In This Week in Animation News, I’ll take a look at the previous week in the world of animation in order to get you caught up on everything you might have missed. It’s your one-stop shop for news regarding cartoons, anime, and animated web series. We’re talking movies, TV shows, digital shorts, and everything in between!

Animation news was all over the place this week, so I'll try to organize it here as best I can. If it's trailers you're looking for, whether it's the socioculturally important, traditionally animated feature The Breadwinner or the kid-friendly sequel The Nut Job 2, we've got it here. In contemporary takes on classic cartoons, Scooby-Doo and the gang aren't only getting a LEGO movie, they'll be part of a crossover with the long-running CW series Supernatural.

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Image via Toei Animation

If it's anime news you're looking for instead, you've got a few to pick from: Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac is getting a live-action film, while Lupin the 3rd: Part 4 is coming to Cartoon Network's Adult Swim this June, and In This Corner of the World is getting a North American theatrical release this August.

In TV animation, Disney XD's DuckTales series adds the acclaimed musician Lin-Manuel Miranda in a very fun role, while the music of Steven Universe makes it way to a soundtrack album for the first time. And wile Futurama might not be coming back any time soon, a new mobile game based on the beloved comedy series will be. There's plenty of movie news, however, with Despicable Me 3 introducing a rebellious new Minion, and a bunch of acquisitions at the ongoing Cannes 2017 film festival. And, in a bit of news that defies convention, the legendary animator Phil Tippett once again needs your help getting the next chapter of his life's work, Mad God, off the ground.

For the latest animation stories we’ve already covered on the site this week, take a look at the following links. Then, check out a selection of new stories below. Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Lin-Manuel Miranda to Voice Fenton Crackshell-Cabrera, A.K.A. Gizmoduck

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Image via Disney XD

Multiple award-winning actor, playwright and composer Lin-Manuel Miranda (Broadway's "Hamilton," Disney's "Moana") has joined the voice cast of the new DuckTales series debuting this summer on Disney XD. A lifelong DuckTales aficionado, Miranda will provide the voice of fan-favorite character Gizmoduck, a Duckburg hero whose true identity is Fenton Crackshell-Cabrera, a brilliant young intern working for Scrooge McDuck's personal mad scientist, Gyro Gearloose.

The series, produced by Disney Television Animation, has already been picked up for a second season ahead of its highly anticipated premiere.

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Image via PBS

Co-producer and story editor Francisco Angones said, "Growing up as a Cuban-American comics enthusiast, I was always hungry for a Latino hero to call my own. In developing the new series, Matt and I leapt at the opportunity to adapt 'DuckTales'' marquee hero into a young scientist character with Latin-inspired roots."

Executive producer Matt Youngberg said, "Lin came to mind instantly for the role of Gizmoduck. His rapid-fire earnestness paired with his wide-eyed yet determined optimism made him the perfect person to yell 'BLATHERING BLATHERSKITE!'"

Miranda will recur alongside the talented voice cast which includes David Tennant as Scrooge McDuck; Danny Pudi, Ben Schwartz and Bobby Moynihan as the voices of Huey, Dewey and Louie, respectively; Kate Micucci as Webby Vanderquack; Beck Bennett as Launchpad McQuack and Toks Olagundoye as Mrs. Beakley

Based on the Emmy Award-winning series treasured by a generation of viewers, the new family comedy-adventure series will once again take viewers along as Scrooge McDuck, his curious and mischief-making grandnephews Huey, Dewey and Louie, the temperamental Donald Duck and their trusty team, Webby Vanderquack, Launchpad McQuack and Mrs. Beakley, embark on high-flying adventures around the world.

Steven Universe Soundtrack: Vol. 1 Available to Pre-Order Now!

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Image via Carton Network
[EMBED_TWITTER]https://twitter.com/CartoonNetPR/status/865175711375650816[/EMBED_TWITTER]

Four seasons worth of Cartoon Network's Steven Universe music has been gathered together in one album for the first time! Available to pre-order now, Steven Universe Soundtrack: Volume 1 will debut globally on Friday, June 2, 2017.

In addition to the popular "We Are the Crystal Gems" theme, other tracks will include songs by Zach Callison (Steven), Estelle (Garnet), Deedee Magno Hall (Pearl), Michaela Dietz (Amethyst), and Tom Scharpling (Greg), all re-mastered and handpicked by series creator Rebecca Sugar.

Den of Geek had the following comment from Sugar:

“I am so excited about this album that I hardly have the words. We poured our hearts into these songs and now they’re finally collected and stunningly re-mastered by our composers Aivi & Surasshu. If the music of Steven Universe has been a tiny piece of the score of your life, please know that I am so honored. I hope you’ll love this album as much as we loved making it.”

The full tracklist is as follows.

  1. We Are the Crystal Gems"
  2. "Let Me Drive My Van (into Your Heart)"
  3. "Cookie Cat"
  4. "Giant Woman"
  5. "Strong in the Real Way"
  6. "Steven and the Stevens"
  7. "Big Fat Zucchini"
  8. "Steven and the Crystal Gems"
  9. "Dear Old Dad"
  10. "Be Wherever You Are"
  11. "On the Run"
  12. "Comet"
  13. "Destiny"
  14. "Lapis Lazuli"
  15. "Wailing Stone"
  16. "Stronger Than You"
  17. "Full Disclosure"
  18. "We Are the Crystal Gems (Full Theme Song)"
  19. "The Jam Song"
  20. "Do It for Her"
  21. "What Can I Do (For You)"
  22. "Tower of Mistakes"
  23. "Haven't You Noticed (I'm a Star)" (Olivia Olson version)
  24. "Something Entirely New"
  25. "Peace and Love on the Planet Earth"
  26. "Don't Cost Nothing"
  27. "Empire City"
  28. "Mr. Greg"
  29. "It's Over, Isn't It?"
  30. "Both of You"
  31. "Don't Cost Nothing (reprise)"
  32. "I Think I Need a Little (Change)"
  33. "Here Comes a Thought"
  34. "Still Not Giving Up"
  35. "I Could Never Be (Ready)"
  36. "What's the Use of Feeling Blue"
  37. "Love Like You (End Credits)"

Scooby-Doo Gets a LEGO Movie and ... 'Supernatural' Episode?

CBR had the first look at an upcoming animated LEGO movie for Scooby-Doo and the gang, titled LEGO Scooby-Doo!: Blowout Beach Bash, but that's not the only Scooby news this week.

As IndieWire reported from The CW upfronts this week, Supernatural's upcoming season will feature an animated crossover with Scooby-Doo! The show's stars Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki announced the special for the 13th season of the show, which shares a lot of supernatural sleuthing with the animated classic. Head over to IndieWire to check out an image from the upcoming special.

Here's the box art and synopsis for LEGO Scooby-Doo!: Blowout Beach Bash, available on Blu-ray and DVD on July 11, 2017, and digital download July 25th:

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Image via Warner Bros. Animation

Scooby and the gang are back to solve a brand new supernatural crime mystery in LEGO® Scooby-Doo!: Blowout Beach Bash! Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and The LEGO Group, the film will be distributed by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on July 11, 2017 on Blu-rayTM Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD.

 

Scooby-Doo! and his pals Fred, Daphne, Velma and Shaggy are no strangers to solving spooky mysteries filled with all types of ghouls and goblins. This time is no different. As Scooby-Doo! and his friends are on their way to Blowout Beach for a real swinging beach party in the Mystery Machine, the Ghost Pirates threaten to ruin the gang’s good vibes. It is up to Scooby and the gang to get the party back on track, without missing a beat. This all-new original movie LEGO® Scooby-Doo!: Blowout Beach Bash will be available on DVD, Blu-Ray combo pack and digital HD for the first time ever for kids to enjoy.

 

LEGO® Scooby-Doo!: Blowout Beach Bash! features a veteran voice cast: Frank Welker (Be Cool Scooby-Doo!), Grey Griffin (Be Cool Scooby-Doo!), Kate Micucci (Be Cool Scooby-Doo!) and Matthew Lillard (Be Cool Scooby-Doo!) . The film was executive produced by Sam Register (Teen Titans Go!), Jill Wilfert (The LEGO® Batman Movie), Robert Fewkes (LEGO® DC Super Hero Girls), Jason Cosler (LEGO® DC Comics Super Heroes: Gotham City Breakout) and directed by Ethan Spaulding (Justice League: Throne of Atlantis) from a script written by Emily Brundige (Teen Titans Go!) and Aaron Preacher (Comedy Bang Bang). Rick Morales (LEGO® Scooby-Doo!: Haunted Hollywood) serves as producer.

'Futurama' Mobile Game Coming to a Phone Near You

Jam City, via its game studio TinyCo, FoxNext Games, and Matt Groening today released a new fully-animated teaser trailer for Futurama: Worlds of Tomorrow, a new game coming soon to mobile devices. Created in partnership with FUTURAMA creator and Executive Producer Matt Groening and his Curiosity Company, along with Executive Producer David X. Cohen, original FUTURAMA writers, and Rough Draft Studios, the teaser is the first new animation from the FUTURAMA universe since the show’s original TV run ended in 2013. Jam City is working with the writers, animators, and cast to produce even more original animation that will have fans waving their tentacles in the air.

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Image via TinyCo

“I’m proud to say that Futurama lives! In mobile-video-game teaser trailer form, anyway,” said Matt Groening, creator of FUTURAMA and THE SIMPSONS.  “If you squint, it's kind of like a little episode!”

“Working on this new Futurama animation has been a thrilling adventure,” said David X. Cohen. “I finally understand how Neil Armstrong must have felt when he first landed on the lunar surface, watched some funny cartoons on the control screen, and did whatever else was on his schedule that day.”

Jam City also released more details about gameplay itself. Futurama: Worlds of Tomorrow will blend simulation, combat, galactic exploration, and choose-your-own-adventure mechanics together to bring the escapades of the Planet Express crew to life. The game features two main settings: New New York, which focuses on simulation and character progression gameplay, and Space Adventures, in which players will explore and battle their way through planets, nebulas, and other weird stuff across the FUTURAMA universe.

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Image via TinyCo

In New New York, players will focus on rescuing characters, collecting special items and materials, expanding their characters’ capabilities by leveling them up and crafting ability-defining character outfits, and tackling story-driven quests. Events that occur in New New York will often move the game’s overarching narrative forward, by allowing players to assemble a crew of their favorite FUTURAMA characters and take to the stars for Space Adventures. While traversing the depths of space, players will fight alien enemies in retro arcade-style combat, rendered in beautiful 16-bit graphics, and explore strange lands in which their choices determine their fate.

Android users can pre-register for the new mobile game Futurama: Worlds of Tomorrow here, and then read on for more:

GAME FEATURES:

- All new story from the creative team behind the original Fox series, Futurama!

- Embark on a funny space adventure as you explore a galaxy of new worlds!

- Build and customize your very own New New York!

- Complete your character’s best look by unlocking funny and unique outfits!

- Collect ancient artifacts and ensure the universe’s best chance at survival!

- Strengthen and level-up your characters!

- Enjoy original Futurama dialogue from the show’s writers, David X. Cohen and The Simpsons creator, Matt Groening!

- Send your crew on adventure-filled space missions!

Embark on an all-new adventure imagined and written by David X. Cohen and The Simpsons creator, Matt Groening! New worlds, strange species, and unforgettable stories are all waiting for you. So buckle your seatbelts, blast off into space, and play the new Futurama game!

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Image via TinyCo
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Image via TinyCo
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Image via TinyCo

Meet Mel, 'Despicable Me 3's Rebellious Minion

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Image via Illumination, Universal Pictures

Fans of Despicable Me and the franchise's famous Minions will want to head over to EW ASAP. They've got a profile on Mel, the newest addition to the fan-favorite Minions who just so happens to be a rebellious sort. In the movie, due out June 30th, Steve Carell's reformed supervillain Gru looks to continue his good streak, but the Minions aren't having it.

“The Minions have been patiently waiting for Gru to get over this phase of being good, but when that doesn’t come to fruition, Mel is the one who can’t take anymore and is speaking out, and so all the other Minions get behind him to be like, ‘Preach it!’” says co-director Kyle Balda. “He’s a character who personifies the voice of objection against Gru’s life choices. I think of him as sort of the head of the union. Collectively, the Minions are a character themselves, and it feels stronger when we can pull out an individual personality to rise up.”

For more on Mel, Despicable Me 3, and to find out whether your favorite Minions Kevin, Stuart, and Bob will be making an appearance, be sure to head over to EW.

'Lupin the 3rd: Part 4' Coming to Adult Swim This June

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Image via Monkey Punch

TMS Entertainment USA recently announced that the latest installment of the series Lupin the 3rd: Part 4 will launch on Adult Swim on Saturday, June 17th and all 26 half-hour episodes will appear in the weekly TOONAMI programming block.

Lupin the 3rd: Part 4, the latest series, sees Lupin trying to outmaneuver MI-6 throughout Italy, continuing the story that began in San Marino as Lupin pursues love and freedom all over Italy in this exciting new adventure. While Lupin deals with a motley crew of unique characters that come his way, an extraordinary genius that lived centuries ago steps out of history into his life.

Lupin the 3rd, one of the most well-known animated TV series in Japanese history, follows the escapades of master thief Arsène Lupin III, the grandson of Arsène Lupin, the gentleman thief of Maurice Leblanc's series of novels.

"Lupin is a cool, comedic, and attractive character; I have watched the show since I was a child. The style has not changed and it is still my favorite show. We are so excited about launching on Adult Swim to celebrate the 50th anniversary," said Masami Tokunaga, Vice President of TMS USA. "We are planning a lot of marketing activities for Lupin's 50th anniversary, along with this new broadcast and would like to expand Lupin in various ways in the US."

The last time Adult Swim aired a Lupin series was Part 2, a decade ago. Now Part 4 is here, so get ready for the long awaited return of Lupin and his gang with the English dubbed version, available only on Adult Swim. The Lupin the 3rd: Part 4 English-subtitled version is available on Crunchyroll's video streaming service.

Check out the official synopsis below:

There is a new message from Lupin the Third, but this time, he is not announcing a heist. Instead, it is an invitation to his wedding. He is marrying the young and famous tabloid queen, Rebecca of the wealthy Rosselini conglomerate. Lupin’s true motive behind his nuptials is to steal the Libertas crown, also known as San Marino’s national treasure. The crown can only be seen in public during the marriage ceremony. As Lupin attempts to steal the crown, his arch-nemesis Inspector Zenigata is ready to pounce, having been tipped off about Lupin’s heist.

 

Meanwhile in Rome, a skilled spy from the English secret service, MI-6, who has been solving variety of unknown incidents around the world, finally manages to corner Lupin. It is revealed that MI-6 has been secretly investigating something known as the ‘Dream of Italy’, which is somehow related to a tragic secret love affair from Rebecca’s past.

 

As Lupin deals with a motley crew of unique characters that come his way, an extraordinary genius that lived centuries ago steps out of history into his life. The story that began in San Marino now expands all over Italy as Lupin pursues love and freedom in this exciting new adventure.

'The Breadwinner' Teaser Trailer

GKIDS recently released the first teaser trailer for Cartoon Saloon's new feature The Breadwinner from director Nora Twomey. Based on the award-winning, best-selling young adult novel by Deborah EllisThe Breadwinner follows Parvana, a young girl living under the Taliban regime, who cuts her hair and disguises herself as a boy in order to provide for her family after her father is imprisoned. A powerful and riveting story of self-empowerment and imagination in the face of oppression, the film boasts the breathtaking hand-drawn animation that has made Cartoon Saloon one of the world's most well-loved and respected animation studios.

The Groundwood Books novel has been in print for over 15 years and is recommended reading in numerous middle schools throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. Author Deborah Ellis recently completed "My Name is Parvana," the fourth book in the series which has cumulative sales exceeding 2.5 million copies across 25 languages. To date, Ellis has donated more than $1 million from her book royalties to the charity Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan. The book was recently endorsed by Nobel Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai, who told the New York Times, "'The Breadwinner' reminds us how courageous and strong women are around the world."

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Image via Groundwood Books

GKIDS CEO/Founder Eric Beckman and President David Jesteadt are executive producing along with Angelina Jolie. For the first time, GKIDS is producing and financing the picture in addition to distribution; a Fall 2017 theatrical release in North American has been announced.

Here's what Jolie said about her involvement:

"I am proud to be a part of this beautiful film with this timely and very important subject matter. Millions of girls around the world have to grow up before their time, working to provide for their families at a very young age and in difficult circumstances. They have the strength to do what no one should ask little girls to do. I hope this film is able to bring this discussion to a broader audience.  As much as it is an important and very meaningful film, it also stands on its own as a great piece of art. Director Nora Twomey and her team have done something very special. They have breathed life into the characters and paid respect to the subject matter and to a country where women often struggle."

Synopsis:

GKIDS proudly presents THE BREADWINNER, the newest masterpiece from the Academy Award nominated creators of Song of the Sea and The Secret of Kells, based on the worldwide bestseller Deborah Ellis.

Parvana is a 12-year-old girl growing up under the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2001. When her father is arrested, Parvana dresses as a boy in order to work and provide for her family. Together with her best friend Shauzia, she risks discovery to try to find out if her father is still alive. Coming to theaters in Fall 2017.

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Image via GKIDS

'The Nut Job 2' Trailer and Images Tease Nutty Fun

Featuring the voice talents of Will ArnettKatherine HeiglMaya RudolphBobby MoynihanGabriel IglesiasJeff DunhamBobby CannavaleIsabela MonerSebastian ManiscaloPeter Stormare and Jackie Chan, check out The Nut Job 2 in theaters on August 11th.

Here's the movie's official synopsis:

Surly Squirrel (Will Arnett) and the gang are back. We are once again in Oakton where the evil mayor has decided to bulldoze Liberty Park and build a dangerous amusement park in its place. Surly and his ragtag group of animal friends band together to save their home, defeat the mayor, and take back the park.

NUT JOB 2 also features the voice talent of Katherine Heigl (The Nut Job), Jackie Chan (Kung Fu Panda 3), Peter Stormare (Penguins of Madagascar), Bobby Cannavale (Ant-Man), Isabela Moner (Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life), and Maya Rudolph (The Angry Birds Movie).

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Image via Open Road Films
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Image via Open Road Films
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Image via Open Road Films
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Image via Open Road Films
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Image via Open Road Films
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Image via Open Road Films
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Image via Open Road Films
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Image via Open Road Films
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Image via Open Road Films

'In This Corner of the World' Coming to U.S. Theaters This August

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Image via Shout! Factory, Funimation

Shout! Factory, a multi-platform media company, has tapped Funimation® Films as its theatrical partner to jointly launch acclaimed animated feature In This Corner of the World across U.S. cinemas on Friday, August 11, 2017. Based on the Japanese award-winning manga by Fumiyo Kouno, the film is written and directed by Sunao Katabuchi. Produced by GENCO and Japanese animation studio MAPPA, In This Corner of the World, bolstered by emotionally resonant storytelling and exquisite hand-drawn animation, is an empowering coming-of-age tale set against the backdrop of WWII and captures the resilience and triumph of the human spirit.

Here's the official synopsis:

The award-winning story of In This Corner of the World follows a young lady named Suzu Urano, who in 1944 moves to the small town of Kure in Hiroshima to live with her husband’s family. Suzu’s life is thrown into chaos when her town is bombed during World War II. Her perseverance and courage underpin this heart-warming and inspirational tale of the everyday challenges faced by the Japanese in the midst of a violent, war-torn country. This beautiful yet poignant tale shows that even in the face of adversity and loss, people can come together and rebuild their lives.

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Image via Shout! Factory, Funimation

This highly-anticipated movie recently won the coveted Animation of the Year award at this year’s 40th Japan Academy Prize and has been selected to premiere in competition at the LA Film Festival in June.  The announcement was made by Melissa Boag, Shout’s Senior Vice President of Kids & Family Entertainment at Shout! Factory and Mike DuBoise Executive Vice President and COO of Funimation.

In This Corner of the World is an incredibly exquisite, artful and socially relevant film that will impact everyone who sees it. We’re really proud in presenting this remarkable, hand-drawn animated film to North American movie audience,” said Melissa Boag, Shout’s Senior Vice President of Kids & Family Entertainment. “Funimation Films has a great track record in launching prominent international animated movies across cinemas in North America. We couldn’t find a more committed and perfect company to join us on the theatrical launch of In This Corner of the World.”

We’re thrilled to be joining together with Shout Factory for the North American release of the award-winning animated film In This Corner of the World,” said Mike DuBoise, Executive Vice President and COO of Funimation. “It is a stunning work of traditional (hand drawn) animation which has helped shine a bright light of Japanese animation in 2017 – transcending the genre and creating a whole new audience for anime unlike ever before. We look forward to bringing In This Corner of the World to theaters very soon.”

Cannes 2017 Acquisitions Include Some Remarkable Animated Movies

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Image via Original Force

Here's a round-up of some of the latest acquisition news of animated movies to come out of the ongoing Cannes Film Festival:

Mamoru Hosada (Wolf Children, The Boy and the Beast) sets his next highly personal project with the working title of Mirai in a reunion with Studio Chizu. The story follows a 4-year old boy struggling to cope with the arrival of a little sister in the family ... until things take a turn for the magical. "A mysterious garden in the backyard of the boy’s home becomes a gateway allowing the child to travel back in time and encounter his mother as a little girl and his great-grandfather as a young man. These fantasy-filled adventures allow the child to change his perspective and help him become the big brother he was meant to be." It's expected to be completed in May 2018.

Open Road picks up the U.S. rights to Duck Duck Goose, the Christopher Jenkins-directed comedy featuring the voices of Jim Gaffigan, Zendaya and Lance Lim. The story follows "a high-flying bachelor goose named Peng (Gaffigan) who is injured in flight and finds himself saddled with two adorably demanding ducklings (Zendaya, Lim) on a long journey south that will turn this scrappy threesome into a family." Also filling out the voice cast are Greg Proops, Natasha Leggero, Reggie Watts, Diedrich Bader, Jennifer Grey, Rick Overton, Craig Ferguson, Stephen Fry and Carl Reiner.

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Image via Arri Media International

Arri Media International has closed deals for Ploey - You Never Fly Alone, an Icelandic-Belgian co-production. You can check out a first look at the film here, via Variety, though the film is not yet complete. Its family friendly story follows "a young golden plover bird who, unable to migrate with his family after having trouble learning to fly, is helped by his friends to survive in a world full of natural enemies."

Veteran composer Bear McCreary also got in on the animated fun:

[EMBED_TWITTER]https://twitter.com/bearmccreary/status/864888830138097664[/EMBED_TWITTER]

'Saint Seiya: Knights Of The Zodiac' Live-Action Film in the Works

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Image via Toei Animation

Great news for fans of the classic anime and manga series Saint Seiya; the beloved property is getting a live-action feature film treatment courtesy of Toei Animation and A Really Good Film Company. The news comes via ScreenDaily, who report that the Chinese company (ARGF) has signed on to the project as a co-production company for the live-action film.

Also known as Knights of the Zodiac, the story follows "a group of mystical warriors, the Saints, who are sworn protectors of the reincarnated Greek goddess Athena as she battles other Olympian gods to save mankind. Each of the Saints wears a powerful sacred armor based on their chosen zodiac constellation. If that sounds somewhat familiar, but you live in the U.S., perhaps this Americanized intro will jog your memory; it belongs to the English dub that appeared on Cartoon Network in the early 2000s. In 2012, Toei Animation produced a new series under the title Saint Seiya Omega, but it sounds like this movie will go back to tell the story laid out in Masami Kurumada’s original best-selling manga.

Phil Tippett's 'Mad God: Chapter 3' Needs Your Help on Kickstarter

Phil Tippett has spent a lifetime in the film industry, working as a model-maker, visual effects supervisor, director and stop-motion animator. He's been involved with big-name productions such as Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and RoboCop among others. But his real passion lies in handmade stop-motion animation. For over 30 years, Tippett has been working on an incredibly detailed film called Mad God. He describes it as being set "in a Milton-esque world of monsters, mad scientists and war pigs." Amazingly, each character is painstakingly constructed by hand from foam, clay, latex and wire. Despite all the arduous toil, Tippett sees Mad God as a form of therapy and a way to reconnect with a time when special effects and animation were all done by hand.

Now in production on Chapter 3 of the Mad God project, Tippett and his team have again turned to Kickstarter in order to secure funding for this next unconventional, incredible piece of art. Tippett will never be truly finished with the craft of stop-motion animation until his days on Earth are numbered, as he himself admits, so you can contribute in a meaningful way to a mad project that would never see the light of day by other means. Not only can you help Chapter 3 come about, you can also pick up the first two parts of Mad God if you haven't already.

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Image via Phil Tippett

Here's what Tippett & Co. had to say:

Released in chapters, MAD GOD is gorgeous and grotesque; by turns darkly humorous, and utterly symphonic in its beautiful - often obsessive - attention to detail and to the legacy of hand-crafted animation.

 

Without Kickstarter, this project could not exist.

 

As we begin Chapter 3 of this intensely personal project, we once again call upon the kindness and generosity of stop-motion enthusiasts and supporters of independent art all over the world.  We've created an ambitious array of rewards for our Chapter 3 Campaign, in hopes to convey our most sincere  & enthusiastic thanks for backers of every level and interest, whether you're a first-time backer or a supporting member of Team MAD GOD from the moment it emerged from the primordial ooze.

 

Please consider tossing a few coins in our coffers, to feed and supply  Phil and his army of volunteers as they continue this tremendous - and tremendously beautiful - labor of love.

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Image via Phil Tippett