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Detective Pikachu, go!

The post Rob Letterman Will Direct Live-Action ‘Detective Pikachu,’ Co-Written by Alex Hirsch appeared first on Cartoon Brew.

The "Gravity Falls" creator is leaving Disney for Fox's primetime animation line-up.

The post ‘Gravity Falls’ Creator Alex Hirsch Will Develop An Animated Series for Fox appeared first on Cartoon Brew.

The Disney XD series will wrap up its run with a soon-to-air one-hour series finale.

Colleagues and admirers are remembering the creative genius of the man who helped create "The Simpsons."

The remaining half of programming for San Diego Comic-Con has been announced, and for your convenience, we have separated out every animation-related program. The sheer number of programs is impressive, and fans of TV animation—past, present and future—have especially rich pickings. Nostalgia is rampant on Saturday and Sunday with panels devoted to The Simpsons, Futurama, Pinky and the Brain, The Tick, Batman: The Animated Series, and the Disney Afternoon.

Creators of current and upcoming TV shows are also well represented, including Alex Hirsch (Gravity Falls), Pete Browngardt (Uncle Grandpa), Rebecca Sugar (Steven Universe), Skyler Page (Clarence), J.J. Villard (King Star King), Will Carsola and Dave Stewart (Mr. Pickles), Glen Murakami and Mitch Watson (Beware the Batman) and numerous others. Visit the Comic-Con website for program updates and additional information.

Animation Events: Saturday, July 20

Creating Animated Series
What does it take to create or develop an animated TV series? Do you have to be a writer? An artist or animator? Both? Neither? What do you have to have to pitch an idea, and what are the studios and networks looking for? Members of the Writers Guild of America’s Animation Writers Caucus who have created and developed series and network/studio executives who buy them talk about it and answer your questions. Ted Biaselli (VP, programming and development, The Hub), Steven Melching (Transformers Prime, Star Wars: The Clone Wars), Craig Miller (Pocket Dragon Adventures, Trash Pack), Bob Roth (Disney’s Legend of Tarzan, Penguins of Madagascar), and Dean Stefan (Matchbox Big Rig Buddies,Quack Pack) join the discussion.
Saturday July 20, 2013 10:00am – 11:00am
Room 9

Hasbro Studios: My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic
Representatives from Hasbro Studios and The Hub TV Network’s My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic share details of the making of the popular animated series and how the “friendship” and “magic” are brought to life. Also includes Q&A time.
Saturday July 20, 2013 10:00am – 11:00am
Room 25ABC

Marvel Television Presents
It’s the biggest, most animated Marvel Television panel ever! Join Marvel’s head of television, Jeph Loeb, for the latest from inside Marvel Universe on Disney XD, including what’s next for Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man, a new episode of the hit series Marvel’s Avengers Assemble, and the world premiere of Marvel’s Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.
Saturday July 20, 2013 10:30am – 11:30am
Room 6BCF

Avatar the Last Airbender: Beginning and Beyond
This panel is for fans who can’t get enough of the Avatar: The Last Airbender universe. Moderator Avatar_Mom, Kevin Coppa (Puppetbenders), Alisa Christopher (FatCat Gameworks), Gene Luen Yang (writer, The Promise/The Search), Gurihiru (artist team Sasaki and Kawano, The Promise/The Search), Sifu Kisu (martial arts coordinator), and Dante Basco (voice of Zuko/General Iroh) will be on hand to share their experiences and answer questions. Who knows, perhaps a surprise guest or two might stop in! Finally, the panel will end with a show of talented cosplay contestants.
Saturday July 20, 2013 11:00am – 12:00pm
Room 29A

Gravity Falls
Creator and executive producer Alex Hirsch (Grunkle Stan), creative director Michael Rianda, and series stars Jason Ritter (Dipper) and Kristin Schaal (Mabel) uncover the mysteries of Disney Channel’s hit series Gravity Falls. Find out what’s in store for television’s spookiest town with an exclusive clip from the show’s exciting season finale and an audience Q&A. The panel will feature a sneak peek of Wander Over Yonder, the new series coming from Craig McCracken (Powerpuff Girls).
Saturday July 20, 2013 11:00am – 12:00pm
Room 7AB

Mattel: Monster High 2013: Where SCREAMS Come True!
Celebrate the freaky fabulous year of 13 with the Monster High Team! Get a freak peek at exclusive scenes from the newest Monster High DVD, 13 Wishes (this fall from Universal Studios Home Entertainment). The freaky talented Monster High voice actors, including Erin Fitzgerald (voice of Abbey, Spectra, Scarah, and Rochelle), Debi Derryberry (voice of Draculaura), and America Young (voice of Howleen and Toralei), will discuss the making of the ghouls’ latest adventure. Moderated by Emmy Award-winning executive producer of Monster High, Audu Paden. But that’s not all…the Monster High team is just dying to share more secrets lurking the halls of Monster High! Garrett Sander, Rebecca Shipman, Natalie Villegas, and Javier Meabe (toy designers), Roy Juarez (packaging designer), and Eric Hardie (copywriter) will reveal uhhh-mazing new Monster High ghouls and how they came to un-life! Don’t forget to dress your monster best for a chance to win some scary cool prizes!
Saturday July 20, 2013 11:00am – 12:00pm
Room 25ABC

Futurama
We’re dooooooooomed! An epic panel for the ages will celebrate Futurama‘s latest and greatest final season. On hand will be most or all of Futurama‘s legendary voice cast, consisting of Billy West, John DiMaggio, Katey Sagal, Maurice LaMarche, Tress MacNeille, David Herman, Phil LaMarr, and Lauren Tom, performing never-before-heard scenes from the upcoming “Last Episode Ever.” Plus executive producer David X. Cohen, creator Matt Groening, and a cartooning showdown to the death! (Note: actual death not guaranteed.)
Saturday July 20, 2013 12:00pm – 12:45pm
Ballroom 20

The Simpsons
Celebrate The Simpsons’ 25th year on the air with creator Matt Groening, executive producer Al Jean, supervising director Mike Anderson, and consulting producer David Silverman, enjoy never-before seen footage from guest director Guillermo del Toro, and hear musical guests perform “We Put The Spring In Springfield!”
Saturday July 20, 2013 12:45pm – 1:30pm
Ballroom 20

Cartoon Voices I
Each year, moderator Mark Evanier gathers a bevy of the most talented cartoon voice actors working today and invites them to explain and demonstrate their artistry! This year’s lineup includes Scott Menville (Teen Titans Go, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Grey DeLisle (Scooby Doo, Pound Puppies), Christopher Cox (Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, Family Guy), David Boat (Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, Family Guy), Michael Leon-Wooley (The Princess and the Frog), and Kari Wahlgren (Bolt, Tangled).
Saturday July 20, 2013 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Room 6BCF

The Tick 25th Anniversary
Ben Edlund (the creator of The Tick), Chris McCulloch (Tick Karma Tornado artist/writer and Venture Bros. creator), and Bob Polio (art director of The Tick comic series) discuss the 25-year history of The Tick.
Saturday July 20, 2013 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Room 23ABC

Family Guy
The Griffins are back at Comic-Con for another raucous panel and a sneak peek at season 12, featuring Seth Green (Robot Chicken), Alex Borstein (MADtv, Shameless), and executive producer Rich Appel (The Simpsons, The Cleveland Show) plus other surprise guests.
Saturday July 20, 2013 1:45pm – 2:30pm
Ballroom 20

The Awesomes: A Hulu Original Series
The Awesomes is a new animated show for adults that combines the thrills of comic book storytelling with the irreverent and inspired comedy that is the hallmark of co-creators Seth Meyers (Saturday Night Live) and Mike Shoemaker (Late Night with Jimmy Fallon). It is the story of the greatest superhero team in history, The Awesomes, and what happens after all the most powerful members leave. Join co-creator/executive producer/ series star Meyers, co-creator/executive producer Shoemaker, writer/producer and comic book author Judd Winick (Batman: Under The Red Hood), and cast members Kenan Thompson (Saturday Night Live), Taran Killam (Saturday Night Live), Josh Meyers (That ’70s Show), Bobby Moynihan (Saturday Night Live), and moderator Chris Hardwick (Talking Dead) for a special Comic-Con screening and audience Q&A. The Awesomes is the first animated Hulu Original Series and premieres August 1 on Hulu and Hulu Plus. It is a Hulu co-production with Broadway Video (Saturday Night Live) and Bento Box Entertainment (Bob’s Burgers). Watch The Awesomes first exclusively on Xbox 360 July 25-31.
Saturday July 20, 2013 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

Abrams: An Adventure Time Encyclopedia Panel with The Lord of Evil and Marceline The Vampire Queen
A conversation moderated by Kent Osborne (head of story, Adventure Time) with Martin Olson (voice actor, The Lord of Evil), and Olivia Olson (voice actor, Marceline The Vampire Queen) about their new book from Abrams, The Adventure Time Encyclopedia, including a slide show and a dramatic reading from the book. Surprises may include a terrifying appearance by Hunson Abadeer himself, a music video from the Nightosphere, and Olivia singing with special surprise guests. Audience participation is encouraged for maximum chance of survival!
Saturday July 20, 2013 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Room 8

American Dad
Be on hand for an exclusive look at the new season, the world premiere of a song from the never-before-seen Christmas episode featuring the return of Krampus, and a Q&A featuring Wendy Schaal, Rachael MacFarlane, Scott Grimes (ER, Band of Brothers), Dee Bradley Baker (Phineas and Ferb, Star Wars: The Clone Wars), and more.
Saturday July 20, 2013 2:30pm – 3:15pm
Ballroom 20

Cartoon Network New Comedies: Uncle Grandpa, Steven Universe, and Clarence
Be the first to see an exclusive sneak peek of Cartoon Network Studio’s all new line up of chuckle-inducing comedies! The panel features Uncle Grandpa creator Pete Browngardt, creative director Audie Harrison, and Adam Devine (Workaholics) as the voice of Pizza Steve, Steven Universe creator Rebecca Sugar and creative director Ian Jones-Quartey, and Clarence creator Skyler Page. All your questions are sure to be answered and your anticipation is sure to be electrified!
Saturday July 20, 2013 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Room 6A

Pinky and the Brain 20th Anniversary Voice Reunion
Are you pondering what we’re pondering? How could two decades have passed since Pinky and the Brain first tried to take over the world? Celebrate one of the all-time funniest animated series when the original voices of the silly simpleton Pinky and his uber-genius pal Brain, Rob Paulsen and Maurice LaMarche, join eight-time Emmy Award-winning dialogue director Andrea Romano for an hour of hilarious reminiscing. Narf!
Saturday July 20, 2013 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Lyceum

Spotlight on Paul Dini
As a writer, producer, and creator, Comic-Con special guest Paul Dini enjoys a flourishing career in all aspects of popular culture. Join Paul and moderator Bill Morrison (Futurama, Bongo Comics) as they look back at fan-favorite career highlights (Batman: The Animated Series, Arkham City, Lost, Tower Prep), some current projects (Hulk and the Agents of Smash, Black Canary and Zatanna), and a few surprises for the future.
Saturday July 20, 2013 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Room 24ABC

Spotlight on Vera Brosgol
Eisner Award winner and Comic-Con special guest Vera Brosgol (Anya’s Ghost) talks about her background and influences in writing, art, and animation with YA rock star Holly Black (The Coldest Girl in Cold Town).
Saturday July 20, 2013 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Room 4

Spotlight on Sam Kieth
Sam Kieth is one of the quirkiest and most eccentric artists in comics. His unique art style and incredible drawing ability have won him legions of fans worldwide. Now, in an extremely rare appearance at Comic-Con, you can join Sam, with his long-time friend and editor Scott Dunbier, in an informal gabfest covering the wild spectrum that is Sam’s career (Sandman, Wolverine, The Maxx, and much more).
Saturday July 20, 2013 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Room 9

[adult swim]: Rick and Morty
Premiering this winter, Rick and Morty is a show about a sociopathic scientist who drags his unintelligent grandson on insanely dangerous adventures across the universe. Executive producers Dan Harmon (Community, Channel 101) and Justin Roiland (Channel 101) will preview the new animated series and will be joined by writer Ryan Ridley and cast members Spencer Grammer (Greek) and Kari Wahlgren.
Saturday July 20, 2013 5:00pm – 5:45pm
Room 25ABC

Batman: The Animated Series Turns 21
Pop the champagne! The landmark television production Batman: The Animated Series turns 21 this year. Spend an hour with the creative core of this groundbreaking series — Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, Alan Burnett, and Eric Radomski — as they recollect the dynamics of crafting a series that would have a resounding influence on Dark Knight properties — and the entire animated television landscape — for two decades and counting.
Saturday July 20, 2013 5:45pm – 6:45pm
Room 6DE

[adult swim]: Aqua TV Show Show, Squidbillies, Superjail, King Star King, and Mr. Pickles
Dave Willis (Squidbillies, Aqua TV Show Show), Matt Maiellaro (Aqua TV Show Show), and Jim Fortier (Squidbillies) discuss the return of long-running animated series Aqua TV Show Show and Squidbillies. Christy Karacas (Robotomy) previews season 4 of Superjail. J. J. Villard (Monsters vs. Aliens), and Tommy Blacha (Metalocalypse) discuss King Star King. And get an exclusive look at Mr. Pickles from creators Will Carsola and Dave Stewart (Funny or Die Presents Nick Swardson’s Pretend Time).
Saturday July 20, 2013 5:45pm – 7:00pm
Room 25ABC

Animation Events: Sunday, July 21

DuckTales: Remastered
How do you take a beloved 24-year-old NES game and update it for today’s gamers while doing your best not to ruin anyone’s childhood? Go behind the scenes with Austin Ivansmith (director/designer), Matt Bozon (creative director), and Rey Jimenez (Capcom producer) for an in-depth look at how a great video game is made — from design, to art, to music, and more. Followed by a Q&A session, plus maybe a surprise or two.
Sunday July 21, 2013 10:00am – 11:00am
Room 25ABC

Emily the Strange Panel Experience
Join Emily the Strange creator Rob Reger and special guests to see the premiere of the Emily and the Strangers FIRST animated music video and single. See and hear private, behind-the-scenes footage in the recording studio and “making of” the animation. Take a sneak peek at the new comic book Emily and the Strangers #3 by Dark Horse Comics and hear more about the making of this new series and how it comes to life with Emily’s new band. There will be time for Q&A, including updates on the development of the motion picture with Universal Pictures and Dark Horse Entertainment. Reger will be encouraging “audience participation” to get giveaways, so bring on your strange and show him what you’ve got!
Sunday July 21, 2013 10:00am – 11:00am
Room 23ABC

LEGO Legends of Chima
The creators of LEGO Legends of Chima team up to discuss the development of the newest blockbuster LEGO property. Hear how the TV series is developed and see how LEGO model designers bring the characters and vehicles to life in LEGO form.
Sunday July 21, 2013 10:00am – 11:00am
Room 24ABC

San Diego International Children’s Film Festival
The San Diego International Children’s Film Festival presents creative, exciting, and imaginative short films from around the world — animation, live action, and documentary — good for all ages, throughout the day. Enjoy films from the U.S., Canada, Italy, Hungary, Croatia, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Spain, and beyond. Animators and filmmakers will talk about their work, ways kids can make their own films, and careers in animation and filmmaking.
Sunday July 21, 2013 10:00am – 5:00pm
Room 9

World Premiere of Scooby-Doo! Adventures: The Mystery Map
Everyone’s favorite Great Dane splashes onto the screen with a new, groundbreaking look that combines state-of-the-art puppetry with a cartoon sensibility. Witness the world premiere of this entertaining film along with panelists like Tony Award winner Stephanie D’Abruzzo (Avenue Q), puppetmaster supreme Peter Linz (The Muppets) and the voice of Shaggy, Matthew Lillard (Trouble with the Curve), as well as filmmakers David Rudman (The Muppets) and Adam Rudman (Sesame Street) and Warner Bros. Animation’s Jay Bastian as they reveal their magical visual techniques during a fun postscreening panel. Scooby-Doo! Adventures: The Mystery Map will be distributed by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment as a digital download and a Walmart DVD exclusive on July 23.
Sunday July 21, 2013 10:00am – 11:15am
Room 6A

Cartoon Voices #2
Yesterday’s Cartoon Voices Panel will have been such a hit that we’ll have to do another one with different but equally talented actors from the world of animation voicing. Once again, moderator Mark Evanier has assembled an all-star dais that includes Bob Bergen (Porky Pig), Alicyn Packard (The Mr. Men Show, Poppy Cat), Maurice LaMarche (Futurama, Pinky and the Brain), Candi Milo (Dexter’s Laboratory, Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends), Neil Ross (G.I. Joe, The Transformers), and maybe someone else.
Sunday July 21, 2013 11:30am – 12:45pm
Room 6A

Teen Titans Go! Screening and Q&A
This is a must-Go! panel for all Teen Titans fans, as Robin, Starfire, Beast Boy, Cyborg, and Raven make their triumphant return to Comic-Con! Fans will be treated to a brand-new episode, as well as exclusive footage that will be screened only at Comic-Con! Following the screening, join producer Aaron Horvath (MAD) and members of the voice cast for a Q&A as they give fans a peek behind the cape at all the upcoming comedic mayhem that will be going on inside Titans Tower. From Warner Bros. Animation, Teen Titans Go! airs Tuesdays at 7:30/6:30c on Cartoon Network.
Sunday July 21, 2013 11:45am – 12:45pm
Room 6BCF

Mattel: Max Steel: Rise of Elementor World Premiere Screening!
Be the FIRST to see Max and Steel team up to take on their biggest threat yet in Rise of Elementor. You will get to watch this exciting two-part broadcast event before it airs on Disney XD this fall! Will our heroes be able to defend Copper Canyon and rescue Ferrus from the evil Dredd? Come by to find out, and receive a free toy giveaway!
Sunday July 21, 2013 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Room 7AB

Spotlight on Charlotte Fullerton
Join Ben 10 himself, Yuri Lowenthal as he interviews Comic-Con special guest Charlotte Fullerton, the co-head writer of Ben 10: Omniverse, about her extensive career in children’s TV, writing for a wide variety of shows such as My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic and Green Lantern: The Animated Series, as well as her involvement in making the now-legendary Star Wars comedy fanfilm Troops. On a personal note, Charlotte is the widow of renowned writer/producer Dwayne McDuffie, co-founder of Milestone Comics. Q&A session.
Sunday July 21, 2013 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Room 8

Beware the Batman Screening and Q&A
The Dark Knight makes his return to television in this new action-packed CG animated series. A cool new take on the classic franchise, Beware the Batman incorporates Batman’s core characters with a rogues’ gallery of new villains not previously seen in animated form. With backup from ex-secret agent Alfred and lethal swordstress Katana, the Dark Knight faces the twisted machinations of Gotham City’s criminal underworld, led by the likes of Anarky, Professor Pyg, Mister Toad, and Magpie. After screening a new episode, producers Glen Murakami (Teen Titans) and Mitch Watson (Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated) and others will take attendees into the shadows of Gotham City for a lively discussion on the adventures that await Batman this season. From Warner Bros. Animation, Beware the Batman airs Saturday mornings at 10:00 ET/PT on Cartoon Network.
Sunday July 21, 2013 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Room 6BCF

SpongeCon 2013: The Year of the Fan
Tom Kenny (voice of SpongeBob) hosts an interactive live SpongeBob event! Croon along with some of your favorite tunes from Bikini Bottom. Screen finalists from the SpongeBob SquareShorts fan film competition. Enjoy an exclusive sneak peek of the new half-hour special SpongeBob, You’re Fired! Plus a whole lot more. So get your goggles and dive on down. We want to have the Best Day Ever with you!
Sunday July 21, 2013 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Room 6A

Cartoon Network: Ben 10 Omniverse
It’s Hero Time! Set your Omnitrix for “Awesome” with the Ben 10 Omniverse panel, highlighting the Cartoon Network hero of a million alien faces! Voice talent Yuri Lowenthal (Ben 10), Steve Blum (Vilgax), Paul Eiding (Grandpa Max), and Eric Bauza (Dr. Psychobos), Matt Youngberg (supervising producer), and Derrick Wyatt (art director) talk about the show, premiere an unseen episode, and much more.
Sunday July 21, 2013 1:45pm – 2:45pm
Room 6DE

25 Years of the Disney Afternoon: The Continuing Legacy
Life is like a hurricane! Spin it! When there’s trouble, you call D.W.! It’s been more than 25 years since Disney Afternoon debuted on television screens, and the impact of “the golden age of Disney TV Animation” is still felt today. Let’s get dangerous with Tad Stones (creator, Darkwing Duck, Chip n’ Dale Rescue Rangers), Jymn Magon (DuckTales, creator of Talespin), Bob Schooley (co-creator, Kim Possible, co-ex producer Penguins of Madagascar), Rob Paulsen (voice actor, Darkwing Duck, Animaniacs), and Aaron Sparrow (Darkwing Duck: The Duck Knight Returns) for raucous recollections and never-before-heard stories!
Sunday July 21, 2013 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Room 7AB

World Premiere of Tom and Jerry’s Giant Adventure
Wind down Comic-Con with everyone’s favorite cat-and-mouse combo in an all-new original movie, Tom and Jerry’s Giant Adventure. Tom and Jerry are the animal assistants to Jack, the young owner of a fairy tale-inspired theme park “where dreams come true, if you believe.” Unfortunately, the theme park has fallen on hard times — until some magic beans provide the means for Jack, Tom, and Jerry to get their hands on a golden goose. Along the way, they’ll meet fabled fellows like Droopy, Spike and a massively mean and hungry giant. The voice cast includes Tom Wilson, Garrison Keillor, Paul Reubens, and Grey DeLisle. Producers/directors Spike Brandt (The Looney Tunes Show) and Tony Cervone (The Looney Tunes Show), and seven-time Eisner Award-winning screenwriter Paul Dini (Batman: The Animated Series) will be on hand to present the film, which will be released by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment as a Blu-ray Combo Pack and a digital download on August 6.
Sunday July 21, 2013 2:15pm – 3:15pm
Room 6A

Business of Cartoon Voices
Interested in a career doing voices for animation and videogames? There are plenty of people around who’ll take your money and tell you how to go about it…but here’s 90 minutes of absolutely free advice from folks who work in the field. Get the scoop from cartoon voice actors Gregg Berger and Candi Milo, agents Pat Brady (C.E.S.D.) and Heather Vergo (Atlas Talent) and your moderator, voice director Mark Evanier (The Garfield Show).
Sunday July 21, 2013 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Room 25ABC

A few weeks ago I was invited over to Disney Television Animation and had an advance look at their new series Gravity Falls. And tonight you can have a peek, too. The Disney Channel will air a special preview tonight (6/15) at 9:55pm ET/PT.

The Disney TV group is on a roll. I was impressed with Motorcity and blown away by Tron Upsrising, but closest to my heart is the humor on this show. Creator Alex Hirsch (from Cal Arts, and previously on Flapjack and Fish Hooks) has successfully channeled some kind of mash up of Goosebumps and Jay Ward—leaning more towards Ward—with a very funny, smart, not-necessarily-aimed-at-kids subversiveness in the writing and the direction. While I’ve been down on most new shows these days (Pen Ward’s Adventure Time is clearly an exception in this era), Gravity Falls takes on tried and true kids’ tropes and turns them inside out (sometimes literally). The series itself begins regular airings on Friday, June 29th, at 9:30pm. Check out the sneak peak tonight, and let us know what you think.

So consider this an unabashed plug. Check it out. It’s a good “creator-driven” show. The premise follows a pair of city kids who are sent to spend the summer with their eccentric uncle who runs a tourist trap called The Mystery Shack. The cast includes Jason Ritter, Kristen Schaal and Linda Cardellini. Below are a few story board images and a photo of me (click to enlarge) during my recent visit with series creator Alex Hirsch, Disney TV’s Eric Coleman and director Joe Pitt.

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