Artists from Pixar are coming to teach in Chicago!
VanArts presents a Character Animation & Story Development masterclass, taught by instructors from Pixar Animation Studios.
Geared toward:- 2D/3D character animators & designers- game designers & developers- writers, screenwriters, storyboarders- producers & editors of films & videos- software developers- other creative professionals- working pros, students, enthusiasts- educators, teachers
This exceptional 2-day training event is a great professional development opportunity, and takes place on June 22/23 in Chicago.
INFO & REGISTRATION:http://www.vanarts.com/events/pixar-artists-masterclass-2012-chicago

Golden Kuker-Sofia

3rd International Animation Film Festival

June 11th-17th, Bulgaria

One of the most important cultural events in Bulgaria, the International Animation Film Festival "Golden Kuker" - took its first steps in the National Palace of Culture in October 2010 in Sofia, Bulgaria. It was vividly reflected in the media and was recognized by the film critics as very successful. More than 200 films from 29 countries entered the competition in 2010 and more than 340 films from 51 countries in 2011 (among which were authors of films nominated for an “Oscar” and films of artists awarded at international festivals category "A"). IAFF “Golden Kuker” is the first festival of animation in Bulgaria since the beginning of the new century. It is organized by BAICAA (Bulgarian Association of Independent Cartoon Animation Artists "Proyko Proykov” - a non-profit organization), chaired by Mrs. Nadezhda Slavova (cartoon artist, filmmaker and author of numerous animation films).

The Festival exists to disprove the common opinion that animation is only for kids by screening a myriad of attention-engaging, intelligent films from the most exotic countries in the world, showcasing different animation techniques, showing that animation is for everyone. The supporting events such as workshops, master-classes, lectures, round tables and presentations, provide a rare opportunity to meet world renowned animation professionals, make contacts and present/watch the latest animation creations from all around the world.

The programme of the festival includes: Competition programme covering several categories (feature films /over 50 min/, super-short films /up to 1 min/, short films /up to 10 min/, short films /10-50 min/, Bulgarian films, student films, films made for kids, commissioned films, eco-animation films /2012 festival edition/).

E3 Electronic Entertainment Expo

June 5-7, 2012 Los Angeles Convention Center

E3 is the world's premier trade show for computer and video games and related products. The show is owned by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the U.S. association dedicated to serving the business and public affairs needs of the companies, publishing interactive games for video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers, and the Internet.

The E3 Expo draws tens of thousands of professionals to experience the future of interactive entertainment. The most influential people leading the most innovative companies in the business attend E3 to see groundbreaking new technologies and never-before-seen products for computers, video game consoles, handheld systems, mobile, and the Internet.

2012 will welcome software developers, buyers and retailers, programmers, distributors, entertainment industry representatives, financiers and venture capitalists, importers and exporters, manufacturers, resellers, researchers, educators, financial and industry analysts and worldwide electronic and print media.

Red Stick 2012

June 4th -11th Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The Red Stick International Animation Festival, now in its 7th year, is an exciting community event that converges the worlds of technology, art, entertainment and exploration. Though artists have always used the tools of their time, at no time since the Renaissance has there been a similar convergence of science and art.

The movement toward convergence highlights not only the new set of technical skills that artists employ, but likewise the artistic vision that scientists are embracing. The worlds of the artist and scientist are folding in on one another, and Baton Rouge is at a unique moment in time to embrace this sea of change, further it, and make it our own.

Each year, the Red Stick International Animation Festival accepts entries for its “Best of the Fest” animated film competition. The festival accepts work from students, amateurs and professionals in the categories Animated Short Film (student / professional), Music Video, Experimental Animation & Visual Music, and Scientific Visualization.

The top entry in each category will receive a Red Baton award and the best overall festival entry will receive our Baton D’or, the Gold Baton. Beginning this year, we will offer cash prizes for the best films in selected categories, as well as for the Baton D’or.

Annecy International Animated Film Festival and Market

June 4th-9th

Annecy, France

Check out the latest animated gems, find out about current and future trends, meet up with your favourite film directors and up-and-coming talents, track down new associates and partners... in the fun and friendly atmosphere of the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

 There are 5 theatres in and around Annecy screening Festival films from 10am to 11pm. The programme includes films in the official selection and screenings which don't need to be reserved.Each evening at 10pm, there is also a screening on the giant screen on the Pâquier lawn (opposite Bonlieu, free access). Established animators and budding creatives, film directors and producers, teachers and students, designers or artists, long-standing fans or newcomers to the art... everyone can be found at the Festival.

The Festival is paying tribute to Ireland this year.

It is perhaps too early to say that there is a particular style of Irish animation cinema. Influenced by the USA, but especially by Europe, these creations are still in their infancy. However, you will discover the diversity of this animation through TV commissions, graduation and independent films, as well as some prize gems from the archives.

Come join us for an animation filled weekend! Starting with our annual TAIS Showcase 2012 on Friday, June 1, 2012, 7pm - 11pm, the best animations from Canadian and international artists will be shown at the NFB Mediatheque (150 John St.).

__________________________

Below is the entire weekend's schedule of events:

TAIS Showcase 2012 and TAIS & NFB Animation Blowout!

Fri. June 1st, 2012:
 TAIS Showcase 2012 and Anijam: Technical Difficulties
 7pm – 11pm, $8 TAIS/NFB Members, $10 General Public
 
 The best animations from Canadian and international artists (90 mins)
 
 Sat. June 2nd, 2012:
 Creations, obsessions, and sensations
 7pm - 9pm, FREE
 
 Exceptional works from the NFB productions, programmed by the Toronto Animated Image Society (80 mins)
 
 Sun. June 3rd, 2012:
 Children’s Screening Program & Animation Workshop for Kids
 12:30pm - 4:30pm, $5/child, Free for accompanying adult
 
 Children’s screening from the NFB productions, programmed by the Toronto Animated Image Society (45 mins), paired with an introductory animation NFB workshop for kids using origami.
 
 Mon. June 4th, 2012:
  Meet the Artist: Iain Gardner – Artist Talk and Screening
 7pm – 9pm, PWYC
 International renowned, award-winning director and animator from Scotland.
 
 All events are held at the NFB Mediatheque (150 John St.)

2012 Cannes Fil Festival

May 16th -27th Paris, France

Ever since its creation, the Festival de Cannes has remained faithful to its founding purpose: to draw attention to and raise the profile of films with the aim of contributing towards the development of cinema, boosting the film industry worldwide and celebrating cinema at an international level.

During the Festival´s 65th edition, to be held from 16th to 27th May 2012, projects will be conceived, experiences will be shared and different cultures will come into contact: it is this dynamism that makes the Festival de Cannes a true reflection of its time. The Festival is very keen to discover new talent and act as a springboard for creation.

While maintaining a strong connection to its past, the Festival is very ready to take on board new and original concepts. Over the years, it has evolved, all the while seeking to preserve its core values: a passion for cinema, the discovery of new talent, and bringing together professionals and journalists from around the world with the aim of contributing to the creation and distribution of films.

FMX was initiated as an event for students labeled "Film and Media Exchange" (FMX) in 1994 and was supposed to take place every two years. As early as 1996 it became an annual event . When the first FMX took place in 1994, the industry did not even dare to dream about the creative possibilities within computer animation and digital effects that exist today. Throughout the past fifteen years of its existence, FMX kept up with the developments and trends and has grown to become an important networking platform for those working with digital imagery.

In 2012, FMX tracks are, among others, dedicated to Virtual Production, Cinema of the Future, Animation, Visual Effects, Games, Tech Talks, Focuses on Montreal and Vancouver, Poland, Estonia, Transmedia, Virtual Humans and Controlling Complexity.

Confirmed presentations include subjects such as Worldbuilding, Previsualization, Capture Space, Framerates, Stereo 3D, Animation Wild ‘n Strange, VES Exchange, Visual Effects in India, Germany and Europe, Visual Arts, Games made in Germany, Industrial CG, Cloud Computing, Siggraph and Eurographics Papers, Young Guns

AniFest 2012

April 26th-May1st

Teplice & Buchcov, Czech Pepublic

 

Renowned film makers and theorists of animation are coming every year and students of animation as well as all the fans of moving pictures are heading to AniFest too, looking for some animated treasures unlikely to be found in cinemas.

The aim of the festival is to annualy bring thoughtfully curated selection from the best of contemporary animated film, systematically present the work of big personalities from the history of animation in retrospectives (sometimes celebreting their anniversaries) and in selections of various national productions. For this reason AniFest also colaborates with many other world festivals of (not only) animated film. We are also part of the Cartoon EU organization and we nominate our candidate for the Cartoon d’Or prize every year. AniFest 2012 will aslo screen the selection of Cartoon d’Or winners.

In spite of the fact that we’re trying (so far sucessfully) to break the old cliche about animated films being only for children, we’re also aware that it’s necessary to start with film education early. A significant part of the festival programme is dedicated to children and little visitors can also attend various workshops organized by experienced lectors or authors themselves.

And because we’re also aware that it’s not healthy to spend all week sitting in the dark screening halls, rich accompanying programme in form of concerts, theatre shows and exhibitions is a traditional part of AniFest.

So -  viva la animation and see you at the festival!

We are now accepting entries for our 15th edition, which will run from 24 - 28 April 2012. KICFF is looking for high quality shorts, long shorts, features and documentaries to be screened in our main section and numerous side bars of Norway's largest festival for films for children and youth. Read our guidelines below and fill in our online entry form.

Kristiansand International Children’s Film Festival (KICFF) is an annual festival established to promote film and video for children aged 3 - 14. For teenagers we promote films in the Youth Programme (14+).

PROGRAMMES
The Main Programme is devoted to new feature films for children for theatrical and video release. Titles are selected on artistic merit. The sidebars will consist of several short film programmes, Panorama, Youth Programme (14+), documentaries and long shorts. Special attention will be paid to new films from the Nordic countries, but traditionally, all parts of the world are represented.

The festival has a screening club for professionals.

The Festival management makes the selection for the Festival.

AWARDS
FILM&KINO’s Children’s Film Award: An international jury awards the best film in the Main Programme with NOK 75.000 as well as a diploma, to support Norwegian distribution for the film. Presented by FILM & KINO.

The Ludi Award:Audience award for best film in the Main Programme, including a statuette and a diploma.

The ECFA Award: A professional jury awards the best film in the Main Programme with a ECFA diploma and the winner is nominated to comepe for Best European Children’s Film of the year (announced at the 2013 Berlinale Generation).

The Don Quijote Award : An international jury awards the most outstanding film in the Youth Programme (14+). The award is presented by The International Federation of Film Societies FICC.

 

THE ENTRY FORM MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE FOLLOWING:

- A DVD screener or digital file (link to e.g. Vimeo, ftp access or Dropbox)

- A synopsis of the film, maximum 50 words.

- A digital photo from the film. 300 dpi. (please upload via web form)

- A listing of the film's participation and Awards received at other Film festivals.

- The festival accepts 35 mm prints, Video (Beta SP PAL or DigiBeta), DCP, Blu-Ray Disck and digital file (Prores 4.2.2 / 4.2.2HQ) as screening formats. English subtitles are required.

ENTRIES MUST BE SENT BEFORE FEBRUARY 1st 2012

Address for DVDs and other material (please contact us if you want to send your screener with courier rather than regular mail)

Kristiansand International Children’s Film Festival,
Kristiansand Kino
P.O. Box 356
4663 Kristiansand
Norway

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Programme coordinator: Even Thunes Jensen,
Tel: + 47 3810 4320 / + 47 9592 4433 Fax: + 47 3810 4201