LCJ Q&A Podcast

A new DreamWorks Animation short focuses on a teen who visits his grandpa and discovers a passion that will strengthen their relationship. It is Oscar qualified and vying for Best Animated Short Film consideration. Co-Director Chris Copeland and producer Shabrayia Cleaver share what makes them so proud about "Wednesdays with Gramps".

We've all heard the phrase, "two ships passing in the night". A new animated short, which is qualified for the Best Animated Short Film Oscar this year and is vying for consideration, takes that phrase and presents it in emotional ways. McKinley Benson, Mackenzie Benson and Disney Legend Jodi Benson (the voice of Ariel) join me to discuss "Two Ships"... and a little bit on "The Little Mermaid".

The iconic Chuck E. Cheese is getting the animated holiday special treatment. "A Chuck E. Cheese Christmas" premieres this Thursday Nov. 27 on Prime Video and YouTube. Annie winner Zac Moncrief and Emmy winner Jon Colton Barry join me for a chat about the look, the story, the songs, working with star Nathan Kress ("iCarly") and hopes for more adventures in the "CEC" animation space.

Four-time Academy Award nominee and BAFTA and Caesar Awards winner Sylvain Chomet (director of "The Triplets of Belleville" and "The Illusionist") joins me to discuss his latest animated feature, "A Magnificent Life", about French playwright, poet and filmmaker Marcel Pagnol. It opens in select theaters for an awards-qualifying run this Friday Nov. 21 and will officially release in North America on Feb. 20, 2026.

New one-hour holiday special "A PAW Patrol Christmas" premieres Friday Nov. 28 at 8pm on CBS. Executive Producer Laura Clunie, who also serves as Senior VP of Development, Current Series & Feature Film at Spin Master, shares highlights of this new adventure, plus more holiday treats for "PAW" fans, and a preview of next summer's theatrical "Dino Movie".

"Prep & Landing: The Snowball Protocol" is the third half-hour special in the beloved, Emmy-winning animated franchise. It premieres Thursday Nov. 27 at 7pm on Disney Channel, Friday Nov. 28 on Disney+, and Sunday Nov. 30 at 9pm on ABC. Executive Producers Kevin Deters and Stevie Wermers-Skelton discuss the lasting impact of "P&L", including this new adventure.

Academy Award winners Michael Govier and Will McCormack (of 2020's "If Anything Happens, I Love You") discuss their new animated Short "All Heart", which is vying for awards consideration this season. It's a drama about a father in mourning and his special connection to a young man.

Following-up the success of feature film "Merry Little Batman" is the new series "Bat-Fam". 10 episodes of animated adventures of Bruce Wayne and his son Damian premiere Monday Nov. 10 on Prime Video. Executive Producer and Showrunner Mike Roth talks working with Luke Wilson, pleasing the Bat-Fans, and seeing Tim Burton and Michael Keaton's first collab in theaters.

Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Emmy-nominated for "The Queen's Gambit" and star of "Love Actually" and "The Maze Runner" franchise) lends his voice to racecar driver mouse Ed in the new Viva Kids animated feature "Grand Prix of Europe", which opens in theaters this Friday Nov. 7.

Steve Hudson has directed the new animated feature "Stitch Head", based on the book series, which opens in theaters on Wednesday Oct. 29. He discusses the visuals, working with star Asa Butterfield, and the film's classic inspirations.