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Business Headline News

Foundry Acquires Griptape AI Orchestration Platform

By Dan Sarto | Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 9:33am

Leading industry software developer completes deal for technology that helps users accelerate and expand secure, production-ready model integration across professional VFX and animation workflows.

Zoom Zoom Headline News

Adult Swim Greenlights ‘My Two Cars’ from Dan Licata and Joe Pera

By Dan Sarto | Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 9:00am

The network orders a new quarter-hour animated TV series centered on a man’s daily decision between his PT Cruiser and Mini-Cooper; Green Street Pictures produces.

How We Love Our Steampunk Headline News

Netflix Announces ‘Bass X Machina’ Adult Animated Series

By Dan Sarto | Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 8:10am

The new show, executive produced by and starring Brian Tyree Henry, premieres this October, with animation by Studio Mir and original music by Roman GianArthur and Nate Wonder.

We’re Off to the Charmswell School Headline News

Disney Jr. Releases First-Look Teaser for ‘Sofia the First: Royal Magic’

By Dan Sarto | Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 6:39am

Ariel Winter returns as Princess Sofia in the new preschool series set in the world of ‘Sofia the First;’ premieres this May.

This is the Way… to Theaters Headline News

Lucasfilm Drops ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’ Trailer and Images

By Dan Sarto | Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 11:30am

We learn that it’s time for Grogu to strap in and save the snacks for after dinner; we’re one step closer to launch date for Jon Favreau’s new film, based on the hit Disney+ series 'The Mandalorian,' that blasts into theaters on May 22.

Honoring Black History Month Headline News

Exclusive Excerpt: ‘First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth' Graphic Novel

By Dan Sarto | Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 9:11am

Oni Press’ 208-page biography by Angélique Roché, with artists Alvin Epps, Millicent Monroe and Bex Glendining, chronicles the ‘Grandmother of Juneteenth’s decades-long fight to officially recognize American emancipation as a national holiday; now on-sale.  

Awards Headline News

'Thanksgiving Day' Takes Top Prize at Frame Forward AI Animated Film Festival

By Dan Sarto | Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 7:47am

Kazakhstani filmmaker Igor Alferov’s short earns national theatrical run through Screenvision Media and immersive expansion via Modern Uprising Studios’ Celeste engine.

Best Friends on an Adventure Headline News

Exclusive: Watch ‘The Pout-Pout Fish’ ‘Introducing Cuddlefish Benji & Archie’ Clip

By Dan Sarto | Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 6:57am

The two best, inseparable friends see their friendship put to the test as they learn about courage, loyalty, and heart in the new 3DCG animated feature from Viva Kids coming to theaters March 20.

Heading to Stuttgart This May Headline News

ITFS 2026 Shares First Program Highlights

The International Festival of Animated Film will run from May 5-10, and include animation in Stuttgart's Innenstadtkinos, the Open Air Schlossplatz, competitions, curated programs, panels, workshops, games, and hands-on activities. 

Heading to Wales This April Headline News

Cardiff Animation Festival Reveals First 2026 Program Highlights

Returning for its 9th edition, the festival will take over Chapter Arts Centre April 23-26 with a mix of special screenings, guest speakers, and events for industry professionals and animation lovers. 

indie animation ANIMATIONWorld

Konstantin Bronzit Talks ‘The Three Sisters’ and Anonymous, Arduous Filmmaking

The director of the Oscar-nominated 2D animated short, initially released under the pseudonym Timur Kognov, discusses his strenuous creative process, poetic storytelling methods, and ruthless take on cutting even the most beautiful scenes.

People Headline News

‘The Crystal Planet’ Gets New Diane Warren and Halle Bailey Song

By Dan Sarto | Monday, February 16, 2026 at 2:27pm

Sola Media unveiled the new original song ‘Somewhere We All Belong,’ written by Warren and performed by Bailey for the upcoming 3DCG family feature, as international sales continue at Berlin’s European Film Market.

Why Create When You Can Steal Headline News

Hollywood Swiftly Condemns ByteDance’s Seedance 2.0 AI Video Creation Model

The Chinese tech giant today says it will strengthen safeguards to prevent unauthorized IP and likeness use, though how, and how quickly, were not announced.

A Stylish and Shocking One-Shot Headline News

Glitch and Oni Press to Release ‘MURDER DRONES: HOME’ Special #1

By Dan Sarto | Monday, February 16, 2026 at 7:07am

The double-sized 40-page one-shot adaptation of the animated series’ origin episode, from acclaimed writer Wyatt Kennedy and Bram Stoker Award-winning artist Soo Lee, is coming this May.

It’s Anime-zing! Headline News

Pony Canyon Drops First Teaser for ‘To You in the Beyond’

By Dan Sarto | Friday, February 13, 2026 at 4:01pm

Junichi Wada directs the coming-of-age anime feature adaptation of Akiko Abe’s Honya Taisho Award-winning novel about complex emotions and hidden secrets of boys and girls on Tokishima Island, hitting Japanese theaters on October 9.

Doh! ANIMATIONWorld

Showrunner Matt Selman Talks ‘The Simpsons’ Milestone 800th Episode

By Dan Sarto | Friday, February 13, 2026 at 2:09pm

The executive producer explains his constant feelings of imposter syndrome and drive to ‘not blow it’ as he leads the iconic show, fresh off a 4-season renewal and announced 2027 feature film, towards new creative spaces even after almost 4 decades on the air.

Animation Education Headline News

The Animation Incubator Opens to Bulgarian Teen Creatives

By Dan Sarto | Friday, February 13, 2026 at 11:54am

Romania- and Moldova-based nonprofit animation initiative expands its free education and community programming to teenagers in Bulgaria, who gain access to online workshops, summer intensives, festival-based programs, and monthly cineclubs.

Business Headline News

Chronicle Studios, The Hive Studio Form YouTube Partnership on 2 Animated Series

By Dan Sarto | Friday, February 13, 2026 at 10:24am

The AI media technology company has teamed with the Oscar-nominated animation studio to manage streaming audience discovery and monetization for the goth musical comedy ‘The Vampair’ and teen comedy ‘The Normal MFer.’

He Bleats He Scores! ANIMATIONWorld

‘GOAT’: Daring to Stand Tall When You’re Built Small

By Dan Sarto | Friday, February 13, 2026 at 9:35am

Director Tyree Dillihay, co-director Adam Rosette, and producer Michelle Raimo Kouyate discuss the unlikely rise of a young goat chasing his life-long dream of competing in the professional ‘Roarball’ league in Sony Pictures Animation’s high-intensity, feel-good animated action-comedy, hitting theaters today.  

From Frosty to Nausicaä ANIMATIONWorld

Rankin/Bass, Topcraft, Ghibli, Rudolph and Dragons!

Anime columnist Andrew Osmond delves into the knotty history linking ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,’ ‘The Flight of Dragons,’ and the classic ‘Nausicaa of the Valley of Wind.’

That’s Gotta Hurt! VFXWorld

Wētā FX Turns a Menacing Creature into a Leading Man in ‘Predator: Badlands’

VFX Supervisor Sheldon Stopsack and Animation Supervisor Karl Rapley detail the expressive facial animation breakthroughs on the badass Predator Dek, the challenges of conveying his emotions, plus how they created lethal vegetation and a huge regenerating monster, on 20th Century Studios’ hit ‘Predator’ franchise outing, debuting today on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+.

I Can See it in Your Face Headline News

JALI Research to Present 3D Facial Animation Tools at 2026 HPA Tech Retreat

By Dan Sarto | Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 12:46pm

The Toronto-based developer will showcase automated facial animation workflows and audio-driven character performance systems during the February 15–19 industry gathering; CEO Sarah Watling will also moderate a February 17 Breakfast Roundtable.

Black Animation History Headline News

TV Academy Foundation to Commemorate 70 Years of Black Animation

By Dan Sarto | Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 11:37am

Free virtual presentation on February 25 marks Black History Month with a focused discussion on representation and industry access for emerging creators.

It’s Got a Dutchman Who Flies! Headline News

Cinesite Crafts Hybrid Animated Sequences for ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants’

Enjoy the breakdown reel - the film’s 3 above-water sequences blend live-action environments with the iconic, stylized animation of ‘SpongeBob;’ include a ghostly Flying Dutchman prologue and 2 scenes set in Santa Monica.

Pages

Business Headline News

Foundry Acquires Griptape AI Orchestration Platform

By Dan Sarto | Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 9:33am

Leading industry software developer completes deal for technology that helps users accelerate and expand secure, production-ready model integration across professional VFX and animation workflows.

Zoom Zoom Headline News

Adult Swim Greenlights ‘My Two Cars’ from Dan Licata and Joe Pera

By Dan Sarto | Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 9:00am

The network orders a new quarter-hour animated TV series centered on a man’s daily decision between his PT Cruiser and Mini-Cooper; Green Street Pictures produces.

How We Love Our Steampunk Headline News

Netflix Announces ‘Bass X Machina’ Adult Animated Series

By Dan Sarto | Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 8:10am

The new show, executive produced by and starring Brian Tyree Henry, premieres this October, with animation by Studio Mir and original music by Roman GianArthur and Nate Wonder.

We’re Off to the Charmswell School Headline News

Disney Jr. Releases First-Look Teaser for ‘Sofia the First: Royal Magic’

By Dan Sarto | Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 6:39am

Ariel Winter returns as Princess Sofia in the new preschool series set in the world of ‘Sofia the First;’ premieres this May.

This is the Way… to Theaters Headline News

Lucasfilm Drops ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’ Trailer and Images

By Dan Sarto | Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 11:30am

We learn that it’s time for Grogu to strap in and save the snacks for after dinner; we’re one step closer to launch date for Jon Favreau’s new film, based on the hit Disney+ series 'The Mandalorian,' that blasts into theaters on May 22.

Honoring Black History Month Headline News

Exclusive Excerpt: ‘First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth' Graphic Novel

By Dan Sarto | Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 9:11am

Oni Press’ 208-page biography by Angélique Roché, with artists Alvin Epps, Millicent Monroe and Bex Glendining, chronicles the ‘Grandmother of Juneteenth’s decades-long fight to officially recognize American emancipation as a national holiday; now on-sale.  

Awards Headline News

'Thanksgiving Day' Takes Top Prize at Frame Forward AI Animated Film Festival

By Dan Sarto | Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 7:47am

Kazakhstani filmmaker Igor Alferov’s short earns national theatrical run through Screenvision Media and immersive expansion via Modern Uprising Studios’ Celeste engine.

Best Friends on an Adventure Headline News

Exclusive: Watch ‘The Pout-Pout Fish’ ‘Introducing Cuddlefish Benji & Archie’ Clip

By Dan Sarto | Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 6:57am

The two best, inseparable friends see their friendship put to the test as they learn about courage, loyalty, and heart in the new 3DCG animated feature from Viva Kids coming to theaters March 20.

Heading to Stuttgart This May Headline News

ITFS 2026 Shares First Program Highlights

The International Festival of Animated Film will run from May 5-10, and include animation in Stuttgart's Innenstadtkinos, the Open Air Schlossplatz, competitions, curated programs, panels, workshops, games, and hands-on activities. 

Heading to Wales This April Headline News

Cardiff Animation Festival Reveals First 2026 Program Highlights

Returning for its 9th edition, the festival will take over Chapter Arts Centre April 23-26 with a mix of special screenings, guest speakers, and events for industry professionals and animation lovers. 

indie animation ANIMATIONWorld

Konstantin Bronzit Talks ‘The Three Sisters’ and Anonymous, Arduous Filmmaking

The director of the Oscar-nominated 2D animated short, initially released under the pseudonym Timur Kognov, discusses his strenuous creative process, poetic storytelling methods, and ruthless take on cutting even the most beautiful scenes.

People Headline News

‘The Crystal Planet’ Gets New Diane Warren and Halle Bailey Song

By Dan Sarto | Monday, February 16, 2026 at 2:27pm

Sola Media unveiled the new original song ‘Somewhere We All Belong,’ written by Warren and performed by Bailey for the upcoming 3DCG family feature, as international sales continue at Berlin’s European Film Market.

Why Create When You Can Steal Headline News

Hollywood Swiftly Condemns ByteDance’s Seedance 2.0 AI Video Creation Model

The Chinese tech giant today says it will strengthen safeguards to prevent unauthorized IP and likeness use, though how, and how quickly, were not announced.

A Stylish and Shocking One-Shot Headline News

Glitch and Oni Press to Release ‘MURDER DRONES: HOME’ Special #1

By Dan Sarto | Monday, February 16, 2026 at 7:07am

The double-sized 40-page one-shot adaptation of the animated series’ origin episode, from acclaimed writer Wyatt Kennedy and Bram Stoker Award-winning artist Soo Lee, is coming this May.

It’s Anime-zing! Headline News

Pony Canyon Drops First Teaser for ‘To You in the Beyond’

By Dan Sarto | Friday, February 13, 2026 at 4:01pm

Junichi Wada directs the coming-of-age anime feature adaptation of Akiko Abe’s Honya Taisho Award-winning novel about complex emotions and hidden secrets of boys and girls on Tokishima Island, hitting Japanese theaters on October 9.

Doh! ANIMATIONWorld

Showrunner Matt Selman Talks ‘The Simpsons’ Milestone 800th Episode

By Dan Sarto | Friday, February 13, 2026 at 2:09pm

The executive producer explains his constant feelings of imposter syndrome and drive to ‘not blow it’ as he leads the iconic show, fresh off a 4-season renewal and announced 2027 feature film, towards new creative spaces even after almost 4 decades on the air.

Animation Education Headline News

The Animation Incubator Opens to Bulgarian Teen Creatives

By Dan Sarto | Friday, February 13, 2026 at 11:54am

Romania- and Moldova-based nonprofit animation initiative expands its free education and community programming to teenagers in Bulgaria, who gain access to online workshops, summer intensives, festival-based programs, and monthly cineclubs.

Business Headline News

Chronicle Studios, The Hive Studio Form YouTube Partnership on 2 Animated Series

By Dan Sarto | Friday, February 13, 2026 at 10:24am

The AI media technology company has teamed with the Oscar-nominated animation studio to manage streaming audience discovery and monetization for the goth musical comedy ‘The Vampair’ and teen comedy ‘The Normal MFer.’

He Bleats He Scores! ANIMATIONWorld

‘GOAT’: Daring to Stand Tall When You’re Built Small

By Dan Sarto | Friday, February 13, 2026 at 9:35am

Director Tyree Dillihay, co-director Adam Rosette, and producer Michelle Raimo Kouyate discuss the unlikely rise of a young goat chasing his life-long dream of competing in the professional ‘Roarball’ league in Sony Pictures Animation’s high-intensity, feel-good animated action-comedy, hitting theaters today.  

From Frosty to Nausicaä ANIMATIONWorld

Rankin/Bass, Topcraft, Ghibli, Rudolph and Dragons!

Anime columnist Andrew Osmond delves into the knotty history linking ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,’ ‘The Flight of Dragons,’ and the classic ‘Nausicaa of the Valley of Wind.’

That’s Gotta Hurt! VFXWorld

Wētā FX Turns a Menacing Creature into a Leading Man in ‘Predator: Badlands’

VFX Supervisor Sheldon Stopsack and Animation Supervisor Karl Rapley detail the expressive facial animation breakthroughs on the badass Predator Dek, the challenges of conveying his emotions, plus how they created lethal vegetation and a huge regenerating monster, on 20th Century Studios’ hit ‘Predator’ franchise outing, debuting today on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+.

I Can See it in Your Face Headline News

JALI Research to Present 3D Facial Animation Tools at 2026 HPA Tech Retreat

By Dan Sarto | Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 12:46pm

The Toronto-based developer will showcase automated facial animation workflows and audio-driven character performance systems during the February 15–19 industry gathering; CEO Sarah Watling will also moderate a February 17 Breakfast Roundtable.

Black Animation History Headline News

TV Academy Foundation to Commemorate 70 Years of Black Animation

By Dan Sarto | Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 11:37am

Free virtual presentation on February 25 marks Black History Month with a focused discussion on representation and industry access for emerging creators.

It’s Got a Dutchman Who Flies! Headline News

Cinesite Crafts Hybrid Animated Sequences for ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants’

Enjoy the breakdown reel - the film’s 3 above-water sequences blend live-action environments with the iconic, stylized animation of ‘SpongeBob;’ include a ghostly Flying Dutchman prologue and 2 scenes set in Santa Monica.

Pages