"May the 12th Be With You," a new Mother's Day-themed short from The Simpsons, is now streaming exclusively on Disney+. In that, Marge Simpson joins the moms of Disney+ on a special holiday outing that turns into an epic galactic adventure filled with heroes, villains and a surprising old friend.
Earlier this week, we sat down with showrunner, writer, and executive producer of the long-running series, Al Jean. His name has been popping up in The Simpsons' credits since 1989, and is responsible for penning some of the show's most iconic episodes.
For "May the 12th Be With You," he set out to deliver a special celebration of Mother's Day that puts Marge front and centre...along with an insane number of cameos which should mean this short demands repeat viewings for anyone hoping to catch them all.
In this interview, The Simpsons veteran talks about the inspiration for this story,...
Earlier this week, we sat down with showrunner, writer, and executive producer of the long-running series, Al Jean. His name has been popping up in The Simpsons' credits since 1989, and is responsible for penning some of the show's most iconic episodes.
For "May the 12th Be With You," he set out to deliver a special celebration of Mother's Day that puts Marge front and centre...along with an insane number of cameos which should mean this short demands repeat viewings for anyone hoping to catch them all.
In this interview, The Simpsons veteran talks about the inspiration for this story,...
- 5/11/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
In 1977, aspiring cartoonist Matt Groening moved from his hometown of Portland, Oregon to Los Angeles with dreams of becoming a writer. Like most people who move to Los Angeles with dreams of becoming a writer, he took on some of the most menial jobs imaginable. Groening worked in a sewage treatment plant, as a dishwasher, and as a waiter. All the while, Groening worked on what would become his signature creation, the "Life in Hell" comic strip.
Groening would leave "Life in Hell" comics in a small corner of Licorice Pizza, the celebrated Los Angeles record store where he occasionally worked. It was an embittered strip about modern life, a harsh critique of life, love, school, and work. Groening attacked everything the establishment celebrated as normal and good, finding nothing but misery in the real world.
"Life in Hell" was picked up by Wet Magazine and, later the Los Angeles Reader.
Groening would leave "Life in Hell" comics in a small corner of Licorice Pizza, the celebrated Los Angeles record store where he occasionally worked. It was an embittered strip about modern life, a harsh critique of life, love, school, and work. Groening attacked everything the establishment celebrated as normal and good, finding nothing but misery in the real world.
"Life in Hell" was picked up by Wet Magazine and, later the Los Angeles Reader.
- 3/30/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The ‘90s were the decade of The Simpsons, sorry Seinfeld. The family was introduced in 1987 through a series of short clips in between skits on Fox’s The Tracey Ullman Show, overstayed their welcome and were spun off. The series debuted on Dec. 17, 1989 with a holiday special, “Simpsons Roasting on An Open Fire,” before hopping on the rotisserie of regular rotation on Jan. 14, 1990 with “Bart the Genius,” directed by David Silverman, and written by Jon Vitti.
The half-hour animated series was created by Matt Groening, who came up with it as a last-second pitch to foil his own plan to animate his comic strip Life in Hell. The Simpsons was produced by TV legend James L. Brooks, who drove The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Taxi, and Sam Simon, who wrote for Taxi and Cheers.
The voice talent continued over from the shorts. Dan Castellaneta performed the voices of Homer Simpson,...
The half-hour animated series was created by Matt Groening, who came up with it as a last-second pitch to foil his own plan to animate his comic strip Life in Hell. The Simpsons was produced by TV legend James L. Brooks, who drove The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Taxi, and Sam Simon, who wrote for Taxi and Cheers.
The voice talent continued over from the shorts. Dan Castellaneta performed the voices of Homer Simpson,...
- 4/23/2023
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Have no fears: The Simpsons has stories for years.
The seminal cartoon created by Matt Groening is back in the headlines with the return of a fan-favourite character after 33 years.
The animated show has covered a lot of subject matter over the course of its nearly 700-episode run.
While it retains a devoted fan following across the globe, it's also been kept strangely relevant in recent years, thanks to an uncanny pattern of headlines that suggest only one thing: The Simpsons can predict the future.
From a sly mention of a Donald Trump presidency in a 20-year-old episode, to a revolutionary scientific theorem 14 years before its discovery, the series has often been months, years or even decades ahead of global news events.
While its creators have sometimes disputed the veracity of the show's status as a modern Nostradamus, The Simpsons' ability to foreshadow seemingly unforeseeable occurrences is often astounding.
Here...
The seminal cartoon created by Matt Groening is back in the headlines with the return of a fan-favourite character after 33 years.
The animated show has covered a lot of subject matter over the course of its nearly 700-episode run.
While it retains a devoted fan following across the globe, it's also been kept strangely relevant in recent years, thanks to an uncanny pattern of headlines that suggest only one thing: The Simpsons can predict the future.
From a sly mention of a Donald Trump presidency in a 20-year-old episode, to a revolutionary scientific theorem 14 years before its discovery, the series has often been months, years or even decades ahead of global news events.
While its creators have sometimes disputed the veracity of the show's status as a modern Nostradamus, The Simpsons' ability to foreshadow seemingly unforeseeable occurrences is often astounding.
Here...
- 3/20/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
Although most agree that "The Simpsons" has been steadily fading out of cultural relevancy since season 9 or so, it did have a resurgence in 2007 with "The Simpsons Movie." Say what you will about the film, but it undeniably made "The Simpsons" cool again for at least a little bit. The Simpson family was suddenly popping back into the commercials, and being sold as Burger King kids' meal toys. And as anyone who was in middle school at the time can tell you, that Spider Pig song was caught in every kid's head for months.
But as the showrunners of "The Simpsons" have long since made clear, nothing about making this movie was easy. "Even though the movie is three times the length of the TV show, it was hundreds of times harder to write," said David Mirkin in a 2007 interview, who was the showrunner from seasons 4-6 of the show...
But as the showrunners of "The Simpsons" have long since made clear, nothing about making this movie was easy. "Even though the movie is three times the length of the TV show, it was hundreds of times harder to write," said David Mirkin in a 2007 interview, who was the showrunner from seasons 4-6 of the show...
- 12/30/2022
- by Michael Boyle
- Slash Film
Photo: ‘The Simpsons Meet The Bocellis In Feliz Navidad’
‘The Simpsons Meet the Bocelli’s In Feliz Navidad’ is the latest entry in a recent series of Simpsons shorts that began premiering on Disney Plus, shortly after the entirety of the series became available to stream on the platform. These shorts began exclusively as multiversal parodies, which featured main characters from ‘The Simpsons’, entering the worlds of several Disney-owned intellectual properties. The idea for The Simpsons to “invade the rest of Disney Plus” was originally proposed by series co-creator James L. Brooks. This proposition led to the creation of a handful of comedic shorts entitled, ‘The Force Awakens From It’s Nap’, ‘The Good, The Bart, and The Loki’, and ‘Welcome to the Club’, respectively. More recently, these shorts have become tantamount to flashy musical crossovers with prominent pop artists. This time around, our well-loved crew of bug-eyed yellow buffoons,...
‘The Simpsons Meet the Bocelli’s In Feliz Navidad’ is the latest entry in a recent series of Simpsons shorts that began premiering on Disney Plus, shortly after the entirety of the series became available to stream on the platform. These shorts began exclusively as multiversal parodies, which featured main characters from ‘The Simpsons’, entering the worlds of several Disney-owned intellectual properties. The idea for The Simpsons to “invade the rest of Disney Plus” was originally proposed by series co-creator James L. Brooks. This proposition led to the creation of a handful of comedic shorts entitled, ‘The Force Awakens From It’s Nap’, ‘The Good, The Bart, and The Loki’, and ‘Welcome to the Club’, respectively. More recently, these shorts have become tantamount to flashy musical crossovers with prominent pop artists. This time around, our well-loved crew of bug-eyed yellow buffoons,...
- 12/22/2022
- by Dillon Goss-Carpenter
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
There are perhaps no bigger stars in television history than Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie Simpson. They've been an indelible constellation in the pop culture firmament for over 30 years, appearing in over 700 episodes of television, not to mention video games, T-shirts, and Butterfinger commercials. Yes, it's no wonder that when Chris Martin of Coldplay famously sang, "Look at the stars, look how they shine for you," he also felt the need to clarify that "they were all yellow."
Ok, Chris Martin may have been singing about something slightly different, but there's still a nugget of truth in it: The majority of the characters on "The Simpsons" are, indeed, yellow, and after over a third of a century, we may have gotten so used to the sight of these bug-eyed cartoon characters that we forgot to even ask why the heck they were yellow in the first place.
To answer that question,...
Ok, Chris Martin may have been singing about something slightly different, but there's still a nugget of truth in it: The majority of the characters on "The Simpsons" are, indeed, yellow, and after over a third of a century, we may have gotten so used to the sight of these bug-eyed cartoon characters that we forgot to even ask why the heck they were yellow in the first place.
To answer that question,...
- 11/9/2022
- by William Bibbiani
- Slash Film
Directed by Michael Giacchino, better known as the composer responsible for exceptional scores like those for "The Batman" and 2009's "Star Trek," "Werewolf by Night" is not your standard Marvel fare. That's clear from the opening credits, which unfold in a moody black and white, and are interspersed with violent claw slashes and crackling lightning bolts reminiscent of James Whale's "Frankenstein."
Marvel has dipped its toe into horror before, namely with the gleeful gore of "Blade" and Sam Raimi's chillingly macabre "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness." Accordingly, "Werewolf by Night" feels like an affectionate love letter to the classic creature features of yore. Its premise is simple: Famed monster hunter Ulysses Bloodstone has shuffled from this mortal coil, leaving his position vacant and his magical artifact up for grabs. A group of fellow monster slayers are invited by Ulysses' widow to compete for his title, which...
Marvel has dipped its toe into horror before, namely with the gleeful gore of "Blade" and Sam Raimi's chillingly macabre "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness." Accordingly, "Werewolf by Night" feels like an affectionate love letter to the classic creature features of yore. Its premise is simple: Famed monster hunter Ulysses Bloodstone has shuffled from this mortal coil, leaving his position vacant and his magical artifact up for grabs. A group of fellow monster slayers are invited by Ulysses' widow to compete for his title, which...
- 10/10/2022
- by David Court
- Slash Film
As one of the longest-running American sitcoms, there is no corner of the entertainment industry where "The Simpsons" hasn't entrenched its mark. Even during the series' early years, you would have a better chance of escaping a grizzly bear on its home turf than someone wearing an "eat my shorts" or "don't have a cow, man" T-shirt. The dysfunctional animated family is an exemplary fixture of adult animation that has endured for well over three decades and 33 seasons of television.
On top of everything else, "The Simpsons" is endlessly quotable. You could remember your favorites and still only chip away a sliver of the iceberg. You'll never run out, whether it comes out of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, or any other outlandish resident of Springfield. But the creative team behind this long-running series also knows how to revel in the quieter, and sometimes silent moments.
Enter Maggie, the Simpsons' youngest child,...
On top of everything else, "The Simpsons" is endlessly quotable. You could remember your favorites and still only chip away a sliver of the iceberg. You'll never run out, whether it comes out of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, or any other outlandish resident of Springfield. But the creative team behind this long-running series also knows how to revel in the quieter, and sometimes silent moments.
Enter Maggie, the Simpsons' youngest child,...
- 8/26/2022
- by Matthew Bilodeau
- Slash Film
A rather amusing headline in a 2008 issue of The Onion read "Some Old Man Still Churning Out Marmaduke." The joke of the article was that Brad Anderson, then 83, the creator of the long-running dog-centric newspaper strip, was toiling away at his 20,000th monotonous "Marmaduke" comic in complete obscurity. Despite being a staple of the funny papers since 1953, much of Marmaduke's audience had long since ceased paying attention. Incidentally, Anderson continued to draw "Marmaduke" until his death in 2015 at the age of 91. The strip continues under the eye of Paul Anderson, his son.
Matt Groening's "The Simpsons" is — a more cynical critic might say — slowly approaching "Marmaduke" levels of tedium. There are now 34 seasons of "The Simpsons" to contend with, translating to 728 episodes, with more on the way. Evidently the show is hoping to live up to the promise made in "Three Men and a Comic Book" wherein Bart (Nancy Cartwright) announced "Quality,...
Matt Groening's "The Simpsons" is — a more cynical critic might say — slowly approaching "Marmaduke" levels of tedium. There are now 34 seasons of "The Simpsons" to contend with, translating to 728 episodes, with more on the way. Evidently the show is hoping to live up to the promise made in "Three Men and a Comic Book" wherein Bart (Nancy Cartwright) announced "Quality,...
- 8/15/2022
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The Simpsons just released a commissioned image of the animated cartoon family in support of Ukraine’s fight against Russia.
A photo tweet sent from the Simpsons’ official account depicts Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and baby Maggie holding Ukrainian flags in unison with a caption reading, “#TheSimpsons #Simpsons #Ukraine.”
#TheSimpsons #Simpsons #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/aWvgTUGJKP
— The Simpsons (@TheSimpsons) February 26, 2022
Al Jean, Simpsons’ executive producer, said the creation of political images isn’t common in the animated sitcom’s repertoire. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine proved to be an appropriate exception.
“We don’t do this very often, only very rarely when there’s something… extremely important for a cause that could not be bigger,” Jean said.
The cartoon was drawn by animator and director David Silverman who has been with the show since its inception in 1989.
Show producer Jim Brooks called creator Matt Groening, Jean and Silverman to...
A photo tweet sent from the Simpsons’ official account depicts Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and baby Maggie holding Ukrainian flags in unison with a caption reading, “#TheSimpsons #Simpsons #Ukraine.”
#TheSimpsons #Simpsons #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/aWvgTUGJKP
— The Simpsons (@TheSimpsons) February 26, 2022
Al Jean, Simpsons’ executive producer, said the creation of political images isn’t common in the animated sitcom’s repertoire. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine proved to be an appropriate exception.
“We don’t do this very often, only very rarely when there’s something… extremely important for a cause that could not be bigger,” Jean said.
The cartoon was drawn by animator and director David Silverman who has been with the show since its inception in 1989.
Show producer Jim Brooks called creator Matt Groening, Jean and Silverman to...
- 2/26/2022
- by Brandon Choe
- Deadline Film + TV
Bad Bunny plays Cupid and brings together a fighting Homer and Marge in the reggaeton superstar’s video for “Te Deseo Lo Mejor.”
Directed by The Simpsons Movie filmmaker David Silverman, the clip finds Homer yet again in the doghouse after missing a family dinner and Marge, as the Los Angeles Times notes, “fed up with husband Homer’s burgeoning social media addiction.” Marge has had enough, taking the beer and the “good pillow” and telling Homer “Haz tu propio almuerzo” (“Make your own lunch”) when Homer opens his lunchbox at the power plant.
Directed by The Simpsons Movie filmmaker David Silverman, the clip finds Homer yet again in the doghouse after missing a family dinner and Marge, as the Los Angeles Times notes, “fed up with husband Homer’s burgeoning social media addiction.” Marge has had enough, taking the beer and the “good pillow” and telling Homer “Haz tu propio almuerzo” (“Make your own lunch”) when Homer opens his lunchbox at the power plant.
- 12/24/2021
- by Jason Newman
- Rollingstone.com
Since its debut on "The Tracey Ullman Show" in 1987, "The Simpsons" has gone on to make television history. Thanks to 33 seasons consisting of 714 episodes, the animated series created by Matt Groening has become the longest running American animated series, American sitcom, and overall American scripted primetime TV series of all time. But after years of domination on the small screen, Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie finally made the jump to the big screen in 2007 with "The Simpsons Movie."
Embraced by both fans and critics alike, the movie directed by David Silverman of "Monsters, Inc." fame became the second...
The post Will There Be a Sequel to The Simpsons Movie? Here's What We Know appeared first on /Film.
Embraced by both fans and critics alike, the movie directed by David Silverman of "Monsters, Inc." fame became the second...
The post Will There Be a Sequel to The Simpsons Movie? Here's What We Know appeared first on /Film.
- 12/22/2021
- by Ben F. Silverio
- Slash Film
When Disney tapped “The Simpsons” to produce an animated short for Disney Plus, executive producer Al Jean said the idea was born to cram as many of the company’s franchise characters as possible into Moe’s Tavern.
That’s the basis of “The Simpsons in Plusaversary,” which premiered Friday on Disney Plus. In the new short, a Disney Plus Day party takes place for some of the company’s iconic Disney, Marvel and Star Wars characters at Moe’s, where Wreck-It Ralph and Maui from “Moana” are the bouncers and Maleficent is checking the entry list.
But first, Homer has trouble entering Moe’s, since he’s not on the list — which includes Jeff Goldblum, Dopey, Ant-Man, Darth Sidious, Pinocchio, Aaron Burr Jabba the Hutt, Loki, Thanos, Lightning McQueen and more. “You don’t seem to be one of us,” notes Maleficent, looking at a page on her tablet that includes Pixar,...
That’s the basis of “The Simpsons in Plusaversary,” which premiered Friday on Disney Plus. In the new short, a Disney Plus Day party takes place for some of the company’s iconic Disney, Marvel and Star Wars characters at Moe’s, where Wreck-It Ralph and Maui from “Moana” are the bouncers and Maleficent is checking the entry list.
But first, Homer has trouble entering Moe’s, since he’s not on the list — which includes Jeff Goldblum, Dopey, Ant-Man, Darth Sidious, Pinocchio, Aaron Burr Jabba the Hutt, Loki, Thanos, Lightning McQueen and more. “You don’t seem to be one of us,” notes Maleficent, looking at a page on her tablet that includes Pixar,...
- 11/12/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Creatives behind The Simpsons shared new details about Season 33 on Saturday, revealing that it will feature a musical premiere, an expanded “Treehouse of Horror” episode and more.
During a Comic-Con@Home panel teasing the new season, executive producer Matt Selman described premiere episode “The Star of the Backstage” as the “most musical episode we’ve ever done”—”like a Broadway musical of an episode with wall to wall music.”
The season’s first episode will feature an assortment of original songs. Actress Kristen Bell (Frozen) will handle singing for Marge, the Simpsons matriarch played by Julie Kavner.
EP Al Jean later announced that this year’s “Treehouse of Horror Xxxii” episode will feature five segments, rather than the traditional set of three, presenting one of the five to the virtual Comic-Con audience.
He subsequently touched on two other upcoming episodes. One may see romance come to stick in the life...
During a Comic-Con@Home panel teasing the new season, executive producer Matt Selman described premiere episode “The Star of the Backstage” as the “most musical episode we’ve ever done”—”like a Broadway musical of an episode with wall to wall music.”
The season’s first episode will feature an assortment of original songs. Actress Kristen Bell (Frozen) will handle singing for Marge, the Simpsons matriarch played by Julie Kavner.
EP Al Jean later announced that this year’s “Treehouse of Horror Xxxii” episode will feature five segments, rather than the traditional set of three, presenting one of the five to the virtual Comic-Con audience.
He subsequently touched on two other upcoming episodes. One may see romance come to stick in the life...
- 7/24/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
This summer’s San Diego Comic-Con once again invites fans to sit on their couches and enjoy the pop culture extravaganza from the safety of their homes. There is one difference from last year’s virtual event, however: It will be an abbreviated one, taking place over three days, from Friday, July 23 through Sunday, July 25 — but there are still a bevy of TV show panels on the lineup, which will be streaming for free via YouTube.
Note: Yes, there will again be a DC Fandome virtual event this year (on Oct. 16), where in 2020 shows such as The Flash, Titans, Batwoman...
Note: Yes, there will again be a DC Fandome virtual event this year (on Oct. 16), where in 2020 shows such as The Flash, Titans, Batwoman...
- 7/9/2021
- by Vlada Gelman
- TVLine.com
Sky Cinema has debuted a new trailer for the upcoming animation ‘Extinct’ featuring the voices of Rachel Bloom, Ken Jeong and Zazie Beetz.
Op and Ed are two adorable doughnut-shaped animals — Flummels — who accidentally time travel from 1835 to modern-day Shanghai. There, they discover traffic, trans fats, and worst of all, that flummels are now extinct. It’s up to this bumbling pair to save themselves, save their species… and just maybe change the course of history.
Meet the Flummels
Op (Rachel Bloom) is an always-upbeat, leap-before-you-look flummel. She is a dreamer and a do-er, and is the driving force behind her and her brother’s adventures and, frequently, their problems.
Ed (Adam Devine) is the brooding brakes on his sister’s antics. He desperately wants to fit in with the rest of the flummels in spite of being considered an oddball in their society. After all, can’t an oddball find love too?...
Op and Ed are two adorable doughnut-shaped animals — Flummels — who accidentally time travel from 1835 to modern-day Shanghai. There, they discover traffic, trans fats, and worst of all, that flummels are now extinct. It’s up to this bumbling pair to save themselves, save their species… and just maybe change the course of history.
Meet the Flummels
Op (Rachel Bloom) is an always-upbeat, leap-before-you-look flummel. She is a dreamer and a do-er, and is the driving force behind her and her brother’s adventures and, frequently, their problems.
Ed (Adam Devine) is the brooding brakes on his sister’s antics. He desperately wants to fit in with the rest of the flummels in spite of being considered an oddball in their society. After all, can’t an oddball find love too?...
- 7/9/2021
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
When Disney Plus launched with all of “The Simpsons” episodes, the team behind the longest running primetime TV series in history were thrilled.
“It’s a perfect fit and, you know, 100 million subscribers,” says executive producer Al Jean with a chuckle.
But there was one catch: While Disney Plus has specific tiles on its home screen for Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars, “There’s no tile that actually says ‘The Simpsons,'” he says.
So co-creator and executive producer James L. Brooks suggested “The Simpsons” should invade the rest of Disney Plus, through a series of crossover short films.
“It was just the desire that we had to reach out to the viewers [of] the other branches of Disney Plus, to see if they would be interested in us — you know, if they hadn’t seen us as much,” Jean says.
The first short, “The Force Awakens From Its Nap” — which...
“It’s a perfect fit and, you know, 100 million subscribers,” says executive producer Al Jean with a chuckle.
But there was one catch: While Disney Plus has specific tiles on its home screen for Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars, “There’s no tile that actually says ‘The Simpsons,'” he says.
So co-creator and executive producer James L. Brooks suggested “The Simpsons” should invade the rest of Disney Plus, through a series of crossover short films.
“It was just the desire that we had to reach out to the viewers [of] the other branches of Disney Plus, to see if they would be interested in us — you know, if they hadn’t seen us as much,” Jean says.
The first short, “The Force Awakens From Its Nap” — which...
- 7/7/2021
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
“The Simpsons” has a long history of packing jokes into the margins and littering the backgrounds of individual frames with jokes. And with their latest crossover special — one that combines “The Simpsons” with “Loki” and Marvel — the writers had the opportunity to go hog wild with references to the MCU.
The new Disney+ short film “The Good, The Bart and the Loki” clocks in at just about four minutes, but “The Simpsons” showrunner Al Jean told TheWrap it contains at least 100 references or visual cues, including “Simpsons” characters dressed as Marvel heroes. Some references even arrive in multiple post-credits sequences (in pure Marvel fashion), and it’s all punctuated with a gag in which some Springfield residents hold up a sign that reads, “This is what happens when Disney buys Marvel and Fox.”
Jean praised longtime “Simpsons” director David Silverman for his ability to pack “as many little Easter eggs...
The new Disney+ short film “The Good, The Bart and the Loki” clocks in at just about four minutes, but “The Simpsons” showrunner Al Jean told TheWrap it contains at least 100 references or visual cues, including “Simpsons” characters dressed as Marvel heroes. Some references even arrive in multiple post-credits sequences (in pure Marvel fashion), and it’s all punctuated with a gag in which some Springfield residents hold up a sign that reads, “This is what happens when Disney buys Marvel and Fox.”
Jean praised longtime “Simpsons” director David Silverman for his ability to pack “as many little Easter eggs...
- 7/7/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
While San Diego Comic-Con announced that they will return in-person with a “special gathering” on Thanksgiving weekend, the main summer convention will take place online for the second year in a row due to health and safety precautions connected to the Covid-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, studios are still planning on creating an enjoyable virtual experience for fans while teasing what’s to come in future seasons of their hit television series. For your convenience, Variety has compiled a master list of all the details pertaining the pop culture convention set for July 23-25. Attendees will be able to watch all of the panels for free.
As of press time, some of the below panels don’t yet have scheduled dates and times to be posted online, so check back here, as we will update this post with that information, as well as more panels, as they get announced.
Duncanville (July 23 at 3 p.
As of press time, some of the below panels don’t yet have scheduled dates and times to be posted online, so check back here, as we will update this post with that information, as well as more panels, as they get announced.
Duncanville (July 23 at 3 p.
- 7/1/2021
- by Antonio Ferme
- Variety Film + TV
Disney Television will produce eight virtual panels for Comic Con@Home 2021, being held online from Friday, July 23 through Sunday, July 25. The virtual presentation marks the second straight year the show will be held virtually, as per pandemic protocols. Among the planned Disney panel highlights: The stars and creators of two animated series, the musical Central Park and The Great North, both marking their Comic-Con debuts; The 20th anniversary of Family Guy will feature the cast and producers in a virtual trivia night; The new Disney+ series The Mysterious Benedict Society will be discussed by the cast and creative team; Animated comedies American Dad!, Bob’s Burgers, Duncanville and The Simpsons will present never-before-seen content.
Disney stars participating in the virtual panels include MaameYaa Baofo, H. Jon Benjamin, Alex Borstein, Tituss Burgess, Ty Burrell, Will Forte, Josh Gad, Seth Green, Scott Grimes, Tony Hale, Ryan Hurst, Mila Kunis, Yassir Lester, Riki Lindhome,...
Disney stars participating in the virtual panels include MaameYaa Baofo, H. Jon Benjamin, Alex Borstein, Tituss Burgess, Ty Burrell, Will Forte, Josh Gad, Seth Green, Scott Grimes, Tony Hale, Ryan Hurst, Mila Kunis, Yassir Lester, Riki Lindhome,...
- 7/1/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
This number will increase as Cannes, Venice and other summer festival titles are added to the mix alongside studio releases.
French cinemas reopen this Wednesday (May 19) after lying dark for six months due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with the country’s 100-plus distributors rushing to set theatrical dates for an estimated backlog of 400 stalled films.
As a result, French cinemagoers will have access to the richest and most diverse offering of films in the world over the coming months, spanning festival titles, local mainstream comedies and dramas, world cinema and studio blockbuster fare, as the summer advances.
As of May...
French cinemas reopen this Wednesday (May 19) after lying dark for six months due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with the country’s 100-plus distributors rushing to set theatrical dates for an estimated backlog of 400 stalled films.
As a result, French cinemagoers will have access to the richest and most diverse offering of films in the world over the coming months, spanning festival titles, local mainstream comedies and dramas, world cinema and studio blockbuster fare, as the summer advances.
As of May...
- 5/17/2021
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- ScreenDaily
You’re not the only one surprised by the sudden announcement of the new “The Simpsons” short “Maggie Simpson in ‘The Force Awakens From Its Nap.'” For executive producer Al Jean and the team behind the long-running animated series, they’re still marveling at how quickly they turned it around.
“The Force Awakens From Its Nap,” which premieres at Midnight Pt on Disney Plus, came out of an idea that executive producer James L. Brooks came up with in January. Because “The Simpsons” library is such a hit on the streamer, why not do a series of shorts where the show interacts with other Disney Plus franchises?
Jean’s idea was “Star Wars”-centric, sending baby Maggie to a Jedi pre-school. He wrote the script with Joel Cohen and Mike Price, while “Simpsons” director David Silverman helmed the short.
Lucasfilm and Disney Plus were on board. Keep in mind,...
“The Force Awakens From Its Nap,” which premieres at Midnight Pt on Disney Plus, came out of an idea that executive producer James L. Brooks came up with in January. Because “The Simpsons” library is such a hit on the streamer, why not do a series of shorts where the show interacts with other Disney Plus franchises?
Jean’s idea was “Star Wars”-centric, sending baby Maggie to a Jedi pre-school. He wrote the script with Joel Cohen and Mike Price, while “Simpsons” director David Silverman helmed the short.
Lucasfilm and Disney Plus were on board. Keep in mind,...
- 5/4/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
The Simpsons animator, character layout artist and assistant director Edwin E. Aguilar died in Los Angeles on Saturday, two days after having a stroke. He was 46.
While the news of Aguilar’s passing was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter, it was also noted on Sunday by The Simpsons executive producer, Matt Selman. “We @TheSimpsons family are mourning the loss of animator Edwin Aguilar,” he tweeted, “a talented artist and beloved fountain of love and inspiration to all.”
Reportedly, Aguilar’s health had been on the decline for years, given his struggle with diabetes and heart issues. Several years ago, the artist had a stroke, from which he recovered.
Born in the San Miguel region of El Salvador in 1974, Aguilar gravitated toward comic strips at an early age. At age 9, he fled his native country—which was in the midst of a civil war—alongside his brother, to avoid being...
While the news of Aguilar’s passing was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter, it was also noted on Sunday by The Simpsons executive producer, Matt Selman. “We @TheSimpsons family are mourning the loss of animator Edwin Aguilar,” he tweeted, “a talented artist and beloved fountain of love and inspiration to all.”
Reportedly, Aguilar’s health had been on the decline for years, given his struggle with diabetes and heart issues. Several years ago, the artist had a stroke, from which he recovered.
Born in the San Miguel region of El Salvador in 1974, Aguilar gravitated toward comic strips at an early age. At age 9, he fled his native country—which was in the midst of a civil war—alongside his brother, to avoid being...
- 4/14/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Huayi Brothers Co-Founder and Chairman Wang Zhongjun has resigned from his post as executive chairman of the board at Huayi Tencent Entertainment, the latter company announced Friday. He will step down next Tuesday because he “needs to focus on other matters,” it said.
Wang will be vacating his Huayi Tencent roles as executive director and chairman of the board, as well as his positions as both chairman and member of the company’s nomination and corporate governance committees. The company said there are “no disagreements” between Wang and the rest of its board of directors.
Yuen Hoi Po, Huayi Tencent’s CEO and executive director, will temporary assume Wang’s responsibilities. A new chairman will be elected “as soon as possible” to fill Wang’s role.
His resignation nonetheless augurs poorly for the declining Huayi Brothers, China’s oldest and leading private production company. Despite having produced “The Eight Hundred,...
Wang will be vacating his Huayi Tencent roles as executive director and chairman of the board, as well as his positions as both chairman and member of the company’s nomination and corporate governance committees. The company said there are “no disagreements” between Wang and the rest of its board of directors.
Yuen Hoi Po, Huayi Tencent’s CEO and executive director, will temporary assume Wang’s responsibilities. A new chairman will be elected “as soon as possible” to fill Wang’s role.
His resignation nonetheless augurs poorly for the declining Huayi Brothers, China’s oldest and leading private production company. Despite having produced “The Eight Hundred,...
- 3/26/2021
- by Rebecca Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Fox is developing an animated comedy based on the Crag Banyon Mysteries books by James Mullaney.
Mullaney and Shane Black will write and executive produce the project, which is titled “Crag Banyon P.I.” It follows the supernatural adventures of an alcoholic ex-cop and current private investigator, Banyon, as he solves cases in an alternate noir, otherworldly reality.
Along with Mullaney and Black, David Silverman, Greg Silverman and Paul Shapiro of Stampede Ventures will executive produce along with David Greenblatt of Greenlit and Tripp Vinson of Vinson Films. Should the project receive a presentation order, David Silverman would direct. Fox Entertainment will serve as the studio, with Bento Box Entertainment providing animation.
Fox previously aired the series version of “Lethal Weapon,” with Black having written the screenplay for the original film. He is also known for writing and directing films such as “The Predator,” “The Nice Guys,” and “Iron Man 3.
Mullaney and Shane Black will write and executive produce the project, which is titled “Crag Banyon P.I.” It follows the supernatural adventures of an alcoholic ex-cop and current private investigator, Banyon, as he solves cases in an alternate noir, otherworldly reality.
Along with Mullaney and Black, David Silverman, Greg Silverman and Paul Shapiro of Stampede Ventures will executive produce along with David Greenblatt of Greenlit and Tripp Vinson of Vinson Films. Should the project receive a presentation order, David Silverman would direct. Fox Entertainment will serve as the studio, with Bento Box Entertainment providing animation.
Fox previously aired the series version of “Lethal Weapon,” with Black having written the screenplay for the original film. He is also known for writing and directing films such as “The Predator,” “The Nice Guys,” and “Iron Man 3.
- 12/10/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Iron Man 3 writer and director Shane Black is moving into animation with a new comedy project at Fox. Black, who also wrote the first two Lethal Weapon movies, is developing Crag Banyon P.I., based on James Mullaney’s book series.
Black and Mullaney will write and exec produce the project, which will also be exec produced by Stampede Ventures’ David Silverman, Greg Silverman and Paul Shapiro; Greenlit’s David Greenblatt; and Vinson Films’ Tripp Vinson.
If the project receives a presentation order at the network, David Silverman, who helmed The Simpsons Movie, will direct. It currently has a script commitment with Fox Entertainment as the studio with Bento Box producing the animation.
Crag Banyon P.I follows the supernatural adventures of Banyon, an alcoholic ex-cop and current private investigator, as he solves cases in an alternate noir, otherworldly reality. Mullaney has written seven books in the series including...
Black and Mullaney will write and exec produce the project, which will also be exec produced by Stampede Ventures’ David Silverman, Greg Silverman and Paul Shapiro; Greenlit’s David Greenblatt; and Vinson Films’ Tripp Vinson.
If the project receives a presentation order at the network, David Silverman, who helmed The Simpsons Movie, will direct. It currently has a script commitment with Fox Entertainment as the studio with Bento Box producing the animation.
Crag Banyon P.I follows the supernatural adventures of Banyon, an alcoholic ex-cop and current private investigator, as he solves cases in an alternate noir, otherworldly reality. Mullaney has written seven books in the series including...
- 12/10/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The creative team behind Fox’s long-running animated series The Simpsons joined Comic-Con@Home on Saturday to share clips from the forthcoming Season 32 as well as reveal some of the A-list guest-stars. Among them: Ben Platt, Hannibal Buress and Michael Palin. In addition, as previously announced, David Harbour is onboard to voice an alternate version of Mr. Burns, while Olivia Colman will voice a femme fatale.
Present for the pre-recorded Zoom session today was executive producer Al Jean, executive producer Matt Selman, producer-director David Silverman, Emmy-winning writer Carolyn Omine and supervising animation director Mike B. Anderson.
Yeardley Smith, the voice of Lisa Simpson, served as moderator.
While the group didn’t offer many details on the upcoming season, which returns to Fox on September 27, Jean mentioned that fans will most likely see references from other Fox animated shows on The Simpsons, as has been done on previous seasons.
Present for the pre-recorded Zoom session today was executive producer Al Jean, executive producer Matt Selman, producer-director David Silverman, Emmy-winning writer Carolyn Omine and supervising animation director Mike B. Anderson.
Yeardley Smith, the voice of Lisa Simpson, served as moderator.
While the group didn’t offer many details on the upcoming season, which returns to Fox on September 27, Jean mentioned that fans will most likely see references from other Fox animated shows on The Simpsons, as has been done on previous seasons.
- 7/25/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
The Simpsons, the Harts, the Belchers and the Griffins will see you in September.
New episodes of The Simpsons (Season 32), Bless the Harts (Season 2), Bob’s Burgers (Season 11) and Family Guy (Season 19) premiere Sunday, Sept. 27 at 8/7c on Fox, TVLine has learned. Additionally the second season of Duncanville will premiere in 2021.
More from TVLineFox Fall Schedule: Pandemic-Proof Plan Is Revealed — 9-1-1 and Other Returning Scripted Fare Pushed to 2021Simpsons Will 'No Longer' Have White Actors Play Non-White CharactersFox's Next: How a Creepy Alexa Spawned This Fall's Evil A.I. Drama
And how’s this for a couch gag? TVLine...
New episodes of The Simpsons (Season 32), Bless the Harts (Season 2), Bob’s Burgers (Season 11) and Family Guy (Season 19) premiere Sunday, Sept. 27 at 8/7c on Fox, TVLine has learned. Additionally the second season of Duncanville will premiere in 2021.
More from TVLineFox Fall Schedule: Pandemic-Proof Plan Is Revealed — 9-1-1 and Other Returning Scripted Fare Pushed to 2021Simpsons Will 'No Longer' Have White Actors Play Non-White CharactersFox's Next: How a Creepy Alexa Spawned This Fall's Evil A.I. Drama
And how’s this for a couch gag? TVLine...
- 7/22/2020
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
This year’s virtual Comic-Con@Home has announced its schedule for Saturday, July 25. The highlights are below.
The virtual event replaces the annual San Diego Comic-Con, the largest fan convention in North America, which was to be held July 22–26 at the San Diego Convention Center, until the Covid-19 pandemic forced its cancellation.
In June, Comic-Con International — the non-profit organization that oversees Sdcc and its sister event, WonderCon in Anaheim, Calif. — announced it was moving forward with the virtual event on the same dates. This time, however, the event is free and open to all.
The Comic-Con@Home schedule — including Wednesday, July 22, Thursday, July 23, and Friday, July 24 — is being announced daily through Sunday.
Saturday’s events include (all times are Pacific Daylight):
10–11 a.m.
“Cosmos: Possible Worlds” — featuring the host and creators of the Fox docu-series, including host Neil deGrasse Tyson, visual effects supervisor Jeffrey A. Okun, executive producer and director Ann Druyan,...
The virtual event replaces the annual San Diego Comic-Con, the largest fan convention in North America, which was to be held July 22–26 at the San Diego Convention Center, until the Covid-19 pandemic forced its cancellation.
In June, Comic-Con International — the non-profit organization that oversees Sdcc and its sister event, WonderCon in Anaheim, Calif. — announced it was moving forward with the virtual event on the same dates. This time, however, the event is free and open to all.
The Comic-Con@Home schedule — including Wednesday, July 22, Thursday, July 23, and Friday, July 24 — is being announced daily through Sunday.
Saturday’s events include (all times are Pacific Daylight):
10–11 a.m.
“Cosmos: Possible Worlds” — featuring the host and creators of the Fox docu-series, including host Neil deGrasse Tyson, visual effects supervisor Jeffrey A. Okun, executive producer and director Ann Druyan,...
- 7/11/2020
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
It’s a Comic-Con first: This year, fans worldwide will be able to partake in the pop culture extravaganza for free and from the comfort of their couches, as the annual event shifts to an at-home virtual edition as a result of the global coronavirus pandemic. Instead of having to flock to San Diego, TV aficionados will be able to watch a series of streaming panels via YouTube, taking place Wednesday, July 22 through Sunday, July 26.*
To help you navigate Comic-Con @ Home, we’ve compiled all the major TV-related events. We’ll be updating this post as more panels (and specific day/times) are officially announced,...
To help you navigate Comic-Con @ Home, we’ve compiled all the major TV-related events. We’ll be updating this post as more panels (and specific day/times) are officially announced,...
- 7/1/2020
- by Vlada Gelman
- TVLine.com
This year’s San Diego Comic-Con fest may not be taking place in-person this year, but the event still has plenty of TV show panels and screenings that fans can watch from the safety of their homes. For your convenience, Variety has compiled a master list of all the details pertaining the pop culture convention set for July 23-26.
AMC Networks was the first to share plans for this special event, including a number of panels dedicated to “The Walking Dead” universe. Disney then followed, dedicating a number of panels to animated series from “The Simpsons” to “Solar Opposites,” as well as its upcoming live-action A.I. drama “Next.”
As of press time, the below panels don’t yet have scheduled dates and times to be posted online, so check back here, as we will update this post with that information, as well as more panels, as they get announced.
AMC Networks was the first to share plans for this special event, including a number of panels dedicated to “The Walking Dead” universe. Disney then followed, dedicating a number of panels to animated series from “The Simpsons” to “Solar Opposites,” as well as its upcoming live-action A.I. drama “Next.”
As of press time, the below panels don’t yet have scheduled dates and times to be posted online, so check back here, as we will update this post with that information, as well as more panels, as they get announced.
- 6/24/2020
- by Klaritza Rico
- Variety Film + TV
Us-China co-production is being launched in Toronto by Ralph Kamp’s UK-based sales agent Timeless Films.
Adam Devine, Rachel Bloom, Zazie Beetz and Ken Jeong will head the voice cast for animated Us-China co-production Extinct, which is being launched in Toronto by Ralph Kamp’s UK-based sales agent Timeless Films.
The original story follows two donut-shaped animals – flummels – who accidentally time-travel from 1835 to modern-day Shanghai. They discover their species has become extinct and have to find a way to change the course of history.
It is produced by China Lion, Hb Wink, Huayi Tencent Entertainment and Tolerable Entertainment and is...
Adam Devine, Rachel Bloom, Zazie Beetz and Ken Jeong will head the voice cast for animated Us-China co-production Extinct, which is being launched in Toronto by Ralph Kamp’s UK-based sales agent Timeless Films.
The original story follows two donut-shaped animals – flummels – who accidentally time-travel from 1835 to modern-day Shanghai. They discover their species has become extinct and have to find a way to change the course of history.
It is produced by China Lion, Hb Wink, Huayi Tencent Entertainment and Tolerable Entertainment and is...
- 9/5/2019
- by Liz Shackleton
- ScreenDaily
Adam Devine (The Righteous Gemstones), Rachel Bloom (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), Zazie Beetz (Deadpool 2) and Ken Jeong (Crazy Rich Asians) have joined the voice cast of upcoming U.S.-Chinese animated feature Extinct.
The co-production, being directed by David Silverman (The Simpsons Movie) and co-directed Raymond Persi (The Simpsons), follows two doughnut-shaped animals called Flummels who accidentally time-travel from 1835 to modern-day Shanghai. Jim Jefferies (The Jim Jefferies Show), Catherine O’Hara (Schitt’s Creek), Reggie Watts (The Late Late Show With James Corden) and Alex Borstein (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) are also set to add their voices.
Written by The ...
The co-production, being directed by David Silverman (The Simpsons Movie) and co-directed Raymond Persi (The Simpsons), follows two doughnut-shaped animals called Flummels who accidentally time-travel from 1835 to modern-day Shanghai. Jim Jefferies (The Jim Jefferies Show), Catherine O’Hara (Schitt’s Creek), Reggie Watts (The Late Late Show With James Corden) and Alex Borstein (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) are also set to add their voices.
Written by The ...
Adam Devine (The Righteous Gemstones), Rachel Bloom (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), Zazie Beetz (Deadpool 2) and Ken Jeong (Crazy Rich Asians) have joined the voice cast of upcoming U.S.-Chinese animated feature Extinct.
The co-production, being directed by David Silverman (The Simpsons Movie) and co-directed Raymond Persi (The Simpsons), follows two doughnut-shaped animals called Flummels who accidentally time-travel from 1835 to modern-day Shanghai. Jim Jefferies (The Jim Jefferies Show), Catherine O’Hara (Schitt’s Creek), Reggie Watts (The Late Late Show With James Corden) and Alex Borstein (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) are also set to add their voices.
Written by The ...
The co-production, being directed by David Silverman (The Simpsons Movie) and co-directed Raymond Persi (The Simpsons), follows two doughnut-shaped animals called Flummels who accidentally time-travel from 1835 to modern-day Shanghai. Jim Jefferies (The Jim Jefferies Show), Catherine O’Hara (Schitt’s Creek), Reggie Watts (The Late Late Show With James Corden) and Alex Borstein (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) are also set to add their voices.
Written by The ...
Adam Devine (The Righteous Gemstones), Rachel Bloom (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), Zazie Beetz (Deadpool 2) and Ken Jeong (Crazy Rich Asians) will lend their voices to animation feature, Extinct, from China Lion, Hb Wink, Huayi Tencent Entertainment Ltd, Tolerable Entertainment and Timeless Films. David Silverman, who directed 2007’s The Simpsons Movie and co-directed Monsters Inc, is helming the adventure-comedy along with co-director Raymond Persi (The Simpsons).
Timeless is handling international sales, which will launch at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The Simpsons veterans Joel Cohen, John Frink, and Rob Lazebnik penned the screenplay. It follows Op and Ed, two adorable donut-shaped animals — Flummels — who accidentally time-travel from 1835 to modern-day Shanghai. There they discover traffic, trans fats, and worst of all, that flummels are now extinct. It’s up to this bumbling pair to save themselves and their species… and, just maybe, change the course of history.
Jim Jefferies (The Jim Jefferies Show...
Timeless is handling international sales, which will launch at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The Simpsons veterans Joel Cohen, John Frink, and Rob Lazebnik penned the screenplay. It follows Op and Ed, two adorable donut-shaped animals — Flummels — who accidentally time-travel from 1835 to modern-day Shanghai. There they discover traffic, trans fats, and worst of all, that flummels are now extinct. It’s up to this bumbling pair to save themselves and their species… and, just maybe, change the course of history.
Jim Jefferies (The Jim Jefferies Show...
- 9/3/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
The voice cast for U.S.-Chinese animated movie “Extinct” will feature Adam Devine, Rachel Bloom, Zazie Beetz and Ken Jeong. The film is being directed by David Silverman (“The Simpsons Movie”). “The Simpsons” veterans Joel Cohen, John Frink, and Rob Lazebnik are writing.
The adventure-comedy will follow Op and Ed, a species of donut-shaped animals called flummels. They accidentally time-travel from 1835 to modern-day Shanghai where they discover traffic, trans fats, and the fact that flummels have become extinct. The duo set out to to save themselves and their species.
The movie comes from China Lion, Hb Wink, Huayi Tencent Entertainment, and Tolerable Entertainment. Timeless Films has boarded the project and will sell it internationally, kicking off the sales effort at the Toronto Film Festival.
“We are really looking forward to screening the first footage from this incredibly funny film to our distributors at Toronto,” said Timeless CEO and chairman Ralph Kamp.
The adventure-comedy will follow Op and Ed, a species of donut-shaped animals called flummels. They accidentally time-travel from 1835 to modern-day Shanghai where they discover traffic, trans fats, and the fact that flummels have become extinct. The duo set out to to save themselves and their species.
The movie comes from China Lion, Hb Wink, Huayi Tencent Entertainment, and Tolerable Entertainment. Timeless Films has boarded the project and will sell it internationally, kicking off the sales effort at the Toronto Film Festival.
“We are really looking forward to screening the first footage from this incredibly funny film to our distributors at Toronto,” said Timeless CEO and chairman Ralph Kamp.
- 9/3/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Coming off one of its most contentious years in history, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences has sent out its list of candidates for its Board of Governors elections late this month.
The Board of Governors directs the Academy’s strategic vision, preserves the organization’s financial health, and assures the fulfillment of its mission.
Governors attend 6-8 board meetings annually (in person or by video conference when out of town). Each Governor also serves on one board oversight committee and their branch’s executive committee, and they are expected to represent their branch at numerous Academy events through the year.
Governors have fiduciary responsibilities imposed by state law to serve the Academy’s best interests, by acting with responsibility and care when approving annual goals presented by management, as well as major policies concerning governance.
CEO Dawn Hudson oversees a staff of more than 300 who conduct the Academy’s day-to-day business.
The Board of Governors directs the Academy’s strategic vision, preserves the organization’s financial health, and assures the fulfillment of its mission.
Governors attend 6-8 board meetings annually (in person or by video conference when out of town). Each Governor also serves on one board oversight committee and their branch’s executive committee, and they are expected to represent their branch at numerous Academy events through the year.
Governors have fiduciary responsibilities imposed by state law to serve the Academy’s best interests, by acting with responsibility and care when approving annual goals presented by management, as well as major policies concerning governance.
CEO Dawn Hudson oversees a staff of more than 300 who conduct the Academy’s day-to-day business.
- 5/10/2019
- by Michael Cieply and Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Chinese-foreign animation alliances were discussed by execs from Huayi Brothers and iQiyi Pictures.
China’s animation industry is starting to explore international markets, but with a more realistic view of what works outside China, said speakers on a panel about Chinese-foreign animation alliances at Filmart yesterday.
“It’s harder to please both East and West – you can try to make content that is successful in other markets, but you have to gear it to one side or the other,” said Joe Aguilar, CEO of Huayi Brothers Wink Animation. “Trying to be in the middle is just confusing for audiences.”
Aguilar explained Wink’s business model,...
China’s animation industry is starting to explore international markets, but with a more realistic view of what works outside China, said speakers on a panel about Chinese-foreign animation alliances at Filmart yesterday.
“It’s harder to please both East and West – you can try to make content that is successful in other markets, but you have to gear it to one side or the other,” said Joe Aguilar, CEO of Huayi Brothers Wink Animation. “Trying to be in the middle is just confusing for audiences.”
Aguilar explained Wink’s business model,...
- 3/19/2019
- by Liz Shackleton
- ScreenDaily
China’s Wink Animation, a division of Huayi Brothers, is a Chinese animation company that creates both Chinese-language films and globally-skewing features for the young adult market. It produces both fully animated and hybrid content that combines live action with animated characters.
The company is led by CEO Joe Aguilar, former CFO of Oriental DreamWorks, who led the flagship Sino-Hollywood co-venture while it produced “Kung Fu Panda 3,” the highest-grossing animated co-production of its time. Aguilar will be at FilMart on Tuesday to deliver a keynote address on co-productions in the animation space.
According to Aguilar, it will still be quite some time before globally successful animated co-productions explode onto the scene. “It’s not going to go as fast as everyone wants it to happen. There’s a lot to learn in terms of the risk factors, and culturally about how to work together,” he told Variety.
Since a...
The company is led by CEO Joe Aguilar, former CFO of Oriental DreamWorks, who led the flagship Sino-Hollywood co-venture while it produced “Kung Fu Panda 3,” the highest-grossing animated co-production of its time. Aguilar will be at FilMart on Tuesday to deliver a keynote address on co-productions in the animation space.
According to Aguilar, it will still be quite some time before globally successful animated co-productions explode onto the scene. “It’s not going to go as fast as everyone wants it to happen. There’s a lot to learn in terms of the risk factors, and culturally about how to work together,” he told Variety.
Since a...
- 3/18/2019
- by Rebecca Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Springfield and Chill? Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos will make an appearance, as himself, during the show’s upcoming Season 30.
Sarandos will show up in February as part of the episode “I’m Dancing as Fat as I Can.” He was one of several guest stars announced on Saturday at “The Simpsons” San Diego Comic-Con panel.
“The Simpsons” returns on September 30 with the episode “Bart’s Not Dead,” featuring guests Emily Deschanel, Gal Gadot, Dave Attell, Pete Holmes, and Jonathan Groff. (Deschanel and Gadot will play themselves on the episode.)
Tracy Morgan will appear in two different episodes: “May Way or the Highway to Heaven” (as himself) and “Baby You Can’t Drive My Car” (as Tow Truck Driver). Scott Thompson plays “Grady” and RuPaul is “Queen Chante” in the episode “Werking Mom,” while Billy Eichner plays “Billy” in the episode “Krusty the Clown.”
Other guests include Jane Lynch...
Sarandos will show up in February as part of the episode “I’m Dancing as Fat as I Can.” He was one of several guest stars announced on Saturday at “The Simpsons” San Diego Comic-Con panel.
“The Simpsons” returns on September 30 with the episode “Bart’s Not Dead,” featuring guests Emily Deschanel, Gal Gadot, Dave Attell, Pete Holmes, and Jonathan Groff. (Deschanel and Gadot will play themselves on the episode.)
Tracy Morgan will appear in two different episodes: “May Way or the Highway to Heaven” (as himself) and “Baby You Can’t Drive My Car” (as Tow Truck Driver). Scott Thompson plays “Grady” and RuPaul is “Queen Chante” in the episode “Werking Mom,” while Billy Eichner plays “Billy” in the episode “Krusty the Clown.”
Other guests include Jane Lynch...
- 7/21/2018
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
For the 29th edition of its annual Halloween-themed “Treehouse of Horror” franchise, “The Simpsons” are taking a trip… to “Jurassic Park.”
Only these dinosaurs are more of the Grandpa Simpson variety. “Geriatric Park” is among the highlights of this year’s “Treehouse of Horror,” as evidenced by a new poster that Fox and “The Simpsons” will pass out at next week’s San Diego Comic-Con. Fox has given IndieWire a first look at the one-sheet — and fans of the show’s annual horror parody won’t be disappointed. Scroll down for a view of this year’s Comic-Con poster, devoted to “Treehouse of Horror Xxix.”
Executive producer Al Jean had earlier hinted on Twitter that the next “Treehouse” edition will satirize “Jurassic Park,” “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” and “The Three Faces of Eve,” and that appears to be borne out on the poster. Here’s the logline for “Treehouse...
Only these dinosaurs are more of the Grandpa Simpson variety. “Geriatric Park” is among the highlights of this year’s “Treehouse of Horror,” as evidenced by a new poster that Fox and “The Simpsons” will pass out at next week’s San Diego Comic-Con. Fox has given IndieWire a first look at the one-sheet — and fans of the show’s annual horror parody won’t be disappointed. Scroll down for a view of this year’s Comic-Con poster, devoted to “Treehouse of Horror Xxix.”
Executive producer Al Jean had earlier hinted on Twitter that the next “Treehouse” edition will satirize “Jurassic Park,” “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” and “The Three Faces of Eve,” and that appears to be borne out on the poster. Here’s the logline for “Treehouse...
- 7/11/2018
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
San Diego Comic-Con 2018 is quickly approaching, so we’re finally getting a good look at the schedule for the show. Even though that we’re only a few weeks away, the official blog for San Diego Comic-Con 2018 has begun to reveal the daily schedule for the show. In the last two days, we’ve seen the list of panels and events for Thursday, July 19th and Friday, July 20th.
Now, the Friday, July 21st schedule has been revealed, confirming panels for ‘Supergirl’, ‘Arrow’, ‘The Flash’, ‘Black Lightning’ and DC’s ‘Legends of Tomorrow’. Con-goers will also be privy to the premiere of an uncut version of ‘Deadpool 2′ and a 25th anniversary screening ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’. The only big mystery left to solve will be what the Warner Bros. panel will consist of although ‘Aquaman’, ‘Shazam’ and ‘Wonder Woman 1984′ are all good bets. Here are some of the...
Now, the Friday, July 21st schedule has been revealed, confirming panels for ‘Supergirl’, ‘Arrow’, ‘The Flash’, ‘Black Lightning’ and DC’s ‘Legends of Tomorrow’. Con-goers will also be privy to the premiere of an uncut version of ‘Deadpool 2′ and a 25th anniversary screening ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’. The only big mystery left to solve will be what the Warner Bros. panel will consist of although ‘Aquaman’, ‘Shazam’ and ‘Wonder Woman 1984′ are all good bets. Here are some of the...
- 7/9/2018
- by Taylor Salan
- Age of the Nerd
Comic-Con International has released their schedules for Saturday, July 21st and Sunday, July 22nd for San Diego Comic-Con and as you'll see there a hell of a lot of cool stuff to see even though Marvel Studios opted to not have a panel this year. At least Deadpool will be there!
There's a ton of great things going on over the course of these two days that will keep fans plenty busy. I've included a few of the more popular things that might be worth checking out below. They include panels for the upcoming Warner Bros. and DC movies, The Simpsons, Krypton, The Gifted, Arrow, Batman: The Animated Series, Deadpool 2, The Flash, Disenchantment, The Orville, Riverdale, Legion, Marvel Animation, and more.
Check out the schedules and let us know what you're most looking forward too! With Marvel not making an appearance, DC is sure to reign supreme at the con this year.
There's a ton of great things going on over the course of these two days that will keep fans plenty busy. I've included a few of the more popular things that might be worth checking out below. They include panels for the upcoming Warner Bros. and DC movies, The Simpsons, Krypton, The Gifted, Arrow, Batman: The Animated Series, Deadpool 2, The Flash, Disenchantment, The Orville, Riverdale, Legion, Marvel Animation, and more.
Check out the schedules and let us know what you're most looking forward too! With Marvel not making an appearance, DC is sure to reign supreme at the con this year.
- 7/8/2018
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
With more TV shows available than ever before, 2018’s San Diego Comic-Con will likely be bigger and better than ever for small-screen content. To keep you updated on the happenings this year, Variety is compiling a master list of screenings and panels for the July 19 – July 22 pop culture convention. Bookmark this page to stay up to date on the schedule, as we will continue to update when networks and studios release their schedules for the event.
Friday, July 20:
Young Justice: Outsiders Producers Greg Weisman, Brandon Vietti, art director Phil Bourassa, voice director Jamie Thomasson and members of the voice cast, Troy Baker and Stephaine Lemelin will join the “Young Justice” panel to talk about the teen superheroes’ latest challenge: meta-human trafficking and a genetic arms race. The show, produced by Warner Bros. Animation, follows the heroes of the DC comics as they come of age and will soon be...
Friday, July 20:
Young Justice: Outsiders Producers Greg Weisman, Brandon Vietti, art director Phil Bourassa, voice director Jamie Thomasson and members of the voice cast, Troy Baker and Stephaine Lemelin will join the “Young Justice” panel to talk about the teen superheroes’ latest challenge: meta-human trafficking and a genetic arms race. The show, produced by Warner Bros. Animation, follows the heroes of the DC comics as they come of age and will soon be...
- 6/25/2018
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
It’s almost that time of year when hordes of TV fans storm San Diego to get a sneak peek at their favorite returning shows and a glimpse of the upcoming season’s best new offerings at Comic-Con 2018. Below, we’ve compiled the dates, times and locations of all the major TV-related events.*
We’ll be updating this page as more panels are announced, so make sure to bookmark it and check back often!
Not paneling at Sdcc this year: Game of Thrones, Outlander, Westworld, iZombie, The 100, Gotham, Blindspot
Tba
Deadly Class (Syfy) | Tba
Doctor Who (BBC America) | Stars Jodie Whittaker,...
We’ll be updating this page as more panels are announced, so make sure to bookmark it and check back often!
Not paneling at Sdcc this year: Game of Thrones, Outlander, Westworld, iZombie, The 100, Gotham, Blindspot
Tba
Deadly Class (Syfy) | Tba
Doctor Who (BBC America) | Stars Jodie Whittaker,...
- 6/25/2018
- TVLine.com
20th Century Fox Television, always a fixture at San Diego Comic-Con, will be spotlighting its brand new vampire series The Passage this year with a world premiere screening and talent session.
The series, which is launching on Fox in early 2019, is based on Justin Cronin’s bestselling fantasy book trilogy about a secret government medical facility that experiments with a dangerous virus that could either cure all disease or cause the downfall of the human race. Series stars Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Saniyaa Sidney, Henry Ian Cusick, Jamie McShane and Ep Liz Heldens and Ep/director Jason Ensler will be chatting on the first Friday night of Comic-Con at 6 Pm.
Other highlights include a sneak peek of Season 2 of the X-Men-inspired series The Gifted on Saturday at 2:30 Pm. And we can’t forget Kurt Sutter bringing his FX Sons of Anarchy spinoff Mayans M.C. on Sunday.
Below is Fox’s full schedule for Comic-Con,...
The series, which is launching on Fox in early 2019, is based on Justin Cronin’s bestselling fantasy book trilogy about a secret government medical facility that experiments with a dangerous virus that could either cure all disease or cause the downfall of the human race. Series stars Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Saniyaa Sidney, Henry Ian Cusick, Jamie McShane and Ep Liz Heldens and Ep/director Jason Ensler will be chatting on the first Friday night of Comic-Con at 6 Pm.
Other highlights include a sneak peek of Season 2 of the X-Men-inspired series The Gifted on Saturday at 2:30 Pm. And we can’t forget Kurt Sutter bringing his FX Sons of Anarchy spinoff Mayans M.C. on Sunday.
Below is Fox’s full schedule for Comic-Con,...
- 6/25/2018
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Don’t be like Marge Simpson and Don Draper this Monday.
That’s perhaps the unexpected takeaway from memorable eclipse storylines on both “The Simpsons” and “Mad Men.” Marge and Don both look directly at the sun, with mixed results. And they’re not the only ones with bad eclipse habits.
As the continental United States embraces Eclipse Fever, here are a handful of recent TV series and movies that have incorporated the solar event into storylines and plots. The website Eclipse Guy has put together a thorough database of movies, TV series, music videos and commercials that have included eclipse scenes; IndieWire has curated a list of six recent ones on the small screen.
“The Simpsons”
The 433rd episode of “The Simpsons,” 2009’s “Gone Maggie Gone,” starts off with a sequence in which Marge, who gives her camera obscura to Homer (who had naturally broken his), decides to peek...
That’s perhaps the unexpected takeaway from memorable eclipse storylines on both “The Simpsons” and “Mad Men.” Marge and Don both look directly at the sun, with mixed results. And they’re not the only ones with bad eclipse habits.
As the continental United States embraces Eclipse Fever, here are a handful of recent TV series and movies that have incorporated the solar event into storylines and plots. The website Eclipse Guy has put together a thorough database of movies, TV series, music videos and commercials that have included eclipse scenes; IndieWire has curated a list of six recent ones on the small screen.
“The Simpsons”
The 433rd episode of “The Simpsons,” 2009’s “Gone Maggie Gone,” starts off with a sequence in which Marge, who gives her camera obscura to Homer (who had naturally broken his), decides to peek...
- 8/19/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
126 people have written or co-written an episode of “The Simpsons,” most of whose names you probably don’t know. Among that company is Mimi Pond, who happens to have penned the long-running show’s first episode; in a new Jezebel interview, Pond says that she never became a full-time member of the writing staff because she’s a woman.
Read More:‘The Simpsons’ Star Nancy Cartwright: 30 Years Later, Bart Simpson Has Become a Grandma — and a First-Time Filmmaker
“I was never invited to be on staff, and I never knew why for the longest time,” she says of her experiences. Eventually the truth came out:
“No one ever called me or explained to me or apologized or anything. And it wasn’t until years later that I found out that Sam Simon, who was the showrunner, didn’t want any women around because he was going through a divorce.
Read More:‘The Simpsons’ Star Nancy Cartwright: 30 Years Later, Bart Simpson Has Become a Grandma — and a First-Time Filmmaker
“I was never invited to be on staff, and I never knew why for the longest time,” she says of her experiences. Eventually the truth came out:
“No one ever called me or explained to me or apologized or anything. And it wasn’t until years later that I found out that Sam Simon, who was the showrunner, didn’t want any women around because he was going through a divorce.
- 8/12/2017
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
‘The Simpsons Movie 2’ Is in ‘Earliest Stages of Development,’ According to Director David Silverman
It’s been 10 years since “The Simpsons Movie” arrived in theaters and pink donuts arrived in 7-11. Given how successful the film was — it made around $527 million and earned positive reviews — many have naturally wondered if and when a sequel might happen.
According to David Silverman, who directed the 2007 film, a silver-screen return to Springfield might be in the cards after all — though it’s still in “the very earliest stages” of development.
Read MoreMatt Groening and ‘The Simpsons’ Producers on 30 Years, Beating ‘Gunsmoke’ and Taking On Trump — IndieWire’s Turn It On Podcast
“I certainly am cautious about a couple things. I wouldn’t want it to be risky in terms of budget, and I would not want it to be anything that we did purely for the money,” he tells Entertainment Weekly while marking the film’s 10th anniversary. “I would want it to be a really great movie.
According to David Silverman, who directed the 2007 film, a silver-screen return to Springfield might be in the cards after all — though it’s still in “the very earliest stages” of development.
Read MoreMatt Groening and ‘The Simpsons’ Producers on 30 Years, Beating ‘Gunsmoke’ and Taking On Trump — IndieWire’s Turn It On Podcast
“I certainly am cautious about a couple things. I wouldn’t want it to be risky in terms of budget, and I would not want it to be anything that we did purely for the money,” he tells Entertainment Weekly while marking the film’s 10th anniversary. “I would want it to be a really great movie.
- 7/29/2017
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
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