Today's Smilers

As the title suggests, here are a few shorts that made one or more of the Lollipop team 'smile today'. Feel free to share them with your friends.

Grenouille
Uploaded by missmu

MINIBN: fish
Uploaded by yotraxx

Pepeland Changements Changes
Uploaded by astre

Happy Three Friends - Pas de chance !
Uploaded by sosotony

New Ads - Old Navy

Regular readers of the Lollipop blog will know what HUGE fans we are of John K. And judging by your reactions whenever we post about him, you love him too. Well because of that we've found two ads he's done for Old Navy, featuring Roxy and the rest of the Heartaches

Oldnavy-girls1
Uploaded by ikyoto

Oldnavy-girls2
Uploaded by ikyoto

To Mute or not to mute?

That is the question. It's your call, either way, this music video is worth a little look. As always, comments please!

Exporttripoli_sore_small
Uploaded by Fredy_K

Plympton & John K Toon Up for Weird Al’s New Album

On Sept. 26, 2006, Grammy Award-winning singer/comedian “Weird Al” Yankovic will release his latest album “Straight Outta Lynwood,” a DualDisc featuring animation by artists including Bill Plympton, Jim Blashfield and John Kricfalusi.

The Way Moby/Volcano Records release features six brand new animations to accompany Al’s original tracks such as:

* “Don’t Download This Song”— Directed and animated by Academy Award-nominee Bill Plympton, this video is a tongue-in-cheek plea for fans not to illegally download music.

* “I’ll Sue Ya” — A Rage Against the Machine inspired headbanger, which takes aim at the abundance of frivolous lawsuits. It is directed and animated by Thomas Lee.

* “Weasel Stomping Day” — Conceptualized and produced by the creative team behind Adult Swim's ROBOT CHICKEN, this video celebrates the time-honored holiday. The TV broadcast premiere is scheduled for Sept. 24 on Cartoon Network.

* “Close But No Cigar” — Directed by REN & STIMPY creator John Kricfalusi, this video takes an irreverent look at the world of dating as seen thru the eyes of Cigarettes the cat.

* “Pancreas” — Al’s musical homage to pop music legend Brian Wilson. The video is directed by filmmaker/media artist Jim Blashfield (best known for videos by Talking Heads (“And She Was”), Paul Simon (“Boy In The Bubble”) and Michael Jackson (“Leave Me Alone”). Like those, “Pancreas” uses a combination of live-action "found footage" combined with new animation. But unlike those, it stars an undulating pancreas.

* “Virus Alert” — Reveals the evil that lurks in your inbox. Animated and directed by RETARDED ANIMAL BABIES creator David C. Lovelace.

To view the Plympton animated video, visit www.dontdownloadthissong.com

Source: www.AWN.com

Carrey and Carell sign up for 'Horton Hears a Who'

Jim Carrey and Bruce Almighty co-star Steve Carell have been signed to the voice cast of 20th Century Fox’s animated adaptation of the 1954 Dr. Seuss favorite, Horton Hears a Who. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Carrey will star as loveable elephant Horton while Carell takes on the role of the Mayor of Who-Ville in the CG-animated pic, which is now in preproduction and slated for release in March of 2008.

Horton Hears a Who is being directed by Jimmy Hayward and Steve Martino from a script by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio (The Santa Clause 2). Hayward’s credits include Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Monsters, Inc. and A Bug’s Life. He met Martino (Oscar-winning vfx director for Total Recall) when they worked together on Robots. The film’s animation will be handled by New York studio Blue Sky, under the supervision of Fox Animation president Chris Melendradi and Blue Sky’s Chris Wedge (Ice Age, Robots). Theodor Geisel’s (Dr. Seuss) widow Audrey Geisel will be exec producing the film, as well as its proposed sequel, Horton Hatches an Egg.

This is the second Dr. Seuss adaptation for Carrey, who wore prosthetic make-up to take on the title role in Universal’s 2000 live-action take on How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Though he played an animator in the obscure 1984 television series The Duck Factory, Carrey has done little animation voice work to date. He was originally scheduled to lend his voice to the character of R.J. the raccoon in DreamWorks’ Over the Hedge, a role that eventually went to Bruce Willis. Carell, meanwhile, turned in a show-stealing performance as the voice of Hammy the squirrel in that film. In addition to starring in the hit film Little Miss Sunshine and keeping up his Emmy-winning job on NBC’s The Office, Carell is scheduled to reprise his Bruce Almighty role for a sequel titled Evan Almighty.

Source: Animation Magazine

Site Spotlight - pt 1

Another regular feature to appear on this Blog is going to be 'Site Spotlight', where we show you some of the websites that have caught our eye each week. This week it's www.cuppacoffee.com .

We actually found out about it whilst checking out an article over at our friends www.animationmagazine.net . As usual they've got their finger on the pulse with the latest news in the wonderful world of animation, and introducing us to the magnificent 'Bruno'.

To see the full article Click Here. But basically Bruno is a series of 50 one-minute shorts from Cuppa Coffee Studios, which has begun airing on Cartoon Network Japan.

I don't know about you, but we're big fans of all things 'Monkey' and this little chap looks a real cutie. Anyway, don't just take our word for it. Go and have a look around www.cuppacoffee.com and come back and tell us what you think.

Lots of little gems there for you, the download time can be a little slow but stick with it.

By the way, if you or someone you know has a site that rocks, let us know, we'll be happy to showcase the best of them, right here at Lollipop

Our Beady Eye Pt 2: "My Dead Girlfriend"

Yes Folk's, your favourite feature is back, and this week "Our Beady Eye" is well and truly transfixed on the magnificent Eric Wight and his all-new spirited manga series 'My Dead Girlfriend' - published by TOKYOPOP .

Developer of numerous high-profile entertainment properties for The Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros. Studios, Universal Studios, 20th Century Fox, and Cartoon Network among others — 'My Dead Girlfriend' marks Wight’s first original series. As the ghost artist for principle character Seth Cohen’s graphic novel, Atomic County, Wight’s artwork can currently be seen on the smash hit Fox television series, The O.C.

According to Wight: "After being showcased on The O.C., I received many offers from publishers anxious to capitalize on my success with the show. But TOKYOPOP was the first company to bring an offer to the table that proved my best interests were just as important to them as their own." Wight continues, "TOKYOPOP’s enthusiasm and devotion to my work has been staggering. Their unwavering belief in my ability continually inspires me to push myself well beyond my creative limits."

My Dead Girlfriend invites readers to meet Finney Bleak. At any other school, his Johnny Depp good looks and aberzombie style would secure him a place among high school royalty. But within the halls of horror at Mephisto Prep, normal is the new weird, and Finney dangles from the lowest rung of the social evolutionary ladder.

Then along comes Jenny Wraith. Smart. Beautiful. But kind of dead. Jenny is the ethereal object of Finney’s affection, except that their corporal differences keep them apart. As if young romance wasn’t awkward enough, try getting frisky with a ghost.

How far will Finney go to be with his true love, when not even Death can stand in his way? Find out when My Dead Girlfriend comes to life in bookstores (and at www.LollipopAnimation.com) everywhere Valentine’s Day 2007.

I don't know about you guys, but we can't WAIT to get our hands (and beady eyes) all over this one. From the snippets we've seen, we believe My Dead Girlfriend is destined to become a manga classic. And who knows, with Eric making his way over to the UK later in the year, we may JUST be able to bring you even closer to him and his amazing work than you ever dreamt possible. Watch this space!


PS: We always like to direct you to other great blogs and Eric's is certainly one of those, so here's a link for ya'll. But just make sure ya come back, ya hear! Eric Wight's Awesome Blog!

Simpsons First Look

As fans eagerly await the season premiere of FOX’s The Simpson’s, Fox Interactive Media (FIM) today announced that it will offer fans an exclusive online glimpse at the first episode through a campaign sponsored by Burger King. The seven-minute sneak peek can be viewed exclusively at FIM sites including MySpace.com , FOX.com and IGN.com's new site, IGNTV.com. Visitors can also check out footage from an episode in the making with an animatic-to-finished-scene comparison.

Web sites across the FIM network will be used to promote the Simpsons season premiere and the online preview. For instance, AskMen.com will become "AskHomer" for the day, while FoxSports.com on MSN presents Homer's week one NFL picks. Visitors to movie review site Rotten Tomatoes will also notice a Simpsons-style graphic takeover of the homepage.

The Simpsons' 18th season kicks off in the US on Sunday, Sept.10 at 8 p.m. The first new episode offers a spoof of HBO's crime drama The Sopranos and enlists the vice talent of guest stars Michael Imperioli, Joe Mantegna, Joe Pantoliano and Metallica. In the installment, Lisa befriends the son of mob boss Fat Tony. The high-brow guest list for the 18th season includes Tom Wolfe, Gore Vidal, Michael Chabon and Stephen Sondheim. The November "Treehouse of Horror" show has Richard Lewis as the voice of the golem monster of Jewish folklore and Fran Drescher as his bride.

The longest running sitcom on television first aired in 1990 and will celebrate its 400th episode in May of 2007. Produced by Gracie Films, in association with 20th Century Fox Television, and animated by Film Roman the show can be found on the web at www.thesimpsons.com .

Cartoon Network on Download

Turner Broadcasting System Inc. announced that programming downloads of original episodes from Cartoon Network and Adult Swim are now available on Amazon.com’s new digital video download service, Amazon Unbox. The new content features such favorites as Cartoon Network’s FOSTER’S HOME FOR IMAGINARY FRIENDS and Adult Swim’s AQUA TEEN HUNGER FORCE.

Available download content from Cartoon Network and Adult Swim will include the following:
* JOHNNY BRAVO
* THE POWERPUFF GIRLS
* FOSTER’S HOME FOR IMAGINARY FRIENDS
* CODENAME: KIDS NEXT DOOR
* AQUA TEEN HUNGER FORCE
* SEALAB 2021



“Our partnership with Amazon.com is expanding from strictly providing fans with the option of purchasing Cartoon Network and Adult Swim DVDs to providing them with the additional choice of purchasing a digital download of this content,” said Dennis Quinn, evp, business development, TBS Inc. “Turner Broadcasting’s distribution deal with Amazon.com displays how we are utilizing new platforms to further expand the powerful brands of Cartoon Network and Adult Swim.”

“As a 24-hour network, our mission is to provide our fans with round-the-clock access to our programming – and we are thrilled that viewers can now download their favorite Cartoon Network and Adult Swim shows from Amazon.com, slip then into their pockets, and take them anywhere” said John Friend, svp of Cartoon Network Enterprises, the global licensing and merchandising arm of Cartoon Network. “Being a part of this 360 degree marketplace is critical. It creates the awareness and emotional connection we need to make our products and our programming resonate on-air or on shelf.”

“Turner Broadcasting Inc., is widely known for producing some of the most popular and entertaining television shows in the industry,” said Bill Carr, Amazon.com’s vp of digital media. “We are proud to offer Amazon Unbox customers a faster, more convenient way to watch their favorite Turner programming in DVD-quality picture.”

Amazon.com Inc., a Fortune 500 company based in Seattle, opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995. Amazon.com and other sellers offer millions of unique new, refurbished and used items in categories such as health and personal care, jewelry and watches, gourmet food, sports and outdoors, apparel and accessories, books, music, DVDs, electronics and office, toys and baby, and home and garden.



Cartoon Network , seen in more than 89 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System Inc.'s ad–supported cable service offering original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Overnight from 11:00 pm–6:00 am (ET, PT) Sunday–Thursday, Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late–night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18–34.

You can visit the Unbox HERE .

Your first chance to get Flushed Away

We thought you'd enjoy seeing Aardman's first foray into CGI animation. I must say that I'm pleased to see that it's still unmistakeable Aardman. See for yourself and tell us what you think.

How big a Simpsons fan are YOU?

We know A LOT of Simpsons fans. Many of whom visit our gallery on a weekly basis, searching for the next Simpsons item to add to their collection. From Original Production Cels and Limited Editions, to prints, posters and figures, collectors of all ages come to us for their latest Fox Fix .

HOWEVER, today we're bringing to your attention the ultimate in Simpsons experiences! Ever wanted to meet the cast? YES. Ever wanted to listen in on a table read of the latest Simpsons episode? Heck YES! Well then know's your chance. Get a load of THIS!

There be treasure in this here Movie!

A decade ago, when MGM’s expensive Cutthroat Island was sinking fast in theaters, few would have thought that a pirate movie could gross $1 billion at the box office. With some help from the irrepressible Captain Jack Sparrow and some Oscar-worthy digital animation by ILM, Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest is set to do just that. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the sequel topped the foreign box office for the ninth consecutive week, bringing its worldwide gross to around $993 million. Over the next few days, the pic will become the third movie in history to cross the billion mark.

Domestically, Dead Man’s Chest has earned approximately $579.5 million, making it by far the year’s biggest hit. Still, the swashbuckler has a long way to go to catch 20th Century Fox’s Titanic, which pulled in $1.8 billion worldwide. The only other movie to rake in a billion dollars is New Line Cinema’s The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, the third installment in director Peter Jackson’s fantasy trilogy.

Screenwriters Ted Elliot and Terry Rossio (Shrek, National Treasure) recently confirmed the title of the third Pirates movie, Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End, which is scheduled to sail into theaters next year.

Source: www.animationmagazine.net/

To see the range of Pirates of the Caribbean Booty click here.

US Release date for Cars on DVD

You those of you who can't wait to get hold of Disney/Pixar’s CARS on DVD, the US release has been officially announced for Nov. 7, 2006 (Walt Disney Home Ent., $29.99). The John Lasseter 3D-animated feature has garnered $242M domestically (ranking seventh all-time) and $401M worldwide.

Extras include the all-new animated short MATER AND THE GHOSTLIGHT, starring Mater, the rusty but trusty tow truck. The story is set in the town of Radiator Springs and tells the legend of the Ghostlight — a mysterious blue light that haunts the town and its residents. Also included for the first time on DVD is Pixar's ONE MAN BAND (Oscar nominated for Best Animated Short 2005), which played with the film in theaters and spins the amusing tale of two competing street musicians vying for a little girl's attention. There’s also a behind-the-scenes "Inspiration for Cars," an exciting journey with Lasseter that explores how the story of CARS was born, as well as deleted scenes and a special sneak peek at the next Disney/Pixar feature RATATOUILLE, directed by Brad Bird and due June 29, 2007.

Walt Disney Home Ent. is distributed by Buena Vista Home Ent. Inc., the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax, Dimension and Buena Vista videocassettes and DVDs.

Source: www.AWN.com

To see the range of Cars art available to us, click here.

RG Studios receive two claws up

I received a barrage of requests after our last showcase from RG Studios. The general consensus was "MORE MORE MORE".

Never one to disappoint, here's another 'Painfully' good cartoon from the RGS guys.

Golf cartoon
Uploaded by ovalballs

It's that time again...

Yes folks, It's Sunday which means Cartoon day here at Lollipop. We've found a few gems for you, so sit back, relax and enjoy the show.

Superman1942 TheMagneticTelescope
Uploaded by astre

Buy or rent this DVD here!

Ren & Stimpy - Fake Dad & Out West
Uploaded by bachache

Buy or rent this DVD here!

fast and furryous 300
Uploaded by aoofy

Buy or rent this DVD here!

The Art of Alan Bodner

We thought we'd bring to your attention a recent release from Clampett Studio.

Eclectic and having a sophisticated class, The Art of Alan Bodner reflects the culmination of a lifetime immersed in color and design.

This artwork harkens to a period where martinis were de rigueur, and jazz fusion involved more than just a nice foot-tapping beat. A wildness exists here, defined only by boundaries being pushed outward in theme and an infusion of bright colors and contemporary design.

Alan, a 25 year veteran of animation, is currently with Cartoon Network as an Art Director on the “The Life and Times of Juniper Lee.” He also developed “Space Mountain”, “Dream Catchers” and “Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas” for Disney Television Animation. In 1999 Alan art directed “Clerks, The Animated Series” for Miramax Television. During his tenure at Warner Bros., Alan was Art Director for numerous theatrical productions , including the highly touted Iron Giant and “Carrotblanca.” Alan won an Annie Award for his work on “Iron Giant.”

These glorious works of art are all available here. Prices start at approx. £110 $175 €155.

Ed Benedict , 1912-2006

Animation legend Ed Benedict passed away in his sleep on Aug. 28, 2006. He was 94.

Benedict began at Disney in 1930 and animated on the studio's early films like THE CHINA PLATE and BLUE RHYTHM. In 1933, he went to Universal where he worked on Walter Lantz's OSWALD shorts. He stayed at Universal for much of the 30s, with a stint at Mintz and briefly started his own studio, Benedict-Brewer, in partnership with Jerry Brewer.

He returned to Disney in the early 1940s where he did layout on various industrial/educational films such as ENVIRONMENTALL SANITATION and DAWN OF BETTER LIVING. During this time, he received his first and only Disney credit as a layout artist on MAKE MINE MUSIC.

In the mid-1940s, he entered the world of TV commercial animation at Paul Fennell's Cartoon Films, where he first began exploring the more modernized approach to drawing.

In 1952, Benedict was hired by his former Universal colleague Tex Avery to become Avery's lead layout artist and designer at MGM. Benedict designed a number of Avery's classic shorts, including DIXIELAND DROOPY, FIELD AND SCREAM, THE FIRST BAD MAN, DEPUTY DROOPY and CELLBOUND. After Avery left MGM, Benedict continued working there on the Mike Lah-directed DROOPY shorts, while also freelancing for Avery on TV commercials at Cascade. While at MGM, Bill Hanna asked Benedict to design a dog and a cat for a TV project, which turned out to be the first Hanna-Barbera TV series, THE RUFF AND REDDY SHOW.

During the late-1950s and early-1960s, Benedict became the primary designer for Hanna-Barbera, designing most of the studio's early stars, including Yogi Bear, Huckleberry Hound, Quick Draw McGraw, The Flintstones, Snagglepuss and countless others.

Iwao Takamoto, vp special projects at Hanna-Barbera Cartoons, told AWN he was quite an admirer of Benedict. While Benedict was designing characters for Hanna and Barbera at MGM and then their own studio, Takamoto was working at Walt Disney Feature Animation. When Takamoto left Disney for HB, he said Benedict was one of the first designers he was greatly influenced by and helped him understand how to transition from Disney to Hanna-Barbera styling. Takatmoto ultimately became vp of character design for Hanna-Barbera for nearly three decades.

Benedict moved to Carmel, California in the 60s and continued freelancing for various studios during the 60s and 70s before retiring.

Source: AWN

His work will never be forgotten and in fact, we'd like to show you more of it. But we'll leave that to a man who new Ed well, John Kricfalusi. Visit his excellent blog HERE.

For another great tribute to Ed, please take a few moments to read HERE and for one of Ed's cartoons, take a look below.

Blackboard Jumble
Uploaded by thadk