Tagged With: The Walt Disney Company

Virtual Events Headline News

ASIFA India Celebrates International Animation Day 2021

The free event, running October 26-28, features masterclasses with industry leaders in animation, games and VFX; join Epic Game’s Arvind Neelakantan, DNEG, India’s Jigesh Gajjar and master of classical animation Glenn Vilppu for free online sessions.

People Headline News

Frank Zhu Named Managing Director Riot Games' China Entertainment

Former CEO of Pearl Studio and executive producer of Netflix’s ‘Over the Moon’ will head up new division to develop and expand existing IP, building on relationships with key Chinese partners to launch entertainment products targeting Chinese audiences.

Business Headline News

Disney and Sony Ink Unprecedented Licensing Deal

Multi-year agreement covers theatrical releases from 2022-2026 following each films Pay 1 TV window; deal grants Disney rights to iconic library titles, including the ‘Jumanji’ and ‘Hotel Transylvania’ franchises.

Reviews ANIMATIONWorld

Re-VIEW: ‘Soul’ and the Cinematic Empathy Machine

Directors Pete Docter and Kemp Powers invite audiences to ponder their own life choices, forging a link between storyteller and spectator that reaffirms the emotional power of cinema.

Studio Closures Headline News

Disney Shutting Blue Sky Studios

By Dan Sarto | Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 12:02pm

Doors will close sometime in April; 450 employees will lose their jobs as the studio behind the hugely successful ‘Ice Age’ franchise falls victim to the pandemic’s continuing economic impact.    

Interactive Shorts Headline News

Disney’s Immersive, Interactive ‘Baymax Dreams’ Short Premieres at Sundance

By Dan Sarto | Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 3:38pm

Studio’s first interactive episode, part of the festival’s New Frontier Gallery, uses interactive cloud streaming technology to enable seamless interaction and high-end graphics on mobile platforms.

People Headline News

Listen: ‘Soul’ Co-Director Kemp Powers Talks Insights, Clarity, and Setbacks

By Dan Sarto | Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 12:17pm

In a Spark & Fire podcast about his work on Pixar’s new film, the writer/director discusses the challenge and discipline of writing, and his commitment to working out the wonderful barbershop scene.

Yay Another Pete Docter Film! ANIMATIONWorld

Pixar’s ‘Soul’ Skillfully and Honestly Embraces Ethnic and Cultural Diversity

By Dan Sarto | Thursday, December 24, 2020 at 10:09am

Pete Docter and Kemp Powers’ animated gem, about a Black jazz musician’s reflection on his own life and what makes it worth living, premieres tomorrow, Christmas day, on Disney+.

Yay Another Pete Docter Film! ANIMATIONWorld

Designing the Illusory: Souls, Counselors, and The Great Before of ‘Soul’

By Dan Sarto | Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 9:21am

Pete Docter and Pixar make simple, bold, and beautiful look easy in the gorgeous and fantastical ethereal realm of their upcoming animated feature, premiering December 25 on Disney+.

Community Outreach Headline News

Disney and Lucasfilm Teaming with Nonprofit FIRST Robotics on New Challenges Season

Studios’ 2020-2021 youth robotics collaboration, FIRST Game Changers, powered by ‘Star Wars: Force for Change,’ helps expand STEM learning for students around the world.

Disney Reorgs Big Time Headline News

Disney Announces Major Media and Entertainment Reorganization

By Dan Sarto | Monday, October 12, 2020 at 2:37pm

Company to focus on streaming and direct-to-consumer strategies; Kareem Daniel named Chairman of newly created M&E division.

Yay Another Pete Docter Film! ANIMATIONWorld

Pixar’s ‘Soul’ Deftly Tackles the Risky Constructs of Life, Death, and How We Enter the World

By Dan Sarto | Friday, October 9, 2020 at 11:23am

Pete Docter and Kemp Powers’ new film skillfully embraces complex issues of religion, culture, and race, with the studio’s first Black leading character struggling to answer the question, ‘What makes you…YOU?’

Dept. of the Inevitable Headline News

Pete Docter and Pixar’s ‘Soul’ Skipping Theatres, Heading to Disney+

By Dan Sarto | Thursday, October 8, 2020 at 4:58pm

Disney makes the tough decision to cancel their highly anticipated animated feature’s planned November 20 theatrical release date, opting instead to debut exclusively December 25 on the company’s streaming platform.

animated short films Headline News

Watch 2 New ‘Baymax Dreams’ Shorts Made with Unity Real-Time Game Engine Tools

By Dan Sarto | Thursday, August 6, 2020 at 10:37am

Disney Television Animation continues their groundbreaking production work with just launched season of new short films based on their Emmy Award-nominated ‘Big Hero 6 The Series.’

Books Headline News

New Book Chronicles Inspiring Life and Tragic Death of Chris Buck’s Son Ryder

By Dan Sarto | Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at 2:25pm

‘Leave Your Light On,’ by Shelley Buck, artist and wife of the Oscar-winning Frozen and Frozen 2 director, shares the story of her son’s valiant battle against an unrelenting illness, the rich life he lived, and the love he shared with his family and friends.

Women in Animation Headline News

WIA Announces Women in Animation Virtual Summit Program for Annecy 2020 Online

By Dan Sarto | Thursday, June 11, 2020 at 8:48am

Summit will focus on the pandemic, the recently reinvigorated global call for social justice, and their tremendous effects on the animation industry.

TV Animation ANIMATIONWorld

Executive Producer Mike Rubiner Talks ‘The Loud House’ 100th Episode

With a 2020 Daytime Emmy nomination in tow, as well as two GLAAD Media Award nominations, the hit Nickelodeon show celebrates diverse characters, realistic storylines, and a centennial milestone as it heads into Season 5.

Business Headline News

Marvel, Lucasfilm, Pixar, Other Disney Units Hit with Furloughs

By Dan Sarto | Thursday, April 9, 2020 at 2:35pm

Previously announced Walt Disney Company move begins as employees whose jobs aren’t deemed necessary will be temporarily dismissed April 19.

Books ANIMATIONWorld

A Son’s Compelling Tribute to his Fabled Father, Ub Iwerks

Don Iwerks talks about his new book, Walt Disney’s Ultimate Inventor: The Genius of Ub Iwerks, which celebrates the singular achievements of the irrepressible innovator.

Events Headline News

Livestream Event: Disney Legend Don Iwerks Discusses New Ub Iwerks Book December 11

By Dan Sarto | Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at 3:08pm

Presented by D23, the free livestream from Walt Disney Imagineering’s Glendate campus includes panel led by Leonard Maltin, with Bob Weis, Linda Folsom and Leslie Iwerks.

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