Soho News Today — September 3, 2026
Utopai Studios, DeNA Team on AI-Assisted Animation Projects in Japan (EXCLUSIVE) and more — today's soho signal.
The creative world is buzzing today, with innovation and excitement taking center stage. In the animation space, Utopai Studios and DeNA are joining forces to bring AI-assisted technology to animation projects in Japan, marking an exciting new chapter in the country's vibrant animation industry. This cutting-edge collaboration has the potential to revolutionize the way animation is produced, and we're eager to see the imaginative and boundary-pushing projects that come out of it.
Meanwhile, in the world of entertainment, Kelly Clarkson is ending her talk show on a high note, literally, with a show-stopping performance of her song "Golden" that left guests Lin-Manuel Miranda, Kristin Chenoweth, and others breathless. And in the beverage industry, 5-hour Energy is shaking things up by taking aim at the growing mocktail trend, looking to give the virgin drink a much-needed boost. With creativity and experimentation driving the news today, it's clear that the boundaries between art, tech, and culture are continuing to blur in fascinating ways.
Today's signal:
• Utopai Studios, DeNA Team on AI-Assisted Animation Projects in Japan (EXCLUSIVE) (variety.com)
• 5-hour Energy Wants to Give the Mocktail a Jolt (variety.com)
• Kelly Clarkson Hits High Notes Singing ‘Golden’ During Final Talk Show; Lin-Manuel Miranda, Kristin Chenoweth and More ‘Blown Away’ by Performance (variety.com)