Entertainment
13-Year-Old Illustrator The Doodle Boy Launches First-Ever Digital Collectible Series with Orange Comet
Orange Comet announced its partnership with 13-year-old artistic genius Joe Whale, better known as The Doodle Boy
Last Updated on September 18, 2024 by Daily News Staff
After completing elite projects with global brands Nike and Disney, Joe Whale, Known as The Doodle Boy, evolves his body of work and enters the Web3 space with exclusive content in collaboration with leading Web3 game & entertainment company, inspiring adults to find their inner child with the introduction of “The Remarkables.”
LOS ANGELES /PRNewswire/ — Orange Comet, the industry’s leading Web3 game and entertainment company, announced its partnership with 13-year-old artistic genius Joe Whale, better known as The Doodle Boy. The first phase of the digital collectibles project is set to mint exclusively on OpenSea on April 25, 2023. 
Nicknamed The Doodle Boy, British artist Joe Whale is celebrated worldwide for his black & white doodles and wall murals, and inspired by his everyday surroundings, has been painting ever since he could pick up a pencil at the age of three. Having drawn on papers, canvases, sneakers, and even designing restaurant walls with his doodles, what is the next big thing? The answer lies within the virtual world.
The digital collectible avatars and critters, officially called The Remarkables Collection by Joe Whale, will live in a spectacular virtual universe, an environment that invites fans to interact with the young artist’s work and other The Doodle Boy enthusiasts’ passion for his creations, elevating fan engagement and camaraderie. The Remarkables community serves to inspire adult art and digital collectors to find their inner child as Joe becomes the first of many artists Orange Comet plans to foster a creator/community collaboration with.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with such a young and passionate artistic individual who inspires other rising talent to take their dreams to the next level,” said Dave Broome, CEO of Orange Comet. “As one of this generation’s most sensational artists, Joe’s entrance into Web3 reinforces the convergence of physical and digital worlds as the future of art. The world we are creating with Joe is rich with vivid characters and fantastic storylines. Starting this as a Web3 project and then expanding into all forms of entertainment is something we are incredibly excited to share with fans and enthusiasts all over the world.”
Already boasting over 160,000 followers on Instagram and endorsed by fans including Prince William and Kate Middleton, The Doodle Boy joined the Nike family earlier this year, building on his portfolio of brand partners such as Disney, Scholastic, Warner Music and others. The Doodle Boy furthers his artistic brilliance by stepping foot into the Web3 space and launching his first-ever one-of-a-kind digital collection, which will include all new original character artwork personally drawn by The Doodle Boy and transformed into Orange Comet’s signature 3D animations.
“I’m excited to dive into this new world of virtual art,” says Joe Whale, The Doodle Boy. “I’ve only ever drawn with a black marker and a blank sheet of canvas, but I’ve always imagined my art coming to life in other formats in my head. It’s amazing that my fans and I will have the unique opportunity to experience my drawings in motion through the power of animation.”
The collaboration is the result of a mutual party between Orange Comet and The Doodle Boy’s licensing agency, Striker Entertainment, who forged the partnership forward on behalf of the young artist.
“In selecting a Web3 entry for Joe, we had three core objectives: first – introduce Joe’s art and passion for it to the widest audience possible, second – produce something dynamic and alive, not static and familiar, and third – partner with a team that not only had proven technical and marketing experience, but one who is taking what’s possible creatively to the next level. There was no better choice in our view than Orange Comet,” says Russell Binder, President Striker Entertainment, licensing agent for The Doodle Boy.
To kick off the upcoming collection, Doodle Boy has created an original, intricate piece of art celebrating its launch and the proceeds will benefit a charity of his choice. Last fall, the Doodle Boy held his first ever solo exhibition at The Soden Collection, a gallery in his hometown of Shrewsbury, England. His work has also been highlighted on the set of Ellen DeGeneres’ NBC series, Little Big Shots – hosted by Melissa McCarthy.
Orange Comet, led by entertainment industry veteran Dave Broome, is a passion-driven company creating industry-defining digital content that tells a story with Hollywood-style production quality. The company prides itself on partnerships with iconic entertainment franchises, such as AMC’s The Walking Dead and Sir Anthony Hopkins, to build elite digital collectibles that serve superfans across the spectrum.
To join the allow list and stay apprised on the latest information, learn more about this partnership and more, visit theremarkablesnft.com and follow on social media @OrangeCometNft.
ABOUT ORANGE COMET
Orange Comet is an industry leading Web3 game & entertainment company, creating premium content along with technology that visually blurs the lines between the real and virtual world. We are building communities and developing ecosystems in Web3 gaming, NFT digital collectibles and Web3 experiences for global audiences and fan bases attached to some of the biggest IP ever created in the world of entertainment, music, arts and culture. Our mission is to lead the charge in Web3 entertainment by engaging fans in ways they’ve never imagined, driven by superb content creation. Co-founded by Hollywood veteran TV and Film producer, Dave Broome, NFL Hall of Famer Kurt Warner, and Grammy award-winning music icons Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Orange Comet is powered by a passionate group of people that believe the future of entertainment and media is on the verge of major disruptive change through a variety of blockchain experiences. For more information, visit us at OrangeComet.com, as well as on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
ABOUT THE DOODLE BOY
Joe Whale, also known as The Doodle Boy, is a 13 year-old boy from Shrewbury, UK. His passion for art started at the age of three but his keen interest in doodling began at the age of 6. He gets his inspiration from his surroundings, being able to create endless original characters. For more information, visit us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
SOURCE Orange Comet
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New hybrid event aims to give grieving audiences meaningful holiday viewing, with films from more than 25 countries and a mission centered on love, loss, and emotional truth.
A new film festival debuting in late 2026 is taking a different approach to holiday entertainment. Grief Fest™: The Grief Film Festival, created by My Grief Angels Inc., is being introduced as what organizers believe is the world’s first film festival dedicated entirely to grief, remembrance, resilience, and healing.
The hybrid festival will run in two segments: November 25–29, 2026, during Thanksgiving week, and December 24, 2026, through January 3, 2027, during Christmas and New Year’s. Top Honors films will be announced on December 31, 2026.
Organizers say the timing is intentional. Research cited in the announcement shows that grief and loneliness are major holiday stressors for many Americans, making the season especially difficult for people coping with loss. In that context, Grief Fest™ is positioning itself as an alternative to the flood of traditional feel-good holiday programming.
The festival is open to short films, features, documentaries, experimental work, AI-generated projects, and VR experiences. It is described as inclusive, non-religious, and LGBTQ+ friendly, with submissions already received from more than 25 countries. All films will be presented in English, either spoken or subtitled.
Grief Fest™ will be available both in person and virtually through Film Festival Plus, making it accessible to audiences worldwide. The launch of GriefFest.com also includes Lumen, a multilingual AI guide designed to help filmmakers and attendees navigate the festival in their preferred language.
Rather than focusing on industry prestige, organizers say the festival is centered on community and emotionally honest storytelling. For audiences who feel unseen during the holidays, Grief Fest™ is aiming to offer something rare on the seasonal screen: recognition.
Source: PR Newswire
Related Reading
- Grief Fest: Official festival site
- My Grief Angels Inc.: About the nonprofit behind the festival
- Film Festival Plus: Virtual access platform
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anime
Bible Anime Series in Development at Texas Studio With Global Faith-Based Ambitions
A Texas animation studio is developing a TV-MA Bible anime series, blending faith-based storytelling with cinematic anime for global streaming audiences.
Last Updated on April 10, 2026 by Daily News Staff
A Fort Worth animation company is betting that faith-based storytelling and anime can meet in a way that feels cinematic, serious, and built for modern streaming audiences.
History In Motion Studios has announced Shinjitsu Ugoki (Truth Movement), a TV-MA Bible anime series now in development. The Texas-based studio says the project is designed for mature audiences and will present biblical narratives through serialized storytelling, theological research, and character-driven drama.
The announcement places the studio at the intersection of two growing markets: faith-based entertainmentand the global anime industry. Rather than aiming for a traditional family format, the series is being positioned as a more intense, long-form production shaped by conflict, consequence, and spiritual tension.
History In Motion Studios is also using Unreal Engine as part of its production pipeline to support cinematic world-building and high-fidelity environments. Script development, early character design, and broader production planning are underway through 2026.
Founder Edith Alvarado said the studio sees a major opportunity in bringing biblical storytelling into anime.
“As audiences continue to seek meaningful, story-driven content, we believe there is significant opportunity within the anime format to engage biblical narratives with depth and seriousness,” Alvarado said. “The question isn’t whether biblical stories belong in anime, it’s why it took this long. We’re here to change that; Anime will know the story of Jesus.”
The women-led Christian studio operates out of Fort Worth, adding to the growing list of independent creative companies building outside traditional entertainment hubs. As of Q1 2026, the series remains in active development, with more partnership and expansion announcements expected later this year.
Related Links
Source: History In Motion Studios
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MINNEAPOLIS — The powerful new documentary Come Talk to ME is set to make its big-screen debut at the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF), marking a significant milestone for the independently produced film centered on Parkinson’s disease, communication, and human connection.
The 2026 festival, running April 8–19, will feature more than 200 films from around the world. Come Talk to ME is scheduled for two screenings, including a meaningful premiere on April 11—World Parkinson’s Day—followed by a second showing on April 14. Both screenings will take place at the Main Cinema at Saint Anthony Main in Minneapolis.
A Story About Communication and Connection
Directed by Deacon Warner and produced by Jackie Hunt Christensen, the documentary follows Christensen, her husband Paul, and a close-knit group of friends living with Parkinson’s disease.
The film explores how communication evolves as the disease progresses, highlighting the creative and deeply human ways individuals maintain relationships—with family, friends, and healthcare providers—even as traditional speech becomes more challenging.
Christensen, diagnosed with Parkinson’s at just 34, emphasizes that the film is ultimately about preserving connection:
“Having Parkinson’s does not mean that you stop loving, caring, and feeling… communication is everything.”
Innovative Use of AI Voice Technology
One of the film’s most groundbreaking elements is its use of AI-generated narration powered by ElevenLabs.
The filmmakers recreated Christensen’s voice using archival audio recorded shortly after her diagnosis in 2000. This AI-generated voice—nicknamed “JHC2K”—serves as the primary narrator, allowing Christensen to “speak” throughout the film in a way that would otherwise be difficult due to the progression of Parkinson’s.
Director Warner called the experience both innovative and deeply personal:
“To be part of [MSPIFF’s] rich history… while also utilizing cutting-edge AI technology to set us apart from other films is incredible.”
Festival Screenings and Accessibility
Come Talk to ME will screen twice during the festival:
- Saturday, April 11 (World Parkinson’s Day) – Early afternoon (time TBD)
- Tuesday, April 14 – Late afternoon (time TBD)
Ticket pricing:
- MSP Film Society Members: $11
- General Admission: $17 (+ online fee)
- Students: $10 (with ID)
In a move aligned with the film’s mission, the April 11 screening will offer free admission (donation-based) for individuals affected by Parkinson’s disease.
The venue also provides limited wheelchair seating on a first-come, first-served basis.
A Film Seeking Broader Impact
Beyond its festival debut, Come Talk to ME is actively seeking sponsors to expand its reach and impact. The filmmakers hope to bring the documentary to wider audiences, particularly within communities affected by Parkinson’s disease.
At its core, the film delivers a powerful message: even as physical abilities change, the need for connection—and the human drive to communicate—remains constant.
Why This Film Matters
As awareness of Parkinson’s disease continues to grow, Come Talk to ME stands out as both an emotional narrative and a technological milestone. By combining personal storytelling with AI innovation, the film offers a new way to understand life with Parkinson’s—and the enduring importance of being heard.
Source and Related Links
- Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF) Official Site
- MSP Film Society Official Website
- World Parkinson’s Day – Official Information
- Parkinson’s Foundation – Resources & Support
- The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
- ElevenLabs – AI Voice Technology Platform
STM Daily News’ Entertainment section delivers the latest on movies, television, music, pop culture, events, and industry buzz. From breaking news and trending stories to feature coverage and community-centered entertainment reporting, it keeps readers connected to what’s happening on screen, on stage, and beyond.
