Animation Insider News http://www.animationinsider.net/ en-us Copyright 2009 Animation Insider http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3033 http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3033 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. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:11:09 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3032 http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3032 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. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:11:27 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3031 http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3031 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. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:11:52 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3029 http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3029 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.' Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:15:43 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3028 http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3028 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. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:15:33 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3027 http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3027 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.' Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:11:04 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3026 http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3026 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. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:11:18 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3025 http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3025 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. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:10:34 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3024 http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3024 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. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:14:11 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3023 http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3023 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). Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:14:09 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3006 http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3006 Review of the anime 'Ray: The Animation.' Ray is the best surgeon in Japan. Her prosthetic eyes allow her to perform procedures that others deem impossible. But despite her surgical prowess, Ray is haunted by her past as a child raised for black market organ deals. But many of her cases bear terrifying similarities to experiments carried out on her fellow captives. Can Ray and her friends discover the motives behind these events? Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:14:55 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3022 http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3022 Imira Ent. (Barcelona, Spain) announced plans to distribute a number of animation titles to Spanish-speaking U.S. in addition to various South American viewing territories. Among the television sales, the animated comedy 'Corneil & Bernie,' the 2D preschool series 'Fun with Claude,' and DQ Entertainment's computer animated 'Jungle Book' series/movie combination. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:11:27 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3021 http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3021 GKIDS is nearing its seasonal animation and filmmaking workshops for kids. Some classes focus on pixilation, while others offer a wider view of the basic components (e.g., music, character) necessary to composing a short film. The NYICFF Animation Camp includes guidance from various local and international filmmakers associated with the children's film festival, including Aaron Hughes and Erling Ericsson. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:11:31 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3020 http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3020 An anime for those who prefer more down-to-earth teen romance, 'ef: A Tale of Memories' posits a handful of budding relationships each with the same, prevailing, human liability (memory). One girl cannot recall much more than what occurs within the past thirteen hours. A young man stumbles across a girl in need of help on Christmas Eve. Another girl struggles with feelings toward a longtime friend. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:12:33 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3019 http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3019 'Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom,' produced by Astley Baker Davies (London, England), will premiere its second season this year (2012). The CelAction 2D cartoon will also be airing across a few new territories as well via Nickelodeon's international channels. The preschool animation follows the adventures of two kids, one an elf and the other a fairy, as they go about their day as tiny people no larger than a strawberry. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:12:01 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3018 http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3018 The anime series 'Kimi ni Todoke - From Me to You' finally arrives. The shoujo comedy enters retail after a short delay, and relays the woes and wanderings of a shy, dark-haired girl whose tenuous challenge of her high school's social stratum succeeds at a drip-drop pace. 'Kimi ni Todake' -- both charming and goofy -- is distributed by NIS America. Video inside. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:11:52 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3017 http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3017 The live-action/CG animation television series 'Mia and Me' is scheduled to arrive mid-2012. Dozens of viewing territories in central and south-central Europe and southern Asia have been added to the mix. The new series is co-produced by m4e (Germany), Rainbow Media (Italy), and several other partners, and features a young girl whose escape to a fantasy world rests in a magical keepsake. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:11:45 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3016 http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3016 Television sales and merchandise news for animation facilitated by Zodiak Kids (Paris, France), including the fantasy title 'Redakai: Conquer the Kairu,' the upcoming Teleimages production 'Secret Ranch,' and the ongoing animated comedy 'Rekkit Rabbit.' All three titles are adding new viewing territories. The full toy line for 'Redakai' will be unveiled in less than two months. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:11:53 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3015 http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3015 Children's entertainment group Mondo TV (Rome, Italy) has reached an extensive sub-licensing agreement with TBS Europe to help guide 580+ hours of programming to the Middle East and North Africa region. Titles in the deal include evergreen adventure properties like the Ben 10 franchise and 'Generator Rex.' Mondo TV's recognizable library includes 'Puppy in My Pocket,' 'Gormiti,' and 'Angel's Friends.' Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:10:19 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3014 http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=3014 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. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:11:18 EST