Vivid Animation, a new high-end CGI animation studio specializing in
sophisticated digital characters and animated effects for commercials and
interactive media, has been formed by Jeff Lotman, CEO. "Vivid Animation
opens its doors with a trio of world-class digital animators as its
creative nucleus," said Lotman, CEO. This nucleus, all of whom come from
senior positions at Digital Domain, includes Animation Supervisor, Stephane
Couture, Digital Effects Supervisor, Gonzalo Garramuno and Vivid
Animation's vice president for creative development Daniel Robichaud. Under
the helm of Robichaud, Vivid plans to develop computer animated characters
and effects based on the photo-surreal style of the team's award-winning
short film, TIGHTROPE, which was produced at Digital Domain, and premiered
at SIGGRAPH '99. "The Vivid style will stand out from other computer
animation companies," said Robichaud. "CG animation is in its infancy and
we will continue to explore new styles, especially in photo-surrealism,
which looks very much alive but is highly stylized." With Digital Domain,
Robichaud worked on APOLLO 13, T2 3D, THE FIFTH ELEMENT, and TITANIC. As a
character animator, Couture's credits include TITANIC and Coca Cola's PANDA
PICNIC commercial. Garramuno's credits include TITANIC, SUPERNOVA, and LAKE
PLACID. Rounding out the new company is producer Paige Wilds, who has
worked on visual effects for feature films including AIR FORCE ONE,
STARSHIP TROOPERS, and the HBO miniseries FROM THE EARTH TO THE MOON. Vivid
Animation will be based at 3679 Motor Avenue, Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA,
USA 90034. For additional information contact producer Paige Wilds at (310)
253-5131, or visit www.vivanim.com.