ATI Introduces Complete Line of Next Gen FireGL Graphics Accelerators
ATI Technologies Inc. announced a complete top-to-bottom line of next generation FireGL workstation graphics accelerators for professional users. The new family of products range from an ultra high-end one gigabyte configuration to 128MB model, and are all based on ATI's scalable, ultrathreaded architecture with Avivo video and display technology.
Lightstorm Evaluating Performance Capture Vendors
Lightstorm producer Jon Landau told VFXWORLD at Sunday's (April 23, 2006) NAB Digital Cinema Summit in Las Vegas that director James Cameron will emphasize performance capture technology as part of his upcoming digital 3-D feature production plans.
Betsy McGowen to Head Kids' WB! on The CW
Betsy McGowen joins The CW as svp/gm, Kids' WB! on The CW, it was announced by Dawn Ostroff, who becomes president of entertainment, The CW, to whom McGowen will report. The CW is the new fifth broadcast television network scheduled to launch in the fall 2006 and is a joint venture between Warner Bros. Ent. and CBS Corp. McGowen will oversee all series development, current programming and scheduling as well as brand, image and marketing for Kids' WB! on The CW.
Silent Hill Scares Off Box Office Competition
SILENT HILL from Sony claimed the number one position at the weekend box office as it debuted with $20.1M for the period ended April 23, 2006. Moviegoers will still in the mood for horror as Dimension's SCARY MOVIE 4 dropped slightly to the second spot with $16.8 M for a two-week cume of $67.5M.
THQ Announces Its 2006 Nickelodeon Videogame Lineup
THQ Inc. announced its 2006 videogame lineup based on Nickelodeon's top brands for kids. Games based on the TV series SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS, AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER, DANNY PHANTOM and UNFABULOUS, as well as a new installment of Nicktoons, are anticipated to ship across multiple game systems in 2006. THQ is also scheduled to release BARNYARD based upon Paramount Pictures'/Nickelodeon Movies' upcoming summer theatrical release.
AOL Launches KOL Jr. on the Open Web
AOL has launched KOL Jr. (www.koljunior.com/), a website for kids 2-5. The site contains original cartoons, games, music, bedtime stories and other fun, interactive features designed to help parents introduce the Internet to their young children. The launch of KOL Jr. also marks the debut of a brand new cartoon called PILAR'S ADVENTURES, which covers topics that engage preschoolers' imaginations while helping them deal with everyday life experiences.
Adult Comedy Leads 2006 MTV Movie Award Nods
MTV: Music Television announced nominees for the 2006 MTV Movie Awards with two adult comedies 40-YEAR OLD VIRGIN and WEDDING CRASHERS, each receiving five nominations. Also vying for the spotlight are BATMAN BEGINS, HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE, HUSTLE & FLOW, SIN CITY and STAR WARS: EPISODE III REVENGE OF THE SITH with three nominations each. Filming June 3, 2006, at Sony Picture Studios in Culver City, California, the awards will premiere to audiences nationwide on Thursday, June 8, at 9:00 pm ET/PT on MTV.
Star Blazers Anime Going Live-Action
Benderspink and producer Josh C. Kline are set to adapt the classic Japanese anime STAR BLAZERS into a live-action feature, according to the HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. Known as SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO in Japan, the 1970s franchise spun off three television series, five animated features and a host of merchandise. Voyager Ent. brought the series to the U.S. in the early 1980s.
SAG OKs Cable Toon Deal
SAG's national board has unanimously ratified its new contract for basic cable animation, reports the trades. The contract, which went into effect with Friday's approval, is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2006, and will run through June 30, 2008.
The new deal nets a 20% increase in residuals after 16 years under an original pact with such companies as Walt Disney Pictures & Television, Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Studios.
AWN & VFXWorld Reminds Filmmakers’ To Enter eDit/VES’ eDwards
Animation World Network and VFXWorld would like to remind young filmmakers that we are a special media sponsor for the Visual Effects Societys eDIT Filmmakers Festival in Frankfurt, Germany, Sept. 24-26, 2006. We will be sponsoring eDward VII, a young filmmakers contest and awards which celebrates the work of talented artists under the age of 30.
Seeking News For BookExpo 2006 & L.A. Screenings!
We want to get the word out about what youre doing at BookExpo 2006 and the L.A. Screenings. If youre going to be exhibiting or just attending, let us know so that your companys info can get into our news and newsletters. Send all press releases or pertinent information to Sarah Baisley at editor@awn.com.
This Week’s Animation Trivia Quiz for April 24, 2006
AWN Discussion Forums - What's New? for April 24, 2006
This week in AWN's Forums, a member asks where are all those memorable stories and characters? Another member has some Flash questions. Theres a new thread discussing animation demo reels. Theres a heated discussion about Cartoon Network adding live-action programming to its lineup. Another member needs help identifying a LIQUID TV short. A member has some questions about the legality of spoofing Disney. As well as, tools for teaching animation, the business of animation and, as always, brand new stuff to check out in show and tell!
James Cameron Stresses VFX Impact on Digital 3-D at NAB
Director James Cameron, who has sworn allegiance to digital 3-D in all future production plans, including his upcoming back-to-back features, AVATAR and BATTLE ANGEL, offered an optimistic roadmap during his keynote at Sunday's (April 23, 2006) NAB Digital Cinema Summit in Las Vegas. He noted the success of both POLAR
EXPRESS in IMAX 3-D and CHICKEN LITTLE in digital 3-D as proof that there is an audience willing to pay a premium for a more immersive theatrical experience, but cautioned that "content will drive this [revolution]."
Jakers! and The Batman Double Daytime Emmy Winners
JAKERS! THE ADVENTURES OF PIGGLEY WINKS and THE BATMAN were the big animation winners, with two Emmys each, as the National Television Academy presented the 33rd Annual Creative Craft Daytime Emmy Awards on Saturday, April 22, 2006, during simultaneous black-tie ceremonies held at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City and the Grand Ballroom at Hollywood and Highland in Los Angeles. Outstanding Children's Animated Program was awarded to JAKERS!
Massive Software Goes Primetime with Television Effects by CBS Digital
CBS Digital recently purchased Massive, embracing the artificial life-based software by Massive Software to speed turnaround of increasingly complex visual effects scenes on THE TWELFTH MAN (a pilot being produced for FOX Television), as well such projects as THE POPE and CAT7. Artists at the Los Angeles studio sought out the unique autonomous agent capabilities of Massive to efficiently fill large stadiums with realistic AI-enabled-characters for the basketball-themed show.
Iridas Unleashes FrameCycler DI
Iridas has launched FrameCycler DI. The new application, which provides review of frame-based file formats, EDL conform, and remote collaboration capabilities, will be presented next week at NAB.
Broadcasters Worldwide Turn to Autodesk Solutions
Autodesk graphics and editing systems continue to be adopted globally by broadcasters. Broadcasters are relying on Autodesk's high-performance systems for use in news, sports, promotions and branding, in order to deliver high-impact visual content in the increasingly competitive battle to capture viewers' attention.
Look Effects Expands 3D Department for ‘Southland Tales’
Look Effects was awarded the complete visual effects contract for Richard Kellys (DONNIE DARKO, DOMINO) upcoming feature SOUTHLAND TALES. The project is slated for release this fall and stars Sean William Scott, Dwayne The Rock Johnson and Sarah Michelle Geller, among others.
SOUTHLAND TALES is one of only 19 films competing for the coveted Palm DOr at this years Cannes Film Festival.
Rogue Pictures Acquires Distribution Rights To Driver
Rogue Pictures has acquired distribution rights to Constantin Film and Impact Pictures' production of the movie version of the best-selling videogame DRIVER. Academy Award winner Roger Avary is scripting, and will direct.
Producers on the project are Impact's Jeremy Bolt and Paul W.S. Anderson and Constantin's Bernd Eichinger and Robert Kulzer. Rogue will hold worldwide distribution rights to the title, excluding Germany, Austria, and German-speaking Switzerland, which will be handled by Constantin Film. Foreign sales will be handled by Focus Features Intl.
Da Vinci Code Quest on Google Challenges Fans Through Online Puzzles
Columbia Pictures and Google have partnered on THE DA VINCI CODE Quest on Google a 24-day online puzzle adventure themed to THE DA VINCI CODE. Players will discover new puzzles on Google daily at www.google.com/davincicode. THE DA VINCI CODE Quest runs through May 19, 2006 the worldwide release date of the film.
J.J. Abrams to Direct Next Star Trek Feature
Paramount has tapped J.J. Abrams to produce, write and direct the 11th STAR TREK feature, scheduled for a 2008 release, reports VARIETY. Damon L Lindelof and Bryan Burk, Abrams' producing team from LOST, also will produce.
Abrams will co-write the script with MISSION:IMPOSSIBLE III scribes Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci. The story will focus on the early days of James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock, including their first meeting at Starfleet Academy and first outer space mission.
Alien Writer Develops They Bite
ALIEN and TOTAL RECALL writer Dan O'Bannon, former Paramount exec Brian Witten and producer Rob Gallagher are developing sci-fi thriller THEY BITE, reports VARIETY. O'Bannon is set to write and direct. Project is set to go into production this year.
While at Paramount as an svp, Witten oversaw THE LONGEST YARD, FOUR BROTHERS and MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE III. He previously worked as a svp at New Line.
Korean Film Council Launches Filmmakers Development Lab with University of Hawai
In a major initiative to nurture and encourage emerging Korean-American filmmakers, the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) announced the launch of its inaugural KOFIC Filmmakers Development Lab.
Brothers Quay Share Animation Influences During U.S. Visit
Stephen and Timothy Quay sat with AWN for a rare interview last night, a day before their appearance as guests of honor at the 10th Marc Davis Celebration of Animation. The Brothers Quay are set to be feted at the Marc Davis lecture on Friday, April 21, 2006, at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Beverly Hills.
The lecture will mark the first time the brothers have appeared personally to discuss and present their work to an audience in their native United States, where the identical twins were born near Philadelphia in 1947.