Cartoon Brew

Raphael Bob-Waksberg is one of the sharpest writers working in TV animation. We caught up with him ahead of the 1-year anniversary of 'Long Story Short' and talked satire without cynicism, visual reinvention, and why streamers need to give shows time. https://lnkd.in/e_n_WXzu

Production workers at Netflix Animation Studios are the latest to ratify a union contract with The Animation Guild, after years of organization efforts. The deal was approved with almost 89% of the bargaining unit voting and 89% in favor of ratification. https://lnkd.in/edTK5Man

"I have decided to drop out of the AI program at Amazon. I will not be making a Punky Duck series." Days after defending his involvement in Amazon’s generative AI animation initiative, Jorge Gutierrez says he is exiting the program entirely. https://lnkd.in/ezvuSVwK

GKIDS is giving Kunihiko Ikuhara’s surreal anime landmark 'Adolescence of Utena' its first wide North American theatrical release this June. Tickets are now on sale for the two-night event, and likely to move quickly. https://lnkd.in/e5ZJf4EK

Netflix has released the trailer for 'I Am Frankelda,' the handmade stop-motion fantasy from Mexico's Cinema Fantasma and directors Roy and Arturo Ambriz. The Annie-nominated feature will hit the platform on June 12. https://lnkd.in/eQKUeBf5

"Ten years ago, we came in with a lot of excitement, energy to see what we could build": AnimaxFYB founder Francis Brown reflects on the Ghanaian studio’s first decade, training new talent, and building sustainable animation infrastructure in West Africa. "We need to look at being self-reliant and self-sustainable. If they pull the rug off your feet, you’re dead." Brown discusses commercial work, original IP, and why AnimaxFYB is betting on long-term growth over dependence on unpredictable global streamers. https://lnkd.in/eJGQuwbW

Sponsored: Join us in Los Angeles for a special screening of Netflix’s Stranger Things: Tales from ’85, followed by a Q&A with Eric Robles and Ian Graham, moderated by Carlos Aguilar. RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/ezkKTuUt

“This is an assault on artists everywhere”: 'Good Advice Cupcake' creator Loryn Brantz has condemned BuzzFeed and Amazon MGM Studios after learning her character is being adapted into an AI-assisted animated series without her involvement or approval. https://lnkd.in/eXzbqUKw

Amazon’s first slate of genAI animation projects includes a surprising name, 'The Book of Life' creator Jorge Gutierrez, who is helming a new series titled 'Punky Duck' as part of the experimental lineup. https://lnkd.in/eZ-b9PC6

Marvel has released the first trailer for 'X-Men ’97' S2, which premieres July 1 on Disney+. Notably, creator and head writer Beau DeMayo remains credited as a producer and writer on the new season despite being fired by Marvel Studios in March 2024. https://lnkd.in/d4aESq46