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Reel FX Talks ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants’

The leading animation studio translated the iconic property’s 2D origins into a fully realized 3DCG feature, exploring character deformation, lightweight rigs, and Houdini-driven workflows, balancing between stylization and realism for a look that still...

Reel FX Talks ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants’

The leading animation studio translated the iconic property’s 2D origins into a fully realized 3DCG feature, exploring character deformation, lightweight rigs, and Houdini-driven workflows, balancing between stylization and realism for a look that still...

Top Stories

Marvel Drops ‘Wonder Man’ Trailer #2

Streaming January 27 on Disney+, the new series, a satirical, tongue-in-cheek show about a famous superhero movie remake by a famous director, with 2 actors doggedly pursuing...
Breaking Down ‘WondLa’s Challenging and Heartbreaking Series Finale

Supervising director Andrew L. Schmidt and Carlos Baena, director of the last 2 episodes, talk about the third and final season’s epic climax - a sweeping, emotional battle for...
Jessica Rizk’s ‘Cracked’ Animated Short to Debut at Dances With Films: NY

The hand-drawn 2D film, which explores a dark journey into a woman's mind amidst her self-neglect during a mundane daily task, will make its North American premiere on January 16...
Netflix Drops ‘Stranger Things 5’ Series Finale Trailer

It’s the final battle in the Upside Down as the hugely popular show finishes its 5-season run; the fight to find and kill Vecna debuts December 31; Volume 1 and 2 are now...
Call for Entries: The Abidjan Animation Film Festival (FFAA)

Submissions in a selection of film categories are being accepted through January 10, 2026, for the event, which celebrates African and international animation.
Demon Slayers and Hunters: The Asian Animated Hits of 2025

Anime columnist Andrew Osmond recalls how Asia got so ‘big’ in animation this year, with infinity castles, a chainsaw man, K-pop singers and a Chinese deity.
Adult Swim Debuts 2 New ‘Off the Air’ Episodes, Celebrates 15 Years

The network’s iconic, surreal anthology, created by SMALLS wizard Dave Hughes, returns with ‘Growth’ and ‘VR’ themed segments as it marks its first episode, launched January 1,...

Marvel Drops ‘Wonder Man’ Trailer #2

Streaming January 27 on Disney+, the new series, a satirical, tongue-in-cheek show about a famous superhero movie remake by a famous director, with 2 actors doggedly pursuing...
Breaking Down ‘WondLa’s Challenging and Heartbreaking Series Finale

Supervising director Andrew L. Schmidt and Carlos Baena, director of the last 2 episodes, talk about the third and final season’s epic climax - a sweeping, emotional battle for...
Jessica Rizk’s ‘Cracked’ Animated Short to Debut at Dances With Films: NY

The hand-drawn 2D film, which explores a dark journey into a woman's mind amidst her self-neglect during a mundane daily task, will make its North American premiere on January 16...
Netflix Drops ‘Stranger Things 5’ Series Finale Trailer

It’s the final battle in the Upside Down as the hugely popular show finishes its 5-season run; the fight to find and kill Vecna debuts December 31; Volume 1 and 2 are now...
Call for Entries: The Abidjan Animation Film Festival (FFAA)

Submissions in a selection of film categories are being accepted through January 10, 2026, for the event, which celebrates African and international animation.
Demon Slayers and Hunters: The Asian Animated Hits of 2025

Anime columnist Andrew Osmond recalls how Asia got so ‘big’ in animation this year, with infinity castles, a chainsaw man, K-pop singers and a Chinese deity.

We Need More Surreal Headline News

Adult Swim Debuts 2 New ‘Off the Air’ Episodes, Celebrates 15 Years

The network’s iconic, surreal anthology, created by SMALLS wizard Dave Hughes, returns with ‘Growth’ and ‘VR’ themed segments as it marks its first episode, launched January 1, 2011.

In 2D, 3D, CG, Digital Media, Music Videos, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Don’t You Wish… Headline News

Exclusive: Netflix Drops ‘In Your Dreams: Behind the Animation’ Featurette

Director Alex Woo and stars Simu Liu, Cristin Milioti, and Craig Robinson go behind-the-scenes to share insights on production design, character design, and the vivid, colorful and ‘dreamy’ worlds of the hit feature, now streaming.

In 3D, Art, CG, Digital Media, Films, People, Voice Acting | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Your Next Read ANIMATIONWorld

Career Coach: Gift Ideas for Animation Fans

Consider these books for animation enthusiasts.

In Books, Films, Jobs & Recruiting, People, Short Films, Technology, Writing | ANIMATIONWorld | Columns: Career Coach | Geographic Region: All

The Brits and Their Mysteries… Headline News

Vine FX Delivers 235 VFX Shots For ‘Harlan Coben's Lazarus’

Watch the breakdown reel: from de-ageing Bill Nighy to shaping psychological landscapes, the studio was the sole VFX vendor on the mind-bending thriller series, now streaming on Prime Video.

In 3D, Acting, Books, CG, Digital Media, People, Television, Visual Effects | Headline News, VFXWorld | Geographic Region: All

It’s Anime-zing! Headline News

Warner Bros. Japan Reveals ‘STEEL BALL RUN JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’ Trailer

The anime series, which centers on the first horse racing championship across the North American continent, premieres March 19, 2026 on Netflix.

In 2D, Anime, CG, Digital Media, People, Television, Voice Acting | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Say Yes to Literacy Headline News

PBS Kids Sets ‘Phoebe & Jay’ Premiere

The new animated series, which aims to boost everyday literacy skills and empower preschoolers to navigate the world, launches February 2.

In 2D, CG, Community Outreach, Digital Media, Diversity and Inclusion, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Legends of Animation Headline News

L.A. Honors Phil Roman with ‘Phil Roman Square’

The famed Latino animation industry icon, along with family, friends, and City councilmember Adrin Nazarian, gathered last Monday to honor his 95^th birthday with the renaming of a city intersection in Toluca Lake.

In Diversity and Inclusion, Event, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: North America

In Passing Headline News

‘Call of Duty’ Designer Vince Zampella Dies at 55

Known for his co-creation of the hugely successful video game franchise, the prolific creator was killed in a fiery single car crash on the Angeles Crest Highway near Los Angeles on December 23.

In Games, In Passing, People | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News, VFXWorld | Geographic Region: All

call for entries Headline News

Fest Anča 2026 Announces Call for Entries

Registration is open until January 31, 2026; submissions registered between January 1-31 will be subject to a fee of €10 per film.

In Short Films | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

AI Tools for Animation Headline News

Masterpiece X Launches WorldEngen AI Copilot

Built for real 3D production workflows, the program unifies fragmented generative AI tools into a single copilot editor for building production-ready 3D scenes.

In 3D, AI, Business, CG, People, Technology | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News, VFXWorld | Geographic Region: All

Dept. of Sooner or Later… Headline News

Sony Taps Paul King to Direct ‘Labubu’ Feature

The ‘Wonka’ helmer boards the film based on Pop Mart’s infamous and hugely popular dolls that have become a worldwide phenomenon due to their clever ‘blind boxes’ and hot secondary market for in-demand designs.

In 3D, Acting, CG, Films, Licensing, People | Headline News, VFXWorld | Geographic Region: All

Animation Festival Blogs

ETIUDA AND ANIMA - 14 – 19 October 2025 Krakow, Poland

There is no better way to start a seven-week trip to festivals that will take me halfway around the world than to be on my way to the Etiuda & Anima Animation Festival in Krakow.

In ANIMATIONWorld | Blogs: Sprockets

More Alma is on the Way! Headline News

PBS Kids Reveals First Episodes from ‘Alma's Way’ Season 3

New season of the Fred Rogers Productions animated series begins with celebration of Black cowboy culture, creative ‘crowns,’ and quintessential NYC eats.

In 2D, CG, Digital Media, Diversity and Inclusion, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

We Want More Peanuts Headline News

Sony Acquires Wildbrain’s ‘Peanuts’ Stake

Sony Music and Sony Pictures will now indirectly own 80% of Peanuts Holdings LLC, while the Charles M. Schulz family will continue to own 20%.

In Business, Comics/Manga/Webcomics, Digital Media, Films, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

From the Dept. of It’s Here! Headline News

Emmy Winning Pixar Vet Stephan Bugaj Releases ‘The Seeker’ AI-Generated Film

The sci-fi feature, which follows a deep-space scavenger who is visited by a mysterious stranger, was created using Generative AI for all visuals and music, as well as all voices except for 2; now available at Genvid.

In 3D, AI, CG, Digital Media, Films, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Generative AI for Creators Headline News

Adobe, Runway Partner For Next Generation of AI Video

Adobe will serve as generative AI video company’s preferred API creativity partner to offer creators exclusive early access to new models, starting with Gen-4.5; now available in the Adobe Firefly app.

In 3D, AI, CG, People, Technology, Visual Effects | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News, VFXWorld | Geographic Region: All

The Ultimate Journey Headline News

Watch: Christopher Nolan’s Epic ‘The Odyssey’ Official Trailer

The Oscar-winning director returns to cinemas with his biggest film yet, bringing Homer’s foundational saga to IMAX for the first time; in theaters July 17, 2026.

In Acting, CG, Films, People, Visual Effects | Headline News, VFXWorld | Geographic Region: All

Tubular Tortoise Karate Warriors? ANIMATIONWorld

Ugly Mugs and AI Gone Wrong in ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Chrome Alone 2 - Lost in New Jersey’

In Paramount Picture’s animated short, a mysterious company run by an AI Robot, Chrome Dome, seeks to profit off the boy’s new hero status… with cheap, twisted, and lame looking toys that barely resemble the team.

In 3D, AI, CG, Films, People, Short Films, Voice Acting | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

kids’ animation Headline News

Millimages, StoryZoo & Friends Partner on Linear, FAST, AVOD and SVOD Channels

Deal to bring kids’ series to European viewers calls for licensing of more than 300 episodes from globally recognized preschool catalog, including ‘Louie (Louie, Draw Me),’ ‘Mouk,’ ‘Hilltop Hospital,’ and ‘Molang.’

In 2D, 3D, Business, Digital Media, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

call for entries Blogs

Call for Entries: Anifilm - 5 May to 10 May 2026 in Liberec, Cz

Do you have a new animated film, music video, commissioned work, video game, or VR film? Or maybe a short film or video game project in development? The Anifilm team would like to take this opportunity to remind you that the deadline for submissions to the festival competitions is 31 December 2025.

In ANIMATIONWorld | Blogs: Sprockets

More Funny Business Headline News

Tubi Expands Animation+ Partnership with Animated Comedy Slate

Newly added titles include series from the animation collective Explosm, Skybound Entertainment’s ‘PSI Cops,’ and ‘Melvin’s Macabre’ from Meatcanyon.

In 2D, 3D, Business, CG, Digital Media, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

That’ll Do Pig Headline News

Angel to Release Andy Serkis’ ‘Animal Farm’ in Theaters

The 3DCG adaptation of George Orwell’s classic novel boasts a voice cast that includes Seth Rogen, Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin, and Woody Harrelson; hits the cineplex on May 1, 2026.

In 3D, Business, CG, Films, People, Voice Acting | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Oh You Boys Headline News

Adult Swim Renews ‘Haha, You Clowns’ for 2 Additional Seasons

The animated comedy from creator Joe Cappa follows three doting teenagers and their recently widowed dad as they navigate life’s awkward, funny, and emotional moments together.

In 2D, Business, CG, Digital Media, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Didn’t See That Coming! Headline News

The Academy, YouTube Partner for Exclusive Global Rights to the Oscars

From 2029 through 2033, the annual awards, including red carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes content, and Governors Ball access, will be available live and for free on YouTube, and for YouTube TV subscribers in the United States.

In Awards, Business, Digital Media, Event, Films, Guilds/Unions/Organizations, People, Short Films | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News, VFXWorld | Special Events: Academy Awards | Geographic Region: All

call for entries Blogs

Call for Entries: Animafest Zagreb World Festival of Animated Film - 8 to 13 June 2026

Animafest Zagreb 2026 call for entries: Short film deadline 1 Feb, Feature deadline 15 Mar

In ANIMATIONWorld | Blogs: Sprockets

Pages

We Need More Surreal Headline News

Adult Swim Debuts 2 New ‘Off the Air’ Episodes, Celebrates 15 Years

The network’s iconic, surreal anthology, created by SMALLS wizard Dave Hughes, returns with ‘Growth’ and ‘VR’ themed segments as it marks its first episode, launched January 1, 2011.

In 2D, 3D, CG, Digital Media, Music Videos, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Don’t You Wish… Headline News

Exclusive: Netflix Drops ‘In Your Dreams: Behind the Animation’ Featurette

In 3D, Art, CG, Digital Media, Films, People, Voice Acting | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Your Next Read ANIMATIONWorld

Career Coach: Gift Ideas for Animation Fans

Consider these books for animation enthusiasts.

In Books, Films, Jobs & Recruiting, People, Short Films, Technology, Writing | ANIMATIONWorld | Columns: Career Coach | Geographic Region: All

The Brits and Their Mysteries… Headline News

Vine FX Delivers 235 VFX Shots For ‘Harlan Coben's Lazarus’

Watch the breakdown reel: from de-ageing Bill Nighy to shaping psychological landscapes, the studio was the sole VFX vendor on the mind-bending thriller series, now streaming on Prime Video.

In 3D, Acting, Books, CG, Digital Media, People, Television, Visual Effects | Headline News, VFXWorld | Geographic Region: All

It’s Anime-zing! Headline News

Warner Bros. Japan Reveals ‘STEEL BALL RUN JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’ Trailer

The anime series, which centers on the first horse racing championship across the North American continent, premieres March 19, 2026 on Netflix.

In 2D, Anime, CG, Digital Media, People, Television, Voice Acting | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Say Yes to Literacy Headline News

PBS Kids Sets ‘Phoebe & Jay’ Premiere

The new animated series, which aims to boost everyday literacy skills and empower preschoolers to navigate the world, launches February 2.

In 2D, CG, Community Outreach, Digital Media, Diversity and Inclusion, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Legends of Animation Headline News

L.A. Honors Phil Roman with ‘Phil Roman Square’

In Diversity and Inclusion, Event, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: North America

In Passing Headline News

‘Call of Duty’ Designer Vince Zampella Dies at 55

Known for his co-creation of the hugely successful video game franchise, the prolific creator was killed in a fiery single car crash on the Angeles Crest Highway near Los Angeles on December 23.

In Games, In Passing, People | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News, VFXWorld | Geographic Region: All

call for entries Headline News

Fest Anča 2026 Announces Call for Entries

Registration is open until January 31, 2026; submissions registered between January 1-31 will be subject to a fee of €10 per film.

In Short Films | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Animation Festival Blogs

ETIUDA AND ANIMA - 14 – 19 October 2025 Krakow, Poland

There is no better way to start a seven-week trip to festivals that will take me halfway around the world than to be on my way to the Etiuda & Anima Animation Festival in Krakow.

In ANIMATIONWorld | Blogs: Sprockets

AI Tools for Animation Headline News

Masterpiece X Launches WorldEngen AI Copilot

Built for real 3D production workflows, the program unifies fragmented generative AI tools into a single copilot editor for building production-ready 3D scenes.

In 3D, AI, Business, CG, People, Technology | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News, VFXWorld | Geographic Region: All

Dept. of Sooner or Later… Headline News

Sony Taps Paul King to Direct ‘Labubu’ Feature

In 3D, Acting, CG, Films, Licensing, People | Headline News, VFXWorld | Geographic Region: All

More Alma is on the Way! Headline News

PBS Kids Reveals First Episodes from ‘Alma's Way’ Season 3

New season of the Fred Rogers Productions animated series begins with celebration of Black cowboy culture, creative ‘crowns,’ and quintessential NYC eats.

In 2D, CG, Digital Media, Diversity and Inclusion, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

We Want More Peanuts Headline News

Sony Acquires Wildbrain’s ‘Peanuts’ Stake

Sony Music and Sony Pictures will now indirectly own 80% of Peanuts Holdings LLC, while the Charles M. Schulz family will continue to own 20%.

In Business, Comics/Manga/Webcomics, Digital Media, Films, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

From the Dept. of It’s Here! Headline News

Emmy Winning Pixar Vet Stephan Bugaj Releases ‘The Seeker’ AI-Generated Film

In 3D, AI, CG, Digital Media, Films, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Generative AI for Creators Headline News

Adobe, Runway Partner For Next Generation of AI Video

In 3D, AI, CG, People, Technology, Visual Effects | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News, VFXWorld | Geographic Region: All

The Ultimate Journey Headline News

Watch: Christopher Nolan’s Epic ‘The Odyssey’ Official Trailer

The Oscar-winning director returns to cinemas with his biggest film yet, bringing Homer’s foundational saga to IMAX for the first time; in theaters July 17, 2026.

In Acting, CG, Films, People, Visual Effects | Headline News, VFXWorld | Geographic Region: All

Tubular Tortoise Karate Warriors? ANIMATIONWorld

Ugly Mugs and AI Gone Wrong in ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Chrome Alone 2 - Lost in New Jersey’

In 3D, AI, CG, Films, People, Short Films, Voice Acting | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

kids’ animation Headline News

Millimages, StoryZoo & Friends Partner on Linear, FAST, AVOD and SVOD Channels

In 2D, 3D, Business, Digital Media, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

call for entries Blogs

Call for Entries: Anifilm - 5 May to 10 May 2026 in Liberec, Cz

In ANIMATIONWorld | Blogs: Sprockets

More Funny Business Headline News

Tubi Expands Animation+ Partnership with Animated Comedy Slate

Newly added titles include series from the animation collective Explosm, Skybound Entertainment’s ‘PSI Cops,’ and ‘Melvin’s Macabre’ from Meatcanyon.

In 2D, 3D, Business, CG, Digital Media, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

That’ll Do Pig Headline News

Angel to Release Andy Serkis’ ‘Animal Farm’ in Theaters

The 3DCG adaptation of George Orwell’s classic novel boasts a voice cast that includes Seth Rogen, Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin, and Woody Harrelson; hits the cineplex on May 1, 2026.

In 3D, Business, CG, Films, People, Voice Acting | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Oh You Boys Headline News

Adult Swim Renews ‘Haha, You Clowns’ for 2 Additional Seasons

The animated comedy from creator Joe Cappa follows three doting teenagers and their recently widowed dad as they navigate life’s awkward, funny, and emotional moments together.