Once upon a time, Netflix was in the business of auteur-driven animation, allowing filmmakers like Guillermo del Toro work on his dream project "Pinocchio," giving Henry Selick his first movie in 13 years after Disney killed his previous project, letting Charlie Kaufman deliver an existential kids' animated movie in "Orion and the Dark," and rescuing "Nimona" after Disney pulled the plug. The streamer has partnered with the likes of Glen Keane, Sergio Pablos, Richard Linklater, Chris Williams, Craig McCracken, and Jorge R. Gutiérrez, but a name that won't join this list anytime soon is legendary filmmaker David Lynch.
Speaking with Deadline, Lynch offered an update on his long-gestating animated movie "Snootworld," which he's been teasing since at least 2009. Lynch co-wrote the script for his animated feature debut with Caroline Thompson ("The Nightmare Before Christmas"), with Lynch penning the second of the film's three acts.
"I like this story. It's something that...
Speaking with Deadline, Lynch offered an update on his long-gestating animated movie "Snootworld," which he's been teasing since at least 2009. Lynch co-wrote the script for his animated feature debut with Caroline Thompson ("The Nightmare Before Christmas"), with Lynch penning the second of the film's three acts.
"I like this story. It's something that...
- 4/10/2024
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
Screenwriter Tony Spiridakis wasn’t familiar with the Museum of the Moving Image’s Marvels of Media Festival — which celebrates the work of mediamakers with autism — before penning his star-studded film Ezra, about parenting a child on the spectrum. But he quickly became a supporter after MoM founder and former AMC Networks CEO Josh Sapan reached out.
“[The festival] understands the power of empathy and the undeniable beauty of diversity,” says Spiridakis, who now sits on its advisory board alongside Ezra director Tony Goldwyn. “It shows the unfiltered, authentic expression that comes from the unique perspectives of autistic mediamakers, something Hollywood and all artists can benefit from.”
Marvels of Media, taking place until tomorrow in Queens, joins the ReelAbilities Film Festival, which runs April 3 through 10, and is hosting Ezra’s New York premiere on opening night. Both of the film festivals are dedicated to disabled filmmakers and narratives showcasing characters with a disability.
“[The festival] understands the power of empathy and the undeniable beauty of diversity,” says Spiridakis, who now sits on its advisory board alongside Ezra director Tony Goldwyn. “It shows the unfiltered, authentic expression that comes from the unique perspectives of autistic mediamakers, something Hollywood and all artists can benefit from.”
Marvels of Media, taking place until tomorrow in Queens, joins the ReelAbilities Film Festival, which runs April 3 through 10, and is hosting Ezra’s New York premiere on opening night. Both of the film festivals are dedicated to disabled filmmakers and narratives showcasing characters with a disability.
- 3/29/2024
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Before Netflix started decimating its production teams, and canceling every show, it was once the land of second opportunities. The streaming platform not only produced great shows, but also offered a place where underappreciated and underseen titles could finally find an audience. In the case of TV shows, some even got a chance to finish their stories. "Breaking Bad" became a global hit thanks to people being able to binge on Netflix, and "Arrested Development" was brought back to life almost a decade after being canceled, as were "Lucifer" and "Manifest."
Sadly, the streamer doesn't seem to be in the business of reviving titles anymore, and Netflix originals often get scant promotion and slip under the radar. And yet, the platform does still provide a platform for underappreciated titles to find a larger audience even years after their initial release. Case in point: the sudden resurgence in popularity of "The Book of Life,...
Sadly, the streamer doesn't seem to be in the business of reviving titles anymore, and Netflix originals often get scant promotion and slip under the radar. And yet, the platform does still provide a platform for underappreciated titles to find a larger audience even years after their initial release. Case in point: the sudden resurgence in popularity of "The Book of Life,...
- 12/31/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
The Book of Life director Jorge R. Gutierrez gave a discouraging update about a potential sequel to the 2014 animated movie starring Diego Luna.
The Book of Life explores the story of two childhood friends named Manolo and Joaquin as they try to win the love of Maria. Unbeknownst to them, La Muerte and Xibalba, who are both rules of the underworld, made a wager on the outcome of the love triangle.
The movie garnered mostly positive reviews, with it receiving a critic score of 83% on Rotten Tomatoes. It also managed to earn a worldwide box office haul of $99.7 million on a $50 million budget, leading some to wonder if The Book of Life 2 could eventually happen.
Read full article on The Direct.
The Book of Life explores the story of two childhood friends named Manolo and Joaquin as they try to win the love of Maria. Unbeknownst to them, La Muerte and Xibalba, who are both rules of the underworld, made a wager on the outcome of the love triangle.
The movie garnered mostly positive reviews, with it receiving a critic score of 83% on Rotten Tomatoes. It also managed to earn a worldwide box office haul of $99.7 million on a $50 million budget, leading some to wonder if The Book of Life 2 could eventually happen.
Read full article on The Direct.
- 9/18/2023
- by Aeron Mer Eclarinal
- The Direct
Guillermo del Toro was given a rock star welcome at the Annecy International Animation Festival on Tuesday as he took to the stage to discuss his life long obsession with animation.
The Oscar-winning The Shape Of Water filmmaker and producer is at the French lakeside festival this year as one of the figureheads of special a focus on Mexican animation, alongside The Book Of Life director Jorge R. Gutierrez, producer Sofia Alexander (Onyx Equinox) and Guadalajara Festival head Estrella Araiza
Having recounted his early beginnings in the genre using his father’s Super 8, del Toro said he always thought he would work mainly in animation but instead got caught in live action for close to a decade, on TV show Hora Marcada and the film Cronos and breakthrough classics such as The Devil’s Backbone and Pan’s Labyrinth.
“Life had other plans and I didn’t come back to animation...
The Oscar-winning The Shape Of Water filmmaker and producer is at the French lakeside festival this year as one of the figureheads of special a focus on Mexican animation, alongside The Book Of Life director Jorge R. Gutierrez, producer Sofia Alexander (Onyx Equinox) and Guadalajara Festival head Estrella Araiza
Having recounted his early beginnings in the genre using his father’s Super 8, del Toro said he always thought he would work mainly in animation but instead got caught in live action for close to a decade, on TV show Hora Marcada and the film Cronos and breakthrough classics such as The Devil’s Backbone and Pan’s Labyrinth.
“Life had other plans and I didn’t come back to animation...
- 6/13/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
For his next project for Netflix, Jorge R. Gutiérrez is heading back to the world of Maya and the Three.
The Emmy and Annie-award-winning Mexican animation film director said he is in development on a new limited series that will be set in the same mythological Mesoamerican universe as his 2021 hit Netflix series Maya and the Three and that of his 2014 animated feature The Book of Life.
The project will be Gutiérrez’s third under the overall deal he and his production company Mexopolis signed with Netflix in 2020. Maya and the Three, a feminist spin on Mesoamerican mythology about a female warrior princess who embarks on a journey to fulfill an ancient prophecy and save humanity from vengeful gods, dropped in the summer of 2021 and was a global smash for the streamer. Gutiérrez is also in development for Netflix on his first-ever adult animation series: I, Chihuahua!, which the...
The Emmy and Annie-award-winning Mexican animation film director said he is in development on a new limited series that will be set in the same mythological Mesoamerican universe as his 2021 hit Netflix series Maya and the Three and that of his 2014 animated feature The Book of Life.
The project will be Gutiérrez’s third under the overall deal he and his production company Mexopolis signed with Netflix in 2020. Maya and the Three, a feminist spin on Mesoamerican mythology about a female warrior princess who embarks on a journey to fulfill an ancient prophecy and save humanity from vengeful gods, dropped in the summer of 2021 and was a global smash for the streamer. Gutiérrez is also in development for Netflix on his first-ever adult animation series: I, Chihuahua!, which the...
- 6/13/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This year’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival looks to break records with a wider international reach and greater studio participation than ever before. Already set to overtake last year’s attendance, the French lakeside fest, runs June 11-17 and had run up 13,300 guests by late May — among them a U.S. delegation more than 700 strong.
“[This year marks] the most important U.S. presence ever at Annecy,” says artistic director Marcel Jean. “We’re taking in historical players such as Disney, DreamWorks and Pixar who will still come, as well as global platforms such as Netflix, Paramount, and Warner Bros. Discovery. And [we’re welcoming] a number of big titles.”
Disney, celebrating its 100th anniversary over the course of the year, plans a special screening of “Fantasia 2000” before offering Annecy’s famously boisterous and youthful crowd a first look at the upcoming animated musical “Wish.” Meanwhile, Warner Bros. Discovery will present behind-the- scenes peeks...
“[This year marks] the most important U.S. presence ever at Annecy,” says artistic director Marcel Jean. “We’re taking in historical players such as Disney, DreamWorks and Pixar who will still come, as well as global platforms such as Netflix, Paramount, and Warner Bros. Discovery. And [we’re welcoming] a number of big titles.”
Disney, celebrating its 100th anniversary over the course of the year, plans a special screening of “Fantasia 2000” before offering Annecy’s famously boisterous and youthful crowd a first look at the upcoming animated musical “Wish.” Meanwhile, Warner Bros. Discovery will present behind-the- scenes peeks...
- 6/9/2023
- by Ben Croll
- Variety Film + TV
Ming-Na Wen, who voiced Mulan in Disney’s animated feature of the same name, is set to narrate a new documentary titled “Pencils Vs Pixels.”
Co-directed by Bay Dariz (“Hypochondriac”) and Phil Earnest, “Pencils Vs Pixels” is a celebration of 2D hand-drawn animation.
The documentary, which will have its world premiere at Annecy International Animation Film Festival next week, will explore the Disney-led 2D animation boom of the late 1980s and early 1990s which was soon eclipsed by the dawn of computer animation. But, as the film shows, a resurgence of 2D animation suggests there is still hope for the medium.
The documentary features interviews with the great and good of the animation world including Pete Docter, John Musker (“The Little Mermaid”), Tony Bancroft (“Mulan”), Jorge R. Gutiérrez (“The Book of Life”), Seth MacFarlane (“Family Guy”), Glen Keane (“Beauty and the Beast”), Tina Price (“Hercules”), Lorna Cook (“Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron...
Co-directed by Bay Dariz (“Hypochondriac”) and Phil Earnest, “Pencils Vs Pixels” is a celebration of 2D hand-drawn animation.
The documentary, which will have its world premiere at Annecy International Animation Film Festival next week, will explore the Disney-led 2D animation boom of the late 1980s and early 1990s which was soon eclipsed by the dawn of computer animation. But, as the film shows, a resurgence of 2D animation suggests there is still hope for the medium.
The documentary features interviews with the great and good of the animation world including Pete Docter, John Musker (“The Little Mermaid”), Tony Bancroft (“Mulan”), Jorge R. Gutiérrez (“The Book of Life”), Seth MacFarlane (“Family Guy”), Glen Keane (“Beauty and the Beast”), Tina Price (“Hercules”), Lorna Cook (“Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron...
- 6/9/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
“Ahahayy!! Viva Mexico, cabrones!” With that battle cry, Academy Award-winner Guillermo del Toro announced Mexico as the Country of Honor at this year’s Annecy, France’s preeminent animation film festival.
According to organizer Pixelatl, an association dedicated to the creation and promotion of Mexico’s multimedia content, more than 250 Mexican animators and producers will descend on Annecy with nine programs scheduled.
“The Book of Life” director Jorge R. Gutiérrez, whose Netflix series “Maya and the Three” won four Emmys and an Annie, created the poster and title cards of the festival and will also be hosting a Master Class and screening of “The Book of Life.”
Del Toro’s best animated feature Oscar for his “Pinocchio” this year could not be more fortuitous and timelier for the festival, Gutiérrez observes. Aside from a special screening of “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio,” the maestro will also be presiding over a master class.
According to organizer Pixelatl, an association dedicated to the creation and promotion of Mexico’s multimedia content, more than 250 Mexican animators and producers will descend on Annecy with nine programs scheduled.
“The Book of Life” director Jorge R. Gutiérrez, whose Netflix series “Maya and the Three” won four Emmys and an Annie, created the poster and title cards of the festival and will also be hosting a Master Class and screening of “The Book of Life.”
Del Toro’s best animated feature Oscar for his “Pinocchio” this year could not be more fortuitous and timelier for the festival, Gutiérrez observes. Aside from a special screening of “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio,” the maestro will also be presiding over a master class.
- 6/9/2023
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
Cinematographer Mandy Walker has made history as the first female recipient of the Australian Cinematographers Society (Acs) Milli Award.
Prior to receiving the ceremony’s highest award, Walker became the first woman in 102 years to win the prestigious American Society of Cinematographers’ Best Feature Film Award, and was nominated for both a BAFTA and Academy Award for her work on “Elvis.”
“I’m incredibly proud and honored to be the first woman to win this award,” said Walker. “Here’s to all the other glass ceiling breakers who will come after this.”
Randall Park’s Directorial Debut ‘Shortcomings’ Coming to Theaters This Summer
Sony Pictures Classics announced Randall Park’s directorial debut “Shortcomings” is set to premiere in theaters on August 4.
Ahead of its theatrical release, “Shortcomings” made its world premiere at the 2023 Sundance film festival in January and will make its New York premiere at the Tribeca film festival in June.
Prior to receiving the ceremony’s highest award, Walker became the first woman in 102 years to win the prestigious American Society of Cinematographers’ Best Feature Film Award, and was nominated for both a BAFTA and Academy Award for her work on “Elvis.”
“I’m incredibly proud and honored to be the first woman to win this award,” said Walker. “Here’s to all the other glass ceiling breakers who will come after this.”
Randall Park’s Directorial Debut ‘Shortcomings’ Coming to Theaters This Summer
Sony Pictures Classics announced Randall Park’s directorial debut “Shortcomings” is set to premiere in theaters on August 4.
Ahead of its theatrical release, “Shortcomings” made its world premiere at the 2023 Sundance film festival in January and will make its New York premiere at the Tribeca film festival in June.
- 5/6/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay, McKinley Franklin, Charna Flam and Sophia Scorziello
- Variety Film + TV
For years, Awesome Art We’ve Found Around The Net has been about two things only – awesome art and the artists that create it. With that in mind, we thought why not take the first week of the month to showcase these awesome artists even more? Welcome to “Awesome Artist We’ve Found Around The Net.” In this column, we are focusing on one artist and the awesome art that they create, whether they be amateur, up and coming, or well established. The goal is to uncover these artists so even more people become familiar with them. We ask these artists a few questions to see their origins, influences, and more. If you are an awesome artist or know someone that should be featured, feel free to contact me at any time at theodorebond@joblo.com.This month we are very pleased to bring you the awesome art of…
Chogrin...
Chogrin...
- 5/6/2023
- by Theodore Bond
- JoBlo.com
Celebrating six decades as the animation industry’s premier international showcase and cementing a growing position as Hollywood’s preferred French getaway, the Annecy Intl. Animation Festival revealed its 2023 program in Paris on Thursday, unveiling a formidable selection of world premieres and industry debuts.
If only for the breadth of this year’s official selection, Annecy looks set to for its most fulsome and abundant edition.
Among the 11 titles competing for this year’s Cristal – Annecy’s top prize – Jérémie Périn’s sci-fi drama “Mars Express” and Jim Capobianco & Pierre-Luc Granjon stop-motion Leonardo da Vinci epic “The Inventor” will make their world premieres. Other eagerly anticipated titles include “Chicken for Linda!” from Chiara Malta and Sébastien Laudenbach, “Four Souls of Coyote” from by Áron Gauder, and “The Inseparables” by Jérémie Degruson.
Titles like Liu Jian’s “Art College 1994” and Sepideh Farsi’s “The Siren” will arrive in the idyllic French...
If only for the breadth of this year’s official selection, Annecy looks set to for its most fulsome and abundant edition.
Among the 11 titles competing for this year’s Cristal – Annecy’s top prize – Jérémie Périn’s sci-fi drama “Mars Express” and Jim Capobianco & Pierre-Luc Granjon stop-motion Leonardo da Vinci epic “The Inventor” will make their world premieres. Other eagerly anticipated titles include “Chicken for Linda!” from Chiara Malta and Sébastien Laudenbach, “Four Souls of Coyote” from by Áron Gauder, and “The Inseparables” by Jérémie Degruson.
Titles like Liu Jian’s “Art College 1994” and Sepideh Farsi’s “The Siren” will arrive in the idyllic French...
- 4/27/2023
- by Ben Croll and John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Following the streaming services’ first best animated feature Oscar win for Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, Netflix is heading to the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June to preview a string of upcoming projects and to host an advance screening of summer release Nimona, based on Nd Stevenson’s graphic novel.
Nimona directors Nick Bruno and Troy Quane, Stevenson, producers Karen Ryan and Julie Zackary, and production designer Aidan Sugano will be on hand at the festival. Along with the screening, a making-of session is on the agenda.
Another panel will examine Aardman’s eagerly awaited Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, the sequel to its 2000 stop-motion animated feature Chicken Run, which remains the highest-growled stop motion animated feature of all time. Speaking at Annecy will be director Sam Fell, producer Leyla Hobart, and exec producer and Aardman founder Peter Lord.
The creative team behind Blue Eye Samurai — creators...
Nimona directors Nick Bruno and Troy Quane, Stevenson, producers Karen Ryan and Julie Zackary, and production designer Aidan Sugano will be on hand at the festival. Along with the screening, a making-of session is on the agenda.
Another panel will examine Aardman’s eagerly awaited Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, the sequel to its 2000 stop-motion animated feature Chicken Run, which remains the highest-growled stop motion animated feature of all time. Speaking at Annecy will be director Sam Fell, producer Leyla Hobart, and exec producer and Aardman founder Peter Lord.
The creative team behind Blue Eye Samurai — creators...
- 4/24/2023
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This year Netflix is returning to the Annecy International Animation Film Festival as newly crowned kings, having just secured the Oscar for Best Animated Feature for Guillermo del Toro’s “Pinocchio.” Not that they have any intention of slowing down, as this year they are bringing a slate of potential commercial and artistic triumphs to the rolling hills of the French countryside – from Annapurna’s “Nimona” to Aardman’s highly anticipated “Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget” and much, much more.
On Wednesday, June 14, Annecy will present an exclusive screening of their absolutely fabulous new feature film “Nimona” at the Theater Bonlieu at 6 p.m. which will include appearances from directors Nick Bruno and Troy Quane, creator Nd Stevenson (whose graphic novel is the basis for the film), producers Karen Ryan and Julie Zackary and production designer Aidan Sugano. The team will reconvene for a “Making Of” session on Thursday,...
On Wednesday, June 14, Annecy will present an exclusive screening of their absolutely fabulous new feature film “Nimona” at the Theater Bonlieu at 6 p.m. which will include appearances from directors Nick Bruno and Troy Quane, creator Nd Stevenson (whose graphic novel is the basis for the film), producers Karen Ryan and Julie Zackary and production designer Aidan Sugano. The team will reconvene for a “Making Of” session on Thursday,...
- 4/24/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Marlee Matlin, Ramy Youssef, Lauren Ridloff, Ryan O’Connell and Ali Stroker are among the Hollywood names supporting the Inevitable Foundation’s open letter calling on the industry to shift away from relying on disability consultants and instead hire creatives with disabilities on film and TV projects.
A total of 35 deaf, disabled and allied writers, actors, showrunners and producers signed their names to the letter written and published by the Inevitable Foundation’s co-founders Marisa Torelli-Pedevska and Richie Siegel as part of their new Hire Disabled Writers, Not Just A Disability Consultant initiative.
Paul Feig, Jason Katims, Sian Heder, Liz Tigelaar, Krista Vernoff, Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, Josh Feldman, Shoshannah Stern and Timothy Omundson also backed the open letter, pledging to, in their own creative capacities, put more disabled creatives in positions of power and move away from the consultant model. It’s a system frequently used “instead of — not...
A total of 35 deaf, disabled and allied writers, actors, showrunners and producers signed their names to the letter written and published by the Inevitable Foundation’s co-founders Marisa Torelli-Pedevska and Richie Siegel as part of their new Hire Disabled Writers, Not Just A Disability Consultant initiative.
Paul Feig, Jason Katims, Sian Heder, Liz Tigelaar, Krista Vernoff, Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, Josh Feldman, Shoshannah Stern and Timothy Omundson also backed the open letter, pledging to, in their own creative capacities, put more disabled creatives in positions of power and move away from the consultant model. It’s a system frequently used “instead of — not...
- 3/23/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Museum of the Moving Image on Friday unveiled the winners of its second annual Marvels of Media Awards, which recognizes the achievements of content creators on the autism spectrum.
Winners include Jorge R. Gutiérrez for the Netflix limited series Maya and the Three; filmmaker Devon Leaver for her experimental film Galoot; Chloe Hayden for her performances in the Netflix series Heartbreak High and her viral social media video “A Day in the Life of a Netflix Actor;” and Steven Fraser for his animated short Coming Out Autistic.
The winners were selected by a panel of judges including Cheryl Henson, president of the Jim Henson Foundation; author Louis Chesney; Carl Goodman, president and CEO of The Florida Holocaust Museum; actor Sue Ann Pien; and MoMI director of education Leonardo Santana-Zubieta.
The winners will be honored at an awards ceremony and reception at the museum on March 30, which will kick off the...
Winners include Jorge R. Gutiérrez for the Netflix limited series Maya and the Three; filmmaker Devon Leaver for her experimental film Galoot; Chloe Hayden for her performances in the Netflix series Heartbreak High and her viral social media video “A Day in the Life of a Netflix Actor;” and Steven Fraser for his animated short Coming Out Autistic.
The winners were selected by a panel of judges including Cheryl Henson, president of the Jim Henson Foundation; author Louis Chesney; Carl Goodman, president and CEO of The Florida Holocaust Museum; actor Sue Ann Pien; and MoMI director of education Leonardo Santana-Zubieta.
The winners will be honored at an awards ceremony and reception at the museum on March 30, which will kick off the...
- 3/17/2023
- by Kimberly Nordyke
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Los Angeles, Feb. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (Netflix Presents A Double Dare You! Film/A Shadowmachine Production in association with The Jim Henson Company) won the Best Feature honor at the 50th Annie Awards celebration Saturday night on the campus of UCLA. Pinocchio also won for Best Character Animation, Feature (Tucker Barrie), Best Direction, Feature (Guillermo del Toro, Mark Gustafson), Best Music, Feature (Alexandre Desplat, Roeban Katz, Guillermo del Toro, Patrick McHale) and Best Production Design, Feature (Curt Enderle, Guy Davis).
Best Independent Feature was presented to Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (Marcel the Movie LLC) which also won for Best Voice Acting, Feature (Jenny Slate as the voice of Marcel) and Best Writing, Feature (Dean Fleischer Camp, Jenny Slate, Nick Paley, Elisabeth Holm).
Best Special Production was presented to The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse (A NoneMore and Bad Robot Production for Apple TV...
Best Independent Feature was presented to Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (Marcel the Movie LLC) which also won for Best Voice Acting, Feature (Jenny Slate as the voice of Marcel) and Best Writing, Feature (Dean Fleischer Camp, Jenny Slate, Nick Paley, Elisabeth Holm).
Best Special Production was presented to The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse (A NoneMore and Bad Robot Production for Apple TV...
- 2/26/2023
- by Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
Later this week Gorillaz, the cartoon pop band created by Blur stalwart Damon Albarn and “Tank Girl” cartoonist Jamie Hewlett, will release their eighth studio album, “Cracker Island.” The album is already receiving rave reviews (Rolling Stones called it the band’s “most purely pleasurable LP yet”) but, sadly, another Gorillaz project is no more.
Albarn, talking to Belgian publication Humo (via Stereogum), said the Gorillaz movie that was being worked on with Netflix is no longer happening: “The new record came about because Jamie and I were often in Los Angeles. We were working on a Gorillaz feature film, which will never happen.”
When the publication asked if the movie was “permanently suspended,” Albarn confirmed that, yes, it was dead. “That is to say, and without naming names because the whole matter has not yet been settled: the streaming platform for which we were making the film has withdrawn.
Albarn, talking to Belgian publication Humo (via Stereogum), said the Gorillaz movie that was being worked on with Netflix is no longer happening: “The new record came about because Jamie and I were often in Los Angeles. We were working on a Gorillaz feature film, which will never happen.”
When the publication asked if the movie was “permanently suspended,” Albarn confirmed that, yes, it was dead. “That is to say, and without naming names because the whole matter has not yet been settled: the streaming platform for which we were making the film has withdrawn.
- 2/21/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
The inaugural Children’s & Family Emmys got underway at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles for a two-night gala to award the best in kid-friendly programming. JoJo Siwa hosted the Creative Arts ceremony on Night 1 and Jack McBrayer took over hosting duties on Night 2 with the rest of the categories.
On Night 1, it was Maya and the Three, Sneakerella and The Quest that took the most accolades with three trophies each.
Some of the first night’s highlights included a special performance by Xomg Pop!, the all-girl group created by Jess and Siwa. There was also an appearance from Martin P. Robinson, the legendary puppeteer who has been with Sesame Street since 1980, providing voices and puppeteering for Mr. Snuffleupagus, Telly Monster, Slimey the Worm, Martians and more. He also built, designed and performed the Audrey II puppets for Little Shop of Horrors.
Night 2 of the...
On Night 1, it was Maya and the Three, Sneakerella and The Quest that took the most accolades with three trophies each.
Some of the first night’s highlights included a special performance by Xomg Pop!, the all-girl group created by Jess and Siwa. There was also an appearance from Martin P. Robinson, the legendary puppeteer who has been with Sesame Street since 1980, providing voices and puppeteering for Mr. Snuffleupagus, Telly Monster, Slimey the Worm, Martians and more. He also built, designed and performed the Audrey II puppets for Little Shop of Horrors.
Night 2 of the...
- 12/12/2022
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
The year was 2007. Lin-Manuel Miranda had yet to conquer Broadway with "Hamilton," much less position himself as the heir apparent to Alan Menken at Disney. Meanwhile, DreamWorks Animation was still making "Shrek" sequels and had somehow convinced itself "The Bee Movie" was a good idea (more on that later). Enter Jorge Gutiérrez, who had only just made his name with the flash-animated Nickelodeon series "El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera," which he co-created with his fellow animator and wife, Sandra Equihua.
As fate would have it, Miranda and Gutiérrez came very close to teaming up on the latter's 2014 animated feature directing debut, "The Book of Life." For those not familiar, the film is a Mexican folktale that takes place against the backdrop of the Day of the Dead and centers on a love triangle formed by three childhood friends: musician and would-be bullfighter Manolo (Diego Luna), local military hero...
As fate would have it, Miranda and Gutiérrez came very close to teaming up on the latter's 2014 animated feature directing debut, "The Book of Life." For those not familiar, the film is a Mexican folktale that takes place against the backdrop of the Day of the Dead and centers on a love triangle formed by three childhood friends: musician and would-be bullfighter Manolo (Diego Luna), local military hero...
- 12/9/2022
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Guillermo del Toro is having quite the month, earning rave reviews for “Pinocchio” while “Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities” streams on Netflix.
The anthology series has prompted plenty of debate among horror fans, but has also received heaps of praise for the creative freedom it gave to both established and up-and-coming directors. In a forthcoming interview with IndieWire’s Eric Kohn, del Toro spoke about the importance of mentoring new horror filmmakers, and how the Netflix anthology series gives him the perfect platform to do it.
“All of my career even at the earlier stages has been about supporting the community,” del Toro said. “The more you have agency the more you can support it. So I could support Jorge Gutierrez with ‘Book of Life’ or Andy Muscetti with ‘Mammal’ or Juan Antonio Bayona with ‘Orphanage.’ But with an anthology you can support eight filmmakers in one fell swoop.
The anthology series has prompted plenty of debate among horror fans, but has also received heaps of praise for the creative freedom it gave to both established and up-and-coming directors. In a forthcoming interview with IndieWire’s Eric Kohn, del Toro spoke about the importance of mentoring new horror filmmakers, and how the Netflix anthology series gives him the perfect platform to do it.
“All of my career even at the earlier stages has been about supporting the community,” del Toro said. “The more you have agency the more you can support it. So I could support Jorge Gutierrez with ‘Book of Life’ or Andy Muscetti with ‘Mammal’ or Juan Antonio Bayona with ‘Orphanage.’ But with an anthology you can support eight filmmakers in one fell swoop.
- 11/12/2022
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
The BAFTA has revealed nominations for its Children and Young People Awards, which are returning for the first time in three years.
The BBC’s “Dodger” and “The Snail and the Whale” lead with three nominations each, followed by two nominations for “The Amazing World of Gumball,” “Jamie Johnson,” “JoJo & Gran Gran” and “Silverpoint.”
The ceremony will take place in London on Nov. 27, where 14 categories will be awarded in recognition of craft, performance, and games. All awards are voted on by BAFTA’s membership of children’s industry professionals. The ceremony will be hosted by TV and radio presenter Lindsey Russell.
Faraz Osman, chair of the BAFTA Children and Young People Committee, said: “It is a real joy to bring together the industry and celebrate the creativity and craft behind its recent output, especially after the pandemic, where children’s programming played a monumental role in family support. Through the...
The BBC’s “Dodger” and “The Snail and the Whale” lead with three nominations each, followed by two nominations for “The Amazing World of Gumball,” “Jamie Johnson,” “JoJo & Gran Gran” and “Silverpoint.”
The ceremony will take place in London on Nov. 27, where 14 categories will be awarded in recognition of craft, performance, and games. All awards are voted on by BAFTA’s membership of children’s industry professionals. The ceremony will be hosted by TV and radio presenter Lindsey Russell.
Faraz Osman, chair of the BAFTA Children and Young People Committee, said: “It is a real joy to bring together the industry and celebrate the creativity and craft behind its recent output, especially after the pandemic, where children’s programming played a monumental role in family support. Through the...
- 10/25/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The Imagen Awards unveiled the winners of their 37th annual gala honoring Latinos in television and film. Some of the honorees that received the accolade included the animated film Encanto for Best Feature Film, Love, Victor as Best Comedy Primetime Program and Selena: The Series for Best Drama Primetime Program.
Luis Valdez, a writer, director and playwright, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The influential filmmaker was behind La Bamba which celebrated its 35th anniversary since its release.
Imagen Awards 2022 Photos: ‘Love, Victor’ Star Michael Cimino, Ana De La Reguera, Alfonso Herrera, Judy Reyes & More On Red Carpet
Television producer and Imagen Awards co-founder Norman Lear, who turned 100 years old this year, was honored with sincere and emotional messages from select audience members. Lear captivated the audience with a heartfelt recorded message over the video monitors.
Winners of the Imagen Awards were determined by an independent panel of...
Luis Valdez, a writer, director and playwright, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The influential filmmaker was behind La Bamba which celebrated its 35th anniversary since its release.
Imagen Awards 2022 Photos: ‘Love, Victor’ Star Michael Cimino, Ana De La Reguera, Alfonso Herrera, Judy Reyes & More On Red Carpet
Television producer and Imagen Awards co-founder Norman Lear, who turned 100 years old this year, was honored with sincere and emotional messages from select audience members. Lear captivated the audience with a heartfelt recorded message over the video monitors.
Winners of the Imagen Awards were determined by an independent panel of...
- 10/3/2022
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Ralph Eggleston, an Academy Award-winning animator, art director and production designer at Pixar Animation Studios, died on Monday after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 56 years old.
Eggleston won the animated short film Oscar for writing and directing the 2001 Pixar film “For the Birds.”
Pixar tweeted a tribute to him, saying, “Pixar and the world will be forever grateful.”
In memory of Ralph Eggleston—animator, director, art director, storyboard artist, writer, production designer, and our dear friend. Pixar and the world will be forever grateful. ❤ pic.twitter.com/YzZACENcZw
— Pixar (@Pixar) August 29, 2022
The animator also served as art director on the original “Toy Story,” and his work as an artist has been seen on numerous Pixar films including “Monsters, Inc.,” “Finding Nemo,” “Wall-e,” “Cars,” “The Incredibles” and “Inside Out.” His final credited work was in 2020’s “Soul,” where he served as a development artist within the art department.
Eggleston won the animated short film Oscar for writing and directing the 2001 Pixar film “For the Birds.”
Pixar tweeted a tribute to him, saying, “Pixar and the world will be forever grateful.”
In memory of Ralph Eggleston—animator, director, art director, storyboard artist, writer, production designer, and our dear friend. Pixar and the world will be forever grateful. ❤ pic.twitter.com/YzZACENcZw
— Pixar (@Pixar) August 29, 2022
The animator also served as art director on the original “Toy Story,” and his work as an artist has been seen on numerous Pixar films including “Monsters, Inc.,” “Finding Nemo,” “Wall-e,” “Cars,” “The Incredibles” and “Inside Out.” His final credited work was in 2020’s “Soul,” where he served as a development artist within the art department.
- 8/29/2022
- by Carson Burton
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
West Side Story, Encanto and In the Heights are among the nominations for the 37th annual Imagen Awards, which recognize work by Latino talent, new faces and seasoned creatives.
“After two years of streaming celebrations, we are ecstatic to be back in person and to honor those who made significant contributions to the television, film and streaming spaces,” What We Do in the Shadows star Harvey Guillén, who presented the nominees, said. “With the caliber of talent and the diversity of the roles and projects, our expectations were wildly exceeded with 445 entries, up 125 from 2021! We are beyond proud of this year’s nominees and all those who submitted. Given the excellence of the entries, the judges had a difficult time selecting those to be nominated.”
Nominees are determined by an independent panel of entertainment industry and Latino community leaders.
The 37th annual Imagen...
West Side Story, Encanto and In the Heights are among the nominations for the 37th annual Imagen Awards, which recognize work by Latino talent, new faces and seasoned creatives.
“After two years of streaming celebrations, we are ecstatic to be back in person and to honor those who made significant contributions to the television, film and streaming spaces,” What We Do in the Shadows star Harvey Guillén, who presented the nominees, said. “With the caliber of talent and the diversity of the roles and projects, our expectations were wildly exceeded with 445 entries, up 125 from 2021! We are beyond proud of this year’s nominees and all those who submitted. Given the excellence of the entries, the judges had a difficult time selecting those to be nominated.”
Nominees are determined by an independent panel of entertainment industry and Latino community leaders.
The 37th annual Imagen...
- 8/16/2022
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Imagen Awards on Monday unveiled the full list of nominees for its 37th annual gala honoring Latino storytelling, performances, writing and creative expression in television and film. This year’s awards show is set for October 2 in Los Angeles at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes.
Walt Disney Studios’ West Side Story was among the most nominated alongside Disney’s animated movie Encanto. Eugenio Derbez scored several nods including Best Actor in a Feature Film for Apple TV+’s Coda and Best Actor in a Comedy (Television) for Hulu’s The Valet.
Derbez’s 3Pas Studios is also behind Apple TV+’s comedy Acapulco, which also received several mentions in the noms, which were revealed today by What We Do in the Shadows star Harvey Guillén and actress-writer-producer Karrie Martin Lachney.
“After two years of streaming celebrations, we are ecstatic to be back in person and to honor those...
Walt Disney Studios’ West Side Story was among the most nominated alongside Disney’s animated movie Encanto. Eugenio Derbez scored several nods including Best Actor in a Feature Film for Apple TV+’s Coda and Best Actor in a Comedy (Television) for Hulu’s The Valet.
Derbez’s 3Pas Studios is also behind Apple TV+’s comedy Acapulco, which also received several mentions in the noms, which were revealed today by What We Do in the Shadows star Harvey Guillén and actress-writer-producer Karrie Martin Lachney.
“After two years of streaming celebrations, we are ecstatic to be back in person and to honor those...
- 8/15/2022
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
“La Reina del Sur” (“Queen of the South”) is a groundbreaking Spanish-language telenovela series that depicts a naive and innocent young woman from Mexico who becomes the most powerful drug trafficker in southern Spain.
In season two, the “La Reina del Sur” series won an Emmy for Best Non-English Language U.S. Primetime Program. Ronald Day, EVP, Entertainment, Telemundo Networks, which co-produced the series, states: “It is the show that propelled the network to the top of the charts and kicked off Telemundo’s Super Series franchise as the most successful Super Series in the network’s history. It was the show that redefined Hispanic media and set a new standard in our content offering.”
Where Can You Watch “La Reina del Sur?”
Premiering on February 28, 2011, the first “La Reina del Sur” was produced by the American television network Telemundo (a division of NBCUniversal) in conjunction with the Antena 3 network and Rti Producciones.
In season two, the “La Reina del Sur” series won an Emmy for Best Non-English Language U.S. Primetime Program. Ronald Day, EVP, Entertainment, Telemundo Networks, which co-produced the series, states: “It is the show that propelled the network to the top of the charts and kicked off Telemundo’s Super Series franchise as the most successful Super Series in the network’s history. It was the show that redefined Hispanic media and set a new standard in our content offering.”
Where Can You Watch “La Reina del Sur?”
Premiering on February 28, 2011, the first “La Reina del Sur” was produced by the American television network Telemundo (a division of NBCUniversal) in conjunction with the Antena 3 network and Rti Producciones.
- 6/13/2022
- by Buddy TV
- buddytv.com
Exclusive: Nitya Mehra (Baar Baar Dekho) and Kunal Nayyar (The Big Bang Theory) are teaming with Reel FX Originals on Diya—a new animated feature in the vein of its 2014 20th Century Fox title, The Book of Life. Mehra will direct the new film, with Nayyar serving as executive producer.
Directed by Jorge R. Gutiérrez and produced by Guillermo del Toro, The Book of Life was a tale based in Mexican mythology which followed Manolo (Diego Luna), a bullfighter embarking on a fantastical adventure on the Day of the Dead. Diya will also be a mythology-based fantasy adventure, honing in on the folklore of India.
Shiwani Srivastava (Netflix’s Wedding Season) and Dr. Amy Bhatt wrote the script. Producers are Steve O’Brien and Jared Mass of Reel FX Originals. Nayyar is exec producing through his company, Good Karma Productions, alongside his head of production, Jason Hiro Kim (Gook), with Lucas...
Directed by Jorge R. Gutiérrez and produced by Guillermo del Toro, The Book of Life was a tale based in Mexican mythology which followed Manolo (Diego Luna), a bullfighter embarking on a fantastical adventure on the Day of the Dead. Diya will also be a mythology-based fantasy adventure, honing in on the folklore of India.
Shiwani Srivastava (Netflix’s Wedding Season) and Dr. Amy Bhatt wrote the script. Producers are Steve O’Brien and Jared Mass of Reel FX Originals. Nayyar is exec producing through his company, Good Karma Productions, alongside his head of production, Jason Hiro Kim (Gook), with Lucas...
- 6/6/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Kate Del Castillo, the Mexican actress who stars in Telemundo’s hit drama La Reina del Sur, has signed with Buchwald.
One of the highest rated Spanish-language series in the world, La Reina del Sur adapts the bestseller by Spanish novelist Arturo Perez-Reverte. In the crime drama, which recently wrapped filming for Season 3, Del Castillo plays Teresa Mendonza, a woman from Mexico who becomes the most powerful drug trafficker in southern Spain.
Castillo recently completed a two-series deal with Telemundo. Her production company, Cholawood, has a first-look development deal with Boomdog, the Mexico City-based division of Endemol Shine North America.
The actress starred opposite Will Smith as the villain in Sony’s Bad Boys for Life, also recently featuring on NBC’s sitcom Mr. Mayor, from creators Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, and the Netflix animated series Maya and the Three, created by Jorge R. Gutiérrez. She gained notoriety...
One of the highest rated Spanish-language series in the world, La Reina del Sur adapts the bestseller by Spanish novelist Arturo Perez-Reverte. In the crime drama, which recently wrapped filming for Season 3, Del Castillo plays Teresa Mendonza, a woman from Mexico who becomes the most powerful drug trafficker in southern Spain.
Castillo recently completed a two-series deal with Telemundo. Her production company, Cholawood, has a first-look development deal with Boomdog, the Mexico City-based division of Endemol Shine North America.
The actress starred opposite Will Smith as the villain in Sony’s Bad Boys for Life, also recently featuring on NBC’s sitcom Mr. Mayor, from creators Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, and the Netflix animated series Maya and the Three, created by Jorge R. Gutiérrez. She gained notoriety...
- 3/21/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
In Variety‘s Up Next, we asked four Oscar winners to pick the one person who represents the future of Hollywood.
Our cover subject Guillermo del Toro is one of the most prolific directors working today, but he’s acutely aware that it carries an important responsibility to other upcoming filmmakers. He executes that duty by producing movies that have him working with other artists, including animator Jorge R. Gutiérrez (“Maya and the Three”) on his debut feature film, “The Book of Life.” He’s felt that obligation before and after winning his Oscar for best director for “The Shape of Water” (2017), which also won best picture.
Looking ahead, he’s excited by Tatiana Huezo, who will be representing Mexico for the international feature Oscar for her film “Prayers for the Stolen,” her debut narrative feature. “She has high-level cinematics and solutions for moments that blew me away,” he says about her movie.
Our cover subject Guillermo del Toro is one of the most prolific directors working today, but he’s acutely aware that it carries an important responsibility to other upcoming filmmakers. He executes that duty by producing movies that have him working with other artists, including animator Jorge R. Gutiérrez (“Maya and the Three”) on his debut feature film, “The Book of Life.” He’s felt that obligation before and after winning his Oscar for best director for “The Shape of Water” (2017), which also won best picture.
Looking ahead, he’s excited by Tatiana Huezo, who will be representing Mexico for the international feature Oscar for her film “Prayers for the Stolen,” her debut narrative feature. “She has high-level cinematics and solutions for moments that blew me away,” he says about her movie.
- 12/17/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
"Maya and the Three" is Tangent Animation's upcoming Mexican-produced, animated fantasy TV miniseries created by Jorge R. Gutiérrez, blending 'Aztec', 'Maya' and 'Inca' mythology, starring Zoe Saldaña, Rita Moreno, Alfred Molina and Cheech Marin, streaming October 22, 2021 on Netflix:
"...'Maya', a teenage 'MesoAmerican' warrior princess is celebrating her birthday when underworld gods appear, announcing she must pay for her family's past misdeeds.
"..."If she refuses to go along, the world will be ravaged by the gods...
"...so she embarks on a quest to recruit three legendary fighters who can help her save humanity itself from destruction".
Voice cast also includes Gabriel Iglesias as 'Picchu', Diego Luna as 'Zatz Prince of Bats', Gael García Bernal as the 'Jaguar Brothers', Allen Maldonado as 'Rico', Stephanie Beatriz as 'Chimi', Danny Trejo as 'God of Earthquakes', Rosie Perez as the 'Goddess of Gators' and Queen Latifah as 'Gran Bruja'.
Click the images to enlarge.
"...'Maya', a teenage 'MesoAmerican' warrior princess is celebrating her birthday when underworld gods appear, announcing she must pay for her family's past misdeeds.
"..."If she refuses to go along, the world will be ravaged by the gods...
"...so she embarks on a quest to recruit three legendary fighters who can help her save humanity itself from destruction".
Voice cast also includes Gabriel Iglesias as 'Picchu', Diego Luna as 'Zatz Prince of Bats', Gael García Bernal as the 'Jaguar Brothers', Allen Maldonado as 'Rico', Stephanie Beatriz as 'Chimi', Danny Trejo as 'God of Earthquakes', Rosie Perez as the 'Goddess of Gators' and Queen Latifah as 'Gran Bruja'.
Click the images to enlarge.
- 9/30/2021
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
"We're the warriors from the great prophecy!" Netflix has launched the full-length official trailer for the new animation series titled Maya and the Three, the latest creation from acclaimed Mexican filmmaker Jorge R. Gutiérrez (of The Book of Life), who is also well known on Twitter as @mexopolis. We featured the first teaser a few weeks ago, and even though this is a series it's worth a watch anyway. "An Animated Event Told in 9 Chapters." In a mythical world, where magic is real and four kingdoms rule, there lives a brave and rebellious warrior princess named Maya. Maya embarks on a thrilling quest to fulfill an ancient prophecy but can she defeat the gods and save humankind? The series' full voice cast features Zoe Saldaña, Gabriel Iglesias, Allen Maldonado, Stephanie Beatriz, Diego Luna, Gael García Bernal, Alfred Molina, Kate del Castillo, Danny Trejo, Cheech Marin, Rosie Perez, Queen Latifah, Sandra Equihua,...
- 9/30/2021
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
The films of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli have long inspired fans to create works of art, but rarely is Miyazaki fan art gathered into such a stunning single collection as it is in the new book “My Neighbor Hayao” (now available to purchase via Abrams Books). Compiled by Spoke Art Gallery, “My Neighbor Hayao” features over 250 artists across 272 pages of artwork inspired by “Spirited Away,” “Princess Mononoke,” “Howl’s Moving Castle,” “Ponyo,” and more.
The official “My Neighbor Hayao” synopsis adds: “Showcasing a diverse array of original painting, embroidery, sculpture, and limited edition prints that were first exhibited at Spoke during three highly popular group exhibitions attracting more than 10,000 attendees, this beautiful book grants fans of Miyazaki another creative avenue to explore his inspired worlds through interpretations of characters and themes found in his iconic films.”
The publication of “My Neighbor Hayao” comes at an exciting time for Miyazaki fans.
The official “My Neighbor Hayao” synopsis adds: “Showcasing a diverse array of original painting, embroidery, sculpture, and limited edition prints that were first exhibited at Spoke during three highly popular group exhibitions attracting more than 10,000 attendees, this beautiful book grants fans of Miyazaki another creative avenue to explore his inspired worlds through interpretations of characters and themes found in his iconic films.”
The publication of “My Neighbor Hayao” comes at an exciting time for Miyazaki fans.
- 10/6/2020
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Animation directors Jorge R. Gutierrez (“The Book of Life”) and Kris Pearn (“The Willoughbys”) will discuss their craft in the View Conference’s second free PreVIEW online event Saturday, July 11, at 10 a.m. Pt.
Gutierrez, who is currently working on the Netflix animated series “Maya and the Three,” and Pearn, whose hit animated feature “The Willoughbys” premiered on Netflix earlier this year, will talk about the way each of them approaches developing and directing an animated film.
Gutierrez won a character design Annie Award for 2014’s “Book of Life,” which was also nominated for a Golden Globe. He’s won Annie and Emmy awards for the Nickelodeon series “El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera,” which he created with his wife, Sandra Equihua. In addition to “Maya and the Three,” Gutierrez is developing a number of other projects for Netflix Animation.
In addition to writing and directing “The Willoughbys,” Pearn...
Gutierrez, who is currently working on the Netflix animated series “Maya and the Three,” and Pearn, whose hit animated feature “The Willoughbys” premiered on Netflix earlier this year, will talk about the way each of them approaches developing and directing an animated film.
Gutierrez won a character design Annie Award for 2014’s “Book of Life,” which was also nominated for a Golden Globe. He’s won Annie and Emmy awards for the Nickelodeon series “El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera,” which he created with his wife, Sandra Equihua. In addition to “Maya and the Three,” Gutierrez is developing a number of other projects for Netflix Animation.
In addition to writing and directing “The Willoughbys,” Pearn...
- 7/7/2020
- by Terry Flores
- Variety Film + TV
It’s no surprise that director/animator Genndy Tartakovsky has become the cinematic leader of 2D TV animation. Going against the grain of the great dialogue-driven, comedic animation that dominates TV, Tartakovsky has instead offered bold visual storytelling that borrows heavily from movies and comics. Indeed, with both his Emmy-winning “Samurai Jack” and current Adult Swim series, “Primal,” the Russian émigré has achieved a masterful minimalism that is rare for TV. He has not only displayed stunningly graphic action, but also expressive silence. “As my career has been progressing, I feel that my timing has become slower and slower because I want to get to that level where you’re really looking at something,” Tartakovsky said. “Genndy has always been one of my animation heroes,” said director Jorge Gutierrez, who is currently developing the fantasy/adventure series, “Maya and the Three,” for Netflix. “He’s also an incredible role model...
- 7/2/2020
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Netflix has appointed Bruce Daitch as vice president of animation, Variety has learned. Daitch is an industry veteran, having previously served as both chief operating officer and chief financial officer of Dreamworks Animation, the maker of “Shrek” and “Kung Fu Panda.”
In his new role, Daitch will oversee production strategy and operations for Netflix’s global animation efforts. His appointment comes as Netflix has bet heavily on the kids and family space, partnering with top talent such as Jorge R. Gutiérrez (“Book of Life”), Glen Keane (“The Little Mermaid”), and Nora Twomey (“The Secret of Kells”) on upcoming films and series. That push comes as Disney has entered the streaming fray, offering up its own family-friendly streaming service with Disney Plus.
Daitch will report to Vice President of Physical Production Ty Warren and will work closely with the content and production teams in original animation and original series animation to...
In his new role, Daitch will oversee production strategy and operations for Netflix’s global animation efforts. His appointment comes as Netflix has bet heavily on the kids and family space, partnering with top talent such as Jorge R. Gutiérrez (“Book of Life”), Glen Keane (“The Little Mermaid”), and Nora Twomey (“The Secret of Kells”) on upcoming films and series. That push comes as Disney has entered the streaming fray, offering up its own family-friendly streaming service with Disney Plus.
Daitch will report to Vice President of Physical Production Ty Warren and will work closely with the content and production teams in original animation and original series animation to...
- 5/4/2020
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Director Jorge Gutierrez is continuing production on Maya and the Three during the coronavirus crisis, as Netflix Animation has developed a set up that allows him to use his work computer and digital tablet at his home studio, the director tells The Hollywood Reporter.
The limited series, which drops on Netflix in the summer of 2021, is a 4 ½-hour epic that will be released in 30-minute episodes. Inspired by Mesoamerican mythology and its female heroes, it follows Maya, a Mesoamerican warrior princess who embarks on a journey to save the world of gods and man with three legendary fighters....
The limited series, which drops on Netflix in the summer of 2021, is a 4 ½-hour epic that will be released in 30-minute episodes. Inspired by Mesoamerican mythology and its female heroes, it follows Maya, a Mesoamerican warrior princess who embarks on a journey to save the world of gods and man with three legendary fighters....
Jorge R. Gutiérrez knew he couldn’t turn down the invitation.
In January, the “Book of Life” director was one of a select group of animators asked to attend a special presentation at Netflix’s Hollywood offices. Even though the event coincided with Gutiérrez’s 43rd birthday, the filmmaker felt he had to make the time.
“My wife kept asking if I was sure I wanted to go and miss having a family dinner, but the allure of Netflix — the freedom it promised — was too great,” he says.
Gutiérrez gathered with other creators on the Netflix roof, where over pizza and beer he listened as Melissa Cobb, the newly minted head of the company’s kids and family division, had a simple request: Bring us your best ideas.
Almost a year later, Netflix’s vast ambitions to become a player in the family entertainment space are beginning to take shape.
In January, the “Book of Life” director was one of a select group of animators asked to attend a special presentation at Netflix’s Hollywood offices. Even though the event coincided with Gutiérrez’s 43rd birthday, the filmmaker felt he had to make the time.
“My wife kept asking if I was sure I wanted to go and miss having a family dinner, but the allure of Netflix — the freedom it promised — was too great,” he says.
Gutiérrez gathered with other creators on the Netflix roof, where over pizza and beer he listened as Melissa Cobb, the newly minted head of the company’s kids and family division, had a simple request: Bring us your best ideas.
Almost a year later, Netflix’s vast ambitions to become a player in the family entertainment space are beginning to take shape.
- 11/6/2018
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has been selected as a speaker for the 10th Annual Produced By Conference at Paramount Studios on June 9-10.
The Producers Guild of America announced Thursday the headlining sessions, which include “Conversation With: Samantha Bee & Jason Jones,” “Conversation With: Kevin Feige,” “Conversation With: Jim Gianopulos,” “Larry Gordon: Uncensored,” and the previously announced “360 Profile: The Handmaid’s Tale.”
“Conversation With: Kevin Feige” features an in-depth discussion with the president of Marvel Studios and creative force behind some of the biggest blockbusters of the past decade, including the recent box-office juggernaut “Black Panther.”
“Conversation With: Jim Gianopulos” is an open talk with the Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures and industry leader who has overseen the production of “Avatar,” “Titanic,” “Deadpool,” and “Hidden Figures.”
“Larry Gordon: Uncensored” features a candid discussion with the prolific producer behind “Field of Dreams,” “Die Hard,” and “Hellboy” about the hard, ground-level realities of getting movies made.
The Producers Guild of America announced Thursday the headlining sessions, which include “Conversation With: Samantha Bee & Jason Jones,” “Conversation With: Kevin Feige,” “Conversation With: Jim Gianopulos,” “Larry Gordon: Uncensored,” and the previously announced “360 Profile: The Handmaid’s Tale.”
“Conversation With: Kevin Feige” features an in-depth discussion with the president of Marvel Studios and creative force behind some of the biggest blockbusters of the past decade, including the recent box-office juggernaut “Black Panther.”
“Conversation With: Jim Gianopulos” is an open talk with the Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures and industry leader who has overseen the production of “Avatar,” “Titanic,” “Deadpool,” and “Hidden Figures.”
“Larry Gordon: Uncensored” features a candid discussion with the prolific producer behind “Field of Dreams,” “Die Hard,” and “Hellboy” about the hard, ground-level realities of getting movies made.
- 3/30/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige, TV host Samantha Bee and Paramount chairman Jim Gianopulos have been added to the lineup of the 2018 Produced By Conference, the Producers Guild of America announced Thursday. Headlining sessions announced today include “Conversation With: Samantha Bee & Jason Jones,” “Conversation With: Kevin Feige,” “Conversation With: Jim Gianopulos” and “Larry Gordon: Uncensored.” Newly added panelists are Fenton Bailey & Randy Barbato, Dan Bucatinsky, Jack Davis, Andrew Goldberg, Jorge R. Gutiérrez, Dan Harmon, David Lancaster, Jordan Horowitz and Lynette Howell Taylor. Also Read: Kevin Feige Teases Killing Off Avengers for Good: 'People Need to Be Careful What They Wish...
- 3/29/2018
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
The Producers Guild of America announced today sessions for their 10th annual Produced By Conference which will include Marvel Cinematic Universe godfather Kevin Feige, Paramount chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos, as well as Emmy-winning Full Frontal host-producer-writer Samantha Bee. The Produced By Conference will be held June 9-10 at Paramount Pictures Studios in Los Angeles.
The sessions will include “Conversation With: Kevin Feige” which will be a discussion about Marvel Studios, of course. Feige will talk about the McU blockbuster empire and the wild success of Black Panther. “Conversation With: Jim Gianopulos” will be an open talk with the industry leader who has overseen production of acclaimed titles and blockbusters including Avatar, Titanic, Deadpool and Hidden Figures. Samantha Bee will be joined by Jason Jones in her “Conversation With” and they will share their experiences behind Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, the first political talk show fronted by a woman...
The sessions will include “Conversation With: Kevin Feige” which will be a discussion about Marvel Studios, of course. Feige will talk about the McU blockbuster empire and the wild success of Black Panther. “Conversation With: Jim Gianopulos” will be an open talk with the industry leader who has overseen production of acclaimed titles and blockbusters including Avatar, Titanic, Deadpool and Hidden Figures. Samantha Bee will be joined by Jason Jones in her “Conversation With” and they will share their experiences behind Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, the first political talk show fronted by a woman...
- 3/29/2018
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Jorge Gutierrez is one of the most talented people in the entertainment industry, to say the least. In fact, there are probably a lot of things you might not yet know about this up and coming individual. He is already an accomplished director, sketch artist, and writer. He also paints. It really seems like there isn’t much of anything he isn’t capable of doing. With that being said, below are five things you might not know about him. Keep reading, because he is a very talented and interesting individual, without a doubt. 1. He’s responsible for a popular show on
Five Things You Didn’t Know about Jorge R. Gutiérrez...
Five Things You Didn’t Know about Jorge R. Gutiérrez...
- 2/17/2018
- by Nat Berman
- TVovermind.com
Pixar’s Día de los Muertos saga, “Coco,” the Oscar frontrunner, led the pack with 13 nominations for the 45th Annie Awards, followed by GKid’s powerful indie fave, “The Breadwinner,” with 10. Both are expected to win the top categories for feature and indie feature at the February 3rd Asifa-Hollywood ceremony at UCLA’s Royce Hall.
“Coco” also picked up nominations for directing (Lee Unkrich and co-director Adrian Molina), character design, two each for character animation and storyboarding, writing (Molina and Matthew Aldrich), Michael Giacchino’s music, production design, effects, editing, and voice acting for newcomer Anthony Gonzalez as Miguel.
“The Breadwinner,” about a young girl forced to become a boy in Afghanistan, also collected nominations for directing (Cartoon Saloon’s Nora Twomey), Mychael and Jeff Danna’s music, two voice acting bids for Saara Chaudry and Laara Sadiq, character design, production design, storyboarding, writing (Anita Doron), and editing.
Overall, GKids grabbed 16 nominations — for “The Breadwinner,...
“Coco” also picked up nominations for directing (Lee Unkrich and co-director Adrian Molina), character design, two each for character animation and storyboarding, writing (Molina and Matthew Aldrich), Michael Giacchino’s music, production design, effects, editing, and voice acting for newcomer Anthony Gonzalez as Miguel.
“The Breadwinner,” about a young girl forced to become a boy in Afghanistan, also collected nominations for directing (Cartoon Saloon’s Nora Twomey), Mychael and Jeff Danna’s music, two voice acting bids for Saara Chaudry and Laara Sadiq, character design, production design, storyboarding, writing (Anita Doron), and editing.
Overall, GKids grabbed 16 nominations — for “The Breadwinner,...
- 12/4/2017
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
When Phil Lord and Chris Miller turned animation on its head with “The Lego Movie” in 2014, they proved you could successfully make a punk rock hero’s journey that was both reverential and iconoclastic. This year Chris McKay expanded into Gotham with “The Lego Batman Movie,” and Charlie Bean takes a naturalistic turn with his martial arts brick adventure, “The Lego Ninjago Movie.” Despite embracing different genres, they are variations on family, friendship, and self-discovery.
“When I first saw ‘The Lego Movie,’ I thought this was so different and so cool,” said Bean, who makes his feature debut after helming the “Tron Uprising” animated series. “It was a garage band type of aesthetic. It doesn’t care about the rules. It can be live-action, it can use different graphic design. We can break the rules and do whatever we want. It’s funnier, more brash, and, at the same time,...
“When I first saw ‘The Lego Movie,’ I thought this was so different and so cool,” said Bean, who makes his feature debut after helming the “Tron Uprising” animated series. “It was a garage band type of aesthetic. It doesn’t care about the rules. It can be live-action, it can use different graphic design. We can break the rules and do whatever we want. It’s funnier, more brash, and, at the same time,...
- 9/22/2017
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Aiming to make an impact this Oscar season, the inaugural Animation Is Film Festival from GKids, the Annecy International Animation Festival, Variety, and Acifa-Hollywood launches October 20-22 at the Tcl Chinese 6 Theater.
The festival will present a selection of new animated feature films from Asia, Europe, South America, and North America, with juried and audience prizes and filmmakers attending most screenings. Additionally, the festival will feature studio events, special screenings, short film programs, and a Vr lounge.
Aif seems well timed: The Academy now allows all members to vote for animated features, using preferential voting. However, it remains to be seen what the dynamic will be in terms of mainstream versus indie nominees.
GKids, which has nine Oscar nominations (including this year’s “My Life as a Zucchini”), has seven movies in contention this season; four showcase in competition at Aif. The highlight is “The Breadwinner” (October 20), a coproduction of Ireland,...
The festival will present a selection of new animated feature films from Asia, Europe, South America, and North America, with juried and audience prizes and filmmakers attending most screenings. Additionally, the festival will feature studio events, special screenings, short film programs, and a Vr lounge.
Aif seems well timed: The Academy now allows all members to vote for animated features, using preferential voting. However, it remains to be seen what the dynamic will be in terms of mainstream versus indie nominees.
GKids, which has nine Oscar nominations (including this year’s “My Life as a Zucchini”), has seven movies in contention this season; four showcase in competition at Aif. The highlight is “The Breadwinner” (October 20), a coproduction of Ireland,...
- 9/21/2017
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Earlier this month, I had the great pleasure to head over to Pixar Animation Studios, where they’re hard at work finishing up their next feature film, Coco. Of course, as with most of their films, Pixar likes to push themselves in new and exciting directions. With Toy Story, they pioneered the computer animation technology, with A Bug’s Life, they brought more organic forms to life, and with Monster’s Inc, they pushed the envelope in terms of the different types of creatures they brought to the screen. With almost every film, you can seem the stretch themselves more and more as a creative entity.
This is a tradition that continues with Coco. For those who don’t know, Coco is their latest movie that will take audiences into Mexico and explore the holiday that is Día de los Muertos — or Day of the Dead. This will be Pixar...
This is a tradition that continues with Coco. For those who don’t know, Coco is their latest movie that will take audiences into Mexico and explore the holiday that is Día de los Muertos — or Day of the Dead. This will be Pixar...
- 8/28/2017
- by Joseph Medina
- LRMonline.com
Google Spotlight Stories offered a preview of The Book of Life director Jorge Gutierrez’s first virtual-reality/360 short, titled Son of Jaguar, this week at CG conference Siggraph. A release date hasn’t yet been announced.
"I was a Vr skeptic, then I saw Patrick Osborne’s Pearl. It made me cry, and I had to do this," the helmer confessed.
The result is a “super personal” eight-minute animated short with the themes of family and tradition.
Occurring on Mexico’s Day of the Dead (as did Book of Life), Son of Jaguar's emotional story is set in the Mexican wrestling world and follows a...
"I was a Vr skeptic, then I saw Patrick Osborne’s Pearl. It made me cry, and I had to do this," the helmer confessed.
The result is a “super personal” eight-minute animated short with the themes of family and tradition.
Occurring on Mexico’s Day of the Dead (as did Book of Life), Son of Jaguar's emotional story is set in the Mexican wrestling world and follows a...
- 8/4/2017
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Author: Zehra Phelan
The Book of Life helmer, Jorge Gutierrez, has signed up to direct another outing in the Warner Bros Lego series of movies, The Billion Brick Race.
The spin-off from the surprisingly successful franchise was originally being developed by Drew Pearce and Jason Segel from Pearce’s idea, as of yet, a plot line has yet to be released for the new film.
The next Lego movie in the franchise, The Lego Ninjago movie, will hit the big screen in October 2017 it calls to action young Lloyd (Dave Franco), aka the Green Ninja, along with his friends, who are all secret warriors and Lego Master Builders. Led by kung fu master Wu as wisecracking as he is wise, they must defeat evil warlord Garmadon (Justin Theroux), the Worst Guy Ever, who also happens to be Lloyd’s dad. Pitting mech against mech and father against son, the epic...
The Book of Life helmer, Jorge Gutierrez, has signed up to direct another outing in the Warner Bros Lego series of movies, The Billion Brick Race.
The spin-off from the surprisingly successful franchise was originally being developed by Drew Pearce and Jason Segel from Pearce’s idea, as of yet, a plot line has yet to be released for the new film.
The next Lego movie in the franchise, The Lego Ninjago movie, will hit the big screen in October 2017 it calls to action young Lloyd (Dave Franco), aka the Green Ninja, along with his friends, who are all secret warriors and Lego Master Builders. Led by kung fu master Wu as wisecracking as he is wise, they must defeat evil warlord Garmadon (Justin Theroux), the Worst Guy Ever, who also happens to be Lloyd’s dad. Pitting mech against mech and father against son, the epic...
- 8/3/2017
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
In the wake of the success of The Lego Movie, the folks at Warner Bros. Pictures decided to go crazy for building brick movies by scheduling a sequel to the imaginative hit, as well as spin-offs in the form of The Lego Batman Movie and The Lego Ninjago Movie. But there’s one more Lego movie […]
The post Lego’s ‘Billion Brick Race’ Lands ‘The Book of Life’ Director Jorge Gutierrez appeared first on /Film.
The post Lego’s ‘Billion Brick Race’ Lands ‘The Book of Life’ Director Jorge Gutierrez appeared first on /Film.
- 8/3/2017
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
Jason Segel and Drew Pearce were originally on board
The post Jorge Gutierrez to Develop Lego Spinoff The Billion Brick Race appeared first on ComingSoon.net.
The post Jorge Gutierrez to Develop Lego Spinoff The Billion Brick Race appeared first on ComingSoon.net.
- 8/3/2017
- by Jenna Busch
- Comingsoon.net
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