Skybound Developing Unscripted Competition Series to Find the Next Big Animator (Exclusive)

Skybound Developing Unscripted Competition Series to Find the Next Big Animator (Exclusive)

As a dedicated gamer and animation enthusiast with years of experience under my belt, I’m beyond excited to hear about Skybound‘s new venture into discovering the next Hayao Miyazaki through a reality competition series! This is music to my ears and a dream come true for animation geeks like me.


Robert Kirkman’s comics and media business, Skybound, is actively searching for a new talent akin to the legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki.

According to insider information obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, the organization is currently working on a reality television program aimed at discovering the next brilliant figure in the animation industry. This show could be seen as akin to America’s Next Top Model or American Idol for individuals with a passion and expertise in animation.

Our project is a collaborative effort with DIGA Studios, known for creating unscripted shows including “Selling the Hamptons,” “The Flipping El Moussas,” “Big Trick Energy,” and “Million Dollar Beach House.” They also produced the “Scream” TV series that aired on MTV from 2015 to 19.

The series is one of the first projects by Skybound’s recently launched unscripted division, which is headed by Brent Jacoby under head of TV Glenn Geller. And it comes after last fall’s acquisition of Spike & Mike’s Festival of Animation, the long-running cult shorts festival. Skybound plans to relaunch the festival, which in a virtual iteration showcased early work from then-budding animators such as Andrew Stanton, Mike Judge and Tim Burton.

Based on reports, the festival is planned for a comeback in early 2025 and has amassed over a thousand applications. One goal for Skybound is to possibly select some of these applicants for roles in the revived event.

The new series also hopes to capitalize on the exploding influence and popularity of animation worldwide, from the current box office domination of Inside Out 2 and Despicable Me 4 to the cornucopia of shows that stream on Netflix. Skybound itself has found success in the medium with its Amazon animated series Invincible, based on Kirkman’s comic, which has won both critics and audiences. The show is now in production on its third season.

As a longtime animation enthusiast and regular attendee of Comic-Con in San Diego, I couldn’t be more thrilled to hear that Spike & Mike’s is coming back this year with two screenings of their classic animated shorts! The Spike & Mike’s Vault has always been a highlight of my Comic-Con experience, and I can’t wait to revisit some of the timeless gems from their collection. These shorts never fail to leave me in awe of the creativity and ingenuity of independent animators, and I’m sure this year will be no exception. So mark my words, fellow animation lovers, Spike & Mike’s at Comic-Con is not to be missed!

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2024-07-24 00:56