LCJ Q&A Podcast

A girl, a postman, a coin and some magic. They're the components of "To: Gerard", a new DreamWorks Animation short from writer/director Taylor Meacham. You'll be able to watch it soon. In the meantime, the short recently picked-up a big award at this year's virtual Annecy Film Festival.

On this episode of the special podcast series, I'm joined by fellow Critics Choice Association member and KJYO-FM film critic Jason Black. We share favorite movie theater stories, what it's like to meet celebs at the Critics Choice Awards and we even get into a bit of a Pixar debate. Plus Jason dives into his sneaker obsession and tells pre-critic tales of landing roles on 'Friends' and 'Lizzie McGuire'.

Frozen II animator Malerie Walters worked on some of the key musical sequences in Disney's blockbuster feature. Walters is featured on the new six-part documentary series Into the Unknown: Making Frozen II, debuting this Friday June 26th on Disney+. She shares stories of bringing dynamic scenes to life and teases her next big animation assignment.

On this second episode of the special podcast series, I'm joined by film critic colleague Jim Dixon. He writes for FilmInquiry.com, Jim-Dixon.com and is a member of the Online Film Critics Society. Jim and I share stories about attending film screenings together and memorable movie theater experiences. And we have thoughts on what going to the movies could look like in the near future.

Nearly two decades ago, Brent Dawes created the popular 'Jungle Beat' animated TV series. Now he's the writer/director of the franchise's new feature film. Sandcastle Studios' 'Jungle Beat: The Movie', made in collaboration with Sunrise Productions, is a selection of the 2020 Annecy International Film Festival and is available on VOD for families to enjoy starting June 26th.

Remember what it was like to go to the movies? On this special podcast series, I bring-on film critic colleagues to tell favorite movie theater stories and predict the future of the moviegoing experience. 'Vegas Film Critic' Jeffrey K. Howard joins me on this first episode of 'Cinema Stories'.

Stoopid Buddy Stoodios veterans John Harvatine IV and Tom Root came-up with the idea for "Crossing Swords" about a decade ago. After quite a journey, the adult animated series is finally ready to be released, with Season 1 of the stop-motion show debuting this Friday June 12th on Hulu.

Ben Smith is the writer/director of the new CG superhero animal animated feature "StarDog and TurboCat". It premieres this Thursday May 21st on DirecTV Cinema before heading to more VOD and Digital platforms on June 19th. Smith and his team finished making the film last August. And after a run in UK theaters, Smith is excited for U.S. families to watch this at home.

'SCOOB!' director Tony Cervone talks about his new Warner Bros. CG 'Scooby-Doo' animated movie available on VOD and Digital this weekend. Cervone reveals animation inspirations for the story & visuals, how Mark Wahlberg became part of the voice cast (in his first-ever animated film) and what will please fans of the original Scooby series.

Josh Bycel is the EP of the new animated series 'Solar Opposites', premiering this Friday May 8th on Hulu. Bycel talks about working with the 'Rick and Morty' team on this sci-fi comedy. He also shares his thoughts on being a part of the 'Trolls' and 'American Dad!' families... and his unique connections to 'Frasier'.