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Toonz Town Hall: Honoring Legacy, Embracing the Future

The recent Town Hall at Toonz Media Group was a day filled with emotion, inspiration, and celebration.

A Tribute to a Guiding Light

The event opened with a heartfelt homage to the late Shaji N Karun, an iconic filmmaker and a guiding force in the Toonz journey. His legacy was honored with a two-minute silence, marking the deep respect and admiration he earned within the Toonz family.

Charting the Road Ahead

CEO P. Jayakumar (JK) delivered a powerful keynote, urging all teams to look forward with purpose. In a rapidly evolving industry, he emphasized the need to integrate AI across all departments, streamline our operations, and adopt a continuous improvement mindset. His message was clear: the future isn't coming—it's already here, and Toonz is ready to lead the way.

Recognizing Our Pillars of Strength

We celebrated the dedication and loyalty of our long-serving team members. Special recognition was given to those who have completed 20 years of exemplary service:
Rajesh G from the IT Department, Ranjithkumar S, Real-Time Lighting Supervisor, Devanand V, Technical Director – CGI, and Thomas M Maly, Supervisor – Lighting.

Their unwavering commitment has played a key role in shaping the Toonz story over the last two decades.

Outstanding performers across departments were also honored for their exceptional contributions, reinforcing the belief that our people are our greatest asset.

A Glimpse into the Creative Future

The Town Hall concluded with an exclusive look at upcoming 2D and 3D projects. Among them, Pierre the Pigeon Hawk captivated the audience, with CEO P Jayakumar highlighting the project’s success and recognition in several international markets.

As we move forward, one thing is clear—Toonz isn’t just adapting to change: we’re driving it.

Toonz Teams Up with NEW-GEN® and Ketchup Entertainment to Launch Major New Animated Series

Toonz Media Group has entered a high-profile partnership with NEW-GEN® Universe and Ketchup Entertainment to co-create NEW-GEN NANOBOT HEROES™—a groundbreaking 3D CGI animated series based on the popular comic book franchise. This marks yet another strategic move by Toonz to collaborate with top-tier global players and expand our footprint in premium original IP.

As the lead studio, Toonz will finance, produce, and distribute the series globally, drawing on our legacy of world-class animation and transmedia storytelling. The show, consisting of 13 x 22-minute episodes, is set to blend high-octane nanotech adventures with emotionally rich storytelling and a star-studded voice cast.

P. Jayakumar, CEO of Toonz Media Group, commented:
"At Toonz, we are always seeking original, imaginative worlds to bring to life, and NEW-GEN® is a perfect match. The fusion of cutting-edge storytelling, dynamic characters, and rich visual landscapes aligns perfectly with our passion for innovation in animation. We are thrilled to partner with the creative minds behind NEW-GEN® and can't wait to deliver this groundbreaking series to a global audience."

This alliance underscores Toonz’s growing influence in the global entertainment ecosystem, as we continue to co-create future-ready content with visionary partners and household-name talent.

Toonz CEO Attends Annecy 2025 – Strengthening Global Ties in Animation

At Toonz, we believe that staying ahead in the animation industry means being present where the future is being shaped. Earlier this month, our CEO P. Jayakumar represented Toonz Media Group at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and MIFA 2025 — the world’s leading platform for animation professionals and decision-makers.

Annecy is not just a festival, but a global hub of creativity, innovation, and collaboration. Mr. Jayakumar’s participation reflects Toonz’s continued commitment to engaging with international industry leaders, exploring new creative directions, and staying aligned with emerging trends and technologies.

From reconnecting with long-standing partners to initiating conversations around new co-productions, the visit offered valuable opportunities to strengthen relationships and open doors to future collaborations.

“With over two decades of legacy, Toonz has a responsibility to stay connected with the evolving global landscape and contribute meaningfully to the industry,” said Mr. Jayakumar. “Being part of Annecy allows us to stay informed, inspired, and proactive.”

Attending key international markets like Annecy remains a strategic priority for Toonz. It is through such global interactions that we continue to grow, evolve, and tell stories that connect with diverse audiences around the world.

Toonz Expands Reach in Asia with New Taiwan Deal

Toonz Media Group has signed a new content deal with LTV Taiwan, marking another key milestone in our expanding footprint across Asia. This partnership brings a curated mix of top-performing kids’ content to Taiwanese audiences, further strengthening Toonz’s presence in the region.

The deal includes three hit titles:

  • Pinocchio and Friends – A fresh, fun reimagining of the classic tale.
  • Chai Chai – A café-based comedy packed with music, mischief, and mayhem.
  • Rat-A-Tat – A global slapstick favorite known for its nonstop laughs.

With this collaboration, Toonz continues to build strong regional alliances and deliver content that resonates across cultures. More exciting partnerships are on the way as we keep growing our global reach.

Toonz Garners Global Media Spotlight at Annecy 2025

Toonz Media Group attracted significant international media attention during the Annecy International Animation Festival 2025, with prominent coverage in two major trade publications—TodoTV News and Prensario Internacional. These features spotlighted Toonz’s ambitious content slate and its expanding global footprint in kids and family entertainment.

TodoTV News, a leading audiovisual industry publication based in Latin America and Spain, published an in-depth article titled “Toonz Media Group Expands Global Footprint with a Power-Packed Slate of Kids Content.” The feature emphasized Toonz’s diverse and globally appealing portfolio of animated series and films, showcasing titles such as Zoonicorn, Aliens in My Backpack, 3Rs, Pattabhiraman, and Jili & Gulu. It also noted Toonz’s strategic focus on international co-productions, environmental themes, and AI integration, all of which position the company as a forward-thinking leader in the global content landscape.

 

Prensario Internacional, another top-tier B2B media outlet covering TV, digital media, and telecommunications across Latin America, Europe, and the U.S. Hispanic market, echoed this recognition in its Annecy coverage. In the article titled “Toonz Ambitious Slate at Annecy 2025,” Prensario spotlighted the international co-production Zoonicorn, developed with Finnish and U.S. partners, and the unique cultural narratives embedded in Pattabhiraman and 3Rs. The publication also highlighted Toonz’s commitment to delivering high-quality, inclusive, and culturally rich storytelling tailored for a global audience.

 

Together, these features underscore Toonz Media Group’s growing relevance on the world stage, reaffirming its role as a powerhouse in animation content creation and distribution. The spotlight at Annecy 2025 reflects not just the strength of its IPs, but also the studio’s ability to innovate, collaborate, and resonate across cultures and continents.

Toonz Academy and NICHE University Launch India’s First Industry-Backed Animation Degree Program

Toonz Academy, in collaboration with NICHE University, Kanyakumari, has introduced India’s first university-affiliated animation degree program in partnership with a leading industry player. The newly launched B.Sc. in Animation and Visual Effects is an 8-semester undergraduate program offered at the NICHE campus in Kanyakumari. The program offers a robust curriculum that blends academic learning with real-world industry exposure. With a strong emphasis on emerging technologies, including AI-integrated modules, the course aims to equip students with comprehensive skills in animation filmmaking and visual effects, preparing them for dynamic careers in the AVGC sector.

Updated AFMDA Program Welcomes New Batch

The first batch of the newly revamped AFMDA (Animation Filmmaking and Digital Arts) program commenced on June 3rd. This intensive 18-month course provides holistic training in key domains such as animation, digital arts, digital design, and visual effects. The curriculum has been carefully designed to balance creative development with technical proficiency. A standout feature of the program is the 2-month studio internship, which allows students to gain hands-on experience and apply their skills in a professional production environment.

Toonz Academy Hosts Seminars on Creative Career Opportunities

Toonz Academy recently organized a series of seminars on Creative Career Opportunities in Alleppey, Marthandam, and Nagercoil. These informative sessions were aimed at students and aspiring creatives interested in pursuing careers in the AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) industry. The seminars featured engaging presentations, including a demo on career pathways, a case study of live studio projects, and an interactive Q&A session. Attendees gained valuable insights into the evolving landscape of digital media careers and the skills required to succeed in this fast-growing sector.

Toonz YouTube Team Celebrates Silver Creator Award as Jay Jagannath Channel Crosses 150K Subscribers

We’re proud to announce a major digital milestone — the Toonz YouTube team has earned the Silver Creator Award for the Jay Jagannath channel, which has now crossed an impressive 150,000 subscribers, even before releasing a single full episode.

With just a few carefully curated clips and teasers uploaded so far, the channel has already built a vibrant, emotionally engaged community. This early momentum is a powerful testament to the growing popularity, spiritual significance, and cultural resonance of the Jay Jagannath series — and a shining example of Toonz’s ability to connect with audiences through meaningful, heartfelt storytelling.

For many viewers, Jay Jagannath is not just entertainment — it is a deeply personal and emotional experience, evoking memories of faith, devotion, and tradition. The early response shows how profoundly the series is touching hearts across generations, regions, and languages.

Rooted in devotion and visually stunning animation, Jay Jagannath is more than just a series — it’s a spiritual journey brought to life, and the anticipation it has already generated speaks volumes about what lies ahead.

A big congratulations to the YouTube and content teams — this milestone belongs to every hand and heart behind the scenes. Here’s to many more!