Toonz starts its new distribution arm in the US

Toonz Animation India Pvt. Ltd. has opened its new distribution division, based in Los Angeles under the registered name of Toonz Entertainment, USA. Toonz has appointed Matt Cooperstein as the Executive Vice President of Toonz Entertainment, USA, who will be overseeing the strategic and operational functions of the company. Toonz Entertainment will specialize in the worldwide sales and distribution of, animated feature films, direct to video content and television series. Toonz initial distribution slate will consist of Wolverine and X-Men Season 1 and 2, Speed Racer 2, Speed Racer Classic, Mostly Ghostly 2 and 3, Freefonix, apart from other well known properties. Cooperstein has over 20 years of experience in launching innovative programs and distributing them throughout the US and worldwide marketplace. He has worked with noted studios such as ITC Entertainment Group, Polygram Television, Universal Worldwide Television, IndieArts Entertainment and most recently, Liberation Entertainment.

P. Jayakumar, CEO, Toonz Group commented, "The establishment of a new distribution arm is in pursuance of our vision to grow as a full-fledged media house. We would be able to take to the world, properties from our library as well as a portfolio of iconic properties." Matt Cooperstein, USA said," I look forward to this challenging opportunity and I am elated to be part of one of the most respected animation houses in the world. We already have acquired the rights to highly branded properties and will be aggressive in adding more titles in the future."

Crest Animation joins Toon Boom family

Toon Boom Animation Inc. had announced that Crest Animation Studios has joined the Toon Boom family. Crest is setting up the Toon Boom pipeline using the Harmony Solution to implement a parallel production line to its current business and expand its line of services. Taking into account the economic slowdown, Crest has decided to invest in a technology that would enable them to produce quality animation more cost effectively. This is very timely as the demand for content from local channels is strong, offering a great opportunity to studios like Crest to deliver entertaining television programming economically. "Crest Animation Studios is a great addition to the family and we look forward to seeing the quality animation they will produce using Harmony", shared Joan Vogelesang, President and CEO at Toon Boom.

Embassy nominated-for Visual Effects Academy Award for District 9

The Embassy Visual Effects was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects for its work on director Neill Blomkamp's District 9. District 9 marks the second time in two years that The Embassy's work has contributed to a visual effects Academy Award-nominated film.

It is only the second feature film project that The Embassy has worked on. Their first was the Mark 1 sequence for Iron Man, a film that was also nominated for visual effects Oscar in 2009. The Embassy worked on just over 100 shots, mostly in the film's 12-minute final battle sequence. The company also created alien weaponry and small lobster-like alien creatures used by both the Aliens and Humans in a type of cockfight.