AWN Headline News

endorphin, the valuable dynamic motion synthesis application from NaturalMotion, will be distributed in the U.K. by Escape Studios beginning in June. Working dynamically, the package uses Adaptive Behaviors, a unique system of parameters and settings, enabling 3D characters to self animate. Using artificial intelligence (AI), biomechanics and dynamics programming, endorphin provides animators with unrivalled power and speed. This, combined with the flexibility to integrate various types of animation data, presents a valuable new tool.

CritterPix Studios has added key talent for a team now in pre-production on its first feature-length film, OLLIE THE OTTER, according to Kelly Williamson, ceo of CritterPix. The feature, budgeted at $30 million, is about the misadventures of a sea otter and his landlubber and oceanic friends, and is being produced in association with New Regency Prods.

From Pixar, Chris Rock has signed on as CG supervisor. While at Pixar, Rock was a technical director on MONSTERS, INC., FINDING NEMO, THE INCREDIBLES and CARS.

Broadcast design company CA Square announced the studio completed a network package for the Toon Disney Channel Europe and the Middle East.

CA Squares team of artists provided a unique Toon Disney personality with a look that is full of fun, energy and fantasy showcasing the best of Disney Animation. Its the premise behind Toon Disney Channel, said Disney Channel creative director, EMEA Walter Puschacher.

Pixar Animation Studios has announced the European launch event for RenderMan for Maya the new rendering plug-in for Maya artists aspiring to the highest levels of movie-quality rendering available only through Pixar's award-winning RenderMan technology.

RenderMan for Maya is a completely new product, seamlessly integrated into Maya's unified rendering interface and offering unparalleled workflow productivity combined with RenderMan's advanced rendering tools.

Namco Hometek has secured the gaming rights to CURIOUS GEORGE from Universal Studios Consumer Products Group, according to HOLLYWOOD REPORTER.

The game titles will be associated with Universal Pictures and Imagine Ent.'s animated feature film, based on the books by H. A. and Margret Rey. Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Jon Shapiro and David Kirschner produced the film, which will arrive in theaters Feb. 10, 2006.

Following rumors of the shows demise, HBO officially cancelled its supernatural sideshow drama, CARNIVALE. Sagging ratings and the departure of creator/exec producer Daniel Knauf to produce a new comedy series on Showtime were the top factors in the cable nets decision.

"We have decided not to renew CARNIVALE," said Carolyn Strauss, president of entertainment at HBO. "We feel the two seasons we had on the air told the story very well and we are proud of what everyone associated with the show has accomplished."

SHREK producer John H. Williams has partnered again with U.K.-based sales and financing company Odyssey Ent. to bring the animation producer's latest project, RIBBIT, to the market, according to HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. The new deal between Williams Ealing Studio-based Vanguard Animation and Odyssey is the fourth time Odyssey has taken international sales duties for the Oscar-winning producer's properties.