Anton, the European production, financing and sales group behind “Greenland,” is set to ramp up its output following a significant injection of funds.
The company — which was the first to bring institutional slate funding to European production — has secured more than Euros100 million ($109 million) in new financing through a group of institutional investors, led by funds and accounts managed by BlackRock. The new financing will allow Anton to expand its feature film and television series development and production slate as it embarks on a significant phase of growth.
Led by founder and CEO Sébastien Raybaud, Anton now plans to produce 10 features per year, focussing on large-scale commercial European English-language projects in the genre space for a global audience. The company is currently in production on “Greenland 2,” starring Gerard Butler and Morena Baccarin and the sequel to 2020 survival thriller hit.
“We have an amazing development and production team in place focused on creating high quality,...
The company — which was the first to bring institutional slate funding to European production — has secured more than Euros100 million ($109 million) in new financing through a group of institutional investors, led by funds and accounts managed by BlackRock. The new financing will allow Anton to expand its feature film and television series development and production slate as it embarks on a significant phase of growth.
Led by founder and CEO Sébastien Raybaud, Anton now plans to produce 10 features per year, focussing on large-scale commercial European English-language projects in the genre space for a global audience. The company is currently in production on “Greenland 2,” starring Gerard Butler and Morena Baccarin and the sequel to 2020 survival thriller hit.
“We have an amazing development and production team in place focused on creating high quality,...
- 5/22/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Animation students at the University of Canterbury are set to benefit from the expertise behind stop-motion titles 'Wallace and Gromit', 'Shaun the Sheep', and 'Morph' as part of a new five-year agreement between the institution and Aardman Academy, the training arm of stop-motion studio Aardman.
The post University of Canterbury inks five-year agreement with Aardman Academy appeared first on If Magazine.
The post University of Canterbury inks five-year agreement with Aardman Academy appeared first on If Magazine.
- 4/16/2024
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Aardman Academy Pacts With New Zealand’s Canterbury University for Stop-Motion Animation (Exclusive)
New Zealand’s University of Canterbury has signed a five-year exclusive agreement with the Aardman Academy, the training arm of the Aardman Animations, the British film and TV studio behind “Wallace and Gromit” and “Shaun the Sheep.”
The agreement enables the Christchurch-based university to become the only educational institution in New Zealand to specialize in Aardman’s unique version of stop-motion animation. It has the potential to upend the country’s animation industry.
The Aardman Academy was created at a time when the studio urgently needed more animators to produce “Chicken Run.” Released in 2000, the film went on to become the highest-grossing stop-motion film of all time. The Aardman Academy has since trained hundreds of world-class animators, directors, model makers and other specialists.
Training will be offered to animation students studying for the university’s Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours degree. And it creates the opportunity to receive training...
The agreement enables the Christchurch-based university to become the only educational institution in New Zealand to specialize in Aardman’s unique version of stop-motion animation. It has the potential to upend the country’s animation industry.
The Aardman Academy was created at a time when the studio urgently needed more animators to produce “Chicken Run.” Released in 2000, the film went on to become the highest-grossing stop-motion film of all time. The Aardman Academy has since trained hundreds of world-class animators, directors, model makers and other specialists.
Training will be offered to animation students studying for the university’s Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours degree. And it creates the opportunity to receive training...
- 4/16/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Munich-based sales outfit Studio 100 Film has closed a string of deals for upcoming family animation Flamingo Flamenco.
The feature has been acquired for Vietnam (Blue Lantern), Mongolia (Filmbridge), the Middle East (Empire Network), Eastern Europe (ProRom Media), ex-Yugoslavia (Blitz), Bulgaria (Pro Films), Portugal (Nos Ludomundo), Greece (Rosebud.21), Benelux (Just4Kids), Israel (Filmhouse), Baltics (Acme), Ukraine (Ufd) and Poland (Kino Swiat).
Produced by Germany’s Studio 100 Media and Spain’s 3Doubles Producciones, the story follows a dance crazy flamingo who must overcome personal loss and learn to dance again, regaining her confidence and saving her flock in the process.
The feature has been acquired for Vietnam (Blue Lantern), Mongolia (Filmbridge), the Middle East (Empire Network), Eastern Europe (ProRom Media), ex-Yugoslavia (Blitz), Bulgaria (Pro Films), Portugal (Nos Ludomundo), Greece (Rosebud.21), Benelux (Just4Kids), Israel (Filmhouse), Baltics (Acme), Ukraine (Ufd) and Poland (Kino Swiat).
Produced by Germany’s Studio 100 Media and Spain’s 3Doubles Producciones, the story follows a dance crazy flamingo who must overcome personal loss and learn to dance again, regaining her confidence and saving her flock in the process.
- 3/13/2024
- ScreenDaily
European production powerhouse StudioCanal has announced the launch of its first-ever genre label and has appointed former Studiocanal UK exec Jed Benedict to run it.
Benedict held various positions at Studiocanal from 2012 through 2020 including as senior acquisitions manager in the U.K., picking up such titles as David Mackenzie’s Hell or High Water, Yeon Sang-ho’s Train to Busan, S. Craig Zahler’s Dragged Across Concrete, and Thomas Vinterberg’s Oscar winner Another Round. In 2020, Benedict shifted to Danny Perkins’ CAA-backed U.K. distributor Elysian Film Group, becoming its head of acquisitions and development.
Benedict will be based in the U.K. and report to StudioCanal’s executive vp, global production Ron Halpern. The new, as-yet-unnamed genre label will encompass film and TV series development, production, and distribution, focusing on exploiting StudioCanal’s catalog of some 9,000 titles across a century of movie history. In a statement, Benedict said...
Benedict held various positions at Studiocanal from 2012 through 2020 including as senior acquisitions manager in the U.K., picking up such titles as David Mackenzie’s Hell or High Water, Yeon Sang-ho’s Train to Busan, S. Craig Zahler’s Dragged Across Concrete, and Thomas Vinterberg’s Oscar winner Another Round. In 2020, Benedict shifted to Danny Perkins’ CAA-backed U.K. distributor Elysian Film Group, becoming its head of acquisitions and development.
Benedict will be based in the U.K. and report to StudioCanal’s executive vp, global production Ron Halpern. The new, as-yet-unnamed genre label will encompass film and TV series development, production, and distribution, focusing on exploiting StudioCanal’s catalog of some 9,000 titles across a century of movie history. In a statement, Benedict said...
- 3/6/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
For more than 40 years, Aardman Animations has been producing classics like “Wallace & Gromit,” “Chicken Run” and “Shaun the Sheep.” Now, following in the footsteps of pioneers such as Peter Lord, David Sproxton and Nick Park, new recruits have come on board at the company’s headquarters on Spike Island in the port city of Bristol, in the West of England, replenishing its creative treasure chest.
Variety steps along the gangplank to meet some of the more recent additions to the crew: Dan Ojari and Mikey Please, the creators of Oscar-nominated “Robin Robin” (see here); kids’ comedy series “Lloyd of the Flies” creator and director Matthew Walker, and co-director and voice director Jane Davies (see here); and Lucy Izzard, the creator, writer and director of “The Very Small Creatures,” a BAFTA nominated preschool series (see below).
“The Very Small Creatures,” commissioned by U.K. pay-tv operator Sky, is a stop-motion series for one to three-year-olds.
Variety steps along the gangplank to meet some of the more recent additions to the crew: Dan Ojari and Mikey Please, the creators of Oscar-nominated “Robin Robin” (see here); kids’ comedy series “Lloyd of the Flies” creator and director Matthew Walker, and co-director and voice director Jane Davies (see here); and Lucy Izzard, the creator, writer and director of “The Very Small Creatures,” a BAFTA nominated preschool series (see below).
“The Very Small Creatures,” commissioned by U.K. pay-tv operator Sky, is a stop-motion series for one to three-year-olds.
- 1/24/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Picture: Aardman Animations
Wallace and Gromit are returning to the big screen. Almost 20 years after their 2005 feature film Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, Netflix and the BBC will release a brand new entry in 2024.
This will mark Aardman Animation’s seventh major project with Netflix, following Robin Robin and the sequel to Chicken Run. Netflix also distributed the 2019 movie A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon and two Shaun the Sheep series. The studio is also very much involved in the upcoming mobile Netflix game called Chicken Run: Eggstraction.
The project was first announced in January 2022, with the BBC and Netflix boarding the project.
We should note at this point that the movie has yet to get an official name. The majority of places referring to the movie refer to is as “Wallace & Gromit Feature Film” or “Untitled Wallace & Gromit”.
According to several people attached to the project,...
Wallace and Gromit are returning to the big screen. Almost 20 years after their 2005 feature film Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, Netflix and the BBC will release a brand new entry in 2024.
This will mark Aardman Animation’s seventh major project with Netflix, following Robin Robin and the sequel to Chicken Run. Netflix also distributed the 2019 movie A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon and two Shaun the Sheep series. The studio is also very much involved in the upcoming mobile Netflix game called Chicken Run: Eggstraction.
The project was first announced in January 2022, with the BBC and Netflix boarding the project.
We should note at this point that the movie has yet to get an official name. The majority of places referring to the movie refer to is as “Wallace & Gromit Feature Film” or “Untitled Wallace & Gromit”.
According to several people attached to the project,...
- 1/5/2024
- by Kasey Moore
- Whats-on-Netflix
It would be understandable, as much as easy to forgive, were one to have allowed the existence of 2000’s “Chicken Run” to slip from that mental space reserved for cinema’s finest animated offerings; indeed, despite co-director Nick Park (having shared the credit with Peter Lord) helming franchise successes “Wallace & Gromit” and spinoff “Shaun the Sheep,” “Chicken Run” has, for the past 23 years, remained a somewhat unique, solitary hit in the world of stop-motion animation, still the highest-grossing stop-motion film and a critically acclaimed classic begging for a follow-up.
Continue reading ‘Chicken Run: Dawn Of The Nugget’ Review: A Long Overdue Delight at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Chicken Run: Dawn Of The Nugget’ Review: A Long Overdue Delight at The Playlist.
- 12/13/2023
- by Brian Farvour
- The Playlist
Netflix has launched the full trailer for the upcoming Aardman follow-up ‘Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget.’
From the multi-Academy and BAFTA award-winning Aardman, and Academy Award® and BAFTA-nominated director Sam Fell, comes ‘Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget,’ the eagerly anticipated sequel to the beloved and highest-grossing stop-motion animated film of all time, Chicken Run.
Having pulled off a death-defying escape from Tweedy’s farm, Ginger has finally found her dream – a peaceful island sanctuary for the whole flock, far from the dangers of the human world. When she and Rocky hatch a little girl called Molly, Ginger’s happy ending seems complete. But back on the mainland, the whole of chicken-kind faces a new and terrible threat. For Ginger and her team, even if it means putting their own hard-won freedom at risk – this time, they’re breaking in!
Directed by Sam Fell the voice cast includes Thandiwe Newton,...
From the multi-Academy and BAFTA award-winning Aardman, and Academy Award® and BAFTA-nominated director Sam Fell, comes ‘Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget,’ the eagerly anticipated sequel to the beloved and highest-grossing stop-motion animated film of all time, Chicken Run.
Having pulled off a death-defying escape from Tweedy’s farm, Ginger has finally found her dream – a peaceful island sanctuary for the whole flock, far from the dangers of the human world. When she and Rocky hatch a little girl called Molly, Ginger’s happy ending seems complete. But back on the mainland, the whole of chicken-kind faces a new and terrible threat. For Ginger and her team, even if it means putting their own hard-won freedom at risk – this time, they’re breaking in!
Directed by Sam Fell the voice cast includes Thandiwe Newton,...
- 11/15/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Although the holidays would usually call for chicken pies, this December sees the dawn of the chicken nugget. The team at Aardman that brought us the beloved children’s show Wallace & Gromit returns to their poultry pals in the new Netflix sequel to the 2000 stop-motion animated film Chicken Run.
The official synopsis from Netflix reads,
“From the multi Academy and BAFTA award-winning Aardman, and Academy Award® and BAFTA-nominated director Sam Fell, comes Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, the eagerly anticipated sequel to the beloved and highest-grossing stop-motion animated film of all time, Chicken Run. Having pulled off a death-defying escape from Tweedy’s farm, Ginger has finally found her dream – a peaceful island sanctuary for the whole flock, far from the dangers of the human world. When she and Rocky hatch a little girl called Molly, Ginger’s happy ending seems complete. But back on the mainland the...
The official synopsis from Netflix reads,
“From the multi Academy and BAFTA award-winning Aardman, and Academy Award® and BAFTA-nominated director Sam Fell, comes Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, the eagerly anticipated sequel to the beloved and highest-grossing stop-motion animated film of all time, Chicken Run. Having pulled off a death-defying escape from Tweedy’s farm, Ginger has finally found her dream – a peaceful island sanctuary for the whole flock, far from the dangers of the human world. When she and Rocky hatch a little girl called Molly, Ginger’s happy ending seems complete. But back on the mainland the...
- 11/15/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
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
Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Boy and the Heron” will open Animation Is Film on Oct. 18 at the Tcl Chinese Theatre in the festival’s first IMAX premiere, the organization announced Thursday.
The Animation Is Film Festival, with Variety as one of the sponsors, will run from Oct. 18-22 in Hollywood. Sam Fell’s “Chicken Run” sequel “Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget” will close out the programming in a Q&a with Fell and executive producer Peter Lord, hosted by Netflix.
At this year’s festival, Aif is continuing to prioritize animation while recognizing its contribution to film around the world. “Robot Dreams” and “Chicken For Linda!” join the feature film lineup, with both making their West Coast and U.S. debuts, respectively.
“‘Animation Is Film’ is not just the name of our festival, it is its mission,” said Matt Kaszanek, executive director of Aif. “New films from Studio Ghibli...
The Animation Is Film Festival, with Variety as one of the sponsors, will run from Oct. 18-22 in Hollywood. Sam Fell’s “Chicken Run” sequel “Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget” will close out the programming in a Q&a with Fell and executive producer Peter Lord, hosted by Netflix.
At this year’s festival, Aif is continuing to prioritize animation while recognizing its contribution to film around the world. “Robot Dreams” and “Chicken For Linda!” join the feature film lineup, with both making their West Coast and U.S. debuts, respectively.
“‘Animation Is Film’ is not just the name of our festival, it is its mission,” said Matt Kaszanek, executive director of Aif. “New films from Studio Ghibli...
- 9/21/2023
- by McKinley Franklin
- Variety Film + TV
"Last time we broke out of a chicken farm - well this time, we're breaking in." Let's go, chickens!! Netflix has revealed a proper first teaser trailer for the animated sequel Chicken Run 2: Dawn of the Nugget, set to arrive streaming in December this year. Some will also recall that the original Chicken Run, released in 2000, still holds the spot at the box office as the #1 stop-motion animated movie of all-time. Aardman is again making the sequel, working with Netflix. Having pulled off an escape from Tweedy's farm, Ginger has found a peaceful island sanctuary for the whole flock. But back on the mainland the whole of chicken-kind faces a new threat, and Ginger and her team decide they must break in. Nice twist on the plot. From award-winning Aardman, and the Academy Award & BAFTA-nominated director Sam Fell. Starring Zachary Levi, Nick Mohammed, Bella Ramsey, Thandiwe Newton, Imelda Staunton,...
- 9/5/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
The makers of the hit children’s program Wallace & Gromit return to the stop-motion animation world with a sequel to their 2000 film, Chicken Run. Instead of escaping, in Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, they will be breaking into a new high-tech facility.
The official synopsis from Netflix reads,
“From the multi Academy and BAFTA award-winning Aardman, and Academy Award® and BAFTA-nominated director Sam Fell, comes Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, the eagerly anticipated sequel to the beloved and highest-grossing stop-motion animated film of all time, Chicken Run. Having pulled off a death-defying escape from Tweedy’s farm, Ginger has finally found her dream – a peaceful island sanctuary for the whole flock, far from the dangers of the human world. When she and Rocky hatch a little girl called Molly, Ginger’s happy ending seems complete. But back on the mainland the whole of chicken-kind faces a new and terrible threat.
The official synopsis from Netflix reads,
“From the multi Academy and BAFTA award-winning Aardman, and Academy Award® and BAFTA-nominated director Sam Fell, comes Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, the eagerly anticipated sequel to the beloved and highest-grossing stop-motion animated film of all time, Chicken Run. Having pulled off a death-defying escape from Tweedy’s farm, Ginger has finally found her dream – a peaceful island sanctuary for the whole flock, far from the dangers of the human world. When she and Rocky hatch a little girl called Molly, Ginger’s happy ending seems complete. But back on the mainland the whole of chicken-kind faces a new and terrible threat.
- 9/5/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Netflix has debuted a teaser trailer for the upcoming Aardman follow-up ‘Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget.’
From the multi-Academy and BAFTA award-winning Aardman, and Academy Award® and BAFTA-nominated director Sam Fell, comes ‘Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget,’ the eagerly anticipated sequel to the beloved and highest-grossing stop-motion animated film of all time, Chicken Run.
Having pulled off a death-defying escape from Tweedy’s farm, Ginger has finally found her dream – a peaceful island sanctuary for the whole flock, far from the dangers of the human world. When she and Rocky hatch a little girl called Molly, Ginger’s happy ending seems complete. But back on the mainland, the whole of chicken-kind faces a new and terrible threat. For Ginger and her team, even if it means putting their own hard-won freedom at risk – this time, they’re breaking in!
Also in trailers – “I don’t trust you no more…...
From the multi-Academy and BAFTA award-winning Aardman, and Academy Award® and BAFTA-nominated director Sam Fell, comes ‘Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget,’ the eagerly anticipated sequel to the beloved and highest-grossing stop-motion animated film of all time, Chicken Run.
Having pulled off a death-defying escape from Tweedy’s farm, Ginger has finally found her dream – a peaceful island sanctuary for the whole flock, far from the dangers of the human world. When she and Rocky hatch a little girl called Molly, Ginger’s happy ending seems complete. But back on the mainland, the whole of chicken-kind faces a new and terrible threat. For Ginger and her team, even if it means putting their own hard-won freedom at risk – this time, they’re breaking in!
Also in trailers – “I don’t trust you no more…...
- 9/5/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Aardman Animations is one of the most celebrated animation studios in the world and certainly the most celebrated stop-motion studio this side of Laika. Aardman's work has a unique and signature look and feel, which for many outside of Britain has become synonymous with British humor, particularly when it comes to the quaint, low-key vibe, and cartoonish tone of the "Shaun The Sheep" and "Wallace & Gromit" shorts and movies.
This year, the studio has already dived into the galaxy far, far away with a delightful short that brought Wes Antilles back into the story in "Star Wars: Visions." But before they deliver a brand new "Wallace & Gromit" movie in 2024, Aardman is looking back at their feature debut, "Chicken Run."
Both Aardman's most financially successful film and the highest-grossing stop-motion film of all time, "Chicken Run" is a wry homage to "The Great Escape" which sees a group of chickens escaping from a farm.
This year, the studio has already dived into the galaxy far, far away with a delightful short that brought Wes Antilles back into the story in "Star Wars: Visions." But before they deliver a brand new "Wallace & Gromit" movie in 2024, Aardman is looking back at their feature debut, "Chicken Run."
Both Aardman's most financially successful film and the highest-grossing stop-motion film of all time, "Chicken Run" is a wry homage to "The Great Escape" which sees a group of chickens escaping from a farm.
- 9/5/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
Exclusive: Tubi has acquired Aardman Animations’ series Lloyd of the Flies.
The series, originally for Citv in the UK, will be badged as a Tubi Original in the U.S. and Canada. It will launch exclusive on the free streaming service on August 6.
The 52-episode series follows Lloyd, a young fly who is the middle child of 451, who lives in an apple with his long-suffering parents, cheeky little sister and 224 maggots. Along with his best friend, woodlouse Abacus, his faces endless endless awkward, annoying and occasionally life-threatening situations largely of his own devising, because when you’re only one centimeter high, even tiny problems can lead to massive consequences.
Tom Rosenthal plays Lloyd and Alex Lawther, who we revealed on Friday is among the leads for new FX series Alien plays Abacus. Lauren Patel (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Callum Scott Howells (It’s a Sin), Teresa Gallagher...
The series, originally for Citv in the UK, will be badged as a Tubi Original in the U.S. and Canada. It will launch exclusive on the free streaming service on August 6.
The 52-episode series follows Lloyd, a young fly who is the middle child of 451, who lives in an apple with his long-suffering parents, cheeky little sister and 224 maggots. Along with his best friend, woodlouse Abacus, his faces endless endless awkward, annoying and occasionally life-threatening situations largely of his own devising, because when you’re only one centimeter high, even tiny problems can lead to massive consequences.
Tom Rosenthal plays Lloyd and Alex Lawther, who we revealed on Friday is among the leads for new FX series Alien plays Abacus. Lauren Patel (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Callum Scott Howells (It’s a Sin), Teresa Gallagher...
- 7/25/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Mid-July doesn’t exactly constitute the dog days of summer, but for parents with kids to keep entertained it’s certainly close enough. Summer break is only half over for most kids across the United States, and that means parents have at least another month of kids with nothing but time on their hands.
To combat the boredom that can crop up during this time of year, parents should check out Sling Freestream. Freestream is, as the name suggests, completely free to all users, whether they subscribe to Sling TV’s live TV service or not. The service offers hundreds of free streaming channels, including some selections that are tailor-made for keeping children entertained.
Watch Now $0 / month sling.com What Are the Top Kids Channels Available on Sling Freestream?
Sling Freestream’s channel count has grown to over 400, and it offers more than 41,000 titles to stream on-demand as well. No...
To combat the boredom that can crop up during this time of year, parents should check out Sling Freestream. Freestream is, as the name suggests, completely free to all users, whether they subscribe to Sling TV’s live TV service or not. The service offers hundreds of free streaming channels, including some selections that are tailor-made for keeping children entertained.
Watch Now $0 / month sling.com What Are the Top Kids Channels Available on Sling Freestream?
Sling Freestream’s channel count has grown to over 400, and it offers more than 41,000 titles to stream on-demand as well. No...
- 7/12/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Gold House and the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (Cape) have launched Gold Open to celebrate the historic release of the R-rated comedy, “Joy Ride.”
Gold Open urges the Asian Pacific community to connect and join together, via social media and at theaters, to drive “Joy Ride” to become a success during its July 7 opening weekend.
The celebratory effort will include Gold Open screenings across the U.S., as a result of the initiative’s current theater buyouts. Those contributing to the current initiative include Meta, Spotify, Stand With Asians, Asians Are Strong, Asian Comedy Fest, Chicago Asian Network, Asian CineVision, Asian Pacific leaders and Gold House members: Janet Yang (Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences president), Agnes Chu (Conde Nast Entertainment president), David Chiu (San Francisco City attorney), Julia Gouw (chairwoman of Piermont Bank), Keli Lee, Sophia Yen, Bernice Kwok-Gabel and Yao King (founder and Cio of...
Gold Open urges the Asian Pacific community to connect and join together, via social media and at theaters, to drive “Joy Ride” to become a success during its July 7 opening weekend.
The celebratory effort will include Gold Open screenings across the U.S., as a result of the initiative’s current theater buyouts. Those contributing to the current initiative include Meta, Spotify, Stand With Asians, Asians Are Strong, Asian Comedy Fest, Chicago Asian Network, Asian CineVision, Asian Pacific leaders and Gold House members: Janet Yang (Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences president), Agnes Chu (Conde Nast Entertainment president), David Chiu (San Francisco City attorney), Julia Gouw (chairwoman of Piermont Bank), Keli Lee, Sophia Yen, Bernice Kwok-Gabel and Yao King (founder and Cio of...
- 7/5/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay, Sophia Scorziello, McKinley Franklin and Charna Flam
- Variety Film + TV
"What do I do? What do I do?" "Just grab it!" Netflix has unveiled a very short, 15-sec teaser for the return of one of the most beloved franchises - Chicken Run. The sequel, Chicken Run 2: Dawn of the Nugget, is set to arrive in December later this year. You may recall that the original Chicken Run, released in 2000, still holds the top spot at the box office for the #1 stop-motion animated movie of all-time. Aardman is again making the sequel, working with Netflix. Having pulled off an escape from Tweedy's farm, Ginger has found a peaceful island sanctuary for the whole flock. But back on the mainland the whole of chicken-kind faces a new threat, and Ginger and her team decide they must break in. From award-winning Aardman, and the Academy Award & BAFTA-nominated director Sam Fell. With the voices of Zachary Levi, Nick Mohammed, Bella Ramsey, Thandiwe Newton,...
- 6/16/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Netflix has debuted a number of character posters for the upcoming Aardman follow-up ‘Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget.’
From the multi-Academy and BAFTA award-winning Aardman, and Academy Award® and BAFTA-nominated director Sam Fell, comes ‘Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget,’ the eagerly anticipated sequel to the beloved and highest-grossing stop-motion animated film of all time, Chicken Run.
Having pulled off a death-defying escape from Tweedy’s farm, Ginger has finally found her dream – a peaceful island sanctuary for the whole flock, far from the dangers of the human world. When she and Rocky hatch a little girl called Molly, Ginger’s happy ending seems complete. But back on the mainland, the whole of chicken-kind faces a new and terrible threat. For Ginger and her team, even if it means putting their own hard-won freedom at risk – this time, they’re breaking in!
Also in news – Eddie Marsan joins cast...
From the multi-Academy and BAFTA award-winning Aardman, and Academy Award® and BAFTA-nominated director Sam Fell, comes ‘Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget,’ the eagerly anticipated sequel to the beloved and highest-grossing stop-motion animated film of all time, Chicken Run.
Having pulled off a death-defying escape from Tweedy’s farm, Ginger has finally found her dream – a peaceful island sanctuary for the whole flock, far from the dangers of the human world. When she and Rocky hatch a little girl called Molly, Ginger’s happy ending seems complete. But back on the mainland, the whole of chicken-kind faces a new and terrible threat. For Ginger and her team, even if it means putting their own hard-won freedom at risk – this time, they’re breaking in!
Also in news – Eddie Marsan joins cast...
- 5/1/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Out of all the studios announced to be working on Volume 2 of the animated anthology series, "Star Wars: Visions," it's Aardman Animation's involvement that's got me the most intrigued. The "Wallace & Gromit," "Shaun the Sheep," and "Chicken Run" stop-motion powerhouse's various idiosyncratic settings and toothy-mouthed characters aren't as far removed from the galaxy far, far away as you might imagine, either.
Speaking during the "Visions" panels at "Star Wars" Celebration 2023 in London, England (where members of the /Film crew are currently on the ground), the team behind Aardman's "Visions" short, title "I Am Your Mother," noted that stop-motion has a long history in "Star Wars." Indeed, the Industrial Light & Magic visual effects legend Phil Tippett famously used never-before-seen VFX to make the stop-motion tauntauns and At-ATs more convincing for the Hoth sequences in "The Empire Strikes Back." Magdalena Osinska, the director of "I Am Your Mother," referred to Aardman...
Speaking during the "Visions" panels at "Star Wars" Celebration 2023 in London, England (where members of the /Film crew are currently on the ground), the team behind Aardman's "Visions" short, title "I Am Your Mother," noted that stop-motion has a long history in "Star Wars." Indeed, the Industrial Light & Magic visual effects legend Phil Tippett famously used never-before-seen VFX to make the stop-motion tauntauns and At-ATs more convincing for the Hoth sequences in "The Empire Strikes Back." Magdalena Osinska, the director of "I Am Your Mother," referred to Aardman...
- 4/10/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Despite the fact that Peacock doesn’t offer a free streaming tier anymore, you can still watch quite a bit of free content from its parent company Comcast. In addition to the on-demand and free ad-supported TV service Xumo Play Comcast offers free streaming opportunities every week to all X1, Flex and Xfinity internet customers.
Sign Up $4.99+ / month peacocktv.com
The promotion — which Comcast calls “Free This Week”— will feature a wide array of family-friendly entertainment this week. From Monday, March 27 to Sunday, April 2, Xfinity customers can watch free content from [Da Vinci Kids], Disney Story Channel and Kidstream. A Da Vinci Kids subscription is an $11.99 per month value, and Kidstream is $4.99 per month, so this is the perfect time for curious parents to test out the services.
Da Vinci Kids and Kidstream both offer various types of educational kids programming. These apps provide fantastic series and documentaries in a host of different subjects,...
Sign Up $4.99+ / month peacocktv.com
The promotion — which Comcast calls “Free This Week”— will feature a wide array of family-friendly entertainment this week. From Monday, March 27 to Sunday, April 2, Xfinity customers can watch free content from [Da Vinci Kids], Disney Story Channel and Kidstream. A Da Vinci Kids subscription is an $11.99 per month value, and Kidstream is $4.99 per month, so this is the perfect time for curious parents to test out the services.
Da Vinci Kids and Kidstream both offer various types of educational kids programming. These apps provide fantastic series and documentaries in a host of different subjects,...
- 3/27/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Mediawan Kids & Family, the youth entertainment division of the European powerhouse, has acquired a majority stake in Wildseed Studios, the British production company behind “The Last Bus” and “Hungerford.”
The deal marks the first international acquisition of Mediawan Kids & Family, a leading purveyor of animated series and features including “The Little Prince” and “The Little Nicholas,” which premiered at Cannes.
Wildseed Studios was founded in 2013 by Jesse Cleverly (“Eastern Promises”), former head of co-productions and acquisitions at BBC Children’s, and Miles Bullough (“Shaun the Sheep”), former head of broadcast at Aardman Animations. The company’s track record includes a number of hits such as the Netflix live action series “The Last Bus,” the award-winning feature film “Hungerford,” the children’s animation series “Dodo” for Sky Kids and the animated comedy “Counterfeit Cat” for Disney Channel. Upcoming titles include the Sky Kids Special “Ama’s Story.”
“Wildseed Studios is a renowned and well-established U.
The deal marks the first international acquisition of Mediawan Kids & Family, a leading purveyor of animated series and features including “The Little Prince” and “The Little Nicholas,” which premiered at Cannes.
Wildseed Studios was founded in 2013 by Jesse Cleverly (“Eastern Promises”), former head of co-productions and acquisitions at BBC Children’s, and Miles Bullough (“Shaun the Sheep”), former head of broadcast at Aardman Animations. The company’s track record includes a number of hits such as the Netflix live action series “The Last Bus,” the award-winning feature film “Hungerford,” the children’s animation series “Dodo” for Sky Kids and the animated comedy “Counterfeit Cat” for Disney Channel. Upcoming titles include the Sky Kids Special “Ama’s Story.”
“Wildseed Studios is a renowned and well-established U.
- 2/7/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Anton, the London-based company behind “Mothers’ Instinct” and “The End We Start From,” has hired Fremantle alumni Sangeeta Desai and Sarah Doole to spearhead its newly launched TV production arm.
Anton said it will seek to attract leading creatives to launch production scripted labels across Europe. The banner will also look at direct, and first-look deals with established on- and off-screen talent.
“I’m delighted that Sangeeta and Sarah are joining Anton to launch and run our new TV arm,” said Sebastien Raybaud. “Their expertise, experience and enthusiasm will be invaluable. This move marks an important milestone in the development of the company,” Raybaud continued.
Desai added that “Anton has quickly gained a reputation for shaking up the way feature films are financed and produced.” She said she looked forward to exploring “how we can take advantage of Anton’s agility and flexibility to offer some of Europe’s best...
Anton said it will seek to attract leading creatives to launch production scripted labels across Europe. The banner will also look at direct, and first-look deals with established on- and off-screen talent.
“I’m delighted that Sangeeta and Sarah are joining Anton to launch and run our new TV arm,” said Sebastien Raybaud. “Their expertise, experience and enthusiasm will be invaluable. This move marks an important milestone in the development of the company,” Raybaud continued.
Desai added that “Anton has quickly gained a reputation for shaking up the way feature films are financed and produced.” She said she looked forward to exploring “how we can take advantage of Anton’s agility and flexibility to offer some of Europe’s best...
- 1/31/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Anglo-French firm looks to drive TV production expansion.
Anglo-French production and financing outfit Anton has hired former Fremantle execs Sangeeta Desai and Sarah Doole to launch a dedicated TV production division.
Anton’s TV division will aim to produce premium talent-driven content for global audiences. It will also seek to partner with leading creatives to launch scripted labels across Europe. The business will also look at direct and first-look deals with established on- and off-screen talent.
Desai, whose recent roles include board director at Boatrocker Media, CEO of Osn, as well as global COO and CEO of emerging markets at...
Anglo-French production and financing outfit Anton has hired former Fremantle execs Sangeeta Desai and Sarah Doole to launch a dedicated TV production division.
Anton’s TV division will aim to produce premium talent-driven content for global audiences. It will also seek to partner with leading creatives to launch scripted labels across Europe. The business will also look at direct and first-look deals with established on- and off-screen talent.
Desai, whose recent roles include board director at Boatrocker Media, CEO of Osn, as well as global COO and CEO of emerging markets at...
- 1/31/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Features the voices of: Mike Mort, Jennifer Saunders, Paul Whitehouse, Dan Russell, Jonnie Fiori, Samantha Coughlan, Romano Marenghi, Geoff Robbins, Jonnie Price, Mark Richard Jones, Laura Tofarides | Written and Directed by Mike Mort
It’s not 1985 anymore… it’s 1986! And Chuck Steel is the maverick, lone wolf cop on the edge, who doesn’t play by the rules and must prevent the worst plague ever to hit Los Angeles – a scourge of deadly Trampires, mutant hybrids of vampires and bums.
Beginning life as a 2013 animated short, it has taken some time for this feature-length version of Chuck Steel’s adventures to finally make it into the hands of physical media collectors here in the UK, having previously screened at Frightfest way back in 2018, been on limited release in cinemas in 2021 And debuting on digital earlier this year… Was it worth the wait?
In a word (or two). Hell yes!
Chuck...
It’s not 1985 anymore… it’s 1986! And Chuck Steel is the maverick, lone wolf cop on the edge, who doesn’t play by the rules and must prevent the worst plague ever to hit Los Angeles – a scourge of deadly Trampires, mutant hybrids of vampires and bums.
Beginning life as a 2013 animated short, it has taken some time for this feature-length version of Chuck Steel’s adventures to finally make it into the hands of physical media collectors here in the UK, having previously screened at Frightfest way back in 2018, been on limited release in cinemas in 2021 And debuting on digital earlier this year… Was it worth the wait?
In a word (or two). Hell yes!
Chuck...
- 6/13/2022
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
The race for Best Animated Short Film definitely has a clear front-runner. According to our combined racetrack odds, “Robin Robin” is the clear leader to win this year. These odds are calculated from the predictions that have been logged by Expert film journalists, Gold Derby’s Editors, Top 24 Users and the thousands of Gold Derby users making their own predictions.
But how solid a front-runner is “Robin Robin”? Could another film upset it? Let’s take a dive into this category by examining all five nominees in order by their Gold Derby odds as of this writing.
SEEOscars 2022: Who are the final 9 presenters among 46 celebrities added for Sunday’s ceremony?
“Robin Robin” (odds of winning: 31/10)
A robin that’s been raised by mice is perpetually clumsy when it comes to raiding kitchens and makes her family prone to being caught. With the help of a collecting magpie (Richard E. Grant...
But how solid a front-runner is “Robin Robin”? Could another film upset it? Let’s take a dive into this category by examining all five nominees in order by their Gold Derby odds as of this writing.
SEEOscars 2022: Who are the final 9 presenters among 46 celebrities added for Sunday’s ceremony?
“Robin Robin” (odds of winning: 31/10)
A robin that’s been raised by mice is perpetually clumsy when it comes to raiding kitchens and makes her family prone to being caught. With the help of a collecting magpie (Richard E. Grant...
- 3/24/2022
- by Charles Bright
- Gold Derby
“People often attribute stop-motion to patience, but the funny thing is I think we’re actually incredibly impatient. We’re always wanting to kind of push forward to the next step,” says Mikey Please about the process of stop-motion animation. He and Daniel Ojari directed the stop-motion film “Robin Robin,” which is on the Oscars shortlist for Best Animated Short. We talked with Please for our short-film directors panel. Watch our exclusive video interview above.
“Robin Robin” was produced by Aardman, the studio behind celebrated stop-motion projects like “Wallace and Gromit,” “Shaun the Sheep,” and “Chicken Run.” This film tells the story of the title character, a bird who is adopted by a family of mice but struggles to fit in. So to prove she can be a capable mouse, she sets out to steal the star from atop a Christmas tree. Please doesn’t remember exactly how he and...
“Robin Robin” was produced by Aardman, the studio behind celebrated stop-motion projects like “Wallace and Gromit,” “Shaun the Sheep,” and “Chicken Run.” This film tells the story of the title character, a bird who is adopted by a family of mice but struggles to fit in. So to prove she can be a capable mouse, she sets out to steal the star from atop a Christmas tree. Please doesn’t remember exactly how he and...
- 1/24/2022
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Newen Studios is moving into feature film after financier Anton increased its investment in the French production giant by 40% to €50M ($56.6M).
The extension of the agreement comes after two years’ worth of Anton investment in which Newen has been behind the likes of Ocs’ The Opera and France Télévisions/Rtbf/Ard’s Crossroads. It is currently in production with Vrt/Arte’s Lost Luggage and is distributing the likes of DNA and The Promise via distribution arm Newen Connect.
Included in the €50M extension is Newen’s upcoming documentary on high-end fashion designer John Galliano from Whitney director Kevin Macdonald.
Sébastien Raybaud, Anton’s Founder and CEO, said Newen “leads the way in global content.”
“The continuation of our partnership with them affirms our belief in their vision, creativity and commercial prowess,” he added.
Newen Managing Director Romain Bessi said “The extension of the agreement with Anton testifies...
The extension of the agreement comes after two years’ worth of Anton investment in which Newen has been behind the likes of Ocs’ The Opera and France Télévisions/Rtbf/Ard’s Crossroads. It is currently in production with Vrt/Arte’s Lost Luggage and is distributing the likes of DNA and The Promise via distribution arm Newen Connect.
Included in the €50M extension is Newen’s upcoming documentary on high-end fashion designer John Galliano from Whitney director Kevin Macdonald.
Sébastien Raybaud, Anton’s Founder and CEO, said Newen “leads the way in global content.”
“The continuation of our partnership with them affirms our belief in their vision, creativity and commercial prowess,” he added.
Newen Managing Director Romain Bessi said “The extension of the agreement with Anton testifies...
- 1/24/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Aardman’s beloved characters Wallace and Gromit are returning in a new BBC and Netflix film and Ginger and Rocky from “Chicken Run” (2000) in a Netflix sequel.
With a box office gross of nearly $225 million, “Chicken Run” is the highest grossing stop-motion film of all time. The sequel, “Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget,” follows Ginger, who, having pulled off a death-defying escape from Tweedy’s farm, has set up a peaceful island sanctuary for the whole flock, far from the dangers of the human world. When she and Rocky hatch a little girl called Molly, Ginger’s happy ending seems complete. But back on the mainland the whole of chicken-kind faces a new and terrible threat.
The cast includes Thandiwe Newton (Ginger), Zachary Levi (Rocky), Bella Ramsey, Jane Horrocks, Imelda Staunton, Lynn Ferguson, Josie Sedgwick-Davies, David Bradley, Romesh Ranganathan, Daniel Mays and Nick Mohammed. Sam Fell (“Flushed Away”) directs...
With a box office gross of nearly $225 million, “Chicken Run” is the highest grossing stop-motion film of all time. The sequel, “Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget,” follows Ginger, who, having pulled off a death-defying escape from Tweedy’s farm, has set up a peaceful island sanctuary for the whole flock, far from the dangers of the human world. When she and Rocky hatch a little girl called Molly, Ginger’s happy ending seems complete. But back on the mainland the whole of chicken-kind faces a new and terrible threat.
The cast includes Thandiwe Newton (Ginger), Zachary Levi (Rocky), Bella Ramsey, Jane Horrocks, Imelda Staunton, Lynn Ferguson, Josie Sedgwick-Davies, David Bradley, Romesh Ranganathan, Daniel Mays and Nick Mohammed. Sam Fell (“Flushed Away”) directs...
- 1/20/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Wallace and Gromit are returning to screens for the first time in more than 15 years, with the BBC and Netflix snapping up Aardman’s latest animation, while Netflix has unveiled first look and cast for Aardman’s Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget.
The as-yet-untitled film will air in 2024, is creator Nick Park’s first Wallace and Gromit outing since 2008’s Oscar-nominated A Matter of Loaf and Death and will be the sixth to feature the lovable man and dog partnership across almost 35 years.
Netflix will air in all non-uk territories and will take UK rights several months after the film premieres on the BBC.
The BBC will take UK rights and Netflix will air in all other territories.
Tapping into modern day fears over automation, the film will focus on Gromit’s concern that Wallace has become over-dependent on his inventions, which proves justified when Wallace invents a “smart...
The as-yet-untitled film will air in 2024, is creator Nick Park’s first Wallace and Gromit outing since 2008’s Oscar-nominated A Matter of Loaf and Death and will be the sixth to feature the lovable man and dog partnership across almost 35 years.
Netflix will air in all non-uk territories and will take UK rights several months after the film premieres on the BBC.
The BBC will take UK rights and Netflix will air in all other territories.
Tapping into modern day fears over automation, the film will focus on Gromit’s concern that Wallace has become over-dependent on his inventions, which proves justified when Wallace invents a “smart...
- 1/20/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
In Aardman’s half-hour stop-motion comedy film “Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas,” Timmy the lamb finds himself whisked off on an adventure to the local town, hidden in a large parcel, and thence onward to the house of Ben the farmer, his wife Jin and their daughter Ella. Shaun and the flock must mount a daring rescue. The making of the animated show was also an adventure, producer Richard Beek and director Steve Cox tell Variety.
The film – which airs on TV networks in 17 territories, including the BBC in the U.K., ABC in Australia, France TV and Germany’s Wdr, and streams on Netflix in the rest of the world, including the U.S. – had to be produced during the pandemic to a tight schedule and with a limited budget. Executive producers were Mark Burton, Sarah Cox and Carla Shelley.
The endeavor began in 2018 when Burton and...
The film – which airs on TV networks in 17 territories, including the BBC in the U.K., ABC in Australia, France TV and Germany’s Wdr, and streams on Netflix in the rest of the world, including the U.S. – had to be produced during the pandemic to a tight schedule and with a limited budget. Executive producers were Mark Burton, Sarah Cox and Carla Shelley.
The endeavor began in 2018 when Burton and...
- 12/24/2021
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
With Good-Hearted ‘Back to the Outback,’ Netflix Continues to Compete Mightily in the Animated Arena
As kids, we are taught to never judge a book by its cover, but what about judging a crustacean by its shell? Jumping on the bandwagon of kids’ adventure films, Netflix’s animated romp “Back to the Outback” packs a lot of jokes into its warm and fuzzy message, though its characters are more scaly than cuddly. The film is the latest entry in Netflix’s growing slate of animated, kid-centric fare, clearly designed to compete with animation giants Pixar, Disney, and Dreamworks. And the streaming giant isn’t making a crazy bet, as its hopes to capitalize on the lucrative sphere are proving more than possible: the film is another charming entry in yet another segment of potential Netflix dominance.
Netflix’s original film slate might be packed with all manner of auteur-driven features, especially as we continue to lumber through awards season, but tucked inside offerings that includes...
Netflix’s original film slate might be packed with all manner of auteur-driven features, especially as we continue to lumber through awards season, but tucked inside offerings that includes...
- 12/1/2021
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Ahead of the big-screen CBeebies Christmas panto – and a new Shaun the Sheep TV special – we need your questions for the kingpin of British children’s TV
Take your finger and touch your keyboard, think three times and off you go … We need your questions for the UK supremo of children’s television, Justin Fletcher.
Fletcher, 51, generally has at least three different shows on each day as linchpins of the CBeebies schedule: Justin’s House, which has lately returned for a new series in the breakfast spot, and Something Special, now on its 12th series (and nearly 20th year).
Take your finger and touch your keyboard, think three times and off you go … We need your questions for the UK supremo of children’s television, Justin Fletcher.
Fletcher, 51, generally has at least three different shows on each day as linchpins of the CBeebies schedule: Justin’s House, which has lately returned for a new series in the breakfast spot, and Something Special, now on its 12th series (and nearly 20th year).
- 12/1/2021
- by Catherine Shoard
- The Guardian - Film News
A sweary, ninja-smashing stop-motion cop takes on drunken creatures of the night, but his satirical tools aren’t sharp enough
If the animators of Aardman, the company behind Wallace and Gromit, gave up crumpets and custard creams, switched to an intravenous diet of raw steak and steroids, and were forced to watch trashy 80s movies 24/7 for a month, they might come up with something like Chuck Steel. This is a sweary, gleefully violent stop-motion animation directed by Mike Mort (whose credits include episodes of the Shaun the Sheep TV series). His action-hero creation is US cop Chuck Steel, a boorish knucklehead with a chin the size of a wheelbarrow. Set in the 80s, the film is a spoofy comedy lampooning the bad old days when it was Ok in a movie to call a woman “sugar tits” and use the R-word. But most of the humour comes from simply saying this stuff,...
If the animators of Aardman, the company behind Wallace and Gromit, gave up crumpets and custard creams, switched to an intravenous diet of raw steak and steroids, and were forced to watch trashy 80s movies 24/7 for a month, they might come up with something like Chuck Steel. This is a sweary, gleefully violent stop-motion animation directed by Mike Mort (whose credits include episodes of the Shaun the Sheep TV series). His action-hero creation is US cop Chuck Steel, a boorish knucklehead with a chin the size of a wheelbarrow. Set in the 80s, the film is a spoofy comedy lampooning the bad old days when it was Ok in a movie to call a woman “sugar tits” and use the R-word. But most of the humour comes from simply saying this stuff,...
- 10/26/2021
- by Cath Clarke
- The Guardian - Film News
First project is a reinvention of Balzac’s novel ‘Lost Illusions’.
UK-based production company Warp Films has formed a creative and commercial partnership with Anglo-French producing and financing outfit Anton to develop a slate of features and television series with an international focus.
Anton will finance a development fund to identify high-value IP and commission scripts from leading talent, both in the UK and internationally, which both companies will jointly develop. Anton, which co-finance will also represent global rights on all projects.
The joint venture begins with an irreverent English language re-invention of the classic French novel Lost Illusions by Honoré de Balzac,...
UK-based production company Warp Films has formed a creative and commercial partnership with Anglo-French producing and financing outfit Anton to develop a slate of features and television series with an international focus.
Anton will finance a development fund to identify high-value IP and commission scripts from leading talent, both in the UK and internationally, which both companies will jointly develop. Anton, which co-finance will also represent global rights on all projects.
The joint venture begins with an irreverent English language re-invention of the classic French novel Lost Illusions by Honoré de Balzac,...
- 8/27/2021
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Further new releases include ‘Reminiscence’, ‘Pig’.
Prano Bailey-Bond’s UK horror Censor starts its run in UK-Ireland cinemas this weekend, released by Vertigo Releasing.
The film will open in 170 sites. It is Bailey-Bond’s directorial debut, produced by Helen Jones for Silver Salt Films, with Rook Films and Timpson Films, plus backing from the BFI Film Fund, Film4 and Ffilm Cymru Wales.
Censor first screened at the online Sundance Film Festival in January 2021, going on to play events including the Berlinale, Galway Film Fleadh and Sundance London.
It follows a film censor who, after viewing a familiar video nasty, sets...
Prano Bailey-Bond’s UK horror Censor starts its run in UK-Ireland cinemas this weekend, released by Vertigo Releasing.
The film will open in 170 sites. It is Bailey-Bond’s directorial debut, produced by Helen Jones for Silver Salt Films, with Rook Films and Timpson Films, plus backing from the BFI Film Fund, Film4 and Ffilm Cymru Wales.
Censor first screened at the online Sundance Film Festival in January 2021, going on to play events including the Berlinale, Galway Film Fleadh and Sundance London.
It follows a film censor who, after viewing a familiar video nasty, sets...
- 8/20/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
With the first “Shaun the Sheep” movie being a gamble that paid off in a huge way, Will Becher, the co-director of the sequel, “A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon,” felt like they needed to take Shaun further in the franchise’s next installment. “There was an idea from the studio do go a bit more high concept and science fiction is something that we had never really done before and something everyone in the studio just loved the idea of because ultimately Shaun is like a kid and the thing he loves the most is adventure,” he reveals to Gold Derby in our Meet the Experts: Film Animation panel (watch above). From there, many aspects of the film just ended up fitting into place. “Visually, certain things seemed to click like the isolated farm being a common starting point in that lonely quiet environment. Ultimately, Nick Park came up with the title ‘Farmageddon,...
- 1/29/2021
- by Charles Bright
- Gold Derby
First project will be a thriller from Ron Leshem (‘Euphoria’) and Amit Cohen (‘False Flag’).
UK firms Anton and WestEnd Films have joined forces to co-fund a development slate of television series, with a new thriller from renowned writer-producers Ron Leshem and Amit Cohen already in the pipeline.
WestEnd Films, the London-based production, financing and sales company, recently worked with Leshem and Cohen on Israel’s biggest budget drama series to date, Valley Of Tears, which was part of Series Mania’s 2020 official competition and has recently been sold worldwide to HBO Max.
Details of the new project are being...
UK firms Anton and WestEnd Films have joined forces to co-fund a development slate of television series, with a new thriller from renowned writer-producers Ron Leshem and Amit Cohen already in the pipeline.
WestEnd Films, the London-based production, financing and sales company, recently worked with Leshem and Cohen on Israel’s biggest budget drama series to date, Valley Of Tears, which was part of Series Mania’s 2020 official competition and has recently been sold worldwide to HBO Max.
Details of the new project are being...
- 11/12/2020
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
In the dead of night, BAFTA strikes. Yes, the British Academy has chimed in with their award nominations, right as Oscar voting is set to close in a few hours. BAFTA has much more correlation with Oscar than the Golden Globes do, so this slate of nominees, as well as the ones soon to come with the Directors Guild and Producers Guild, likely hold the most sway. Read on to see what they did… Joker led the field with eleven nominations, followed next by The Irishman and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, each receiving ten citations. 1917 wasn’t too far behind, either, as it scored nine nods from BAFTA. These noms were just the tip of the iceberg, as you’ll see below! Here now are all of the BAFTA nominees: Best Film 1917 The Irishman Joker Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood Parasite Outstanding British Film 1917 Bait For Sama...
- 1/7/2020
- by Joey Magidson
- Hollywoodnews.com
The Irishman, 1917, Marriage Story also in contention.
Joanna Hogg’s The Souvenir leads the way with seven nominations for the 40th London Critics’ Circle Film Awards, including best film, actor (Tom Burke), supporting actress (Tilda Swinton) and young performer (Honor Swinton Byrne).
Close behind are Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman and Sam Mendes’ 1917 with six nods, while Noah Baumbach’s Marriage Story, Pedro Almodóvar’s Pain & Glory and Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite have five.
The winners will be announced on Sunday, 30 January at The May Fair Hotel. Sally Potter and Sandy Powell will both receive the Dilys Powell Award for Excellence in Film,...
Joanna Hogg’s The Souvenir leads the way with seven nominations for the 40th London Critics’ Circle Film Awards, including best film, actor (Tom Burke), supporting actress (Tilda Swinton) and young performer (Honor Swinton Byrne).
Close behind are Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman and Sam Mendes’ 1917 with six nods, while Noah Baumbach’s Marriage Story, Pedro Almodóvar’s Pain & Glory and Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite have five.
The winners will be announced on Sunday, 30 January at The May Fair Hotel. Sally Potter and Sandy Powell will both receive the Dilys Powell Award for Excellence in Film,...
- 12/17/2019
- by 1101184¦Orlando Parfitt¦38¦
- ScreenDaily
Nominations for the 40th edition of the London Critics’ Circle Film Awards were announced today, with Joanna Hogg’s The Souvenir out in front on seven nominations including Film, Screenwriter, Actor (Tom Burke), Supporting Actress (Tilda Swinton) and Young Performer (Honor Swinton Byrne).
Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman and Sam Mendes’ 1917 follow close behind with nominations in six categories apiece. On five were Noah Baumbach’s Marriage Story, Pedro Almodóvar’s Pain And Glory and Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite.
Lining up alongside the aforementioned in contention for Film Of The Year are Joker, Knives Out, Midsommar and Portrait Of A Lady On Fire.
Florence Pugh received three nominations, lead actress for Midsommar, supporting for Little Women, and British/Irish Actress for her work across the year.
Winners will be announced on January 30. There will also be three special awards presented: animation specialists Aardman (Shaun The Sheep) will receive the 40th Anniversary Award,...
Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman and Sam Mendes’ 1917 follow close behind with nominations in six categories apiece. On five were Noah Baumbach’s Marriage Story, Pedro Almodóvar’s Pain And Glory and Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite.
Lining up alongside the aforementioned in contention for Film Of The Year are Joker, Knives Out, Midsommar and Portrait Of A Lady On Fire.
Florence Pugh received three nominations, lead actress for Midsommar, supporting for Little Women, and British/Irish Actress for her work across the year.
Winners will be announced on January 30. There will also be three special awards presented: animation specialists Aardman (Shaun The Sheep) will receive the 40th Anniversary Award,...
- 12/17/2019
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Quibi has greenlit the development of “Curs_r,” a gaming drama series executive produced by Anton, Stigma Films and Ridley Scott. The series will be directed by Toby Meakins (“Bite Size Horror”) and is written by Simon Allen. Matthew James Wilkinson is producing.
The series centers on the pursuit of an unclaimed $100,000 prize, for which a broke student decides to play an obscure, 1980s survival computer game. According to a statement, “The game curses her reality with terrifying choices and reality-warping challenges. After a series of unexpectedly terrifying moments, she soon realizes she’s no longer playing for the money, but for her own life as the game locks her into an inescapable cycle of mind-bending horror.”
Scott said: “With all of the many platforms on which one can now show content, including the groundbreaking new format at Quibi, this is an extraordinary time to be a filmmaker. We are...
The series centers on the pursuit of an unclaimed $100,000 prize, for which a broke student decides to play an obscure, 1980s survival computer game. According to a statement, “The game curses her reality with terrifying choices and reality-warping challenges. After a series of unexpectedly terrifying moments, she soon realizes she’s no longer playing for the money, but for her own life as the game locks her into an inescapable cycle of mind-bending horror.”
Scott said: “With all of the many platforms on which one can now show content, including the groundbreaking new format at Quibi, this is an extraordinary time to be a filmmaker. We are...
- 12/11/2019
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Last night Old Billingsgate in London played host to the 22nd annual British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs), the yearly celebration of some of the most unique voices in film. It was a pleasure to be on the red carpet and talk to the likes of Asa Butterfield, Sam Adewunmi, Jessie Buckley and Armando Iannucci, and you can find all of our interviews below the list of winners announced on the night.
The phenomenal documentary For Sama won four awards including Best British Independent Film, while Armando Iannucci’s festival favourite The Personal History of David Copperfield took home five. A sadly-absent Renée Zellweger won Best Actress for her portrayal of Judy Garland, while The Last Tree’s Ruthxjiah Bellenea won the Best Supporting Actress award. Currently seen in Netflix’s The Crown as Prince Charles, Josh O’Connor won Best Actor.
There’s a full list of the winners from the...
The phenomenal documentary For Sama won four awards including Best British Independent Film, while Armando Iannucci’s festival favourite The Personal History of David Copperfield took home five. A sadly-absent Renée Zellweger won Best Actress for her portrayal of Judy Garland, while The Last Tree’s Ruthxjiah Bellenea won the Best Supporting Actress award. Currently seen in Netflix’s The Crown as Prince Charles, Josh O’Connor won Best Actor.
There’s a full list of the winners from the...
- 12/2/2019
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
’The Personal History Of David Copperfield’ finished with five awards, the highest of the night, from 11 nominations.
For Sama and The Personal History Of David Copperfield were the big winners at the 2019 British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs).
The ceremony was hosted by actress and comedian Aisling Bea and held at London’s Old Billingsgate tonight (Dec 1).
Syrian civil war documentary For Sama scooped the night’s top prize, best British independent film, as well as best director for Waad al-Kateab and Edward Watts, best documentary, and best editing at the previously announced craft awards last month.
The Personal History Of David Copperfield...
For Sama and The Personal History Of David Copperfield were the big winners at the 2019 British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs).
The ceremony was hosted by actress and comedian Aisling Bea and held at London’s Old Billingsgate tonight (Dec 1).
Syrian civil war documentary For Sama scooped the night’s top prize, best British independent film, as well as best director for Waad al-Kateab and Edward Watts, best documentary, and best editing at the previously announced craft awards last month.
The Personal History Of David Copperfield...
- 12/1/2019
- by 1101184¦Orlando Parfitt¦38¦
- ScreenDaily
“Shaun the Sheep” and “Wallace and Gromit” producer Aardman is making “Robin Robin,” a short film, for Netflix. The project marks a move away for Aardman from working with the BBC, which has broadcast the Oscar-winning stop-motion specialist’s hit projects over the years.
“Robin Robin,” which will bow around Christmas 2020, is about a bird raised by a family of mice. As she grows up, her differences become more apparent. Robin sets off on a daring heist to prove to her family that she can be a really good mouse. The 30-minute special, which is in production at Aardman’s studio in the U.K., will feature animal characters made from natural materials rather than Aardman’s trademark Plasticine.
Dan Ojari (“Slow Derek”) and Mikey Please (“The Eagleman Stag”) are the creators and directors of the show. Helen Argo (“Wallace & Gromit’s Musical Marvels”) will produce, and Sarah Cox (“Heavy Pockets) exec produce.
“Robin Robin,” which will bow around Christmas 2020, is about a bird raised by a family of mice. As she grows up, her differences become more apparent. Robin sets off on a daring heist to prove to her family that she can be a really good mouse. The 30-minute special, which is in production at Aardman’s studio in the U.K., will feature animal characters made from natural materials rather than Aardman’s trademark Plasticine.
Dan Ojari (“Slow Derek”) and Mikey Please (“The Eagleman Stag”) are the creators and directors of the show. Helen Argo (“Wallace & Gromit’s Musical Marvels”) will produce, and Sarah Cox (“Heavy Pockets) exec produce.
- 11/22/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Oscar-winning French actress Juliette Binoche has been added as a talent ambassador for the 4th edition of the International Film Festival & Awards Macao (Iffam), which runs Dec 5-10 this year. Binoche joins Hong Kong star Carina Lau and K-pop performer and actor Kim Junmyeon on the ambassador roster. She will also take part in an ‘in conversation’ event at the festival, and will attend the screening of Hirokazu Kore-eda’s The Truth, in which she stars. “Iffam’s main mission is to showcase the best of world cinema and there is nobody more representative of what that means than Juliette Binoche,” said Mike Goodridge, artistic director of Iffam. Despite the current troubles in nearby Hong Kong, organizers said Iffam was presently unaffected and would be going ahead as planned.
Streaming service Mubi has officially set up shop in India, launching today with two channels, Mubi India and Mubi World. Subscriptions will cost $7 per month,...
Streaming service Mubi has officially set up shop in India, launching today with two channels, Mubi India and Mubi World. Subscriptions will cost $7 per month,...
- 11/15/2019
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
London-based financier and producer Anton, which already fully finances a slate of its own feature films and short-form content, as well as co-financing big-budget TV shows like HBO/BBC’s “His Dark Materials,” is moving into the development and production of its own scripted series, Anton founder Sebastien Raybaud tells Variety.
The 8-year-old company, named after Russian playwright Anton Chekhov, established its reputation with a film co-production pact — now concluded — with Studiocanal, encompassing titles like the “Paddington” franchise, “Non-Stop” and “Shaun the Sheep.”
In 2017 Anton entered a co-production partnership with the BBC, with an initial investment of £150 million ($193 million), to greenlight premium British drama with international appeal, such as “McMafia,” “Les Misérables” and “His Dark Materials,” which launched this week to stellar numbers.
Last year, Anton signed a sales, financing and production pact on the $40 million animated movie “Fireheart,” from Main Journey’s production team Laurent Zeitoun and Yann Zenou (“The Intouchables”), producers of “Ballerina.
The 8-year-old company, named after Russian playwright Anton Chekhov, established its reputation with a film co-production pact — now concluded — with Studiocanal, encompassing titles like the “Paddington” franchise, “Non-Stop” and “Shaun the Sheep.”
In 2017 Anton entered a co-production partnership with the BBC, with an initial investment of £150 million ($193 million), to greenlight premium British drama with international appeal, such as “McMafia,” “Les Misérables” and “His Dark Materials,” which launched this week to stellar numbers.
Last year, Anton signed a sales, financing and production pact on the $40 million animated movie “Fireheart,” from Main Journey’s production team Laurent Zeitoun and Yann Zenou (“The Intouchables”), producers of “Ballerina.
- 11/7/2019
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
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