Mayerson on Animation
- Jack Kirby, Charlie Chaplin and Louis ArmstrongAugust 28 is the 100th birthday of comics great Jack Kirby, born Jacob Kurtzberg, whose work remains in print 23 years after his death and whose creations are more widely known than ever due to their adaptations in movies and TV. In the days before World War II, the United States experienced an explosion of […]
News
press release: NFB at OIAF 2017
A leader in auteur animation for over 75 years, the NFB has 12 new short films showcased at the 2017 Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF), including eight in official competition: Matthew Rankin’s THE TESLA WORLD LIGHT; Chintis Lundgren’s Manivald; Eva Cvijanovic’s Hedgehog’s Home; Christopher Auchter’s The Mountain of SGaana; Malcolm Sutherland’s Simulated Life; and three… »
The Breadwinner.
The Breadwinner had its world premiere yesterday at TIFF and the reviews are coming in. Oscar talk is already happening. This is an important film, for a variety of reasons. It’s the latest from Cartoon Saloon, the studio behind Secret of the Kells and Song of the Sea. Both those movies were nominated for Academy… »
Vancouver Short Film Festival Call For Submissions
Calling All Student Filmmakers: Submit to the Vancouver Short Film Festival A new school year has arrived, and with that comes the opportunity to get creative. As classes resume, the Vancouver Short Film Festival (VSFF) is inviting BC film students to submit their work before the October 13th deadline. There are no length restrictions (but… »
events: Cartoon Forum, Quebec City, October 24 to 26
Cartoon Forum is coming up soon, and there’s a deadline this weekend for registration to their one on one meetings. Here’s the link. Worry free one-to-one meetings At Cartoon Connection there are NO unending email exchanges to organise your meetings. Everything is done online and the only email you will receive is the one with… »
Tomorrow Night! Toronto! Amblin’ Along Art Show at the Gladstone!!!!
Every year or two, Tammy Semen finds time in her very busy schedule to put together an amazing themed art show at the Gladstone Hotel in the west end of downtown Toronto. She always gets a great turnout of inspiring talent, and, in turn, a great turnout for the show. This year looks to be… »
CROWDFUNDING: A World Without End, by Pasquale La Montagna
Toronto Animator Pasquale La Montagna is trying to raise a few bucks to produce a cartoon. You know how this works. A World Without End – Episode One, A Beginning A Mad man. A King. The pursuit of truth. An evil intention. And a world which never seems to end! It looks great, and it’s… »
Startoon Cartoon Podcast: Emmy Nominated Voice Actor ERIC BAUZA
The latest Startoon Cartoon Podcast features the voice behind Marvin the Martian, the new Baby Fozzy, and the second man to voice Stimpy: Eric Bauza. Eric’s a real sport, and we get into some great behind the scenes of his time with Spumco working on Ripping Friends and the Ren and Stimpy Adult Cartoon Party…. »
from the internets: REEL FX Opening Montreal Office
CultureMap Dallas is reporting that Reel FX Animation Studios, the company behind Jorge Guitierrez’ feature film, the Book of Life, is opening a satellite office in Montreal. Here’s the link. Steve O’Brien, CEO at Reel FX confirmed the report, and cited a need to diversify and tap into different talent pools. The article simply mentions… »
Crowdfunding: Winston Rowntree’s Peoplewatching, Season 2
Produced for Cracked.com and CBC digital, Winston Rowntree’s Peoplewatching is back for a second season. They’re expanding their scope and looking for some extra budget, so they’re raising money on indiegogo! Check it out over here:… »
TAIS 2017 Artist in Residence Call for Proposals
Toronto Animated Image Society (TAIS) announces its CALL FOR PROPOSALS for Year Four of its Artist in Residence program This program supports the production of new animated work by artists through a combination of funding and in-kind resources. After the success of the first three years of TAIS’ artists in residence, anticipation is high for… »
from the internets: NFB’s Michael Fukushima Answers Questions, and the Breadwinner is Coming to TIFF
Over on AWN, OIAF Creative Director Chris Robinson asks NFB Animation Executive Producer Michael Fukushima a handful of questions. Michael was good enough to answer them. And Animation Magazine, among other outlets, is reporting that Cartoon Saloon’s latest feature film, the Breadwinner, will be premiering at TIFF. The Breadwinner is directed by Nora Twomey, and… »
jobby: Storyboard Revisionist (3D), DHX Media, Vancouver
Want to make awesome cartoons with amazingly talented teams in a cool new studio? DHX Media – Vancouver is looking for an experienced Storyboard Revisionist to join our team! DHX Studios –Vancouver is looking for extremely talented, fun, inspired Storyboard Revisionists to join the team on one of our exciting 3D productions! As a Storyboard… »
events: 11th annual TAIS Animated Showcase, Toronto, July 29th
This is happening. Official Trailer – 11th Annual TAIS Animation Showcase from TAIS on Vimeo. 11th Annual TAIS Animation Showcase Saturday July 29th – 7:00PM Geary Lane – 360 Geary Ave. Toronto $10 advance / $12 door / $8 door TAIS members Advance tickets – HERE www.tais.ca Bringing the Best Independent Canadian and International Animation to… »
press release: Puppetry Workshop for Animators, Toronto
TAAFI OPENS DOORS FOR PUPPETRY TRAINING FOR ANIMATORS TAAFI and Skyship Entertainment announce exclusive workshop with leading puppetry professionals TORONTO, ON – The Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI) announced a partnership with Skyship Entertainment to host an exclusive workshop called PUPPETRY FOR ANIMATORS: ANIMATING THE INANIMATE. Led by industry veterans Trish Leeper (The… »
Volunteer at OIAF 2017!
The 2017 edition of the Ottawa International Animation Festival is coming up fast, and they’ve just put out their open call for volunteers. It’s an amazing experience for anyone looking to get a foot in the door in the world of animation. You’ll meet tons of great people, get access to the festival itself, and… »
press release: Brown Bag Films announces production of animated holiday special ANGELA’S CHRISTMAS
Based on the popular children’s story from Pulitzer Prize winning author FRANK McCOURT. Oscar Nominated RUTH NEGGA and Lucy O’Connell set to star. Oscar nominated Brown Bag Films, a subsidiary of 9 Story Media Group, is pleased to announce that it is in production on the animated holiday special, ANGELA’S CHRISTMAS. The half hour CG… »
press release: NFB announces three-year plan to redefine its relationship with Indigenous peoples
Key commitments include: 4 percent of NFB workforce to identify as Indigenous by 2025; Indigenous-led production to represent a minimum of 15 percent of overall production spending; and the creation of protocols/guidelines for production and distribution and use of archives The National Film Board of Canada has announced a three-year plan outlining a series… »
press release: Wow Unlimited Media and Bell Media Teaming for Kids and Youth Channel
Wow Unlimited Media and Bell Media Announce Strategic Partnership in Kids and Youth Entertainment TORONTO, ON and VANCOUVER, BC–(Marketwired – June 07, 2017) – Wow Unlimited Media Inc. (“Wow“) (TSX VENTURE: WOW.A) (TSX VENTURE: WOW.B) and Bell Media (“Bell Media”) are pleased to announce that they have entered into a term sheet (the “Term Sheet“)… »
press release: Youth Media Alliance 2017 Awards of Excellence – Winners Announced
Winners of the 2017 Awards of Excellence Montréal, May 31, 2017 – This year’s Youth Media Alliance gala unfolded before an enthusiastic audience on May 31 at the CBC Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto. The evening was hosted by the vibrant Studio K trio of Tony Kim, Janaye Upshaw and Victor Verbitsky under this year’s… »
Ottawa International Animation Festival 2017: Deadline for Submissions is TOMORROW!
That’s it. You have til tomorrow to submit your film to OIAF 2017. Here’s the… »
from the internets: DHX Buys Peanuts and Strawberry Shortcake for 345 Million Dollars.
This is all over the internet today. Canadian media giant, DHX Media just made a deal to buy Iconix Brand Group for $345 000 000.00 (I’m assuming USD). Iconix owns 80% of Peanuts, and 100% of Strawberry Shortcake. Here’s Deadline Hollywood on it: http://deadline.com/2017/05/peanuts-strawberry-shortcake-acquired-dhx-media-1202088595/ Here’s Variety with the same info: http://variety.com/2017/tv/global/dhx-media-acquires-peanuts-in-345-million-purchase-of-iconix-1202422001/ CBC with more of… »
Startoon Cartoon Podcast: Brent Butt talking about comics, cartoons, and Corner Gas Animated
Startoon’s latest Cartoon Podcast is up, and this week it’s an interview with comedian Brent Butt. We get to hear a lot about Brent’s relationship with animation. He started out drawing as a kid, spent 4 days at Sheridan College in the animation program before deciding it wasn’t for him, and ended up back in… »
events: 2017 Animation Job Fair, Toronto, April 29
TOMORROW!!!!!! TAAFI did one of these a couple years ago, and it was a madhouse. This time around they’ve teamed up with CASO and it looks like it’s going to be another doozy! So if you’re looking for work, just want to connect with people, or even just look around at what the other studios… »
EVENTS: Tonight! Toronto! Animatic TO presents, Conjuring a Creator Driven Show, with Startoon Winner Andy Greiling
TONIGHT!!! Startoon winner Andy Greiling is in Toronto for a one-night only event. He’ll be talking about his experience at the center of creator driven show development and his experiences as the winner of the rist ever Startoon talent show. Here’s the link to the event page. Doors open at 7, and it’s at the… »
press release: Matthew Rankin’s THE TESLA WORLD LIGHT (NFB) selected to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival’s International Critics’ Week
So this is pretty cool. The Tesla World Light, Matthew Rankin, provided by the National Film Board of Canada Here’s the press release. Matthew Rankin’s THE TESLA WORLD LIGHT (NFB) selected to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival’s International Critics’ Week Matthew Rankin’s animated filmTHE TESLA WORLD LIGHT, produced at the National Film Board of Canada… »
Startoon Cartoon Podcast, featuring Brett Jubinville, Stephanie Kaliner and Brandon Lane
The second episode of the new Startoon Cartoon Podcast is online, and, as warned, I’m sharing it here. This week’s episode is an almost 2 hour long conversation with 3 amazingly talented and pretty darn candid human beings. Tinman Creative Studio‘s co-founder and creator of Super Science Friends, Brett Jubinville Writer, comedian, and creator of… »
STARTOON is BACK! Submissions are open!
Alright. It’s time to talk about Startoon. I always struggle a bit when it comes to cross-promotion. Startoon is my day job these days, so I get a little wobbly about promoting it here. But then I have to step back and tell myself to stop being a dummy and share what we’re doing. Because… »
events: VANIMATIC! April 18th, Grahaeme Cowie Talking About the Impotents, and how they ran a SUCESSFULL KICKSTARTER!
If I were in Vancouver on April 18th, I’d be here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1892151544392891/ Last year, Grahaeme Cowie and his partner Jeff Cooper set out to get their idea for an adult comedy animated series funded via Kickstarter. They pulled it off. They also made a funny cartoon. I supported it. I got a t-shirt. All this… »
from the internets: APOLLO GAUNTLET ON ADULT SWIM!!!!!!
YEAH! Adult Swim Greenlights New Animated Series From ‘Robot Chicken’ Producers & Mondo Canadian Myles Langois’s awesome show, Apollo Gauntlet, which I love, is going to be on Adult Swim. Good fit. Congrats to Myles. Keep being awesome…. »
OIAF 2017 Poster!
I think it’s lovely. Here’s the info provided by Kelly Neal via Facebook: The 2017 poster is here! The stunning new poster was created by Montreal-based animator Elise Simard, a film director who has contributed visual signatures and handmade special effects for documentary features and animated shorts. For the past 10 years she has been… »
press release:BOAT ROCKER/INDUSTRIAL BROTHERS ANNOUNCE NEW SERIES MASTER TOY PARTNERSHIP WITH FISHER-PRICE
New Original Series Kingdom Force solidifies early-stage partnership with Fisher-Price as part of an innovative strategy for funding multiplatform IP TORONTO – March 21, 2017 – Boat Rocker and Industrial Brothers today announced a master toy partnership with Fisher Price as part of a unique development strategy for their ambitious new original series, Kingdom Force…. »
press release: Youth Media Alliance Announces Nominees for English Language Awards of Excellence
Montreal, March 21, 2017 – Youth Media Alliance (YMA) is pleased to announce the television series as well as digital and interactive productions in the running for an Awards of Excellence. The winners will be revealed at the awards gala to be held on May 31, at the CBC Glenn-Gould Studio, in Toronto. Based on… »
press release: peopleWatching on Cracked.com
TORONTO, Feb 22, 2017 – For the second week in a row, Cracked.com, the popular humour and satire website viewed by millions of people each week has aired the latest episode of peopleWatching, an anthology-styled animated webseries based on author Winston Rowntree’s hit web comic Subnormality. People Watching deals with the lives of various 20… »
Press Release: Cinesite Studios acquires Vancouver animation studio Nitrogen
Cinesite Studios is pleased to announce that it has acquired the full service animation facility Nitrogen Studios Canada Inc., based in Vancouver. The studio employs 70 creative and production staff and is known for animating many episodes of the iconic children’s show Thomas and Friends, and more recently Seth Rogen’s ground breaking R-rated Sausage Party…. »
OIAF 2017 Submissions OPEN!!
ALL-OUT CALL-OUT: OTTAWA INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION FESTIVAL OPENS SUBMISSIONS FOR 2017 OTTAWA, ON, CANADA (February 21, 2017) – The Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF), North America’s leading animation film festival, is now accepting entries for competition in 2017! Entries are due May 26, and there is no entry fee. From September 20-24, Ottawa will become the… »
2017 Animated Oscar Winners
Zootopia and Piper. Both good films, both very safe, mainstream picks. No huge suprises. Piper’s got a Canadian director, Alan Barillaro, Sheridan grad from Chippawa, Ontario. Here’s the Toronto Star coverage: https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/movies/2017/02/26/ontario-animator-alan-barillaro-wins-best-animated-short-oscar-for-piper.html Congrats to the winners, and big congrats to all the nominees. We had a really strong group of Canadians representing this year. And… »
from the internets: CBC Kids Makes It Official, Marie McCann In Top Job.
Kidscreen is reporting that acting Director Marie McCann is taking over the position permanently. Marie’s a great pick, she’s been with CBC for years, off and on, and really has a sense for the brand, including how it’s moving forward. Here’s the article. Congrats to… »
press release:9 Story Media Group Secures a Raft of Digital Sales for Animated Shorts Series SWEET TWEETS
I like this press release. Sweet Tweets is a series of shorts produced in BC at Yeti Farm. They produced it themselves, with Jon Izen providing the creative chops. And now they’re selling it. Congrats! -mike Toronto, Canada – February 6, 2017 – 9 Story Media Group is pleased to announce that it has secured… »
Len Cochrane Passes Away at 71
The Hollywood Reporter is sharing the news that legendary Canadian kids broadcast executive, Len Cochrane, has passed away at the age of 71. Len was a pioneer of the kids broadcast sector, founding Teletoon and presiding over Family Channel from 1990 to 2001. He retired in 2014. cartt.ca has an obituary that touches on how… »
press release: Theodore Ushev Receives Oscar Nomination for Blind Vaysha
NFB receives 74th Academy Award nomination Theodore Ushev’s Blind Vaysha is headed to the Oscars with a nomination for Best Animated Short Film January 24, 2017 – Montreal – National Film Board of Canada (NFB) Theodore Ushev’s multi-award-winning Blind Vaysha (NFB) has been honoured with an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Short Film. It’s… »
from the internets: Dierdre Brennan Leaves CORUS For Sprout
This is a tough one. It happened last week and was shared around a lot, but we should post it too, for good measure. Deirdre Brennan joined CORUS less than a year ago, so her departure is somewhat troubling. Here’s a link to Kidscreen’s sharing of the press release. Deirdre is a world class exec,… »
Youth Media Alliance 2017 English-Language Awards of Excellence: Jury Members Wanted!
2017 English-Language Awards of Excellence: Jury Members Wanted! Youth Media Alliance (YMA) is looking for youth media professional to sit on the nomination jury for its 2017 English-Language Awards of Excellence. The involvement of the industry would be invaluable to us, and it’s also essential that our industry take part in the selection process. Nomination… »
jobby: 3D Modeler (Location), Guru Studio, Toronto
Guru studio’s dedicated team is passionate about bringing inspired character-driven stories to screens around the world. Our award winning, and internationally renowned Toronto animated entertainment company, is looking for a 3D Modeler for a premier international animated TV series! This position is responsible for making clean, production ready assets. This role reports to the Asset… »
events: ANIMATIC TO presents, The War Stories on Christmas
Next week there’s an extra special Animatic TO happening. Barry Sanders has invited a group of industry veterans to share their “war stories”. It’s a tricky one, we’ve all got stories to tell of jobs that maybe left an emotional mark or two, but we also would like to continue to work in this industry…. »
TONIGHT: Animatic TO presents Mike Valiquette, Deconstructing Development and the Startoon Experience
Yep. Animatic TO is back! And tonight’s presentation is gonna be me, talking about the development process here in Canada and how Startoon, the online development initiative I ran this pas year, fits into it. For those who weren’t constantly bombarded by my personal updates about Startoon, here’s a little breakdown on what it was… »
press release: Guru Studio’s Big Blue in Development at Kids’ CBC
GURU STUDIO DIVES INTO THE BIG BLUE WITH CBC Toronto, ON., Oct 12, 2016 – Guru Studio’s latest project Big Blue is now in development with Kids’ CBC. This fresh original show follows sibling underwater adventurers Lettie and Lemo and their quirky submarine crew as they explore and protect a vast ocean covered planet from… »
press release: 9Story Makes a Deal For Mercer Mayer’s Little Critter
9 Story Media Group to produce new LITTLE CRITTER® animated series based on Mercer Mayer’s beloved book series Toronto, Canada –November 1, 2016 – 9 Story Media Group is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement with Little Critter, LLC to produce a new animated series based on Mercer Mayer’s beloved Little Critter… »
press release: New Content Focus At Nelvana
We got this press release a little late, but I thought it would be important to share it. Honestly, I’ve never been very excited about what happens at Nelvana, but this news is interesting. I firmly believe that the real change in our industry towards creator driven production will only occur in a place that… »
press release: Indie sci-fi feature Nova Seed to open GIRAF12 festival of independent animation
Quickdraw Animation Society announces features and visiting artist for Calgary animation festival’s 12th year The Quickdraw Animation Society’s annual GIRAF animation festival (a.k.a. the Giant Incandescent Resonating Animation Festival) will kick off its 12th year on Thursday, November 24 with a screening of NOVA SEED, a sci-fi adventure story animated single-handedly by Canadian artist… »
from the internets: VICE on NOVA SEED
I finally saw Nova Seed at OIAF about a month ago. I missed it at TAAFI back in the spring, and have had a post in the drafts folder of the site half-written ever since. It’s amazing. The movie, not the post. The post starts by saying that Nova Seed is an important movie. And… »
Spider-Man, Spider-Man, Does Whatever a Spider Can! Spidey Redux, courtesy of a whole bunch of Halifax animators.
So cool to see this making the rounds. Gizmodo picked it up. Polygon posted about it. Something called the Awesomer shared it. And so did GeekTyrant. The Nerdist was all over it. Stan Lee even shared it! (or at least, whoever runs Stan’s Facebook page did) You get the picture. A bunch of animators did… »
from the internets: BRON Studios Expands to London Ontario, Director Kris Pearn at the Helm
CTV News out of London, Ontario shared a short story featuring Feature Director Kris Pearn, who’s currently working with BC-based BRON Studios on their upcoming feature release, the Willoughbys. Pearn’s a graduate of Sheridan’s animation program, an accomplished story artist with credits like Arthur Christmas, Hotel Transylvania, and the upcoming Han Solo movie for Lucasfilm…. »
OIAF 2016 in Review, by Noam Sussman
This year was the Ottawa International Animation Festival’s 40th anniversary, which meant that I had to find a way to get up to Ottawa from Toronto and watch some beautiful works of animation done by some kooky filmmakers. As always, it’s not easy to catch every single screening since there are so many events and… »
press release: Counterfeit Cat Goes Global On Disney XD and Disney Channel
Toronto, Canada – September 19, 2016 – Tricon Kids & Family’s award-winning original animated comedy series Counterfeit Cat (52×11′ and 11×2′ shorts) pounces onto Disney XD and Disney Channel in multiple territories including France, South East Asia, Japan, Australia/New Zealand, and Latin America. Counterfeit Cat received its world premiere in May on Disney XD UK… »
Startoon Live Judging Session Today at 2pmEST
I’ve mentioned this before on here, and I’m often sheepish when it comes to sharing stuff I’m working on, but today is our live judging session for the 3rd Startoon Challenge! We’re going live via Facebook, and will be announcing the three finalists that are moving forward into the finals, and who will be competing… »
press release: 9 Story Media Group appoints ALIX WISEMAN to Vice President, Business Development & Acquisitions
Toronto, Canada – August 30, 2016 – 9 Story Media Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Alix Wiseman to the newly created position of Vice President, Business Development & Acquisitions. Reporting to Chief Strategy Officer Natalie Osborne, Wiseman will be responsible for leading distribution and acquisitions efforts in EMEA with a focus on… »
What now? Martin Markle out at KIDS CBC after less than a year. UPDATED: Marie McCann named Interim Senior Director.
I don’t even know what’s going on anymore. Kidscreen’s got the news, but that’s really all there is. http://kidscreen.com/2016/08/12/martin-markle-out-at-kids-cbc/ Updated with news from Kidscreen again: Marie McCann, who’s been at CBC and TVO off and on for years, is stepping in as interim senior director…. »
ARC update: Jam Filled To The Rescue?
Both Kidscreen and Playback are reporting on some very interesting news that is developing following two of last week’s big animation stories. After the shocking story of Toronto CG studio, Arc Productions’ sudden collapse into bankruptcy, it was announced that Jam Filled Entertainment, a thriving mid-size 2D shop from Ottawa, known for being a very… »
showcase: OLYMPIA, by Henrique Barone, Rafael Mayani, Conor Whelan and John Black
Henrique Barone, Rafael Mayani, Conor Whelan and John Black just finish a collaboration, titled OLYMPIA. It’s an animated tribute to the Olympic Games, especially the athletes and their amazing moves! OLYMPIA from henrique barone on Vimeo. You can see the video and some production gifs here:… »
press release: Corus Entertainment Appoints Athena Georgaklis New Head of Development for Nelvana
Toronto, Canada – Corus Entertainment announced today the appointment of Athena Georgaklis to the role of Head of Development for Nelvana. Georgaklis, a highly respected animation executive, will lead the acquisition of rights and the development of all original content for Nelvana, working with the studio’s producers, creators, and talent around the world. Georgaklis assumes her… »
Good News Department: BOAT ROCKER BUYS JAM FILLED ENTERTAINMENT!!!! WHAT!?!?!
Could not happen to nicer people. Congrats to Jamie and Phil and Kyle, and congrats to Boat Rocker for having the smarts to see how great a studio they’ve built. BOAT ROCKER MEDIA ACQUIRES JAM FILLED ENTERTAINMENT Animation Studio Behind Multiple Hit US and Canadian Shows Strengthens Media Company’s Animation & Family Content Capabilities August… »
BREAKING NEWS: Arc Productions Files for Bankruptcy (updated)
This is one of those tough ones. Toronto’s Arc Productions is closed. We were sent a photo just now of a notice taped up to the front door, courtesy of www.torontovfxjobs.com UPDATE (August 5, 2016): The Globe and Mail has the most comprehensive coverage so far of the facts leading up to Arc’s closure. It’s… »
Press Release: Okanagan International Animation Festival to Launch in 2017
International animation festival set for October 2017 in BC’s spectacular Okanagan The Okanagan International Festival of Animation is on! Kelowna, B.C. The Okanagan International Festival of Animation (OkIFA) is an annual five-day animation and digital media festival, market and conference set to launch from October 2 6, 2017, in Kelowna, British Columbia. This… »
press release: VIFF announces $20,000 award for Call-To-Action Films re: Refugee Crisis
$20,000 Prize to be Awarded in Refugee Crisis Film Competition Frank Giustra, Founder of the Radcliffe Foundation, and the Vancouver International Film Festival, urge film-makers to participate Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, Sarah McLachlan, Louise Arbour, Craig Kielburger, Ivan Fecan, Atom Egoyan among others lend their voices to the crisis as part of the competitions jury… »
press release: Thunderbird (Atomic Cartoons) Showcases All Star Musical Lineup for Beatles-Inspired Beat Bugs
Thunderbird’s Netflix Original Beat Bugs Brings Reimagined Beatles Songs to a New Generation Vancouver (July 27, 2016) – Thunderbird, Grace: A Storytelling Company and Beyond Screen Productions are pleased to bring the highly anticipated animated children’s series Beat Bugs to Netflix on August 3. Inspired by the songs of The Beatles, the show will feature musical… »
OIAF 2016 Official Selection
This year’s Ottawa International Animation Festival has announced both their feature and short film official selections. Here are the press releases: FEATURE COMPETITION This is a ground breaking year for Canada at OIAF with three feature films competing for the grand prize. Jean-François Laguionie, who won at OIAF 1978 with his film La Traversée de… »
Festival Stop Motion Montreal: Official Selection Announced!
The 8th edition of the Montreal StopMo Festival is coming up and they’ve announced their official selection. Among them are a bunch of Canadian films, so we’ll highlight those: FILMMAKER FILM TITLE SCHOOL/COUNTRY YEAR Eustace Ng APE Sheridan 2015 “Hands On Deck” Collectif FEATHERS Sheridan 2016 Daniel Sterlin-Altman ALLO,C’EST TA MERE/HI, ITS YOUR MOTHER Mel… »
Theodore Ushev and Moïa Jobin-Paré Win at Annecy 2016
As awards go, picking up a prize at Annecy is just about as big as it gets. The French festival has just announced its winners and congratulations are due to the 2 Canadian picks: Blind Vaysha by Theodore Ushev (Jury Award), and 4min15 in the Developer (Off Limits Award), by Moïa Jobin-Paré. Jury Award Vaysha,… »
Startoon Character Development Initiative Launches in Canada
For those readers who don’t know me, when I’m not maintaining this site I also work as an animation producer and director in Toronto. Occasionally what I do in that identity overlaps with what I do here, and I try my best to be really transparent about it. This is one of those times. I’m… »
Federal Tax Credits for Webseries! Raise Your Voices and Be Heard!
A week or two ago we posted a link to a federal government questionnaire regarding digital content development in Canada. That kind of initiative is great, and shows that someone’s listening and interested in helping to grow our creative industry. Now there’s this. CAVCO (Canadian Audio-Visual Certification Office) has been taking what I like to… »
Democracy in Action? Canadian Heritage Ministry Contemplates Overhaul to Content Industry Incentives
It’s been a crazy busy couple of weeks, TAAFI happened, now there’s gradfilms to share and, as usual, we can barely keep up with the job posts. But while all this has been going on, all wonderful symptoms of a very healthy and thriving animation industry, which is part of a larger cultural industry, our… »
events: Schoolism LIVE, Toronto, May 7-8
Schoolism LIVE Toronto Workshop is happening this weekend! May 7-8, 2016. http://www.schoolism.com/workshop-toronto/ Learn from instructors Stephan Martiniere (Rage, Guardians of the Galaxy) Chris Sasaki (Inside Out, Sanjay’s Super Team) Andrea Blasich (Brave, The Dam Keeper) Mike Yamada (The Croods, Big Hero 6) Shiyoon Kim (Zootopia, Big Hero 6, Frozen) Stanley “Artgerm” Lau (Marvel, DC,… »
TAAFI 2016 in Review: 8 Takeaways from TAAFI 2016 by a Toonsmith
Reposted with permission from Brent Smith. Brent had been a whirlwind lately at animation events here in Toronto, and we were able to persuade him to share some of his thoughts with us. Here’s his report (you can also read it directly on his blog): 8 Takeaways from TAAFI… »
Event Report: Sheridan Industry Day 2016
Yesterday (April 28, 2016) was Sheridan’s annual industry day. The attendance from studios was high and there still seemed a lot of positions needed to be filled so it looks like it’s going to be another good year for the graduates. The morning started with screening of Sheridan’s Computer Animation post graduate program students. Films from… »
Event Report: TAAFI 2016
Happening this past weekend, (April 22-24, 2016) was the third TAAFI festival. TAAFI opened on Friday with 3 workshops and the opening ceremony including screening of Spark (Toon Box Entertainment). I wasn’t able to attend the opening ceremony this time around so if you were I’d love to hear how it went. Feel free to… »
TAAFI 2016 STARTS TOMORROW!
It’s going to be a busy few days for animation here in Toronto! TAAFI 2016 launches tomorrow and there’s too much to see and do. We’ll be at our table at the MAARKET on Saturday and Sunday, and will do our best to tweet and share our experience at the festival this year. Come say… »
EVENTS: Animation Job Fair at TAAFI 2016
Get a Job – Animation Arts Maarket 2016 Free animation job fair and networking event at TAAFI 2016 From April 23 to 24, the Animation Arts Maarket returns during the TAAFI 2016 festivities held at George Brown College’s Waterfront Campus in Toronto. Animation and VFX freelancers, graduating students and industry veterans: there is a boom… »
press release: BOAT ROCKER MEDIA ACQUIRES RADICAL SHEEP
This is kinda huge. First they bring Industrial Brothers under their umbrella, now this. Congrats to John and Michelle and congrats to the team at Boatrocker for knowing a good thing when they see it. BOAT ROCKER MEDIA ACQUIRES RADICAL SHEEP Boat Rocker Studios original kids and family content division consolidated under Radical Sheep March… »
Tim Burton Tribute Show, March 31st at the Gladstone, Toronto
Check it out! Tammy’s having another art show! This year we’ve got an all female list of contributing artists, and there’s some pretty impressive talent in the bunch. It’s a tribute to Tim Burton, so that opens the door to a lot of creativity. Thursday March 31st at the Gladstone. Be there, dummies. It’s the… »
Earlybird Rate Extended for TAAFI Passes! Additional Discount for CAR Readers! For Reals! Read this Post Far Cheap TAAFI Tickets!
TAAFI has extended early bird sales until Friday March 25. The full program is almost completely locked in and can be viewed on TAAFI’s new website: taafi.com/festival-2016/program-overview. There’s a ton going on at the festival this year, as usual. They’ve got 6 Workshops, 2 Canadian World Premiere features, SPARK (Toonbox) and Nova Seed (House of… »
The Big News: Toonz Software Goes Open Source
This is everywhere, and it seems to be pretty great. Toonz software, the animation software used by only the greatest animation studio of all time, Studio Ghibli, will be made available for free via an open source version beginning on March 26th. The version is called TOONZ Studio Ghibli Version, and it will include features… »
ToonBoom Webinar: Creative Entrepreneurship with Big Jump’s Cory Morrison.
Toon Boom is offering a webinar with Ottawa’s Cory Morrison, one of the founders of Big Jump Productions. Wednesday, March 24th at 4pm, Cory will discuss what it means to be a an entrepreneur in the creative field of animation. Sign up… »
The Little Prince’s Bumpy Ride, or: Distribution’s a Bitch.
Some of you went out to your local theatre last weekend and treated yourself to a screening of the latest retelling of the classic Antoine de Saint-Exupéry story, the Little Prince. It’s a great looking movie, a CG/2D/Stop-Motion Animated Feature Film directed by Mark Osborne (Kung Fu Panda) with Production Design by Lou Romano (The… »
CBC Short Film Faceoff Deadline This Week
Attention Filmmakers! Short Film Face Off is back for another season on CBC TV! We are now looking for the best short films from every region of the country to take part in the program. For complete guidelines, criteria and submission form go to http://www.cbc.ca/shortfilmfaceoff/ Quick Overall Criteria: -Up to 12 minutes in length (excluding… »
Press Release: NFB Commits to Gender Parity, 50 Percent of Production Budget Earmarked for Films By Women
National Film Board of Canada commits 50 percent of its production budget to films by women Already an industry leader in gender equality, NFB introduces new initiatives in International Women’s Day announcement from Claude Joli-Coeur March 8, 2016 – Vancouver – National Film Board of Canada (NFB) The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) will… »
TIFF KIDS Industry Registration Opens
Industry registration for TIFF Kids 2016 now open! TIFF Kids celebrates great children’s screen content with a programme of terrific new films, a three-day Industry Conference, networking opportunities, workshops, roundtable discussions and our award winning digiPlaySpace. Industry passes offer fluid access to festival screenings and conference events. We offer two industry pass types to help… »
press release: Acclaimed NFB Film Maker Colin Low Passes, 1926-2016
COLIN LOW DIES AT THE AGE OF 89, The National Film Board and Canada lose a true pioneer of cinema February 25, 2016 – Montreal, Quebec – National Film Board of Canada Canada has lost a giant of cinema with the passing of Colin Low, who died in Montreal on February 24 at the age… »
WATCH THIS! Sheridan College Industry Day Promo 2016
Lots of great stuff teased in here. Can’t wait to see the films. Sheridan College Industry Day Commercial 2016 from Jessica Mao on… »
from the internets: The Little Prince, Made in Montreal
We didn’t give this a lot of coverage while it was happening, but that doesn’t mean I don’t think it’s exciting. March 18th will see the North American wide release of the latest feature adaptation of Anotine de Saint-Exupery’s famous novella, the Little Prince. It’s the fourth most translated book in the world and a… »
SUPER SCIENCE FRIENDS KICKSTARTER: 6 Days to Go!
There’s just so much to share in the world of the SUPER SCIENCE FRIENDS, how can it not be pulling in the big dough? There’s six days to go in the crowdfunding campaign, so if you’ve got a soft spot in your heart for cool cartoons, and if you’re reading this, you clearly do, SHOW… »
jobby: 3D Lighting Supervisor, Guru Studio, Toronto
Guru Studio’s dedicated team is passionate about bringing inspired character driven stories to screens around the world. Our award winning and internationally renowned Toronto animated entertainment company is looking for an 3D Lighting Supervisor to join our newest production. Responsibilities: Direct a team of artists to ensure high quality and consistent lighting, assign shots to… »
SUPER SCIENCE FRIENDS: More Episodes!! Crowdfund the Cartoonery!!!
How is this happening? I know we haven’t covered it yet, and maybe the Robert Valley Kickstarter is sucking up the cartoon crowdfund dollar, but there’s seven days to go and the Super Science Friends Kickstarter is coming up WAY short. The first one was a huge success, and it lead to the coolest cartoon… »
CINESITE Opening Feature Studio in Montreal
This is fairly significant news. It’s being reported around various outlets today (VARIETY) that European visual effects and animation studio Cinesite will be opening a feature animation division based in Montreal, with backing from the Quebec government. The studio will have a 9 picture production slate, beginning with KLAUS, based on the fan-favourite teaser released… »
TAAFI 2016 Poster, by Nneka Myers
Here’s this year’s TAAFI poster, by Nneka Myers. And a “making of” video! Designing the TAAFI 2016 Poster – Nneka Myers from Toronto Animation Arts Festival on… »
press release: Radical Sheep and Teletoon Team up For SPRINKLE and the SWEET SUGAR MAGICS
Toronto, Canada – February 4, 2016 – Corus Entertainment’s TELETOON and RADICAL SHEEP PRODUCTIONS have entered into a development deal for animated comedy SPRINKLE and the SWEET SUGAR MAGICS from Comedian, Writer and Creator Stephanie Kaliner. SPRINKLE and the SWEET SUGAR MAGICS is an 11-minute comedy for kids 6-9 about a character named Cara who… »
from the internets: Nickelodeon Announces This Year’s Shorts… CANADIANS!
Here’s the link: http://variety.com/2016/tv/news/nickelodeon-2016-animated-shorts-program-2015-finalists-1201695536/ Here’s the excitement: Ramblers Created by Brett Jubenville and Morghan Fortier Norville, Mr. Gobbles and Opee are Ramblers: intergalactic scouts on a mission to explore the universe and earn badges. THAT’S TINMAN!!! You know? The SUPER SCIENCE FRIENDS guys!!!!!! Awesomesauce. But WAIT! THERE’S MORE!!!!! Myth of Robo Wonder Kid Created by… »
from the internets: Toon Boom and Guru Announce Collaboration
This is cool. Unlike Flash, Harmony is a tool that was designed for film makers. Here’s an example of how Toon Boom is working with a top Canadian studio to improve its product and how it impacts the people using it…. »
Events: Animatic TO presents Indie Animation Film Maker Carla Veldman, TONIGHT, Toronto
If you’re in Toronto, and you want to hang with the animation crowd, tonight’s a great night to do it. Animatic TO’s latest edition is an evening with award-winning independent film maker Carla Veldman. From the event page: Carla Veldman is a Toronto based animation filmmaker and stop-motion artist. A graduate of Sheridan College’s Animation… »
press release: KIDS’ CBC WELCOMES NEW EXECUTIVES MARIE MCCANN AND DREW MULLIN
January 25, 2016– Kids’ CBC announced today the hiring of Marie McCann and Drew Mullin as executives in charge of production for Children’s Content. In their new roles, McCann and Mullin will report directly to Martin Markle, senior director of Children’s Content for CBC Television. “Marie and Drew have a lot of heart and creativity, and I’m… »
Canadian Animaton Blog
- Canadian Animators Shine Again at the OIAFOttawa International Animation Festival Competition Selections AnnouncedOttawa (July 13th, 2017) - The Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF), North America’s leading animation film festival, is pleased to announce the Official Competition for 2017. Once again Canadian artists are well represented. Out of the 94 films selected for Competition, 14 are Canadian. Several films are standouts with […]