Animation Insider News http://www.animationinsider.net/ en-us Copyright 2006 Animation Insider webministrator@animationinsider.net http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=1729 Recently announced for release in the States is the romantic comedy Japanese animation 'Save Me! Lollipop.' The anime, about a girl whose desire for a prince charming doesn't turn out so well, pulls together interests in magic users and recurring physical comedy to forge a simple but fun little story. FUNimation Entertainment ('Speed Grapher,' 'Case Closed') will distribute. Wed, 14 May 2008 13:13:53 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=1728 Guest review of the fourth and fifth DVD volume releases of the children's animation 'Hello Kitty Stump Village,' released last year. Through an assortment of non-speaking animal characters, viewers share the daily adventures of Hello Kitty and her family and friends. This article was written by Animation Insider guest contributor Naomi. Wed, 14 May 2008 13:13:17 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=1727 The animated movie 'Ghatothkach' is about a child prince of the forest who encounters countless adventures, some fun while others a little more dangerous. A co-production of India's Shemaroo Ent. and Sun Animatics, the cartoon film 'Ghatothkach' was produced with very high expectations. The film is scheduled for release, in India, toward the end of May 2008. Video inside. Mon, 12 May 2008 19:19:33 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=1726 The Walt Disney Co. recently acquired it's Disney Stores North America group back from its previous overseer of four years, The Children's Place. Disney has since implemented a new executive position in Disney Stores Worldwide, shown revenue gains in Consumer Products, and even has the option to close nearly one hundred of the 215+ locations in the U.S./Canada, if necessary. Mon, 12 May 2008 19:19:16 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=1725 The Disney television animation 'Phineas and Ferb' should help ease viewers into the Spring/Summer months with television special events and all-new episodes. Just as the two brothers of the cartoon enjoy a new adventure everyday, the series will air a mother-themed episode this coming weekend in addition to a marathon scheduled toward the end of the month. Fri, 09 May 2008 13:13:32 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=1724 The girl's-skewed 'Strawberry Shortcake' brand, has recently come under the guidance of European licensing and publishing group Plus Licens AB ('Asterix,' 'Peanuts,' 'Totally Spies'). DiC Entertainment and American Greetings are hoping that the increasingly successful 'Strawberry Shortcake' franchise will tap into a wider European audience. Wed, 07 May 2008 12:12:18 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=1723 In the future, when the planet's natural resources are depleted, solar power is optimized, but regional governments are monopolizing its potential. In 'Gundam 00,' a neutral regime steps in to settle the widespread military conflicts across the globe that has arisen since the solar power dependence emerged. 'Gundam 00' is a classic-contemporary military drama with slick animation. Wed, 07 May 2008 12:12:24 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=1722 Italy's Cartoons on the Bay International Festival on Television Animation recently concluded, offering global audiences a look into what quality children's programming is currently on-air. Top programs awarded include the Mackinnon-Saunders 2D series 'Frankenstein's Cat' and Nick's 'Tak and the Power of Juju.' Also; Korea's AKOM Productions was noted as Studio of the Year. Wed, 07 May 2008 12:12:04 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=1721 Genially paced and often identified as a relaxing, change-of-pace Japanese animation, the television series 'Aria' was recently acquired for western distribution by Nozomi Entertainment ('The Third,' 'Maria-sama ga Miiteru'). When a young girl named Akari travels to a new world to begin her new job as a tour guide, she enters an impressive and majestic landscape of new personality. Wed, 07 May 2008 12:12:41 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=1720 The nominations are in for the 2007 Daytime Emmy Awards are in; and both teen programming ('Ben 10,' 'Legion of Superheroes') and preschool programming ('WordGirl,' 'Charlie and Lola') are well represented. Categories of interest for animated television productions and for productions that include animation range from Direction, to Sound Mixing, to Writing, to Art Direction. Wed, 07 May 2008 12:12:31 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=1719 Ranking in the top tier of all broadcast and basic cable programming for two key demographics, Nickelodeon's newest animated adventure 'The Mighty B!' hit the sweet spot last Saturday. The new Nick animated comedy follows Bessie Higgenbottom, a scout girl with a serious mission to collect thousands of merit badges. Fri, 02 May 2008 12:12:20 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=1718 Review of the first DVD Set release of the giant robot, suspense anime 'Aquarion' as directed by Shoji Kawamori. Exhibiting highly identifiable characters, a phenomenal soundtrack (by Yoko Kanno), intense storytelling and the best mecha action in years, 'Aquarion' is an addictive title that merges the mythical and the real. The first DVD Set contains thirteen episodes, a very healthy dose of quality Japanese animation. Thu, 01 May 2008 18:18:08 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=1707 UPDATE: The debut of the second episode of 'Ben 10: Alien Force' served up notable delivery numbers as well. The numbers are in for the series premiere of the Cartoon Network action animation 'Ben 10: Alien Force.' After several weeks of hype, 'Ben 10: Alien Force' proved to be the largest series debut in network history. Wed, 30 Apr 2008 20:20:37 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=1717 Premiering on the Adult Swim programming channel this past week is 'Code Geass.' Distributed by Bandai Entertainment, 'Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion' sports a slick intellectual whose rediscovers his fate to guide a rebellion against an elite Empire. Directed by Goro Taniguchi ('s-CRY-ed'), the Japanese animation features a variety of supernatural and sci-fi motifs. Wed, 30 Apr 2008 20:20:31 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=1716 Children's entertainment property 'Eloise,' which includes a series of animated specials and a television series by Film Roman, will make the transition to live-action again--this time to the silver screen. The story of a young girl growing up at the Plaza hotel now has a lead actress, according to the film's producer, HandMade Films. Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:18:28 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=1715 India's Crest Animation's first of a multiple-title agreement with Lionsgate for computer animation co-finance and co-production efforts, 'Alpha and Omega,' is scheduled for release in 2010. The theatrical presentation is a family movie about two mix-matched wolves separated from the pack. Crest Animation has extremely high expectations for this feature film. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:18:33 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=1714 The Mackinnon & Saunders co-production 'Frankenstein's Cat' was recognized at this year's Cartoons on the Bay as the best of its class, while additionally, the animated program about the infamous Dr.'s experimental creation the form of a feline has been acquired for broadcast in Germany and South Africa. 'Frankenstein's Cat' is distributed by CCI Entertainment. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:18:22 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=1713 Cartoon Network has announced their plans to air LEGO Systems, Inc.'s latest computer animated "mini-movie" -- 'Raiders of the Lost Brick' -- on their Toonami programming block this coming May 2008. The short movie was produced by M2 Films. The CG presentation is one of many multi-platform efforts from CN to promote the new 'Indiana Jones' movie. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:18:14 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=1712 Animation highlights for Canada's YTV this coming month will include this year's Nickelodeon KCA's, Mother's Day themed programming ('Captain Flamingo' & 'Growing Up Greepie') in addition to the series finale of animated program 'Team Galaxy,' which is composed of three episodes. Also airing in May 2008 for YTV is 'Corpse Bride' (2005) and 'The Fairly OddParents: Fairly OddBaby' (2008). Select highlights for Treehouse TV are also available. Fri, 25 Apr 2008 22:22:14 EST http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=1711 Across Spain and Italy, the animated television series 'Lola & Virginia' -- through co-production partner Imira Entertainment -- is at the center of a new wave of licensing and merchandising efforts. Sticker books, online games, t-shirts, comic books and much more are in store. The comedy 'Lola & Virginia' follows two girls who want to be the talk of the town, except one has to work for it, while the other is spoiled. Fri, 25 Apr 2008 22:22:05 EST