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Today's Highlight - January 16th, 2012 11:34 AM by Aaron H. Bynum

Sentai Filmworks' has acquired a half-dozen new titles, all scheduled for digital and home video distribution later this year. New anime arriving Stateside include supernatural romantic comedy ('Inu x Boku S.S.'), a summertime comedy ('Ano Natsu de Matteru'), a tale of miniskirts and space pirates ('Mouretsu Pirates'), and a classic 1988 war story from Studio Ghibli ('Grave of the Fireflies'). Most of the newer titles are already available, or will soon be available online.

Today's Highlight - January 11th, 2012 11:20 AM by Aaron H. Bynum

FOX is creating a new division with the exclusive directive to develop and produce series-length and short-form animation for television and specialty online destinations. The new Saturday night animation block will launch in early 2013, head-to-head with Adult Swim. The online destination launches this year. FOX also notes that the on-air plan is to premiere four new series each season upon launch.

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: February 3rd, 2012

February 2012 is a busy month for Disney Junior. On the pirate side of things, the hourlong TV special 'Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns' will premiere, while later in the month, the 2D preschool animation's second season officially kicks into gear. In the TV special, Peter Pan comes back to Never Land, but loses track of his shadow (now in the clutches of Captain Hook). Video inside.

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: February 3rd, 2012

Next week is the first full week of the new CG preschool series 'Mike the Knight' on Nickelodeon (Nick Jr.). Co-produced by HIT Ent. and Nelvana, the new cartoon traces the steps of an ambitious knight-in-training, his dragon pals, and his wizard-in-training sister, Evie, as they search for adventure and companionship in a medieval setting.

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: February 3rd, 2012

Turner Broadcasting is partnering with TELETOON Canada to launch an ad-supported network for Canadian viewers, essentially establishing Cartoon Network (and Adult Swim) for locals. Although the big CN's library of more than two thousand half-hours will be at the disposal of TELETOON Canada's managers, newer items (Adventure Time, Regular Show) are likely to get the biggest push forward.

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: February 1st, 2012

Guru Studio is scheduled to enter production on a new TV animation -- 'Nemesis' -- that follows two factions of feuding elementary school kids. There are two sides to every story, especially when it comes to playground scuffles. 'Nemesis' is created by writer/director Jamie Waese. Guru Studio (Toronto, ON) made a splash last year with the premiere of 'Justin Time.'

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: February 1st, 2012

Executive promotions and new hires in animation and kid's media management. Key notes for January 2012 include the promotion of Rich Magallanes (Nickelodeon Animation) and the departure of MT Carney (Disney). On the digital side, app developer ZeptoLab and comics retailer comiXology are in the news. Additional notes include the Canada Media Fund and the Penguin Children's Group.

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: February 1st, 2012

Broadcaster ABS-CBN (Philippines) and its online affiliates have hosted plenty of animation over the years, and this month adds a few more titles: 'Spider-man,' 'The Penguins of Madagascar,' 'Go, Diego, Go,' and others. The channel currently reserves weekday space for popular anime past and present by way of 'Sailor Moon' and 'Naruto: Shippuden.'

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: January 30th, 2012

Equal parts contemporary mecha war story and thrilling political drama, 'Gasaraki' returns to home video by way of Nozomi Entertainment. The anime series tracks the efforts of a power-hungry family whose use of military technology, governmental subterfuge, and the mythic arts brings Japan to the edge of chaos. Caught in the middle is Yushiro, the family's youngest son, and resident puppet. Video inside.

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: January 30th, 2012

The creative folks at Kolody (Toronto, ON) have put together a 'Johnny Test' mobile game that allows bluetooth users to share screens in cooperative gameplay on iOS devices. Users can, for example, set two iPhones next to one another and double the playable screen space. The project, 'Roller Johnny,' is a side-scrolling, roller derby themed game.

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: January 27th, 2012

Videogame developer/publisher THQ, Inc. has released a few details regarding its plan to phase out the development of kid's licensed entertainment. The new business model calls for greater streamlining of more homegrown (and more lucrative) titles. THQ's previous clients included Nickelodeon, Disney, and DreamWorks Animation. More details will likely emerge following THQ's quarterly conference call next week.

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: January 27th, 2012

Your Family Entertainment (Munich, Germany) is pushing deeper into Italy thanks to a new animation distribution agreement with Filmedia (Milano, Italy). Filmedia's focus is largely on factual entertainment. The group's move into children's entertainment is new. Animation included in the deal likely cover adventure series 'Mittelland: Die Legende der Elfen' (2004) and the mythology-infused tales of 'Mission Odyssey' (2002).