Dan Sarto

Editor-in-Chief at Animation World Network

Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of Animation World Network.

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Articles

‘Not a Box’: A Bunny, Some Cardboard and a Magical World of Adventures

2 weeks ago | awn.com | Victoria Davis |Dan Sarto

When it came to adapting Antoinette Portis’ award winning children’s book Not a Box, where a small rabbit creates big stories with only a box and her imagination, Ready Jet Go!’s Dete Meserve received a pitch from, in her words, “seemingly every great writer on the planet.” But, despite the impressive slate of ideas, none were getting the greenlight.
‘Wylde Pak’: The Good, The Bad and The Frightening Dynamics of a Blended Family

2 weeks ago | awn.com | Victoria Davis |Dan Sarto

Gamer Lily loves making chaos while wielding sticks as swords in the swamp. Her half sibling Jack likes playing life safe behind his camera, with no more than one sprinkle’s worth of risk. But as the two kids learn to navigate their blended, multi-generational Korean American family dynamics – complete with seal riding – Lily and Jack find comfort in their differences and learn from each other’s strengths.
How Vivid VFX used AYON for Wes Anderson’s ‘The Phoenician Scheme’ - Without Crunch

3 weeks ago | awn.com | Dan Sarto

When tasked with building the visual effects pipeline for Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme, Cameron Smither, Associate VFX Supervisor and workflow specialist, knew the demands would be subtle but unforgiving. Anderson’s films often rely on invisible VFX, performance tweaks, editorial splits, and background cleanups that disappear seamlessly into the storytelling.
‘Elo’ Directors Domee Shi and Madeline Sharafian to Present at VIEW 2025

3 weeks ago | awn.com | Dan Sarto

VIEW Conference has just announced that Oscar winner Domee Shi, vice president of creative at Pixar, and Oscar nominated Madeline Sharafian, both directors of Disney and Pixar’s new animated feature, Elio, will be presenting at VIEW 2025. Releasing in theaters on June 20, the film is also directed by Adrian Molina and produced by Mary Alice Drumm. The cosmic misadventure introduces Elio, a space fanatic with an active imagination and a huge alien obsession.
Universal Drops ‘Wicked: For Good’ Official Trailer

3 weeks ago | awn.com | Dan Sarto

Universal has just dropped the first trailer for the epic conclusion of the adaptation of one of the most popular and longest-running musicals on the stage - the final chapter, Wicked: For Good, coming to theaters this November.
ASIFA-Hollywood Sets ‘Meet and Greet’ at Annecy 2025

3 weeks ago | awn.com | Dan Sarto

Next week at Annecy 2025, ASIFA-Hollywood is hosting a global “Meet and Greet” for ASIFA members and other ASIFA chapters. The get-together is set for Thursday, June 12 at 7 p.m. CET, at Espace Détente. Representing ASIFA-Hollywood at the festival will be Executive Director Aubry Mintz. “What makes this so incredible is that ASIFA was founded in 1960 in Annecy,” said Mintz.
Lineup Set for WIA World Summit at Annecy 2025

3 weeks ago | awn.com | Dan Sarto

Women in Animation (WIA) has set the lineup for this year’s WIA WORLD SUMMIT at the Annecy International Animation Festival and Mifa 2025. This year's summit, themed “The Future is Animated,” will examine emerging industry innovations and the power of community as we navigate the evolving animation landscape.
Behind the Virtual Scenes: ‘A Minecraft Movie’

3 weeks ago | awn.com | Dan Sarto

Did you know that one of 2025’s highest-grossing films isn’t just based on a game, but made using game technology too? To learn how, just ask Disguise Services. VFXWorld and AWN caught up with the creative services team, who for 52 weeks, worked as part of the Virtual Art Department (VAD) on the film - creating a series of over 20 virtual environments in Unreal Engine, used across pre-production, production and post to help bring director Jared Hess, Warner Bros.
Mattel Combines Film and TV Units into Mattel Studios

3 weeks ago | awn.com | Dan Sarto

Mattel, a leading global toy and family entertainment company, has just announced the formation of Mattel Studios, bringing together its film and television units under the leadership of two-time Academy Award nominee Robbie Brenner. Brenner, most recently President of Mattel Films, has been elevated to President and Chief Content Officer of Mattel Studios. She continues to report to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ynon Kreiz.
‘King of the Hill’ Actor Jonathan Joss Killed in Shooting

3 weeks ago | awn.com | Dan Sarto

Jonathan Joss, the longtime voice of John Redcorn on the Fox hit series King of the Hill, was reportedly shot and killed this past Saturday in San Antonio, according to Variety. The actor was found in front of a house, where attempts to save him were unsuccessful. TMZ reports that he was shot by a neighbor after a dispute. The actor, who voiced the Redcorn character from seasons 2-13, had already voiced lines for the show’s upcoming revival on Hulu that’s scheduled to premiere August 4.