Animation World Network

Sony Pictures Studios to Offer Twilight Tours

Sony Pictures Studios announced that beginning June 14, 2007, visitors will be able to take Twilight Tours of the historic studio every Thursday through September 28.

"From THE WIZARD OF OZ to SPIDER-MAN 3, this is the lot where dreams are made," said Pam Byrne, director of Studio Services. "Now people can enjoy warm summer evenings by experiencing the glamour and history of Sony Pictures Studios. Our Twilight Tours offer the perfect opportunity to treat family, friends and out-of-town guests to a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable Hollywood experience."

In Places, Visual Effects, Places, Visual Effects | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, South America

People Headline News

Exopolis Revives Edward Hopper-Inspired Promo for TCM

Exopolis was recently tapped by Turner Classic Movies (TCM) to breath new life into the much-loved "Sunny Side of Life" promo that first aired on the network 13 years ago. Using modern-day animation techniques, Exopolis brought viewers into a moody Edward Hopper-esque cityscape. The :30 animated piece entitled "TCM Now Showing" introduces films on the classic movie channel.

While none of Hopper's actual paintings were used in the promo, Exopolis referenced several of his most well known works, including 1942's

In Commercials, Visual Effects, Commercials, Visual Effects | Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Series Headline News

Vooz Goes Green with Myo & Ga

Vooz Co. Ltd., the creator of the love messenger character Pucca, is branching out to the kids market this year with the new series MYO & GA, which combines adventure, fantasy, slap stick comedy and an environmental message. The series sees the world through the eyes of Ga, the sea turtle.

Vooz presented 2:30x7 episodes of the short animation during the 2007 MIPTV and upon garnering positive feedback from television and new media industries, has decided to develop the idea as a larger co-production.

In Television, Television | Headline News | Special Events: MIP-TV | Geographic Region: All

Headline News

Download FUNimation & Geneon Content on Xbox LIVE

Beginning June 12, 2007, two of the biggest anime distributors in the U.S., FUNimation and GeneonEnt., will join current Xbox LIVE partner ADV Films with popular shows, movies, gamer pics and themes. FUNimation will provide the epic adventure series SAMURAI 7, adapted from Akira Kurosawa's legendry film SEVEN SAMURAI. Additional films coming from FUNimation include TRINITY BLOOD, GUNSLINGER GIRL and BASILISK. Geneon Ent. will provide Xbox LIVE with the U.S. HD debut of the anime classic AKIRA. Also available from Geneon Ent.

In Anime, Interactive, Anime, Games, Interactive | Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Animation Headline News

Exodus Prods. Enlists French Sparx on Igor

Paris-based Sparx Animation Studios is providing services for Exodus Prods.' CG-animated film, IGOR. Production for the film began at Sparx in November 2006 and is set for a wide theatrical release by The Weinstein Co. on Oct. 24, 2008.

Sparx recently gone through a change of ownership, and IGOR will be the first feature project under the new management team.

In Films, Films | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, Asia, Europe

Series Headline News

Reel FX Home Ent. Revs Up Production on Animated NASCAR Series

Reel FX Home Ent. and NASCAR Inc. today (June 7, 2007) announced a summer 2007 production start for a new animated preschool series based on the hugely popular, family-friendly auto racing series. Set to launch in spring 2009, the fun and learning-based DVD series will be the first entry in a planned lineup of programming and products under the NASCAR Jr. brand.

Reel FX holds the master license to develop and distribute programming and products for NASCAR JR.

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

Television Headline News

Nickelodeon Goes By Animated Wayside June 25

WAYSIDE, a new half-hour animated series that takes school to new heights debuts on Nickelodeon on June 25 at 12:30 pm. The 26-episode series about a wacky 30-story grade school will air regularly on weekdays at 12:30 pm. The series is based on the bestselling Wayside School book series by Louis Sachar (SIDEWAYS STORIES FROM WAYSIDE SCHOOL, HOLES) and produced by Nelvana Studios.

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

Movie Headline News

U.S. Cities Vie for Simpsons Springfield Distinction

Cities across the U.S. are competing to be chosen the real-life "Springfield" in a USA TODAY promotion for this summer's theatrical release of THE SIMPSONS MOVIE.

USA TODAY is inviting its readers to vote for communities across the U.S. named Springfield, competing to win a special "Hometown Premiere" of the film on July 26, 2007.

Each participating Springfield has approximately 30 days to submit a short film, 3-5 minutes long, showcasing the community's "Simpson Spirit." USA TODAY readers may vote for their favorite "Hometown Movie" online at USATODAY.com.

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

Animation Headline News

AWN & Thomson Course Technology Officially Announce Book Imprint

Thomson Course Technology and Animation World Network are proud to announce the formation of AWN Press, which will produce a series of books published by Thomson Course Technology covering major facets of the animation industry and offering a one-of-a-kind look into the careers of industry icons.

In Business, Business | Headline News | Special Events: Annecy | Geographic Region: All

Animation Headline News

Annecy Plus 3 Details Announced

This year ANNECY PLUS 3 moves to a new home at Le Venitien Bar and Lounge on the Square de l' Eveche, less than 500 meters from the Bonlieu. The screening will take place on June 15, 2007, with music and films starting at dusk.

In Event, Event | Headline News | Special Events: Annecy | Geographic Region: All

Blogs

This Weekend's Film Festival Celebrates Visual Effects

With the Visual Effects Society Festival this coming weekend, I thought it would be a great idea to center This Weekend's Film Festival on movies featured on the VES' 50 most influential visual effects films list. The lineup comes from a sampling of four-star films from across the list. I selected one film from the first ten films on the list then another one from the next ten films and so on.

What struck me when I looked over the complete list of 50 films (which you can find here) is that for the most part they're all good films. The list does seem to skew toward recent visual effects accomplishments, but it doesn't leave out many of the obvious landmark achievements of yesteryear. Many of the films are some of the greatest entertainments of all time. So does this mean that great visual effects only appear in great films or is it that we only remember the great visual effects if they are in great films?

In Blogs: Rick's Flicks Picks on AWN

Blogs

CITIZEN KANE (1941) (****)

Widely considered the greatest film ever made, and for good reason, CITIZEN KANE matured filmmaking by combining established techniques with new innovations. No first film has ever been as influential as Orson Welles freshman turn behind the camera. The fact that he also starred in, co-wrote and produced the film only heightens the accomplishment. But does the label of "the greatest film ever made" hurt it? I'm sure the label and it's stark black & white cinematography scare away younger audiences, who have all seen THE GODFATHER (which is often a close second as the greatest of all time). What those film viewers are missing is a thoroughly modern film. Made over 60 years ago, the film has not aged a bit.

In Blogs: Rick's Flicks Picks on AWN

Events

Hidden Celebrity Webcam Celebrity Parody Contest

Begins: June 6, 2007

GoFish would like to invite your readers and members to participate in a challenging and FUN contest!

In Event Types: Contests, Other

Entertainment Events

AIIDE'07: Artificial Intelligence and Interactive Entertainment Conference

Begins: June 6, 2007

The Third Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Interactive Entertainment (AIIDE'07), taking place June 6-8, 2007 at Stanford University. AIIDE'07 is intended to be the definitive point of interaction between entertainment software developers interested in AI and academic and industrial AI researchers.

In Event Types: Conferences, Discussion, Exhibits, Seminars / Workshops, Screenings, Animation, Business / Management, Interactive, New Media, Web / Internet, Other

Work Events

The Work of Chris Shepherd

Begins: June 6, 2007

The BFI Southbank is hosting the "The Work of Chris Shepherd + THE WHITE BUS." The event will take place at The National Film Theatre and is chaired by onedotzero director Shane Walter.

Chris Shepherd, co-founder of London animation company Slinky Pictures, has made such films as DAD'S DEAD, WHO I AM AND WHAT I WANT (his collaboration with David Shrigley) and SILENCE IS GOLDEN. Shepherd will talk through his films and discuss his influences, particularly the work of Lindsay Anderson, director of THE WHITE BUS.

For more information, visit www.bfi.org.uk/whatson/southbank/film/7554.

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

Brown Events

An Evening with Andy Brown: modo Master

Begins: June 6, 2007

Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) Boston Chapter and Luxology are hosting, "An Evening with Andy Brown: modo Master." The shoe and conceptual design seminar will feature Luxology's learning tools division manager, Andy Brown. The session will include extensive use of modo, Luxology's award-winning 3D modeling, painting and rendering software.

The event will take place at the Wentworth Institute of Technology, Wentworth Annex Auditorium, 500 Parker St. and will run from 6:00-9:00 pm. Visit www.idsaboston.org to register. Anyone interested can attend.

In Event Types: Seminars / Workshops, Animation, Visual Effects, Other

Events

Battlestar Galactica All Access Event

Begins: June 6, 2007

SCI FI is hosting an all access event looking behind-the-scenes of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA. Fans and members of the Academy, Guilds and Hollywood Foreign Press are all invited to hear from the cast and creators as well as catch a sneak peek of the fourth season. The event will take place at the Cinerama Dome, 6360 W. Sunset Blvd., at 8:00 pm. For more details, visit scifi.com/battlestar.

In Event Types: Discussion, Screenings, Television, Visual Effects

Game ANIMATIONWorld

Press Start: June 2007 -- Top Five Arcade Fighters

For the June 2007 "Press Start" column, Peter "The Rizk" Rizkalla takes a historical look at the top five arcade fighter games of all time.

In Games, Reviews | ANIMATIONWorld

Animation Headline News

Olympic Website Animation Causes Epilepsy Seizures

Flash animation on the official website of the 2012 London Olympics has to be removed after reports came in that it was causing epileptic seizures, reports THE INDEPENDENT. Charity, Epilepsy Action, contacted the organizers about the problem saying they had received calls from people who suffer from photosensitive epilepsy.

Exaggerating the problem was the broadcast of some of the animation on television, which caused viewers to have seizures. Some are saying the animation of the Olympic logo, which is causing controversy of its own, was part of the problem.

In Flash, Interactive, Flash, Games, Interactive | Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Imax Headline News

Spider-Man 3 Breaks IMAX Opening Record

Columbia Pictures' SPIDER-MAN 3: THE IMAX EXPERIENCE has grossed more than $20 million worldwide since premiering on May 3, 2007. The picture continued its heroic box office performance by reaching the $20 million milestone faster than any other 2-D digitally re-mastered IMAX release, between its opening on May 3 and June 3. SPIDER-MAN 3 is currently playing on 84 domestic IMAX screens and 34 international IMAX screens, the largest opening in IMAX's 40-year history.

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

Effects Headline News

Anthem Makes VFX Journey for Marco Polo

Anthem Visual Effects recently completed more than 100 visual effects shots for MARCO POLO, a miniseries and feature film produced by RHI Ent.

The epic story was shot entirely on location in China and is a compelling exploration of the trials and triumph of one of history's most famous, yet enigmatic figures. Ian Somerhalder (LOST) plays Marco Polo, the 13th century Venetian trader enlisted to accompany a pair of priests to the court of the fabled Mongol warlord and despot of the mysterious East, Kublai Khan, played by Brian Dennehy (COCOON, OUR FATHERS).

In Television, Visual Effects, Television, Visual Effects | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, Asia

Disney Headline News

Walt Disney Studios Signs Exclusive Deal With Stan Lee

The Walt Disney Studios has entered into an exclusive multi-year first look deal with Spider-Man creator/producer Stan Lee and his production company POW! Ent. The terms cover Lee and his production company developing and producing all forms of entertainment.

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

Watch Headline News

Digital Musings From the Editor:

Following the Russian blockbuster NIGHT WATCH, comes DAY WATCH, which broke the record in its home country and is now playing from Fox Searchlight. VFXWORLD recently spoke with supervisor Vladimir Lechinski about the sci-fi thriller and the maturing vfx industry in Russia.

Meanwhile, there's the latest excerpt from POSER 7 REVEALED, which teaches you how to attach props to elements; Bryan Hoff reviews NVIDIA's new Quadro FX 5600 graphics card; and there's still a certain PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN sequel with lots of new wrinkles from ILM that is coming very soon.

In Visual Effects, Visual Effects | Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Animation Headline News

Arena Animation Announces AAASP 2007

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.

In Anime, Education and Training, Anime, Education and Training | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, Asia

Season Headline News

Class of 3000 Up For Second Season June 7

A new season of CLASS OF 3000, the Cartoon Network original series from creators and exec producers Andre "3000" Benjamin (OutKast) and Tom Lynch (Romeo!), starts Thursday, June 7, 2007, at 7:00 pm, following a six-and-a-half-hour marathon of the series' first season. Benjamin stars as the voice of superstar Sunny Bridges, a music teacher at a prestigious performing arts school, and will continue to write a new song for each episode.

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