The latest articles from VFXWorld Magazine on Animation World Network. https://www.awn.com/ en-US 15 Tue, 24 Feb 2026 14:13:33 -0800 Tue, 24 Feb 2026 14:16:56 -0800 https://www.awn.com/news/apple-tv-drops-all-mankind-season-5-trailer The 10-episode outing of the sci-fi space series continues its alt-history story in a new decade on Mars… and the locals are not happy; premieres March 27. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/apple-tv-drops-all-mankind-season-5-trailer Tue, 24 Feb 2026 14:13:33 PST VFXWorld Magazine https://www.awn.com/vfxworld/routine-relentless-craziness-james-cameron Half measures are never an option for the prolific filmmaker, who shares insights into his expansive work on ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash,’ including the Ash Clan’s origins, Wind Traders mythology, Spider’s expanded arc, and collaboration between Wētā FX and ILM on 3,500 VFX shots for his second epic ‘Avatar’ sequel, which won a BAFTA yesterday and is nominated for multiple VES Awards and two Oscars. Trevor Hogg https://www.awn.com/vfxworld/routine-relentless-craziness-james-cameron Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:10:59 PST VFXWorld Magazine https://www.awn.com/news/jfx-appoints-ingo-putze-and-jenn-epstein-senior-creative-team UK boutique VFX studio names Putze VFX Supervisor and Epstein Associate VFX Supervisor as it continues to expands following its 2025 launch. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/jfx-appoints-ingo-putze-and-jenn-epstein-senior-creative-team Mon, 23 Feb 2026 14:27:03 PST VFXWorld Magazine https://www.awn.com/news/zootopia-2-avatar-fire-and-ash-take-home-bafta-wins Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’ also nabs awards at yesterday’s 2026 EE British Academy Film Awards gala, along with ‘Boong’ and ‘Two Black Boys in Paradise.’ Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/zootopia-2-avatar-fire-and-ash-take-home-bafta-wins Mon, 23 Feb 2026 7:45:05 PST VFXWorld Magazine https://www.awn.com/news/kpop-demon-hunters-dominates-53rd-annual-annie-awards Maggie Kang, Chris Appelhans and Netflix’s blockbuster feature took home 10 wins, including Best Feature, while ‘Arco’ won for Best Independent Feature; ‘Common Side Effects’ led all TV shows with 4 wins, followed closely by ‘Win or Lose’ and ‘Love, Death + Robots’ with 3 each, at the animation industry’s gala event held last night at Royce Hall in Los Angeles. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/kpop-demon-hunters-dominates-53rd-annual-annie-awards Sun, 22 Feb 2026 6:55:33 PST VFXWorld Magazine https://www.awn.com/news/clear-angle-studios-acquires-di4d-technology-launches-topotrack-service The leading 3D and 4D capture company has integrated DI4D’s facial imaging technology, introducing TopoTrack across its global infrastructure and appointing Dr. Colin Urquhart as Strategic Advisor. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/clear-angle-studios-acquires-di4d-technology-launches-topotrack-service Thu, 19 Feb 2026 17:36:15 PST VFXWorld Magazine https://www.awn.com/news/15-scientific-technical-achievements-be-honored-academy-sci-tech-awards Ceremony, scheduled for April 28 at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, celebrates individuals and companies whose discoveries and innovations have contributed in significant and lasting ways to the motion picture industry. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/15-scientific-technical-achievements-be-honored-academy-sci-tech-awards Wed, 18 Feb 2026 15:14:50 PST VFXWorld Magazine https://www.awn.com/animationworld/k-pop-k-dinos-armorsaurs-ramps-us-k-culture-fandom The South Korean ‘Armored Saurus’ remake blends live-action, CG animation and visual effects into a new series about a team of heroic teen pilots and their armored dinosaurs fighting to save humanity; debuts February 18 on Disney+. Victoria Davis https://www.awn.com/animationworld/k-pop-k-dinos-armorsaurs-ramps-us-k-culture-fandom Wed, 18 Feb 2026 12:34:34 PST VFXWorld Magazine https://www.awn.com/news/foundry-acquires-griptape-ai-orchestration-platform Leading industry software developer completes deal for technology that helps users accelerate and expand secure, production-ready model integration across professional VFX and animation workflows. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/foundry-acquires-griptape-ai-orchestration-platform Wed, 18 Feb 2026 9:33:18 PST VFXWorld Magazine https://www.awn.com/news/lucasfilm-drops-star-wars-mandalorian-and-grogu-trailer-and-images We learn that it’s time for Grogu to strap in and save the snacks for after dinner; we’re one step closer to launch date for Jon Favreau’s new film, based on the hit Disney+ series 'The Mandalorian,' that blasts into theaters on May 22. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/lucasfilm-drops-star-wars-mandalorian-and-grogu-trailer-and-images Tue, 17 Feb 2026 11:30:24 PST VFXWorld Magazine https://www.awn.com/news/hollywood-swiftly-condemns-bytedances-seedance-20-ai-video-creation-model The Chinese tech giant today says it will strengthen safeguards to prevent unauthorized IP and likeness use, though how, and how quickly, were not announced. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/hollywood-swiftly-condemns-bytedances-seedance-20-ai-video-creation-model Mon, 16 Feb 2026 12:10:01 PST VFXWorld Magazine https://www.awn.com/vfxworld/w-t-fx-turns-menacing-creature-leading-man-predator-badlands VFX Supervisor Sheldon Stopsack and Animation Supervisor Karl Rapley detail the expressive facial animation breakthroughs on the badass Predator Dek, the challenges of conveying his emotions, plus how they created lethal vegetation and a huge regenerating monster, on 20th Century Studios’ hit ‘Predator’ franchise outing, debuting today on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+. Trevor Hogg https://www.awn.com/vfxworld/w-t-fx-turns-menacing-creature-leading-man-predator-badlands Thu, 12 Feb 2026 16:48:29 PST VFXWorld Magazine https://www.awn.com/news/jali-research-present-3d-facial-animation-tools-2026-hpa-tech-retreat The Toronto-based developer will showcase automated facial animation workflows and audio-driven character performance systems during the February 15–19 industry gathering; CEO Sarah Watling will also moderate a February 17 Breakfast Roundtable. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/jali-research-present-3d-facial-animation-tools-2026-hpa-tech-retreat Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:46:29 PST VFXWorld Magazine https://www.awn.com/news/cinesite-crafts-hybrid-animated-sequences-spongebob-movie-search-squarepants Enjoy the breakdown reel - the film’s 3 above-water sequences blend live-action environments with the iconic, stylized animation of ‘SpongeBob;’ include a ghostly Flying Dutchman prologue and 2 scenes set in Santa Monica. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/cinesite-crafts-hybrid-animated-sequences-spongebob-movie-search-squarepants Thu, 12 Feb 2026 9:52:52 PST VFXWorld Magazine https://www.awn.com/news/predator-badlands-now-streaming-hulu The latest installment in the long-running sci-fi franchise hits the streamer today, extending the ‘Predator’ universe and mythology with new characters, creatures, and deadly terrain.  Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/predator-badlands-now-streaming-hulu Thu, 12 Feb 2026 9:22:19 PST VFXWorld Magazine https://www.awn.com/news/47th-annual-telly-awards-final-entry-deadline-coming-february-20 2026 season themed ‘Capture the Original’ introduces expanded categories across Animation, Generative AI and Creator spaces. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/47th-annual-telly-awards-final-entry-deadline-coming-february-20 Wed, 11 Feb 2026 16:28:17 PST VFXWorld Magazine https://www.awn.com/news/netflix-releases-one-piece-season-2-trailer-sets-global-fan-events Ahead of the hit live-action show’s March 10 return, the streamer has shared a video, images, and detailed a slate of global fan events supporting the second season debut.   Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/netflix-releases-one-piece-season-2-trailer-sets-global-fan-events Tue, 10 Feb 2026 11:11:07 PST VFXWorld Magazine https://www.awn.com/news/zootopia-2-sinners-take-top-honors-16th-annual-lumiere-awards ‘Wicked: For Good,’ ‘Andor,’ ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash,’ and ‘Stranger Things’ also win at The Advanced Imaging Society celebration, often called the ‘Oscars for Geeks,’ held earlier this afternoon at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/zootopia-2-sinners-take-top-honors-16th-annual-lumiere-awards Mon, 09 Feb 2026 17:05:23 PST VFXWorld Magazine https://www.awn.com/vfxworld/shifting-vfx-gears-f1-movie Visual Effects Supervisor Ryan Tudhope produced 2,500 shots on Joseph Kosinski’s high-octane racing film, employing LiDAR-scanned track circuits, digitally re-skinned and augmented race cars, and tightly integrated practical photography to maintain realism at speed. Trevor Hogg https://www.awn.com/vfxworld/shifting-vfx-gears-f1-movie Fri, 06 Feb 2026 17:14:25 PST VFXWorld Magazine https://www.awn.com/news/watch-refuge-braves-post-apocalypse-fallout-season-2-vfx Studio delivers 192 shots, featuring exploding people, blood, guts, and lots of Radroaches, including 37 shots in Episode 101 and 39 in Episode 108, on the hit Prime Video sci-fi Western series. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/watch-refuge-braves-post-apocalypse-fallout-season-2-vfx Fri, 06 Feb 2026 12:01:58 PST VFXWorld Magazine https://www.awn.com/news/peacock-teases-miniature-wife-marital-dramedy Elizabeth Banks and Matthew Macfadyen star in new series about spouses reshaping their relationship after an unfortunate technological accident; streams April 9. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/peacock-teases-miniature-wife-marital-dramedy Thu, 05 Feb 2026 13:31:02 PST VFXWorld Magazine https://www.awn.com/news/netflix-drops-trailer-dinosaurs-documentary-series Steven Spielberg reunites with the team behind ‘Life on Our Planet’ and ILM to recreate prehistoric life, with big sharp pointy teeth, for the 4-part show; premieres March 6. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/netflix-drops-trailer-dinosaurs-documentary-series Thu, 05 Feb 2026 11:35:43 PST VFXWorld Magazine https://www.awn.com/news/our-2-favorite-titans-return-monarch-legacy-monsters-season-2-trailer Godzilla, Kong, and unbeatable VFX are called upon once again to save humanity, this time to grapple with a newly uncovered monster that seems unstoppable – Titan X; new season debuts February 27 on Apple TV. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/our-2-favorite-titans-return-monarch-legacy-monsters-season-2-trailer Thu, 05 Feb 2026 9:22:53 PST VFXWorld Magazine https://www.awn.com/news/lux-aeterna-visualizes-history-humanity-novas-human The VFX studio transformed scientific and historical data into meticulous visual reconstructions that trace humanity’s evolution in the 4-part BBC and PBS docuseries. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/lux-aeterna-visualizes-history-humanity-novas-human Wed, 04 Feb 2026 10:17:22 PST VFXWorld Magazine https://www.awn.com/news/aerith-corp-unveils-av-quantum-visualization-engine Set to end ‘render lag,’ middleware app integrates genAI and quantum computing directly into existing professional workflows, such as Universal Scene Description (USD), Houdini, Maya, and Unreal Engine. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/aerith-corp-unveils-av-quantum-visualization-engine Tue, 03 Feb 2026 16:51:45 PST VFXWorld Magazine https://www.awn.com/vfxworld/w-t-fxs-dan-barrett-and-eric-saindon-talk-avatar-fire-and-ash The Oscar and BAFTA-winning Senior Animation Supervisor and Senior VFX Supervisor discuss their team’s groundbreaking animation and visual effects work, including the challenging Tsyong and Medusoid creatures, on the latest record-shattering ‘Avatar’ sequel, now in theaters. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/vfxworld/w-t-fxs-dan-barrett-and-eric-saindon-talk-avatar-fire-and-ash Tue, 03 Feb 2026 15:36:20 PST VFXWorld Magazine https://www.awn.com/blog/ai-pocalypse-now-animation-moat-vanishing AI animation is reaching studio quality. A Disney veteran thinks that’s all for the good. Kevin Geiger https://www.awn.com/blog/ai-pocalypse-now-animation-moat-vanishing Tue, 03 Feb 2026 11:08:16 PST VFXWorld Magazine https://www.awn.com/news/josh-damaro-succeed-robert-iger-disney-ceo The executive shuffle also includes Dana Walden, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, being named President and Chief Creative Officer of The Walt Disney Company; both moves effective March 18. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/josh-damaro-succeed-robert-iger-disney-ceo Tue, 03 Feb 2026 10:49:47 PST VFXWorld Magazine https://www.awn.com/news/adobe-expands-firefly-unlimited-image-and-video-generations The company’s creative AI platform now offers unlimited image and video generations for subscribers, increasing access across its web, mobile, and collaborative tools. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/adobe-expands-firefly-unlimited-image-and-video-generations Tue, 03 Feb 2026 9:58:33 PST VFXWorld Magazine https://www.awn.com/news/matthew-duvall-kelsey-bollig-release-bones-exist-trailer The husband-and-wife duo co-direct their first project together, a short which pairs advanced computational photography techniques including Gaussian Splats with indie filmmaking; set in the brutal wilds of 1850s Alta California. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/matthew-duvall-kelsey-bollig-release-bones-exist-trailer Mon, 02 Feb 2026 16:17:25 PST VFXWorld Magazine