News
press release: OIAF 2020 Goes Online!
Your favourite animation festival has big news – OIAF is moving online for 2020! For some that means missing your annual trip to Ottawa for the festivities but for many more that means being able to attend OIAF for the first time. Everything you love about OIAF is being transformed into a virtual version; screenings,… »
from the internets: Animation is Booming During Covid
We were already booming. Talent is in high demand as animation production in Canada is at heights we’ve never seen before. Studios are recruiting more aggressively than ever and opening up facilities all over the country to access more crew. Then Covid happened. It was a little scary at first as studios struggled to shift… »
Cap U Gradshow 2020
There’s no way I’ll get every grad class covered, but I’m going to do my best. Here’s the link to Capilano University’s 2020 grad class. As a sidenote, Cap U has always been great about coordinating a centralized online space to showcase their grads, even back when it was just using blogspot to do so…. »
Call for entries – Festival Stop Motion Montréal 2020
Festival Stop Motion Montréal is actively working on its 12th edition. The world’s first festival dedicated to frame by frame animation techniques, will once again offer international short film screenings, stop motion discovery activities for children and adults, special conferences and networking opportunities during its 12th edition happening from September 14th to 20th, 2020. Professional… »
Seneca 2D Online Gradshow! Grad Film Premieres!!! Thursday Night!!!!!!!
It’s a very weird year to be graduating from an animation program. You’re being told the jobs are out there, that the industry is still going strong, but the usual routes to meeting recruiters and studio reps have been taken right out of the picture. Job fairs and industry days have been canceled. It sucks…. »
A Message From Mike
Hi everybody. I hope you’re all managing ok right now. It’s crazy. Unprecedented. I’ve never lived through anything like it, and I’m old as rocks. Studios have shifted to remote working models, we’re mostly all working from home now, joining the leagues of our colleagues who’ve been living the freelance life for years. There have… »
Breakout Film Festival Accepting Submissions
We got a heads up about this festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. It’s got an interesting structure whereby they pick monthly winners who then all compete for a final prize in January. I checked the FAQ and there is an entry fee. Open to all nationalities. No documentaries, commercials or music videos. Here’s their direct link…. »
TAAFI 2020, February 14-16
It’s less than a month away! You can get your tickets now! Lots of things to aim your eyes at! Here’s the… »
from the internets: CORUS Sued an Oklahoma Pot Dispensary.
This is hilarious. A Cannabis dispensary in Oklahoma was using the logo of Corus-owned kids channel, Treehouse, on their exterior signage and on products. Corus sued them and they didn’t even bother to defend themselves. Now they’re on the hook for $74,000 USD for the media giant’s legal expenses. Here’s some coverage: https://www.thegrowthop.com/cannabis-news/canadian-animation-studio-wins-lawsuit-against-oklahoma-dispensary-over-logo There are… »
events: TAAFI INDUSTRY CONFERENCE, Toronto, TODAY!!!!
Are you in Toronto? Do you love animation? Do you want to hear from and meet top industry pros and hob nob with your peers? Then get your butt down to Corus Quay! Ticket info… »
OIAF 2019: PITCH THIS! DEADLINE EXTENDED
Canadian animators have until August 23rd to submit their proposal Do you have a great idea for an animated series for kids? Pitch THIS! is TAC’s signature opportunity to show off your new project! TEN pitches will be selected and the creators will be paired with industry mentors who will help them develop their ideas…. »
press release: New direction at Festival Stop Motion Montreal
On its way to the 11th edition – From September 16 to 22! Montreal, Tuesday, August 13, 2019 – Festival Stop Motion Montreal is proud to present Marie Valade and Dominique Côté as the new co-directors of the event. With their experience, respectively as coordinator and programmer of the Festival, they take over from Érik… »
jobby: 2D Animator, Kindly Beast, Ottawa
Kindly Beast, an innovative Ottawa based video game studio is looking for a permanent, full-time in-house animator, to create ongoing 1.5 min interstitial animations in a retro Max Fleicher/rubber hose style. The studio requires candidates capable of taking ownership of the whole creative cycle – pre-production to final animated short: concepts & storyboards to animation… »
OIAF 2019: The Poster.
Here’s this year’s poster for the Ottawa International Animation Festival. This year’s artist is Steve Angel, one of the the founding partners of Toronto’s Head Gear Animation. He’s a fan of pencil’s and Biz Markie. According to Chris Robinson, the Ottawa Festival’s Artistic Director, they “went for a minimal look this year after last year’s… »
from the internets: Sausage Party Ruling, Non-Union BC Animators Due For Unpaid Overtime
Some very good news out of BC, via the Hollywood Reporter. Animators on Sausage Party, the 2016 animated comedy “by” Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, will be compensated for unpaid overtime they worked during production of the 2016 feature. Sadly, this is a practice that’s been fairly common over the years, but in this particular… »
TAAFI 2019 Poster, by Joel Mackenzie!!!!
Feast your eyes. (More Joel here) Submit your films! It’s free!!! The deadline to submit is January 14, 2019. TAAFI 2019 competition categories include: Best Kids Short Best Student Short Best International Short Best Canadian Short Audience Choice Grand Prix For more information on rules, regulations, and submission process:… »
TORONTO ANIMATION ARTS FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL 2019 CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
TAAFI has been killing it with job fairs, masterclasses and this past fall’s Industry Conference, but finally, FINALLY, we’re getting another edition of the thing that’s in their name: an actual ANIMATION FESTIVAL!!!!! So rev up your eyeholes, cuz this February there’s going to be wall to wall cartoons! But FIRST. They need cartoons. So… »
Cartoon North Fundraising: What’s it for?
Good question! It’s pretty straightforward. With the money we raise on our Patreon we’re going to do 2 things. 1) Update the site. It’s been years. Honestly, this old dinosaur needs an overhaul. I’d love to be able to pay someone to do it. 2) Micro-grants. That’s right, we’re going to give money away to… »
CARTOON NORTH FUNDING BLITZ!!!
FUNDING DRIVE TIME!! OK gang, it’s been a lean few months here and it’s time for us to reach out to all of you for some real support. We work really hard here to maintain the site, plus we’re trying to implement some much needed changes, and we’re in dire need of financial help to… »
UPDATED: DHX Media Selling Halifax Animation Studio to Former CEO Dana Landry
Here’s the link. There’s no info regarding the buyer, so that will remain a mystery for now. UPDATE: the Chronicle Herald has more info. Dana Landry is the person behind the purchase. He’s the former CEO of DHX and was replaced in February of this year during a corporate restructuring. His new company, IoM Media… »
Press Release: Feature Documentary, Hand Drawn, Seeking Support On Indiegogo
I like this. It’s got a bunch of awesome people, including a whole whack of Canadians, so I’m sharing. If you can support them, please do. This is the kind of discussion and documenting we always need more of. HAND DRAWN – A feature documentary all about 2D hand-drawn animation, its current state, and its… »
Canadian Networks: CBC Kids and CORUS Execs Break Down What They’re Looking for in 2018
Networks – What are they looking for? From last months’s The Animation Conference (TAC)’s Meet the Networks was a brief talk by development executives about what the networks are seeking and what’s new. Cartoon North’s intrepid note-taker, Brent Smith, was on hand to give you a summary of the talk: From Brandon Lane, Production Executive for Corus… »
OIAF 2018 In Review: Fred Seibert
We were fortunate enough to have Brent Smith in attendance this year at the Ottawa International Animation Festival, and he was taking notes! We’re going to share some of his highlights with you here over the next week or so, starting with a presentation by Mr Frederator himself, Fred Seibert! Here’s Brent’s breakdown of the… »
press release: THE TORONTO ANIMATION ARTS FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES FULL PROGRAMMING FOR TAAFI INDUSTRY 2018
TAAFI INDUSTRY 2018 runs from November 3-4 Toronto, ON (October 24, 2018) – Today, the Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI) released the full official program for TAAFI INDUSTRY 2018 at Corus Quay in Toronto. The event runs from November 2-4. This one-of-a-kind conference hosts over 50 animation industry professionals and over 22 sessions on… »
from the internets: Pixar’s Catmull Announces Retirement, Nelvana Nabs Whoopi Goldberg, and Broadcasters Attempt to Predict the Future
Cartoon Brew has an excellent article up regarding Ed Catmull’s retirement announcement from Disney/Pixar. Catmull’s impact on the global animation industry and culture is hard to measure, and it’s not all roses. Amid does an excellent job of breaking down an overview of his career for the casual reader. Read it here. Variety shares some… »
Events: TAAFI Industry is Right Around the Corner! Toronto, November 2 – 4
It’s coming up fast, and it looks like I’m going to be opening my big mouth and hoping to not get into too much trouble. The Toronto Animated Arts Festival International is hosting an industry conference in a couple of weeks, and the speaker lineup is out. Interesting mix of folks, and yes, I’m among… »
Press Release: 9 Story Announces Key Appointments and Promotions
9 Story Strengthens Creative Affairs with New Appointments and Key Promotions Additional promotions within Brown Bag Films, 9 Story Distribution International, and Marketing also announced Toronto, Canada – 9 Story Media Group today announced structural and management changes to its Creative Affairs team, welcoming new additions and promoting top talent to key positions under the… »
press release: Toonbox Signs Jackie Chan for New Feature, ONCE UPON A ZODIAC
Jackie Chan to produce and voice in ONCE UPON A ZODIAC Toonbox Entertainment and GAMA Entertainment announced that Jackie Chan has been tapped as an Executive Producer and cast to voice in their upcoming production, ONCE UPON A ZODIAC. The film is currently in production. Galen Walker, producer said: “We are proud to have Jackie… »
OIAF 2018!
Tomorrow is the big day, it’s Day o1 of the Ottawa International Animation Festival and The Animation Conference (TAC). AND, for the first time in a very loooong time, I’M NOT GOING TO BE THERE! But don’t fret, Cartoon North will be valiantly represented by a few carefully selected ambassadors: 1) Brent Smith. This guy’s… »
RIP Mik Casey
We lost Mik Casey a little over a week ago. He suffered a stroke shortly after his 71st birthday and succumbed 2 Friday’s ago. I’ve been trying to write about him ever since, but it’s really hard. His name may not be familiar to those outside of the Ottawa animation community, but to Ottawa folks,… »
TAAFI Announces Industry Conference, November 2nd to 4th, 2018
The kind folks at TAAFI have just officially announced a new event coming up very soon! TAAFI INDUSTRY 2018. They’re describing it as a 3-day event offering exclusive talks from top animation artists and creators. This year’s conference is the first of its kind for Toronto, and is sure to knock those lovely socks off… »
REQUIRED READING: Globe & Mail Breaks Down the Issues Facing the Canadian Kids TV Biz
The Globe and Mail ran an extensive article about the Canadian kids TV business. It’s pretty spot on in its assessment of what’s going on, what the issues are that we’re facing, and how we got here. It’s required reading for anyone in the industry. Please read it here. I’ll try to break it down… »
RIP Peter Adamakos June 21, 1946 – August 16, 2018
It’s hard to write about Peter Adamakos. He passed away last week. That’s the news. Here’s the obituary that ran in the Ottawa Citizen. Peter Adamakos June 21, 1946 – August 16, 2018 Peter passed away in Ottawa after a lengthy illness. He amazingly defied medical predictions and survived in relative comfort well beyond his… »
Montreal Animators! 48 Hour Animation Competition – Animaze 2018
Take part in the first AniMTL: Montreal 48 hour Animation Competition! During the 5th anniversary of Animaze, August 16-19 we call all Montreal animators to compete in a 48 hour animation challenge. Animators will be given a theme on Thursday afternoon, on the opening day of Animaze. Then, they will have 48 hours to create… »
press release: NFB at TIFF 2018, Snowden and Fine’s Animal Behaviour and Patrick Bouchard’s the Subject
August 1, 2018 – Toronto – National Film Board of Canada (NFB) Coming at a moment of profound political and social crisis, Astra Taylor’s latest National Film Board of Canada www.nfb.ca (NFB) feature documentary, What Is Democracy?, makes its North American premiere at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival. It will be joined at TIFF… »
Guru Studio’s Space Between Stars at OIAF 2018, Fantasia International Film Festival, Animation Block Party, SIGGRAPH
Guru Studio is doing exciting work. Originally a commercial shop, Guru evolved into a TV powerhouse with hits like Justin Time and their work on Spinmaster’s Patrol. Recent productions like True and the Rainbow Kingdom and the upcoming Blue look great and really reaffirm their place in the TV market. Last year, Guru worked on… »
from the internets: Bardel’s New CEO, Guru Inks Deal For Pikwik, BBC Solves How to Make a Hit Show, and WOW Network CRTC Approval
Bardel just got a new CEO. Former Sony Pictures Animation producer Rick Mischel will take over for company founders Delna Bhesania and Barry Ward. End of an era. Link here. Guru scores another deal, this time it’s with Disney Junior, for their new preschool series Pikwik (52 X 11). Congrats to Frank Falcone, Mary Bredin,… »
press release: 9 Story Media Group’s Next Big Move: Acquiring Breakthrough Entertainment’s Kid’s and Family Catalogue
9 Story Media Group Acquires Breakthrough Entertainment’s kids and family library and development slate Toronto, Canada – July 10, 2018 – 9 Story Media Group is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Breakthrough Entertainment’s kids and family library and development slate. Under the terms of the agreement, 9 Story… »
Cartoon North is on Patreon
Well, we did it. We launched our Patreon. It’s a big leap for us, and as much as we try our best to help out in similar situations, it’s always a tricky thing to actually reach out and ask for help. I’m not good at it. But we did it, and you guys are responding…. »
from the internets: Frederator Interview with Ali Kellner
Ali Kellner is a Toronto based artist, Sheridan grad, and filmmaker. Her student film, Nana, has been really connecting with festival audiences over the last year, and it’s easy to see she’s a talent to watch. Frederator, in its increasing coverage of Canadian creators, has a great interview with her. Here’s the link! And you… »
Events: the TWELFTH ANNUAL TAIS ANIMATION SHOWCASE, Toronto, July 28th
the TWELFTH ANNUAL TAIS ANIMATION SHOWCASE – Bringing the Best Independent Canadian and International Animation to Toronto! On Saturday, July 28th, the Toronto Animated Image Society (TAIS) is thrilled to present a summer night of animated dreams: two 45 minute programmes of short animated films, the results of the 2018 Anijam competition, and a new… »
Cartoon Connection Early Bird Deadline Ends Tonight!
Cartoon Connection has extended their early bird deadline for registration until midnight tonight! This year’s Cartoon Connection takes place October 1-3 in Québec City, and has become a pretty prominent event on the calendar for people doing business in animation. Here’s a few off their own words. Cartoon Connection is the perfect platform : To… »
From the Internets: Window Horses Director, Anne Marie Fleming on Joining the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, courtesy of CBC.ca
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, the organization that hands out Oscars every year, invited a ton of new members this year as part of a push to integrate more diverse voices into their membership. One of those voices is Anne Marie Fleming, the Vancouver based animator behind Window Horses and The Magical… »
from the internets: CGSociety on e.d. films’ GIANT BEAR
I’ve got a short list of studios I truly admire, and Montreal’s e.d. films is firmly on it. They’re a small but growing shop that’s run by some really great people, and they do genuinely interesting work that comes from a place of real passion. At Annecy a week or so ago, they released the… »
Cartoon North Is Coming: the Next Step For Canadian Animation Resources
Hi guys. Things are going to start changing around here pretty soon. We’ve been hinting at it for a while, but it’s time. Part of the reason is that we simply need to be doing more. Also part of the reason is that the tools we’re using are getting more complicated. For instance, Facebook just… »
press release: Blues Clues Creator Joins 9Story Media as Chief Creative Officer
9 Story Media Group Appoints ANGELA C. SANTOMERO As Chief Creative Officer Out of the Blue to be Rebranded 9 Story USA Toronto, Canada – June 18, 2018 – 9 Story Media Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Angela C. Santomero to the newly established role of Chief Creative Officer. As CCO, Santomero… »
Art Book Tribute to Dominic Kardasiewicz
The recent, tragic passing of Toronto animator Dominic Kardasiewicz has hit a lot of people in the animation community really hard. Dominic was really loved, and his sudden death is hard to process. Friends and colleagues have organized to pay tribute to Dominic’s life in a very simple and natural way, they’re going to make… »
TIFF Presents: In Conversation With Brad Bird (video and highlights)
I wasn’t able to make it to the Brad Bird talk held at TIFF a few weeks ago, but thankfully I have good friends who were willing to share the experience. And ALSO thankfully, TIFF thought they’d share it too! Here’s the video: Here’s a few highlights thanks to Sean Janisse, Barry Sanders and Rich… »
Events: (Toronto) Elliott Animation Presents, Animation Masterclass with Michael Makarewicz (Incredibles 1 and 2, Finding Dory)
Very cool event coming up thanks to the gang at Elliott Animation, July 28-29th Hello fellow animation friends! Elliott Animation will be hosting a master animation workshop with Michal Makarewicz – animator on The Incredibles and The Incredibles 2, Finding Dory, Up, Inside Out, Brave, Wall-E, Ratatouille, Toy Story 3, Cars and more. The event… »
RIP Dominic Kardasiewicz
We shared some troubling news recently about a member of our animation community who went missing a week and a half ago. Dominic Kardasiewicz was found a few days ago, and sadly, he has passed on. A gofundme campaign that was launched to help pay for the search efforts has now been aimed at helping… »
press release: Oasis Animation Announces Major Expansion in Montreal
Reports are popping up in the usual places about some interesting news out of Quebec. Oasis Animation is expanding in a big way. Here’s the press release. OASIS ANIMATION LAUNCHES A MAJOR EXPANSION PROGRAM AND ANNOUNCES NEW AGREEMENTS WITH LEADING BROADCASTERS Highlights Creation of 100 jobs. 2 new television series contracts: o Kulipari (Season 2)… »
TAAFI Presents: EXCLUSIVE SCREENING AND BEHIND-THE-SCENES TALK BY PIXAR’S DOMEE SHI, DIRECTOR OF “BAO.”
DIRECTOR IN ATTENDANCE: TAAFI ANNOUNCES AN EXCLUSIVE SCREENING AND BEHIND-THE-SCENES TALK BY DOMEE SHI, DIRECTOR OF “BAO.” Toronto, ON (May 30, 2018) – Today, the Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI) announced an exclusive event with Toronto-raised director, Domee Shi. The screening includes an exclusive, behind-the-scenes talk with the director of the latest short from… »
Missing: Dominic Kardasiewicz, Toronto
One of our own went missing in Toronto on Friday night. Dominic Kardasiewicz was last seen in Toronto’s west end, around 11:30 pm on May 25th. He was walking home from Bloor and Landsdowne, and was heading east towards Dufferin. Home is Dovercourt and Queen. Dominic worked at Industrial Brothers, and before that he was… »
TIFF Wants Tiny Films: TIFFxInstagram Shorts Festival
Do you make (tiny) films? We want to see your miniature masterpieces TIFF joins forces with Instagram to present the TIFFxInstagram Shorts Festival, a digital shorts competition that invites aspiring and established filmmakers from around the globe to share their original 60-second-or-less short films. A total of 30 finalists will be selected and highlighted on… »
Call for Submissions: Vancouver Short Film Festival Invites British Columbia Residents to Submit
Vancouver, BC (May 22nd, 2018) – Calling all short filmmakers around BC: The Vancouver Short Film Festival (VSFF) is seeking submissions for its 9th edition, which will run January 25-26, 2019 at Vancity Theatre. Short format filmmakers from all around British Columbia are invited to submit their work starting June 1st. After a successful 2018… »
from the internets: Catching Up on Canadian Animation News
2018 is in full force, and there’s been a lot going on. Here’s a little sampler. -Nelvana signed a big ole deal for the exclusive Canadian broadcast rights to Sesame Street. Read about it here. Here’s what I find interesting about this. It’s Nelvana, and not Corus, that made the deal. Nelvana isn’t a broadcaster,… »
Tonight: Toronto! Toon Hall!!!
This is tonight, and if you’re in any way invested in your career in this industry, and you’re nearby, you should come. We’re not the ones organizing it, but we support it whole-heartedly. It’s not a pro-unionization event. A lot of people seem to think it is. It’s not anti-union either, but don’t let that… »
Studio Day at Algonquin College: April 25th, 2018
Algonquin College School of Animation Studio Day! It says by invitation only, but they sent it to me to post up, so here you go!! Algonquin’s got a great program, full of amazing people, I’m going to try to get to Ottawa for this myself. If you’re doing any hiring, it’s somewhere you should be…. »
Kidscreen Magazine Appoints New Editor: Mike Drach
Kidscreen is a publication familiar to most of us in the kids media industry. They run a big conference every year in Miami, and they’re pretty much the go-to publication for the business. And now, they have a new editor! Mike Drach is a well known face in the animation industry, and a fixture of… »
Guru EVP Mary Bredin Exits Studio
A surprising announcement this week from Guru Studio in Toronto: Mary Bredin, who has held the title of EVP of Content and Strategy for the past 10 plus years, will be leaving the company at the end of April. Mary is one half of the leadership at Guru, next to studio founder Frank Falcone, and… »
jobby: Senior Previs Artist (3D), DHX Media, Vancouver
Senior Previs Artist, 3D – Mega Man Want to make awesome cartoons with amazingly talented teams in a cool new studio? DHX Media – Vancouver is looking for an experienced Layout Artist (Senior Previs Artist) to join our team! As a Senior Previs Artist on Mega Man you will get to interpret storyboards and realize… »
GLAS Animation Launches Grant Program
This is some very cool shit. GLAS Animation (Global Animation Syndicate) has taken a simple, but fairly unprecedented step, and has launched the GLAS Animation Grant Program, currently consisting of two separate grants of $2500 each. It’s limited to American applicants, but I wanted to mention it here on the site because I think it’s… »
Upcoming Events: TOON HALL, Toronto, April 25th
This is coming up soon, and the timing is pretty great. The intention behind it is pure and honest, just a safe place to discuss the realities of the business, the hurdles we face, the issues we’d like to see addressed. No recordings, no streaming, just show up and share. Here’s the event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/179160406209694/… »
DHX Media Restructures Upper Management
The Toronto Star is reporting that DHX Media, one of a small handful of Canada’s media giants, is restructuring after a disappointing fiscal year: https://www.thestar.com/business/2018/02/26/dhx-media-shakes-up-top-management-amid-strategic-review.html Co-Founder Michael Donovan is stepping back into the Chief Executive position as Dana Landry departs. Rumours of a sale have been around since October of last year. We’ll report on… »
Tonight! Animatic TO Presents: Mike Geiger and Matt Fernandes
Want to hear about how Matt Fernandez and Mike Geiger are developing shows at Toronto’s Industrial Brothers? Well, thanks to Barry Sanders and Animatic TO, you can! Tonight, at 7:30, at 410 Richmond St, Toronto. Should be a good one! Here’s the event… »
Call for Entries: Digital Animators of Nova Scotia Outstanding Achievement Awards
Call for entries for the DANS Award for Outstanding Achievement in Animation! Deadline: March 23rd. This category allows for commercial submissions, music videos, short films, YouTube content or any animated scene in a show or film produced in Nova Scotia. Based on overall artistic achievement in the field of digital animation, this award will shine… »
Canadian Screen Awards 2018
The CSA’s wrapped up last night, after a series of ceremonies over the last week. Here’s the animation rundown. The Breadwinner picked up 4 awards out of a possible 6: – Anita Doron for Adapted Screenplay – Qais Essar & Joshua Hill for Original Song – Jeff Danna & Mychael Danna for Original Score -Nelson… »
from the internets: Mysticons Comic Book, Seneca Celebrates Alumni, Daughter of Bells Next for Breadwinner Producers
Dark Horse publishing Nelvana’s Mysticons. Cool and progressive move for Nelvana. Good call. Comics!! Seneca celebrates Oscar-winning alumni for Shape of Water and Coco. Congrats! Aircraft Pictures (The Breadwinner) announces next animated feature: Daughter of Bells… »
2018 Oscars: Coco and Dear Basketball Win Animation Categories
That’s the news. Pixar’s Coco took the feature animation award, and Glen Keane and Kobe Bryant’s Dear Basket ball won for short animation. I’m sorry that the Breadwinner didn’t win. Coco is a terrific movie. And when Pixar makes a good movie, this category is theirs. I personally feel that The Breadwinner is a superior… »
Submissions Open for TAIS Animation Showcase
The Toronto Animated Image Society (TAIS) has just announced its call for submissions for the 2018 TAIS Animation Showcase. The deadline is May 28th, 2018. Here’s the link to the event page. From the event page: Each year, the TAIS Animation Showcase presents the best local, national and international independent animation talent. With films from… »
from the internets: LA Times On Point Analysis of Bravest Warriors Via Nelvana
I’ve been throwing around a lot of big talk lately about creative risk-taking in Canada and how we inevitably play it safe in pretty much everything we make. It’s tough, but it’s a fact we have to face, and one that we seem to understand really well in the trenches. We hear about how people… »
Press Release: Reboot is Back. Netflix Premiere of Reimagined Series March 30th
NELVANA AND WOW! UNLIMITED MEDIA’S MAINFRAME STUDIOS REIMAGINE 90S CULT CLASSIC WITH NEW SERIES REBOOT: THE GUARDIAN CODE Series Set to Debut Worldwide March 30 Toronto, CANADA – Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana is excited to announce that the hybrid live-action/CG animated hybrid ReBoot: The Guardian Code will premiere as a Netflix original series worldwide excluding Canada on March… »
from the internets: Frederator Interview with Mathieu Hains
Frederator sure is taking an interest in Canadian creators lately. First, it was Elise Simard, now it’s Mat Hains! Mat’s an Ottawa-based animator/board artist/creator who made a big splash in the first season of Startoon with his second place finisher, the Angry Little Cupcake. I like Mat. And I like this interview. Check it… »
45th Annual Annie Awards!!!
It was a big weekend for animation. The 45th annual Annie Awards happened Saturday night in LA, and the animation world turned up. They live streamed the whole affair, and it’s available for viewing on Youtube. The Annies are the big awards for mainstream animation. They’re a black tie affair, put on by ASIFA-Hollywood, and… »
from the internets: Frederator Talks to Animation Director Elise Simard
Interesting to see Montreal animation director Elise Simard getting some attention from the gang at Frederator. There’s a terrific interview with Elise up on the Frederator tumblr, here’s the link: http://frederator-studios.frederator.com/tagged/Canadian_animation Go read… »
from the internets: the Secret to Paw Patrol’s Success, Origin of Cuphead, Canadian Films, blahblahblah
The Globe and Mail looks into the massive success of Spinmaster’s unavoidable hit series, Paw Patrol: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/television/whats-paw-patrols-secret-how-it-captivated-children-and-conquered-theworld/article37417532/ The origins of Cuphead, and StudioMDHR, via Polygon: https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/12/7/16745144/cuphead-artists-illustrate-five-year-development-cycle More Globe and Mail from December. This one’s a discussion of what needs to happen to make Canadian films successful. This conversation is eternal, but I’m always glad we’re… »
Super Science Friends Video Game Kickstarter!!!!! Only 2 Days To Go!!!!
The gang from Tinman are expanding the Super Science Friends experience with a new game, and they’re looking for your support to get it up and running. We’ve never hidden our admiration for Tinman, or the Super Science Friends show they make, so we’re always happy to give them a plug. These guys are a… »
Christmas Cartoons: A Super Science Friends Christmas, Tinman Creative, 2016
Yesterday we posted a blast from the distance past of 1990, today we’re only going back a year. But time travel is nothing new to the Super Science Friends! From the amazing gang at Toronto’s Tinman Creative, Super Science Friends is a truly independent animated series, and the Christmas episode is a personal favourite. If… »
Call for Submissions: Friss Hús Budapest International Short Film Festival (deadline January 10, 2018)
Submit your animation short films! The Friss Hús Budapest International Short Film Festival is Hungary’s biggest short film festival, taking place every year in Budapest. The deadline for submission is 10 January, and the festival will be held between 3-8 April. Winners are awarded with up to 8000 Euros. Categories: live-action fiction, animation, documentary, LGBTQ,… »
press release: NFB PAYS TRIBUTE TO FILM AND ANIMATION LEGEND GRANT MUNRO
December 11, 2017 – Montreal – National Film Board of Canada (NFB) The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) mourns the passing of Canadian film and animation legend Grant Munro, O.C., who died in Montreal on December 9 at the age of 94. Born in Winnipeg on April 25, 1923, Munro attended the Musgrove School… »
TONIGHT!!!! TORONTO!!!!! Animatic TO presents: The War Stories on Christmas!!!!
Last year was a blast. See? And we’re doing it again! All the behind the scenes, crazy shit that’s usually not fit to tell. Here’s the details. For one festive night Toronto’s animation community comes together to tell their best “War Stories” about life in the trenches of the industry. There will be drinks available… »
TONIGHT: TAAFI presents Creator Driven Shows: A Cartoon Discussion, LIVESTREAM!!!!!!
UPDATE: Our pals at Canadian Animation Blog will be livestreaming, for anyone who can’t make it. You’ll find the live stream here: https://www.youtube.com/user/canadiananimation/live Creator Driven Shows: A Cartoon Discussion SOLD OUT! Rush line seating available at the door. Thursday, December 7th, 2017 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM, Corus Quay Over the past few years there have been many… »
press release: Youth Media Alliance Announces New Board Members and Andra Sheffer Scholarship Winner
Youth Media Alliance welcomes new board of directors and unveils the YMA Andra Sheffer Scholarship winner Youth Media Alliance (YMA) is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its board of directors: Jonathan Finkelstein (President and Executive Producer, Apartment 11 Productions), Marney Malabar (Director, KidsTV, TVO) Jennifer Twiner-McCarron (President, Atomic Cartoons). They… »
Robin Joseph’s Fox and the Whale shortlisted for the Oscars
Toronto-based animator Robin Joseph‘s self financed short film, Fox and the Whale, is on the short list for Oscar contention. CTV talks about it here. The film is among ten that are vying for 5 nomination spots in the Best Animated Short category. it’s the only Canadian film in the mix this year. Here’s the… »
events: Todd & The Book of Pure Evil: The End of The End, Toronto Screening, December 3rd, 2017
Todd & The Book of Pure Evil: The End of The End, Toronto Screening Cast and Crew in Attendance Sunday, December 3rd, 2017 7:00 PM–9:00 PM, Royal Cinema Continuing where the critically acclaimed cult TV series left off, Todd & The Book of Pure Evil: The End of The End returns to Crowley Heights to find… »
from the internets: Add John Lasseter to the “terrible men” list.
Alright, we’re going to share this news too. Not with the obvious glee that Cartoon Brew is indulging in, but it’s real, and it’s big. Pixar’s chief creative officer, John Lasseter, has taken a six month “sabbatical” from the company amid numerous allegations of inappropriate behaviour. Rarely have I seen my social media feeds react… »
events: Leadership Skills Workshop, Vancouver, November 29th
Coming up in Vancouver. Drawn Together Vancouver is hosting a Leadership Skills workshop On Wednesday November 29th. You can get tickets here…. »
from the internets: Women in Animation Combating Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
This is important. We haven’t commented here about the recent surge in overdue “outings” of shitty men in the entertainment world and beyond. Honestly, it’s been overwhelming and finding a voice in it is intimidating. But there are good, strong people stepping up and creating change on behalf of women everywhere. Deadline’s got an article… »
from the internets: Former CBC Kids Exec Lands at Titan1, Women in Animation launches Vancouver Chapter, Animation Art Collection At Risk in Sault St Marie
Kim Wilson, who ran CBC Kids for a decade, has signed on at Titan1 Studios to help develop their various graphic novel properties into other media. Consulting Producer Christina Rotsaert is attached in a non exclusive capacity. Titan1 bills itself as an incubator, but is largely unknown in kids media circles. They also seem to… »
showcase: Sublo and Tangy Mustard Halloween Episode!
Aaron Long’s been firing out episodes of Sublo and Tangy Mustard. I love em. He’s awesome. Here’s the Halloween episode, enjoy! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/aaronlong Website:… »
events: Cuphead Talk at TAIS, Toronto, November 24th
Cuphead is a huge hit, and a win for creator driven content everywhere. The Toronto Animated Image Society is hosting a few members of the crew for a behind the scenes chat. Here’s the info. Friday, November 24th OCAD University, 100 McCaul – Rm 230 7:00-9:00pm (doors 6:45pm) $5 at the door for general public… »
TONIGHT! TORONTO! Animatic TO Presents Christian Potenza!!!!
Tonight’s the latest in the Animatic TO series of talks, and this one’s going to be fun. It’s voice actor Christian Potenza! Voice actor Christian Potenza of Switchboard Sessions enlightens us on the possibilities of voicing your own animated creations, from incubation to execution. We will also discuss the process of how to find the… »
press release: 9 Story Secures Multiple Sales for Animated Series 3 AMIGONAUTS
9 Story Media Group is pleased to announce that it has secured multiple international sales for the animated comedy 3 AMIGONAUTS (52 x 11’), aimed at children 6 to 11 years old. New licenses include Sony Pictures Television Networks (UK, Italy and Sub Saharan Africa), Canal+ (French-speaking Europe and Africa), RTP (Portugal), Disney (CEE), DKids… »
press release: YMA Conference, November 15 to 17, Toronto
Children, Youth & Media conference: A look at the program, November 15 to 17 Once again this fall, Youth Media Alliance (YMA) presents a major event for youth screen-based media professionals: the Children, Youth & Media (CYM) conference, now in its seventh edition. Scheduled from November 15 to 17 in Toronto, the conference addresses the… »
STARTOON WINNER: Pepper & Monterey, by Ryan MacNeil!!!!
Yesterday, a winner was picked in this year’s Startoon creative development outreach program. Vancouver-based animator Ryan MacNeil’s submission, Pepper and Monterey beat out 82 other contenders for a 25 thousand dollar development deal. Ryan put a ton of work into the various challenges, and responded incredibly well to the feedback from the judges. He also… »
STARTOON FINALE: Help pick the $25 000.00 Winner!!
The latest iteration of the Shaw Rocket Fund’s development outreach initiative, STARTOON, comes to its conclusion on Monday, October 2nd, when they’ll be airing their live finale on Youtube at 1pm EST and picking the winner of a 25 thousand dollar development deal. Startoon is my day job. I run it. Full disclosure. I think… »
from the internets: Cuphead in Rolling Stone
Cuphead. Seriously, how long have we been waiting for this? Since 2014, when the trailer blew up online. You can finally get your hands on the game tomorrow. And it’s from Canadian developers Studio MDHR. The team is scattered all over Canada and the “virtual studio” model seems to have worked for them. Rolling Stone… »
from the internets: Joan Lambur Exits Breakthrough, Forms Prodco Backed by Sinking Ship
Some interesting news from Kidscreen and other sources. Longtime Breakthrough Entertainment Exec, Joan Lambur, has left the company along with ex-Breakthrough VP of family entertainment Suzanne Wilson. Joan has launched Lambur Productions, with backing from Sinking Ship Entertainment. Sinking Ship has taken a minority stake in the new company, and they’ll be based out of… »