LA Times reports that conservatives are up in arms over Avatar's liberal messages and storyline.  Many complain that Hollywood does not create films that reflect the opinions and values of the majority of Americans.

The migration of digital effects work to offhshore studios is a continuation of a movement of animation work that began over forty years ago.  This means of cutting labor cost is now a normal consideration and VSX is only the newest branch of our industry to be effected.

Often hated but always needed, the poor budget can and should be the best friend of anyone trying to produce a film.  But rather it is more often the target of everyone's discontent and blamed for a multitude of sins and offenses. The film's budget normally stands in the dock accused of any and all the ills plaguing the production.  "If only we could have another month we could redo that sequence."  Or, "They say there's nothing left in the budget to rerecord the orangatang!  Who in the hell said betty white could still play the ingenue?"  But....whose faults are these?  If the budget was correctly made, everyone going into the production knew exactly what they had and what they had to do.  Why blame the budget for other's failings?

Sometimes people can be a jinx.  There are some that have suggested that I might be one of those.  I don't believe in all that stuff but you never know.... 

Nothing important really.  If you don't read this you won't miss a great job opportunity or any special Zen like enlightenment.  You won't get any good tips on playing the ponies or how to make a perfect souffle or even where to pick up Boys/Girls....  If you have 5 minutes to waste give it a read, otherwise go in peace and know that you won't be any less informed or likely to regret missing my secret 'Five Steps to Growth and Success in the Business of Animation Filmaking." - (Just kidding).

I love award shows, don't you.  The only problem is that we just don't have enough of them.  I think we should have an Award Show, Award Show where we give (what else?) Awards to the best of the Award Shows - and maybe  bumper stickers.

I never met anyone in this business that didn't have some strong opinions on what constituted a greatshow.  Whether it hinged on the quality of animation, longevity, financial success or number of sequals or spin-offs, most of us can, off the top of their head name a  number of titles we think of as the best.  

I thought it might be fun to share my favorites in a group of catagories that I've come up with... feel free to take a look and to disagree as much as you ilke, as long as you're cordially in doing so..

You say Toe-maw-toe and I say Toe-may-toe.  Should you cast kids for kids roles or go with adult voice over actors that can be easier and faster to work with but may not be able to give you that pure kid essence in voice quality?

Tough list for me as I never had a daughter.  I've thought about how the shows influenced young girls over the years and how they have evolved, although many still are created only to sell product.

Unlike the boy’s action list, I didn’t grow up watching a lot of these shows so I’ve tried to do a little research and sought friend’s opinions.    I’ve even watched a few candidates and called my 7 year old granddaughter once or twice.   At the end of the day I sort of formed an idea of how I would make the selections and I decided to take into account the importance of the show within the category itself as well as the quality of the animation production.

Can China, India, Singapore and other countries offering cheaper animation services lure U.S. producers away by offering subsidies, grants and equity investment in theatrical films and television series?  It seems that outsourcing, while resented by most Americans, has become more and more a way of doing business for large American corportations.  Where will this practice ultimately end?  I can't say for sure but I do know it will get worse before it can get better.  But there is hope.  If you want to read my opinion you'll have to wait until I wrap this up next week.