Tagged With: Animated

Atlanta-based Mindjaz, one of the worlds fastest growing media companies, announced it is developing an animation division that will produce full length animated features and short films, as well as develop animated characters and features for advertisers and others. This announcement comes on the heels of the studio announcing that it will release its first feature in 2005.

The Chicago International Childrens Film Festivals closing night awards ceremony, sponsored by American Airlines, was held Oct. 31, 2004. FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR star James Avery hosted the gala as hundreds of movie lovers gathered to celebrate the most popular films of the festival.

Japan's oldest film studio, Shochiku Co., is launching an animation division, reports VARIETY. The new arm plans to make five animated films and TV projects per year. Shochiku gm of filmed entertainment Ichiro Seki will head up the division. The unit will do commissioned works in both CG and 2D.

Shochiku will unveil its first animated productions in the next few months and hopes to release its first film in 2005. The company has had success previously distributing such animated fare as GENSOMADEN SAIYUKI -- THE MOVIE and the ULTRAMAN series.

Animated Encounters 2005Bristol, U.K.April 21-24, 2005Deadline: January 7, 2005

Rhino Films has joined forces with MOTHER JONES magazine and Alligator Planet to form Rhino Animated Features, which is designed to produce a series of activism docs for theatrical release, reports VARIETY. The first film will be MOTHER SEES RED, which will take a look at America's current culture wars. An animated version of labor leader Mary Harris "Mother" Jones will host the films.

MOTHER JONES will give editorial direction for the projects. Rhino Films head Stephen Nemeth brought the idea to Alligator Planet, where Tim Boxell will head the company.

With Hollywood hot on adapting projects from the word of God, Australian producer Tom Broadbridge will create a 12-episode series titled, THE ANIMATED ADVENTURE BIBLE, reports HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. Funded by a group of private Malaysian Christian investors, the budget is set at AUS$15 million ($10.4 million).

The Toronto International Film festival has announced its lineup of 328 films. As for animated fare, DreamWorks SHARK TALE will swim into the gala presentation, making its North American premiere. Also making its North American debut will be Japanese 2D feature, STEAMBOY, directed by Katsuhiro Otomo. Arriving in the Gala slot as well will be John Stephenson's live-action and animated film, FIVE CHILDREN AND IT, starring Kenneth Branagh.

This week in AWN's Forums, a member is trying to find rare animated shorts from Tim Burton. Another member asks what is the best scanner for 2D animation. Another thread is looking for members' favorite animated shorts to increase their toon knowledge. Several junior members continue to ask for software and school recommendations. Additionally, members continue to discuss Craig McCracken's new series FOSTER'S HOME FOR IMAGINARY FRIENDS.