AWN Headline News

News Corp. & VeriSign Combining Jamba & Fox Mobile

News Corp. and VeriSign announced a joint venture to form the worlds largest provider of mobile entertainment. News Corp. will pay approximately $188 million for a controlling interest in VeriSigns wholly-owned Jamba subsidiary and will combine it with Fox Mobile Ent. assets.

The new company will serve 30 territories with a potential reach of more than a billion mobile subscribers. The new firm intends to retain the Jamster brand in the U.S. and the Jamba brand worldwide.

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

Online Headline News

Sony Online Launches Serpent’s Spine Expansion For EverQuest

Sony Online Ent. Llc. (SOE) announced EVERQUEST THE SERPENTS SPINE, the 12th expansion for the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMOPRG), EVERQUEST, is live. EVERQUEST THE SERPENTS SPINE is only available via digital download at www.everquest.com for the price of $29.99.

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

Books Headline News

4400 Book Descending Soon

Titan Books will publish THE 4400: THE OFFICIAL COMPANIO, SEASONS 1 AND 2, the first of a series of behind-the-scenes books about USA Network's sci-fi series THE 4400.

The first companion is set to coincide with the premiere of the fourth season on USA and the release of the season-three DVD set in summer 2007.

The tome will include behind-the-scenes interviews, factual nuggets, quotes, trivia, extensive episode guides, exclusive photos and a 16-page full-color supplement. It will sell for $14.95.

In Books, Visual Effects, Books, Visual Effects | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, North America

Production Headline News

Dimension Acquires Rights to Dawson's O.C.T. - Occult Crimes Taskforce

Dimension Films has acquired the rights to produce O.C.T. - OCCULT CRIMES TASKFORCE, based on Rosario Dawsons (SIN CITY, CLERKS II, upcoming GRINDHOUSE, upcoming KILLSHOT) new comicbook series of the same name, which she co-created with David Atchison and Tony Shasteen. Dawson is also set to star in and produce the film.

Ford Lytle Gilmore will exec produce the film, with Atchison and Shasteen serving as co-producers and Gus Vasquez serving as assoc producer.

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

Animation Headline News

Animation Mentor Graduates First Class

Animation Mentor, the online animation school that combines next-gen technologies with the best of social networking, graduated its first-ever class Sept. 25.

One hundred fifty-four animators from 23 countries have completed their studies at the innovative school, where all of the instructors are working studio animators. They earned a diploma in Advanced Studies in Character Animation from the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education.

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

Autodesk Headline News

Latest Crop of Films Choose Autodesk 3D Tools

Autodesks 3ds Max and Maya were used extensively on this season's line-up of films. Using 3ds Max and Maya, digital artists created sophisticated 3D content for the live-action films TALLADEGA NIGHTS: THE BALLAD OF RICKY BOBBY and WORLD TRADE CENTER, and also shaped the 3D-animated EVERYONE'S HERO and THE ANT BULLY.

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

Cancer Headline News

Digital-Tutors Joins the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

During the months of September and October 2006, Digital-Tutors has partnered with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in the fight against breast cancer. A portion from all proceeds earned from the sale of Digital-Tutors' training products in September and October will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Central Oklahoma Affiliate, with a donation goal of $5,000.

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

Dark Headline News

Hellboy Gets an All-New Look in Animated Products

Beginning in late 2006, in conjunction with the release of the animated HELLBOY: THE SWORD OF STORMS DVD, Dark Horse Deluxe will launch a variety of comics and toys. The animated feature is being produced by Starz Media and released on DVD by Anchor Bay.

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

Headline News

Portfolio Clones European Deals for Carl Squared

Nickelodeon Germany and Jetix Netherlands just acquired CARL SQUARED (52x30), Portfolios tween targeted animated series.

CARL SQUARED takes traditional television further by integrating an interactive component with online gaming and character blogs.

In Television, Television | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, Europe, North America

Headline News

Passion Star Becomes Outlander

Jim Caviezel is set to star in the sci-fi/adventure OUTLANDER, according to THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. Howard McCain, who wrote the script with Dirk Blackman, will direct for the Weinstein Co.

The story follows an intergalactic traveler that crashes on Earth with an alien predator on board during the time of the Vikings, who the traveler must get the help of the Viking tribe to kill the creature.

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

Films Headline News

Bitter Films Vol. 1: 1995-2005 Takes DVD Bow

The complete filmography of Bitter Films, a.k.a. Oscar-nominated animator Don Hertzfeldt, comes to DVD on Sept. 29, 2006. BITTER FILMS VOL. 1: 1995-2005 contains all of Hertzfeldts student projects and professional films, from cult favorite AH LAMOUR to his Oscar-nominated short, REJECTED, through last years THE MEANING OF LIFE, as well as an abundance of supplemental material.

Its nice to put everything we had in the vaults out there now and close the book on this batch of movies, says Hertzfeldt.

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

Story Headline News

9 Story Adds Natalie Osborne to Exec Team

9 Story Ent., the Emmy and Gemini award-winning animation company, has added Natalie Osborne to its growing executive team. In her new role as evp of business development, Osborne will lead the effort to grow international distribution and the companys portfolio of intellectual properties. A 10-year vet, she worked with some of the worlds top media companies, including NBC Universal in London, where she specialized in childrens and family programming.

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

Media Headline News

BlueArc’s Titan Network Storage Utilized on Everyone’s Hero

BlueArc Corp. announced that Starz Media, the animation studio behind EVERYONE'S HERO, benefited from the Titan storage system, equipped with more than 100 terabytes, to deliver more than 1,450 individual shots.

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

Digital Headline News

Digital Domain Raises Elevation for General Motors

ELEVATION, a new spot for General Motors out of Deutsch, Los Angeles, serves as an excellent example of how a television commercial can convey a complex brand message using great visuals alone. While the voiceover in elevation conveys basic information regarding GMs new 100,000-mile warranty program, the spot says so much more.

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

Headline News

Curious George Monkey Business Now on DVD

The 2D-animated CURIOUS GEORGE arrives on DVD Sept. 26, 2006 (Universal Studios Home Ent., $29.98). Everyone's favorite inquisitive little monkey meets The Man in the Yellow Hat in the jungle, and then proceeds to gets in the kind of mischief fans of the beloved illustrated book will recall. Directed by Matthew O Calllaghan, CURIOUS GEORGE features the voice talents of Will Ferrell (The Man in the Yellow Hat), Drew Barrymore, David Cross and others.

Bonus features include:

* Jack Johnson music video with sing-along feature* 15 deleted scenes

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

Headline News

X-Men Makes a Last Stand on DVD

X-MEN: THE LAST STAND strikes on DVD Oct. 3, 2006 (Fox Home Ent., $29.98). Director Brett Ratner takes over from Bryan Singer in the third installment of the popular mutant hero franchise. Featuring new recruits The Beast and Angel, the X-Men, led by Professor Charles Xavier, battle once and for all with Magnetos Brotherhood to stave off world domination. THE LAST STAND stars Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Ian McKellen. Famke Janssen, Anna Paquin, Patrick Stewart and Kelsey Grammer.

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

Nickelodeon Headline News

Kyra Reppen Named SVP/GM of Neopets

Kyra E. Reppen, the former head of NickJr.com and creator and architect behind the recently launched ParentsConnect brand, has been named svp/gm of NeoPets, the largest and fastest-growing youth community on the Internet. In her new role, Reppen will lead and manage all day-to-day operations, creative direction and business strategy for NeoPets, which is based in Glendale, California.

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

Animation Headline News

Report Sees New Animation Players in India, China, Malaysia, Vietnam & Singapore

Research and Markets has published the Asian Animation Industry: Strategies, Trends and Opportunities 2006 (www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c42556) report.

In Books, Books | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, Asia

Film Headline News

Stuttgart Wants Your Films!

14th Stuttgart International Festival of Animated FilmStuttgart, GermanyApril 26- May 1, 2007Deadline: December 1, 2006

The Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film is one of the largest festivals for animated film in the world and the biggest one in the German-speaking area.

The five competitions focus on the artistically challenging genre of animated film. Filmmakers and production companies are invited to enter films in one of the following sections:* International Competition

In Call for Entries, Call for Entries | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, Europe

Films Headline News

Byron Bay Fest Seeks Films

Byron Bay Film Festival Byron Bay, AustraliaFebruary 9-17, 2007Deadline: October 14, 2006

The BBFF 2007 festival will run Feb. 9-17, 2007. The theme for BBFF 2007 is looking to the future and the festival aims to explore the possibilities of filmmaking and related technology. In tune with the theme, BBFF is particularly looking for entries from films full of animation or visual effects or which are high-definition.

In Call for Entries, Call for Entries | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, Australia

Headline News

Portfolio Ent. Ups Aron Dunn to Creative Development Manager

Toronto-based Portfolio Ent. Inc. has upped Aron Dunn from development exec to manager of creative development. In his new role, Dunn will over see the acquisition of new intellectual properties and shepherd them through the development process. He will also explore the extension of all brands across multiple delivery platforms including web, mobile and game applications.

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

Effects Headline News

Inaugural AnimfxNZ Symposium Launched in New Zealand

The first ever symposium on Animation and Visual Effects to be held in Wellington, New Zealand, called AnimfxNZ, will be launched Nov. 4-5, with the Visual Effects Society (VES) as a partner.

We were thrilled to be invited by Positively Wellington Business to play a role in this exciting event, said Eric Roth, exec director of the VES. This will be an opportunity for Los Angeles and the rest of the world to see first hand all the cool things that New Zealand is up to.

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

Headline News

Jackass Sequel Takes Top Spot

Paramounts JACKASS: NUMBER TWO debuted at the top of the box office chart with $29M for the weekend ended Sept. 24, 2006. Debuting in second place with $10.5M was JET LIS FEARLESS from Rogue Pictures (with vfx from Menfond Electronic Art & Computer Design Co.). Last weeks winner, GRIDIRON GANG, from Sony Pictures, slipped to third place, picking up $9.4M for a two-week cume of $26.9M. MGMs FLYBOYS (with vfx from Double Negative) bowed in fourth with $6M.

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

Headline News

Gary Rydstrom’s First Pixar Short to Debut at Chicago Fest

Oscar-winning sound designer Gary Rydstrom, who moved over from Skywalker Sound to Pixar to direct animation, has helmed the animation studios latest short, LIFTED, about a bumbling alien student who attempts his first-time abduction of a slumbering farmer. The five-minute short will have its world premiere Oct. 12, 6:00 pm, at the Chicago International Film Festival at Columbia College.

Rydstrom, a Chicago native, will deliver a 90-minute presentation covering the pre-production of LIFTED, screen the film and discuss his education and career.

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

Silver Headline News

Weta Digital Signed for Fox’s Silver Surfer

After nabbing James Camerons long-awaited AVATAR, Weta Digital is on the rise again: Twentieth Century Fox has chosen the Oscar-winning New Zealand studio to oversee vfx duties on THE FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER, reports THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER.

Character actor Doug Jones (PANS LABYRINTH, HELLBOY and HELLBOY II: THE GOLDEN ARMY) will provide performance capture work in the creation of Marvel Comics Silver Surfer in much the same way that Andy Serkis portrayed Gollum and King Kong.