A prehistoric squirrel scampers across an icy landscape, desperately clinging to his beloved acorn; a creative, young robot leaves his small town, with dreams of making it as a successful inventor; a rare, blue macaw travels to the exotic land of Rio de Janeiro in search of true love and adventure--in movies an intriguing story is essential, but how do these memorable characters and scenes become so animated?
Press Release from Norman Rockwell Museum
Stockbridge, MA, June 7, 2011--A prehistoric squirrel scampers across an icy landscape, desperately clinging to his beloved acorn; a creative, young robot leaves his small town, with dreams of making it as a successful inventor; a rare, blue macaw travels to the exotic land of Rio de Janeiro in search of true love and adventure--in movies an intriguing story is essential, but how do these memorable characters and scenes become so animated? From “Ice Age” to “Rio,” this summer Norman Rockwell Museum shines a light on the creative process of one of today’s biggest computer animation studios--”’Ice Age’ To the Digital Age: The 3D Animation Art of Blue Sky Studios” will be on view at the Museum from June 11 through October 31, 2011.
A unique interactive exhibition, “’Ice Age’ To The Digital Age” looks at the creative work of Blue Sky Studios, a leader in the animation industry for over 20 years. Creators of such blockbuster films as the “Ice Age” series, “Robots,” “Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!,” and the recent hit “Rio,” the studio prides itself on technical innovation, while retaining a strong narrative heart.
Blue Sky Studio’s VP of Creative Chris Wedge, who co-founded the company in 1987, believes that the secret to the studio’s success is in its inventive process; “Every film starts with an idea, which gets refined--that really is the magic. This process is similar to architecture, in that you can only find creativity through exploration--that is the key.”
“Much like illustrator Norman Rockwell, Blue Sky Studios excels in both technical skill and storytelling,” notes Norman Rockwell Museum Chief Curator Stephanie Haboush Plunkett. “In addition to their rich characters and themes, Blue Sky films stand out through their amazing use of radiosity, which makes lighting appear much more natural than it normally appears in computer rendering. We are excited to be able to share this behind-the-scenes look at the artistry of one of the most influential animation studios around today.” “’Ice Age’ to the Digital Age: The 3D Animation Art of Blue Sky Studios” has been made possible in part through the support of Greylock Federal Credit Union, Wacom Technology Corporation, and Pixologic, Inc.
Blue Sky Studios specializes in photo-realistic, high resolution, computer generated image (CGI) animation and rendering that brings stunning dimensionality to their films. Every object that we see around us has a third dimension, making it possible to rotate it and observe it from a variety of angles. That sense of volume and realism is brought to the company’s animation through a complex digital process in which characters are built, or modeled, on computer monitors, and rigged with virtual skeletons that allow them to move through space.
“’Ice Age’ to the Digital Age” will guide visitors through Blue Sky’s entire process of creating computer animated films: from initial concepts, storyboards, characters and background art, to 3D and digital modeling. In addition to final movie clips, the exhibition will feature rarely-seen original concept drawings, character illustrations, storyboards, background paintings, sculptural models (or maquettes), props and digital stills. Interactive stations will allow visitors to try their hand at manipulating CGI images, in order to better understand this innovative marriage of science and the arts.
“From overall design to modeling in clay, modeling in the computer, skin color, hair texture, suggestions on how characters might move, everything is considered,” says illustrator Peter de Sève, the lead character designer for the “Ice Age” series. Starting with scriptwriting, story and character development, the process is then turned over to departments dedicated to rigging (a sort of computerized skeleton for the characters), lighting, materials (including clothes and fur), special effects, and a complex computer rendering farm using Blue Sky’s proprietary CGI Studio software, which transforms the animators’ virtual 3D world into an final motion picture. This extensive creative process has given birth to such colorful characters as Bunny, Sid the Sloth, Manny the Mammoth, Diego The Saber-toothed Tiger, Robot Rodney Copperbottom and his buddy Fender, and Blu, the Minnesota Macaw--rendered by computer, but developed through the soul of artists and storytellers. In co-founder Chris Wedge’s view, the art challenges technology and technology inspires the art. “The only limit to what can be accomplished in this world is our ability to imagine what is possible. This is the Blue Sky idea, and I promise you that it works.”
About Blue Sky StudiosBlue Sky Studios is the Academy Award©-winning, feature CG animation studio behind the wildly successful “Ice Age” franchise. Using their propriety rendering software, CGI Studio©, Blue Sky creates photo-realistic, high-resolution, computer-generated character animation and rendering to create timeless stories for children of all ages. Blue Sky is the studio behind “Ice Age” (2002), “Robots” (2005), “Ice Age: The Meltdown” (2006), “Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!” (2008), “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs” (2009) and “Rio” (2011). Blue Sky Studios is wholly owned by Twentieth Century Fox.
Exhibition-Related Programs and Events
EXHIBITION OPENING WEEKEND
ICE/HOT Preview PartyFriday, June 10Join us for a special evening in honor of the creative talent behind the art of Blue Sky Studios. Meet Chris Wedge, Blue Sky Studios’ VP of Creative, who co-founded the animation studio back in 1987. Also in attendance will be award-winning illustrator Peter de Sève, the lead character designer for Blue Sky Studios’ “Ice Age” series. In addition to his work in animation, the artist’s elegant drawings grace the covers and pages of “The New Yorker,” and appear in many illustrated books, including “Mark Twain’s A Murder, A Mystery, and A Marriage;” “The Duchess of Whimsy” by Randall de Sève; “Fin McCoul” by Brian Gleeson, among others. The evening will include cocktails; hors d’oeuvres; a raw bar; wine tasting; music from the Bossa Triba Quartet; and dessert at the Museum’s historic Linwood House, which overlooks Norman Rockwell’s Stockbridge studio and the Housatonic River. A limited number of tickets are still available for the event at $125 and up. Festive attire is recommended. Please contact the Museum at 413.931.2230 for more details.
Exhibition Opening CelebrationSaturday, June 11, 6 to 8:30 p.m.Celebrate the art of animation with a first-ever look behind the scenes at Blue Sky Studios, where cutting-edge creativity and technique brings imaginative characters and stories to life. Meet members of the Blue Sky creative team, with commentary by co-founder/VP of Creative Chris Wedge, and award-winning illustrator and “Ice Age” character designer Peter de Sève at 6:30 p.m. A festive reception and party will follow, including “Rio colada” snow cones, Blue Sky balloon sculptures, wine and caricatures courtesy of winetasting.com, as well as other ICE/HOT fun, party fare and libations. Admission to the opening costs $30 per person (or $75 per family), and $20 per person ($75 per family) for Museum members. For more information or to make reservations, please contact the Museum at 413.931.2234.
Blue Sky Studios specializes in photo-realistic, high resolution, computer generated animation and rendering. Critically acclaimed for their animated films “Ice Age” and its popular sequels, “Robots,” and “Rio,” as well as special effects and animation work for “TRON,” “Alien Resurrection,” “Star Trek: Insurrection,” “Joe’s Apartment” and numerous others. Rarely-seen conceptual drawings, character illustrations and expression sheets, 3D models, story boards, and background paintings illuminate the years of development behind the films. Admission to the exhibition opening costs $40 per person, or $100 per family. Admission for Museum members costs $20 per person, or $50 per family.
BLUE SKY AND BEYOND: A LECTURE AND PERFORMANCE SERIESThursdays in July and August, 5:30 p.m.
Join us for this series of inspiring conversations celebrating the art of visual storytelling and the contributions of noted American illustrators and filmmakers who bring artistry and technology together to create compelling new realities.
Blue Sky artists Peter de Sève, Lead Ice Age Character Designer; Art Director Thomas Cardone, Lighting Supervisor Jim Gettinger, Cinematographer Renato Falcao, and Animation Supervisor Galen Chu, creators of the recent hit “Rio;” and Art Director Mike Knapp and Production Designer Jon Townley of “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs;” will be among our featured speakers.
On August 4, join us to explore the fantasy world of Steampunk, and on August 11, learn about cutting edge filmmaking in the Berkshires with Diane Pearlman of the Berkshire Film and Media Commission, and Visual Effects Producer Jeff Diamond. Two special Blue Sky movie nights are planned for July 28 and August 25! Free with Museum admission.
TEEN ART WORKSHOPS
Animation from A to ZWith Cartoonist/Animator Scott LincolnMonday through Friday, July 11 through 1510 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Explore the art of animation! Character design, storyboard illustration, and computer animation will be a part of this exciting exploration of the moving image and the world of digital animation. Dynamic cartoonist and animator Scott Lincoln is the creator of “Ralf the Destroyer,” a long-running cartoon strip, and has taught aspiring artists at the Guy Gilchrist Cartoon Academy. For teens ages 13 and up. $175, $150 members. Extended day from 3 to 5 p.m., $50 per week. Materials provided.
Filmmaking! Storyboards and the Moving ImageWith Illustrator/Storyboard Artist Robert CastilloMonday through Friday, July 18 through 2210 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Discover the art of film, from script writing to storyboards and live action video. In-gallery and classroom art activities will also explore the world of digital animation in “’Ice Age’ to the Digital Age: The 3D Animation Art of Blue Sky Studios.” A gifted illustrator, animator, and storyboard artist, Robert Castillo has created imagery for Adidas, VHI, ESPN, PHAT FARM, HBO, and Silver Cup Studios, among others. For teens ages 13 and up. $175, $150 members. Extended day from 3 to 5 p.m., $50 per week. Materials provided.
Blue Skies! A Family Festival DaySaturday, July 16, 1 to 4 p.m.
Meet The Lost Boys--four talented artists from Blue Sky Studios--during this exciting look at the process of digital animation for feature length films. Nick Bruno, Scott Carroll, Paul Downs, and Peter Paquette will offer insights into how beloved characters from “Robots,” “Ice Age,” and “Rio” are brought to life. Enjoy family exhibition tours, hands-on workshops, and the opening of Robot Nation, a special outdoor exhibition! Free with Museum admission.
Careers in AnimationSaturday, October 22, 1 to 4 p.m.
Artists of all ages are invited to explore opportunities in the world of animation with successful practitioners who are working in the field. This informative and inspiring afternoon of talks, demonstrations, and portfolio reviews will discuss education paths, the recruitment process and the many facets of the animation in the 21st century. Free with Museum admission.
About Norman Rockwell MuseumNorman Rockwell Museum is the preeminent museum of American illustration art. Dedicated to art education and art appreciation inspired by the enduring legacy of Norman Rockwell, the Museum stewards the world’s largest and most significant collection of Rockwell art, and presents the works of contemporary and past masters of illustration. The Museum’s holdings include Rockwell's last studio, moved from its original location to the Museum grounds, and the Norman Rockwell Archives, a 200,000-object collection undergoing digital preservation through ProjectNORMAN, “A Save America’s Treasures Project.” The Museum is also home to the new Rockwell Center for American Visual Studies, the nation’s first research institute devoted to the art of illustration. In 2008, Norman Rockwell Museum became the first-ever museum recipient of the National Humanities Medal, America’s highest honor in the field.
Norman Rockwell Museum is located on 36 park-like acres in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, Rockwell’s hometown for the last 25 years of his life. The Museum is open year-round. From May through October, hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; from November through April, hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Rockwell’s studio is open May through October, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Museum admission is $15, $13.50 for seniors, $10 for students, $5 for kids and teens 6 to 18, and free for children 5 and under. Visit the Museum online at http://www.nrm.org.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
