Category: Anime

Visual effects studio Guava has signed seasoned animator and designer James Collins to its roster. He recently completed a spot for GMC via Lowe Worldwide with Guava. He comes from Click 3X, where he rebuilt the CG department and headed the team.

"In addition to providing an environment that is conducive to creativity, Guava offers a very talented staff," said Collins. "I am eager to contribute my skills while also learning from the experienced artists here. At Guava, I hope to help clients nurture their ideas and solve their creative needs."

Arena Animation, one of India's largest animation and multimedia training institutions, announced the launch of the brand new version of its 2 1/2 year high-end animation-training course, the Arena Animation Academy Specialist Program 2007 (AAASP 2007).

The course is modeled around the needs of the industry with each semester having an integrated project to give the students an exposure to the practical application of tools and software.

The latest Acrobat edition of Animation World Magazine is now online and ready for download. This issue tackles the world of direct-to-video. Despite a recent burst in production of animated shorts, short film compilation discs remain a tiny niche within the DVD market. Karen Raugust reports. John Cawley looks into the business of expanding a franchise in the world of direct-to-video. Janet Hetherington examines how original animated direct-to-DVD animated adventures based on toy brands may extend the play value of popular toys.

Cineplex Ent. and VIZ Media announced that advance tickets are on sale now for the special one-day-only Canadian event of the first NARUTO feature film, NARUTO THE MOVIE: NINJA CLASH IN THE LAND OF SNOW, opening nationwide on Saturday June 23, 2007.

Advance tickets can be purchased online at www.cineplex.com as well as at participating Cineplex Ent. theatre box offices; admission for children is $8.95 + tax and general admission is $9.95 + tax.

It has arrived -- the latest Acrobat edition of Animation World Magazine. This issue covers the business of animation. John Cawley lays out the rules of the funny game of animation budgeting. Chara Campanella talks to Josh Selig, Stephanie Graziano and Tom Tataranowicz about what it takes to make the leap from a solo entity to studio owner. Campanella also talks with independent animation producers about how they found funding so that you can turn your big idea into a reality.

Sony Pictures Television Int'l (SPTI) announced that its anime channel, Animax, is set to launch in Germany. The announcement was made following the signing of an agreement with Unity Media, the first distribution partner for Animax in the country. The channel will commence broadcasting from early June 2007 and will be available to digital pay-tv subscribers in the German regions of North Rhine-Westphalia and Hesse, which have more than five million cable households. Further roll out of the channel through other distribution partners is to follow over the coming months.