News
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… »
Robert Valley Kickstarter Live: Pear Cider and Cigarettes
In crowdfunding news, Robert Valley has launched a campaign to complete his long-in-progress film Pear Cider and Cigarettes. It’s based on a true story, one he’s told in graphic novel format before, and this is the inevitable final version. Robert’s a Canadian animation rockstar who’s best known for his work on Gorillaz, Wonder Woman shorts… »
press release: TAAFI ANNOUNCES 2016 GUEST SPEAKERS
Walt Disney Studios, Hanna-Barbera, and many recognized animators TORONTO, ON — The Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI) has announced six guest speakers for its 2016 program. Recognized for their work on various award-winning animated films and popular television series, the industry leaders will speak at George Brown College – Waterfront Campus during the festival… »
press release: Nerds and Monsters Season 2 on YTV
SLAP HAPPY CARTOONS’ NERDS AND MONSTERS SEASON TWO PREMIERES SATURDAY JANUARY 9th at 10:00 a.m. ET/PT ON YTV (Jan. 6, 2016 – Vancouver, Canada) – Vancouver-based animation studio Slap Happy Cartoons Inc. is pleased to announce the premiere of the second season of their animated series Nerds and Monsters on Corus Entertainment’s YTV, debuting Saturday,… »
Call For Entries: 2016 Fest Anca
The 9th Fest Anča International Animation Festival has launched a call for entries that will end on March 15, 2016. Only films made after January 1, 2014 can be considered for the 9ᵗʰ Fest Anča 2016. Only those submitters whose digital copies or DVD/Blu-Ray screeners are sent before March 15, 2016 will be considered for… »
press release: NFB’s Carface directed by Claude Cloutier wins at 2015 Sommets du cinéma d’animation
Carface (Autos Portraits) by Claude Cloutier, a short produced by Julie Roy for the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), won the International Competition Prize at the 2015 Sommets du cinéma d’animation earlier this evening. The Festival ran from November 25 to 29 in Montreal. The film has made the shortlist of 10 works… »
events: Toronto ACM SIGGRAPH Holiday Party, Wednesday December 2, Toronto
In celebration of the holidays, the Toronto ACM SIGGRAPH Chapter would like to invite you for a festive fun time at Betty’s on December 2nd, 2015! This year’s holiday party will feature Party Games, Prizes and a lot of good cheer! We are also bringing Resume and Reel reviews to the party! Meet local experts and professional and have them review your work. If you… »
press release: NFB’s Hothouse Program Back for 11th Season
Want to make an animated film? Apply by December 11 for the chance to be part of the NFB’s Hothouse program for emerging Canadian animators November 26, 2015 – Toronto – National Film Board of Canada (NFB) The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) is seeking submissions for its Hothouse apprenticeship program for emerging Canadian… »
press release: Smiley Guys unleashing the CURSE OF CLARA, just in time for the holidays, on CBC!
Full disclosure, I’ve got a personal stake in this one. In my other life, I’m the director of development at Smiley Guy Studios in Toronto. I’m also an in house producer and director. In that capacity, I’m immensely proud to share the press release for the Curse of Clara: a Holiday Tale. The Smiley crew… »
press release: Youth Media Alliance launches its Digital Toolkit
Youth Media Alliance (YMA) is pleased to unveil its Digital Toolkit, a practical tool to answer ethical and legal questions that producers of digital content for young people may have. Development of the Digital Toolkit was made possible through the support of the Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC), the Canada Media Fund (CMF), the… »
TODAY! SUPER SCIENCE FRIENDS!!!
It’s on it’s way later today. We’ll keep you posted. Super Science Friends Trailer from Tinman Creative Studios on… »
Events: YMA (Youth Media Alliance) Conference, next week in Toronto
Next week is the YMA Conference in Toronto, and they’ve lined up a solid list of speakers and panels for those interested in getting real insight into how television (and other media) for kids gets made. Here’s the latest press release: Workshop: How to make TV that lasts Presented by IPF, the workshop How to… »
from the internets: Michael Hirsh Masterclass at World Animation Summit, via Animation Magazine
“You’ve got to believe that you will survive those tough moments.” Michael Hirsh, Co-founder of Nelvana and Cookie Jar, current vice chairman of DHX Media and chairman of The Entertainment and Media Finance Group. One of the biggest figures in the history of the Canadian animation industry, speaking to attendees at a masterclass given during… »
press release: Annecy 2016 – Film and Project Submissions
Opening of Registration for Films and Projects Annecy 2016 will be opening its doors from 13th June. For the first time the International Animation Film Festival will pay tribute to… French animation! We have asked a number of foreign programme planners to take a look at this famous “French touch”. The film Market (Mifa) will… »
Great Event in Toronto on Saturday: Animation, Routes to Success, Moderated by Howie Shia
Toronto’s Reel Asian Film Festival has done a great job of embracing animation over the years. Next Saturday, they continue that tradition with an excellent looking panel hosted by animation director Howie Shia. The panelists include NFB animation honcho Michael Fukushima, Corus’ Brandon Lane, writer Ravi Steve, recruiter Nadine Simard, and animators Sam Chou and… »
from the internets: Patrick Loubert and Michael Hirsh Honoured by the Joe Shuster Awards
Here’s a really great article over on Comic Book Daily delving into the early days of what would become Nelvana, and how the founders contributed to the Canadian Comics community. Loubert and Hirsh are responsible for the rescue and archiving of a considerable collection of Canada’s golden age comics, what are referred to as the… »
press release: YMA Conference presents Lion Guard Supervising Director Howy Parkins, November 18-20, Toronto
Montreal, October 19, 2015 – You have until this Friday, October 23, to take advantage of the early-bird rate for the 2015 Children, Youth & Media (CYM) Conference – the must-attend event for youth TV and digital production professionals, November 18–20 in Toronto. Among the notable guests, Youth Media Alliance (YMA) will host an exclusive… »
OIAF 2015 coverage by David Cuevas, aged 12. Today’s Greatest Thing Ever and a Reminder To Us All About Why We Do What We Do.
I can’t even. This is the best. If only we could do this much amazing coverage. I think I’m tearing up a bit. And he’s on twitter. Go watch them… »
from the internets: Bento Box Canada is Actually Happening
In other news, the Hollywood Reporter is sharing news that Primetime/Adult animation powerhouse Bento Box is making good on last year’s announcement about some kind of deal with Corus to open a shop in Canada that will produce animation for the adult market using Canadian talent and funding structures. Here’s the article…. »
from the internets: Bardel gets Bought. Italian Producer Rainbow Announces Purchase of BC Animation House
Saw this on Kidscreen this morning. Another big buyout for long time animation players here in Canada. Studio B showed the way, selling to DHX back in 2007. Nerdcorps also went to DHX last year. Next up was Atomic. Thunderbird bought them just a few months ago. And now it’s Bardel’s turn. Bardel’s been around… »
Event Report: OIAF 2015
Happening this past week (Sept. 16-20, 2015) was Ottawa International Animation Festival. I only went for the weekend portion of the festival and overall I had a pretty awesome time. Here’s brief highlight of the stuff I got to see and a bit of personal thoughts. I started the festival with screening of films by Michele… »
Press Release: Portfolio Entertainment Announces Launch of Toronto Production Studio
(September 21, 2015 – Toronto, Canada) – Producer and distributor Portfolio Entertainment is pleased to announce the launch of Portfolio Animation, a creative-driven animation studio equipped with top-tier talent, cutting-edge technology and commitment to excellence. The studio is part of Portfolio’s multi-faceted expansion plan that commenced in 2014 with the installation of a new senior… »
OIAF 2015: FREE WEEKEND PASSES!!!!!
That’s right! Free passess! 2 of them! The Ottawa International Animation Festival is almost upon us. If you’ve never been, now’s your chance! They’ve graciously offered us 2 free weekend passes, and I’m passing them on to YOU! If you want them, we’ll do a draw at the end of the day, email to… »
OIAF 2015 Trailer Film
2015 Ottawa International Animation Festival Trailer from Ottawa Animation Fest Press on Vimeo. The 2015 edition of the Ottawa International Animation Festival is a week away, and I can’t wait to see you there. Ottawa’s my home town, and the festival is the biggest week on the animation calendar, as far as I’m concerned. People… »
Volunteer at OIAF 2015
I’m going to strongly recommend this. I did it. And it was great. Here’s the… »
Super Hip Indie Game Kickstarter: the Wizards of Trinity Bellwoods, from Chris de Castro
I try to be fairly upfront on here when it comes to personal bias. Just search Nick Cross on here and that should be fairly clear. So when I share this latest Kickstarter for Chris de Castro’s new game Wizards of Trinity Bellwoods, I really should mention that I live 1 city block away from… »
TONIGHT! TORONTO! Animatic TO Presents: Undergrads Creator Pete Williams
Animatic TO continues to offer up a great series of speakers, with tonight being no exception. A long time ago on a tv network far far away… Pete Williams will be giving a talk about his animated TV series, UNDERGRADS! originally aired in 2001, the series only ran for 13 episodes but has since gained… »
press release: 9 Story Media Group Acquires Award Winning Animation Studio Brown Bag Films
Ok, this one’s interesting. m Toronto, Canada – August 18th, 2015 – 9 Story Media Group is pleased to announce that it has acquired award winning animation studio Brown Bag Films. With headquarters in Dublin, a studio in Manchester and an office in Los Angeles, Brown Bag Films employ 170 creative and production staff and… »
made in Canada: Disney’s Lion Guard
Look what they’ve been up to at Ottawa’s Mercury Filmworks! Members of the team have been sharing this link on facebook and pretty much busting with pride (see what I did there?). Looks great. Congrats to all… »
Call For Entries: Northwest Animation Fest, Deadline September 1
NW Animation Fest: deadline Sept 1 – submit for FREE The Northwest Animation Festival is now accepting submissions for 2016. Entry is FREE if you get your film in by Sept 1. Complete the online entry form in under five minutes. Send your film using Vimeo, Dropbox, or whatever service you like best. Submit here:… »
from the internets: Teletoon Retro Shutting Down
CP24 (of all places) has got this tidbit: Corus is down Teletoon Retro at the end of August. (Here’s the link) Some programming could shift to Teletoon proper, and I can assume we’ll be getting further announcements as the channels realign themselves. The broadcast landscape is shifting almost weekly it seems, with DHX dropping their… »
made in Canada: Netflix/Dreamworks’ Mr Peabody and Sherman
The press release for the new Mr Peabody and Sherman series made the rounds yesterday(Variety), getting picked up by all kinds of outlets. The promotional image looks great, there’s some real cartoony goodness happening there. Amidst all the talk of poor box office for the film, love for Jay Ward, and multi-year deals, there’s a… »
call for entries: Science Fiction and Fantasy Short Film Festival, Seattle
EMP Museum is now accepting entries for the 2016 Science Fiction + Fantasy Short Film Festival (SFFSFF)! The eleventh-annual festival will screen in Seattle, Washington in early 2016. We’re looking forward to this year’s excellent submissions from around the world, and we hope we’ll have the opportunity to see what you, your students, and your… »
press release: Atomic Announces Development on Mariachi Zombie
ATOMIC AND THE UNDEAD TEAM UP:STUDIO PICKS UP MEXICAN ZOMBIE FESTIVAL WINNER FOR NEW SERIES (Vancouver, BC) – Atomic Cartoons announced today an agreement to develop Mariachi Zombie, a new animated comedy series for kids seven to 11. Plans are in the works for 52 x 11′ episodes integrating the best of zombie and mariachi… »
from the internets: Nelvana and Sony Team Up For Hotel Transylvania TV Adaptation
In more Sony-related animation news, Variety is reporting that Toronto-based (and Corus subsidiary) Nelvana is developing a television series based on the Hotel Transylvania feature film from Sony Pictures Animation. There’s not much more to say, other than they’re aiming for a 2017 airdate. It’s anyone’s guess right now as to where the series will… »
from the internets: Sony Pictures Imageworks opens Vancouver Studio
The Georgia Straight has coverage of the latest addition to the Vancouver FX and animation landscape. According to the piece, the new facility will also serve as the global headquarters for the company, and it’s presence in BC gives Vancouver bragging rights as the “largest cluster of visual effects and animation studios in the world”…. »