The Student Academy Awards is heading east. On Thursday, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences announced that the annual ceremony honoring achievement in student filmmaking will take place not at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, as in years past, but at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London. The 51st Student Academy Awards will take place on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, in partnership with the BFI London Film Festival.
The move to the U.K. underscores the Academy’s increasing emphasis on international student films. Last year, the three winners in animation and three in narrative were all from European schools. Academy CEO Bill Kramer referenced the international focus in a statement:
“As a leader in our international film community, and as our organization becomes more global in focus, the Academy is thrilled to bring the Student Academy Awards to London this year. We are deeply...
The move to the U.K. underscores the Academy’s increasing emphasis on international student films. Last year, the three winners in animation and three in narrative were all from European schools. Academy CEO Bill Kramer referenced the international focus in a statement:
“As a leader in our international film community, and as our organization becomes more global in focus, the Academy is thrilled to bring the Student Academy Awards to London this year. We are deeply...
- 8/29/2024
- by Missy Schwartz
- The Wrap
This article is part of IndieWire’s 2000s Week celebration. Click here for a whole lot more.
Pete Docter, Pixar’s chief creative officer and Oscar-winning director of “Up,” “Inside Out,” and “Soul,” first learned to face his fears on his debut, “Monsters, Inc.” (2001), the buddy comedy about monsters coming out of closets to scare kids. Docter’s obvious knack for channeling personal problems into universal stories helped propel the films to both Oscars and staggering box office. It also helped shape Docter as a person, something not unfamiliar to Pixar’s fans.
“When I started on the film, my wife and I had our first kid, and bringing him home was horrifying for me, because obviously kids are appealing and cute and all that, but I was thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, this thing is counting on me and my wife to take care of it,'” Docter told IndieWire during a recent interview.
Pete Docter, Pixar’s chief creative officer and Oscar-winning director of “Up,” “Inside Out,” and “Soul,” first learned to face his fears on his debut, “Monsters, Inc.” (2001), the buddy comedy about monsters coming out of closets to scare kids. Docter’s obvious knack for channeling personal problems into universal stories helped propel the films to both Oscars and staggering box office. It also helped shape Docter as a person, something not unfamiliar to Pixar’s fans.
“When I started on the film, my wife and I had our first kid, and bringing him home was horrifying for me, because obviously kids are appealing and cute and all that, but I was thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, this thing is counting on me and my wife to take care of it,'” Docter told IndieWire during a recent interview.
- 8/16/2024
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Is there a path back?
That still stands as an unanswered question in the wake of the #MeToo tsunami that swept Hollywood starting with the downfall of Harvey Weinstein in 2017. And it presented with specific, thorny facts — accompanied by a cloud of nebulous rumors — as Skydance moves closer to sealing a deal with Paramount that would install former NBCUniversal chief Jeff Shell as president of the combined entity.
Shell never has been accused of being a predator who assaulted or coerced women, but as any industry watcher knows, he was fired last August for an inappropriate relationship with Hadley Gamble, an international CNBC correspondent based in Abu Dhabi. Some NBCU executives and industry observers were shocked that Shell, who often sang the praises of his wife, would put himself in such a compromising position. But as The Hollywood Reporter revealed at the time, others — mostly women — were not. One former...
That still stands as an unanswered question in the wake of the #MeToo tsunami that swept Hollywood starting with the downfall of Harvey Weinstein in 2017. And it presented with specific, thorny facts — accompanied by a cloud of nebulous rumors — as Skydance moves closer to sealing a deal with Paramount that would install former NBCUniversal chief Jeff Shell as president of the combined entity.
Shell never has been accused of being a predator who assaulted or coerced women, but as any industry watcher knows, he was fired last August for an inappropriate relationship with Hadley Gamble, an international CNBC correspondent based in Abu Dhabi. Some NBCU executives and industry observers were shocked that Shell, who often sang the praises of his wife, would put himself in such a compromising position. But as The Hollywood Reporter revealed at the time, others — mostly women — were not. One former...
- 8/13/2024
- by Kim Masters
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Joss Whedon has been labeled quite a controversial figure in Hollywood. After numerous allegations of being verbally abusive towards his co-workers, the director was alienated by the industry and has been in exile since. However, during his prime, he took on some very successful projects, including his time with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Heading the first two Avengers films, he has been credited for how iconic they are, even though fans understand the horrible things he allegedly did.
The Avengers in Age of Ultron [Credit: Marvel Studios]Although there were many questionable things in his past, there is unfortunately no denying his talent. While it is well known that he was influenced by superhero comics very early in his career, many may not know that one form of media that had the biggest impact on him was anime.
Avengers: Age of Studio Ghibli
Studio Ghibli is one of the most respected...
The Avengers in Age of Ultron [Credit: Marvel Studios]Although there were many questionable things in his past, there is unfortunately no denying his talent. While it is well known that he was influenced by superhero comics very early in his career, many may not know that one form of media that had the biggest impact on him was anime.
Avengers: Age of Studio Ghibli
Studio Ghibli is one of the most respected...
- 8/11/2024
- by Ananya Godboley
- FandomWire
The official announcement at D23 of Pixar’s Andrew Stanton writing and directing “Toy Story 5” is a big deal. Stanton has co-written the previous four “Toy Story” films, receiving Oscar nominations for the original and the third film.
But now as a director, he finally gets to be in total control of the franchise he helped establish. So if there was going to be a fifth “Toy Story,” he’s the perfect director for a couple of reasons.
The first is that, since “Wall-e,” Stanton has been fascinated with science fiction and the dangers of ubiquitous technology. The story for the fifth “Toy Story” allows him to double down on that fascination.
“Let’s be real,” Stanton told the packed Honda Center in Anaheim on Friday night. “Toys have some serious competition these days with phones, tablets, and technology everywhere. So, this time around, it’s toys vs. tech.
But now as a director, he finally gets to be in total control of the franchise he helped establish. So if there was going to be a fifth “Toy Story,” he’s the perfect director for a couple of reasons.
The first is that, since “Wall-e,” Stanton has been fascinated with science fiction and the dangers of ubiquitous technology. The story for the fifth “Toy Story” allows him to double down on that fascination.
“Let’s be real,” Stanton told the packed Honda Center in Anaheim on Friday night. “Toys have some serious competition these days with phones, tablets, and technology everywhere. So, this time around, it’s toys vs. tech.
- 8/10/2024
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Before Pete Docter left the stage at D23 tonight, he had one final surprise: “Incredibles 3” is coming. The crowd, understandably, went wild.
Brad Bird, the original writer/director of “The Incredibles” and “Incredibles 2,” is “developing” the project, Pixar said. What his precise role will be when the film goes into production isn’t known at this time.
Instead, Bird is in the middle of making “Ray Gunn,” his ambitious sci-fi detective story for Skydance and Netflix. The “Ray Gunn” script pre-dates “The Iron Giant” and was meant to be produced at Warner Bros. Animation, as a traditionally animated 2D feature. The project was briefly revived at Warner Bros., before Skydance head John Lasseter wooed Bird to the studio. “Ray Gunn” is now CG and is intended for release on Netflix in 2026.
"The Incredibles” and “Incredibles 2” are two of the most successful and beloved movies in Pixar’s catalogue.
Brad Bird, the original writer/director of “The Incredibles” and “Incredibles 2,” is “developing” the project, Pixar said. What his precise role will be when the film goes into production isn’t known at this time.
Instead, Bird is in the middle of making “Ray Gunn,” his ambitious sci-fi detective story for Skydance and Netflix. The “Ray Gunn” script pre-dates “The Iron Giant” and was meant to be produced at Warner Bros. Animation, as a traditionally animated 2D feature. The project was briefly revived at Warner Bros., before Skydance head John Lasseter wooed Bird to the studio. “Ray Gunn” is now CG and is intended for release on Netflix in 2026.
"The Incredibles” and “Incredibles 2” are two of the most successful and beloved movies in Pixar’s catalogue.
- 8/10/2024
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Shrek co-director Vicky Jenson is behind the camera for animated musical Spellbound, and here’s the trailer.
It’s a good time to be a fan of big budget musicals, with the film adaptation of Winnie Holzman and Stephen Schwarz’s Wicked, directed by John M. Chu and starring Ariana Grande, Cynthia Arivo, Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Yeoh, tipped to be one of the biggest films of 2024 when it arrives in cinemas in December. Disney’s Moana 2, which was repurposed from footage shot for a proposed television series for Disney +, sees Dwayne Johnson and Auliʻi Cravalho return as Moana and Maui. It will be released in November.
Before that, we can enjoy Spellbound, an animated musical produced by Skydance and Netflix.
The synopsis reads as follows:
Spellbound follows the adventures of Ellian, the tenacious young daughter of the rulers of Lumbria who must go on a daring quest...
It’s a good time to be a fan of big budget musicals, with the film adaptation of Winnie Holzman and Stephen Schwarz’s Wicked, directed by John M. Chu and starring Ariana Grande, Cynthia Arivo, Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Yeoh, tipped to be one of the biggest films of 2024 when it arrives in cinemas in December. Disney’s Moana 2, which was repurposed from footage shot for a proposed television series for Disney +, sees Dwayne Johnson and Auliʻi Cravalho return as Moana and Maui. It will be released in November.
Before that, we can enjoy Spellbound, an animated musical produced by Skydance and Netflix.
The synopsis reads as follows:
Spellbound follows the adventures of Ellian, the tenacious young daughter of the rulers of Lumbria who must go on a daring quest...
- 8/8/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
Every successful animation studio had its own humble beginnings, and Pixar knows how far it has come with the success of its latest project, Inside Out 2. But, before all the movies released after the turn of the century, they took pride in their first feature-length animated film, Toy Story, which opened in theaters in 1995.
Toy Story 4 / Pixar Animation Studios
At the time, animation was already pushing the limits in filmmaking. The technology was limited, as compared to what artists have now, but they did get the job done. However, those parameters also affected the full artistic vision of the studio.
Toy Story Proves Pixar’s Modest Start Despite One Strange Detail
Anyone who grew up watching John Lasseter’s Toy Story back in 1995 would have never noticed, but there is one creepy detail in the first installment that would absolutely send shivers down the spine. In the first scene,...
Toy Story 4 / Pixar Animation Studios
At the time, animation was already pushing the limits in filmmaking. The technology was limited, as compared to what artists have now, but they did get the job done. However, those parameters also affected the full artistic vision of the studio.
Toy Story Proves Pixar’s Modest Start Despite One Strange Detail
Anyone who grew up watching John Lasseter’s Toy Story back in 1995 would have never noticed, but there is one creepy detail in the first installment that would absolutely send shivers down the spine. In the first scene,...
- 8/4/2024
- by Ariane Cruz
- FandomWire
Netflix dropped the teaser trailer July 30 for “Spellbound” (streaming November 22), the second animated feature from John Lasseter-led Skydance Animation (which is part of the impending Paramount-Skydance Media merger). The musical fantasy from director Vicky Jenson (“Shrek”) is a modern fairy tale that takes place in the mythical kingdom of Lumbria, where teenage princess Ellian (Rachel Zegler from “West Side Story”) must break the spell that transformed her parents (Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem) into monsters.
Boasting bright, eye-catching animation from Skydance Animation Madrid, the look of Lumbria (production designed by Brett Nystul) was influenced by the iconic architecture of ancient Spain, which was known for its domed rooftops and Moorish arches.
The rest of the voice cast includes John Lithgow (Minister Bolinar), Jenifer Lewis (Minister Nazara Prone), Nathan Lane (Sun Oracle), André De Shields (Moon Oracle), Jordan Fisher, and Tituss Burgess.
"Spellbound” is produced by Lasseter, Skydance CEO David Ellison,...
Boasting bright, eye-catching animation from Skydance Animation Madrid, the look of Lumbria (production designed by Brett Nystul) was influenced by the iconic architecture of ancient Spain, which was known for its domed rooftops and Moorish arches.
The rest of the voice cast includes John Lithgow (Minister Bolinar), Jenifer Lewis (Minister Nazara Prone), Nathan Lane (Sun Oracle), André De Shields (Moon Oracle), Jordan Fisher, and Tituss Burgess.
"Spellbound” is produced by Lasseter, Skydance CEO David Ellison,...
- 7/30/2024
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Rachel Zegler is on a mission to save her parents in the first trailer for Spellbound, the upcoming Netfilx and Skydance Animation feature.
Zegler voices Ellian, the daughter of the king and queen of Lumbria. After a mysterious spell transforms her parents into monsters, she must go on a mission to save her family and the kingdom. The feature was previously set up at Apfel, but moved to Netflix when Skydance Animation departed Apple for a pact with the streaming giant.
John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane and Tituss Burgess also voice star in the feature. Shrek co-director Vicky Jenson helms the project, which has a script from Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin and Julia Miranda.
The trailer touts the work of Skydance Animation boss John Lasseter (without naming him), noting the film comes from the mind behind his Pixar hits such as Toy Story and Cars. Lasseter, who joined Skydance...
Zegler voices Ellian, the daughter of the king and queen of Lumbria. After a mysterious spell transforms her parents into monsters, she must go on a mission to save her family and the kingdom. The feature was previously set up at Apfel, but moved to Netflix when Skydance Animation departed Apple for a pact with the streaming giant.
John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane and Tituss Burgess also voice star in the feature. Shrek co-director Vicky Jenson helms the project, which has a script from Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin and Julia Miranda.
The trailer touts the work of Skydance Animation boss John Lasseter (without naming him), noting the film comes from the mind behind his Pixar hits such as Toy Story and Cars. Lasseter, who joined Skydance...
- 7/30/2024
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix have dropped the first look at their upcoming animated film. Watch the Spellbound trailer below.
Last year, Netflix vowed to focus on quality over quantity, and the streaming service is still on a mission to bring over plenty of talent to assure audiences Netflix is the number one place to watch your entertainment.
Spellbound is their latest animated film, and Netflix has just released the very first trailer for the Skydance Animation production. The film features the voice talents of half of Hollywood, making it a very appealing project for Netflix to release.
Watch the first Spellbound trailer below.
Spellbound is directed by Vicky Jenson, who is best known for co-directing Shrek and Shark Tale. Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin and Julia Miranda are in charge of the script.
The film also has a ridiculously stacked voice cast. Rachel Zegler provides the voice for the film’s protagonist Ellian, who...
Last year, Netflix vowed to focus on quality over quantity, and the streaming service is still on a mission to bring over plenty of talent to assure audiences Netflix is the number one place to watch your entertainment.
Spellbound is their latest animated film, and Netflix has just released the very first trailer for the Skydance Animation production. The film features the voice talents of half of Hollywood, making it a very appealing project for Netflix to release.
Watch the first Spellbound trailer below.
Spellbound is directed by Vicky Jenson, who is best known for co-directing Shrek and Shark Tale. Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin and Julia Miranda are in charge of the script.
The film also has a ridiculously stacked voice cast. Rachel Zegler provides the voice for the film’s protagonist Ellian, who...
- 7/30/2024
- by Maria Lattila
- Film Stories
Netflix has shared the official teaser trailer and art for Spellbound, which will be available on the streaming service on November 22, 2024. The film is rated PG for thematic elements and some action/peril.
Spellbound follows the adventures of Ellian, the tenacious young daughter of the rulers of Lumbria, who must go on a daring quest to save her family and kingdom after a mysterious spell transforms her parents into monsters.
Spellbound is directed by Vicky Jenson (Shrek). The original score is by Egot-winning composer Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast), with lyrics by Glenn Slater (Tangled).
A Netflix Film from Skydance Animation, Spellbound boasts an all-star voice cast led by Rachel Zegler, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane, and Tituss Burgess, with Javier Bardem and Nicole Kidman.
Lauren Hynek, Elizabeth Martin, and Julia Miranda wrote the movie, which was produced by John Lasseter, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Bruce Anderson for Skydance Animation.
Spellbound follows the adventures of Ellian, the tenacious young daughter of the rulers of Lumbria, who must go on a daring quest to save her family and kingdom after a mysterious spell transforms her parents into monsters.
Spellbound is directed by Vicky Jenson (Shrek). The original score is by Egot-winning composer Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast), with lyrics by Glenn Slater (Tangled).
A Netflix Film from Skydance Animation, Spellbound boasts an all-star voice cast led by Rachel Zegler, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane, and Tituss Burgess, with Javier Bardem and Nicole Kidman.
Lauren Hynek, Elizabeth Martin, and Julia Miranda wrote the movie, which was produced by John Lasseter, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Bruce Anderson for Skydance Animation.
- 7/30/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
In October 2023, Skydance Animation shook up the industry when it announced it would be decamping from a 2020 deal with Apple Studios for streaming giant Netflix. New movies that Skydance Animation produced, including by filmmakers like Nathen Greno (Disney’s “Tangled”), Brad Bird (Pixar’s “Incredibles” films) and Rich Moore (Disney’s “Wreck-It Ralph” and “Zootopia”) would now bow exclusively on Netflix.
According to several individuals with knowledge of the deal, the idea was that, over time, as much as half of Netflix’s original animated feature output would be Skydance Animation productions. But the arrangement has frustrated in-house Netflix Animation filmmakers. And while some insiders suggested to TheWrap that Dan Lin, who took over from outgoing film chairman Scott Stuber earlier this year, was unhappy with the deal, others familiar with the matter said that Lin and Lasseter are in regular conversation about the upcoming animation slate.
When Skydance and...
According to several individuals with knowledge of the deal, the idea was that, over time, as much as half of Netflix’s original animated feature output would be Skydance Animation productions. But the arrangement has frustrated in-house Netflix Animation filmmakers. And while some insiders suggested to TheWrap that Dan Lin, who took over from outgoing film chairman Scott Stuber earlier this year, was unhappy with the deal, others familiar with the matter said that Lin and Lasseter are in regular conversation about the upcoming animation slate.
When Skydance and...
- 7/30/2024
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Am 22. November startet weltweit auf Netflix der neue Animationsfilm „Spellbound“, hinter dem „Shrek“-Regisseurin Vicky Jenson und Skydance Animation stehen. Jetzt gibt es einen ersten Teaser-Trailer.
Jedes Kind hat manchmal Zoff mit seinen Eltern, das ist nur natürlich. Im neuen Animationsabenteuer „Spellbound“ von Regisseurin Vicky Jenson („Shrek“) muss sich Prinzessin Ellian mit ihrer Mutter und ihrem Vater, der Königin und dem König von Lumbria, auseinandersetzen. Aber „Spellbound“ ist kein typisches Familiendrama – ein mysteriöser Zauberspruch hat Ellians Eltern in riesige, randalierende Monster verwandelt. Weltweiter Start ist auf Netflix am 22. November.
Zwischen all der Magie ist „Spellbound“ eine zutiefst menschliche Geschichte, die
Vicky Jenson mit fantastischen Elementen erzählt. „Für mich ist vor allem die Geschichte von ‚Spellbound‘ noch universeller als die Besonderheiten dieser Familie. Die Story spricht Kinder und ihre Eltern an, da es um die emotionale Entfremdung geht, die beim Erwachsenwerden auftreten kann, und um die Schritte, die wir aufeinander zu machen müssen,...
Jedes Kind hat manchmal Zoff mit seinen Eltern, das ist nur natürlich. Im neuen Animationsabenteuer „Spellbound“ von Regisseurin Vicky Jenson („Shrek“) muss sich Prinzessin Ellian mit ihrer Mutter und ihrem Vater, der Königin und dem König von Lumbria, auseinandersetzen. Aber „Spellbound“ ist kein typisches Familiendrama – ein mysteriöser Zauberspruch hat Ellians Eltern in riesige, randalierende Monster verwandelt. Weltweiter Start ist auf Netflix am 22. November.
Zwischen all der Magie ist „Spellbound“ eine zutiefst menschliche Geschichte, die
Vicky Jenson mit fantastischen Elementen erzählt. „Für mich ist vor allem die Geschichte von ‚Spellbound‘ noch universeller als die Besonderheiten dieser Familie. Die Story spricht Kinder und ihre Eltern an, da es um die emotionale Entfremdung geht, die beim Erwachsenwerden auftreten kann, und um die Schritte, die wir aufeinander zu machen müssen,...
- 7/30/2024
- by Michael Müller
- Spot - Media & Film
"Spellbound” is ready to cast its spell.
The upcoming Skydance Animation feature debuts on Netflix on November 22, as the first deal between the streaming giant and the John Lasseter-led animation studio, and you can watch the trailer right now (below). It’s a new fairy tale, with a teenage princess (Rachel Zegler) dealing with the fact that her parents (Javier Bardem and Nicole Kidman) have been transformed into unruly monsters. And, really, how many teenagers feel like their parents are monsters?
Perhaps most excitingly, “Spellbound” marks the return of director Vicky Jenson, who directed “Shrek” for DreamWorks Animation. In an exclusive interview with TheWrap, Jenson said that “Spellbound” borrowed from traditional fairy tale elements with in a very deliberate way. But, of course, there’s a twist.
“What we were trying to do was create a new fairy tale for a modern story. We were trying to create a brand-new...
The upcoming Skydance Animation feature debuts on Netflix on November 22, as the first deal between the streaming giant and the John Lasseter-led animation studio, and you can watch the trailer right now (below). It’s a new fairy tale, with a teenage princess (Rachel Zegler) dealing with the fact that her parents (Javier Bardem and Nicole Kidman) have been transformed into unruly monsters. And, really, how many teenagers feel like their parents are monsters?
Perhaps most excitingly, “Spellbound” marks the return of director Vicky Jenson, who directed “Shrek” for DreamWorks Animation. In an exclusive interview with TheWrap, Jenson said that “Spellbound” borrowed from traditional fairy tale elements with in a very deliberate way. But, of course, there’s a twist.
“What we were trying to do was create a new fairy tale for a modern story. We were trying to create a brand-new...
- 7/30/2024
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Jeff Shell’s appointment this month to the presidency of Paramount Global once a merger with Skydance is finalized represents a significant comeback for the former CEO of NBCUniversal who was fired for sexual harassment only a year ago.
He’s the first major media figure to be welcomed back after a potentially career-ending scandal and his hire not only set off cultural alarm bells for women’s advocates, but they warned it creates legal risk for Paramount if Shell were to cross the line on the job again.
Nicole Regalado, vice president of Campaigns at the feminist nonprofit UltraViolet, says that hiring Shell after his high-profile firing “sends the wrong message to women.” UltraViolet has led media campaigns against famous men who were outed as sexual abusers in the early days of #MeToo, including former NBC anchor Matt Lauer.
Although Shell, unlike Lauer, has never been accused of any form of sexual abuse,...
He’s the first major media figure to be welcomed back after a potentially career-ending scandal and his hire not only set off cultural alarm bells for women’s advocates, but they warned it creates legal risk for Paramount if Shell were to cross the line on the job again.
Nicole Regalado, vice president of Campaigns at the feminist nonprofit UltraViolet, says that hiring Shell after his high-profile firing “sends the wrong message to women.” UltraViolet has led media campaigns against famous men who were outed as sexual abusers in the early days of #MeToo, including former NBC anchor Matt Lauer.
Although Shell, unlike Lauer, has never been accused of any form of sexual abuse,...
- 7/26/2024
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
When Skydance Media and Paramount Global executives outlined their plans for the merged company to investors on July 8, they showed a series of slides. One of them highlighted Skydance’s story and was entitled “Animation, Sports and Games Divisions Drive Growth.”
In fact, those are three key areas that management also sees as core upside opportunities for the combined company. After all, Skydance Games will add a key entertainment growth area to the Paramount story, while the merged firm’s scale in animation and sports will be boosted.
Of course, there are the plans for $2 billion in cost savings, the potential to benefit from a reworked streaming strategy (with the expectation of a partnership for Paramount+), and the increased focus on being a creator-friendly entertainment juggernaut.
But below, The Hollywood Reporter is taking a closer look at the three businesses of gaming, animation and sports and why they are particularly...
In fact, those are three key areas that management also sees as core upside opportunities for the combined company. After all, Skydance Games will add a key entertainment growth area to the Paramount story, while the merged firm’s scale in animation and sports will be boosted.
Of course, there are the plans for $2 billion in cost savings, the potential to benefit from a reworked streaming strategy (with the expectation of a partnership for Paramount+), and the increased focus on being a creator-friendly entertainment juggernaut.
But below, The Hollywood Reporter is taking a closer look at the three businesses of gaming, animation and sports and why they are particularly...
- 7/12/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Is Skydance Media the forward-looking entity that Paramount Global needs right now to save the company?
Ending months of M&a drama, Paramount Global and Skydance Media, David Ellison’s smaller media and production company, on Sunday announced a two-part transaction that will result in Skydance buying out Shari Redstone’s National Amusements Inc. and then merging with Paramount — to form what the Skydance team for now is calling “New Paramount.” About $6 billion of the money to fund the deal is coming from the family of Oracle founder Larry Ellison (David’s father), with about $2 billion from Gerry Cardinale’s RedBird Capital Partners private-equity investment firm.
The companies said they expect the deal to close by Sept. 30, 2025, pending regulatory clearances (analysts don’t expect any major hurdles there) and other conditions. Here are key questions that remain about the deal.
Can Skydance Really Turn the New Paramount Into a Tech-Forward Entertainment Company?...
Ending months of M&a drama, Paramount Global and Skydance Media, David Ellison’s smaller media and production company, on Sunday announced a two-part transaction that will result in Skydance buying out Shari Redstone’s National Amusements Inc. and then merging with Paramount — to form what the Skydance team for now is calling “New Paramount.” About $6 billion of the money to fund the deal is coming from the family of Oracle founder Larry Ellison (David’s father), with about $2 billion from Gerry Cardinale’s RedBird Capital Partners private-equity investment firm.
The companies said they expect the deal to close by Sept. 30, 2025, pending regulatory clearances (analysts don’t expect any major hurdles there) and other conditions. Here are key questions that remain about the deal.
Can Skydance Really Turn the New Paramount Into a Tech-Forward Entertainment Company?...
- 7/9/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Skydance’s deal to take control of Paramount Global will mean a change in leadership at the company, something the storied studio has dealt with a number of times in the past 60 years, and the inevitable restructuring and layoffs that almost always accompany corporate mergers.
But how will the deal affect the end users of Paramount’s products, the people who watch feature films like the Mission: Impossible and Star Trek franchises and tune in to NCIS, Yellowstone and The Daily Show on the company’s TV and streaming outlets? For the immediate future, not much — the deal isn’t expected to be finalized until early next year.
Further down the line, though, some changes could be in the cards. Skydance (and future Paramount) CEO David Ellison and former NBCUniversal chairman Jeff Shell, who will be president of the combined company, are touting a “fresh approach” to the business rather...
But how will the deal affect the end users of Paramount’s products, the people who watch feature films like the Mission: Impossible and Star Trek franchises and tune in to NCIS, Yellowstone and The Daily Show on the company’s TV and streaming outlets? For the immediate future, not much — the deal isn’t expected to be finalized until early next year.
Further down the line, though, some changes could be in the cards. Skydance (and future Paramount) CEO David Ellison and former NBCUniversal chairman Jeff Shell, who will be president of the combined company, are touting a “fresh approach” to the business rather...
- 7/9/2024
- by Pamela McClintock, Rick Porter and Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After much speculation, media giants Paramount and Skydance reached an agreement, effectively merging the companies. The $8 billion deal will see Skydance CEO David Ellison become the CEO and Chairman of the new Paramount and Jeff Shell, former CEO of NBCUniversal, become President.
Many of the different divisions and hierarchies will undergo a lengthy restructuring over the next several months, with the goal of refocusing the company into a new era of creativity and eliminating some redundancies within the different departments of both companies.
However, one of the more interesting parts of the merger revolves around the company’s animation division, specifically in terms of leadership. Skydance Animation is currently headed up by former Pixar Animation and Disney Animation boss John Lasseter. Lasseter unceremoniously left Disney following some questionable accusations. Since then, he has headed up Skydance’s animation division with multiple former Disney writers and directors joining him.
The merger...
Many of the different divisions and hierarchies will undergo a lengthy restructuring over the next several months, with the goal of refocusing the company into a new era of creativity and eliminating some redundancies within the different departments of both companies.
However, one of the more interesting parts of the merger revolves around the company’s animation division, specifically in terms of leadership. Skydance Animation is currently headed up by former Pixar Animation and Disney Animation boss John Lasseter. Lasseter unceremoniously left Disney following some questionable accusations. Since then, he has headed up Skydance’s animation division with multiple former Disney writers and directors joining him.
The merger...
- 7/9/2024
- by Mr. Milo
- Pirates & Princesses
Look closely at the logo on the slide deck that Skydance shared with investors this morning when it confirmed the company’s impending merger with Paramount: The cursive Paramount font has already been replaced with the font and underlined swoop of the Skydance logo. Already, its new owners are managing the message: This is a seamless merger, but this is not the same legacy studio.
Enter: New Paramount. That’s the label CEO David Ellison and president Jeff Shell sold to Wall Street this morning, making clear they intend to transition Paramount into a major media company that embraces technology.
Nothing is over until it’s over. Paramount-Skydance opened a 45-day window for other bidders to emerge, and the transaction is not expected to close until Q3 2025 — presuming the Justice Dept. gives the merger its blessing.
For now, there’s some relief. If Sony bought Paramount it would be stripped for parts,...
Enter: New Paramount. That’s the label CEO David Ellison and president Jeff Shell sold to Wall Street this morning, making clear they intend to transition Paramount into a major media company that embraces technology.
Nothing is over until it’s over. Paramount-Skydance opened a 45-day window for other bidders to emerge, and the transaction is not expected to close until Q3 2025 — presuming the Justice Dept. gives the merger its blessing.
For now, there’s some relief. If Sony bought Paramount it would be stripped for parts,...
- 7/8/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
When David Ellison first came to Hollywood, many dealmakers and insiders both balked and salivated. Here was the son of Larry Ellison, founder of the tech behemoth Oracle, trying to play in the big leagues after dropping out of USC Film School. Being the child of the 3rd wealthiest person in America (now 4th) may have made him not just any other rich kid, but to many, he was still just another nepo baby with cash to burn. And at first, that’s exactly what he did. Financing and co-starring in the 2006 WWI drama “Flyboys,” Ellison’s first dip into the entertainment waters was a critical and box-office failure, only earning $17.8 million against its $60 million budget.
But Ellison didn’t pack his bags just yet. In Hollywood, timing is everything and when he saw investment banks pull capital out of media and entertainment during the financial crisis of the late 2000s,...
But Ellison didn’t pack his bags just yet. In Hollywood, timing is everything and when he saw investment banks pull capital out of media and entertainment during the financial crisis of the late 2000s,...
- 7/8/2024
- by Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
Skydance founder and CEO David Ellison said on Monday that the merger with Paramount Global will result in a creative-tech hybrid media company, as his executive team said the transaction will involve $2bn in cost cuts.
Speaking to analysts one day after the on-again-off-again merger was finally confirmed on Sunday evening, Ellison outlined a vision to build a leading feature, television, animation, sports and games company, and rebuild the Paramount+ streaming platform. The Paramount Global stable includes Paramount Pictures, CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Showtime.
Fourteen years after launching Skydance Media and growing it into a formidable feature co-financier with Paramount...
Speaking to analysts one day after the on-again-off-again merger was finally confirmed on Sunday evening, Ellison outlined a vision to build a leading feature, television, animation, sports and games company, and rebuild the Paramount+ streaming platform. The Paramount Global stable includes Paramount Pictures, CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Showtime.
Fourteen years after launching Skydance Media and growing it into a formidable feature co-financier with Paramount...
- 7/8/2024
- ScreenDaily
Skydance founder and CEO David Ellison said on Monday that the merger with Paramount Global will result in a creativity-led “tech hybrid” media company, as his executive team said the transaction will bring a further $2bn in cost cuts.
Speaking to analysts one day after the on-again-off-again merger was finally confirmed on Sunday evening, Ellison outlined a vision to build a leading feature, television, animation, sports and games company, and rebuild the Paramount+ streaming platform. The Paramount Global stable includes Paramount Pictures, CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Showtime.
Fourteen years after launching Skydance Media and growing it into a formidable feature...
Speaking to analysts one day after the on-again-off-again merger was finally confirmed on Sunday evening, Ellison outlined a vision to build a leading feature, television, animation, sports and games company, and rebuild the Paramount+ streaming platform. The Paramount Global stable includes Paramount Pictures, CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Showtime.
Fourteen years after launching Skydance Media and growing it into a formidable feature...
- 7/8/2024
- ScreenDaily
Less than 24 hours after sealing an agreement to buy Paramount Global, David Ellison moved into mogul mode for the first time on Monday morning, addressing investors and, later, a gaggle of media reporters to discuss his milestone Skydance-Paramount Global deal.
As Chairman and CEO of the enlarged Paramount, Ellison will now occupy a space he hasn’t before: sitting at the levers of power for a multinational company behind content production and distribution, news, sports and gaming.
“My first job was as a computer programmer at Oracle,” the Skydance founder recalled to reporters Monday morning, following his presentation to Paramount Global investors. His tech background plays heavily into his vision for the merged company. The son of billionaire Oracle founder Larry Ellison, David and his investors are blaring the message that the new Paramount will be a “confluence of art, first and foremost, working hand in hand with technology.”
But,...
As Chairman and CEO of the enlarged Paramount, Ellison will now occupy a space he hasn’t before: sitting at the levers of power for a multinational company behind content production and distribution, news, sports and gaming.
“My first job was as a computer programmer at Oracle,” the Skydance founder recalled to reporters Monday morning, following his presentation to Paramount Global investors. His tech background plays heavily into his vision for the merged company. The son of billionaire Oracle founder Larry Ellison, David and his investors are blaring the message that the new Paramount will be a “confluence of art, first and foremost, working hand in hand with technology.”
But,...
- 7/8/2024
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
It’s official. Paramount and Skydance are merging.
Paramount’s board announced late Sunday, July 7 that it has approved a deal that will allow David Ellison’s Skydance and RedBird Capital Partners to purchase National Amusements, which controls the majority of shares in Paramount, and allowing Ellison to make Paramount merge it with his company. All in, Ellison will be paying $8 billion in equity, including $1.5 billion in cash being contributed to help pay down Paramount’s $14 billion in debt.
Ellison is Paramount Global’s new CEO and chairman, and former NBCUniversal boss Jeff Shell is president. It’s expected that RedBird CEO (and former CNN chief) Jeff Zucker and Skydance creative chief Dana Goldberg will all have leadership roles.
“This is a defining and transformative time for our industry and the storytellers, content creators and financial stakeholders who are invested in the Paramount legacy and the longevity of the entertainment economy,...
Paramount’s board announced late Sunday, July 7 that it has approved a deal that will allow David Ellison’s Skydance and RedBird Capital Partners to purchase National Amusements, which controls the majority of shares in Paramount, and allowing Ellison to make Paramount merge it with his company. All in, Ellison will be paying $8 billion in equity, including $1.5 billion in cash being contributed to help pay down Paramount’s $14 billion in debt.
Ellison is Paramount Global’s new CEO and chairman, and former NBCUniversal boss Jeff Shell is president. It’s expected that RedBird CEO (and former CNN chief) Jeff Zucker and Skydance creative chief Dana Goldberg will all have leadership roles.
“This is a defining and transformative time for our industry and the storytellers, content creators and financial stakeholders who are invested in the Paramount legacy and the longevity of the entertainment economy,...
- 7/8/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
David Ellison’s Skydance Media has announced Sunday night that it and its backers will invest $8 billion in a takeover of Paramount Global, capping a seven-month quest.
The company had received approval earlier Sunday from a special committee of Paramount’s board of directors. The full board then Ok’d the plan for a two-step transaction: first the acquisition of National Amusements Inc., the entity run by Shari Redstone that had controlled almost 80% of Paramount voting shares. That transaction will be followed by a full merger.
Paramount Class A stockholders will get $23 per share. Class B stockholders will get $15 per share in cash/stock election. The cash consideration available to public shareholders totals $4.5 billion.
Ellison will be chairman and CEO, and former NBCUniversal chief Jeff Shell will lead the company as president. Shell abruptly left NBCU last year after admitting to an inappropriate relationship with a woman at the company.
The company had received approval earlier Sunday from a special committee of Paramount’s board of directors. The full board then Ok’d the plan for a two-step transaction: first the acquisition of National Amusements Inc., the entity run by Shari Redstone that had controlled almost 80% of Paramount voting shares. That transaction will be followed by a full merger.
Paramount Class A stockholders will get $23 per share. Class B stockholders will get $15 per share in cash/stock election. The cash consideration available to public shareholders totals $4.5 billion.
Ellison will be chairman and CEO, and former NBCUniversal chief Jeff Shell will lead the company as president. Shell abruptly left NBCU last year after admitting to an inappropriate relationship with a woman at the company.
- 7/8/2024
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
John Lasseter is leaving Disney forever at the end of 2018, the Guardians of the Galaxy take over the American Pavilion in Epcot, Disney has a new app to make the time go faster while waiting in line for rides, and Redd the Pirate makes her debut in Disneyland. All this news and more on this week’s episode of Pirates and Princesses!
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About Pnp: A Disney Podcast — a decidedly Different Disney fan podcast! News and rumors on the Disney parks including Walt Disney World and Disneyland, as well as news about Disney movies, Disney TV, Disney video games… Disney everything! Join your hosts, comic book creators Thom and Kam Pratt as they dish about The Mouse House!
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► Subscribe on iTunes: http://bit.ly/PNPiTunes
► Subscribe on Stitcher: http://bit.ly/PNPSticher
►Website: http://www.disney-podcast.com
►Twitter: http://twitter.com/PodcastDisney
►Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PNPDisneyPodcast
►Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/pnpdisnepodcast
About Pnp: A Disney Podcast — a decidedly Different Disney fan podcast! News and rumors on the Disney parks including Walt Disney World and Disneyland, as well as news about Disney movies, Disney TV, Disney video games… Disney everything! Join your hosts, comic book creators Thom and Kam Pratt as they dish about The Mouse House!
- 7/8/2024
- by PNP Newsroom
- Pirates & Princesses
It’s back to the negotiating table.
Shari Redstone’s National Amusements (Nai) and David Ellison’s Skydance Media are reengaging on talks that could lead to a change in ownership for Paramount Global, a source confirms to The Hollywood Reporter. The next step is for the potential agreement to go to Paramount’s special committee of the board of directors. A Nai rep declined to comment.
The move marks the latest twist in a corporate soap opera that saw Redstone walk away from a deal in June that would’ve effectively merged the owner of CBS, Showtime, Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon with the multimedia production company that has co-financed Top Gun: Maverick and Mission: Impossible franchise entries. The New York Times first reported on Tuesday that talks have restarted.
Skydance, along with investment firms RedBird Capital and Kkr, had on the table an agreement in which that group would...
Shari Redstone’s National Amusements (Nai) and David Ellison’s Skydance Media are reengaging on talks that could lead to a change in ownership for Paramount Global, a source confirms to The Hollywood Reporter. The next step is for the potential agreement to go to Paramount’s special committee of the board of directors. A Nai rep declined to comment.
The move marks the latest twist in a corporate soap opera that saw Redstone walk away from a deal in June that would’ve effectively merged the owner of CBS, Showtime, Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon with the multimedia production company that has co-financed Top Gun: Maverick and Mission: Impossible franchise entries. The New York Times first reported on Tuesday that talks have restarted.
Skydance, along with investment firms RedBird Capital and Kkr, had on the table an agreement in which that group would...
- 7/2/2024
- by Erik Hayden
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
"Inside Out 2” roared into cinema in June, becoming Pixar’s highest-grossing film in a debut weekend of all time, while its current worldwide haul at this time of writing stands at just over one billion.
The first movie — one of the most ingenious films of this century — took audiences inside the head of young Riley as she navigated a move to a new city while her emotions tried to guide her through the move in her head. This second film brings back those emotions as Riley goes through her teenage years. But Joy and Sadness and the gang have to deal with several new emotions in headquarters, including Anxiety, Embarrassment, and Ennui.
But while the film marches towards $1 billion at the box office, could it also be marching towards awards glory? Well, animated flicks don’t get the justice they deserve when it comes to the Academy Awards. So often,...
The first movie — one of the most ingenious films of this century — took audiences inside the head of young Riley as she navigated a move to a new city while her emotions tried to guide her through the move in her head. This second film brings back those emotions as Riley goes through her teenage years. But Joy and Sadness and the gang have to deal with several new emotions in headquarters, including Anxiety, Embarrassment, and Ennui.
But while the film marches towards $1 billion at the box office, could it also be marching towards awards glory? Well, animated flicks don’t get the justice they deserve when it comes to the Academy Awards. So often,...
- 7/1/2024
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
When my younger brother was growing up, he went through an extreme car phase. We're talking collecting Micro Machines of every variety and cruising around in an electric kids Ride-On Jeep. What I'm saying is, when Pixar's "Cars" films proved hugely popular with younger Millennials and the first wave of Gen Z-ers starting in the '00s, I understood why. I was there, Gandalf.
Out of all of the animation powerhouse's franchises, "Cars" has always been the most contentious. The "Cars" universe itself makes no sense, which has spawned all manner of dark fan theories, including that these movies take place in a post-apocalyptic future where cars gained sentience Skynet-style and murdered all the humans. Also, the personalities of the vehicles tend to be based on broad cultural or ethnic stereotypes associated with their models. Meanwhile, their personal interests are primarily limited to racing because, again, they're all cars,...
Out of all of the animation powerhouse's franchises, "Cars" has always been the most contentious. The "Cars" universe itself makes no sense, which has spawned all manner of dark fan theories, including that these movies take place in a post-apocalyptic future where cars gained sentience Skynet-style and murdered all the humans. Also, the personalities of the vehicles tend to be based on broad cultural or ethnic stereotypes associated with their models. Meanwhile, their personal interests are primarily limited to racing because, again, they're all cars,...
- 6/22/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
If you’ve been following Disney Parks news at all lately, you’re well aware of the June 28th opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom (with Disneyland’s version opening later this year). With the opening only days away, let’s take a look at the inspiration behind Disney’s newest attraction, with a few fun facts about the 2009 film The Princess and the Frog.
Groundbreaking Firsts
The Princess and the Frog is well known as being one of Disney’s last full-length feature films to be animated using traditional two-dimensional hand animation (with the last fully hand-animated film being 2011’s Winnie the Pooh).
But let’s focus here on the number of FIRSTs brought to life in this film. Princess Tiana represents Disney’s first African-American princess.
Image: Disney
The Princess and the Frog is also the first Disney Princess-based film set in America, and the...
Groundbreaking Firsts
The Princess and the Frog is well known as being one of Disney’s last full-length feature films to be animated using traditional two-dimensional hand animation (with the last fully hand-animated film being 2011’s Winnie the Pooh).
But let’s focus here on the number of FIRSTs brought to life in this film. Princess Tiana represents Disney’s first African-American princess.
Image: Disney
The Princess and the Frog is also the first Disney Princess-based film set in America, and the...
- 6/19/2024
- by James Smith
- Pirates & Princesses
WondLa is a new Apple TV+ series which centres around Eva, voiced by Jeanine Mason, a curious, enthusiastic and spirited teenager being raised in a state-of-the-art underground bunker by Muthr, a robot caretaker, voiced by Emmy Award nominee Teri Hatcher (Desperate Housewives).
On her 16th birthday, an attack on Eva’s bunker forces her onto the Earth’s surface which is now inhabited by aliens, covered with other-worldly fauna, and no other humans to be found. In fact, it’s no longer called Earth but Orbona!
Otto, a loveable giant water bear with whom Eva shares telepathic powers voiced by Emmy Award winner Brad Garrett (Everybody Loves Raymond) and Rovender, a cantankerous alien with a troubled past voiced by Gary Anthony Williams (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows) join Eva as she leads the team on a dangerous quest to find humans, her home, and her true destiny.
On her 16th birthday, an attack on Eva’s bunker forces her onto the Earth’s surface which is now inhabited by aliens, covered with other-worldly fauna, and no other humans to be found. In fact, it’s no longer called Earth but Orbona!
Otto, a loveable giant water bear with whom Eva shares telepathic powers voiced by Emmy Award winner Brad Garrett (Everybody Loves Raymond) and Rovender, a cantankerous alien with a troubled past voiced by Gary Anthony Williams (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows) join Eva as she leads the team on a dangerous quest to find humans, her home, and her true destiny.
- 6/13/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
As footage from DreamWorks Animation’s fall feature The Wild Robot screened at the Annecy Animation Festival in France this week, big laughs — and later, audible sniffling — could be heard throughout the packed auditorium. With a passionate standing ovation immediately breaking out after the final scene, the audience reaction was a vote of confidence for the project that features the voice talents of Lupita Nyong’o and Pedro Pascal and hails from director Chris Sanders.
Two days from now, Pixar’s Inside Out 2 — the sequel to the $850 million-grossing 2015 film — screens at Annecy on the same day it hit theaters nationwide. Box office tracking see it poised for a solid box office bow potentially north of $80 million, with The Hollywood Reporter’s review calling the film “a home run.”
It’s all part of a week bringing some much-needed rays of hope to the world of animation, a space that has been battered by layoffs,...
Two days from now, Pixar’s Inside Out 2 — the sequel to the $850 million-grossing 2015 film — screens at Annecy on the same day it hit theaters nationwide. Box office tracking see it poised for a solid box office bow potentially north of $80 million, with The Hollywood Reporter’s review calling the film “a home run.”
It’s all part of a week bringing some much-needed rays of hope to the world of animation, a space that has been battered by layoffs,...
- 6/12/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Stop-motion giant Henry Selick is back circling the Neil Gaiman adaptation “The Ocean at the End of the Lane,” confirming ongoing work with the English author alongside plans to make the project his next feature.
The filmmaker holds Gaiman’s 2013 novel in high esteem – calling the book Gaiman’s crowning achievement – and envisions the film as a companion piece to the duo’s modern classic “Coraline,” describing the development title as “almost a sequel.”
“Instead of a child going to this other world with a monstrous mother, it’s a monstrous mother who comes into our world to wreak havoc on a kid’s life,” he tells Variety.
With a honed 35-page treatment and scores of artwork and concept designs, Selick is now shopping the project around, hinting at interest from “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio” studio ShadowMachine, while praising “Coraline” studio Laika as home to “the best talent and the best resources,...
The filmmaker holds Gaiman’s 2013 novel in high esteem – calling the book Gaiman’s crowning achievement – and envisions the film as a companion piece to the duo’s modern classic “Coraline,” describing the development title as “almost a sequel.”
“Instead of a child going to this other world with a monstrous mother, it’s a monstrous mother who comes into our world to wreak havoc on a kid’s life,” he tells Variety.
With a honed 35-page treatment and scores of artwork and concept designs, Selick is now shopping the project around, hinting at interest from “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio” studio ShadowMachine, while praising “Coraline” studio Laika as home to “the best talent and the best resources,...
- 6/12/2024
- by Ben Croll
- Variety Film + TV
After Toy Story, Toy Story 2, and A Bug’s Life, John Lasseter directed his fourth film collaboration with Disney and Pixar, Cars (2006). By the time Pixar animated the story based on anthropomorphic cars, technology had advanced far from what they had used for their revolutionary first film in 1995. According to the reports, the computers used for animating Cars were 1000 times faster than those used in Toy Story.
A still from Toy Story | Pixar Animation Studios
However, the development of Cars began in 1998 right after the production of A Bug’s Life. It took years for Disney to come out with the film that had clean animations and used some advanced animation techniques. The efforts paid off handsomely as Cars became the sixth-highest-grossing film of 2006.
Why Did Cars Take More Time For Pixar To Make Than Toy Story Even With Faster Computers?
A still from Cars | Pixar Animation Studios
Making the 2006 animated...
A still from Toy Story | Pixar Animation Studios
However, the development of Cars began in 1998 right after the production of A Bug’s Life. It took years for Disney to come out with the film that had clean animations and used some advanced animation techniques. The efforts paid off handsomely as Cars became the sixth-highest-grossing film of 2006.
Why Did Cars Take More Time For Pixar To Make Than Toy Story Even With Faster Computers?
A still from Cars | Pixar Animation Studios
Making the 2006 animated...
- 6/9/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
By the time you read to the end of this sentence, Shari Redstone may have made a deal with David Ellison’s Skydance. Or not.
Days after reports that Skydance had finally come to an agreement with Paramount’s special committee, there has been a pregnant pause as Redstone considered whether to pull the trigger on a complicated deal that would end her control of the entertainment empire assembled by her late father.
While thousands of Paramount staffers and the media world wait, the pot has been stirred. Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav may have added a new element to the mix by signaling his interest in acquiring CBS and Paramount Global’s TV stations — from either Redstone or Ellison, as the case may be. And sources have noted that John Lasseter, the leader of the Skydance’s animation unit that has been touted as a positive in a possible deal with Paramount,...
Days after reports that Skydance had finally come to an agreement with Paramount’s special committee, there has been a pregnant pause as Redstone considered whether to pull the trigger on a complicated deal that would end her control of the entertainment empire assembled by her late father.
While thousands of Paramount staffers and the media world wait, the pot has been stirred. Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav may have added a new element to the mix by signaling his interest in acquiring CBS and Paramount Global’s TV stations — from either Redstone or Ellison, as the case may be. And sources have noted that John Lasseter, the leader of the Skydance’s animation unit that has been touted as a positive in a possible deal with Paramount,...
- 6/9/2024
- by Kim Masters and Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Nach einem Screening von „Alles steht Kopf 2“ am Freitag verriet Pixars Filmchef Pete Docter, dass „Toy Story 5“ von einem alten Bekannten gedreht werden soll, „Findet Nemo“-Regisseur Andrew Stanton.
Ultimativer Pixar-Klassiker: „Toy Story 5“ (Credit: Pixar / Disney)
„Toy Story“ ist das Fundament, auf dem Pixar gebaut wurde. Es war 1995 der erste Film der Firma, gedreht von John Lasseter, und es ist bis heute das Franchise, das am beständigsten weiter geführt wird. Nachdem „A Toy Story: Alles hört auf kein Kommando“ 2019 weltweit 1,1 Mrd. Dollar umsetzen konnte (in Deutschland allerdings nur auf 900.000 Tickets kam), kommt es nun zu einem weiteren Teil, der erste, der nicht von dem 2018 aus der Firma ausgeschiedenen John Lasseter angeschoben wurde.
Dass ein neuer „Toy Story“ allerdings unverändert alleroberste Priorität bei der Firma genießt, die am Donnerstag „Alles steht Kopf 2“ in die Kinos bringt, unterstreicht die Ankündigung von Pete Docter, dem Chief Creative Officer...
Ultimativer Pixar-Klassiker: „Toy Story 5“ (Credit: Pixar / Disney)
„Toy Story“ ist das Fundament, auf dem Pixar gebaut wurde. Es war 1995 der erste Film der Firma, gedreht von John Lasseter, und es ist bis heute das Franchise, das am beständigsten weiter geführt wird. Nachdem „A Toy Story: Alles hört auf kein Kommando“ 2019 weltweit 1,1 Mrd. Dollar umsetzen konnte (in Deutschland allerdings nur auf 900.000 Tickets kam), kommt es nun zu einem weiteren Teil, der erste, der nicht von dem 2018 aus der Firma ausgeschiedenen John Lasseter angeschoben wurde.
Dass ein neuer „Toy Story“ allerdings unverändert alleroberste Priorität bei der Firma genießt, die am Donnerstag „Alles steht Kopf 2“ in die Kinos bringt, unterstreicht die Ankündigung von Pete Docter, dem Chief Creative Officer...
- 6/9/2024
- by Thomas Schultze
- Spot - Media & Film
Another day, another former Disney creative leaves the studio to join another. This time, it is Don Hall, perhaps best known for his directorial work on films such as Big Hero 6, Moana, and Raya and the Last Dragon.
When he joined the studio his first major project was 1999’s Tarzan. He would go on to work on films such as The Emperor’s New Groove, Brother Bear, and Chicken Little.
He eventually climbed the ladder and wrote the screenplay for 2007’s Meet the Robinsons. His directorial debut finally came with 2011’s Winnie the Pooh. He would make back-to-back hits with Big Hero 6 in 2014 and Moana in 2016. His later films, such as Raya and the Last Dragon and Strange World, however, left much to be desired.
In addition to writing and directing, Hall would also be part of the creative leadership team on films such as Zootipia, Ralph Breaks the Internet,...
When he joined the studio his first major project was 1999’s Tarzan. He would go on to work on films such as The Emperor’s New Groove, Brother Bear, and Chicken Little.
He eventually climbed the ladder and wrote the screenplay for 2007’s Meet the Robinsons. His directorial debut finally came with 2011’s Winnie the Pooh. He would make back-to-back hits with Big Hero 6 in 2014 and Moana in 2016. His later films, such as Raya and the Last Dragon and Strange World, however, left much to be desired.
In addition to writing and directing, Hall would also be part of the creative leadership team on films such as Zootipia, Ralph Breaks the Internet,...
- 6/6/2024
- by Mr. Milo
- Pirates & Princesses
The globally celebrated icon who spawned the gargantuan Star Wars franchise has always been hailed as a visionary of the utmost eminence, and his work attests to the same. But even a filmmaker as established as George Lucas was pilloried for the infamous Star Wars Prequel trilogy which became a mere laughing stock for the public.
Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002) (Credit: Lucasfilm)
But if there’s one decision that Lucas has made that perhaps rivals his dreadful Star Wars Prequel idea, it would be his selfish dealings with Pixar.
A Glance at the History of Pixar Animation Studios
The studio recognized for hatching movies after magnificent animated movies like Toy Story and The Incredibles, first started as a part of the Lucasfilm Computer Division called Graphis Group back in 1979. Before they found Pixar Animation Studios, Ed Catmull and Alvy Ray Smith were recruited by Lucasfilm...
Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002) (Credit: Lucasfilm)
But if there’s one decision that Lucas has made that perhaps rivals his dreadful Star Wars Prequel idea, it would be his selfish dealings with Pixar.
A Glance at the History of Pixar Animation Studios
The studio recognized for hatching movies after magnificent animated movies like Toy Story and The Incredibles, first started as a part of the Lucasfilm Computer Division called Graphis Group back in 1979. Before they found Pixar Animation Studios, Ed Catmull and Alvy Ray Smith were recruited by Lucasfilm...
- 6/3/2024
- by Khushi Shah
- FandomWire
Pixar’s focus is now on two words: “IP” and “Franchise.” The company that was once known for new and creative ideas is now finding ways to make more IP sequels or come up with “franchise seeds,” according to Pixar’s president, Jim Morris.
In an interview with Bloomberg, Morris discussed Pixar’s new focus of making three new films every two years instead of one film a year. Those three films will have two sequels or spinoffs and only one new concept that will be used as “potential seeds for new franchises.”
It isn’t about creating ideas that are just good films anymore. It’s about franchising everything for Disney.
Pixar did incredibly well for years, and then when John Lasseter left, it seemed to nosedive.
While some of their newer films aren’t as good as older ones, they still aren’t terrible. “Turning Red,” “Luca,” and...
In an interview with Bloomberg, Morris discussed Pixar’s new focus of making three new films every two years instead of one film a year. Those three films will have two sequels or spinoffs and only one new concept that will be used as “potential seeds for new franchises.”
It isn’t about creating ideas that are just good films anymore. It’s about franchising everything for Disney.
Pixar did incredibly well for years, and then when John Lasseter left, it seemed to nosedive.
While some of their newer films aren’t as good as older ones, they still aren’t terrible. “Turning Red,” “Luca,” and...
- 6/2/2024
- by Kambrea Pratt
- Pirates & Princesses
If anyone’s created any animated magic in the West, it’s Disney and Pixar. Although connected since 2006 (Pixar started off as an independent studio before being acquired by Disney), the two studios have had different policies for a while, but while they still release films somewhat independently, a balance has been found and it is now more difficult to tell a Disney production from a Pixar one; two decades ago, which is not t along, it was very easy to do. But, regardless of the magic and the historical importance, both studios have been struggling for a while now in the financial sense. Workers have been laid off, projects have been put on hold and their overall number has been reduced, while those that have been released are not doing that well at the box office.
This is an issue for both Disney and Pixar in general as the...
This is an issue for both Disney and Pixar in general as the...
- 6/1/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Fiction Horizon
After a several decade-long career, famous director and animator John Musker is slowly preparing to retire. The 70-year old director is responsible for revitalizing Disney in the late 80s and 90s, so he is definitely one of the most important animators in history. His classic works include The Great Mouse Detective (1986), The Little Mermaid (1989), Aladdin (1992), Hercules (1997), and Treasure Planet (2002), but he has also worked on The Princess and the Frog (2009) and Moana (2016); although he won’t be returning for the sequel, Musker definitely left his mark on that movie as well.
The director recently attended the Animayo International Summit in Gran Canaria, where he promoted his new short film, I’m Hip!, but he also talked to El País about his beginnings at Disney, as well as about his opinions on the current state of things at the House of the Mouse.
At the time when Musker came to Disney,...
The director recently attended the Animayo International Summit in Gran Canaria, where he promoted his new short film, I’m Hip!, but he also talked to El País about his beginnings at Disney, as well as about his opinions on the current state of things at the House of the Mouse.
At the time when Musker came to Disney,...
- 5/31/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Fiction Horizon
For years many fans of Pixar films have become familiar with a particular voice in their movies. That voice is actor and comedian John Ratzenberger. While many growing up in the 1980s remember him as Cliff Calvin on the popular sitcom Cheers, children from the mid-1990s to the late 2010s have heard his voice in other places.
Starting in the 1995 animated film Toy Story as Hamm the piggy bank, the actor went on to appear in 23 films for the animation studio. He was P.T. Flea in A Bug’s Life, Yeti in Monsters Inc., The Underminer in The Incredibles, Mack the Truck in Cars, and many more. In essence he became the Stan Lee of Pixar.
However, in recent years, he has been noticeably absent. His last vocal appearance was in 2020’s Onward as Fennwick the Cyclops. There was apparently a cameo in 2020’s Soul, but it was more...
Starting in the 1995 animated film Toy Story as Hamm the piggy bank, the actor went on to appear in 23 films for the animation studio. He was P.T. Flea in A Bug’s Life, Yeti in Monsters Inc., The Underminer in The Incredibles, Mack the Truck in Cars, and many more. In essence he became the Stan Lee of Pixar.
However, in recent years, he has been noticeably absent. His last vocal appearance was in 2020’s Onward as Fennwick the Cyclops. There was apparently a cameo in 2020’s Soul, but it was more...
- 5/18/2024
- by Mr. Milo
- Pirates & Princesses
Apple TV+ has announced the premiere date for first installment of its upcoming animated adventure trilogy WondLa, hailing from Skydance Animation and based on the New York Times bestselling book series The Search for WondLa by Tony Diterlizzi.
Showrun and executive produced by Bobs Gannaway, the seven-episode first season of WondLa will premiere globally on Apple TV+ on Friday, June 28.
WondLa centers around Eva, voiced by Jeanine Mason, a curious, enthusiastic and spirited teenager being raised in a state-of-the-art underground bunker by Muthr, a robot caretaker, voiced by Emmy Award nominee Teri Hatcher (Desperate Housewives).
On her 16th birthday, an attack on Eva’s bunker forces her onto the Earth’s surface which is now inhabited by aliens, covered with other-worldly fauna, and no other humans to be found. In fact, it’s no longer called Earth but Orbona.
Otto, a loveable giant water bear with whom Eva shares telepathic...
Showrun and executive produced by Bobs Gannaway, the seven-episode first season of WondLa will premiere globally on Apple TV+ on Friday, June 28.
WondLa centers around Eva, voiced by Jeanine Mason, a curious, enthusiastic and spirited teenager being raised in a state-of-the-art underground bunker by Muthr, a robot caretaker, voiced by Emmy Award nominee Teri Hatcher (Desperate Housewives).
On her 16th birthday, an attack on Eva’s bunker forces her onto the Earth’s surface which is now inhabited by aliens, covered with other-worldly fauna, and no other humans to be found. In fact, it’s no longer called Earth but Orbona.
Otto, a loveable giant water bear with whom Eva shares telepathic...
- 4/30/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
Toy Story 5: Release Date, Cast, Plot, & More; Here’s All You Need To Know About This Upcoming Film!
Toy Story 5 Release Date Revealed! (Photo Credit- IMDb)
Pixar’s Toy Story began its journey almost three decades ago and had four movies in that franchise, with the fifth one’s release date revealed. Woody and Buzz Lightyear have been a part of many kids’ childhoods and continue to do that. Today, we have brought you every detail we know about Toy Story 5, so stick to the end to get all the details.
About Toy Story Franchise –
The first film came out in 1995 and was the first entirely computer-animated feature film. It was also the first feature film from Pixar. John Lasseter directed it. The movies take place in the world of toys. The two main protagonists in these films are the old-fashioned pull-string Cowboy toy named Woody and the modern space cadet action figure Buzz Lightyear. Besides these films, there are also spin-offs, such as Buzz Lightyear...
Pixar’s Toy Story began its journey almost three decades ago and had four movies in that franchise, with the fifth one’s release date revealed. Woody and Buzz Lightyear have been a part of many kids’ childhoods and continue to do that. Today, we have brought you every detail we know about Toy Story 5, so stick to the end to get all the details.
About Toy Story Franchise –
The first film came out in 1995 and was the first entirely computer-animated feature film. It was also the first feature film from Pixar. John Lasseter directed it. The movies take place in the world of toys. The two main protagonists in these films are the old-fashioned pull-string Cowboy toy named Woody and the modern space cadet action figure Buzz Lightyear. Besides these films, there are also spin-offs, such as Buzz Lightyear...
- 4/6/2024
- by Esita Mallik
- KoiMoi
It's astonishing to look back at John Lasseter's 1995 film "Toy Story" and regard how rudimentary it looks by today's standards. "Toy Story" was the first widely distributed CGI-animated feature film, and it felt overwhelmingly revolutionary at the time. Many were astonished at how expressive and fun CGI characters could be, and the film's success effectively ushered in a sea change in the animation world. In 2024, traditional cel animation is incredibly uncommon, and CGI is the naturally assumed standard.
CGI characters are designed to essentially be "puppets," in terms of their elasticity. Animators, at least at the time, were forced to stay on-model, only able to expand eyeballs or raise eyebrows so high. It wouldn't be for years that CG characters could mutate, squash, and stretch the way hand-drawn characters could. "Toy Story" benefitted from being about, well, toys. Its characters were all made of plastic, so there was an...
CGI characters are designed to essentially be "puppets," in terms of their elasticity. Animators, at least at the time, were forced to stay on-model, only able to expand eyeballs or raise eyebrows so high. It wouldn't be for years that CG characters could mutate, squash, and stretch the way hand-drawn characters could. "Toy Story" benefitted from being about, well, toys. Its characters were all made of plastic, so there was an...
- 4/1/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Top 10 animated movies of all time ( Photo Credit – IMDb )
Let’s take a trip down memory lane as we explore a curated selection of the greatest animated films ever crafted. If your favorite isn’t included, don’t worry; there may be a follow-up if this piece strikes a chord with readers. Animated movies, particularly those tailored for young audiences, have traditionally been led by Disney and its offshoot Pixar. Despite their continuous reinvention of beloved tales, both studios have gifted us a wealth of timeless animated treasures. So, without delay, let’s begin our cinematic voyage through the enchanting world of animation.
10. Cars (2006)
Director: John Lasseter, Joe Ranft (co-director) Cast: Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Bonnie Hunt, Larry the Cable Guy Rotten Tomatoes Score: 75% IMDb Score: 7./10 Runtime: 1 hour 57 minutes Available on: Disney Plus (US & India)
On his journey to the most important race of his career, Lightning McQueen gets separated from his hauler truck,...
Let’s take a trip down memory lane as we explore a curated selection of the greatest animated films ever crafted. If your favorite isn’t included, don’t worry; there may be a follow-up if this piece strikes a chord with readers. Animated movies, particularly those tailored for young audiences, have traditionally been led by Disney and its offshoot Pixar. Despite their continuous reinvention of beloved tales, both studios have gifted us a wealth of timeless animated treasures. So, without delay, let’s begin our cinematic voyage through the enchanting world of animation.
10. Cars (2006)
Director: John Lasseter, Joe Ranft (co-director) Cast: Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Bonnie Hunt, Larry the Cable Guy Rotten Tomatoes Score: 75% IMDb Score: 7./10 Runtime: 1 hour 57 minutes Available on: Disney Plus (US & India)
On his journey to the most important race of his career, Lightning McQueen gets separated from his hauler truck,...
- 3/26/2024
- by Hari P N
- KoiMoi
The genius behind Edward Scissorhands, Corpse Bride, and the Netflix hit Wednesday, Tim Burton sat for an interview with The Independent. With a discussion ranging from his love for the gothic genre to his upcoming movie Beetlejuice 2, Burton even recalled his time when he attended the California Institute of the Arts animation programme, sponsored by Disney.
Filmmaker Tim Burton | credit: Wikimedia Commons
Taking a trip down memory lane along with various other luminaries like Brad Bird, John Musker, and more, Tim Burton recalled the time when he pretended to be a vampire, roaming through the halls of his university. Putting on quite the stunt, until he passed out, Burton even insisted on having pictures from the moment.
Tim Burton Discussed His Upcoming Movie Beetlejuice 2
From several Johnny Depp-starrer gothic movies like Edward Scissorhands to making dark television dramas like Jenna Ortega‘s Wednesday, Tim Burton has created...
Filmmaker Tim Burton | credit: Wikimedia Commons
Taking a trip down memory lane along with various other luminaries like Brad Bird, John Musker, and more, Tim Burton recalled the time when he pretended to be a vampire, roaming through the halls of his university. Putting on quite the stunt, until he passed out, Burton even insisted on having pictures from the moment.
Tim Burton Discussed His Upcoming Movie Beetlejuice 2
From several Johnny Depp-starrer gothic movies like Edward Scissorhands to making dark television dramas like Jenna Ortega‘s Wednesday, Tim Burton has created...
- 3/22/2024
- by Krittika Mukherjee
- FandomWire
The renowned filmmaker and enthusiast has been absent at the awards for a second time. Miyazaki, known for his work with his production company Studio Ghibli, has not attended the Academy Awards twice this time, even after winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film.
With numerous nominations and two Oscars, Miyazaki is undoubtedly one of the best animated filmmakers of his era. He is known for directing movies with subtlety and a plot that fills viewers with joy and anticipation. He is known for The Wind Rises, Howl’s Moving Castle, Laputa: Castle in the Sky, and his latest work, The Boy and the Heron.
Miyazaki and The Oscars
The Boy and the Heron
In the 2003 Academy Awards, for his film Spirited Away, Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. But he didn’t show up to the award function.
A few years later,...
With numerous nominations and two Oscars, Miyazaki is undoubtedly one of the best animated filmmakers of his era. He is known for directing movies with subtlety and a plot that fills viewers with joy and anticipation. He is known for The Wind Rises, Howl’s Moving Castle, Laputa: Castle in the Sky, and his latest work, The Boy and the Heron.
Miyazaki and The Oscars
The Boy and the Heron
In the 2003 Academy Awards, for his film Spirited Away, Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. But he didn’t show up to the award function.
A few years later,...
- 3/18/2024
- by Archak
- FandomWire
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