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Animation Festivals Headline News

Call for Entries: The Abidjan Animation Film Festival (FFAA)

By Dan Sarto | Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 1:47pm

Submissions in a selection of film categories are being accepted through January 10, 2026, for the event, which celebrates African and international animation.

The End is Ending Headline News

Netflix Drops ‘Stranger Things 5’ Series Finale Trailer

By Dan Sarto | Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 10:23am

It’s the final battle in the Upside Down as the hugely popular show finishes its 5-season run; the fight to find and kill Vecna debuts December 31; Volume 1 and 2 are now streaming.

We Need More Surreal Headline News

Adult Swim Debuts 2 New ‘Off the Air’ Episodes, Celebrates 15 Years

By Dan Sarto | Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 9:06am

The network’s iconic, surreal anthology, created by SMALLS wizard Dave Hughes, returns with ‘Growth’ and ‘VR’ themed segments as it marks its first episode, launched January 1, 2011.

The Brits and Their Mysteries… Headline News

Vine FX Delivers 235 VFX Shots For ‘Harlan Coben's Lazarus’

Watch the breakdown reel: from de-ageing Bill Nighy to shaping psychological landscapes, the studio was the sole VFX vendor on the mind-bending thriller series, now streaming on Prime Video.

It’s Anime-zing! Headline News

Warner Bros. Japan Reveals ‘STEEL BALL RUN JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’ Trailer

The anime series, which centers on the first horse racing championship across the North American continent, premieres March 19, 2026 on Netflix.

Legends of Animation Headline News

L.A. Honors Phil Roman with ‘Phil Roman Square’

By Dan Sarto | Monday, December 29, 2025 at 10:09am

The famed Latino animation industry icon, along with family, friends, and City councilmember Adrin Nazarian, gathered last Monday to honor his 95th birthday with the renaming of a city intersection in Toluca Lake.

Dept. of Sooner or Later… Headline News

Sony Taps Paul King to Direct ‘Labubu’ Feature

The ‘Wonka’ helmer boards the film based on Pop Mart’s infamous and hugely popular dolls that have become a worldwide phenomenon due to their clever ‘blind boxes’ and hot secondary market for in-demand designs.

Don’t You Wish… Headline News

Exclusive: Netflix Drops ‘In Your Dreams: Behind the Animation’ Featurette

By Dan Sarto | Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 10:40am

Director Alex Woo and stars Simu Liu, Cristin Milioti, and Craig Robinson go behind-the-scenes to share insights on production design, character design, and the vivid, colorful and ‘dreamy’ worlds of the hit feature, now streaming.

More Alma is on the Way! Headline News

PBS Kids Reveals First Episodes from ‘Alma's Way’ Season 3

New season of the Fred Rogers Productions animated series begins with celebration of Black cowboy culture, creative ‘crowns,’ and quintessential NYC eats.

From the Dept. of It’s Here! Headline News

Emmy Winning Pixar Vet Stephan Bugaj Releases ‘The Seeker’ AI-Generated Film

The sci-fi feature, which follows a deep-space scavenger who is visited by a mysterious stranger, was created using Generative AI for all visuals and music, as well as all voices except for 2; now available at Genvid.

Generative AI for Creators Headline News

Adobe, Runway Partner For Next Generation of AI Video

Adobe will serve as generative AI video company’s preferred API creativity partner to offer creators exclusive early access to new models, starting with Gen-4.5; now available in the Adobe Firefly app.

The Ultimate Journey Headline News

Watch: Christopher Nolan’s Epic ‘The Odyssey’ Official Trailer

By Dan Sarto | Monday, December 22, 2025 at 10:21am

The Oscar-winning director returns to cinemas with his biggest film yet, bringing Homer’s foundational saga to IMAX for the first time; in theaters July 17, 2026.

kids’ animation Headline News

Millimages, StoryZoo & Friends Partner on 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.’

More Funny Business Headline News

Tubi Expands Animation+ Partnership with Animated Comedy Slate

Newly added titles include series from the animation collective Explosm, Skybound Entertainment’s ‘PSI Cops,’ and ‘Melvin’s Macabre’ from Meatcanyon.

That’ll Do Pig Headline News

Angel to Release Andy Serkis’ ‘Animal Farm’ in Theaters

The 3DCG adaptation of George Orwell’s classic novel boasts a voice cast that includes Seth Rogen, Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin, and Woody Harrelson; hits the cineplex on May 1, 2026.

Oh You Boys Headline News

Adult Swim Renews ‘Haha, You Clowns’ for 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.

Didn’t See That Coming! Headline News

The Academy, YouTube Partner for Exclusive Global Rights to the Oscars

From 2029 through 2033, the annual awards, including red carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes content, and Governors Ball access, will be available live and for free on YouTube, and for YouTube TV subscribers in the United States.

Awards Headline News

Jon M. Chu to Receive Inaugural ‘Judy Garland Award’ at 2026 Lumiere Awards

By Dan Sarto | Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 6:05pm

The Advanced Imaging Society has partnered with the famed performer’s daughter, Lorna Luft, to establish the new award that honors individuals whose ‘artistry, imagination, and cultural influence embody the highest ideals in entertainment.’

Festival Business Headline News

RSIFF, Annecy Festival Partner to Boost Saudi Animation Industry

Deal calls for Saudi animators to participate in MIFA; annual ‘Best of Annecy’ festival to be held at Culture Square; animated Saudi shorts and features to be showcased at Annecy.

VFX Peeps on the Move Headline News

Bluebolt Adds VFX Supervisor Ben White

Boasting nearly 30 years’ experience, the visual effects vet joins from the Cinesite group, where he served as VFX Supervisor on projects including ‘Black Widow,’ ‘Loki,’ and ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.’

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Loneliness Among the Masses Headline News

Jessica Rizk’s ‘Cracked’ Animated Short to Debut at Dances With Films: NY

By Dan Sarto | Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 12:20pm

The hand-drawn 2D film, which explores a dark journey into a woman's mind amidst her self-neglect during a mundane daily task, will make its North American premiere on January 16.

Animation Festivals Headline News

Call for Entries: The Abidjan Animation Film Festival (FFAA)

By Dan Sarto | Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 1:47pm

Submissions in a selection of film categories are being accepted through January 10, 2026, for the event, which celebrates African and international animation.

The End is Ending Headline News

Netflix Drops ‘Stranger Things 5’ Series Finale Trailer

By Dan Sarto | Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 10:23am

It’s the final battle in the Upside Down as the hugely popular show finishes its 5-season run; the fight to find and kill Vecna debuts December 31; Volume 1 and 2 are now streaming.

We Need More Surreal Headline News

Adult Swim Debuts 2 New ‘Off the Air’ Episodes, Celebrates 15 Years

By Dan Sarto | Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 9:06am

The network’s iconic, surreal anthology, created by SMALLS wizard Dave Hughes, returns with ‘Growth’ and ‘VR’ themed segments as it marks its first episode, launched January 1, 2011.

The Brits and Their Mysteries… Headline News

Vine FX Delivers 235 VFX Shots For ‘Harlan Coben's Lazarus’

Watch the breakdown reel: from de-ageing Bill Nighy to shaping psychological landscapes, the studio was the sole VFX vendor on the mind-bending thriller series, now streaming on Prime Video.

It’s Anime-zing! Headline News

Warner Bros. Japan Reveals ‘STEEL BALL RUN JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’ Trailer

The anime series, which centers on the first horse racing championship across the North American continent, premieres March 19, 2026 on Netflix.

Legends of Animation Headline News

L.A. Honors Phil Roman with ‘Phil Roman Square’

By Dan Sarto | Monday, December 29, 2025 at 10:09am

The famed Latino animation industry icon, along with family, friends, and City councilmember Adrin Nazarian, gathered last Monday to honor his 95th birthday with the renaming of a city intersection in Toluca Lake.

Dept. of Sooner or Later… Headline News

Sony Taps Paul King to Direct ‘Labubu’ Feature

The ‘Wonka’ helmer boards the film based on Pop Mart’s infamous and hugely popular dolls that have become a worldwide phenomenon due to their clever ‘blind boxes’ and hot secondary market for in-demand designs.

Don’t You Wish… Headline News

Exclusive: Netflix Drops ‘In Your Dreams: Behind the Animation’ Featurette

By Dan Sarto | Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 10:40am

Director Alex Woo and stars Simu Liu, Cristin Milioti, and Craig Robinson go behind-the-scenes to share insights on production design, character design, and the vivid, colorful and ‘dreamy’ worlds of the hit feature, now streaming.

More Alma is on the Way! Headline News

PBS Kids Reveals First Episodes from ‘Alma's Way’ Season 3

New season of the Fred Rogers Productions animated series begins with celebration of Black cowboy culture, creative ‘crowns,’ and quintessential NYC eats.

From the Dept. of It’s Here! Headline News

Emmy Winning Pixar Vet Stephan Bugaj Releases ‘The Seeker’ AI-Generated Film

The sci-fi feature, which follows a deep-space scavenger who is visited by a mysterious stranger, was created using Generative AI for all visuals and music, as well as all voices except for 2; now available at Genvid.

Generative AI for Creators Headline News

Adobe, Runway Partner For Next Generation of AI Video

Adobe will serve as generative AI video company’s preferred API creativity partner to offer creators exclusive early access to new models, starting with Gen-4.5; now available in the Adobe Firefly app.

The Ultimate Journey Headline News

Watch: Christopher Nolan’s Epic ‘The Odyssey’ Official Trailer

By Dan Sarto | Monday, December 22, 2025 at 10:21am

The Oscar-winning director returns to cinemas with his biggest film yet, bringing Homer’s foundational saga to IMAX for the first time; in theaters July 17, 2026.

kids’ animation Headline News

Millimages, StoryZoo & Friends Partner on 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.’

More Funny Business Headline News

Tubi Expands Animation+ Partnership with Animated Comedy Slate

Newly added titles include series from the animation collective Explosm, Skybound Entertainment’s ‘PSI Cops,’ and ‘Melvin’s Macabre’ from Meatcanyon.

That’ll Do Pig Headline News

Angel to Release Andy Serkis’ ‘Animal Farm’ in Theaters

The 3DCG adaptation of George Orwell’s classic novel boasts a voice cast that includes Seth Rogen, Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin, and Woody Harrelson; hits the cineplex on May 1, 2026.

Oh You Boys Headline News

Adult Swim Renews ‘Haha, You Clowns’ for 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.

Didn’t See That Coming! Headline News

The Academy, YouTube Partner for Exclusive Global Rights to the Oscars

From 2029 through 2033, the annual awards, including red carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes content, and Governors Ball access, will be available live and for free on YouTube, and for YouTube TV subscribers in the United States.

Awards Headline News

Jon M. Chu to Receive Inaugural ‘Judy Garland Award’ at 2026 Lumiere Awards

By Dan Sarto | Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 6:05pm

The Advanced Imaging Society has partnered with the famed performer’s daughter, Lorna Luft, to establish the new award that honors individuals whose ‘artistry, imagination, and cultural influence embody the highest ideals in entertainment.’

Festival Business Headline News

RSIFF, Annecy Festival Partner to Boost Saudi Animation Industry

Deal calls for Saudi animators to participate in MIFA; annual ‘Best of Annecy’ festival to be held at Culture Square; animated Saudi shorts and features to be showcased at Annecy.

Pages