Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Podcast By Jim Hill Media Podcast Network cover art

Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor

Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor

By: Jim Hill Media Podcast Network
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Jim and Drew break down the animation world frame by frame, until you get the singular picture. If you love Disney animation, Pixar, and the classics that were hand sketched, or built out of 1's and 0's in a computer, this is the podcast that draws you in.Copyright Jim Hill Media 2024 Art Science Fiction
Episodes
  • Pixar’s “Be Fri” Mystery, Netflix’s Animation Expansion & the Future of Theatrical Animation (Ep. 354)

    Pixar’s “Be Fri” Mystery, Netflix’s Animation Expansion & the Future of Theatrical Animation (Ep. 354)
    Apr 14 2026
    Jim and Drew dig into a packed week of animation news, from the surprising cancellation of a promising Pixar project to Netflix’s growing global animation footprint. Along the way, they explore box office winners, long-gestating passion projects finally coming to life, and the evolving relationship between streaming, theatrical releases, and viral animation hits. It’s a wide-ranging conversation that highlights just how quickly the animation industry continues to shift. HIGHLIGHTS • Pixar’s canceled “Be Fri” project revealed - a female-led film that was deep into development before being shelved amid studio shifts and Disney+ strategy changes • “Super Mario Galaxy” tops the box office while global competition heats up from international hits like China’s “Pegasus 3” • Netflix expands its animation empire with a new Vancouver studio hub, joining Disney and Sony in a growing production hotspot • Fathom Events brings viral hit “The Amazing Digital Circus” to theaters, highlighting the pipeline from YouTube to the big screen • Brad Bird’s long-awaited “Ray Gunn” finally unveils first images after decades in development • Warner Bros. and Netflix continue investing in YA and reimagined fairy tale animation, including “Steps” and new book adaptations • One Piece grows into a full franchise push with new seasons, specials, and theme park experiences HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR Planning a Disney or Universal trip in 2026? Save money and skip the stress with expert help from UnlockMagic.com, your go-to source for theme park tickets and deals. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    44 mins
  • Mario’s Massive Opening, AI Animation Backlash, and the Mystery Disney Drone Show (Ep. 353)

    Mario’s Massive Opening, AI Animation Backlash, and the Mystery Disney Drone Show (Ep. 353)
    Apr 7 2026
    Jim Hill and Drew Taylor kick off this week’s Fine Tooning with a real-life animation-adjacent story involving Bob’s Burgers’ Eugene Mirman, before diving into a huge Easter weekend box office led by Nintendo’s latest animated hit. From Disney+ shorts and Netflix trailers to Broadway updates and AI controversy, this episode covers a wide swath of animation and industry news. Plus, the guys explore a lingering mystery involving Disney’s experimental drone shows. HIGHLIGHTS • Eugene Mirman, the voice of Gene Belcher on Bob’s Burgers, is involved in a serious electric vehicle accident in New Hampshire and shares a humorous recovery update • The Super Mario Brothers Galaxy Movie opens to a massive $372 million worldwide, outperforming expectations despite mixed reviews • Pixar’s Hoppers continues its theatrical run with $332 million globally, while Project Hail Mary climbs to $420 million worldwide • Disney+ debuts “Versa,” a visually ambitious animated short exploring grief and loss, alongside two new Short Circuit entries • Netflix releases the trailer for Swapped, a new animated feature from Tangled co-director Nathan Greno • Disney’s Hercules stage musical sets a closing date in London as speculation continues about a possible U.S. transfer • WildBrain faces backlash for AI-upscaled episodes of The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! airing on MeTV Toons • A closer look at Disney’s evolving Short Circuit program and the final Disney work of legendary animator Mark Henn • Updates on Disney theatrical projects including the live-action Tangled and the evolving Hercules film concept • The growing use of AI in animation restoration and the debate over preserving original artistic integrity HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. If a Disney or Universal trip is on your radar for 2026, get expert help securing the best ticket deals with no stress. Visit UnlockedMagic.com to start planning your next theme park adventure. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    53 mins
  • Super Mario Galaxy Fever, KPop Demon Hunters Mania, and a Shifting Disney Villains Land (Ep. 352)

    Super Mario Galaxy Fever, KPop Demon Hunters Mania, and a Shifting Disney Villains Land (Ep. 352)
    Mar 31 2026
    Jim Hill and Drew Taylor unpack a packed week in animation, from Universal’s massive push behind Super Mario Bros. Galaxy to the continued global surge of KPop Demon Hunters. They also break down the latest box office winners, Pixar’s underappreciated Hoppers, and what’s really going on with Disney’s evolving Villains Land plans. Plus, a look at DreamWorks’ ambitious Forgotten Island and how live-action remakes keep reshaping animation’s future. HIGHLIGHTS • Super Mario Bros. Galaxy gears up for a massive $150–$165 million opening, with Universal deploying aggressive cross-promotion across NBC and its theme parks • Project Hail Mary holds strong at No. 1 with $300 million worldwide, blending practical puppetry and VFX for its standout character Rocky • Pixar’s Hoppers nears $300 million globally, continuing the studio’s tradition of dual-form character storytelling • KPop Demon Hunters expands into a full franchise with a sequel planned for 2029, a global live tour in development, and continued music dominance • Streaming windows tighten as films like Goat, Zootopia 2, and Search for SquarePants quickly transition to digital platforms • Disney’s Villains Land plans shift toward a more playful, interactive tone, with concepts like an Ursula spinner and a Villains Funhouse coaster resurging • DreamWorks’ Forgotten Island aims for bold, personal storytelling from Puss in Boots: The Last Wish filmmakers Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado • Live-action remake strategy evolves with returning voice actors like Gerard Butler and Cate Blanchett, while Moana continues to expand across film and parks HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic. If a Disney or Universal trip is on your radar for 2026, Unlocked Magic helps you secure great ticket deals with expert guidance from people who truly know the parks. Start planning your next adventure at UnlockedMagic.com. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    50 mins
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