Just as it gears up for more VFX feature work, Blur Studio (www.blur.com) has moved into a new, 20,000 square-foot computer animation studio that is nearly triple the size of its former Venice, California headquarters. Through an international talent search, it has also increased its artistic staff to 65, with additional talent to come. Blur is in the midst of a full production slate, having recently produced the animated short, AUNT LUISA, delivered an VFX package for MGM's BULLETPROOF MONK and wrapped production for two theme park attractions (Paramount Parks' SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS 3D and Bremen Space Park's STARGATE SG-I ATTRACTION).
"For the first eight years of our existence, we expanded slowly and focused on building a strong core of talent and a stable foundation for the company," notes creative director Tim Miller. "Now, were taking a big step forward, not only to address current projects, but also because were setting the stage for Blur to produce feature-length, animated films." Miller added that he hopes that Blur will begin production of an animated feature within the next year.
Blur's new facility is large enough and has sufficient resources to accommodate both the production of an animated feature and the continuation of work-for-hire projects. The studio replicates the open floor plan and creative environment of Blurs former location but on a larger scale and with numerous technical upgrades. To speed production and enhance collaboration, the facility was designed and equipped with the latest technology.
A high-speed network, with Category 6 cabling as its backbone, links the studios hardware and software systems. Animators work with the latest and most robust products from IBM, Discreet, NVIDIA, Angstrom, Eyeon, DPS and Splutterfish. The studio also features a fully-equipped motion capture area, machine room, library and dedicated edit bay. Blur is capable of handling virtually the entire animation production process, from concept design through final post.
Among the more than two dozen computer artists whom Blur has added to its staff are specialists in character animation, modeling, lighting and compositing. The studios search for new talent has spanned six months and reached every corner of the globe. Blurs multicultural environment includes natives of more than a dozen foreign countries.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
