WB’s Warner Animation Group partners with toy company Funko for a film

Warner Bros. has come together with Funko and has optioned movie rights to the fan-favourite toy and collectible company. 

WB’s animation wing Warner Animation Group, along with Funko, are developing and producing a film that will be based on the big-headed figures. It’s the next step in a nearly 20-year partnership between the companies that has seen the production of plenty of officially licensed products from Warner Bros.’ lines, like DC Comics, Harry Potter, Scooby-Doo and more. 

Commenting on this collaboration, Funko CEO Brian Mariotti said, “We’re thrilled for this opportunity and are committed to make an amazing Funko movie that stands on its own merit. This isn’t about selling toys or building a brand. The team at Warner Animation Group have a unique vision of what the first film should be and we are extremely excited to take this journey alongside them.”

Details about the plot about the Funko film, the characters to appear in the feature, or any ideas as to the timeline have not been revealed yet, but some of the creative team members behind the scenes have been announced.

As Deadline reports, Warner Animation Group’s executive VP Allison Abbate will be managing the partnership between the two entities, who highlighted Funko’s “fresh take on pop culture” in a statement. Teddy Newton (Day & Night, Jack-Jack Attack) will be penning the story while Mark Dindal (The Emperor’s New Groove, Chicken Little) is onboard to direct the film.

Warner Bros. has managed just fine with their animated LEGO feature and small-screen franchise, though it’s tapered off a bit in recent years. Funko could very well be the next big thing for them. 

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Blue introduces Yeti X USB microphone for creators and streamers

Blue, a 20-year old innovator in audio technology and design, today announced the new Yeti X USB microphone for gaming, streaming and podcasting. Yeti X features new Blue VO!CE technology, which enables content creators to dial-up professional vocal effects and custom presets at the push of a button. A four capsule condenser microphone array delivers exceptional focus and clarity, high-res LED metering provides visual, real-time feedback for vocal levels, and a multi-function smart knob provides instant control over essential mic functions. Combining legendary Blue audio quality with innovative new features, Yeti X is the ultimate tool for creators who want to deliver professional content and build their audience.

“We’re excited to introduce Yeti X with Blue VO!CE technology and continue the evolution of our renowned lineup of USB mics. We created Yeti X based on feedback from content creators all over the world, who need fast and easy-to-use tools that help them sound their very best. Yeti X with Blue VO!CE gives creators the ability to quickly and easily customize their sound using high-quality effects and presets. Additionally, new features like high-res LED metering and a multi-function smart knob make it easier than ever to deliver professional results for gaming, streaming, and podcasting,” said John Maier, Blue Microphones president and CEO president and CEO.

Yeti X is plug ‘n play on Mac and PC and includes advanced Blue VO!CE audio software, a suite of broadcast vocal tools and effects that makes it easier than ever to achieve professional on-stream sound quality. Creators can quickly access and select a variety of professionally-tuned presets for broadcast, radio voice, male and female voices, and effects such as crisp and modern, warm and vintage and more. In addition, Blue VO!CE gives creators access to professional effects including noise reduction, expander, gate, de-esser, EQ, compression and limiter.

Yeti X was custom tuned to deliver superior, broadcast-quality sound for professional-level gaming, Twitch and Mixer streaming, podcasting and YouTube productions. A four-capsule condenser array provides clearer, more focused audio for Yeti X’s four pickup patterns. Cardioid mode captures sound sources that are directly in front of the microphone, omni mode picks up sound equally from all around the mic, bidirectional mode records from both the front and the rear of the microphone, and stereo mode uses both the left and right channels for capturing immersive audio experiences.

Yeti X features an 11-segment LED meter that goes from green to red, so streamers can check and adjust their vocal levels at a glance and easily maintain professional sound quality while live on camera. An illuminated multi-function smart knob provides precise control over mic gain, mute and headphone volume. The smart knob also controls the blend of microphone signal and computer sound, so creators can quickly adjust the amount of computer audio versus microphone audio that is heard in the headphones.

Blue VO!CE is accessible exclusively through Logitech’s free, easy-to-use G HUB platform, enabling content creators to manage mic gain, headphone volume, monitoring preferences, and pickup pattern selections right from their desktop. Streamers can also match the color and design of their desks by personalizing the color of Yeti X’s LED lights. Yeti X is also compatible with the Blue Sherpa companion app, which features quick and direct control options from your desktop to help you get the most from your mic.

 

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CAKE, LA Cabane and Thuristar to launch ‘Mush-Mush & the Mushables’ at MIPCOM

CAKE, France’s La Cabane and Belgium’s Thuristar have announced the launch of Mush-Mush & the Mushables. The CGI comedy adventure series will launch with two new episodes at MIPCOM.

CAKE CCO & managing director Ed Galton said, “We are delighted to be introducing Mush-Mush & the Mushables to the international market – a fun warm-hearted comedy series about the forest adventures of a charming community of loveable Mushables that children everywhere will enjoy.”

Mush-Mush & the Mushables (48 x 11’ and 2 x 22’ specials) follows the comedy adventures of the Mushable community as together they put the fun back into fungi! As pocket-sized guardians of the forest, each Mushable has a special gift. While Mush-Mush can communicate with nature, Lilit shines bright like a light and Chep has an impressive memory. As they get to know their talents and their limits, the Mushables find there is still a lot to discover about growing up. Mush- Mush & the Mushables is a fun journey of self-discovery, exciting outdoor adventure and mush mush more!

Mush-Mush & the Mushables will be launched in 2020 internationally on Boomerang (in addition to Turner Kids channels Cartoon Network, Boing and POGO in select markets), in France on Canal+ Family and Piwi+, in Belgium on VRT-Ketnet and RTBF, in Switzerland on RTS and in the Netherlands on RTL Telekids. Copyrights Group, brand owner and licensing agent for Paddington, have been appointed as the global licensing agent and will launch the IP at Brand Licensing Europe 2019.

La Cabane and Thuristar founder and producer Perrine Gauthier said, “We cannot wait to share the comedy adventures, unique characters and beautiful world of Mush-Mush & the Mushables with kids around the world, and we’re very excited to be launching the series at MIPCOM together with CAKE.”

With original drawings by Elfriede de Rooster, the series is directed by Joeri Christiaen (My Knight and Me) and produced by La Cabane and Thuristar in co-production with CAKE who are distributing the series worldwide.

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Zynga Poker partners with Brad Garrett for ‘Celebrity Home Game’ sweepstakes event

Zynga has announced that Zynga Poker, the free-to-play mobile poker game, is partnering with three-time Emmy Award winning actor and Everybody Loves Raymond alum, comedian and star of the ABC comedy, Single Parents, Brad Garrett for a special Celebrity Home Game sweepstakes event. By completing challenges daily in the hit mobile game Zynga Poker, two lucky players will win seats at a celebrity card game in Southern California, hosted by semi-pro poker player Garrett himself.

“What I love about Zynga Poker is that you can practice your game without having to worry about your ‘tells’ or poker table etiquette – it’s just about the cards. I can make a sincere pledge to the winners of this sweepstake – when you’re at my Home Game, we’ll be playing by these same rules. Check your poker face at the door, and get ready to have some fun,” said Brad Garrett.

Players can earn sweepstakes entries by completing daily and hot streak challenges in Texas Hold ‘Em card games in Zynga Poker. Following a two-week contest period, semi-finalists will be asked to submit a one-minute video comedy audition to be judged by the comic himself, Brad Garrett. Two winners will be flown out to California to play a game with Garrett and a full house of his A-list friends at a no-stakes poker game. Bringing real-life impact to the game, Zynga will donate up to $100,000 to the Maximum Hope Foundation, a non-profit organisation founded by Garrett that provides financial stability for parents of children diagnosed with life-limiting conditions.

“Poker isn’t a game of chance – it’s all about showmanship and skill, and that’s something Brad Garrett has in spades – no matter what he says. We’re proud to bring our players an opportunity to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime poker night, hosted by a legend in comedy and a hero to families in need. Now our players have the opportunity to show off their skills and prove that lady luck plays favourites,” said Zynga’s president of publishing Bernard Kim.

Best known for playing the envious and oft-ignored brother Robert Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond, Brad Garrett got his start in comedy in 1980 performing standup at improv clubs around Los Angeles before winning the top prize in the comedy category on TV’s Star Search. Today, Garrett’s television career continues on the ABC comedy, Single Parents, which returns for its second season this month. Garrett owns and operates a comedy club in Las Vegas, Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club, and has joined the semi-pro poker scene, bringing his irreverent brand of humor to the table on the celebrity circuit.

 

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Nazara invests Rs. 7.5 crores in Sports Unity

Nazara Technologies, global interactive gaming and sports media company invest Rs. 7.5 crore in Sports Unity which owns Qunami, a short format, multiplayer quiz game in India. Leading Delhi based lawyer Vaibhav Gaggar has also participated in the round.

Sports Unity’s Qunami has over 40,000+ avid monthly active quizzers playing up to 30 minutes per day and has crossed over 1 Cr transactions with monthly transactions growing over 100per cent month on month. With 3,00,000+ downloads, Qunami is the top trending app on the iOS App Store and is among the top five trending apps on the Android Play Store in the quizzing category.

With this investment, Nazara acquires majority stake in Sports Unity and is consolidating its presence in the fast growing quizzing /trivia category. Nazara’s investment in Qunami, comes as a strategic move in addition to Nazara’s investments and diversified presence in various areas of gaming including esports, fantasy sports, digital cricket gaming, real money gaming and infotainment among others. Sports Unity will add to Nazara’s portfolio further reinforcing Nazara’s position as a leader in the Indian gaming ecosystem.

According to Seemant Shankar, Co-Founder (Head of Product and Strategy), “Quizzing attracts audiences of all demographies and possesses a massive potential to scale. Nazara, a partner with a rock-solid reputation and international spread and carrier association within 118 countries creates the key alignment to Qunami’s vision of global expansion and opportunity to skyrocket Qunami’s success metrics.”

Nazara Technologies , CEO Manish Agarwal, says “We at Nazara are very excited with the quizzing space and are confident that Qunami will leverage Nazara’s network to grow into a large consumer centric internet brand and build quizzing as one of the leading real money gaming categories in the emerging markets.”

Qunami poses a very easy learning curve with much higher chances to win prizes and learn instantaneously, making it one of the most addictive experiences on the mobile phone. It allows players to battle out for prize money in a 1 Vs 1 as well as team Vs team format. Each game lasts for only two minutes and results in winning quizzes with real money benefits.

Nazara Technologies has been actively pursuing opportunities in different sports verticals. Nazara has invested in mobile gaming companies such as Mastermind Sports, MoongLabs Technologies  Nazara has taken a majority stake in NextWave Multimedia , NODWIN Gaming , Halaplay Technologies  in addition to Sportskeeda and NZ World Kenya , to set up operations for real money gaming in Kenya. Nazara offers gaming subscription services in over 61 countries globally including, Africa, Middle East, South East Asia and the Indian Subcontinent.

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Crowdfunding for animated short film ‘Kitchen’ begins today

Indian animation has been making noise for sometime now. And for all the right reasons! Gone are the days when animation as a medium was only meant for entertainment. Now, the medium is effectively used to raise voices that matter.

One such instance is Kitchen : The World Within, an animated short film by independent and acclaimed animation filmmaker Abhishek Verma, that goes live with crowdfunding today, 17 September. Presented by The Matchbox.Co and Climb Media, the film is slated for January 2020 release.

Kitchen is a 10 to 12 minute hand drawn animation film on the theme of domestication and social conditioning of women towards kitchen. The film tells the tale of Rama, an average Indian housewife who befriends a live 200-year-old, gigantic Sperm Whale, Mushi, brought by her husband and her father-in-law, to be cooked. Both of them develop a cordial bond and it inspires her to break away from the continuum of her cooking chores and explore the magical world that she yearns for. 

The Sperm Whale stands as an analogy to the huge workload she or any woman shoulders in the process of taking care of the kitchen in her daily life. With the arrival of Mushi in her life, Rama gets a chance and encouragement to look beyond the four walls of the kitchen.

Abhishek Verma

Commenting on the inspiration behind Kitchen, Verma mentioned, “I was inspired to create this animation short film as a consequence of my past research at the Young India Fellowship, on Kitchen and how it has led to the domestication and subjugation of women for centuries. Industrious women in rural and semi urban spaces alike spend 13.5 years of their active life cooking and taking care of the kitchen. They are even conditioned to consider the kitchen as their sole responsibility and world. If they choose not to serve, they are inflicted with guilt and accused of being irresponsible towards their families. These tasks and duties are most often fulfilled beyond expectations, but is seldom acknowledged, appreciated or compensated in any form. I hope the film raises awareness and introspection, drawing attention towards the women who conduct a thankless, selfless service towards their families.”

Creating such an impactful film in animation is not an easy task. A film can be created single-handedly but it is generally not considered to be the right manner to produce content.

Elaborating on the decision to go with crowdfunding on Wishberry for Kitchen, Verma added, “Right funding or backing has its own pros – all resources are skilled and of high quality, the scale and reach of the film can be multiplied and the market opens to certain kind of storytelling or genre or medium. In the entire course of making Kitchen, we are collaborating with multiple stakeholders for whom there should be a fair share of compensation. However, it is a shoe-string budget that we are working on, but the project is one which we can exceptionally relate to and I’m sure will connect with the masses. Thus to bring about a story that is an intrinsic part of every person’s life but often ignored, crowdfunding will help us translate this into reality and would enable us to compensate each of the departments in the film production get their fair share.”

Looking at the teaser and learning about Kitchen, I’m reminded of a campaign run by food delivery app, Zomato, in which one of their ads read – “Cooking should be a choice for her”. It left a lasting impression as cooking should be an option for anyone, irrespective of gender. Being a homemaker is an uphill task which often goes unnoticed and is undermined. The conditioning has been so strongly imbibed within the female psyche, that the incapability raises questions of self-worth. Thankfully, these mindsets are changing, and films like Kitchen are setting milestones for the same, which deserve our support.

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Orange on Digital Responsibility

Orange is running an advertising campaign, Digital Responsibility, aimed at parents considering their children’s use of digital devices. The Orange Digital Responsibility awareness campaign is designed to ensure that digital services remain a genuine opportunity for everyone, without the downsides. Digital services give people an unprecedented ability to communicate, learn, entertain, share and connect with each other. With appropriate use, online media has the ability to empower all who have access to it. But digitalisation also comes with considerable risks, and this is increasingly becoming a source of concern both for society as a whole and for Orange’s customers. At the heart of the campaign is a film, “Being Human”, exploring a parent’s internal reflections as he prepares to give his daughter her first smartphone. His conflicted thoughts around introducing his daughter to the digital world simultaneously lead him to observe his own digital habits as an adult. The film deals with the sense of responsibility that parents feel towards their children regarding the way they interact with the digital world and the importance of using their screens safely and responsibly.

Orange Digital Responsibility - girl in team

Orange’s Digital Responsibility

Béatrice Mandine, Executive Director in charge of Brand and Communications at Orange, commented: “We have always been convinced that technology only makes sense if it benefits people, society and the planet. And we are very conscious of our particular responsibility as a major player in the digital revolution. This is why we are making this commitment to accompany our customers in their daily lives in order to ensure that they all stand to benefit from the opportunities that digital services afford.”

“Orange’s long-term strategy of placing people at the centre of technology is increasingly relevant in today’s highly connected word. To talk about digital responsibility in people’s lives, we sought out a creative concept based on emotions and human interactions. Katia Lewkowicz, with her gift for capturing those authentic moments of humanity, was therefore the perfect choice”, commented Marco Venturelli, President in charge of Creation, Publicis Conseil.

Orange Digital Responsibility - father and daughter
Orange Digital Responsibility - family
Orange Digital Responsibility - makeup

Digital Responsibility Tools

The 2-minute commercials link viewers to Orange’s microsite, Human Inside (English or French), where parents can reflect on staying on the right side of technology.

The Orange Livebox in France has an application available to all broadband customers that provides control over the time that each device is able to connect to the home wifi network. The app also includes a “pause Internet” button that temporarily cuts the wifi connection, providing families with quality time ‘offline’.

The Orange Telephone app includes a “do not disturb” feature that customers are advised to activate when driving. This was launched across Europe, Africa and Middle-East together with a Road Safety advertising campaign.

Bezpieczny Starter kit is offered in Poland for children who are getting their first mobile, consisting of a customised offer and a parental-control app Chroń Dzieci w Sieci.

Tarifa kids, offered by Orange Spain, includes a “kids ready” app that enables parents to supervise their children’s use of the smartphone.

Orange Digital Responsibility Credits

The Orange Digital Responsibility campaign was developed at Orange International by executive director, communication and brand Béatrice Mandine, global SVP Brand and sponsoring director Jean-François Rodriguez, global brand advertising director Séverine Nübel, global project leader Laëtitia Fruchier, head of European advertising Charlotte Bowrey, head of SSA advertising Sekou Bah, creative directeur Christian Bony, music brand manager Vrej Minassian, global media manager Géraldine Grümmer.

Agency work was done at Publicis Conseil by art director Paul Garnier and copywriter Tobias fantasied, account managers Magali Bergeroux, Carla Cabalfin, Hafida Derouiche, Jeanne Lemarchand, Margaux Jorelle, Publicis Group France CEO Agathe Bousquet, Publicis COnseil creativity CEO Marco Venturelli, strategic planning team Little Libby, Carole Colin, Stéphanie Jacquin, agency producer Sarah Bouadjera.

Filming was shot by director Katia Lewkowicz via Grand Bazar with executive producer Juliette Desmarescaux, line producer Hugo Merival, director of photography Jake Scott, 1st assistant César Chabrol, stylist Sonia Philouze, deco Clément Price-Thomas.

Post production was done at Mikros Image and Prodigious by producer Franck-Hervé Marc, editor Thierry Hos, colourist Arthur Paux, sound producers Joel Tessonneau, Thomas Anduze, business affairs leaders Marine Le Vergos and Laura Salehi.

“Carnival Row” Main Title

‘Mortal Kombat’ a movie based on the same game franchise is under production

Mortal Kombat players keep your enthusiasm high because an explosive action-adventure movie from the same video game franchise is under production on New Line Cinema. Award-winning Australian commercial filmmaker Simon McQuoid, marking his feature directorial debut with the movie.

The explosive action-adventure is based on the blockbuster video game franchise, which released one of the most successful video game launch in its history with Mortal Kombat 11.

The diverse international cast reflects the global nature of the brand, with talent spanning the worlds of film, television and martial arts. The ensemble includes Joe Taslim as Sub Zero; Ludi Lin as Liu Kang; Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade; Josh Lawson as Kano; Tadanobu Asano as Raiden; Mehcad Brooks as Jackson “Jax” Bridges; Chin Han as Shang Tsung; Hiroyuki Sanada as Scorpion; Max Huang as Kung Lao; Sisi Stringer as Mileena; and Lewis Tan.

James Wan (The Conjuring universe films, Aquaman) and Todd Garner (Into the Storm, Tag) are producing. The screenplay is by Greg Russo. Larry Kasanoff, E. Bennett Walsh, Michael Clear and Jeremy Stein are serving as executive producers.

Bringing the hugely popular property to the big screen, McQuoid will lead a team of Australian and U.S. filmmakers, including director of photography Germain McMicking (True Detective, Top of the Lake: China Girl), production designer Naaman Marshall (Underwater, Servant), editor Scott Gray (Top of the Lake,Daffodils), and costume designer Cappi Ireland (Lion,The Rover).

Production will shoot throughout South Australia, showcasing its locations, facilities and talent in the biggest production in the state’s history.

A New Line Cinema presentation, Mortal Kombat is set for release on 5 March  2021. It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

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One Take Media brings hit animated series ‘Pondemonium’ to India

One Take Media Co has announced to bring hit 3D animation series Pondemonium for SAARC countries. There are 104 episodes available in English, Hindi and other languages.

Pondemonium is titled such for a reason. It features a frog named Joe Croaker who’s good friends with a fly named, Cosmo. Both of them live in a marsh with many of their friends, including both animal and insects.

They go on several adventures together and occasionally face challenges but they always manage to remain friends. This animated series does a wonderful job in showcasing what friendship is all about—loyalty, forgiveness and spending quality time together, even when things aren’t so great. Croaker is a delightful character, with a hearty and funny laugh and he always rushes headlong into things. Cosmo is the one who helps keep him straight.

One Take Media Co founder and CEO Anil Khera said “Watching any animated series is the exciting part of our childhood. We are pleased to showcase Pondemonium series which incorporates vivid colors, rich characters, funny scenes, and the loyalty of friends. This provides family-suitable adventure and entertainment. So, dive into Pondemonium pond for a whole new adventure and we are sure you won’t want to miss a single episode!”

OTMC is one of the leaders in providing value Added Services to DTH, Telecom and Cable industries, services include Hollywood Movies, Hollywood Movies dubbed in Hindi & regional languages , South Movies dubbed in Hindi, Celebrity based Cooking show and Korean TV series.

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