“Animation Fascination” Episode 59: AF News – Week of January 26th, 2014

Listen Now!!

The forecast for this episode is cloudy with a chance of awesome!

Stanford and Marc are joined by Jessica Wersky to discuss her studio visit to Sony Pictures Animation for the Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 Blu-ray press event. Jessica’s interviews with the co-director of the film Cody Cameron, and the director of the Blu-ray animated shorts David Feiss are included as well

Also Discussed: Stanford’s interview with actor Will Friedle (Bumblebee, Transformers: Prime), How to Train Your Dragon 2 teaser posters, Pixar’s Toy Story Christmas special, and Illumination Entertainment’s upcoming slate of films.

(Recorded on 01/25/14)

Punnily Enough, Sony Throws a Delicious Party for ‘Cloudy 2’

We were lucky enough to be invited by the good people at Sony Pictures Animation to their press event for the release of Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2 on DVD/Blu-ray/3D Blu-ray (out on January 28th) this past Wednesday and the event was inventive, informative and quite tasty! It was my first time visiting an animation studio and I was impressed with the quaintness, yet professionalism of the staff. We got to venture around before events began and the quirky touches all around, such as life-size wooden character cutouts, concept artwork and spoof movie posters added to the whimsy of being there.

“Animation Fascination” Episode 56: The Best of 2013 and What to Look Forward to in 2014

Listen Now!!

Stanford Clark joins Marc to discuss their personal top five animated films of 2013. Which of your favorites from last year made their lists? They also look towards the future and discuss all of 2014’s upcoming animated films.

Also discussed: Doctor Who‘s 50th Anniversary and Christmas Specials, The Lone Ranger, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, and Mary Poppins.

(Recorded on 01/06/14)

19 Films Submitted for Best Animated Film Oscar Race

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (The Oscars) recently released the names of the 19 films that are vying for this year’s Best Animated Feature Film award. 

‘Cloudy 2’ Gets ‘New’ Single from Paul McCartney

Music legend Paul McCartney’s new single, which is aptly named “New,” is going to be on the soundtrack of Sony Pictures Animation’s upcoming Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2.

‘Cloudy 2’ Promotions Help Fight Hunger in America

Sony Pictures Animation’s Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 has teamed up with Feeding America and some of the leading produce growers in the U.S. in support of Hunger Action Month. Together, they are “feeding America” by donating, packing and delivering produce and food to those in need.

Fall 2013 Animated Movie Preview

While it’s been a busy summer at the movies, particularly for animation fans, the Hollywood studios aren’t stopping with the animated feature film releases now that fall is upon us. Here are the big three animated movies (and one live action) to look forward to this upcoming season.

“Animation Fascination” Episode 48: Arik Ehle – Pixar Animator

Listen Now!!

We journey back to the land of Emeryville, CA in this episode to interview another amazing Pixar employee. This time we were lucky enough to speak with Arik Ehle who started as a production assistant and has worked his way up to become an animator.

Filling in for Matt this week is our site writer, Stanford Clark. Join us as we discuss the Studio Ghibli documentary, the new Mickey Mouse shorts, and the newest animated Disney films.

“Animation Fascination” Episode 42: Nicktoons

Listen Now!!

Nick, Nick, Nick, Nick, NickNick, Nick Nick, Nickel-od-eon.

In this episode Marc and Matt are joined by Animation Fascination writer Matt Hardeman to discuss Nicktoons!

All your favorites are here; from Doug, Rugrats, and Angry Beavers, to Hey Arnold!, Ren and Stimpy, & The Wild Thornberrys.

So sit back, grab some powdered toast, rock out with The Beets, and tell old football head to move it, because this is sure to be a hoot!

Watch This: Terry Crews Narrates a Peek at Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 + Motion Poster

Terry Crews, athlete, actor, and now self-proclaimed “man of science,” is the star of a sneak peek of this fall’s highly anticipated sequel Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2. In this video courtesy of ComingSoon.net, Terry (who voices policeman Earl Devereaux in the sequel) discusses the mysterious goings on in Swallow Falls since we last left Flint Lockwood (voiced by Bill Hader) and the food disaster created by his infamous “FLDSMDFR” (“Flint Lockwood Diatonic Super Mutating Dynamic Food Replicator”). Food puns galore rule this in this wacky and fun clip. Watch out for the “fruit cockatiel,” “mosquitoast,” and the ever illusive and dangerous “sasquash”!