NBCUniversal Is Building Its Own Children’s Channel

The New York Times has an interesting article up about NBCUniversal’s new kids network which will replace the Sprout Network.

From the article:
LOS ANGELES — In a new salvo in the children’s television wars, NBCUniversal is creating its own Disney Channel.

Starting on Sept. 9, NBCUniversal will turn one of its smallest cable properties, Sprout, into a network called Universal Kids, said Deirdre Brennan, who will oversee the effort. She said NBCUniversal wanted to create an “umbrella brand” for its family offerings — television cartoons made by the Universal-owned DreamWorks Animation, Universal-Illumination films and attractions at Universal theme parks.

Sprout is solely aimed at preschool viewers, but Universal Kids will concentrate on children 2 through 11. The revamped channel’s first series will be “Top Chef Junior,” a spinoff of the cooking show on NBCUniversal’s Bravo.

“Reality programming is a real white space in the U.S. children’s market — food, pets, dancing, even news,” said Ms. Brennan, who will be general manager of Universal Kids. “Look at how sophisticated 11-year-olds are these days. They want more than the same sitcoms.”

DWA TV Production – Prop Designer

DWA TV Production – Prop Designer

About Us
From the award-winning storytellers, artist and innovators at DreamWorks Animation and DreamWorks Animation Television come the beloved characters and stories that come alive on the big and small screens. From films like Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon and Trolls to original TV series including Trollhunters, Voltron and Home: Adventures with Tip & Oh, DreamWorks Animation continues to bring home the laughter, fun and courage to dream.

Visit www.dreamworksanimation.com to see our latest animated film and television productions.

DreamWorks is a division of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBCUniversal’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Generates prop designs, turnarounds, special poses and any other prop-related art that the production may require, ensuring style and quality of show is met.  Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
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• Review script/animatic/breakdown list for props needed at handout of show.
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• Complete all rough, revised and final designs necessary within assigned deadlines.
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• Resolve design problems with creative supervisors.
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• Ensure all deadlines are met.
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• Communicate progress of work to appropriate production staff.
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• Ensure all artwork is properly backed up and stored appropriately.
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• Ensure all shipping materials are prepared and ready on time.
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• Be available for questions until department’s shipment is complete.
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• Assist with special projects.
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• If applicable, make special shadow and color indications
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Qualifications/Requirements
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• Must demonstrate proficiency in style of show.
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• Strong prop design and construction/mechanical skills.
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• Knowledge of or willingness to learn applicable design software and hardware.
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• Strong time-management skills.
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• Work well under pressure.
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• Ability to multitask a plus.
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Desired Characteristics
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• Relevant drawing experience necessary
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• BA in Fine Arts or equivalent work experience highly desired

CHARACTER DESIGNER (TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES REBOOT)

CHARACTER DESIGNER (TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES REBOOT)

Job Locations
US-CA-Burbank

Apply HERE

Overview and Responsibilities

SUMMARY:

  • Nickelodeon Animation Studio is beginning production on a 2D REBOOT of the classic franchise Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! We are looking for Character Designers who can create original concepts, take direction well from the creative lead, and execute clean-up as well as turnarounds.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Receive & understand Character Design assignment from Art Director/Design Supervisor.
  • Ask appropriate questions to understand & complete the task.
  • Review Storyboard to ensure continuity of character designs.
  • Complete all character designs.
  • Make any changes or revisions and re-submit to Art Director/Design Supervisor for approval.
  • Communicate with Design Supervisor & Production Manager regarding status of work and any problems that arise.
  • Ensure quality & style of show is achieved.
  • Complete work on schedule.

Basic Qualifications

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Must demonstrate proficiency in style of show
  • Strong character design and construction/mechanical skills
  • Knowledge of or willingness to learn applicable design software and hardware.
  • Strong time-management skills
  • Work well under pressure
  • Ability to multitask a plus

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

  • Relevant drawing experience necessary
  • BA in Fine Arts or equivalent work experience highly desired

Apply HERE

JOBS: “South Park” Storyboard/Design Artist

South Park” Storyboard/Design Artist

Description

The Comedy Central animated TV series, “South Park,” is looking for a passionate, artistic, and imaginative Storyboard/Design Artist with good drawing, design, and layout skills.  An emphasis on comedy is necessary.  Duties will include Storyboard, Background Design, Character Design, Cinematic Design, and various other mixed animation art design challenges.  Knowledge of computer design programs, i.e. Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Toon Boom Storyboard Pro, is a must.  Please note:  This is not a compositing job!  Expect an intense, creative, and rewarding production schedule.  Portfolio is essential at the interview. Only candidates living in the Los Angeles area will be considered.  Local interested applicants should apply with a resume, link to reel/portfolio, and story examples ASAP.

Apply HERE

Anime from 1917

Check out this anime from all the way back in 1917 before everything they did looked the same. Before all the eyes got huge and before even the men looked like women.

… Long before it became known as anime, early Japanese animators honed their craft, producing cartoons that were both fascinating and fun. And you can watch them for yourself, reports the BBC, thanks to a new website celebrating 100 years of Japanese animation.

The site is the brainchild of Japan’s National Film Center, which celebrates the country’s long and rich film history as part of Japan’s National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo. And it contains plenty of eye candy, even for those who mistakenly believe that Japanese animation begins and ends with “Sailor Moon,” Astro Boy or Spirited Away.

BBH London Team On Frances’ Music Video To Combat Domestic Violence Via Refuge Charity

 

Get your tissues out for this one… A beautifully animated piece about domestic violence and a charity that helps those affected.

On any given day, Refuge supports nearly 5,000 women and children across the UK with its specialist services. Visit the website to learn more about the organization’s services, how to identify abuse, or find out how to support Refuge’s work.

 

Frances’ “Grow” / “Melanie’s Story” was directed by Ralph Karam (Le Cube), who also served as art director; with Sergio Slepczuk as animation director, Pablo Kondratas as stop-motion animation director; character design by Franco Vecchi, Martin Vinograd and Matheus Muniz; background design by Vecchi, Juan Barabani, Martin Lara and Vanina Saez. Executive produced by Dan O’Rourke, Gustavo Karam and Juan Manuel Freire; produced by Francesca Di Muro, Mechi Serrano and Fernanda Soma. Sarah Finnigan-Walsh was creative consultant producer for BBH.

Shootonline has an article about the making of this video…