The Associated Press has a story on what the Schulz family is doing to keep Peanuts alive and relevant for a whole new generation. Along with the 60 year anniversary events, you’ll see a brand new animated film entitled Happiness is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown and ABC signed a five year contract to air the various Charlie Brown Christmas specials.
The report also mentions that Pearls Before Swine creator Stephan Pastis was involved in the creation of the animated film.
Next year’s film will feature new animations created by a team involving Charles Schulz’s son, Craig, and “Pearls Before Swine” cartoonist Stephan Pastis. Even with the more modern trappings, though, the animations have maintained their simplistic roots. Jeannie Schulz has said in the past that computer-generated “Peanuts” characters just wouldn’t quite look right.