Exclusive: Paris-based Superprod Group has acquired top Luxembourgish animation companies Studio 352 and Mélusine Productions in a move that consolidates its position as one of Europe’s leading animation production groups.
Based in Contern in Southern Luxembourg, the sister companies were founded by Belgian producer Stéphan Roelants in the late 1990s.
Mélusine Productions develops, finances and manages the projects, while Studio 352, which has built up a local team of top-level artists and technicians, executes the work.
The sister companies have been involved in some of the most important animated feature films produced out of Europe in the past 27 years.
At the same time, they have also cemented Luxembourg’s position as an animation production hub, with strong support from the Luxembourg Film Fund.
Latest credits include Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry’s Michael Morpurgo-adaptation Kensuké’s Kingdom, which won Best Feature Film at the 2024 British Animation Awards in February.
Other...
Based in Contern in Southern Luxembourg, the sister companies were founded by Belgian producer Stéphan Roelants in the late 1990s.
Mélusine Productions develops, finances and manages the projects, while Studio 352, which has built up a local team of top-level artists and technicians, executes the work.
The sister companies have been involved in some of the most important animated feature films produced out of Europe in the past 27 years.
At the same time, they have also cemented Luxembourg’s position as an animation production hub, with strong support from the Luxembourg Film Fund.
Latest credits include Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry’s Michael Morpurgo-adaptation Kensuké’s Kingdom, which won Best Feature Film at the 2024 British Animation Awards in February.
Other...
- 4/2/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
From the moment U2 kicked off their historic 40-night stand at the Sphere in Las Vegas with “Zoo Station” on Sept. 29, 2023, all the way through the final notes of “40” that wrapped it up March 2, 2024, band photographer Ross Stewart was by their side. He attended 38 of the shows and took shots from the front of the general admission pit, the highest seats in the balcony, and every possible spot in between. “Being there in person was mind-bending,” he says. “The first time you see it, there’s perception shifts your brain isn’t ready for.
- 3/19/2024
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
The BAFTA has revealed nominations for its Children and Young People Awards, which are returning for the first time in three years.
The BBC’s “Dodger” and “The Snail and the Whale” lead with three nominations each, followed by two nominations for “The Amazing World of Gumball,” “Jamie Johnson,” “JoJo & Gran Gran” and “Silverpoint.”
The ceremony will take place in London on Nov. 27, where 14 categories will be awarded in recognition of craft, performance, and games. All awards are voted on by BAFTA’s membership of children’s industry professionals. The ceremony will be hosted by TV and radio presenter Lindsey Russell.
Faraz Osman, chair of the BAFTA Children and Young People Committee, said: “It is a real joy to bring together the industry and celebrate the creativity and craft behind its recent output, especially after the pandemic, where children’s programming played a monumental role in family support. Through the...
The BBC’s “Dodger” and “The Snail and the Whale” lead with three nominations each, followed by two nominations for “The Amazing World of Gumball,” “Jamie Johnson,” “JoJo & Gran Gran” and “Silverpoint.”
The ceremony will take place in London on Nov. 27, where 14 categories will be awarded in recognition of craft, performance, and games. All awards are voted on by BAFTA’s membership of children’s industry professionals. The ceremony will be hosted by TV and radio presenter Lindsey Russell.
Faraz Osman, chair of the BAFTA Children and Young People Committee, said: “It is a real joy to bring together the industry and celebrate the creativity and craft behind its recent output, especially after the pandemic, where children’s programming played a monumental role in family support. Through the...
- 10/25/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Belle, the latest anime sensation from Oscar-nominated director Mamoru Hosoda will be released on DVD, Blu-ray, as well as a special feature-packed 4K Uhd Blu-ray Collector’s Edition that includes the film’s beloved soundtrack on 27th June. To celebrate, we are giving away a Blu-ray!
An original story inspired by the realisation that his own children will grow up in an increasingly online age, Hosoda’s Belle is the story of Suzu, a country girl who becomes a music sensation in the virtual world of “U” with the mesmerising avatar Belle. When her fame attracts the attention of a fearsome yet mysterious user known only as “Dragon”, Suzu will discover where the line between the online and offline self really lies.
Premiering to a historic 14-minute standing ovation at the 74th Cannes Film Festival, Belle released in cinemas across the UK and Ireland in February to critical acclaim, with...
An original story inspired by the realisation that his own children will grow up in an increasingly online age, Hosoda’s Belle is the story of Suzu, a country girl who becomes a music sensation in the virtual world of “U” with the mesmerising avatar Belle. When her fame attracts the attention of a fearsome yet mysterious user known only as “Dragon”, Suzu will discover where the line between the online and offline self really lies.
Premiering to a historic 14-minute standing ovation at the 74th Cannes Film Festival, Belle released in cinemas across the UK and Ireland in February to critical acclaim, with...
- 6/14/2022
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Netflix had a big night at the 49th annual Annie Awards on Saturday, with the streamer’s The Mitchells vs. the Machines on the feature film side and the video game adaptation Arcane on the TV side dominating the major categories.
Mitchells, from Sony Pictures Animation, won Best Feature among a film-side-leading eight Annies, presented by Asifa-Hollywood honoring the year’s best in animated fare across movies, TV and video games.
Arcane, the League of Legends game adaptation from Riot Games and Fortiche Production, led all winners with nine trophies overall including for General Production, TV. It won in each of the categories for which it was nominated. The series, which debuted in November and has already been renewed for a Season 2, is set in the utopian region of League of Legends realms Piltover and the oppressed underground of Zaun It follows the origins of popular League champions sisters Jinx...
Mitchells, from Sony Pictures Animation, won Best Feature among a film-side-leading eight Annies, presented by Asifa-Hollywood honoring the year’s best in animated fare across movies, TV and video games.
Arcane, the League of Legends game adaptation from Riot Games and Fortiche Production, led all winners with nine trophies overall including for General Production, TV. It won in each of the categories for which it was nominated. The series, which debuted in November and has already been renewed for a Season 2, is set in the utopian region of League of Legends realms Piltover and the oppressed underground of Zaun It follows the origins of popular League champions sisters Jinx...
- 3/13/2022
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Chace Crawford (The Boys), Manny Jacinto (Nine Perfect Strangers), Hunter Schafer (Euphoria) and newcomer Kylie McNeill will lead the English-language voice cast for Mamoru Hosoda’s Gkids awards contender Belle, which is scheduled for release alongside the original Japanese-language version in U.S. theaters (including select Imax screens) on January 14, with exclusive Imax previews in select markets beginning January 12.
Others lending their voices to the new dub include Paul Castro Jr., David Chen, Jessica Dicicco, Brandon Engman, Martha Harms, Jessica Gee George, Barbara Goodson, Bentley Griffin, Andrew Kishino, Wendee Lee, Ben Lepley, Noelle McGrath, Julie Nathanson, Aaron Phillips, Ellyn Stern, Frank Todaro, Kiff VandenHeuvel, Cristina Vee Valenzuela, Tom Bromhead, John Bentley, Tiana Camacho, SungWon Cho, Courtney Chu, Larissa Gallagher, Heather Gonzalez, Xanthe Huynh, Anjali Kunapaneni, LilyPichu, Kyle McCarley, Julie Nathanson, Zeno Robinson, Stephanie Sheh, Michael Sinterniklaas, Rachel Slotky and Laura Stahl.
Hosoda’s’s...
Others lending their voices to the new dub include Paul Castro Jr., David Chen, Jessica Dicicco, Brandon Engman, Martha Harms, Jessica Gee George, Barbara Goodson, Bentley Griffin, Andrew Kishino, Wendee Lee, Ben Lepley, Noelle McGrath, Julie Nathanson, Aaron Phillips, Ellyn Stern, Frank Todaro, Kiff VandenHeuvel, Cristina Vee Valenzuela, Tom Bromhead, John Bentley, Tiana Camacho, SungWon Cho, Courtney Chu, Larissa Gallagher, Heather Gonzalez, Xanthe Huynh, Anjali Kunapaneni, LilyPichu, Kyle McCarley, Julie Nathanson, Zeno Robinson, Stephanie Sheh, Michael Sinterniklaas, Rachel Slotky and Laura Stahl.
Hosoda’s’s...
- 12/9/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Paolo Sorrentino’s “The Hand of God,” Julia Ducournau’s “Titane,” Jasmila Žbanić’s “Quo Vadis, Aida?,” Florian Zeller’s “The Father,” and Juho Kuosmanen’s “Compartment No. 6” are the five nominees for best film at the upcoming 34th European Film Awards, which see no clear frontrunner this year.
The more than 4,100 academy members will now vote for the winners, who will be honored at a Dec. 11 ceremony in Berlin.
And the nominees are: European Film
“Compartment No. 6,” Juho Kuosmanen
“Quo Vadis Aida?” Jasmila Žbanić
“The Father,” Florian Zeller
“The Hand of God,” Paolo Sorrentino
“Titane,” Julia Ducournau
European Comedy
“Nijababy,” Yngvild Sve Flikke
“The Morning After,” Méliane Marcaggi
“The People Upstairs,” Cesc Gay
European Documentary
“Babi Yar. Context,” Sergei Loznitsa
“Flee,” Jonas Poher Rasmussen
“Mr Bachman and his Class,” Maria Speth
“Taming The Garden,” Salomé Jashi
“The Most Beautiful Boy in the World,” Stina Gardell
European Animated Feature Film
“Even Mice Belong in Heaven,...
The more than 4,100 academy members will now vote for the winners, who will be honored at a Dec. 11 ceremony in Berlin.
And the nominees are: European Film
“Compartment No. 6,” Juho Kuosmanen
“Quo Vadis Aida?” Jasmila Žbanić
“The Father,” Florian Zeller
“The Hand of God,” Paolo Sorrentino
“Titane,” Julia Ducournau
European Comedy
“Nijababy,” Yngvild Sve Flikke
“The Morning After,” Méliane Marcaggi
“The People Upstairs,” Cesc Gay
European Documentary
“Babi Yar. Context,” Sergei Loznitsa
“Flee,” Jonas Poher Rasmussen
“Mr Bachman and his Class,” Maria Speth
“Taming The Garden,” Salomé Jashi
“The Most Beautiful Boy in the World,” Stina Gardell
European Animated Feature Film
“Even Mice Belong in Heaven,...
- 11/9/2021
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
The European Film Academy has announced nominations for the 34th European Film Awards which will be handed out in Berlin on December 11. Julia Ducournau’s Cannes Palme d’Or winner, Titane; Florian Zeller’s 2020 drama and double Oscar winner The Father; and Jasmila Zbanic’s Quo Vadis Aida?, which was nominated for an Oscar at the 93rd edition, are tied with four mentions each.
Titane is the Oscar submission from France this year and, likewise, several other candidates for the International Feature Academy Award figure at the EFAs. They include Paolo Sorrentino’s The Hand Of God and Juho Kuosmanen’s Compartment No. 6, from Italy and Finland, respectively. Each of those films, alongside the titles above, is nominated in the European Film 2021 category, and both figure in three races.
Ducournau, Zeller, Zbanic and Sorrentino are all up for European Director 2021 while Radu Jude rounds out the field for his Bad...
Titane is the Oscar submission from France this year and, likewise, several other candidates for the International Feature Academy Award figure at the EFAs. They include Paolo Sorrentino’s The Hand Of God and Juho Kuosmanen’s Compartment No. 6, from Italy and Finland, respectively. Each of those films, alongside the titles above, is nominated in the European Film 2021 category, and both figure in three races.
Ducournau, Zeller, Zbanic and Sorrentino are all up for European Director 2021 while Radu Jude rounds out the field for his Bad...
- 11/9/2021
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
One of this year’s animated Oscar contenders could be anime veteran Mamoru Hosoda’s dazzling Cannes debut “Belle”, inspired by the French “Beauty and the Beast” fairy tale, about rural school kids who take on alter egos in a digital universe, based on their strengths and weaknesses. “Belle” could mark the filmmaker’s second animated feature Oscar nomination after “Mirai.” The movie screens October 23 at Hollywood’s Animation Is Film festival before its later Oscar-qualifying GKids release.
Hosoda updates the 18th-century fairy tale that has spawned countless movie adaptations, from Jean Cocteau’s 1946 black-and-white French classic to the Disney animated musical and its recent live-action remake, with a near-future story that combines “Ready Player One” with “Eighth Grade.” The movie’s naturalistic setting is the filmmaker’s birthplace Kamiichi, a remote western island. “It’s a very rural place,” Hosoda said. “It’s a part of Japan that is dying away.
Hosoda updates the 18th-century fairy tale that has spawned countless movie adaptations, from Jean Cocteau’s 1946 black-and-white French classic to the Disney animated musical and its recent live-action remake, with a near-future story that combines “Ready Player One” with “Eighth Grade.” The movie’s naturalistic setting is the filmmaker’s birthplace Kamiichi, a remote western island. “It’s a very rural place,” Hosoda said. “It’s a part of Japan that is dying away.
- 10/23/2021
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Gkids anounced today that Oscar nominated director Mamoru Hosoda and Studio Chizu’s newest film Belle is set to debut in American cinemas on January 14, 2022.
Belle tells a fantastical, heartfelt story about the experience of growing up in the age of social media. Its protagonist, Suzu, is a shy, everyday high school student living in a rural village. For years, she has only been a shadow of herself. But when she enters “U”, a massive virtual world, she escapes into her online persona as Belle, a gorgeous and globally-beloved singer. One day, her concert is interrupted by a monstrous creature chased by vigilantes. As their hunt escalates, Suzu embarks on an emotional and epic quest to uncover the identity of this mysterious “beast” and to discover her true self in a world where you can be anyone.
Chizu co-founder Yuichiro Saito is producer on the animated film,...
Belle tells a fantastical, heartfelt story about the experience of growing up in the age of social media. Its protagonist, Suzu, is a shy, everyday high school student living in a rural village. For years, she has only been a shadow of herself. But when she enters “U”, a massive virtual world, she escapes into her online persona as Belle, a gorgeous and globally-beloved singer. One day, her concert is interrupted by a monstrous creature chased by vigilantes. As their hunt escalates, Suzu embarks on an emotional and epic quest to uncover the identity of this mysterious “beast” and to discover her true self in a world where you can be anyone.
Chizu co-founder Yuichiro Saito is producer on the animated film,...
- 10/12/2021
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Gkids has nabbed North American rights to Takayuki Hirao’s indie anime pic Pompo the Cinephile, and will release both the original Japanese-language film (titled Eiga Daisuki Pompo-san) and a new English-language version in U.S. theaters early next year.
Hirao’s ode to filmmaking centers on Pompo, a talented and gutsy producer in the world’s movie-making capital, “Nyallywood.” Although she’s known for B-movies, Pompo one day tells her assistant Gene that he will direct her next script: a delicate drama about an aging and tormented creative genius. But when the production heads towards chaos, can Gene rise to Pompo’s challenge, and succeed as a first-time director?
Pompo the Cinephile hails from the new animation studio, Clap. Its Japanese voice cast includes Hiroya Shimizu, Konomi Kohara, Ai Kakuma, Aiko Otsuka, and Rinka Ōtani. The film was an official selection of the 2021 Fantasia Film Festival and was released in Japan in June.
Hirao’s ode to filmmaking centers on Pompo, a talented and gutsy producer in the world’s movie-making capital, “Nyallywood.” Although she’s known for B-movies, Pompo one day tells her assistant Gene that he will direct her next script: a delicate drama about an aging and tormented creative genius. But when the production heads towards chaos, can Gene rise to Pompo’s challenge, and succeed as a first-time director?
Pompo the Cinephile hails from the new animation studio, Clap. Its Japanese voice cast includes Hiroya Shimizu, Konomi Kohara, Ai Kakuma, Aiko Otsuka, and Rinka Ōtani. The film was an official selection of the 2021 Fantasia Film Festival and was released in Japan in June.
- 9/16/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The world premiere of “Belle”, the latest animated feature film from award-winning director Mamoru Hosoda, was met with cheers and a fourteen-minute standing ovation following its world premiere at the 74th Cannes Film Festival on Thursday July 15th – the seventh longest in the festival’s history. Critics responded with enthusiasm on Twitter following the premiere, with Phil de Semlyen calling it “a dazzling cyber fairy-tale”, and Robbie Collin adding that “there is usually one film per Cannes that emotionally bulldozes me, and this year Belle was it.”
Anime Limited, Europe’s premiere distributor for Japanese animation, will be releasing “Belle” in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and France.
“Belle”, the journey of a shy and self-conscious teenager finding herself through the avatar of a world famous virtual singer, is a film that reaches beyond borders both on and off the screen with a creative team showcasing the calibre of global talent in modern animation.
Anime Limited, Europe’s premiere distributor for Japanese animation, will be releasing “Belle” in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and France.
“Belle”, the journey of a shy and self-conscious teenager finding herself through the avatar of a world famous virtual singer, is a film that reaches beyond borders both on and off the screen with a creative team showcasing the calibre of global talent in modern animation.
- 7/20/2021
- by Grace Han
- AsianMoviePulse
Animated fantasy “Belle” will receive its World Premiere at the 74th Cannes Film Festival on Thursday July 15th in the Cannes Premiere section, joining an exciting line-up which includes new films from Andrea Arnold, Gaspar Noé, Mathieu Amalric and Oliver Stone. This is the first official selection for a film by Hosoda at the festival. Anime Limited, Europe’s premiere distributor for Japanese animation, will be releasing “Belle” in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The film is written, directed, and produced by the celebrated filmmaker Mamoru Hosoda whose previous works include “Mirai”, “The Boy and the Beast”, “Wolf Children”, “Summer Wars”, “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time”, among other classics.
Anime Limited previously distributed “Mirai,” the previous film from Mamoru Hosoda and Studio Chizu, in the UK, France, and Ireland. After debuting at the Director’s Fortnight in Cannes, “Mirai” went on to receive a nomination for “Best Animated Feature...
The film is written, directed, and produced by the celebrated filmmaker Mamoru Hosoda whose previous works include “Mirai”, “The Boy and the Beast”, “Wolf Children”, “Summer Wars”, “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time”, among other classics.
Anime Limited previously distributed “Mirai,” the previous film from Mamoru Hosoda and Studio Chizu, in the UK, France, and Ireland. After debuting at the Director’s Fortnight in Cannes, “Mirai” went on to receive a nomination for “Best Animated Feature...
- 7/6/2021
- by Grace Han
- AsianMoviePulse
Gkids’ latest acquisition Belle, from acclaimed filmmaker Mamoru Hosoda and his company Studio Chizu, is an Official Selection of the Cannes Film Festival and will make its world debut in the Cannes Premiere section on Thursday, July 15. This marks the Hosoda’s second invitation to Cannes. His first, Mirai, made its debut at Director’s Fortnight in 2018 before going on to receive an Academy Award® nomination for Best Animated Feature. Gkids will release Belle theatrically in North America in both its original Japanese language and a new English dubbed version this winter, and will qualify the film for 2021 awards consideration. “Following the selection of my previous film ‘Mirai’ for the Directors’ Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival, I am honored that ‘Belle’ has been selected for the Première section of the Official Selection. It is extremely rare for an animated film to be selected for the Festival de Cannes, and...
- 7/6/2021
- by HollywoodNews.com
- Hollywoodnews.com
Animation film “Belle” by the Japanese director Hosoda Mamoru will join the Cannes Film Festival lineup.
The festival said Sunday that “Belle” will have its world premiere in the Cannes Premiere section and play on Thursday July 15.
” ‘Belle’ is the film that I’ve always dreamt to create and that I can make today thanks to the culmination of my previous films,” said Hosoda. “In this one, I explore romance, action, and suspense as well as deeper themes such as life and death. I hope that it will be a big entertaining show.”
The story follows a 17-year-old high school student living in a rural village with her father. For years, she has only been a shadow of herself. One day, she enters U, a virtual world of 5 billion members and where she has become Belle, a world-famous singer. She soon meets with a mysterious creature and they embark on a journey of adventures,...
The festival said Sunday that “Belle” will have its world premiere in the Cannes Premiere section and play on Thursday July 15.
” ‘Belle’ is the film that I’ve always dreamt to create and that I can make today thanks to the culmination of my previous films,” said Hosoda. “In this one, I explore romance, action, and suspense as well as deeper themes such as life and death. I hope that it will be a big entertaining show.”
The story follows a 17-year-old high school student living in a rural village with her father. For years, she has only been a shadow of herself. One day, she enters U, a virtual world of 5 billion members and where she has become Belle, a world-famous singer. She soon meets with a mysterious creature and they embark on a journey of adventures,...
- 7/4/2021
- by Patrick Frater and Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Paris-based sales and co-production company Charades has closed deals for all major Western territories on “Belle,” the anticipated animation feature from Oscar-nominated Japanese filmmaker Mamoru Hosoda (“Mirai”) and Studio Chizu.
Following GKids’s pick up for North American rights, Charades has unveiled a raft of sales to high-profile international distributors for “Belle,” including Anime Limited in the U.K., Wild Bunch in France, A Contracorriente in Spain, Koch Media in Italy and German-speaking territories, and Selmer in Scandinavia. Other deals were inked with Bf Distribution in Latin America, Acfc for Czech Republic, Exponenta in Russia and Baltics. Charades also sold the movie to Troy Lum’s new banner Kismet in Australia and New Zealand. It marks Kismet’s first acquisition.
The size of deals closed on ‘Belle’ underscores both the international status of Hosoda and the rising popularity of Japanese anime.
“Hosoda is the only Japanese animation director today capable...
Following GKids’s pick up for North American rights, Charades has unveiled a raft of sales to high-profile international distributors for “Belle,” including Anime Limited in the U.K., Wild Bunch in France, A Contracorriente in Spain, Koch Media in Italy and German-speaking territories, and Selmer in Scandinavia. Other deals were inked with Bf Distribution in Latin America, Acfc for Czech Republic, Exponenta in Russia and Baltics. Charades also sold the movie to Troy Lum’s new banner Kismet in Australia and New Zealand. It marks Kismet’s first acquisition.
The size of deals closed on ‘Belle’ underscores both the international status of Hosoda and the rising popularity of Japanese anime.
“Hosoda is the only Japanese animation director today capable...
- 6/16/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
“Belle,” Hosoda Mamoru’s highly anticipated animated feature has been picked up by Gkids for release in North America.
The Studio Chizu-produced coming of age tale will release in Japan next month. Gkids says it will release ‘Belle” theatrically in both its original Japanese language and an English dubbed version this winter, and will qualify the film for 2021 awards consideration.
Nippon Television handles rights sales for the film in Asia. Paris-based sales company Charades is representing the film in other international markets.
The story follows a 17-year-old high school student living in a rural village with her father. For years, she has only been a shadow of herself. One day, she enters U, a virtual world of 5 billion members and where she has become Belle, a world-famous singer. She soon meets with a mysterious creature and embark on a journey of adventures, challenges and love, in their quest to become who they truly are.
The Studio Chizu-produced coming of age tale will release in Japan next month. Gkids says it will release ‘Belle” theatrically in both its original Japanese language and an English dubbed version this winter, and will qualify the film for 2021 awards consideration.
Nippon Television handles rights sales for the film in Asia. Paris-based sales company Charades is representing the film in other international markets.
The story follows a 17-year-old high school student living in a rural village with her father. For years, she has only been a shadow of herself. One day, she enters U, a virtual world of 5 billion members and where she has become Belle, a world-famous singer. She soon meets with a mysterious creature and embark on a journey of adventures, challenges and love, in their quest to become who they truly are.
- 6/14/2021
- by Patrick Frater and Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
One of our most-anticipated animations of the year comes from Mamoru Hosoda, the acclaimed auteur behind The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Wolf Children, The Boy and the Beast, and most recently, the Oscar-nominated Mirai. He’s now returning with Belle, which is set for a July release in Japan and now the first full trailer has debuted.
Belle follows Suzu, a 17-year-old high school student living in a rural village with her father. For years she has only been a shadow of herself. One day, she enters “U,” a virtual world of 5 billion members on the Internet. There, she is not Suzu anymore but Belle, a world-famous singer. She soon meets with a mysterious creature. Together, they embark on a journey of adventures, challenges and love, in their quest of becoming who they truly are.
“Belle is the movie that I have always wanted to create and I am...
Belle follows Suzu, a 17-year-old high school student living in a rural village with her father. For years she has only been a shadow of herself. One day, she enters “U,” a virtual world of 5 billion members on the Internet. There, she is not Suzu anymore but Belle, a world-famous singer. She soon meets with a mysterious creature. Together, they embark on a journey of adventures, challenges and love, in their quest of becoming who they truly are.
“Belle is the movie that I have always wanted to create and I am...
- 6/2/2021
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Studio Chizu has unveiled the full international trailer for “Belle,” Mamoru Hosoda’s highly anticipated animated feature. The anticipated movie will be released in Japan on July 16 by Toho. Paris-based sales company Charades is representing the film in international markets. Nippon Television handles sales for Asia.
“Belle” marks Hosoda’s ninth project and follows the 2018 Oscar-nominated “Mirai,” which world premiered at Cannes’ Director’s Fortnight and received the Annie Award for best animated feature. The new film has been described as a touching coming of age story with a philosophical edge and a fantasy-filled visual style.
The film follows Suzu, a 17-year-old high school student living in a rural village with her father. For years she has only been a shadow of herself. One day, she enters “Lj,” a virtual world of 5 billion members on the Internet. There, she is not Suzu anymore but Belle, a world-famous singer. She soon meets with a mysterious creature.
“Belle” marks Hosoda’s ninth project and follows the 2018 Oscar-nominated “Mirai,” which world premiered at Cannes’ Director’s Fortnight and received the Annie Award for best animated feature. The new film has been described as a touching coming of age story with a philosophical edge and a fantasy-filled visual style.
The film follows Suzu, a 17-year-old high school student living in a rural village with her father. For years she has only been a shadow of herself. One day, she enters “Lj,” a virtual world of 5 billion members on the Internet. There, she is not Suzu anymore but Belle, a world-famous singer. She soon meets with a mysterious creature.
- 6/2/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Commission
ITV has commissioned West Road Pictures to produce “Ridley,” a new detective drama starring “Line of Duty” and “Blood” star Adrian Dunbar. The series is created and written by “Vera” lead writer Paul Matthew Thompson and West Road Pictures managing director Jonathan Fisher. They will executive produce the series.
“I couldn’t be happier to be getting started on ‘Ridley,’ as we continue to build the West Road production slate with our second commission for ITV,” said Fisher of the announcement. “ITV has a fine tradition of nurturing much-loved detective series, and it’s a real privilege to be bringing ‘Ridley’ to the channel.”
“Ridley” follows a detective inspector pushed into retirement from the force after 25 years investigating homicides. Convinced he is still in his prime, Ridley welcomes an invitation from his replacement and former protégé Carol Farman to aid her on a particularly complex case, eventually leading to more consulting jobs.
ITV has commissioned West Road Pictures to produce “Ridley,” a new detective drama starring “Line of Duty” and “Blood” star Adrian Dunbar. The series is created and written by “Vera” lead writer Paul Matthew Thompson and West Road Pictures managing director Jonathan Fisher. They will executive produce the series.
“I couldn’t be happier to be getting started on ‘Ridley,’ as we continue to build the West Road production slate with our second commission for ITV,” said Fisher of the announcement. “ITV has a fine tradition of nurturing much-loved detective series, and it’s a real privilege to be bringing ‘Ridley’ to the channel.”
“Ridley” follows a detective inspector pushed into retirement from the force after 25 years investigating homicides. Convinced he is still in his prime, Ridley welcomes an invitation from his replacement and former protégé Carol Farman to aid her on a particularly complex case, eventually leading to more consulting jobs.
- 6/2/2021
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Many critics roll their eyes at Oscar season, and when it runs all the way through April — an anomaly this time — who can blame them? With the same crop of movies dissected ad infinitum for eight months and counting, the conversations about the “state of the race” often eclipse ones about cinematic quality. Thankfully, many of this year’s top contenders for the gold also happen to be critical favorites. If the 30 critics who voted in this year’s edition of our annual Oscar critics poll had their way, many of the expected outcomes on Sunday’s show would remain the same.
However, the results for Best Picture also cast doubt on the very idea of anointing a single winner as the very best movie of 2020. The top vote-getters in that category resulted in a tie, with official frontrunner “Nomadland” splitting the prize with “Minari.” Both movies are quiet, lyrical...
However, the results for Best Picture also cast doubt on the very idea of anointing a single winner as the very best movie of 2020. The top vote-getters in that category resulted in a tie, with official frontrunner “Nomadland” splitting the prize with “Minari.” Both movies are quiet, lyrical...
- 4/24/2021
- by Eric Kohn and Christian Blauvelt
- Indiewire
Cartoon Saloon, the Oscar-nominated Irish independent animation studio behind Apple TV Plus’ “Wolfwalkers,” has signed with CAA.
Formed by creative heads Tomm Moore, Nora Twomey and Paul Young in 1999, the five-time Oscar, Golden Globe, BAFTA and Emmy-nominated studio will now be represented by the agency.
“Wolfwalkers,” directed by Moore and Ross Stewart, is nominated for the best animated feature Oscar at Sunday’s 93rd Academy Awards. The Apple original film was also nominated for a BAFTA and Golden Globe award.
Though the Oscar nod for “Wolfwalkers” was a historic first for Apple TV Plus, it marks Cartoon Saloon’s fourth best animated feature nomination. The indie studio has received Academy Award nods for each of their previous animated feature films, 2009’s “The Secret of Kells,” 2014’s “Song of the Sea” and 2017’s “The Breadwinner.” In 2019, the studio landed an Oscar nod in the best animated short category for “Late Afternoon.
Formed by creative heads Tomm Moore, Nora Twomey and Paul Young in 1999, the five-time Oscar, Golden Globe, BAFTA and Emmy-nominated studio will now be represented by the agency.
“Wolfwalkers,” directed by Moore and Ross Stewart, is nominated for the best animated feature Oscar at Sunday’s 93rd Academy Awards. The Apple original film was also nominated for a BAFTA and Golden Globe award.
Though the Oscar nod for “Wolfwalkers” was a historic first for Apple TV Plus, it marks Cartoon Saloon’s fourth best animated feature nomination. The indie studio has received Academy Award nods for each of their previous animated feature films, 2009’s “The Secret of Kells,” 2014’s “Song of the Sea” and 2017’s “The Breadwinner.” In 2019, the studio landed an Oscar nod in the best animated short category for “Late Afternoon.
- 4/23/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
The Oscar race for animated feature is between Pixar’s Black-led “Soul” and Cartoon Saloon’s hand-drawn Irish folktale, “Wolfwalkers” (co-produced by Apple Original Films). Both led Asifa-Hollywood’s prestigious Annie Awards, but the momentum is with “Soul.”
The other nominees include Pixar’s first fantasy, “Onward,” and two entries from Netflix: “Over the Moon,” the gorgeous musical fantasy about the Chinese Moon Goddess from Disney legend Glen Keane (Oscar winner for the “Dear Basketball” short), and Aardman’s “A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon.”
With director/chief creative officer Pete Docter at the helm, Pixar accomplished its most ambitious film yet by contrasting gritty New York City with the ethereal Great Before. That’s the pre-birth training center where aspiring jazz pianist Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx) finds himself after eluding death in The Great Beyond. He teams up with risk averse new soul, 22 (Tina Fey), on a journey...
The other nominees include Pixar’s first fantasy, “Onward,” and two entries from Netflix: “Over the Moon,” the gorgeous musical fantasy about the Chinese Moon Goddess from Disney legend Glen Keane (Oscar winner for the “Dear Basketball” short), and Aardman’s “A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon.”
With director/chief creative officer Pete Docter at the helm, Pixar accomplished its most ambitious film yet by contrasting gritty New York City with the ethereal Great Before. That’s the pre-birth training center where aspiring jazz pianist Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx) finds himself after eluding death in The Great Beyond. He teams up with risk averse new soul, 22 (Tina Fey), on a journey...
- 4/19/2021
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
The Irish-Luxembourgian-French co-production took home the awards for the Best Direction, Best Indie Feature, Voice Acting, Production Design and Character Design. The 48th ceremony of the Annie Awards, honouring excellence in the field of world animation, was held on 16 April at the Royce Hall of the University of California in Los Angeles as a virtual event, following the announcement of the nominations on 3 March. It surely was a special night for Kilkenny-based studio Cartoon Saloon, the outfit behind the making of the groundbreaking animation flick Wolfwalkers, directed by Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart and co–produced with Luxembourg's Mélusine Productions and France's Folivari. The feature scooped five prizes out of ten nominations, with the Irish company also honoured for its work on Fabian Erlinghauser and Tomm Moore's short There's a Monster in my Kitchen (Best Sponsored). Wolfwalkers took home Best Direction and Best Indie Feature for its Irish helmers...
Pixar’s “Soul” continued its awards season dominance on Friday by winning seven Annie Awards, including feature. The jazzy look at the before-life also won for music, writing (Pete Docter. Mike Jones and Kemp Powers), character animation (Michal Makarewicz), FX, storyboarding (Trevor Jimenez) and editorial.
“Wolfwalkers,” from Irish studio Cartoon Saloon and Melusine Prods. for Apple and Gkids, took home five Annies, including independent feature. Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart picked up the Annie for feature direction and the film also won for character design (Federico Pirovano), production design and voice acting (Eva Whittaker as Mebh Óg MacTíre). Cartoon Saloon, along with Mother, also scored an award for its sponsored project “There’s a Monster in My Kitchen” for Greenpeace.
The top TV winner of the night was the Netflix series “Hilda,” which took home awards for TV/Media for Children, character animation (David Laliberté) and editorial (John McKinnon).
“Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal...
“Wolfwalkers,” from Irish studio Cartoon Saloon and Melusine Prods. for Apple and Gkids, took home five Annies, including independent feature. Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart picked up the Annie for feature direction and the film also won for character design (Federico Pirovano), production design and voice acting (Eva Whittaker as Mebh Óg MacTíre). Cartoon Saloon, along with Mother, also scored an award for its sponsored project “There’s a Monster in My Kitchen” for Greenpeace.
The top TV winner of the night was the Netflix series “Hilda,” which took home awards for TV/Media for Children, character animation (David Laliberté) and editorial (John McKinnon).
“Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal...
- 4/17/2021
- by Terry Flores
- Variety Film + TV
Pixar’s “Soul” and Cartoon Saloon’s “Wolfwalkers” swept Asifa-Hollywood’s 48th Annie Awards Friday night, with the former grabbing seven animated feature awards and the latter capturing five (plus the sponsored prize for “There’s a Monster in My Kitchen”).
The Black-led, existential fantasy “Soul” took best feature, writing, music, character animation, FX, storyboarding, and editorial. The hand-drawn Irish folk tale “Wolfwalkers” (co-produced by Apple Original Films) countered with best indie feature, direction (Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart), production design, character design, and voice acting (Eva Whittaker as Mebh).
Before sweeping the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and PGAs, “Soul” was already in a good position to win the Oscar. Now, after winning the top Annie prize, “Soul” is in a very comfortable position, with six of the last nine Annie winners agreeing with the Academy. This would mark Pixar’s 11th Oscar win for animated feature, and Docter’s third,...
The Black-led, existential fantasy “Soul” took best feature, writing, music, character animation, FX, storyboarding, and editorial. The hand-drawn Irish folk tale “Wolfwalkers” (co-produced by Apple Original Films) countered with best indie feature, direction (Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart), production design, character design, and voice acting (Eva Whittaker as Mebh).
Before sweeping the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and PGAs, “Soul” was already in a good position to win the Oscar. Now, after winning the top Annie prize, “Soul” is in a very comfortable position, with six of the last nine Annie winners agreeing with the Academy. This would mark Pixar’s 11th Oscar win for animated feature, and Docter’s third,...
- 4/17/2021
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Pixar’s “Soul” and Cartoon Saloon’s “Wolfwalkers” were the dominant films at the 48th annual Annie Awards Friday, with “Soul” winning seven awards and “Wolfwalkers” winning five.
“Soul” won in the Best Feature category and took additional awards for its writing, music, FX, character animation, storyboards and editorial. “Wolfwalkers” won for Best Indie Feature as well as for directing, character design, production design and voice acting.
No other feature film won an Annie, which is given out by the International Animated Film Society, Asifa-Hollywood. Since the Academy Awards started a Best Animated Feature category in 2001, the Annies winner in the Best Feature category has gone on to win the Oscar 13 times in 19 years, including four times in the last five years.
Pete Docter’s “Soul” was already considered a prohibitive frontrunner in the Oscar race, with Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart’s “Wolfwalkers” thought to be the only film...
“Soul” won in the Best Feature category and took additional awards for its writing, music, FX, character animation, storyboards and editorial. “Wolfwalkers” won for Best Indie Feature as well as for directing, character design, production design and voice acting.
No other feature film won an Annie, which is given out by the International Animated Film Society, Asifa-Hollywood. Since the Academy Awards started a Best Animated Feature category in 2001, the Annies winner in the Best Feature category has gone on to win the Oscar 13 times in 19 years, including four times in the last five years.
Pete Docter’s “Soul” was already considered a prohibitive frontrunner in the Oscar race, with Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart’s “Wolfwalkers” thought to be the only film...
- 4/17/2021
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Pixar’s Soul and Apple TV+/Gkids’ Wolfwalkers shared the wins in all of the animated feature categories during the 48th Annie Awards, which were presented Friday by Asifa-Hollywood during a virtual ceremony.
Soul won seven awards including best animated feature, and Wolfwalkers won five including best independent animated feature. Additionally, Wolfwalkers helmers Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart won the category for best direction.
Soul director Pete Docter and co-director Kemp Powers, along with Mike Jones, won the Annie for writing, while Wolfwalkers’ Moore and Stewart, along with María Pareja, additionally picked up the Annie for production design.
Soul also won trophies for editing, FX, character animation and ...
Soul won seven awards including best animated feature, and Wolfwalkers won five including best independent animated feature. Additionally, Wolfwalkers helmers Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart won the category for best direction.
Soul director Pete Docter and co-director Kemp Powers, along with Mike Jones, won the Annie for writing, while Wolfwalkers’ Moore and Stewart, along with María Pareja, additionally picked up the Annie for production design.
Soul also won trophies for editing, FX, character animation and ...
- 4/17/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Pixar’s Soul and Apple TV+/Gkids’ Wolfwalkers shared the wins in all of the animated feature categories during the 48th Annie Awards, which were presented Friday by Asifa-Hollywood during a virtual ceremony.
Soul won seven awards including best animated feature, and Wolfwalkers won five including best independent animated feature. Additionally, Wolfwalkers helmers Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart won the category for best direction.
Soul director Pete Docter and co-director Kemp Powers, along with Mike Jones, won the Annie for writing, while Wolfwalkers’ Moore and Stewart, along with María Pareja, additionally picked up the Annie for production design.
Soul also won trophies for editing, FX, character animation and ...
Soul won seven awards including best animated feature, and Wolfwalkers won five including best independent animated feature. Additionally, Wolfwalkers helmers Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart won the category for best direction.
Soul director Pete Docter and co-director Kemp Powers, along with Mike Jones, won the Annie for writing, while Wolfwalkers’ Moore and Stewart, along with María Pareja, additionally picked up the Annie for production design.
Soul also won trophies for editing, FX, character animation and ...
- 4/17/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Winners will compete for Oscar next weekend alongside Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon, Over The Moon, Onward.
Oscar rivals Soul and Wolfwalkers triumphed at the 48th Annie Awards for animation awards on Friday (April 16), winning best feature and best independent feature, respectively, among a clutch of other prizes.
Pixar’s Soul earned the most feature awards – seven – including recognition for best writing, character animation, storyboarding, editorial, FX, and music in the feature category.
However Wolfwalkers, produced by Cartoon Saloon and Melusine Productions for Apple and Gkids, enjoyed a big night too, claiming five awards including best direction for Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart,...
Oscar rivals Soul and Wolfwalkers triumphed at the 48th Annie Awards for animation awards on Friday (April 16), winning best feature and best independent feature, respectively, among a clutch of other prizes.
Pixar’s Soul earned the most feature awards – seven – including recognition for best writing, character animation, storyboarding, editorial, FX, and music in the feature category.
However Wolfwalkers, produced by Cartoon Saloon and Melusine Productions for Apple and Gkids, enjoyed a big night too, claiming five awards including best direction for Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart,...
- 4/16/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The “wolfvision” sequence in Cartoon Saloon’s Oscar-nominated animated feature “Wolfwalkers” is perhaps one of the most striking animated moments this year.
Set in 1650 Ireland, the film follows Robyn (voiced by Honor Kneafsey), a wolf hunter’s daughter brought to Ireland as part of the English colonization of the Emerald Isle during the time of Oliver Cromwell. Robyn wants join her father in the hunt but he bans her from going into the forest. Being an adventurous girl, Robyn ventures there alone, where she meets Mebh (Eva Whittaker), a young Irish girl who happens to be able to transform into a wolf — a wolfwalker.
When Robyn goes to sleep, she learns she, too, can shapeshift and transform into a wolf. The flattened aesthetic of the 16th-century Irish town in which she lives — inspired by rough and boxy woodcut art of that era — transforms into flowing lines, vibrant colors and illuminated...
Set in 1650 Ireland, the film follows Robyn (voiced by Honor Kneafsey), a wolf hunter’s daughter brought to Ireland as part of the English colonization of the Emerald Isle during the time of Oliver Cromwell. Robyn wants join her father in the hunt but he bans her from going into the forest. Being an adventurous girl, Robyn ventures there alone, where she meets Mebh (Eva Whittaker), a young Irish girl who happens to be able to transform into a wolf — a wolfwalker.
When Robyn goes to sleep, she learns she, too, can shapeshift and transform into a wolf. The flattened aesthetic of the 16th-century Irish town in which she lives — inspired by rough and boxy woodcut art of that era — transforms into flowing lines, vibrant colors and illuminated...
- 4/16/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
The first image from Apple Original Films and Skydance Animation’s Blush, has been released. The short film is the first, as part of an expansive multi-year partnership between the two studios.
The film follows a stranded horticulturist-astronaut’s struggle for survival after he crash lands on a desolate dwarf planet. When an ethereal visitor arrives, the once-lone traveler discovers the joy in building a new life and realizes the universe has delivered astonishing salvation.
The inaugural Apple/Skydance short film is written and directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Joe Mateo. Mateo developed the movie alongside the Skydance Animation team and the film is produced by Heather Schmidt Feng Yanu and executive produced by John Lasseter. Blush joins other Apple/Skydance features that include Luck and Spellbound and the animated series The Search for WondLa, with several more feature films and television series to be announced over the term of the pact.
The film follows a stranded horticulturist-astronaut’s struggle for survival after he crash lands on a desolate dwarf planet. When an ethereal visitor arrives, the once-lone traveler discovers the joy in building a new life and realizes the universe has delivered astonishing salvation.
The inaugural Apple/Skydance short film is written and directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Joe Mateo. Mateo developed the movie alongside the Skydance Animation team and the film is produced by Heather Schmidt Feng Yanu and executive produced by John Lasseter. Blush joins other Apple/Skydance features that include Luck and Spellbound and the animated series The Search for WondLa, with several more feature films and television series to be announced over the term of the pact.
- 4/14/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
For directors Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart, their hand-drawn “Wolfwalkers” Irish folktale demanded something special to convey the Pov of running with the wolves. That’s because Wolfwalkers are humans that possess a spiritual connection with the wolves and roam among them at night as avatars. And Wolfvision, according to Moore, was “an attempt to show how the world appears to [Robyn, the protagonist], with a limited palette but heightened colors and expressive styles for scents and sounds.”
But because this type of bold experimentation required greater stylization and 3D augmentation than they were accustomed to, the directors tapped an outside the box specialist to supervise the three-minute Wolfvision footage: Eimhin McNamara, owner of the Paper Panther studio in Dublin. “We had absolutely no idea of what the finished look would be,” added Stewart. “But we knew that we had to have something really immersive and almost like a roller coaster ride so...
But because this type of bold experimentation required greater stylization and 3D augmentation than they were accustomed to, the directors tapped an outside the box specialist to supervise the three-minute Wolfvision footage: Eimhin McNamara, owner of the Paper Panther studio in Dublin. “We had absolutely no idea of what the finished look would be,” added Stewart. “But we knew that we had to have something really immersive and almost like a roller coaster ride so...
- 4/12/2021
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
It’s been a strange year, but cinema endures. The 2021 British Academy Film and Television Awards took place at the Royal Albert Hall on the 11th of April, 2021. In a first in BAFTA history, four women have been nominated in the Director category, including Nomadland director Chloe Zhao, Sarah Gavron for Rocks, and Shannon Murphy for Babyteeth. Other notable nominees include Promising Young Woman, The Trial of the Chicago 7, The Father, Saint Maud and Minari. It is a diverse line up, and a very unusual time but the red carpets are rolling out, even if they are in living rooms around the world.
Yesterday director Ang Lee was entered into the BAFTA Fellowship, and Noel Clarke was awarded the Outstanding British Contribution to cinema. This evening Edith Bowman and Dermot O’Leary hosted the awards and it was a delight to see Yun-Jung Youn’s incredible win for her role in Minari.
Yesterday director Ang Lee was entered into the BAFTA Fellowship, and Noel Clarke was awarded the Outstanding British Contribution to cinema. This evening Edith Bowman and Dermot O’Leary hosted the awards and it was a delight to see Yun-Jung Youn’s incredible win for her role in Minari.
- 4/11/2021
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
“Mank” got a big boost in its Oscar bid for Best Production Design with a win on April 10 at the Art Directors Guild Awards. It prevailed in the period design race over two of its Oscar rivals — “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and “News of the World” — plus “Mulan” and “The Trial of the Chicago 7.”
Its closest Oscar competition could be “Tenet,” which won the fantasy prize at the Adg Awards on Saturday; the fifth Oscar nominee, “The Father,” was not in contention here.
The other Adg winners were the contemporary film “Da 5 Bloods” and the animated film “Soul.”
The Adg Awards were bestowed during a virtual ceremony on April 10. Ryan Murphy was feted with the Cinematic Imagery Award.
Period Film
X – “Mank” – Production Designer: Donald Graham Burt
“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” – Production Designer: Mark Ricker
“Mulan” – Production Designer: Grant Major
“News of the World” – Production Designer: David Crank...
Its closest Oscar competition could be “Tenet,” which won the fantasy prize at the Adg Awards on Saturday; the fifth Oscar nominee, “The Father,” was not in contention here.
The other Adg winners were the contemporary film “Da 5 Bloods” and the animated film “Soul.”
The Adg Awards were bestowed during a virtual ceremony on April 10. Ryan Murphy was feted with the Cinematic Imagery Award.
Period Film
X – “Mank” – Production Designer: Donald Graham Burt
“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” – Production Designer: Mark Ricker
“Mulan” – Production Designer: Grant Major
“News of the World” – Production Designer: David Crank...
- 4/11/2021
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
David Fincher’s “Mank,” Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet,” Spike Lee’s “Da 5 Bloods,” and Pete Docter’s “Soul” were the big film winners at the 25th annual Art Directors Guild Awards Saturday evening, taking production design honors for period, fantasy, contemporary, and animated feature, respectively. Additionally, “The Mandalorian,” “Ozark,” and “The Queen’s Gambit” were among the TV winners at the ceremony, which bodes well for “The Mandalorian” and “The Queen’s Gambit’s” Emmy prospects in the craft category.
The annual awards fete the finest production design in movies, TV, commercials, music videos, and animated features in 12 categories.
The monochromatic “Mank” is the only film that took home an Adg award that is competing for Best Picture. Pixar’s “Soul” is the favorite for Best Animated Feature. Other Adg nominees included Oscar hopefuls “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and “The Trial of the Chicago 7.”
In terms of the Oscar race,...
The annual awards fete the finest production design in movies, TV, commercials, music videos, and animated features in 12 categories.
The monochromatic “Mank” is the only film that took home an Adg award that is competing for Best Picture. Pixar’s “Soul” is the favorite for Best Animated Feature. Other Adg nominees included Oscar hopefuls “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and “The Trial of the Chicago 7.”
In terms of the Oscar race,...
- 4/11/2021
- by Bill Desowitz and Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
The 25th Annual Art Director’s Guild Awards took place tonight as a reimagined virtual show, with Mank,, Tenet and Da 5 Bloods taking home top film honors.
Hosted by Curb Your Enthusiasm’s J.B. Smoove, the event celebrates outstanding production design in theatrical motion pictures, television, commercials, animated features and music videos. For all the winners and nominees, see the list at the bottom of this post.
Ryan Murphy received Cinematic Imagery Award honoring his work reflecting the highest quality of production design. The award was presented by Matt Bomer, star of many of Murphy’s shows including Boys in the Band.
Other presenters included Jordi Molla (Jack Ryan); Nicco Annan (P-Valley); Tyra Banks; Maria Bakalova (Borat Subsequent Moviefilm), Aasif Mandvi (Evil); Jenna Elfman (Fear the Walking Dead) and Brian Tee (Chicago Med).
Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Emmy-winning production designer Stuart Wurtzel (Ad), set designer Martha Johnston (Sdmm...
Hosted by Curb Your Enthusiasm’s J.B. Smoove, the event celebrates outstanding production design in theatrical motion pictures, television, commercials, animated features and music videos. For all the winners and nominees, see the list at the bottom of this post.
Ryan Murphy received Cinematic Imagery Award honoring his work reflecting the highest quality of production design. The award was presented by Matt Bomer, star of many of Murphy’s shows including Boys in the Band.
Other presenters included Jordi Molla (Jack Ryan); Nicco Annan (P-Valley); Tyra Banks; Maria Bakalova (Borat Subsequent Moviefilm), Aasif Mandvi (Evil); Jenna Elfman (Fear the Walking Dead) and Brian Tee (Chicago Med).
Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Emmy-winning production designer Stuart Wurtzel (Ad), set designer Martha Johnston (Sdmm...
- 4/10/2021
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
‘Wolfwalkers’ Directors On Strong Female Leads And Landing Sean Bean – Contenders Film: The Nominees
“The heart of the movie became these two little girls, representing two different views of femininity and attitudes towards females in that time period,” Wolfwalkers co-director and producer Tomm Moore said of the characters of Robyn Goodfellowe and Mebh Óg MacTíre in the Apple TV+ Oscar-nominated animated film. “I think it has a lot of resonance for little girls today — I hope so anyway.”
Moore’s comments came during Deadline’s Contenders Film: The Nominees awards-season virtual event, where he was joined by co-director Ross Stewart and producer Nora Twoney.
Nominated this year for Best Animated Feature and with voice-overs from the likes of Sean Bean and Simon McBurney, Apple Original Films’ Wolfwalkers debuted at the 2020 Toronto Film Festival and premiered on the streaming service December 11. Mixing real history based on the 17th century reign of English Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell, some fantasy, those strong female leads and some amazing aesthetics,...
Moore’s comments came during Deadline’s Contenders Film: The Nominees awards-season virtual event, where he was joined by co-director Ross Stewart and producer Nora Twoney.
Nominated this year for Best Animated Feature and with voice-overs from the likes of Sean Bean and Simon McBurney, Apple Original Films’ Wolfwalkers debuted at the 2020 Toronto Film Festival and premiered on the streaming service December 11. Mixing real history based on the 17th century reign of English Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell, some fantasy, those strong female leads and some amazing aesthetics,...
- 4/10/2021
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
"Awaken your magic!" Yay! One of the best animated films from last year is now playing in cinemas again. GKids has re-released Tomm Moore & Ross Stewart's magical adventure Wolfwalkers in select theaters in the US, with more venues playing it nationwide coming up this weekend. A young apprentice hunter and her father journey to Ireland to help wipe out the last wolf pack. But everything changes when she befriends a free-spirited girl from a mysterious tribe rumored to transform into wolves by night. Featuring the voices of Honor Kneafsey, Eva Whitaker, Sean Bean, Simon McBurney, Tommy Tiernan, Jon Kenny, John Morton, and Maria Doyle Kennedy. I totally adore this film, along with everything else Tomm Moore has made! I'm happy it's playing again after first opening in the fall. As wonderful as this film is, it's even better on the big screen! If you can safely get to a...
- 4/6/2021
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Mamoru Hosoda, the Oscar-nominated director of “Mirai,” has attracted a prestigious international creative team for his anticipated music-filled film, “Belle,” whose first trailer is being unveiled by Studio Chizu. On top of revealing exclusive new images, the trailer also features the very first track of the film.
Mixing reality and fantasy, “Belle” follows Suzu, a 17-year-old high school student living in a rural village with her father. For years she has only been a shadow of herself. One day, she enters “U,” a virtual world of 5 billion members on the Internet. There, she is not Suzu anymore but Belle, a world-famous singer. She soon meets with a mysterious creature. Together, they embark on a journey of adventures, challenges and love, in their quest of becoming who they truly are.
Represented in international markets by Charades, “Belle” will bring together a crew of Japanese and international talents, the first of its...
Mixing reality and fantasy, “Belle” follows Suzu, a 17-year-old high school student living in a rural village with her father. For years she has only been a shadow of herself. One day, she enters “U,” a virtual world of 5 billion members on the Internet. There, she is not Suzu anymore but Belle, a world-famous singer. She soon meets with a mysterious creature. Together, they embark on a journey of adventures, challenges and love, in their quest of becoming who they truly are.
Represented in international markets by Charades, “Belle” will bring together a crew of Japanese and international talents, the first of its...
- 4/1/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Newcomer Apple TV Plus landed its first Oscar nomination in the animated feature category thanks to “Wolfwalkers.”
A mix of 17th century Irish folklore with female empowerment and actual history, it comes from animation studio Cartoon Saloon, the third in its Irish trilogy after “The Secret of Kells” and “Song of the Sea.”
The artists deliberately left pencil lines in as part of their visual storytelling. Animators were encouraged by co-directors Ross Stewart and Tomm Moore to be as scribbly as possible to fit in with the timeless aesthetic that 2D hand-drawn animation provides — brushstrokes and etchings included.
That style, and setting the film in 1650 when Catholic Ireland was overcome by English Protestant rule, helped give “Wolfwalkers” its fairytale feel. In the story, young Robyn (voiced by Honor Kneafsey) wants to go into the woods with her father when he hunts wolves. She sneaks off without his permission and befriends...
A mix of 17th century Irish folklore with female empowerment and actual history, it comes from animation studio Cartoon Saloon, the third in its Irish trilogy after “The Secret of Kells” and “Song of the Sea.”
The artists deliberately left pencil lines in as part of their visual storytelling. Animators were encouraged by co-directors Ross Stewart and Tomm Moore to be as scribbly as possible to fit in with the timeless aesthetic that 2D hand-drawn animation provides — brushstrokes and etchings included.
That style, and setting the film in 1650 when Catholic Ireland was overcome by English Protestant rule, helped give “Wolfwalkers” its fairytale feel. In the story, young Robyn (voiced by Honor Kneafsey) wants to go into the woods with her father when he hunts wolves. She sneaks off without his permission and befriends...
- 4/1/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
When tackling “Wolfwalkers,” the last of Cartoon Saloon’s Oscar-nominated triptych about Irish folklore, there was no holding back for director Tomm Moore and art director-turned director Ross Stewart. Cartoon Saloon could be more daring after their success on “The Secret of Kells” and “Song of the Sea,” which turned them into the Irish Studio Ghibli as a result of their experiments with new hand-drawn styles and storytelling techniques.
“One of the things that made ‘Wolfwalkers’ unique for us was that we leaned into more expressive styles,” Stewart said. “We were always inspired by graphic novels and comics, where they could use mark making [applying lines, patterns, and textures to the surface] and different artistic styles to describe the emotions of the characters and the atmosphere of the piece. They weren’t afraid to change styles from one page to the next, so we thought that maybe we could get away with that in animation, too. On our...
“One of the things that made ‘Wolfwalkers’ unique for us was that we leaned into more expressive styles,” Stewart said. “We were always inspired by graphic novels and comics, where they could use mark making [applying lines, patterns, and textures to the surface] and different artistic styles to describe the emotions of the characters and the atmosphere of the piece. They weren’t afraid to change styles from one page to the next, so we thought that maybe we could get away with that in animation, too. On our...
- 3/29/2021
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Ireland has long been known as a nation of storytellers, home to giants of literature and theater such as Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, W.B. Yeats and James Joyce.
In recent years, Ireland’s storytelling tradition has started to thrive in the screen industries too. Indigenous and co-production successes include John Crowley’s “Brooklyn,” Lenny Abrahamson’s “Room,” Yorgos Lanthimos’ “The Lobster” and “The Favourite,” Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart’s Oscar-nominated animated feature “Wolfwalkers,” and the hit TV series “Normal People.”
The country has also become a magnet for international production, lured by fiscal incentives, stunning Irish locations and highly regarded crews. Apple TV series “Foundation” – the largest production to film in Ireland to date – wrapped last year. So too did Ridley Scott’s upcoming historical epic “The Last Duel.” Netflix’s “Vikings: Valhalla” is due to wrap in June.
The screen industry’s contribution to the Irish economy...
In recent years, Ireland’s storytelling tradition has started to thrive in the screen industries too. Indigenous and co-production successes include John Crowley’s “Brooklyn,” Lenny Abrahamson’s “Room,” Yorgos Lanthimos’ “The Lobster” and “The Favourite,” Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart’s Oscar-nominated animated feature “Wolfwalkers,” and the hit TV series “Normal People.”
The country has also become a magnet for international production, lured by fiscal incentives, stunning Irish locations and highly regarded crews. Apple TV series “Foundation” – the largest production to film in Ireland to date – wrapped last year. So too did Ridley Scott’s upcoming historical epic “The Last Duel.” Netflix’s “Vikings: Valhalla” is due to wrap in June.
The screen industry’s contribution to the Irish economy...
- 3/16/2021
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
The Irish production company behind Oscar-nominated animated feature “Wolfwalkers,” Cartoon Saloon, has produced a special video to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day on Wednesday, which film and TV agency Screen Ireland has just posted.
Diving into the lore of “Wolfwalkers,” the short piece tells the story of Saint Patrick, his dealings with an ancient Celtic tribe, and how they became Wolfwalkers as part of their curse – or blessing.
The Apple Original film, directed by Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart, and produced with Mélusine Productions, centers on a young apprentice hunter and her father who journey to Ireland to wipe out the last wolfpack. But everything changes when she befriends a free-spirited girl from a mysterious tribe rumored to transform into wolves by night.
Cartoon Saloon, formed by Paul Young, Moore and Nora Twomey, previously produced Moore’s Oscar nominated “The Secret of Kells” (2009), with Nora Twomey as co-director, Moore’s 2014 film “Song of the Sea,...
Diving into the lore of “Wolfwalkers,” the short piece tells the story of Saint Patrick, his dealings with an ancient Celtic tribe, and how they became Wolfwalkers as part of their curse – or blessing.
The Apple Original film, directed by Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart, and produced with Mélusine Productions, centers on a young apprentice hunter and her father who journey to Ireland to wipe out the last wolfpack. But everything changes when she befriends a free-spirited girl from a mysterious tribe rumored to transform into wolves by night.
Cartoon Saloon, formed by Paul Young, Moore and Nora Twomey, previously produced Moore’s Oscar nominated “The Secret of Kells” (2009), with Nora Twomey as co-director, Moore’s 2014 film “Song of the Sea,...
- 3/16/2021
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Tomm Moore reaped Oscar bids for his first two animated features: 2009’s “The Secret of the Kells” and 2014’s “Song of the Sea.” He contends again for Best Animated Feature, alongside co-director Ross Stewart, for “Wolfwalkers.” “Wolfwalkers” began streaming on AppleTV+ last December. Back then, they joined Fionnula Flanagan, the veteran actress who worked with them on “Song of the Sea,” for a Zoom interview about this final chapter in Moore’s Irish folklore trilogy.
The duo was finishing their work on “Song of the Sea” when they began thinking about “Wolfwalkers.” “It’s sad,” said Stewart. “All of the themes became more and more relevant over the six or seven years we were working [on ‘Wolfwalkers’]. We wanted to speak to the environment. We wanted to speak to species extinction. We wanted to speak to the ripples of colonialism that we’re all still suffering from under rulers who are ruling...
The duo was finishing their work on “Song of the Sea” when they began thinking about “Wolfwalkers.” “It’s sad,” said Stewart. “All of the themes became more and more relevant over the six or seven years we were working [on ‘Wolfwalkers’]. We wanted to speak to the environment. We wanted to speak to species extinction. We wanted to speak to the ripples of colonialism that we’re all still suffering from under rulers who are ruling...
- 3/16/2021
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
David Fincher’s monochromatic “Mank” dominated the Oscar crafts on Monday for Netflix, grabbing six nominations for Erik Messerschmidt’s cinematography, costume design, makeup and hair, production design, score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, and sound. Paul Greengrass’ post-Civil War western, “News of the World,” followed with four nominations.
Netflix also did well by collecting three nominations apiece from Aaron Sorkin’s “The Trial of the Chicago 7” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”, in addition to solo nominations from George Clooney’s sci-fi “The Midnight Sky” (visual effects), Spike Lee’s “Da 5 Bloods” (Terence Blanchard’s score), and “The Life Ahead (La Vita Davanti a Se),” as Diane Warren secured her 12th original song nomination for “Io Si (Seen).”
Significantly, Chloé Zhao’s Best Picture frontrunner, “Nomadland,” the recessionary road odyssey, scored two nominations for Joshua James Richards’ cinematography and her editing, which puts Zhao in a select...
Netflix also did well by collecting three nominations apiece from Aaron Sorkin’s “The Trial of the Chicago 7” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”, in addition to solo nominations from George Clooney’s sci-fi “The Midnight Sky” (visual effects), Spike Lee’s “Da 5 Bloods” (Terence Blanchard’s score), and “The Life Ahead (La Vita Davanti a Se),” as Diane Warren secured her 12th original song nomination for “Io Si (Seen).”
Significantly, Chloé Zhao’s Best Picture frontrunner, “Nomadland,” the recessionary road odyssey, scored two nominations for Joshua James Richards’ cinematography and her editing, which puts Zhao in a select...
- 3/15/2021
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
In Ireland today, Wolfwalkers directors Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart are celebrating an Oscar nom for Best Animated Feature.
Placing distributor Apple TV+ in that race for the first time, the nom is a first for Moore’s longtime collaborator, Stewart. Moore, meanwhile, has just achieved a hat trick, having now scored Oscar nominations for each film in his ‘Irish Folklore Trilogy,’ which includes his two prior features, Song of the Sea and The Secret of Kells.
For both Moore and Stewart, news of the nomination was a relief. “You don’t want to break the streak. I think everyone gave it 110%, all the crew that we worked with—our ‘wolf pack,’ as we call them,” said Moore. “So, I’m so happy that all their hard work has been recognized.”
“It’s a bit surreal,” added Stewart. “We were just praying for good news, and we got it.”
For both directors,...
Placing distributor Apple TV+ in that race for the first time, the nom is a first for Moore’s longtime collaborator, Stewart. Moore, meanwhile, has just achieved a hat trick, having now scored Oscar nominations for each film in his ‘Irish Folklore Trilogy,’ which includes his two prior features, Song of the Sea and The Secret of Kells.
For both Moore and Stewart, news of the nomination was a relief. “You don’t want to break the streak. I think everyone gave it 110%, all the crew that we worked with—our ‘wolf pack,’ as we call them,” said Moore. “So, I’m so happy that all their hard work has been recognized.”
“It’s a bit surreal,” added Stewart. “We were just praying for good news, and we got it.”
For both directors,...
- 3/15/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Actor-producer Priyanka Chopra Jonas and singer, songwriter, and actor Nick Jonas announced the 93rd Oscars® nominations today (March 15), live from London, via a global live stream on Oscar.com, Oscars.org, the Academy’s digital platforms, an international satellite feed, and broadcast media.
Mank led the field with 10 nominations and becomes the seventh black-and-white film to be nominated for Costume Design and the seventeenth for Cinematography since separate categories for color and black-and-white films were merged in 1967. David Fincher’s film offers a vivid look at Hollywood in the 1930s when movie studios were at the height of their power and influence, and 100 million Americans went to the pictures every week.
Chopra Jonas and Jonas announced the nominees in 23 categories at 5:19 a.m. Pt. For a complete list of nominees, visit the official Oscars website, www.oscar.com.
Academy members from each of the 17 branches vote to determine the...
Mank led the field with 10 nominations and becomes the seventh black-and-white film to be nominated for Costume Design and the seventeenth for Cinematography since separate categories for color and black-and-white films were merged in 1967. David Fincher’s film offers a vivid look at Hollywood in the 1930s when movie studios were at the height of their power and influence, and 100 million Americans went to the pictures every week.
Chopra Jonas and Jonas announced the nominees in 23 categories at 5:19 a.m. Pt. For a complete list of nominees, visit the official Oscars website, www.oscar.com.
Academy members from each of the 17 branches vote to determine the...
- 3/15/2021
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
On Friday, March 19, Wolfwalkers will be rereleased in theaters, North American distributor Gkids announced today.
The Apple Original Film’s latest theatrical run will kick off in New York, at the Angelika Film Center. In celebration of the Irish roots of the fantastical hand-drawn pic, which is set in Kilkenny, Gkids also has scheduled a special St. Patrick’s Day sneak preview, which will take place at the Angelika on March 17.
Additional theaters in major markets across North America will be added throughout March and April.
Directed by two-time Oscar nominee Tomm Moore and his longtime collaborator, Ross Stewart, the film centers on Robyn (Honor Kneafsey), a young apprentice hunter from England, who journeys with her father to Ireland, to help take out a pack of wolves. Long confined by the Puritanical society in which she’s been raised, the girl experiences true freedom for the first time only when...
The Apple Original Film’s latest theatrical run will kick off in New York, at the Angelika Film Center. In celebration of the Irish roots of the fantastical hand-drawn pic, which is set in Kilkenny, Gkids also has scheduled a special St. Patrick’s Day sneak preview, which will take place at the Angelika on March 17.
Additional theaters in major markets across North America will be added throughout March and April.
Directed by two-time Oscar nominee Tomm Moore and his longtime collaborator, Ross Stewart, the film centers on Robyn (Honor Kneafsey), a young apprentice hunter from England, who journeys with her father to Ireland, to help take out a pack of wolves. Long confined by the Puritanical society in which she’s been raised, the girl experiences true freedom for the first time only when...
- 3/12/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Matteo Garrone’s Pinocchio, Johanne Helgeland’s The Crossing and Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart’s Wolfwalkers nominated.
The European Film Academy (Efa) has nominated Matteo Garrone’s Pinocchio, Johanne Helgeland’s The Crossing and Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart’s Wolfwalkers for its 2021 Efa Young Audience Award.
The three nominated films will be screened to 12-14-year-olds in 38 countries, with the winner announced at an awards ceremony on April 25, to be streamed live on the Efa website.
The nominations were selected in two stages. Firstly an international committee pre-selected eight films. Then a jury of 13-to-14-year-old former Yaa...
The European Film Academy (Efa) has nominated Matteo Garrone’s Pinocchio, Johanne Helgeland’s The Crossing and Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart’s Wolfwalkers for its 2021 Efa Young Audience Award.
The three nominated films will be screened to 12-14-year-olds in 38 countries, with the winner announced at an awards ceremony on April 25, to be streamed live on the Efa website.
The nominations were selected in two stages. Firstly an international committee pre-selected eight films. Then a jury of 13-to-14-year-old former Yaa...
- 3/10/2021
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
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