AWN Headline News

Achievement in Animation Headline News

2024 Cartoon Forum Tributes Winners Announced

Peer-to-peer awards honor broadcasters, investors/distributors, and producers in the promotion and development of European animation; Franco-German public broadcaster ARTE, Germany’s ZDF Studios, and Ireland’s Cartoon Saloon were honored.

Geeked Week Returns Headline News

Geeked Week 24 Kicks Off with Reveals, Sneak Peeks, and Surprise Releases

Netflix’s week-long event began with videos and announcements for the animated series ‘Castlevania Nocturne,’ ‘Wolf King,’ and ‘Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance.’

People Headline News

Disney Animation Names Jared Bush CCO as Jennifer Lee Steps Down

The Oscar-winning ‘Frozen’ writer and director will return to fulltime filmmaking as writer and director of ‘Frozen 3’ and ‘Frozen 4,’ while the Oscar-winning ‘Encanto’ writer and director assumes the chief creative officer role, effective immediately.  

Business Headline News

Lilly Wachowski Boards ‘Hell Followed with Us’ Animated Adaptation

The ‘Matrix’ filmmaker teams with Trustbridge Entertainment, Circle Management + Production, Powerhouse Animation Studios, and Line Mileage on the film project, with a screenplay by Alvaro Rodriguez and Warren Wagner.

Another Brave Brave Sir Robin? Headline News

Nickelodeon Drops ‘Max & the Midknights’ Trailer, Key Art, and Voice Cast

The original 3DCG series follows 10-year-old Max and friends on their quest to save Byjovia in the adaptation of Lincoln Peirce’s best-selling book series, premiering October 30.

We Return to Piltover and Zaun Headline News

Riot Games, Virgin Music Unveil ‘Arcane’ Season 2 Original Soundtrack Lineup

The groundbreaking album ‘Arcane League of Legends: Season 2 (Soundtrack from The Animated Series)’ features over 20 electrifying singles by superstar artists, including Woodkid, Twenty One Pilots, Stray Kids, and more.

What a Pickle! Headline News

Aniventure and Viva Pictures Drop ‘Hitpig!’ Trailer

From famed cartoonist and author Berkeley Breathed to the screen! Jason Sudeikis, Lilly Singh, and Rainn Wilson star in the crazy new animated feature about a clever bounty hunting pig who gets his biggest job yet: returning an escaped dancing elephant to its owner; animated by Cinesite, the film hits theaters November 1.

Got an Idea?! Headline News

Call for Entries: India’s Waves Originals Animation Filmmaker Competition

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and Dancing Atoms Animation Studios have partnered on a unique new animation filmmaker competition; anyone of Indian origin can submit a project idea for a chance at masterclasses, mentorships, prizes and to pitch to industry leaders at Waves 2025.

Boo! Headline News

Apple TV+ Drops ‘Curses!’ Season 2 Trailer

From DreamWorks Animation, the spooky animated adventures continue as the Vanderhouven family keeps trying to undo the generational curse caused by their greedy ancestors, streaming globally October 4.

Leaders Driving Real Change Headline News

Former Disney and Google Exec Julie Ann Crommett Launches ‘You Got Moxie!’ Podcast

Each week, the Collective Moxie founder & CEO discusses steps and strategies behind making meaningful change across a wide set of industries; upcoming episodes include Pixar Animation’s Danielle Feinberg and Kamala Avila-Salmon, Founder & CEO, Kas Kas Productions/Former Head of Inclusive Content at Lionsgate.

We Quit! Headline News

Annapurna Interactive Staff Quits En Masse Following Deal Breakdown

The move follows failed talks between Annapurna Pictures founder Megan Ellison and Nathan Gary, former president of Annapurna Interactive, that were aimed at converting the division into a separate company.

Man’s Best Friend Headline News

Police Work is ‘Ruff’ - DreamWorks Animation Unleashes ‘Dog Man’ Trailer

NYT bestselling author Dav Pilkey’s newest kids’ book series gets its first big screen treatment; a dog becomes much more than a police officer’s ‘best friend’ after they are both hurt on the job; the 3DCG feature stars Pete Davidson, Isla Fisher, Lil Rel Howery, and Ricky Gervais, hitting theaters January 31, 2025.

More AI in Film and TV Headline News

XTR Acquires AI Animation Studio Late Night Labs

The film and television studio known for its feature documentary ‘Daughters’ will utilize the AI studio’s proprietary technology to help launch holding company Asteria Film Co. to produce animation, fiction, and non-fiction film and television.

Workplace Fun Headline News

Adult Swim SMALLS Unveils ‘Beantown: Trial by Fire’ Short

The 2D animated pixel art film created by Los Angeles-based animator/director Mike Manor, follows new hires Robert and Phil, who must serve customers until one of them dies, now streaming on YouTube.

Technology Headline News

Sony Announces Virtual Production Tool Set Version 2.0

Coming this winter, the virtual production software update will deliver Camera and Display Plugin and Color Calibrator improvements for a better broadcast and cinema workflow; both apps are free with select features available under a paid license.

virtual production Headline News

Chaos Drops ‘Butch Cassidy’-Inspired ‘Ray Tracing FTW’ Short

The film, made as part of the company’s ‘Project Arena’ deep dive into ICVFX (in-camera VFX), highlights the state of visual effects and filmmaking – from the artist’s point of view; new innovative virtual production tools integrate virtual shoots into overall production pipeline, enabling direct use of film production assets without any preprocessing.

Business Headline News

The Animation Guild Releases GenAI Study

The AI Task Force’s report, ‘Critical Crossroads: The Impact of Generative AI and the Importance of Protecting the Animation Workforce’ describes the impact of GenAI on animation workers and the animation industry; report drops as The Animation Guild resumes previously failed negotiations with AMPTP.

What Me Worry? Headline News

Disney+ Sets ‘Inside Out 2’ Debut

The highest-grossing animated film of all time, which takes audiences back into the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as headquarters is making room for new Emotions, streams September 25.

Pages