Dotcomix: Capturing Animated Motion On The Net
Using proprietary motion-capture software and creative partnerships, Protozoas DotComix is quickly becoming a force on the Internet. Lee Dannacher offers an inside peak.
Tagged With: Production
Aries New VP At Nick Studios
Lolee Aries has been appointed vice president of production, Nickelodeon Animations Studios. At Nickelodeon, she will oversee the day-to-day production on all of Nickelodeon Animation Studios in-house projects including current series SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS, HEY ARNOLD!, CATDOG, ANGRY BEAVERS, OH YEAH! CARTOONS! and the upcoming series CHALKZONE, THE FAIRLY ODDPARENTS and INVADER ZIM. Aries will also focus on the digital production process and boosting the utilization of in-house talent. Aries joins Nickelodeon from Film Roman, where she served as VP of production.
Aron Warner To Head PDI
ARON WARNER has been named the new head of PACIFIC DATA IMAGES (PDI), the computer animation, commercial production, and effects affiliate of DreamWorks SKG. The move follows the announcement that PDI president and chief executive officer Jim DeRose is resigning his post, effective April 1, 2000, to pursue an unspecified Internet business opportunity. In making the announcement, Katzenberg stated, "During his time at PDI, Jim made enormous contributions to the firm. In one short year, he re-established PDI in the commercial and effects business and took it to record levels.
Spielberg Lines Up Next 2 Films
Ending much anticipation, Steven Spielberg has confirmed his next two projects. Going in front of cameras July 10, 2000, A.I. (artificial intelligence) was a long time work-in-progress by late great filmmaker Stanley Kubrick. The Warner Bros./DreamWorks co-production takes place in the future after the melted polar ice caps have covered much of New York City and other coastal towns with water. Oscar nominated actors Jude Law (THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY) and Haley Joel Osment (THE SIXTH SENSE) will star. To start filming in April 2001, Spielberg will direct MINORITY REPORT starring Tom Cruise.
New Jobs: Production Management, Animators, Artists and much, much more
Big Idea Productions, producers of the popular children's video collection
"Veggie-mania," is looking for a VICE PRESIDENT of PRODUCTION. . . Wam!Net
is seeking a PRODUCTION MANAGER to be responsible for managing a large
scale render farm and supporting production from Visual Effects Studios,
post-production facilities and design/engineering groups working remotely
via the company's network. . . New Zealand's Weta Digital seeks world-class
Beatletoons, The Real Story Behind The Cartoon Beatles
Sharon Schatz profiles the big name talent -- Elton John, Tim Rice, Hans Zimmer and John Powell -- behind The Road to El Dorado and finds how music and art are carefully crafted into one.
Minter Promoted To VP At PDI
PDI has recently promoted DENISE MINTER to vice president of production.
Minter will now oversee all of Pacific Data Images' production efforts
around the world. Most recently, she was been senior producer on PDI
commercials for Sega Dreamcast and Coca-Cola. Since joining the company in
1993, Minter has also served as production manager on the DreamWorks and
PDI feature ANTZ.
This Week's Animation Trivia Quiz
Test your skills and challenge your brain with AWN's Animation Trivia Quiz...
In Headline News | Geographic Region: All
Art Director, Storyboard Artist, and Vice President of Production wanted
Atlanta-based Fathom Studios, which creates compelling graphic elements
for distribution on television, film or computer platforms, is looking for
a STORYBOARD ARTIST...
CRAWFORD promotes THOMPSON
Atlanta-based CRAWFORD COMMUNICATIONS, a service provider for all
aspects of television, film, Internet, audio and satellite
communications, has announced that BILL THOMPSON has been promoted from
Production Services Division's Director of Operations to VP of
Post-Production. The 10-year veteran of the company will oversee
editing, audio, graphics, telecine and the film labs. While no longer
servicing the day-to-day operations, Thompson will still head Crawford's
production services.
A Closer Look: French animation sets out to conquer the world
A year ago, French and other European animation professionals gathered atthe third "Crossroads of the Image of the Indian Ocean" to discuss Europeancartoons. At this event, financing is always a hot topic of discussion.France is the third largest producer of animation worldwide, after the U.S.and Japan. Production itself has greatly developed in recent years with theproliferation of television channels. In 1988 there weren't any 26half-hour episode series being done in Europe, now there are dozens every
Olive Jar Opens In LA
Boston-based Olive Jar Studios, Inc., an animation, special effects andtheme park attraction production house, has opened a branch in Los Angeles,California, U.S.A. The new west coast facility will house both stage andproduction space. Olive Jar specializes in film techniques that includemixed-media, stop-motion, CGI, cel, drawn, and live-action/special effects.Executive producer Matthew Charde said, "Our presence in Los Angeles willbe a tremendous asset to the business since we will be more fully able to
Fox promotes Sandy Grushow
FOX TELEVISION ENTERTAINMENT GROUP has promoted SANDY GRUSHOW to the newlycreated post of chairman. Grushow will be responsible for all entertainmentaspects of Fox Broadcasting Co. as well as the studio's production unit.Previously, Grushow helmed Fox TV.
Big Idea Productions is looking for a VP of Production
Big Idea Productions, producers of the popular children's videocollection "Veggie-mania," are looking for a VICE PRESIDENT of PRODUCTION...
In Headline News | Geographic Region: All
pasi hires FRANK SAPERSTEIN and MIMBI ELORIAGA
FRANK SAPERSTEIN has been appointed Creative Director of Philippines-basedpasi (PHILIPPINE ANIMATION STUDIO, INC.). His responsibilities will includequality control, co-productions and marketing, and technical development ofthe studio. He is based out of Los Angeles, California. Saperstein comesdirectly from Matinee Entertainment where he served asProducer/Director/Writer of KAMPUNG BOY, a co-production with pasi, whichwon a Special Prize for Best TV Program at Annecy '99. In addition, MIMBI
Don't miss this lecture on Production Management!
ASIFA-Hollywood and Glendale Community College present theFourth Annual Lecture Series on "Production Management" with guest speaker,Kellie-Bea Cooper. Cooper, Production Manager at Phil Roman Entertainment,has produced award winning independent shorts in both traditional animationand computer animation which have been featured by SIGGRAPH. She has alsoworked with several studios including Jim Henson Interactive and WarnerBrothers. Her background includes work in live action, interactive, Web,
The CNC: A Complete Support System
Iain Harvey traveled to Cannes to experience the yearly hubbub of MIPCOM and MIPCOM Jr., a major stop on the global television sales circuit.
A Closer Look: Canada, a major player in the animation industry
Two years ago, Walt Disney Animation Canada Inc. expanded its productionservices by officially opening a permanent studio in Toronto, in additionto the one which has been operating in Vancouver since 1996. Bothfacilities operate as one co-existing production unit referred to as "theCanadian studio." It also handles pre-production, such as storyboarding,character design and layout, thus creating the first full-service facilityin the Walt Disney Television Animation family. Whereas Hollywood had
Can You Tell Me How To Get To Sesamstrasse?
CTW is bringing Sesame Street to children all over the world by using a variety of techniques, including local co-productions. Karen Raugust explains how this cultural sensitivity keeps the learning coming.
New version of TICTACTOON 2D software released
Montreal, Canada-based Toon Boom Technologies Inc. is now shipping version 2.3 of TicTacToon. Some of the features included on this new version are the ability to: customize and modify the aspect ratio of each scene at any stage of production; work on up to three levels of animation simultaneously; drag and drop entire columns of drawings with their cel names and timing to and from the Animation and Exposure Sheet modules; make order and timing changes quickly in either module through insert, replace or append options; and draw paintable rectangular zones to close outer edges of any drawing.
Animo releases Production Tracker
Cambridge, UK-based Cambridge Animation has released Animo ProductionTracker - new software that allows studios to use the Internet, intranetsand internal networks to track every aspect of a production cycle. AnimoProduction Tracker software automates management of the thousands ofdrawings and different personnel involved in a typical project, allowingusers to better ascertain progress, determine costs, allocate resources,and eliminate duplication. The new software is fully integrated with Animo,
Kaydara launches FiLMBOX version 2.0
Kaydara Inc. has announced the launch of FiLMBOX version 2.0, its real-time production system. Incorporating an advanced suite of interactive character animation, motion capture and audio/video tools FiLMBOX v2.0 hosts a variety of new on-line production tools, such as camera tracking, real-time video input/output, and improved character mapping. FiLMBOX v2.0 provides live integration of 3D elements for game, film and TV production into a unified digital environment,
Crater Software launching "satellite" versions of CTP 2D animation software
Crater Software, a Spanish-Canadian software development collaboration, announced plans to launch a series of "satellite" versions of CTP, the company's 2D animation software, at this years' Siggraph. The launch of four CTP Satellites - Paint, Scan, Render and the already-released Pencil-test - will coincide with the release of CTP Version 1.3, also being showcased at the show.
Crater Software launching "satellite" versions of CTP 2D animation software
Crater Software, a Spanish-Canadian software development collaboration, announced plans to launch a series of "satellite" versions of CTP, the company's 2D animation software, at this years' Siggraph. The launch of four CTP Satellites - Paint, Scan, Render and the already-released Pencil-test - will coincide with the release of CTP Version 1.3, also being showcased at the show.
In Technology, Technology | Headline News | Special Events: SIGGRAPH | Geographic Region: All, Europe, North America
Cambrige Animation Systems to show Animo 3 at SIGGRAPH
Cambridge Animation Systems will show Animo 3 at SIGGRAPH. This latest version of Animo implements a 3D backbone into the current Animo 2D system, allowing seamless integration of 2D and 3D animation. Animo 3 enables users to load animated model and scene files from 3D Studio MAX and Alias|Wavefront's Maya. Within Animo 3, 3D elements can be translated, rotated and scaled using familiar 3D tools as well as the existing 2D tools and filters; coloring effects can be controlled; and 3D models can be animated with the 2D components.
