Animated

Ralph Events

Tribute to Animator Ralph Bakshi

Begins: April 29, 2005

The American Cinematheque is hosting a two-night tribute to animator Ralph Bakshi, who made animated features for adults (FRITZ THE CAT, the 1978 animated version of LORD OF THE RINGS) with a heavy use of rotoscoping. He often blends animation with brief live-action backgrounds. He directed The Rolling Stones' "The Harlem Shuffle" music video and was the inspiration for the Comic Book Store character in THE SIMPSONS. He left Hollywood to spend his remaining life painting pictures. For more information, call (323) 466-FILM or visit www.americancinematheque.com or www.egyptiantheatre.com.

In Event Types: Discussion, Screenings, Animation, Features, Short Films

Animation Headline News

This Week’s Animation Trivia Quiz for April 25, 2005

Test your skills and challenge your brain with AWN's Animation Trivia Quiz.

In Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Animated Events

Animated Encounters 2005

Begins: April 21, 2005

Since 2000, Animated Encounters has been held annually in Bristol. Animated Encounters 2004 was not held due to renovation of the venue, but the festival in 2003 featured 87 films from 15 countries and 29 guest speakers representing the cream of the animation and TV industries. There was also a unique U.K. preview of SPIRITED AWAY, the 2003 Animated Feature Oscar winner. Animated Encounters 2005 is sponsored by, amongst others: Bristol City Council, BBC Animation, DreamWorks, Cartoon Network, Aardman Animation and Nickelodeon. For more information, visit www.animated-encounters.org.uk.

In Event Types: Competitive Festivals, Discussion, Exhibits, Screenings, Animation, Features, Short Films

Animated Headline News

Katzenberg Shoots Down Animated Film Glut Likelihood

Jeffrey Katzenberg, chief exec DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc., said he doesnt think there will be an oversaturation in the animated film industry due to the great variety of features to interest audiences.

The "single greatest fiction" about animated films was that a possible glut of movies was looming, Katzenberg told analysts and investors at a media conference in New York City March 30, 2005. "It's not as though all of these movies are the same," he said. "It's not like they're all James Bond movies ... they couldn't be more distinctive.

In Business, Business | Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Wild Headline News

Wild Brain Spoofs Action Movies in Coke Campaign

Wild Brain director Gordon Clark recently completed NINJA, the second animated spot in a comedic campaign for Coca-Cola via Z Publicidad/Mexico. The first spot, BULLFIGHT aired last month and NINJA began airing this month. The two :30 spots are geared to a Spanish-speaking audience and are currently airing throughout Latin America.

Wild Brain used a loose, painterly technique with watercolor textures in the animation. They wanted the characters to look cartoon-like while maintaining a more adult vibe.

In Commercials, Commercials | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, North America

Commercials Events

Animated Commercials From the 1950s & 60s Screening

Begins: March 26, 2005

ASIFA-Hollywood presents a screening of animated commercials from the 1950s &

In Event Types: Screenings, Animation

Sound Headline News

The Incredibles Wins Two Oscars & Ryan Wins Shorts Race

Pixar earned its second animated feature Oscar for THE INCREDIBLES at the 77th Annual Academy Awards, Feb. 27, 2005, while Skywalker Sound won the Best Sound Editing Award. Animated feature was the award up for the night, collected by a jubilant Brad Bird. He thanked the holy trinity at Pixar referring to Ed Catmull, Steve Jobs and John Lasseter for creating the greatest studio on the face of the Earth, Bird said.

In Anime, Awards, Anime, Awards | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, Asia, North America

Animation Headline News

PD Pro 3 Released

Dan Ritchie, veteran 3D animator and developer of software tools for the computer graphics industry, announced the release of the latest version of his popular painting software, PD Pro.

In Technology, Technology | Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Sundance Animation Spotlight Shines the Light on Top Notch Animation

Mary Ann Skweres reports back from Sundance the premiere U.S. film festival regarding the animated encounters she experienced.

In Reviews | ANIMATIONWorld | Columns: Festivals

Animated Events

Animac, the International Animated Cinema Exhibition 2005

Begins: February 14, 2005

Animac is a non-competitive film exhibition intended to show the best animated cinema productions of all time, highlighting those which have best enriched and promoted animation cinema's expressive skills. Animac is also a creative space where artists can meet and show their work; a place where not only the filmmaker can find meaning to his work but also the inspiration to develop projects which will define the future of animation. Animac seeks to be a tool to promote the most committed and passionate animated films. For any further information, visit www.animac.info.

In Event Types: Discussion, Exhibits, Non-competitive Festivals, Seminars / Workshops, Screenings, Animation, Features, Short Films

Animated Headline News

Pepe Le Pew Marathon Smells Fine For Valentine Day

Boomerang, Cartoon Networks commercial-free classic animation network, will present a Valentines Day mock-celebration Love Stinks! featuring that odiferous lover with a French accent, Pepe Le Pew, in a 24-hour marathon beginning at 6:00 on Feb. 14, 2005. Looney Tunes ardently amorous skunk earnestly tries to win the tender affections of unwitting females never quite succeed, he remains loves greatest champion through his enduring optimism and never-say-die commitment to the pursuit of lamore.

In Television, Television | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, Europe

Animated ANIMATIONWorld

Dr. Toon: The Bomb Squad

Dr. Toon asks, “Hey, hey, hey… why make Fat Albert into a LAAF?”

In ANIMATIONWorld | Columns: Dr. Toon

Animated Events

Animated Exeter Festival

Begins: February 7, 2005

Animated Exeter, now in its sixth year, presents over 100 animation films, with exhibitions, workshops and special events, showcasing UK and international talent in a feast of animated magic. Launched in 1999 by Exeter City Council, the Festival

In Event Types: Exhibits, Non-competitive Festivals, Seminars / Workshops, Screenings, Animation, Special Effects

Film Headline News

Vinton Studios Hires Three Directors for Advertising Division

Vinton Studios has hired award-winning directors Courtney Booker, Jeff Drew and Aaron Sorenson for its advertising division.

In People, People | Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Animated Headline News

The Incredibles & Brad Bird Soar at Annie Awards

Disney/Pixars THE INCREDIBLES soared to victory for Best Animated Feature as well as taking the nine other categories it was nominated in, including three personal achievements trophies to Brad Bird for Writing, Directing and Voice Acting for the 2004 Annie Awards, held Jan. 30, 2005, at the Alex Theatre in Glendale, California. The Nickelodeon series, SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS, won the top TV category, Best Animated Television Production at ASIFA-Hollywoods formal fete.

In Awards, Awards | Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Animated Headline News

Imagine & IDT Team on DVD Sales Down Under

IDT Ent. Sales (IDTeS) and Imagine Ent. announced that Imagine will distribute several high profile IDTeS properties to the Australia/New Zealand markets on DVD and VHS. Titles will include a 3D animated INSPECTOR GADGET feature, two feature-length movies based on the popular REBOOT animated franchise and POPEYES VOYAGE: THE QUEST FOR PAPPY, (Australia only). All films were produced by Vancouvers Mainframe Ent.

In Home Entertainment, Home Entertainment | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, Australia

Awards Headline News

People Choose Shrek 2 for Top Animation Movie, Film Comedy & Sequel

SHREK 2 was a triple favorite at the People's Choice Awards, picking up honors for best animated motion picture, top film comedy and best sequel during the telecast Jan. 9, 2004, on CBS, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

Donkey, voiced by Edie Murphy in SHREK 2, also won for favorite animated movie star while the Fairy Godmother, voiced by Jennifer Saunders, also in SHREK 2 was named best movie villain.

DreamWorks SHREK 2 was the only animated winner in THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS, which gauge fan appeal.

In Awards, Awards | Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Series Headline News

Latino Comicstrip Condorito Gets U.S. TV Series

World Editors has launched plans to turn Latino comicstrip CONDORITO into an animated TV series in the U.S., reports VARIETY. World Editors recently opened licensing and business development office in Miami. David Taggart and Brad Bushell, a licensing and syndication consultant for GARFIELD owners Paws Inc., will oversee the project. Chile-based Cineanimadores, producer of the animated feature OGU & MANPATU, will create the initial visual concepts.

In Television, Television | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, South America

Film Headline News

Argentinean Animated Hit Spawns Franchise

Spurred by the box office success of the first animated PATORUZITO film, Jorge Rodriguez of Red Lojo Ent. has announced plans to exploit the franchise in features, television and merchandising, reports VARIETY. The story follows a boy who fights to claim the title of cacique (chief) of his tribe in Patagonia. A new studio will launch in April to handle the animation on the property.

In Films, Films | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, South America

Animated Events

14th International Animated Film Festival "The Magical Nights"

Begins: December 6, 2004

The 14th International Animated Film Festival "The Magical Nights" will show the treasures of animated films to audiences, screening short and feature animated films not viewed on TV and in theaters. The event will feature an international short films competition, feature films competition, special programs, young audience programs, animated film methods lessons, introduction workshops to animation, teacher's day, theater administrator's day and education day.

In Event Types: Competitive Festivals, Discussion, Exhibits, Seminars / Workshops, Screenings, Animation, Features, Interactive, New Media, Short Films, Television, Web / Internet

Animated Headline News

Annie Noms go to Incredibles, Shrek 2, Shark Tale

ASIFA-Hollywood announced the nominees for the 2004 Annie Awards, which will be held Jan. 30, 2005, at the Alex theatre in Glendale, California. Just leading the features is THE INCREDIBLES, from Pixar Animation Studios (Walt Disney Pictures with 16 nods while there are 14 for DreamWorks SHREK 2 and SHARK TALE, with seven each.

In Awards, Awards | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, North America

Animated Headline News

Nintendo Starting In-house Animation Studio for Features

Japanese console giant Nintendo plans to create an internal animation studio focused on animated feature production, according to a report in Japanese business publication NIKKEI JOURNAL.

This follows on the heels of a proposal by former company president Hiroshi Yamauchi, who suggested that the firm should create an animated film based on works from the famous Ogura Hyakunin Isshu collection of classic Japanese poetry. Yamauchi, still an adviser to the company and a significant shareholder, proposed the new venture at Nintendo's management event in Kyodo in October.

In Business, Business | Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Animated Headline News

Cartoon Network Serves Up Transformers & Movies Thanksgiving Day

For the big Thanksgiving holiday weekend in the U.S., Cartoon Network will be serving up several special telecasts on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, 2004, including a TRANSFORMERS: ENERGON marathon and three back-to-back animated motion picture features.

In Television, Television | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, Europe

Show Headline News

Puffy AmiYumi Rocks in New Animated Flash Series on Cartoon Network

The inspiration and music is from Japan but the animation talent and work is all done in America in Cartoon Networks new 2D series, HI HI PUFFY AMIYUMI. The 30-minute animated comedy about the fictional adventures of two very real-life Japanese pop stars, debuts Nov. 19, 2004, at 7:30 pm during Fridays, CNs popular primetime block of animated comedies.