Celebrating the Art, Craft and Business of Animation https://www.awn.com/ en-US 15 Fri, 19 Dec 2025 13:39:58 -0800 Fri, 19 Dec 2025 13:41:51 -0800 https://www.awn.com/news/millimages-storyzoo-friends-partner-linear-fast-avod-and-svod-channels Deal to bring kids’ series to European viewers calls for licensing of more than 300 episodes from globally recognized preschool catalog, including ‘Louie (Louie, Draw Me),’ ‘Mouk,’ ‘Hilltop Hospital,’ and ‘Molang.’ Victoria Davis https://www.awn.com/news/millimages-storyzoo-friends-partner-linear-fast-avod-and-svod-channels Fri, 19 Dec 2025 13:39:58 PST 2D https://www.awn.com/news/tubi-expands-animation-partnership-animated-comedy-slate Newly added titles include series from the animation collective Explosm, Skybound Entertainment’s ‘PSI Cops,’ and ‘Melvin’s Macabre’ from Meatcanyon. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/tubi-expands-animation-partnership-animated-comedy-slate Thu, 18 Dec 2025 14:44:24 PST 2D https://www.awn.com/news/adult-swim-renews-haha-you-clowns-2-additional-seasons The animated comedy from creator Joe Cappa follows three doting teenagers and their recently widowed dad as they navigate life’s awkward, funny, and emotional moments together. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/adult-swim-renews-haha-you-clowns-2-additional-seasons Thu, 18 Dec 2025 13:21:44 PST 2D https://www.awn.com/animationworld/winter-tv-anime-roundup-shooting-santa-and-monstrous-mermaids Columnist Andrew Osmond looks in on some of the top current shows, including ‘Sanda,’ ‘The Monster Wants to Eat Me,’ and ‘Touring After the Apocalypse.’ Andrew Osmond https://www.awn.com/animationworld/winter-tv-anime-roundup-shooting-santa-and-monstrous-mermaids Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:08:04 PST 2D https://www.awn.com/news/academy-announces-shortlists-10-categories-98th-oscars VFX category narrowed down to 10 films, animated shorts to 15; voting for nominations runs next month, January 12-16, with nomination announcements set for January 22, 2026. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/academy-announces-shortlists-10-categories-98th-oscars Tue, 16 Dec 2025 11:56:43 PST 2D https://www.awn.com/news/adobe-firefly-introduces-new-ai-video-tools-partner-models New Prompt to Edit controls allow users to make precise edits and remove details from generated content using text; video upscaling with Topaz Astra added; the full beta of Firefly video editor has also launched. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/adobe-firefly-introduces-new-ai-video-tools-partner-models Tue, 16 Dec 2025 7:24:14 PST 2D https://www.awn.com/news/andreas-dejas-award-winning-mushka-now-streaming Now out on all major VOD platforms, the Disney Legend’s 28-minute hand-drawn animated short, nearly a decade in the making, tells the heartwarming story of a young Ukrainian girl who must decide to save or leave in the wild an orphaned Siberian tiger cub she discovers.  Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/andreas-dejas-award-winning-mushka-now-streaming Mon, 15 Dec 2025 10:17:32 PST 2D https://www.awn.com/news/netflix-sets-devil-may-cry-season-2-release In the upcoming season, a war between worlds ignites as Dante must battle the only force that mirrors his own: his estranged twin brother Vergil; premieres May 12, 2026. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/netflix-sets-devil-may-cry-season-2-release Mon, 15 Dec 2025 9:27:11 PST 2D https://www.awn.com/news/noted-photographer-and-filmmaker-paul-de-nooijer-dies-82 Known as one of the forerunners of staged photography made popular in the Netherlands, his stop-motion works combined photography with film, often made in collaboration with son Menno. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/noted-photographer-and-filmmaker-paul-de-nooijer-dies-82 Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:16:10 PST 2D https://www.awn.com/news/exclusive-2026-animation-first-festival-announces-full-program The biggest animation festival in the U.S. sets its upcoming slate; Cannes Award winner ‘Dandelion’s Odyssey’ by Momoko Seto to screen opening night; talk with Oscar-winning sound designer Nicolas Becker also revealed; event runs this coming February 3-8 with a focus on Belgian films. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/exclusive-2026-animation-first-festival-announces-full-program Fri, 12 Dec 2025 8:43:30 PST 2D https://www.awn.com/animationworld/shorts-focus-jordan-michael-blakes-paradise-man-ii Made in 2 months on a laptop using repurposed stock animated GIFS, the uniquely designed, compellingly abstract film tells the story of how Paradise Man’s obsession with golf is waylaid when his mother has an accident, causing him to look deeply within himself. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/animationworld/shorts-focus-jordan-michael-blakes-paradise-man-ii Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:21:34 PST 2D https://www.awn.com/news/join-andreas-deja-mushka-streaming-launch-party-december-15 Enter the free raffle to snag your spot at the upcoming gathering in Burbank celebrating the global VOD release of the iconic Disney legend’s directorial debut – and win a day pass to CTNX 2026 as well. Victoria Davis https://www.awn.com/news/join-andreas-deja-mushka-streaming-launch-party-december-15 Thu, 11 Dec 2025 14:39:13 PST 2D https://www.awn.com/animationworld/shorts-focus-mckinley-bensons-two-ships Writer/director McKinley Benson, writer/producer Mackenzie Benson, and EP Jodi Benson talk about the beauty of the ordinary, like sticky notes left on a refrigerator, and how little moments between two people take on such special meaning in their award winning 2D film about how a couple working opposite schedules tries to maintain their connection through fleeting encounters. Victoria Davis https://www.awn.com/animationworld/shorts-focus-mckinley-bensons-two-ships Thu, 11 Dec 2025 11:03:14 PST 2D https://www.awn.com/animationworld/snow-bear-how-aaron-blaise-lost-love-then-found-it-again The famed former Disney animator and ‘Brother Bear’ director channeled the tragic 2007 loss of his wife into his award-winning hand-drawn 2D short film about a lonely polar bear’s quest to find, and eventually make, a friend… until the weather warms up. Victoria Davis https://www.awn.com/animationworld/snow-bear-how-aaron-blaise-lost-love-then-found-it-again Wed, 10 Dec 2025 13:28:09 PST 2D https://www.awn.com/animationworld/whale-52-sings-song-hope-lonely Indie animation legend Bill Plympton’s latest short film, directed by Emmy-winning actor Daniel Neiden and starring Bruce Vilanch, tells the emotional and uplifting story of an aging widower, a school volunteer, working with a young selective mute boy, who connect through a written journal and the true legend of the ‘loneliest’ whale.   Victoria Davis https://www.awn.com/animationworld/whale-52-sings-song-hope-lonely Wed, 10 Dec 2025 12:23:00 PST 2D https://www.awn.com/animationworld/exploring-world-animation-animation-atlas Columnist Andrew Osmond interviews ‘Ghibliotheque’ podcasters Michael Leader and Jake Cunningham about their new book that travels the globe to dig deep into the medium (hint - it’s not a genre.) Andrew Osmond https://www.awn.com/animationworld/exploring-world-animation-animation-atlas Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:38:22 PST 2D https://www.awn.com/animationworld/uncontrollable-art-demon-slayer-kimetsu-no-yaiba-infinity-castle Ufotable director Haruo Sotozaki and DOP Yuichi Terao discuss how their work on the hugely successful, Golden Globe-nominated animated film was meaningless unless they could tap into the maximum level of emotion and deep feeling a character would express and bring that onto the screen for the audience. Victoria Davis https://www.awn.com/animationworld/uncontrollable-art-demon-slayer-kimetsu-no-yaiba-infinity-castle Tue, 09 Dec 2025 11:26:59 PST 2D https://www.awn.com/news/tinybuild-releases-hello-neighbor-welcome-raven-brooks-animated-series In addition to YouTube, Seasons 1 and 2 of the horror survival video game adaptation are available on Prime Video in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia; other IP ventures include the upcoming ‘Hello Neighbor’ feature film and ‘Hello Neighbor 3’ video game. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/tinybuild-releases-hello-neighbor-welcome-raven-brooks-animated-series Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:42:59 PST 2D https://www.awn.com/news/disney-announces-hey-aj-animated-family-comedy The whimsical and music filled series about an imaginative young girl and her stuffed bunny sidekick is inspired by author and Super Bowl champion Martellus Bennett, who stars and serves as EP; kicks off January 13 on Disney Jr., next day on Disney+. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/disney-announces-hey-aj-animated-family-comedy Mon, 08 Dec 2025 20:13:41 PST 2D https://www.awn.com/news/lion-forge-announces-iyanu-holiday-livestream The full-day virtual fan event on December 13 will feature cast appearances, a table read, merch drops, giveaways, a sponsored gameplay showcase, and an exclusive first look at ‘Iyanu’ Season 2. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/lion-forge-announces-iyanu-holiday-livestream Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:56:01 PST 2D https://www.awn.com/news/83rd-golden-globe-awards-nominations-announced ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ scores nods for best animated feature, best cinematic and box office achievement, and best original song, while ‘Arco,’ ‘Demon Slayer,’ ‘Elio,’ ‘Little Amélie or the Character of Rain’ and ‘Zootopia 2’ are all nominated for best animated motion picture; awards ceremony set for January 11. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/83rd-golden-globe-awards-nominations-announced Mon, 08 Dec 2025 12:35:52 PST 2D https://www.awn.com/news/adult-swim-smalls-blue-world-short-series-debuts-today-youtube From Boston-based animator Nick Cabana (03mania), the 3-part series follows Dr. Green, a desperate therapist who will try anything to save his business and keep his last remaining client. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/adult-swim-smalls-blue-world-short-series-debuts-today-youtube Fri, 05 Dec 2025 9:49:46 PST 2D https://www.awn.com/animationworld/national-film-board-canada-ep-christine-no-l-girl-who-cried-pearls-and-shaping-future The Executive Producer reflects on acclaimed projects like Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski’s new film, her support for diverse creators, and her efforts to sustain the NFB’s legacy of innovation through a collaborative production model that continues to achieve major festival and awards success. National Film Board of Canada https://www.awn.com/animationworld/national-film-board-canada-ep-christine-no-l-girl-who-cried-pearls-and-shaping-future Thu, 04 Dec 2025 7:24:20 PST 2D https://www.awn.com/news/xilam-animation-launches-toon-box-streaming-platform The new kid-safe app features 1,000+ episodes from the Xilam library alongside exclusive music, games, and storybooks. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/xilam-animation-launches-toon-box-streaming-platform Wed, 03 Dec 2025 15:57:34 PST 2D https://www.awn.com/animationworld/breaking-rig-bat-fam-and-blood-and-bamboo For director Mike Roth and animation director Garrett Ray, getting the most from your 2D animation means you can’t limit yourself to what the rigs are capable of – you have to force them to get the result you’re after. Victoria Davis https://www.awn.com/animationworld/breaking-rig-bat-fam-and-blood-and-bamboo Wed, 03 Dec 2025 15:05:46 PST 2D https://www.awn.com/animationworld/walrus-taxi-driver-and-talking-plant-baku-kinoshita-interview Columnist Andrew Osmond talks to the director about his 2 acclaimed anime, the TV series ‘Odd Taxi’ and his new film, ‘The Last Blossom.’ Andrew Osmond https://www.awn.com/animationworld/walrus-taxi-driver-and-talking-plant-baku-kinoshita-interview Wed, 03 Dec 2025 12:20:15 PST 2D https://www.awn.com/news/warner-bros-discovery-commissions-clawlolo-season-2 Rymanco Ventures’ non-dialogue 2D musical comedy series will air exclusively across Warner’s kids networks in EMEA, as well as its global Cartoonito YouTube channels. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/warner-bros-discovery-commissions-clawlolo-season-2 Wed, 03 Dec 2025 8:45:44 PST 2D https://www.awn.com/animationworld/sequels-star-wars-visions-volume-3-carry-key-franchise-tradition ‘The Duel: Payback,’ ‘The Lost Ones,’ and ‘The Ninth Jedi: Child of Hope’ deftly expand upon characters and storylines established in Volume 1, carefully animated in mixed 2D and 3D by anime studios Kamikaze Douga and ANIMA, Production I.G, and Kinema citrus Co. Trevor Hogg https://www.awn.com/animationworld/sequels-star-wars-visions-volume-3-carry-key-franchise-tradition Tue, 02 Dec 2025 9:33:54 PST 2D https://www.awn.com/news/andreas-dejas-award-winning-mushka-sets-december-15-streaming-release The Disney Legend’s 28-minute hand-drawn animated short, nearly a decade in the making, tells the heartwarming story of a young Ukrainian girl who must decide to save or leave in the wild an orphaned Siberian tiger cub she discovers; coming to all major global VOD platforms.   Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/andreas-dejas-award-winning-mushka-sets-december-15-streaming-release Mon, 01 Dec 2025 15:16:27 PST 2D https://www.awn.com/animationworld/shorts-focus-john-gardners-whats-locked-behind-door Combining rotoscoped public domain footage from the 1962 cult classic ‘The Brain That Wouldn’t Die’ with original 2D/3D animation, the music video presents a surreal meditation on psychological concealment. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/animationworld/shorts-focus-john-gardners-whats-locked-behind-door Mon, 01 Dec 2025 11:02:09 PST 2D