Sun, Oct 15, 2023
A new CG animated feature adaptation of Oscar Wilde's classic short story, "The Canterville Ghost" is in theaters this Friday October 20th. Co-Director Robert Chandler joins me to kick-off Season 16 to discuss working with star and producer Stephen Fry, the new third act and the lasting impact of Wilde's work.
Sun, Oct 22, 2023
Julio Soto Gurpide directs Viva Kids' latest theatrical animated feature, "Inspector Sun", which opens this Friday October 27th. Set in the 1930s, the story centers around a bumbling spider detective who's trying to solve a murder mystery during an airplane flight. Gurpide unravels the web of intricacies that went into making this noir comic adventure.
Mon, Oct 23, 2023
Iconic Australian-based children's entertainers, "The Wiggles" are the subjects of "Hot Potato", a fantastic, new documentary now streaming on Prime Video. Three of the original members of one of the most popular and successful bands of all-time join me to talk about their careers and the emotional, revealing film. I grew-up with The Wiggles, so having this chat with Greg Page (the Yellow Wiggle), Murray Cook (the Red Wiggle) and Jeff Fatt (the Purple Wiggle) was a thrill. And if you're a fan, it will be for you, as well.
Sun, Oct 29, 2023
Let's go to Japan in the 1600's and meet an incredibly skilled swordmaster, who's hiding her true identity, while also being a badass. It's the new adult animated series "Blue Eye Samurai", premiering Friday November 3rd on Netflix. Creators, writers and EPs Amber Noizumi and "Logan" Oscar nominee Michael Green (who are also wife and husband) join me on this LCJ Q&A Podcast episode.
Mon, Oct 30, 2023
Build-A-Bear Entertainment is bringing their popular "Glisten and the Merry Mission" brand to the big screen with a new animated feature for the whole family to kick-off the holiday season. It opens exclusively in Cinemark theaters nationwide Friday November 3. Director Cory Morrison explains the magic of the movie and what Clark Griswold and Jolly Ol' Saint Nick have in common.
Wed, Nov 1, 2023
Fox's Animation Domination is serving-up a post-Halloween treat with "The Simpsons' Treehouse of Horror XXXIV", this Sunday November 5th at 8pm. Writer and Co-EP Brian Kelley, who's been with the iconic series for nearly two and a half decades, shares insights on this year's three spine-tingling stories, some inside Simpsons secrets, and who's the person who will decide if we'll all return to Springfield for a Simpsons movie sequel.
Sat, Nov 4, 2023
DreamWorks is bringing Poppy and Branch back to the big screen with the new third feature in their popular pop music franchise. "Trolls Band Together" is already a hit overseas, and held preview screenings nationwide in North America this past weekend, with an official release date of November 17th. Director Walt Dohrn shares info on the *NSYNC reunion, the visual splendor of the film, and if the "Trolls" brand will keep on rolling.
Sun, Nov 12, 2023
Academy Award nominated "Chico and Rita" directors Fernando Trueba and Javier Mariscal have made a new animated feature for grown-ups - a unique, moving investigation documentary drama. "They Shot the Piano Player", starring Jeff Goldblum as narrator and voice of journalist/author Jeff Harris, opens in New York City and Los Angeles for an awards qualifying run on November 24th. Sony Pictures Classics will then release it nationwide in early 2024. Trueba and Mariscal join me from Spain (via Zoom) for this milestone 300th Episode of the LCJ Q&A Podcast.
Wed, Nov 15, 2023
SNL alums Robert Marianetti and David Wachtenheim direct the new Netflix animated family feature "Leo". The film stars the voice of Adam Sandler in the title role of a 74-year old Mary Poppins-like lizard who's the 5th class pet at Florida elementary school. Listen and Learn why "Leo" (debuting this Tuesday Nov. 21) is one of this holiday season's must-see comedies.
Sun, Nov 19, 2023
DreamWorks presents a feisty, heisty new prequel special to one of their recent hit movies. "The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday" premieres Thursday November 30th on Netflix. Director (and seven-time Emmy-winner) Bret Haaland and Executive Producer Katherine Nolfi bring good tidings on this latest episode of the LCJ Q&A Podcast.
Sun, Dec 3, 2023
Nickelodeon's popular "Baby Shark's Big Show" expands to feature-length format with the hilarious and heartwarming "Baby Shark's Big Movie". It premieres this Friday, December 8th on Paramount+. Writer Whitney Ralls and director Alan Foreman join me to talk about the film they hope earns wave reviews from families this holiday season.
Wed, Dec 6, 2023
The Caped Crusader's eight-year-old son Damian is on a Christmas Eve mission to save Gotham City in the heartwarming and hilarious new animated comedy feature, "Merry Little Batman". You can watch it starting this Friday, December 8th on Prime Video. Writers Morgan Evans and Jase Ricci describe the fa-la-la-la-fun of crafting an entertaining and exciting Batman holiday story.
Wed, Dec 13, 2023
Director Benjamin Renner ("The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales") takes to the sky with Illumination's new animated comedy "Migration". The high-flying family adventure opens in theaters Friday December 22nd. In this "LCJ Q&A Podcast" ep, Renner talks about his love of hand-drawn and CG animation, conducting ducky research, working with a star-studded voice acting ensemble, and collaborating with writer and "Survivor" contestant Mike White.
Thu, Jan 4, 2024
Five-time Emmy-winners Paul Corrigan and Brad Walsh ("Modern Family") are the writers and executive producers of Seth MacFarlane's new seven-episode "Ted" prequel event series, which premieres Thursday Jan. 11 on Peacock. Corrigan and Walsh discuss the show's '90s setting and storylines, what it's like working with MacFarlane, and how the iconic, foul-mouthed bear seamlessly comes to life thanks to an amazingly talented VFX team.
Sun, Jan 21, 2024
Peacock's new series, "In The Know" includes a lot of elements I love: comedy, stop-motion animation, and interviewing. All six episodes drop Thursday January 25th. The show's creator, EP, showrunner and star is actor Zach Woods ("The Office", "Silicon Valley"). He joins me on this fun and revealing LCJ Q&A Podcast episode.
Wed, Jan 24, 2024
Rob David is executive producer of the latest venture into the "Masters of the Universe" universe: "Masters of the Universe: Revolution". All five episodes are now streaming on Netflix. David, who is also Mattel's Vice President, Content Creative, joins me for this Non-Spoiler interview to talk about what continues to make MOTU an animation event.
Sun, Jan 28, 2024
Emmy-winner Todd Newton ("Family Game Night", "Hollywood Showdown") returns as host of "The Price is Right LIVE" stage show, which kicks-off its 2024 North America tour on Feb. 27. Newton talks about the magic of "TPIR" and his friendship with the late Bob Barker. He also shares stories from his time hosting "Whammy!" and covering the Oscars red carpet for E.
Tue, Jan 30, 2024
One of the best in the business when it comes to animation and family programming is PBS KIDS. "Lyla in the Loop", a great new series, joins the lineup on Monday February 5 (check your local listings). Emmy-winning creator and executive producer Dave Peth and EP and head writer Fracaswell Hyman loop me in on this LCJ Q&A Podcast episode.
Wed, Jan 31, 2024
Director Sean Charmatz and Producer Peter McCown present the ambitious and memorable new DreamWorks animated feature "Orion and the Dark". The fearless family adventure about overcoming your fears was written by Charlie Kaufman, who adapts from Emma Yarlett's book. It debuts Feb. 2 on Netflix.
Thu, Feb 1, 2024
Two-time Annie Awards nominee Raman Hui (co-director of "Shrek the Third") directs the new Paramount+ animated feature, "The Tiger's Apprentice", which is now streaming. The film is based on a popular book about 15-year-old Tom, who teams-up with the animals of the Zodiac to prevent the evil Loo (voiced by Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh) from destroying all that matters. In this LCJ Q&A Podcast episode, Hui talks about the importance of the film, his love of animation, and how his early years at Dreamworks laid the foundation for his career.
Sun, Feb 4, 2024
The legendary hand game has now become an animated comedy series. "Rock Paper Scissors" stars anthropomorphic versions of the three title objects. A sneak preview episode airs on Nickelodeon this Sunday Feb. 11, immediately following the channel's highly-anticipated Super Bowl telecast, with the official premiere set for Monday Feb. 12 at 5:30pm. Creators Kyle Stegina and Josh Lehrman join me for this lively LCJ Q&A Podcast episode.
Sun, Feb 11, 2024
A sweet, new Peanuts special - "Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin" premieres this Friday, February 16th on AppleTV+. Co-writer Robb Armstrong, director Raymond S. Persi and executive producer Craig Schulz discuss making the show, and reflect on their - and the world's - deep, longtime affection for the Peanuts gang.
Sun, Feb 18, 2024
Starting this Friday, February 23rd, you can head to theaters for a new live-action, R-rated horror movie about the art and intensity of stop-motion animation. In director and co-writer Robert Morgan's "Stopmotion", Ella, the daughter of a stop-motion animation legend, takes on a new project that quickly, and viciously, takes over her life.
Mon, Feb 26, 2024
"Iwájú" is a new six-episode animated event series premiering this Wednesday February 28th on Disney+. It's a collaboration of Walt Disney Animation Studios and African studio Kugali. The show centers on 10-year-old Tola and her friend Kole in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria. Crime and unrest threaten them and their families. Director and writer Olufikayo Ziki Adeola, production designer Hamid Ibrahim, and cultural consultant Tolu Olowofoyeku share their thoughts and inspirations on this LCJ Q&A Podcast episode.
Tue, Feb 27, 2024
One of DreamWorks' most memorable characters is back. Feature-length movie "Megamind vs. the Doom Syndicate" and streaming series "Megamind Rules" both debut on Peacock on March 1. Director and EP Eric Fogel ("Archibald's Next Big Thing") shares how he orchestrated the comeback of the super villain turned superhero, including the challenge of making the film and the series simultaneously.
Wed, Feb 28, 2024
Rob David serves as executive producer, and Melanie Shannon is the co-creator of Mattel's new animated family series, "Hot Wheels Let's Race". The show premieres this Monday March 4th on Netflix. You've got the green flag to learn everything about this supercharged series on this latest edition of the LCJ Q&A.
Sun, Mar 3, 2024
Po is back. DreamWorks' "Kung Fu Panda 4" is directed by Mike Mitchell, co-directed by Stephanie Ma Stine and produced by Rebecca Huntley. I first spoke with the trio back in December at the launch of the film's first trailer. Now that I've seen the entire movie (which opens in theaters this Friday, March 8), here's a new LCJ Q&A Podcast episode with the creators. We talk about what fans of this highly-popular, long-running, nearly $2B franchise should get ready "4".
Mon, Mar 4, 2024
To predict this year's Oscar winners, I'm joined by popular entertainment analyst, host, content creator, and film critic John Rocha. On this special edition of the "LCJ Q&A Podcast" John and I make our picks in 12 different categories, plus we discuss other aspects of Sunday's 96th annual Academy Awards.