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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. 

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.

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.’

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.

That’s Gotta Hurt! Headline News

‘Predator: Badlands’ Now Streaming on Hulu

By Dan Sarto | Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 9:22am

The latest installment in the long-running sci-fi franchise hits the streamer today, extending the ‘Predator’ universe and mythology with new characters, creatures, and deadly terrain. 

It’s Anime-zing! Headline News

Pony Canyon Drops ‘Chained Soldier’ Season 2 YOKOHAMA BATTLE Arc Trailer

Action-fantasy anime series about an all-female Anti-Demon Corps’ fight against monsters reveals new character Kuusetsu, voiced by Ami Koshimizu; animation production is by Passione × Hayabusa Film.

Who’s This Guy Prisney? Headline News

GKIDS Acquires ‘Allegro non Troppo’ and Bruno Bozzetto Catalog

By Dan Sarto | Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 11:10am

The distributor secures rights to the famed Italian animator’s film library, with a restored version of his 1976 masterpiece, paired with ‘Fantasia,’ set to premiere March 27 at New York’s Metrograph.

And the Winner Is… Headline News

PreVIEW Panel Set for February 27: ‘Oscar Contenders for Best Animated Feature’

By Dan Sarto | Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 10:12am

Free, live, one-hour session promises to deliver an inspiring and lively online conversation and Q&A with the directors of ‘Arco,’ ‘Elio,’ ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ ‘Little Amélie or the Character of Rain,’ and ‘Zootopia 2,’ hosted by the VIEW Conference.

Cock-a-Doodle-Doo Headline News

Adult Swim Sets ‘Rooster Fighter’ Premiere

By Dan Sarto | Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 9:20am

The action-comedy anime from VIZ and Hero’s Inc, with its unlikely avian protagonist, joins the network’s Toonami lineup, bringing Shu Sakuratani’s monster-battling hero to U.S. television; debuts March 14.

Recognizing Humor in Animation Headline News

ASIFA-Hollywood Launches 'The Will Ryan Excellence in Humor Award'

By Dan Sarto | Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 8:40am

New award funded by a $60,000 family gift will support emerging animation talent, recognizing and encouraging innovative animation artists whose work makes audiences laugh.

Mark your Calendars! Headline News

Annecy Festival 2026 Accreditation Now Open

By Dan Sarto | Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 1:34pm

Register before February 26 for early bird rates to ensure you get your spot at the upcoming Annecy International Animation Festival and film market, Mifa; it’s all happening by the lake June 21-27!

People Headline News

Funimation Founder Gen Fukunaga Joins Bizaar Studios as Stakeholder and Strategic Advisor’

By Dan Sarto | Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 12:33pm

The well-known executive joins the adult animation studio’s growing advisory board that includes George R.R. Martin, Jimmy Iovine and Conrad Vernon.

Straw Hats Forever Headline News

Netflix Releases ‘One Piece’ Season 2 Trailer, Sets Global Fan Events

By Dan Sarto | Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 11:11am

Ahead of the hit live-action show’s March 10 return, the streamer has shared a video, images, and detailed a slate of global fan events supporting the second season debut.
 

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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. 

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.

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.’

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.

That’s Gotta Hurt! Headline News

‘Predator: Badlands’ Now Streaming on Hulu

By Dan Sarto | Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 9:22am

The latest installment in the long-running sci-fi franchise hits the streamer today, extending the ‘Predator’ universe and mythology with new characters, creatures, and deadly terrain. 

It’s Anime-zing! Headline News

Pony Canyon Drops ‘Chained Soldier’ Season 2 YOKOHAMA BATTLE Arc Trailer

Action-fantasy anime series about an all-female Anti-Demon Corps’ fight against monsters reveals new character Kuusetsu, voiced by Ami Koshimizu; animation production is by Passione × Hayabusa Film.

Who’s This Guy Prisney? Headline News

GKIDS Acquires ‘Allegro non Troppo’ and Bruno Bozzetto Catalog

By Dan Sarto | Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 11:10am

The distributor secures rights to the famed Italian animator’s film library, with a restored version of his 1976 masterpiece, paired with ‘Fantasia,’ set to premiere March 27 at New York’s Metrograph.

And the Winner Is… Headline News

PreVIEW Panel Set for February 27: ‘Oscar Contenders for Best Animated Feature’

By Dan Sarto | Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 10:12am

Free, live, one-hour session promises to deliver an inspiring and lively online conversation and Q&A with the directors of ‘Arco,’ ‘Elio,’ ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ ‘Little Amélie or the Character of Rain,’ and ‘Zootopia 2,’ hosted by the VIEW Conference.

Cock-a-Doodle-Doo Headline News

Adult Swim Sets ‘Rooster Fighter’ Premiere

By Dan Sarto | Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 9:20am

The action-comedy anime from VIZ and Hero’s Inc, with its unlikely avian protagonist, joins the network’s Toonami lineup, bringing Shu Sakuratani’s monster-battling hero to U.S. television; debuts March 14.

Recognizing Humor in Animation Headline News

ASIFA-Hollywood Launches 'The Will Ryan Excellence in Humor Award'

By Dan Sarto | Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 8:40am

New award funded by a $60,000 family gift will support emerging animation talent, recognizing and encouraging innovative animation artists whose work makes audiences laugh.

Mark your Calendars! Headline News

Annecy Festival 2026 Accreditation Now Open

By Dan Sarto | Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 1:34pm

Register before February 26 for early bird rates to ensure you get your spot at the upcoming Annecy International Animation Festival and film market, Mifa; it’s all happening by the lake June 21-27!

People Headline News

Funimation Founder Gen Fukunaga Joins Bizaar Studios as Stakeholder and Strategic Advisor’

By Dan Sarto | Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 12:33pm

The well-known executive joins the adult animation studio’s growing advisory board that includes George R.R. Martin, Jimmy Iovine and Conrad Vernon.

Straw Hats Forever Headline News

Netflix Releases ‘One Piece’ Season 2 Trailer, Sets Global Fan Events

By Dan Sarto | Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 11:11am

Ahead of the hit live-action show’s March 10 return, the streamer has shared a video, images, and detailed a slate of global fan events supporting the second season debut.
 

Pages