The Adult Animation Spotlight panel at the Annecy Animation Festival showcased a number of exciting titles from Warner Bros. Animation and Adult Swim, including the highly anticipated collaboration “Hit Squad” with Anderson Entertainment.
Leading the presentation were Peter Girardi, EVP of Alternative Programming at Warner Bros. Animation, and Adult Swim President Michael Ouweleen. The panel’s highlight was the discussion of “Heist Safari,” an animated action comedy from director Genndy Tartakovsky, known for his work on “Samurai Jack.”
Tartakovsky had pitched “Heist Safari” live at last year’s festival to Ouweleen, and during this panel, more details were revealed about the series. The show follows three frog brothers as they attempt to rob a bank, with elements of crime flicks reminiscent of Quentin Tarantino and Guy Ritchie.
Ouweleen shared an animatic created by Tartakovsky himself, showcasing the visual storytelling and humor that the creator is known for. The animatic featured the frog brothers in a kinetic and comedic sequence as they chase a bank vault manager mouse, set to aggressive EDM music.
The sequence displayed Tartakovsky’s signature style, with Tex Avery influences and a blend of violence and humor. Despite the dark conclusion of the sequence, Tartakovsky’s comic sensibilities shone through, promising a unique and entertaining series.
“Heist Safari” is just one of the exciting projects announced by Adult Swim at Annecy, including “The Elephant,” an animated special featuring the talents of Pendleton Ward, Rebecca Sugar, Ian Jones-Quartey, and Patrick McHale. The network also confirmed the renewal of the popular anime “Ninja Kamui” for two additional seasons.
Genndy Tartakovsky’s presence at Annecy solidified his position as a leading figure in the animation industry, with his first feature “Fixed” receiving positive reviews. His creative vision and storytelling abilities continue to captivate audiences, making “Heist Safari” a highly anticipated addition to the Adult Swim lineup.
Overall, the Adult Animation Spotlight panel at the Annecy Animation Festival provided a glimpse into the exciting and diverse projects coming from Warner Bros. Animation and Adult Swim, showcasing the creativity and innovation present in the world of adult animation.
