French animation company Folivari is producing animated coming-of-age feature The Wild Inside with Patrick Imbert to direct.
Based on Jamey Bradbury’s novel of the same name, the film follows an Alaskan girl forced to confront her connection to nature and wild animals after her mother goes missing.
It marks Imbert’s third collaboration with Folivari following Cesar award-winner The Summit Of Gods and 2018 nominee The Big Bad Fox And Other Tales.
Folivari was founded in 2014 by Damien Brunner, Thibaut Ruby and Didier Brunner who previously produced the Oscar-nominated animations Ernest And Celestine and The Triplets Of Belleville.
The company...
Based on Jamey Bradbury’s novel of the same name, the film follows an Alaskan girl forced to confront her connection to nature and wild animals after her mother goes missing.
It marks Imbert’s third collaboration with Folivari following Cesar award-winner The Summit Of Gods and 2018 nominee The Big Bad Fox And Other Tales.
Folivari was founded in 2014 by Damien Brunner, Thibaut Ruby and Didier Brunner who previously produced the Oscar-nominated animations Ernest And Celestine and The Triplets Of Belleville.
The company...
- 3/5/2024
- ScreenDaily
L-r, backrow, Bebop, Leatherhead, Scumbug, Rocksteady, Ray Fillet, next row l-r, Wingnut, Ghengis Frog, Donnie, Splinter, Leo, Raph, Mikey, and Mondo Gecko, center, talking to Superfly. in Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies Present A Point Grey Production “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem”
Asifa-Hollywood announced nominations today for its 51st Annie Awards recognizing the year’s best in the field of animation. For a complete list of nominations, please visit www.annieawards.org/nominations.
The 51st Annie Awards will return to UCLA’s Royce Hall on Saturday, February 17, 2024. Pre-reception and Red Carpet will begin at 4:30 p.m., followed by the ceremony at 7 p.m., and after party immediately following the ceremony.
This year’s Best Animated Feature nominations include: Nimona – Annapurna Animation for Netflix; Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse – Sony Pictures Animation; Suzume – CoMix Wave Films Inc. and Story inc.; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem – Paramount Pictures and...
Asifa-Hollywood announced nominations today for its 51st Annie Awards recognizing the year’s best in the field of animation. For a complete list of nominations, please visit www.annieawards.org/nominations.
The 51st Annie Awards will return to UCLA’s Royce Hall on Saturday, February 17, 2024. Pre-reception and Red Carpet will begin at 4:30 p.m., followed by the ceremony at 7 p.m., and after party immediately following the ceremony.
This year’s Best Animated Feature nominations include: Nimona – Annapurna Animation for Netflix; Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse – Sony Pictures Animation; Suzume – CoMix Wave Films Inc. and Story inc.; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem – Paramount Pictures and...
- 1/11/2024
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
In a medium where stop-motion chickens organize elaborate escape plans, computer-generated ducks have to do a lot more than relocate to amuse us. Illumination’s “Migration” — about a fussy duck dad who reluctantly reconsiders his fear of flying — is a cartoon in search of a concept, where the most daring idea is hiring the Oscar-nominated co-director of 2012’s “Ernest & Celestine” and asking him to abandon that movie’s unique watercolor style in favor of a relatively standard digital approach. At least the backgrounds are eye-catching, as a waddle of mallards crack jokes amid beautiful fall foliage.
In the opening scene, director Benjamin Renner teases what “Migration” might have looked like had Illumination honcho Chris Meledandri let him stick to his signature aesthetic, rather than bend it to the studio’s house style: Emerald-headed, overprotective Mack tells his kids, Dax (Caspar Jennings) and Gwen (Tresi Gazal), scary bedtime stories so...
In the opening scene, director Benjamin Renner teases what “Migration” might have looked like had Illumination honcho Chris Meledandri let him stick to his signature aesthetic, rather than bend it to the studio’s house style: Emerald-headed, overprotective Mack tells his kids, Dax (Caspar Jennings) and Gwen (Tresi Gazal), scary bedtime stories so...
- 12/20/2023
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Illumination is a rare animation studio, in that they have landed upon a formula for the majority of their films and they seem perfectly content in hewing to that formula no matter what stories are being told. The studio thrives on mid-budget films that bring together a recognizable ensemble, some pop songs, and stories that feel vaguely cribbed from Pixar Animation Studios without being out-and-out plagiarism. Illumination, like DreamWorks, also leans heavily on turning its films into lengthy franchises, which has given us the obnoxious and leaden "Despicable Me" series (including its multiple "Minions" spin-offs), the obnoxious and leaden "Sing" films, and the obnoxious and leaden "The Secret Life of Pets" films. For this holiday season, Illumination is trying to do another original film, but much like the first "Secret Life of Pets", the new film "Migration" is original in name only, while feeling like a flavorless mishmash of "Finding Nemo" and "Ratatouille.
- 12/20/2023
- by Josh Spiegel
- Slash Film
Chris Meledandri’s Illumination animation house has had a boatload of hits from Despicable Me and Minions to 2023’s global smash The Super Mario Bros Movie. But in between, this underrated (in terms of awards) producer of delightful and genuinely funny toons creates new franchises by embracing originals such as The Secret Life of Pets and Sing, winners both in my book. Now, just in time for the holidays, comes Migration, about a family of ducks on the adventure of a lifetime. It is the kind of animated entertainment that all ages will find something to like, and in terms of the creative talent involved, it is a breath of fresh air in the genre.
Migration has a screenplay by none other than The White Lotus Emmy winner Mike White, who also gets credit for developing the original story with French animation director Benjamin Renner. The latter did the wonderful...
Migration has a screenplay by none other than The White Lotus Emmy winner Mike White, who also gets credit for developing the original story with French animation director Benjamin Renner. The latter did the wonderful...
- 12/20/2023
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Every few years, the Academy tweaks the rules for its animated feature category, with the net result that the nominees tend to skew ever more mainstream. That makes it tough for most of this year’s hopefuls: A record-setting number of animated features submitted. Those who pick the noms are required to watch roughly a third before ranking their top five, which can include additional titles they might have seen on their own. Blockbusters naturally benefit, though “Flee” and “Marcel the Shell With Shoes On” earned nominations in 2022 and 2023, respectively, suggesting that artful indies still stand a chance.
The Boy and the Heron
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Voices: Luca Padovan, Robert Pattinson
Studio: Studio Ghibli
Distributor: GKids
Rumors of Miyazaki’s retirement were greatly exaggerated, as the unstoppable creative force (who won an Oscar for “Spirited Away” in 2003) returns with a story inspired by his childhood memories during wartime. More fanciful than “The Wind Rises,...
The Boy and the Heron
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Voices: Luca Padovan, Robert Pattinson
Studio: Studio Ghibli
Distributor: GKids
Rumors of Miyazaki’s retirement were greatly exaggerated, as the unstoppable creative force (who won an Oscar for “Spirited Away” in 2003) returns with a story inspired by his childhood memories during wartime. More fanciful than “The Wind Rises,...
- 12/5/2023
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Hopefully, you’ve already read this week’s weekend movie preview, so you know that “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé,” “Godzilla Minus One,” the revenge thriller “Silent Night” and more will be opening on this slow weekend coming up, so we can focus on the rest of the month, including the lucrative weeks around Christmas Day.
Oddly, the top three movies for the rest of the month might all be from the same studio, which is something fairly unheard of, even and especially during the holidays. Read on for Gold Derby’s December 2023 box office preview.
“Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” (Warner Bros. – Dec. 22)
Jason Momoa returns with this “Justice League” superhero in the sequel to the DC movie that opened with $67.8 million almost exactly five years ago and ended up making $1.1 billion globally, not bad for a superhero that’s often been treated as a joke on “Saturday Night Live” to “Entourage.
Oddly, the top three movies for the rest of the month might all be from the same studio, which is something fairly unheard of, even and especially during the holidays. Read on for Gold Derby’s December 2023 box office preview.
“Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” (Warner Bros. – Dec. 22)
Jason Momoa returns with this “Justice League” superhero in the sequel to the DC movie that opened with $67.8 million almost exactly five years ago and ended up making $1.1 billion globally, not bad for a superhero that’s often been treated as a joke on “Saturday Night Live” to “Entourage.
- 11/30/2023
- by Edward Douglas
- Gold Derby
“What sort of father would I be if I put my young fowl in harm’s way for no reason except a chance at a Caribbean vacation?” From Benjamin Renner, the co-director of the charming Academy Award-nominated “Ernest and Celestine,” comes the animated family comedy “Migration.” Produced by the computer animation studio Illumination (“Despicable Me,” “Sing,” “The Super Mario Bros.
Continue reading ‘Migration’ Trailer: ‘Despicable Me’ Studio Illumination Takes You Along For A Family Of Ducks Vacation at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Migration’ Trailer: ‘Despicable Me’ Studio Illumination Takes You Along For A Family Of Ducks Vacation at The Playlist.
- 10/16/2023
- by Megan Fisher
- The Playlist
"There's a whole world we've been missing out on... things we didn't even know existed!" Illumination has revealed another official trailer for Migration, arriving in theaters this December. This is the third trailer (now with a Taylor Swift song) after the teaser in April, plus the first full trailer in July a few months ago. A family of ducks try to convince their overprotective father to go on the vacation of a lifetime As the Mallard Family makes their way South for the winter, their well-laid plans quickly go awry. The new experience will inspire them to expand their horizons, open up to new friends and accomplish more than they ever thought possible. The impressive voice cast features Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Awkwafina, Keegan-Michael Key, David Mitchell, Carol Kane, Caspar Jennings, Tresi Gazal, and Danny DeVito. It's written by Mike White, yes of "White Lotus" and School of Rock, and...
- 10/15/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Cannes — Bowing at MipJunior both Season 3 of CG animated megahit “The Adventures of Paddington,” targeting free-to-air sales, as well as brand new toon titles such as “How To Squoosh” and “Scarlet Rose,” European powerhouse Studiocanal, owned by Vivendi’s Canal+ Group, is powering into the kids IP and premium series business, marking its most significant expansive strategic move since initiating premium TV production.
This supercharged kids TV drive looks set to play out in multiple ways at this year’s MipJunior trade fair, which unspools at Cannes over Oct. 13-15.
In one milestone move, on Oct. 6 top exec Françoise Guyonnet was named Studiocanal CEO Copyrights Group and EVP Kids’ Brands. Her appointment came just two days after Studiocanal unveiled a big new potential franchise, CGI animated series “Miffy.”
In another strategic departure, Studiocanal, working hand in hand with parent Canal+, is also growing a sales slate of premium but smaller animation IPs – “How To Squoosh,...
This supercharged kids TV drive looks set to play out in multiple ways at this year’s MipJunior trade fair, which unspools at Cannes over Oct. 13-15.
In one milestone move, on Oct. 6 top exec Françoise Guyonnet was named Studiocanal CEO Copyrights Group and EVP Kids’ Brands. Her appointment came just two days after Studiocanal unveiled a big new potential franchise, CGI animated series “Miffy.”
In another strategic departure, Studiocanal, working hand in hand with parent Canal+, is also growing a sales slate of premium but smaller animation IPs – “How To Squoosh,...
- 10/13/2023
- by John Hopewell and Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
In a significant declaration of large intentions and strategy at Studiocanal, owned by Vivendi’s Canal Plus Group, Françoise Guyonnet has been appointed Studiocanal CEO Copyrights Group and EVP Kids’ Brands as the European production-distribution giant looks to drive powerfully into children’s IP.
Studiocanal described the appointment in a written statement on Thursday as “a confident move for the studio which wishes to accelerate growth in children’s IP.” Copyrights Group is an international intellectual property management agency, it added.
The new high-ranking role for Guyonnet at Studiocanal has been announced just two days after it unveiled plans at Brand Licensing Europe (Ble) to produce with Superprod Group and Mercis a CGI series of world famous character “Miffy,” created in 1955 by Dutch author-illustrator Dick Bruna. Guyonnet said the move underlined “our ambition in the quality franchise space.”
Significantly, Guyonnet has served as Studiocanal director of TV series from 2017. Her...
Studiocanal described the appointment in a written statement on Thursday as “a confident move for the studio which wishes to accelerate growth in children’s IP.” Copyrights Group is an international intellectual property management agency, it added.
The new high-ranking role for Guyonnet at Studiocanal has been announced just two days after it unveiled plans at Brand Licensing Europe (Ble) to produce with Superprod Group and Mercis a CGI series of world famous character “Miffy,” created in 1955 by Dutch author-illustrator Dick Bruna. Guyonnet said the move underlined “our ambition in the quality franchise space.”
Significantly, Guyonnet has served as Studiocanal director of TV series from 2017. Her...
- 10/5/2023
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on The Eddie Volkman Show with Hannah B on a 3-Station Broadcast … Star 96.7 Joliet (Il), Star 102.3 Waukegan and Star 105.5 McHenry on September 1st, reviewing the animated French film “Ernest & Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia.” In theaters since September 1st.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
This is a sequel to the Oscar nominated 2012 “Ernest & Celestine,” and again features the bear Ernest (voice of Lambert Wilson) and the mouse Celestine (Pauline Brunner as charming besties. In this new animated adventure Celestine breaks the prize violin of musician Ernest, and feeling guilty goes to the bear’s hometown of Gibberitia to get it fixed. With Ernest in pursuit they find out that the town, and Ernest’s father who is an authoritarian judge, has banned music. The friend duo may be there to save the day.
“Ernest & Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia” in limited theaters since September 1st.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
This is a sequel to the Oscar nominated 2012 “Ernest & Celestine,” and again features the bear Ernest (voice of Lambert Wilson) and the mouse Celestine (Pauline Brunner as charming besties. In this new animated adventure Celestine breaks the prize violin of musician Ernest, and feeling guilty goes to the bear’s hometown of Gibberitia to get it fixed. With Ernest in pursuit they find out that the town, and Ernest’s father who is an authoritarian judge, has banned music. The friend duo may be there to save the day.
“Ernest & Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia” in limited theaters since September 1st.
- 9/4/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Jean-Christophe Roger and Julien Chheng’s animated film Ernest & Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia begins with Celestine the mouse (Pauline Brunner) excitedly waking Ernest the bear (Lambert Wilson) from a long hibernation. Their simple domestic ritual—she clambers up to the stove to prepare bowls of hot chocolate while he lumbers groggily downstairs to join her—is quietly enchanting thanks to the film’s expressive, elegant hand-drawn aesthetic.
The fact that the film’s two protagonists are such different sizes also allows A Trip to Gibberitia to explore each part of its lovingly crafted world from two distinct perspectives. Throughout, the filmmakers continually find creative ways for Celestine to traverse Ernest’s mountainous furniture while he blunders over everything in his path like a one-man slapstick show.
Ernest and Celestine’s happy domesticity is interrupted when the mouse accidently smashes the bear’s prized violin, leading them on an...
The fact that the film’s two protagonists are such different sizes also allows A Trip to Gibberitia to explore each part of its lovingly crafted world from two distinct perspectives. Throughout, the filmmakers continually find creative ways for Celestine to traverse Ernest’s mountainous furniture while he blunders over everything in his path like a one-man slapstick show.
Ernest and Celestine’s happy domesticity is interrupted when the mouse accidently smashes the bear’s prized violin, leading them on an...
- 8/30/2023
- by Ross McIndoe
- Slant Magazine
The French animated film "Ernest & Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia" executes a music gag you wouldn't expect to be both world-building and silly. With the stoic seriousness of a concert professional, an anthropomorphic bear musician flexes his knuckles over a piano, as if prepping for Sergei Rachmaninoff's "Piano Concerto #2 in C Minor." But instead, he proceeds to plink the C-note repeatedly. There is no variation in the tune except a change in tempo. Then the editing expands the gag by revealing a payoff: the piano really only has one piano key. The crowd lauds his music. The lead bear and mouse, the eponymous Ernest and Celestine, are gobsmacked by this display of "music." At once, they learn the hard way that this country banned multi-note instruments. This gag best represents the family-friendly politics within the "Ernest & Celestine" sequel.
Dare I say the sequel might sing a better tune than the first?...
Dare I say the sequel might sing a better tune than the first?...
- 8/28/2023
- by Caroline Cao
- Slash Film
"This musical resistance needs us, Ernest!" The adorable bear and mouse are back once again! GKids has re-released the official trailer for the animated adventure sequel called Ernest and Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia (this is for the original French-language version). The follow up to the Oscar-nominated Ernest & Celestine (2012) once again features the famous unlikely duo – this time returning to Ernest's hometown in Gibberitia. Nominated for Best Animated Film at France's 48th César Awards, Ernest and Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia opened in French theaters in December, and had its US premiere as the opening night film of the New York Children's Film Festival. Jean-Christophe Roger, director of the Ernest & Celestine animated series, returned to the beloved characters as co-director, and is joined by Emmy-nominated co-director Julien Chheng, who worked on the original Ernest & Celestine feature as a character animator, and directed "The Spy Dancer" from the latest Star Wars: Visions series.
- 7/24/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Gkids has unveiled the U.S. release date, first trailer and English-language voice cast for Ernest & Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia, the sequel to the Oscar-nominated animated feature Ernest & Celestine, which it likewise released stateside.
Slated for a September 1 release at the Village East in New York, as well as at L.A.’s Laemmle Santa Monica and Laemmle Glendale and additional markets nationwide (view the full list here), the film based on the children’s books by Gabrielle Vincent has Andrew Kishino playing Ernest the bear, with Ashley Boettcher as his unlikely mouse friend Celestine. Others in this cast of the film, which is also coming to U.S. theaters in its original French-language form, include David Lodge, Anne Yatco, Lena Josephine Marano, Bill Lobley and Daniel Hagan. Check out its trailer above.
The new Ernest & Celestine flick nabbed a nomination for Best Animated Feature at the...
Slated for a September 1 release at the Village East in New York, as well as at L.A.’s Laemmle Santa Monica and Laemmle Glendale and additional markets nationwide (view the full list here), the film based on the children’s books by Gabrielle Vincent has Andrew Kishino playing Ernest the bear, with Ashley Boettcher as his unlikely mouse friend Celestine. Others in this cast of the film, which is also coming to U.S. theaters in its original French-language form, include David Lodge, Anne Yatco, Lena Josephine Marano, Bill Lobley and Daniel Hagan. Check out its trailer above.
The new Ernest & Celestine flick nabbed a nomination for Best Animated Feature at the...
- 7/24/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The next project from “The White Lotus” Emmy Award winner and 2023 nominee Mike White is for the birds.
On Tuesday, Illumination and Universal released the first trailer for “Migration,” a forthcoming animated adventure written by White and directed by Benjamin Renner (who is best known for his 2012 film “Ernest & Celestine”)
According to the studio, the film “traces the journey of a mallard family as they embark on an unforgettable vacation, persuading their overly cautious father to join them. Their goal: to migrate all the way from New England, passing through the bustling metropolis of New York City, and ultimately reaching the beautiful Bahamas.”
You can take a look at the trailer here:
Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Awkwafina, Keegan-Michael Key, David Mitchell, Carol Kane, Casper Jennings, Tresi Gazal, and Danny DeVito lead the voice cast.
“Migration” is the next project from Illumination following April’s “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
On Tuesday, Illumination and Universal released the first trailer for “Migration,” a forthcoming animated adventure written by White and directed by Benjamin Renner (who is best known for his 2012 film “Ernest & Celestine”)
According to the studio, the film “traces the journey of a mallard family as they embark on an unforgettable vacation, persuading their overly cautious father to join them. Their goal: to migrate all the way from New England, passing through the bustling metropolis of New York City, and ultimately reaching the beautiful Bahamas.”
You can take a look at the trailer here:
Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Awkwafina, Keegan-Michael Key, David Mitchell, Carol Kane, Casper Jennings, Tresi Gazal, and Danny DeVito lead the voice cast.
“Migration” is the next project from Illumination following April’s “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
- 7/18/2023
- by Caillou Pettis
- Gold Derby
"Why are we the only birds heading this way?" Illumination has revealed an official trailer for Migration, the next new original animation from Illumination. Set to open in December, this is a better trailer than the first teaser in April. A family of ducks try to convince their overprotective father to go on the vacation of a lifetime As the Mallard Family makes their way South for the winter, their well-laid plans quickly go awry. The experience will inspire them to expand their horizons, open up to new friends and accomplish more than they ever thought possible. The impressive voice cast features Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Awkwafina, Keegan-Michael Key, David Mitchell, Carol Kane, Caspar Jennings, Tresi Gazal, and Danny DeVito. It's written by Mike White, yes of "White Lotus" and School of Rock, and is directed by the acclaimed French animation filmmaker Benjamin Renner, of the films Ernest & Celestine...
- 7/18/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
With “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” riding high to the tune of $1.3 billion in global receipts, and as Pharrell Williams lay in the wings to offer the producer a lifetime achievement award, Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri made sure to direct the lion’s share of attention to “Migration” director Benjamin Renner as the pair sat before a packed auditorium at the Annecy Animation Festival on Wednesday.
Taking the stage after premiering 25 minutes of “Migration” footage, Meledandri stepped (quite adeptly) into the role of interviewer, putting Renner in the spotlight and peppering the French filmmaker with questions about inspiration and artistry. If the interest was genuine, it was also no doubt strategic, as Meledandri inferred to Variety in an interview following the presentation.
“I would love for people to hear [directly] from Benjamin about his process and his intention,” said Meledandri. “That’s a very old fashioned idea — to get the filmmaker out there.
Taking the stage after premiering 25 minutes of “Migration” footage, Meledandri stepped (quite adeptly) into the role of interviewer, putting Renner in the spotlight and peppering the French filmmaker with questions about inspiration and artistry. If the interest was genuine, it was also no doubt strategic, as Meledandri inferred to Variety in an interview following the presentation.
“I would love for people to hear [directly] from Benjamin about his process and his intention,” said Meledandri. “That’s a very old fashioned idea — to get the filmmaker out there.
- 6/16/2023
- by Ben Croll
- Variety Film + TV
Illumination founder Chris Meledandri has confirmed he is working on new projects with Pharrell Williams and Pierre Coffin at the Annecy International Film Festival.
Both Meledandri and Williams talked briefly about the project after the artist made a surprise appearance at the festival to present the animation supremo with its Golden Ticket lifetime achievement award on Wednesday.
The pair have been friends ever since Williams wrote the soundtrack and theme song for Illumination’s first film Despicable Me.
Williams is currently in France putting the final touches to his first collection as creative director for Louis Vuitton, which will be unveiled as the opening show of Men’s Fashion Week in Paris on June 20.
Quizzed by Deadline for more details on the project in a brief one-on-one after the ceremony, Meledandri said it was too early to divulge anything more about the project.
“It’s too early to talk about.
Both Meledandri and Williams talked briefly about the project after the artist made a surprise appearance at the festival to present the animation supremo with its Golden Ticket lifetime achievement award on Wednesday.
The pair have been friends ever since Williams wrote the soundtrack and theme song for Illumination’s first film Despicable Me.
Williams is currently in France putting the final touches to his first collection as creative director for Louis Vuitton, which will be unveiled as the opening show of Men’s Fashion Week in Paris on June 20.
Quizzed by Deadline for more details on the project in a brief one-on-one after the ceremony, Meledandri said it was too early to divulge anything more about the project.
“It’s too early to talk about.
- 6/14/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Before Pharrell Williams put in a surprise appearance to honor Chris Meledandri with Annecy’s Golden Ticket lifetime achievement award, the Illumination CEO joined “Migration” director Benjamin Renner for a wide-ranging conversation and to present the first 25 minutes of the film.
Though the duo made sure to mention that the excerpt was not quite locked, the opening salvo was nevertheless polished and sure-footed, giving Annecy attendees a good impression of the final form. Set for release on Dec. 22, “Migration” certainly pleased the crowd in Annecy – at least if auditorium’s laughs and applause offered any indication.
Those laughs began right from the Universal studio card, which replaced that familiar planetary overture with the crude music of Minions on kazoo. The visuals and tone quickly changed as Kumail Nanjiani promised a “bedtime story” in voiceover.
Painted in bright 2D, with open lines and brushstroke colors, the prologue might scan as fairytale – a conflicted one,...
Though the duo made sure to mention that the excerpt was not quite locked, the opening salvo was nevertheless polished and sure-footed, giving Annecy attendees a good impression of the final form. Set for release on Dec. 22, “Migration” certainly pleased the crowd in Annecy – at least if auditorium’s laughs and applause offered any indication.
Those laughs began right from the Universal studio card, which replaced that familiar planetary overture with the crude music of Minions on kazoo. The visuals and tone quickly changed as Kumail Nanjiani promised a “bedtime story” in voiceover.
Painted in bright 2D, with open lines and brushstroke colors, the prologue might scan as fairytale – a conflicted one,...
- 6/14/2023
- by Ben Croll
- Variety Film + TV
Annecy — Opening under the pall of Thursday’s knife attack, – which prompted a spirited show of solidarity and communal defiance at its opening ceremony on Sunday – this year’s Annecy Intl. Animation Film Festival has never been bigger. Creativity is exploding, from “Spider-Verse” and beyond.
Animation is flowering in India and Africa.
Yet studio work, much courtesy of streamer orders, may rebound, but never return to the halcyon levels of the last few years. Theatrical for most animation titles has yet to return, moreover – save for extraordinary mega-blockbusters such as “Across the Spider-Verse” and “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” 10 takes on this year’s Annecy, the biggest animation festival on the world:
The Big Plays
Three – and nearly four – high-profile U.S. movies world premiere at Annecy: Disney’s “Once Upon A Studio,” a 100th anniversary celebratory short; DreamWorks Animation’s comedy fantasy “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken”; and Netflix’s...
Animation is flowering in India and Africa.
Yet studio work, much courtesy of streamer orders, may rebound, but never return to the halcyon levels of the last few years. Theatrical for most animation titles has yet to return, moreover – save for extraordinary mega-blockbusters such as “Across the Spider-Verse” and “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” 10 takes on this year’s Annecy, the biggest animation festival on the world:
The Big Plays
Three – and nearly four – high-profile U.S. movies world premiere at Annecy: Disney’s “Once Upon A Studio,” a 100th anniversary celebratory short; DreamWorks Animation’s comedy fantasy “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken”; and Netflix’s...
- 6/12/2023
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Gkids has snapped up North American rights to Toei Animation’s film The First Slam Dunk, an adaptation of the hugely popular Takehiko Inoue manga, which Inoue wrote and directed for the screen. The film which has already proven a smash hit in other territories, grossing over $212M globally, will hit theaters in the U.S. and Canada in both its original Japanese language and an all-new English-language dub later this summer.
Marking Inoue’s directorial debut, The First Slam Dunk follows Shohoku High School’s “speedster” point guard, Ryota Miyagi, who always plays with brains and lightning speed, running circles around his opponents while feigning composure. Born and raised in Okinawa, Ryota had a brother who was three years older. And following in the footsteps of his older brother, who was a famous local player from a young age, Ryota also became addicted to basketball.
In his second year of high school,...
Marking Inoue’s directorial debut, The First Slam Dunk follows Shohoku High School’s “speedster” point guard, Ryota Miyagi, who always plays with brains and lightning speed, running circles around his opponents while feigning composure. Born and raised in Okinawa, Ryota had a brother who was three years older. And following in the footsteps of his older brother, who was a famous local player from a young age, Ryota also became addicted to basketball.
In his second year of high school,...
- 5/1/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Having collected all the gold coins in the Mushroom Kingdom thanks to "The Super Mario Bros. Movie," Illumination is gearing up to release its next animated feature film, "Migration." The studio's first original project since 2016's "Sing", the movie follows a family of ducks as they set forth on their very first vacation. What ensues is a classic cultural clash as these humble country birds cross paths with all manner of unknown critters and baffling obstacles on the way to their sunny, tropical final destination. It's basically one of National Lampoon's "Vacation" comedies, except with animated mallards rather than Clark Griswold and his long-suffering kin.
A silly, light-hearted family flick about talking fowl, "Migration" sounds like it's firmly in the wheelhouse for the studio behind "Despicable Me," "Minions," and particularly "The Secret Life of Pets." Discussing the movie at this year's CinemaCon in Las Vegas, Illumination CEO and founder Chris Meledandri...
A silly, light-hearted family flick about talking fowl, "Migration" sounds like it's firmly in the wheelhouse for the studio behind "Despicable Me," "Minions," and particularly "The Secret Life of Pets." Discussing the movie at this year's CinemaCon in Las Vegas, Illumination CEO and founder Chris Meledandri...
- 4/27/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Minions studio Illumination Entertainment and Universal announced the flock of voice actors that star in its Dec. 22 release Migration, an animated adventure that follows a family of talking ducks as they set off on a journey.
The voice cast is led by Kumail Nanjiani as anxious Mallard dad Mack and Elizabeth Banks as Pam, the Mallards’ daring, quick-witted matriarch. Caspar Jennings plays Dax, their confident and restless son, and, in her feature film debut, Tresi Gazal plays innocent daughter Gwen. Danny DeVito co-stars as Mack’s curmudgeonly, adventure-averse uncle Dan.
Awkwafina voices the scrappy leader of a New York pigeon gang; Carol Kane plays Erin the heron, the first friend that the Mallards make on their journey; Keegan-Michael Key voices a homesick Jamaican parrot locked away in a Manhattan restaurant; and David Mitchell plays the yogic leader of a mysterious duck farm.
“I find ducks so irresistible,” said Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri,...
The voice cast is led by Kumail Nanjiani as anxious Mallard dad Mack and Elizabeth Banks as Pam, the Mallards’ daring, quick-witted matriarch. Caspar Jennings plays Dax, their confident and restless son, and, in her feature film debut, Tresi Gazal plays innocent daughter Gwen. Danny DeVito co-stars as Mack’s curmudgeonly, adventure-averse uncle Dan.
Awkwafina voices the scrappy leader of a New York pigeon gang; Carol Kane plays Erin the heron, the first friend that the Mallards make on their journey; Keegan-Michael Key voices a homesick Jamaican parrot locked away in a Manhattan restaurant; and David Mitchell plays the yogic leader of a mysterious duck farm.
“I find ducks so irresistible,” said Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri,...
- 4/27/2023
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Gkids has snapped up North American rights to Keiichi Hara’s Lonely Castle in the Mirror, after serving as the distributor in the territory for his past animated features Summer Days with Coo and Miss Hokusai. The film based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Mizuki Tsujimura, featuring animation from A-1 Pictures, is slated for a theatrical release in both its original Japanese language and an all-new English dub this summer.
Reuniting Hara with collaborators including screenwriter Miho Maruo, composer Harumi Fuuki and artist Ilya Kuvshinov, Lonely Castle in the Mirror follows shy outcast Kokoro, who has been avoiding school for weeks when she discovers a portal in her bedroom mirror. She reaches through and finds herself transported to an enchanting castle where she is joined by six other students. And when a girl in a wolf mask explains that they have been invited to play a game,...
Reuniting Hara with collaborators including screenwriter Miho Maruo, composer Harumi Fuuki and artist Ilya Kuvshinov, Lonely Castle in the Mirror follows shy outcast Kokoro, who has been avoiding school for weeks when she discovers a portal in her bedroom mirror. She reaches through and finds herself transported to an enchanting castle where she is joined by six other students. And when a girl in a wolf mask explains that they have been invited to play a game,...
- 4/13/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
"With deployment?" "Check!" Illumination has unveiled a first look announcement teaser for Migration, the next new animation movie from Illumination. This is timed with the release of their other movie this year, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and this teaser will be playing in front of that. There's no voice cast list revealed yet, thought the movie now has a final release date - December 22nd at the end of the year. It's written by Mike White, yes of "White Lotus", and is directed by the acclaimed French animation filmmaker Benjamin Renner, of the films Ernest & Celestine and The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales. In this comedy about birds, a family of ducks try to convince their overprotective father to go on the vacation of a lifetime. Since this is an original idea, they have to tie it in with all the other franchises - hence this first introduction.
- 4/5/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Jean-Christophe Roger, Julien Chheng co-directed.
GKids has acquired all US rights to Ernest & Celestine: A Trip To Gibberitia the follow-up to Oscar-nominated Ernest & Celestine.
The French-language story centres on the bear and mouse friends who travel to Ernest’s country of Gibbertia to fix a broken violin and discover that all forms of music have been banned. The duo gather friends old and new to bring happiness back to the land of bears
Jean-Christophe Roger and Julien Chheng co-directed Ernest & Celestine: A Trip To Gibberitia which earned a César nomination and opened in French cinemas in December.
GKids has acquired all US rights to Ernest & Celestine: A Trip To Gibberitia the follow-up to Oscar-nominated Ernest & Celestine.
The French-language story centres on the bear and mouse friends who travel to Ernest’s country of Gibbertia to fix a broken violin and discover that all forms of music have been banned. The duo gather friends old and new to bring happiness back to the land of bears
Jean-Christophe Roger and Julien Chheng co-directed Ernest & Celestine: A Trip To Gibberitia which earned a César nomination and opened in French cinemas in December.
- 3/2/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Gkids has snapped up U.S. rights to Ernest & Celestine: A Trip To Gibberitia — the sequel to the acclaimed Ernest & Celestine, which landed a Best Animated Feature Oscar nom in 2014. The decorated producer and distributor of animation, celebrating its 15th anniversary, will put both the original French-language version of Gibberitia and a new English dub in theaters this year.
Related Story Laura Linney Comedy ‘The Miracle Club’ Acquired By Sony Pictures Classics Related Story 'Inu-Oh' Director Masaaki Yuasa On Exploring Undocumented Possibilities For A "Modern Interpretation Of Old Tales" Related Story As The Best Animated Feature Competition Heats Up, Can Netflix Or Another Newcomer Bring Home The Oscar?
Both Ernest & Celestine films are based on the children’s book series by Belgian author-illustrator Gabrielle Vincent. The original helmed by Stéphane Aubier, Vincent Patar and Benjamin Renner examines the unlikely friendship between a bear, Ernest (Lambert Wilson...
Related Story Laura Linney Comedy ‘The Miracle Club’ Acquired By Sony Pictures Classics Related Story 'Inu-Oh' Director Masaaki Yuasa On Exploring Undocumented Possibilities For A "Modern Interpretation Of Old Tales" Related Story As The Best Animated Feature Competition Heats Up, Can Netflix Or Another Newcomer Bring Home The Oscar?
Both Ernest & Celestine films are based on the children’s book series by Belgian author-illustrator Gabrielle Vincent. The original helmed by Stéphane Aubier, Vincent Patar and Benjamin Renner examines the unlikely friendship between a bear, Ernest (Lambert Wilson...
- 3/2/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
To have coffee or to not have coffee, that is the question answered by discontinued decaffeinated instant coffee brand High Point Coffee, who tapped Lauren Bacall as a spokesperson in the 1980s.
The resurfaced commercials put screen legend and “To Have and Have Not” actress Bacall in a new light: Hilariously slinging instant coffee as the easiest way to look refreshed on set. Bacall, who would have turned 98 on September 16, starred in iconic films like “How to Marry a Millionaire,” “Dark Passage,” and “The Big Sleep” before dying in August 2014.
The “Designing Woman” alum starred in “Misery,” “Dogville,” and “Ernest & Celestine” among her final roles. Bacall was married to Humphrey Bogart until his death in 1957; the couple met during the filming of “To Have and Have Not,” and co-starred in a series of films together.
Bacall lent her trademark voice and signature sultry charisma to the High Point Coffee campaign in the 1980s.
The resurfaced commercials put screen legend and “To Have and Have Not” actress Bacall in a new light: Hilariously slinging instant coffee as the easiest way to look refreshed on set. Bacall, who would have turned 98 on September 16, starred in iconic films like “How to Marry a Millionaire,” “Dark Passage,” and “The Big Sleep” before dying in August 2014.
The “Designing Woman” alum starred in “Misery,” “Dogville,” and “Ernest & Celestine” among her final roles. Bacall was married to Humphrey Bogart until his death in 1957; the couple met during the filming of “To Have and Have Not,” and co-starred in a series of films together.
Bacall lent her trademark voice and signature sultry charisma to the High Point Coffee campaign in the 1980s.
- 9/16/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Gkids has acquired North American rights to Unicorn Wars — the latest genre-bending animated feature from Goya and Annecy Cristal-winning director Alberto Vázquez (Birdboy: The Forgotten Children) — ahead of its U.S. premiere at Fantastic Fest. The horror-comedy will be released in theaters by Gkids in early 2023, following its domestic release in Spain this fall.
Billed as Bambi meets Apocalypse Now, Unicorn Wars‘ logline is as follows:
For ages, teddy bears have been locked in an ancestral war against their sworn enemy, the unicorns, with the promise that victory will complete the prophecy and usher in a new era. Aggressive, confident teddy bear Bluet and his sensitive, withdrawn brother Tubby could not be more different. As the rigors and humiliation of teddy bear bootcamp turn to the psychedelic horrors of a combat tour in the Magic Forest, their complicated history and increasingly strained relationship will come to determine the fate of the entire war.
Billed as Bambi meets Apocalypse Now, Unicorn Wars‘ logline is as follows:
For ages, teddy bears have been locked in an ancestral war against their sworn enemy, the unicorns, with the promise that victory will complete the prophecy and usher in a new era. Aggressive, confident teddy bear Bluet and his sensitive, withdrawn brother Tubby could not be more different. As the rigors and humiliation of teddy bear bootcamp turn to the psychedelic horrors of a combat tour in the Magic Forest, their complicated history and increasingly strained relationship will come to determine the fate of the entire war.
- 9/15/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Gkids has acquired North American rights to New Gods: Yang Jian, the latest feature from renowned Chinese animation studio Light Chaser Animation. The producer and distributor of award-winning animated features has slated Yang Jian for theatrical release in both its original Mandarin-language form and an all-new English language dub early next year. The deal marks the latest collaboration between Gkids and Light Chaser Animation, following the former’s local distribution of the 2019 feature White Snake.
Helmed by Ji Zhao, New Gods: Yang Jian is the second installment of the studio’s New Gods series of animated action-fantasy epics inspired by Chinese mythological figures, following the 2021 feature New Gods: Nezha Reborn, also directed by Zhao. It picks up 13 years after Yang Jian (known to some as Erlang Shen) imprisoned his sister beneath a mountain, with the once powerful god now scraping by as a penniless bounty hunter.
Helmed by Ji Zhao, New Gods: Yang Jian is the second installment of the studio’s New Gods series of animated action-fantasy epics inspired by Chinese mythological figures, following the 2021 feature New Gods: Nezha Reborn, also directed by Zhao. It picks up 13 years after Yang Jian (known to some as Erlang Shen) imprisoned his sister beneath a mountain, with the once powerful god now scraping by as a penniless bounty hunter.
- 8/25/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Universal Pictures has pushed back the wide theatrical release for the Illumination film Migration from Friday, June 30, 2023 to Friday, Dec, 22, 2023.
Migration was set to open on its prior date against Disney’s Indiana Jones 5. On its new opening weekend, it will open against titles including Disney’s Star Wars: Rogue Squadron and an Untitled Star Trek Sequel from Paramount Pictures.
Migration is billed as a modern-day comedy following a family of ducks who convince their over-protective father to go on the vacation of a lifetime as they attempt to migrate from New England, through New York City, and ultimately down to the Bahamas. Oscar nominee Benjamin Renner (Ernest et Célestine) is directing the pic from an original screenplay by Mike White. Illumination founder Chris Meledandri is serving as its producer.
Universal most recently released Amblin’s Jurassic World Dominion and Blumhouse’s horror The Black Phone.
Migration was set to open on its prior date against Disney’s Indiana Jones 5. On its new opening weekend, it will open against titles including Disney’s Star Wars: Rogue Squadron and an Untitled Star Trek Sequel from Paramount Pictures.
Migration is billed as a modern-day comedy following a family of ducks who convince their over-protective father to go on the vacation of a lifetime as they attempt to migrate from New England, through New York City, and ultimately down to the Bahamas. Oscar nominee Benjamin Renner (Ernest et Célestine) is directing the pic from an original screenplay by Mike White. Illumination founder Chris Meledandri is serving as its producer.
Universal most recently released Amblin’s Jurassic World Dominion and Blumhouse’s horror The Black Phone.
- 6/29/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Starting this year, Spain’s Animayo Gran Canaria will place not one, but two animated short films in the running for an Oscar. Both the winner of Animayo’s International Jury Grand Prize and – effective this 17th edition – the best Spanish-language animated short will be eligible for consideration in the animated short film category of the Academy Awards.
News broke days after the festival wrapped May 7 which saw “Prisoner Outside” by Germany’s Igor Medvedev snag the International Jury Grand award, which includes a cash prize of €3,000 Euros and the aforementioned eligibility for Oscar consideration. Short centers on a long-confined prisoner who uses his imagination to escape from his cell.
Also eligible for Oscar consideration, the best short film in Spanish – the Animation With an Ñ Award, went to “Leopoldo el del Bar” (“Leopoldo from the Bar”), by Spain’s Diego Porral, which revolves around Leopoldo, an old man who...
News broke days after the festival wrapped May 7 which saw “Prisoner Outside” by Germany’s Igor Medvedev snag the International Jury Grand award, which includes a cash prize of €3,000 Euros and the aforementioned eligibility for Oscar consideration. Short centers on a long-confined prisoner who uses his imagination to escape from his cell.
Also eligible for Oscar consideration, the best short film in Spanish – the Animation With an Ñ Award, went to “Leopoldo el del Bar” (“Leopoldo from the Bar”), by Spain’s Diego Porral, which revolves around Leopoldo, an old man who...
- 5/14/2022
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
Gkids today announced that its upcoming animated feature The Deer King, from directors Masashi Ando and Masayuki Miyaji, will hit theaters nationwide in July. Fan preview events of the Japanese-language version will be put on in cinemas nationwide on July 13th, in partnership with Fathom Events, with previews of the English-language version to take place the following day.
In addition to the full feature, preview audiences will view a special introduction from Ando, exclusive to the Fathom Events screenings. These events will be followed by a limited theatrical release in select markets nationwide starting July 15th.
The Deer King is a fantasy epic marking the directorial debut of veteran animator Ando, whose work on such landmark films as Spirited Away, Paprika and Your Name helped shape the world of modern animation. It’s set in the aftermath of a brutal war and follows former soldier Van, who toils in a...
In addition to the full feature, preview audiences will view a special introduction from Ando, exclusive to the Fathom Events screenings. These events will be followed by a limited theatrical release in select markets nationwide starting July 15th.
The Deer King is a fantasy epic marking the directorial debut of veteran animator Ando, whose work on such landmark films as Spirited Away, Paprika and Your Name helped shape the world of modern animation. It’s set in the aftermath of a brutal war and follows former soldier Van, who toils in a...
- 5/10/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Two of the most awaited European animation films of the year – Alberto Vázquez’s “Unicorn Wars” and Pierre Foldes’ “Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman” – look set to world premiere in competition at France’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival, the biggest animation festival in the world.
Sneak peeks at Annecy’s Work in Progress strand, its industry cornerstone, include Apple Original and Skydance title “Luck,” from Peggy Holmes, Cartoon Network’s “Unicorn: Warriors Eternal,” from legendary U.S. director Genndy Tartakovsky (“Samurai Jack”) and the latest works from directors whose prior animated features have scored Oscar nominations: Spain’s Fernando Trueba and Javier Mariscal and France’s Alain Gagnol.
Announced Monday evening in Paris’ Cnc state film agency by Annecy director Mickaël Marin and artistic director Michel Jean, this year’s festival is deigned as fully-fledged return to the on-site encounters and in-person discovery which is the soul of Annecy, Marin emphasized,...
Sneak peeks at Annecy’s Work in Progress strand, its industry cornerstone, include Apple Original and Skydance title “Luck,” from Peggy Holmes, Cartoon Network’s “Unicorn: Warriors Eternal,” from legendary U.S. director Genndy Tartakovsky (“Samurai Jack”) and the latest works from directors whose prior animated features have scored Oscar nominations: Spain’s Fernando Trueba and Javier Mariscal and France’s Alain Gagnol.
Announced Monday evening in Paris’ Cnc state film agency by Annecy director Mickaël Marin and artistic director Michel Jean, this year’s festival is deigned as fully-fledged return to the on-site encounters and in-person discovery which is the soul of Annecy, Marin emphasized,...
- 5/2/2022
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
“The Bad Guys” are here.
Based on the book series by Australian author Aaron Blabey, DreamWorks Animation’s “The Bad Guys” follows a group of animal criminals – Mr. Wolf aka the Big Bad Wolf (Sam Rockwell), Mr. Snake (Marc Maron), Ms. Tarantula (Awkwafina), Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson) and Mr. Piranha (Anthony Ramos) — as they try to turn the corner and become (gasp!) good guys.
Director Pierre Perifel brings a wonderfully offbeat sensibility to the movie, which could have been another villain-goes-straight animated fable, of which there have been plenty. By folding in a range of influences (everything from anime to Steven Soderbergh) and upping the stylization to incorporate more 2D flourishes, “The Bad Guys” feels wholly unique and might be the most enjoyable DreamWorks Animation film since “How to Train Your Dragon” back in 2010.
TheWrap spoke with Perifel about how he brought “The Bad Guys” to life – where the project...
Based on the book series by Australian author Aaron Blabey, DreamWorks Animation’s “The Bad Guys” follows a group of animal criminals – Mr. Wolf aka the Big Bad Wolf (Sam Rockwell), Mr. Snake (Marc Maron), Ms. Tarantula (Awkwafina), Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson) and Mr. Piranha (Anthony Ramos) — as they try to turn the corner and become (gasp!) good guys.
Director Pierre Perifel brings a wonderfully offbeat sensibility to the movie, which could have been another villain-goes-straight animated fable, of which there have been plenty. By folding in a range of influences (everything from anime to Steven Soderbergh) and upping the stylization to incorporate more 2D flourishes, “The Bad Guys” feels wholly unique and might be the most enjoyable DreamWorks Animation film since “How to Train Your Dragon” back in 2010.
TheWrap spoke with Perifel about how he brought “The Bad Guys” to life – where the project...
- 4/22/2022
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
A feature film sequel to the animated French family hit “Ernest & Celestine” is coming soon, and Studiocanal has revealed a first look at the film along with new details ahead of launching worldwide sales on the movie.
“Ernest & Celestine 2: A Trip to Gibberitia” is a sequel to the Oscar-nominated 2012 film, which picked up six Annie Award nominations and won a prize at the Cannes Film Festival. Though the sequel was first announced as far back as 2017 in France, with production beginning in May 2020, the film is finally close to completion, and Studiocanal plans to release it in France on December 14, 2022.
The distributor will also be launching worldwide sales on the title at the European Film Market.
The original film is based on a series of books and tells the story of the unlikely friendship between a bear named Ernest and a mouse named Celestine, who go on the...
“Ernest & Celestine 2: A Trip to Gibberitia” is a sequel to the Oscar-nominated 2012 film, which picked up six Annie Award nominations and won a prize at the Cannes Film Festival. Though the sequel was first announced as far back as 2017 in France, with production beginning in May 2020, the film is finally close to completion, and Studiocanal plans to release it in France on December 14, 2022.
The distributor will also be launching worldwide sales on the title at the European Film Market.
The original film is based on a series of books and tells the story of the unlikely friendship between a bear named Ernest and a mouse named Celestine, who go on the...
- 2/4/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
This story about “The Summit of the Gods” first appeared in the special animation section in the Awards Preview issue of TheWrap’s awards magazine.
Based on the manga by Jirô Taniguchi and Baku Yumemakura, the breathtaking French-language animated feature “The Summit of the Gods” searches for meaning at inhospitable heights. The drama set in the 1990s chronicles two quests, one of headstrong climber Habu (voiced by Eric Herson-Macarel) bent on conquering Mount Everest alone, and one involving photojournalist Fukamachi (Damien Boisseau) seeking grandeur by potentially finding a camera that belonged to George Mallory, the real-life mountaineer who disappeared in 1953 while attempting to climb the same peak. Inevitably, their paths overlap.
Director Patrick Imbert wasn’t familiar with the material until renowned producers Damien Brunner and Didier Brunner at Folivari approached him. He immediately appreciated the story’s potential for animation and began sorting through the passages to adapt it...
Based on the manga by Jirô Taniguchi and Baku Yumemakura, the breathtaking French-language animated feature “The Summit of the Gods” searches for meaning at inhospitable heights. The drama set in the 1990s chronicles two quests, one of headstrong climber Habu (voiced by Eric Herson-Macarel) bent on conquering Mount Everest alone, and one involving photojournalist Fukamachi (Damien Boisseau) seeking grandeur by potentially finding a camera that belonged to George Mallory, the real-life mountaineer who disappeared in 1953 while attempting to climb the same peak. Inevitably, their paths overlap.
Director Patrick Imbert wasn’t familiar with the material until renowned producers Damien Brunner and Didier Brunner at Folivari approached him. He immediately appreciated the story’s potential for animation and began sorting through the passages to adapt it...
- 1/26/2022
- by Carlos Aguilar
- The Wrap
Gkids has nabbed North American rights to Takayuki Hirao’s indie anime pic Pompo the Cinephile, and will release both the original Japanese-language film (titled Eiga Daisuki Pompo-san) and a new English-language version in U.S. theaters early next year.
Hirao’s ode to filmmaking centers on Pompo, a talented and gutsy producer in the world’s movie-making capital, “Nyallywood.” Although she’s known for B-movies, Pompo one day tells her assistant Gene that he will direct her next script: a delicate drama about an aging and tormented creative genius. But when the production heads towards chaos, can Gene rise to Pompo’s challenge, and succeed as a first-time director?
Pompo the Cinephile hails from the new animation studio, Clap. Its Japanese voice cast includes Hiroya Shimizu, Konomi Kohara, Ai Kakuma, Aiko Otsuka, and Rinka Ōtani. The film was an official selection of the 2021 Fantasia Film Festival and was released in Japan in June.
Hirao’s ode to filmmaking centers on Pompo, a talented and gutsy producer in the world’s movie-making capital, “Nyallywood.” Although she’s known for B-movies, Pompo one day tells her assistant Gene that he will direct her next script: a delicate drama about an aging and tormented creative genius. But when the production heads towards chaos, can Gene rise to Pompo’s challenge, and succeed as a first-time director?
Pompo the Cinephile hails from the new animation studio, Clap. Its Japanese voice cast includes Hiroya Shimizu, Konomi Kohara, Ai Kakuma, Aiko Otsuka, and Rinka Ōtani. The film was an official selection of the 2021 Fantasia Film Festival and was released in Japan in June.
- 9/16/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Netflix has taken worldwide rights to animated feature The Summit Of The Gods (Le Sommet Des Dieux). Based on Jiro Taniguchi and Baku Yumemakura’s best selling manga, the movie debuted in the Cinema de la Plage section at the Cannes Film Festival this past July. Netflix is planning a theatrical release in select U.S. theaters on November 24, followed by select cinemas in the UK on November 26 and will put it on the streaming service on November 30.
Patrick Imbert (The Big Bad Fox And Other Tales) directs the film that poses the question: Were George Mallory and his companion Andrew Irvine the first men to scale Everest on June 8, 1924? And sets in motion a quest for the truth.
The synopsis tells us that only the little Kodak camera Mallory and Irvine took with them might reveal the real story. Seventy years after their feat,...
Patrick Imbert (The Big Bad Fox And Other Tales) directs the film that poses the question: Were George Mallory and his companion Andrew Irvine the first men to scale Everest on June 8, 1924? And sets in motion a quest for the truth.
The synopsis tells us that only the little Kodak camera Mallory and Irvine took with them might reveal the real story. Seventy years after their feat,...
- 8/31/2021
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Didier Brunner – producer of “The Triplets of Belleville,” “The Secret of Kells” and “Ernest and Celestine” – is readying his next production, ’Prends Garde à toi!,’ an adaptation of the ‘Carmen’ story led by one of France’s freest creative spirits: Sébastien Laudenbach.
Laudenbach’s feature debut, “The Girl Without Hands,” an adaptation of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale, was acquired by Gkids for North American distribution. It also took Annecy’s 2016 Jury Prize. He is now directing his second animated feature, “Chicken for Linda!”
“Prends Garde à toi!” is inspired by both Prosper Mérimée’s 1845 novella and Georges Bizet’s 1875 opera, the title (literally “Beware!”) being a famous repeated warning from Carmen’s entrance aria in the opera.
Laudenbach’s third feature, the 2D animated feature is set up at Paris-based Folivari, the production company founded by Didier and son Damien Brunner in 2014, which has seen rapid success with 26-part...
Laudenbach’s feature debut, “The Girl Without Hands,” an adaptation of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale, was acquired by Gkids for North American distribution. It also took Annecy’s 2016 Jury Prize. He is now directing his second animated feature, “Chicken for Linda!”
“Prends Garde à toi!” is inspired by both Prosper Mérimée’s 1845 novella and Georges Bizet’s 1875 opera, the title (literally “Beware!”) being a famous repeated warning from Carmen’s entrance aria in the opera.
Laudenbach’s third feature, the 2D animated feature is set up at Paris-based Folivari, the production company founded by Didier and son Damien Brunner in 2014, which has seen rapid success with 26-part...
- 6/15/2021
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
France’s Dandelooo, best known for International Emmy winner “The Treehouse Stories,” and Belgium’s Vivi Film, whose credits include Oscar nominated films “The Triplets of Belleville” and “The Secret of Kells,” have partnered to co-produce and co-finance the animated series “The Upside Down River.”
Dandelooo’s animation studio Ooolala will produce the 2D animation in co-operation with Canal Plus Family, written by Jean Regnaud (“Ernest & Celestine”) and Marie de Banville (“Tobie Lolness”), and directed by Paul Leluc. The series, targeted at 8 to 12-year olds, will start production at the end of this year. Delivery is set for mid 2023, with Dandelooo responsible for worldwide distribution.
“The Upside Down River” is adapted from the children’s novel “La rivière à l’envers” by leading French children’s author Jean Claude Mourlevat, winner of the 2021 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, the world’s biggest prize for children’s literature.
Published by Editis Group,...
Dandelooo’s animation studio Ooolala will produce the 2D animation in co-operation with Canal Plus Family, written by Jean Regnaud (“Ernest & Celestine”) and Marie de Banville (“Tobie Lolness”), and directed by Paul Leluc. The series, targeted at 8 to 12-year olds, will start production at the end of this year. Delivery is set for mid 2023, with Dandelooo responsible for worldwide distribution.
“The Upside Down River” is adapted from the children’s novel “La rivière à l’envers” by leading French children’s author Jean Claude Mourlevat, winner of the 2021 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, the world’s biggest prize for children’s literature.
Published by Editis Group,...
- 6/11/2021
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Ever since the 1960s, animators from the world over have assembled in the Alpine French city of Annecy to celebrate animated film. Initially a biannual event, the Annecy Intl. Animation Film Festival switched to a once-a-year gathering back in 1998, and continued thus until last year, when the pandemic forced the festival to go online only.
Now back for a 60th anniversary observance, Annecy will present a full-sized lineup of official competition films, works-in-progress, TV content and showcases from June 13-19. With travel restrictions keeping the fest from resuming at its usual capacity, artistic director Marcel Jean says Annecy is striving to present a “hybrid” festival. Some offerings will be restricted to in-person attendees, and others available online.
“When we began to work concretely on the festival last November, we already had in mind the idea of a hybrid festival,” Jean says. “A lot of people told us that we were too optimistic,...
Now back for a 60th anniversary observance, Annecy will present a full-sized lineup of official competition films, works-in-progress, TV content and showcases from June 13-19. With travel restrictions keeping the fest from resuming at its usual capacity, artistic director Marcel Jean says Annecy is striving to present a “hybrid” festival. Some offerings will be restricted to in-person attendees, and others available online.
“When we began to work concretely on the festival last November, we already had in mind the idea of a hybrid festival,” Jean says. “A lot of people told us that we were too optimistic,...
- 6/9/2021
- by Andrew Barker
- Variety Film + TV
France’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival, the leading global get-together for all things animation, has unveiled the lineup for this year’s Work in Progress section, among the most highly anticipated events of the world’s animation calendar. When a physical event is possible, lines begin to form early in the morning as fans of the high-profile projects hope to get into the limited seating available at the Salle Pierre Lamy.
A barometer for future standout awards and/or box office success, recent high-profile projects featured at Annecy’s Work in Progress include Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Oscar-winner “Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse” and Oscar nominees in Netflix’s “Klaus” and “Over the Moon,” Cartoon Saloon’s “Wolfwalkers,” Claude Barras’ “My Life as a Zucchini,” Stéphane Aubier and Vincent Patar’s “Ernest & Celestine,” Michael Dudok de Wit’s “The Red Turtle” and Dean DeBlois’ “How to Train Your Dragon 2.
A barometer for future standout awards and/or box office success, recent high-profile projects featured at Annecy’s Work in Progress include Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Oscar-winner “Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse” and Oscar nominees in Netflix’s “Klaus” and “Over the Moon,” Cartoon Saloon’s “Wolfwalkers,” Claude Barras’ “My Life as a Zucchini,” Stéphane Aubier and Vincent Patar’s “Ernest & Celestine,” Michael Dudok de Wit’s “The Red Turtle” and Dean DeBlois’ “How to Train Your Dragon 2.
- 5/3/2021
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
It’s no surprise Pixar Animation Studios has landed two animated shorts on the Oscar shortlist.
With such films as “Inside Out” and “Up,” Pixar can tell stories like no other. Each tale delivers a warm emotional punch. And that comes from the notion that many of the studio’s stories start from a personal perspective.
It’s no different with its contenders from its SparkShorts program, “Burrow” and “Out.” SparkShorts allows animators six months to develop and produce a short.
Madeline Sharafian has always loved bunnies, her childhood nickname was “Rabbit,” and while going through sketchbooks from her college days, she had found a sketch of a burrow. When the opportunity to create a SparkShort came up, Sharafian jumped at the chance.
Animation supervisor Benjamin Su was immediately attracted when he saw Sharafian’s “Burrow” presentation. “The characters, the message behind the film and the designs were so charming,...
With such films as “Inside Out” and “Up,” Pixar can tell stories like no other. Each tale delivers a warm emotional punch. And that comes from the notion that many of the studio’s stories start from a personal perspective.
It’s no different with its contenders from its SparkShorts program, “Burrow” and “Out.” SparkShorts allows animators six months to develop and produce a short.
Madeline Sharafian has always loved bunnies, her childhood nickname was “Rabbit,” and while going through sketchbooks from her college days, she had found a sketch of a burrow. When the opportunity to create a SparkShort came up, Sharafian jumped at the chance.
Animation supervisor Benjamin Su was immediately attracted when he saw Sharafian’s “Burrow” presentation. “The characters, the message behind the film and the designs were so charming,...
- 3/4/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
“Shadows,” “Winnipeg,” and “Sheba” feature among 10 nominated in the running for a Eurimages Award at this year’s Cartoon Movie, one of Europe’s principal animated movies forums.
The Eurimages Co-production Development Award will be the only prize granted at 2021’s Cartoon Movie online edition, which will not feature traditional tributes nor a territory spotlight.
Nadia Micault’s first-feature, “Shadows” is based on the same-titled French fantasy graphic novel by Vincent Zabus & Vincent Tavier. One of many projects at Cartoon Movie this year addressing migration, in “Shadows” two children flee a region devastated by blood-thirsty horsemen in order to seek a better life in the Other World. France’s Autour de Minuit and Schmuby produce in co-production with Belgium’s Panique.
Co-produced by Spain’s La Ballesta, Chile’s El Otro Film and France’s Marmitafilms, “Winnipeg, Seeds of Hope” tells the story of the ship that poet and former...
The Eurimages Co-production Development Award will be the only prize granted at 2021’s Cartoon Movie online edition, which will not feature traditional tributes nor a territory spotlight.
Nadia Micault’s first-feature, “Shadows” is based on the same-titled French fantasy graphic novel by Vincent Zabus & Vincent Tavier. One of many projects at Cartoon Movie this year addressing migration, in “Shadows” two children flee a region devastated by blood-thirsty horsemen in order to seek a better life in the Other World. France’s Autour de Minuit and Schmuby produce in co-production with Belgium’s Panique.
Co-produced by Spain’s La Ballesta, Chile’s El Otro Film and France’s Marmitafilms, “Winnipeg, Seeds of Hope” tells the story of the ship that poet and former...
- 3/3/2021
- by Emilio Mayorga
- Variety Film + TV
A quarter of this year’s Cartoon Forum pitches are derived from existing IP and “The Upside Down River” – a high concept mini-series – is a fine example.
Based on the book “La rivière à l’envers” by award-winning French children’s author Jean-Claude Mourlevat, the 10-part fantasy adventure comes from the 10-year-old Paris-based producer-distributor Dandelooo, whose animation credits include the International Emmy-winning “The Treehouse Stories” and France 3 special “Houdini”.
Comprising 26-minute episodes and aimed at an audience of eight-to-12 year olds, “The Upside Down River” follows the adventures of Hannah, a spoiled girl mourning the death of her father who needs a drop of water from a fabled river to give her beloved pet bird eternal life.
She’s joined in her quest by a shy boy called Tomek, in an epic fantasy adventure that Dandelooo’s joint founders, Jean-Baptiste Wéry and Emmanuèle Petry describe as having “life and death...
Based on the book “La rivière à l’envers” by award-winning French children’s author Jean-Claude Mourlevat, the 10-part fantasy adventure comes from the 10-year-old Paris-based producer-distributor Dandelooo, whose animation credits include the International Emmy-winning “The Treehouse Stories” and France 3 special “Houdini”.
Comprising 26-minute episodes and aimed at an audience of eight-to-12 year olds, “The Upside Down River” follows the adventures of Hannah, a spoiled girl mourning the death of her father who needs a drop of water from a fabled river to give her beloved pet bird eternal life.
She’s joined in her quest by a shy boy called Tomek, in an epic fantasy adventure that Dandelooo’s joint founders, Jean-Baptiste Wéry and Emmanuèle Petry describe as having “life and death...
- 9/18/2020
- by Ann-Marie Corvin
- Variety Film + TV
"Mega is going to help me!" Blue Fox Ent. has released an official Us trailer for an indie French animated film titled SamSam, a sci-fi adventure for the whole family. SamSam appears to have it all: his own flying saucer and great family and friends. But the one thing he has yet to attain are actual superpowers. But he's soon about to figure them out – while learning what it really takes to fight monsters and how many ways there are to be a hero. Developed by animation studio Folivari, this is adapted from the TV series by the same director who created it. Featuring the voices of Isaac Lobé-Lebel, Lior Chabbat, Jérémy Prévost, Sébastien Desjours, Léopold Vom Dorp, Victoire Pauwels, Léovanie Raud, Simon Brunner, and Françoise Pavy. The Us release includes an English dub as well. This looks a bit cheesy but also visually unique, which certainly piques my ...
- 7/1/2020
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
MIFA’s Work in Progress presentations offered online delegates a glimpse into some highly anticipated features, series and interactive projects in the second week of Annecy’s online festival.
Leading the pack was upcoming America-Canadian animated TV series from Netflix “The Cuphead Show!” – based on the characters in the best-selling Canadian “gun and run” video game “Cuphead.”
While the game has been highly praised for its authentic “rubber hose” style animation inspired by the Fleischer-produced toons of the 1930s, the TV series aims to go a step further – fleshing out some of the more minor characters and painstakingly reproducing watercolor sets for a digital production line.
According to executive producers Dave Wasson (“Micky Mouse Shorts”) and Cosmo Segurson (“Rocko’s Modern Life”), the pilot has been designed to introduce the show’s two main characters – a pair of energetic and bickering siblings called Cuphead and Mugman.
The characters live with Elder...
Leading the pack was upcoming America-Canadian animated TV series from Netflix “The Cuphead Show!” – based on the characters in the best-selling Canadian “gun and run” video game “Cuphead.”
While the game has been highly praised for its authentic “rubber hose” style animation inspired by the Fleischer-produced toons of the 1930s, the TV series aims to go a step further – fleshing out some of the more minor characters and painstakingly reproducing watercolor sets for a digital production line.
According to executive producers Dave Wasson (“Micky Mouse Shorts”) and Cosmo Segurson (“Rocko’s Modern Life”), the pilot has been designed to introduce the show’s two main characters – a pair of energetic and bickering siblings called Cuphead and Mugman.
The characters live with Elder...
- 6/23/2020
- by Ann-Marie Corvin
- Variety Film + TV
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