stake in the streamer, minus the anticipated outstanding capital call contributions payable by NBCU to Disney, with final amounts to depend on assessment of fair equity value.
