We recently had the opportunity to sit down with some of the talent behind SonyAnimation’s The Emoji Movie, including Director Tony Leondis, Producer Michelle Raimo, Maya Rudolph (who voices Smiler in the film), and World Emoji Day Creator Jeremy Burge.
Leondis and Raimo spoke primarily to the challenges of creating the film, and the many decisions that are involved in the process of building a movie like this. For example, they mentioned that many more apps were originally on the table in addition to the ones that were finally chosen to appear in The Emoji Movie, and that it was difficult to pick which should make the cut. However, they noted that the specific apps that made it in were selected according to the character’s journeys, and that story was considered top priority in regard to the film’s direction. “The movie’s all about identity,” Leondis said, “and each of the characters explores that in their own way.” In reference to the sequence that takes place inside Just Dance, Raimo added that “We even hired a choreographer to help us invent the Emoji Pop, to create a dance that felt unique and thematic for Gene.”
Rudolph, meanwhile, addressed the all-ages appeal of The Emoji Movie, asserting that its message appeals to kids and adults alike: “Sometimes, even as an adult, you think you know who you are,” she said, “and then you change. And you realize more about who you really want to be.” A mother herself, she also felt that the movie spoke to her about the unique worries that plague parents in this digital age. “It’s like the Wild West of parenting,” she said regarding electronic devices and the internet, “I hope that parents continue to have a dialogue with each other about it.”
Finally, we spoke with Emojipedia’s Jeremy Burge, creator of World Emoji Day, about the ubiquitous nature of emojis in today’s culture and the rationale that went into creating this holiday. Burge noted that the official count lists 2,666 emojis overall presently in use, and that more are added each year. This, he added, was what sparked him to create World Emoji Day four years ago. “You look at the calendar and there’s all of these holidays, like World Pancake Day” he said, “and I thought– Emojis are cooler than some of these things! They should have a day!” So he chose July 17– the date shown on the calendar emoji– and declared it World Emoji Day on Emojipedia. In the years since, the holiday has only grown, and this year’s celebration included a red carpet party at Saks Fifth Avenue, closing the New York Stock Exchange, and lighting the Empire State Building yellow with the cast of TheEmoji Movie.
Make sure you catch The Emoji Movie in theaters July 28– you won’t want to miss it!
I had never heard of Niko before this week… now I’ve binged the entire season and my son is 1/4 the way through the show is that good. Think a super kid friendly version of Samurai Jack blended with Thundarr the Barbarian.
Niko and the Sword of Light follows 10-year-old Niko, the last of his kind in a strange, fantastical world, as he embarks on an epic quest to defeat the darkness and bring the light back to his land. Armed with his magic sword, brave Niko journeys to the Cursed Volcano, making new friends and powerful foes along the way, all while uncovering secrets about his mysterious past.
The show features the voice talent of Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants), Andre Robinson (Doc McStuffins), Steve Blum (Star Wars: Rebels), Kevin Michael Richardson (The Penguins of Madagascar), Jim Cummings (Shrek), and Kari Wahlgren (Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness). Based on the motion graphic comic by Imaginism Studios, Inc., the studio behind character and concept designs for Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland and Men in Black 3; and Studio NX (The Carrot and Rabbit Show, Tree Fu Tom), Niko and the Sword of Lightis animated by Titmouse (Motorcity, Metalocalpyse) and executive produced by Rob Hoegee (Generator Rex, Teen Titans), who also serves as showrunner.
The minion craze is alive and well in our house as the release of Despicable Me 3 opened a few weeks back. Of course the kids want every toy they see that features the cute yellow guys… but one really stood out to me. The WowWee Minion MiP, I’ve long been a fan of the MiP toys and seeing our favorite lovable minion in the drivers seat is awesome.
Turbo Dave will make you laugh with over 140 comedic responses to sound and touch.
Download the Turbo Dave App in order to control your Minion remotely, plan paths for him to self-navigate, interact with other characters or props from the Despicable Me franchise, and even have a fart gun battle with another Minion MiP! Also included is a block-based coding platform for educational programming fun.
Thats right you can customize your Minion’s reactions to different physical inputs with the bonus block-based coding platform… which is great for most kids over 6. Kids under 6 will love to play with the cool GestureSense technology in the toy.
Minion MiP Turbo Dave features the following:
Self Balancing Robot
GestureSense Technology – control MiP with hand gestures, claps and touches
Sound Detection – allows Turbo Dave to respond to the world around him
Touch Sensors – allows Turbo Dave to respond to your touch
Gyroscope/Accelerometer – measure g-force and orientation so MiP knows when it is being picked up.
Over 140+ original sounds and phrases from the Despicable Me franchise
Features a block-based coding platform for educational gameplay
Bonus app features 6 additional games: Fart Blaster battles, STEM coding and more–
Suggested retail: $79.99 on sale NOW at all the major retailers. [amazon]
Editor’s Note: I have partnered with Life of Dad and Entenmann’s® Little Bites® for this campaign, but the story and thoughts are my own.
I want to share my typical mornings with you.
I’m the one always dealing with morning rush to get out of the house and get the kids to school… so I have just a few moments to think about getting a breakfast together, but typically my son doesn’t want more than a snack. Therefore, I’m always looking for convenient breakfast snack solutions that’ll work every day. Entenmann’s® Little Bites® muffins pack the perfect portion that will be sure to keep us smiling together, and him awake for class.
These delicious baked muffins are made with real ingredients like blueberries, banana and cocoa, with zero Grams of trans fat and no high fructose corn syrup. Also once in a while they’ll run Seasonal flavors like the new Chocolate Party Cakes, which have been a big hit in my house. I also really LOVE the Strawberry Yogurt ones so much – I was eating them for breakfast on the subway. They were originally part of the Seasonal Favorites line and have been recently introduced to the everyday lineup! There are more than 10 varieties, there’s a flavor to fit every snacking occasion. And for members of the tribe, they’re certified Kosher.
Best part, I can easily grab a pouch or two and toss it into my bag for the kids when we go out for the day. Most varieties are 200 calories or less per pouch, so I can feel good about what we’re eating.
As the school year ends, I think back over the year of 3rd grade that my son just completed. We spent many (and I mean many) mornings talking about what his day had in store for him over those Little Bites muffins. It has become part of our breakfast ritual, I guess. Whether I was eating Little Bites with him, or watching him eat them as I rushed to get dressed, it was these little moments that shape our memories together. From talking about the latest math problems he was learning or some tidbit of New York City history that I either never knew or more than likely forgot. It was those moments getting him out the door and walking to school that I’ll cherish.
Of course when the weekend rolls around my daughter Harper would want to be just like her big brother and eat a pouch or two. I was more than happy to give her some Blueberry Muffins and sit and watch Saturday morning cartoons with her before the rest of the family was up.
Just remember it’s about the little things in life, those little moments we get to create with our kids.
Share your favorite fatherhood moment with a picture in the comments below for a shot at winning a $250 VISA Gift Card from Entenmann’s and Life of Dad.
TO ENTER (must do all):
Like Life of Dad and LittleBites on Facebook.
Share a photo of your favorite fatherhood moment.
Use #TheLittleThings in your post.
Beat Bugs is an Emmy award winning animated kids series created by Josh Wakely featuring music inspired by The Beatles. Currently a hit on Netflix, the story revolves around the lives of five best friends, charming and funny childlike bugs who explore and learn in their suburban backyard home. Each episode ties in a song made famous by The Beatles in an innocent and child-friendly fashion, sung by one of the characters or guest stars that include mega musicians like P!nk, Sia, Jennifer Hudson, Rod Stewart and more. Beat Bugs introduces a new generation to the music of the most influential band in rock history, The Beatles!
Beat Bugs and My Gym have struck a chord to activate a musically-inspired promotion at 178 My Gym locations in United States, United Kingdom and Australia this summer. In the months of June and July, children who attend classes at My Gym will enjoy Beat Bugs music, games and other fun activities, including coloring sheets and puppet shows.
Updated 7/13/17 check out this great behind the scenes look at the show…
When a baby is born, a dad is born. This Father’s Day, Pampers celebrates that incredible feeling little ones bring to the hearts of dads through unconditional love.
I think I’m a pretty good dad… I try to gut check things but while there are books written on being a dad, its still all gut. Without Suzanne in my corner, I’m really not sure I’d be half the dad I am today without her loving support. First Suzanne gave me the best gift in the world of be coming a dad… Here are the first shots from the hospital bed of Marc being held by Suzanne after he was born.
I wasnt always a comfortable in those first few weeks… I’m not sure many first time dads are comfortable. I remember the bris, first I was a nervous wreck… dozens of friends and family members in a room celebrating the birth of my son and well the actions that are done during a bris. Suzanne was nervous (maybe the only one more so than me)… but she was a champ… me on the other hand I didnt have a clue… I got to take the first photo of four generations, my son, my father, and my grandfather in a photo. Since this photo was taken my grandfather has passed on, but thankfully he was able to see me grow into the man I am today… see his 3 great grandchildren and know that Marc got to know him.
Fatherhood is a journey… hopefully you grow and learn things about yourself, about the world around you, maybe when it comes time for homework maybe a new trick or two (if you have any for common core – I’m all ears)….
On this father’s day remember… we all were nervous, we all made mistakes, we all have stuff to deal with… but on this one day of the year hopefully you can block some of that out and just enjoy being a dad. Cause the time really does fly… in a blink of a year its almost been 9 years.
Pampers has released a new #ThanksBaby video that captures the amazing relationship that is created between a dad and his baby when a baby is born and the beautiful journey of fatherhood begins.
Pampers honors dads for just being dads and thanks them for all the amazing things, big and small, they do to help little ones have a better, loving, more fulfilling life.
Please join us by tweeting why you are most thankful for baby with the hashtag #ThanksBaby.
For more than 50 years, moms and dads have trusted Pampers to care for their babies’ happy, healthy development. Pampers offers a complete range of diapers, wipes and training pants designed to provide protection and comfort for every stage.
Visit www.pampers.com to learn more about Pampers products, join the Pampers Rewards program, and find ideas and information to help your baby get the most out of love, sleep and play.
Disclosure: I have partnered with Life of Dad and Pampers for this promotion.
