‘Lord of the Rings’ Rights Holder Embracer Group Announces Layoffs, Restructuring
The gaming giant reveals a lofty goal of creating a more self-sufficient and ‘highly cash-flow generative’ company, which means studio closures and yet-undetermined staff reductions.
Lakeside’s ‘Paralegal’ Heads to Annecy 2023
The new adult animated comedy series scores Canadian actor/comedian Bruce McCulloch to voice lead character Marlon Brisk, a local crime lord and spirit medium.
DreamWorks Shares ‘Orion and the Dark’ First Look at Annecy 2023
Nighttime doesn’t have to be frighttime… written by Oscar winner Charlie Kaufman, the 3DCG animated feature tells the story of an average kid and his not-so-average all-consuming fears; coming to Netflix in 2024.
Max Greenlights ‘Hop’ Kids’ Animated Series
Based on ‘Arthur’ creator Marc Brown’s children’s book, the new show is grounded in emotional reality but soars into a fantasy world populated by dragons, trolls, talking banjos, and magic crayons.
Pixar Drops ‘Carl’s Date’ Official Trailer
The theatrical short opens for Disney and Pixar’s ‘Elemental’ on June 16; characters from the Oscar-winning ‘Up’ return to the big screen, with Carl reluctantly diving into the dating scene with the help of this loyal pup Dug.
‘The Spider Within: A Spider-Verse Story’ Animated Short Debuts at Annecy 2023
Sony Pictures Animation and Sony Pictures Imageworks’ ‘LENS’ program cohort took the stage today in front of a packed Petite Salle crowd for the world premiere of their new film, set within the ‘Spider-Verse’ world; program provides candidates from underrepresented groups an opportunity to produce their own film while gaining valuable leadership experience.
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.’
‘Tomb Raider’ Anime Series Snags Season 2 Renewal Ahead of Premiere
Lara Croft makes her anime debut in the upcoming show, which picks up after the events of the incredibly successful video-game reboot trilogy, premiering in 2023.
Prime Video Drops Official ‘Good Omens’ Season 2 Trailer
The unlikely adventures of an angel and a demon continue in the entirely original six-episode season from co-creator Neil Gaiman, premiering July 28.
Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group Signs First-Look Deal with Locksmith Animation
The first projects jointly developed under the new pact will be the animated features ‘Bad Fairies,’ a subversive musical comedy set in contemporary London, and ‘The Lunar Chronicles,’ a sci-fi twist on ‘Grimms’ Fairy Tales.’
Bill Damaschke to Lead Warner Bros. Rebranded Feature Animation Division
The animation visionary, known for ‘Shark Tale,’ ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ and ‘Kung Fu Panda’ will act as president of the newly minted Warner Bros. Pictures Animation.
Modern Magic Names Belinda Blacklock VP of Animation
The company, founded by Rodney Rothman and Adam Rosenberg, taps animation pro to find, develop and produce animated film and TV projects; new hire follows company recently signing first-look animated broadcast deal with Fox.
‘The Witcher’ Season 3 Trailer, Images, and Character Art Released
Henry Cavill’s final season on the hit fantasy series streams this summer on Netflix, with Volume 1 launching June 29 and Volume 2 launching July 27.
Sony to Develop Animated Adaptations of ‘Bewitched’ and ‘The Partridge Family’
Sony Pictures Television – Kids has confirmed series orders for the two animated reboots, as well as ‘kid’ versions of ‘Wheel of Fortune’ and ‘Shark Tank,’ with scripts delayed due to the WGA strike.
Epic Games Announces Annecy 2023 Lineup
Real-time innovator reveals programming slate with live and real-time demos and proof-of-concept shorts, at the festival which runs June 11-17.
Netflix Drops ‘Skull Island’ Official Trailer
The all-new 2D animated series takes viewers on a thrilling adventure to the treacherous home of the mighty titan himself, Kong, coming to the streamer June 22.
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.
‘Angry Birds Mystery Island’ Series Coming to Prime Video, Amazon Kids+
The 2D animated project, from Rovio Entertainment and Titmouse, features beloved young birds, the Hatchlings, who work together with their new piglet friend to survive on a deserted island with supernatural elements.
Watch: True August’s ‘Felt It In Stereo’ Animated Music Video
Director Mel Tomlin combines traditional animation with cutting-edge AI to bring visual life to the focus track from the new album ‘Breathing Room, released today.
Bardel Announces ‘The Immortal’ Animated Feature
The studio behind ‘Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet’ has partnered with screenwriters Amy Higgins and Todd Casey, and ‘Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio’ executive producer Jason Lust, on a 2D film about a young girl whose family is taken captive by a mystical shepherd who has lost faith in humanity; filmmakers will be attending Annecy 2023.
‘The Venture Bros.: Radiant is the Blood of the Baboon’ Arrives on Digital and Blu-ray
Doc, Brock, Dean, and Hank are back this July in an all-new movie, picking up after the shocking events of the Season 7 finale.
New Trailer Drops for ‘Resident Evil: Death Island’
The ‘Resident Evil: Vendetta’ sequel features a rescue mission led by Leon S. Kennedy and a zombie-filled caper to Alcatraz Island, out July 25 on Blu-ray and Digital.
Pre-Reg Open for ‘SpongeBob Adventures: In a Jam!’ Game
Developed by Tilting Point and Whale App in partnership with Nickelodeon, the all-new mobile game that takes you on an epic adventure under the seas is coming to iOS and Android.
Nexus Studios Adds Emily Dean to Commercial Roster
The writer, director and artist boasts directorial, story artist and visual consultant credits on shows including the award-winning Netflix animated series, ‘Love Death + Robots,’ ‘Hotel Artemis,’ and the Oscar-winning short ‘Hair Love.’
OIAF 2023 Passes Now on Sale
The 5-day September festival and TV animation conference, which features screenings, exhibits, workshops, and entertainment, invites Canadian creators to kickstart their animated series concept with the annual Pitch THIS! event – submissions deadline is June 16; kids ages 8-12 can apply to participate in the OIAF Kids Jury - submissions deadline is July 12.
