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.
Noted Photographer and Filmmaker Paul De Nooijer Dies at 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.
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.
Shorts in Focus: Jordan Michael Blake’s ‘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.
Join Andreas Deja at ‘Mushka’ Streaming Launch Party on 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.
Chris Lavis Talks ‘The Girl Who Cried Pearls’
The Oscar-nominated filmmaker discusses his and Maciek Szczerbowski’s latest stop-motion tour de force, how the tough decision to cut 3 minutes was the right call, and how a ‘beautiful film’ is easily forgotten if the story doesn’t move the audience.
WEBTOON Announces 2026 Creator Program Expansion
A new suite of programs will empower more Creators with expanded monetization opportunities and international creator engagement; Creator Residency will roll out in 2026.
Shorts in Focus: McKinley Benson’s ‘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.
Shorts in Focus: Andrés Palma’s ‘Shimmer’
The 3D animated film, produced at Mexico’s Escena Animation Studio, tells the story of shipwrecked family whose father’s efforts to secure their rescue blinds him to his neglect and the mistrust he fostered in his eldest daughter, who forces him to choose between his dreams and his children.
‘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.
‘Whale 52’ Sings a Song of Hope for the 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.
Exploring the World of Animation in ‘The 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.)
Quentin Tarantino and Unreal Engine Bring ‘Kill Bill’s Lost Chapter to Life in Fortnite
The Oscar-winning director’s long-rumored sequence, ‘The Lost Chapter: Yuki’s Revenge,’ comes alive as Epic Games and The Third Floor use UE’s virtual production and MetaHuman tools to merge live-action, animation, and interactivity in real-time for a ground-breaking cinematic experience.
The ‘Uncontrollable’ Art of ‘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.
tinyBuild Releases ‘Hello Neighbor: Welcome to 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.
The Heat Is On! Paramount Makes Hostile Takeover Bid for Warner Bros. Discovery
David Ellison’s Paramount Skydance has extended an all-cash offer at $30 per outstanding share (approximately $108.4 billion) for WBD after Netflix’s initial offer was accepted; shareholders have 10 business days to accept or reject the new offer.
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.
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.
Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery Agree to $82.7 Billion Acquisition
The cash and stock transaction, valued at $27.75 per share of WBD and approximately $82.7 billion overall, is expected to close in the next 12-18 months.
Adult Swim SMALLS ‘Blue World’ Short Series Debuts Today on 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.
World VFX Day 2025 Releases Full Program
The final lineup for the free event, which each year spotlights the VFX and animation industries, features over 65 speakers across 15 hours of talks; will live stream via YouTube on December 8.
Maxon Announces Maxon One Update
The new release, shaped directly by creator feedback, includes upgrades to Cinema 4D, Redshift, ZBrush, and Red Giant; available now to all subscribers.
Buffalo Wild Wings Launches ‘Hank the Halls’ Holiday Campaign
The festive spot, styled like a 1950s stop-mo Christmas special, opens on Christmas Eve at the restaurant.
Moonbug Names ‘CoComelon The Movie’ Director, Music Producer
Kat Good takes the helm, and Justin Tranter boards as executive music producer, for the first feature in the franchise, a 3DCG film animated by the DNEG Group.
National Film Board of Canada EP Christine Noël on ‘The Girl Who Cried Pearls’ and Shaping the Future of Animation
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.
