LCJ Q&A Podcast

Seth MacFarlane's "Ted" event series returns for Season 2 this Thursday March 5th on Peacock. The actors who play four Bennett family members join me to talk about the hilarious '90s-set hijinks, the impact of voice acting, and even some hopes for this year's Oscars. It's the delightful Giorgia Whigham (Blaire), Max Burkholder (John), Scott Grimes (Matty) and Alanna Ubach (Susan).

The Pout-Pout Fish is a new animated feature in theaters nationwide on March 20th. Director Ricard Cussó and writer Elise Allen share insights on adapting Deborah Diesen's books, working with star Nick Offerman, creating the undersea environment and more.

Aton Soumache is the producer of new family animated series "Mr. Crocodile", premiering Monday Feb. 23 at 10:30am on Nickelodeon. Soumache also discusses his producing work on animated features "A Magnificent Life" with Sylvain Chomet (Annie Awards nominated and in theaters Mar. 27), "The Little Prince" and "Little Nicholas: Happy As Can Be".

Genie Deez and Thy Than are the creators of the new PBS Kids series Phoebe & Jay, about twins who move-in to a new building with their dad and grandma. They learn so much, including from meaningful friendships with people of all ages. This animated family program premieres Monday February 2nd.

Super Bowl champion Martellus Bennett (New England Patriots tight end) and Emmy-winning "Phineas and Ferb" co-creator Jeff 'Swampy' Marsh have teamed-up for the new animated family series "Hey A.J.!", adapted from Bennett's books. It's about a sweet girl, her dad, best friend, and bunny companion on adventures that blend imagination and reality. "Hey A.J.!" premieres Tue Jan. 13 on Disney Junior and Wed Jan. 14 on Disney+.

Shea Wageman, President and CEO of ICON Creative Studio, is also the director of new animated feature "Charlie the Wonderdog", which opens in theaters nationwide on Jan. 16. Wageman discusses the superhero comedy adventure, including working with star Owen Wilson, and even teases a "Charlie" sequel.

Angel Studios' "David" is an epic new animated feature in theaters Dec. 19 (with nationwide early access screenings on Dec. 14). Directors Brent Dawes and Phil Cunningham share how they adapted the text of The Bible to create a dramatic, musical adventure experience for the whole family.

Kent Seki, the cinematographer of 2023 animated feature "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" (and its 2027 sequel), has directed the new holiday short "Chrome Alone 2 — Lost in New Jersey". Seki dives into the making of the short, which is Oscar qualified and will screen in theaters nationwide with "The SpongeBob Movie: Search For SquarePants" starting December 19th.

A new DreamWorks Animation short focuses on a teen who visits his grandpa and discovers a passion that will strengthen their relationship. It is Oscar qualified and vying for Best Animated Short Film consideration. Co-Director Chris Copeland and producer Shabrayia Cleaver share what makes them so proud about "Wednesdays with Gramps".

We've all heard the phrase, "two ships passing in the night". A new animated short, which is qualified for the Best Animated Short Film Oscar this year and is vying for consideration, takes that phrase and presents it in emotional ways. McKinley Benson, Mackenzie Benson and Disney Legend Jodi Benson (the voice of Ariel) join me to discuss "Two Ships"... and a little bit on "The Little Mermaid".