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DHX MEDIA ANNOUNCES DHX STUDIOS

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DHX MEDIA ANNOUNCES DHX STUDIOS

New 60,000 square-foot animation studio under construction in Vancouver

Halifax, NS, 29 January 2016 – DHX Media (“DHX” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: DHXM; TSX: DHX.A, DHX.B), a global leader in kids and family entertainment content, announces the rebranding of its content-creation arm to DHX Studios – dedicated to developing and producing the highest quality, original content in both animation and live action for kids and families. DHX is also building a brand new 60,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art animation studio in Vancouver, to consolidate its West Coast production operations of approximately 700 personnel. The new facility is slated for completion in December 2016.

DHX Studios unites development, production and interactive under a veteran management team, led by Asaph Fipke as Chief Content Officer, and Ken Faier in the role of Senior Vice President and General Manager. In addition, Kirsten Newlands is Senior Vice President, Animation Production; Stephanie Betts is Vice President, Development and Current Series; Logan McPherson is Vice President, Creative – Animation Production; Phillip Stamp is Vice President, Current Production, Halifax; Tracey Jardine is Vice President, Live Action. LA-based Josh Fisher recently joined the company as Vice President, Creative Affairs, reporting to Stephanie Betts. DHX Studios will report to DHX Media’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Steven DeNure, and will drive the development and production of original animated and live action content for the Company’s world renowned library, and continue to partner with key content creators around the globe.

Steven DeNure, President and COO of DHX Media, stated: “The reorganization of this business unit cements DHX Media’s dedication to producing outstanding original content. We’re excited to launch DHX Studios under this strong management group, and to be bringing our 2D and 3D Vancouver animation teams together into one facility.”

Asaph Fipke, DHX Studios CCO, added: “At DHX, we pride ourselves on putting creativity first. The formation of DHX Studios integrates the expertise of our creative teams in Vancouver, Toronto and Halifax and allows us to push our industry’s standards for creative excellence. We’re proud to be producing the highest quality animation and live action in the industry, and continuing our work with top content creators in the kids and family business.”

Recent original DHX productions include Inspector Gadget, Slugterra, Dr. Dimensionpants, Super Noobs, Teletubbies, Make It Pop, and Degrassi: Next Class. Other series recently announced and currently in either production or development by DHX Studios include Airmageddon, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and Stephen & Lucy Hawking’s Secret Key to the Universe.

About DHX Studios

DHX Studios is the dedicated content-creation arm of DHX Media Ltd., a key player internationally in the production, distribution, broadcast and licensing of entertainment content for children and families. DHX Studios is a global leader in the creation of high-quality kids and family entertainment across platforms, genres and ages. Our diverse portfolio features award-winning original series plus productions for some of the top third-party kids brands in the world. Encompassing animation, live action and interactive, our properties includes Teletubbies, Inspector Gadget, Degrassi: Next Class, Slugterra, Make It Pop, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Super Noobs and Dr. Dimensionpants. DHX Studios produces 18-20 series per year, and employs more than 900 personnel at its animation studios in Vancouver and Halifax, and its live action studio in Toronto. www.dhxmedia.com

About DHX Media Ltd.

DHX Media Ltd. (www.dhxmedia.com) is a key player internationally in the production, distribution, broadcast and licensing of entertainment content for children and families. Owner of the world’s largest independent library of kids’ and family content, at more than 11,000 half-hours, DHX Media is recognized globally for such brands as Teletubbies, Yo Gabba Gabba!, Caillou, In the Night Garden, Inspector Gadget, Make It Pop, Slugterra and the multiple award-winning Degrassi franchise. DHX Media is comprised of four main business units: DHX Studios creates high-quality original entertainment at its Vancouver and Halifax animation studios, its Toronto live-action studio, and in working with top international producers; DHX Distribution is a major provider of content to the global market; DHX Television, home to the Family suite of channels, is dedicated to delivering best-in-class programming to Canadian families; and DHX Brands specializes in creating, building and managing high-profile global entertainment brands within the children’s and young-adult markets. DHX Media also owns the full-service international licensing agency, Copyright Promotions Licensing Group Ltd. (CPLG), which represents numerous entertainment, sport and design brands. DHX Media has offices in 15 cities worldwide, including Toronto, Vancouver, Halifax, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Barcelona, Milan, Munich, Amsterdam and Beijing. The Company is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol DHXM, and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbols DHX.A and DHX.B.

Disclaimer
This press release contains forward looking statements with respect to DHX including the completion of production of multiple series, the business strategies of DHX, and the future operating activities and performance of DHX. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and are based on information currently available to the Company. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations, among other things, include risk factors discussed in materials filed with applicable securities regulatory authorities from time to time including matters discussed under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent Annual Information Form and annual Management Discussion and Analysis, which form part of the Company’s registration statement on Form 40-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

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Noel Saabye

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What is your name and your current occupation?

My name is Noel Saabye and I’m currently the Owner/ Art Director of my own business ( Clown Pirate Productions, LLC). I specialize in 2D Animation (traditional & Flash), as well as Cartoon Illustration. I occasionally tackle some web design, and social media for local small businesses and I’ve recently started to learn to tattoo!

What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?

Hands down, the strangest job I’ve ever had was working at a Dental Lab. They had me doing metal finishing on crowns and bridges prior to them getting the porcelain finish. I have no idea why 19 year old me was trusted to make your teeth.

What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?


Although the show wasn’t the most popular, I will always look back on HISTERIA! from Kids WB as being the “Big One”. The characters were a lot of fun to work on. My second would be Directing Edd hosting Cartoon Cartoon Fridays for Cartoon Network. I also have several games on CartoonNetwork.com that I’m really proud of including TKO and Magnet Face.

How did you become interested in animation?

I’m the son of a high school art teacher, so I’ve been drawing all my life. Oddly enough, my mom had given me The Illusion of Life as a birthday gift when I was in Jr. High and I never really thought much of it other than it had cool pictures. It wasn’t until after high school that I started trying out different art related jobs and found an opportunity to learn animation.

Where are you from and how did you get into the animation business?


I’m a native Minnesotan. Back in the early 90s I was invited to attend a monthly meeting of comic and animation artists. Each month I would make it a point to learn something from someone new. My eagerness caught the attention of someone who had introduced me to an animator who was starting his own studio. I became his apprentice/ intern and the rest is history.

What’s a typical day like for you with regards to your job?

The majority of my day is spent working on the particular project I may have on my desk, but I also incorporate an hour or two keeping up with my networking on various sites and replying to potential clients. In the case that I’m between projects, I’m probably working on personal art which I sell at conventions or spending time at the tattoo shop.

What part of your job do you like best? Why?

My favorite part of the day is when you hit “the zone” and you’re just drawing as if there’s nothing else around you. I feel that’s when I do my best work.

What part of your job do you like least? Why?


Letting down would-be clients that don’t understand the cost of creative work. At this stage, I would often times really like to work on projects that people come to me with, but I just can’t pay my bills with barters, or portfolio pieces.

What kind of technology do you work with on a daily basis?


My weapons of choice are… Sketchook Pro and my Cintiq. From there I will use Photoshop, Illustrator or Flash.

What is the most difficult part for you about being in the business?

Staying in the business! If you don’t have a full time gig, you’re always networking and trying to secure that long-term project. I kind of like the challenge, but it can be difficult at times.

In your travels, have you had any brushes with animation greatness?


I’ve had the privilege to not only meet, but work with many great animators. Some of which were big inspirations to me including Star Toons owner Jon McClenahan. Also, working at Cartoon Network I was able to meet many of the show creators including Maxwell Adams, Genndy Tartakovsky, and Danny Antonucci.

Describe a tough situation you had in life.

Freelancing is always unpredictable. If you’re not good with your money, you can find yourself it a sticky situation during the down time. It happens to all us. That’s when you learn to save your punch cards from the coffee shop.

Any side projects or you’re working on or hobbies you’d like to share details of?

I have a few game apps in various stages, I’m creating art to sell at various conventions and art festivals and I’m also starting to tattoo.

 

Any unusual talents or hobbies like tying a cherry stem with your tongue or metallurgy?

I have this amazing talent of making people believe I’m much younger that I am. Maybe it’s because I act immature or I don’t dress the part… maybe it’s just taking the animation thing to far and refusing to stop laughing at everything?

 

Is there any advice you can give for an aspiring animation student or artist trying to break into the business? Draw, Draw, Draw! Draw your dog, your cat, a bird out the window… keep drawing. Stop with the Manga characters (unless you already live in Japan). Draw in different styles, and learn the old school methods of animation. I’ve seen too many portfolios from students that rely too much on flash and don’t understand the fundamentals of traditional animation. It’s not just knowing “how” but knowing “why”.

 

http://noelsaabye.com

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https://www.facebook.com/noelsaabyeart

https://instagram.com/noelsaabye/

http://nsaabye.deviantart.com

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DC Entertainment announces new slate of Hanna-Barbera titles

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scooby-doo-jim-lee

Entertainment Weekly is reporting that this May, DC Entertainment is taking you back to those days with an all-new line of comics based on your favorite Hanna-Barbera characters. Featuring books like Scooby Apocalypse, Future Quest, Wacky Raceland and The Flintstones, DC is looking not to rehash old stories, but revitalize the characters in a new day and age — while attempting to keep their charm, of course.

“From a personal standpoint, I was always a fan of the old Hanna-Barbera characters, having grown up on them,” says Dan DiDio, co-publisher of DC Entertainment. “I think what you find right now is there’s so much material on pop culture, and these characters resonate with so much of our fanbase. It was so fun to go out and look at them, but not just bring back versions that existed 40, 50 years ago and really look at it the way of saying, if these characters were created and interpreted today, how would they exist? So we handed off our materials to a number of top creators, and what came back was an exciting look that felt very true to the existence of the characters.”

You can read the entire article here.

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Chuck Maiden

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What is your name and your current occupation?
Chuck Maiden—color designer on American Dad! at Fox Television Animation.

What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
Crazy, huh? Well, I don’t know about crazy, but I’ve worked at a lamp factory, delivered Dreyer’s ice cream, worked at a 7-Eleven, delivered pizzas for a half of night, played in rock bands, colored comic books—I could go on, but you might fall asleep.

What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
Well, definitely, this one, American Dad! and also King of the Hill, which I worked on for 12 years.

How did you become interested in animation?
When I was a kid, I watched Popeye, The Flintstones, Bugs Bunny, as well as a lot of others. There was one old cartoon, where it showed an artist’s hand drawing the character, which then came to life. It made me realize Continue reading

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100 Original Cartoons Model Sheets!

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Enjoy a gallery of 100 Original Cartoons Model Sheet from Walt Disney Animation Studio, MGM & more… Some I’ve seen before but some I have not!

Check it out here…