In a remarkable recognition of his leadership and vision, Toonz Media Group's CEO, Mr. P Jayakumar, was featured in the prestigious Mann Ki Baat booklet, a significant publication associated with the Indian Prime Minister's monthly radio address. His insightful message appeared alongside that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting Mr. Jayakumar’s pivotal contributions to the animation and media industry.

In his statement, Mr. Jayakumar emphasized the importance of innovation, creativity, and collaboration in transforming the entertainment and media sectors. He acknowledged the role of the creative industry in driving both economic growth and cultural influence, urging young professionals to embrace new technologies and ideas to shape the future.

The inclusion of Mr. Jayakumar’s words right next to the Prime Minister’s underscores the increasing recognition of Toonz Media Group as a leader in the global animation space, contributing to India's growing presence in the global entertainment landscape.

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The AniMela Animation Masters Summit (AMS) Festival is poised to be a groundbreaking event in the world of animation, and Toonz Media Group is thrilled to lead this exciting initiative. This year, AMS has expanded its reach through strategic partnerships with the Annecy International Animation Festival and AniMela, under the aegis of SAIK, elevating it to an internationally recognized celebration of animation and storytelling.

Scheduled for March 6th to 9th, Thiruvananthapuram, the vibrant capital of Kerala, will be the epicenter of global animation. The festival promises an exceptional lineup of masterclasses, hands-on workshops, exclusive screenings, and thought-provoking panel discussions. Attendees can also explore experiential zones and knowledge centres that delve into the latest techniques and trends in animation.

The significance of the AniMela AMS Festival has been recognized and covered by major media outlets such as Times of India, Animation Express, and Asianet News, further amplifying its prominence. This event is more than just a gathering—it’s an opportunity to connect with leading industry figures, inspire creativity, and ignite new ideas in the field of animation.

We’re eagerly looking forward to making this a landmark event that will inspire, educate, and bring the global animation community together!

The third Town Hall of this quarter was held on November 22nd at Travancore Hall, Park Centre, Technopark, coinciding with our 25th anniversary celebrations. The entire Toonz Trivandrum team came together to ensure vibrant participation, making the event truly memorable.

In his address, Toonz Media Group CEO Mr. P Jayakumar highlighted the industry’s ongoing challenges and emphasized the importance of generating innovative ideas that can transform the landscape and create new opportunities for growth.

During the event, Mr. Jayakumar, alongside senior management members, presented Star Performer and Emerging Star certificates to individuals who demonstrated exceptional performance.

November was a significant month for Toonz Media Group, with the American Film Market (AFM) standing out as the key event. Gulshan David, our Vice President of Feature Films, represented Toonz at AFM, where we had an exciting lineup of films on display. Among the highlights, we introduced Minibots for presale, marking an important step in our sales strategy. Additionally, we showcased Pierre the Pigeon Hawk, a prestigious project that attracted considerable attention from attendees. The event proved to be a valuable platform for engaging with prospective clients, leading to a series of productive discussions. Overall, we consider this AFM season a success, with positive outcomes and promising opportunities on the horizon.

At the American Film Market, Pierre the Pigeon Hawk attracted all the right attention, generating significant buzz across the media landscape. One of the standout moments was the announcement of an exciting partnership with JAKM3N Productions, a company founded by NBA star Anthony Davis. His entry into the entertainment industry, particularly his collaboration with Toonz Media Group on Pierre the Pigeon Hawk, captured widespread media attention. This partnership was highlighted in major trade publications, including The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and Deadline. In the days that followed, we shared an exclusive follow-up story, revealing that Jason Isaacs, Jimmi Simpson, and Russell Peters had joined the already impressive voice cast of Pierre the Pigeon Hawk. This animated feature, which celebrates themes of friendship and self-discovery, continues to garner excitement and is shaping up to be a highly anticipated release. The exclusive coverage in Variety further solidified the film’s status as a major upcoming title.

The animated musical short series Croak Show, created by Suresh Eriyat of Studio Eeksaurus and co-produced by Toonz Media Group, is making waves across the international animation scene. This groundbreaking series has recently earned the prestigious Relive Award at the 11th New Chitose Airport International Animation Festival in Japan. This is the only film festival held at an airport.

Out of more than 2,000 films submitted from 90 countries and regions, Croak Show emerged as a standout, captivating audiences and judges alike. Its unique blend of creativity, musicality, and storytelling has set it apart as a truly exceptional work in the world of animation.

Toonz Media Group made a major impact at AFM 2024 with the unveiling of MINIBOTS, an action-packed animated feature produced in collaboration with Evolutionary Films (UK) and Mojo Global Arts (USA). Directed by Tony Bancroft (Mulan) and written by Michael Ferris (Terminator 3), the film follows three young geniuses at a robotics camp who create sentient mini robots, leading to chaos and heartwarming moments as they race to protect their creations from a powerful tech company.

The announcement of MINIBOTS generated significant attention across the media, with widespread coverage in major trade publications. The film promises stunning animation, high-energy sequences, and lovable characters, ensuring broad appeal for both kids and adults.

P.Jayakumar, CEO of Toonz Media Group, shared, "Partnering with Evolutionary Films and Mojo Global Arts has been a fantastic experience, and we’re excited for audiences to experience this fun and lively adventure.”

Toonz Academy celebrated International Animation Day (IAD) 2024 on November 13th with an inspiring day of expert-led sessions for aspiring artists. The first session was conducted by Azeem Kattali, Co-Founder of Eunoins Studio, Kochi, who shared his knowledge on animation techniques and industry trends, providing attendees with practical insights and inspiration.

The second session featured Shincy C.B. and Sanjay P.V. from Terrific Minds, who explored the world of UX/UI design. Their presentation offered valuable tools and strategies for enhancing design skills, focusing on user experience and interface design.

Both sessions were interactive, giving participants the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers, ask questions, and deepen their understanding. The event successfully highlighted Toonz Academy’s dedication to nurturing creative talent and fostering growth within the animation and design community. It was a day filled with learning, inspiration, and industry connection.

To celebrate Toonz Media Group’s 25th anniversary, we hosted an exciting competition called “Color Our Legacy,” inviting employees to create artwork that captures the essence of our journey and achievements. We were amazed by the talent and creativity on display, showcasing the passion and dedication of our team.

A huge congratulations to Cryon Joseph from the BG & Layout-2D department, whose outstanding artwork was chosen as the winner! His piece beautifully encapsulates the spirit, growth, and legacy of Toonz over the past 25 years.

This competition was a wonderful reminder of the incredible talent within our organization and how each of us contributes to the vibrant story of Toonz.