AWN Headline News

Picture Bug Prods., based in Ballaugh on the Isle of Man, has just celebrated its first anniversary, reports IOMOnline.co.im. The firm is run by Adrian Bell and Anthony Rea from their base at Iceman's Cottage where it creates animation, digital videos and moving graphics for commercials.

They have already worked with Manx Telecom, Sleepwell Hotels, Isle of Man Post Office and several other Island businesses and charities. They put together the Manx Telecom electronic Christmas card last year and have designed a video promoting Sleepwell Hotels.

At the Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany, Microsoft Corp. unveiled several new products to enhance its gaming line the Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0, Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows and Habu mouse in alliance with Razer USA Ltd. Guided by consumer feedback, these new products address specific gamer demands and demonstrate Microsoft Hardware's increased focus on the PC gaming market.

Mighty:Pictures has created an edgy 15-second spot heralding the highly anticipated new DVD release of REN & STIMPY: THE LOST EPISODES, a Spike TV property.

The four-year old company, headed up by partners Charlie Sadoff and Mary Matyas, has long been associated with the show, explains Sadoff. "This is the fourth REN & STIMPY spot weve been called upon to create for the Paramount shows DVD release," says Sadoff. "We've also produced the trailers for each of those DVDs, as well as a number of longer format TV spots.

When HOW TO EAT FRIED WORMS needed a bit of 2D-animated comic relief, they called on the newly formed Orphanage Animation Studios, under the supervision of Genndy Tartakovsky.

HOW TO EAT FRIED WORMS is the feature adaptation from New Line and Walden Media of Thomas Rockwells popular young adult book from 1973. It opens nationwide today (Aug. 25, 2006). Its about an 11 year old that inadvertently challenges the class bully on his first day at a new school and must eat 10 worms in one day.

Hoping to scare up a little more attention and revenue before the fall DVD release of MONSTER HOUSE, Sony Pictures will re-release the all-CG feature in digital 3-D on Oct. 6, reports THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. MONSTER HOUSE will have a two-week engagement in more than 100 Real D screens nationwide. The DVD from Sony Home Ent. bows on Oct. 24. According to Box Office Mojo, MONSTER HOUSE has grossed $68M this summer.

Konami Digital Ent. Inc. has release new information regarding the upcoming release of KARAOKE REVOLUTION PRESENTS: AMERICAN IDOL for the PlayStation 2. Gamers will not only come face-to-face with judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson as they rate performances and provide feedback, but Konamis artificial intelligence (AI) will also enable them to critique specific parts of any performance, a first in the franchises history.

Zee Kannada, the Kannada entertainment channel from Zee Network, is looking into animation to beef up its weekend schedule. To start, the channel will telecast the animation film, SIDDHI VINAYAKA on Aug. 27, 2006 at 10:00 am.

"We chose to telecast this particular movie because of the auspicious occasion, Ganesh Chaturthi. We have the intention to explore this genre aggressively," said Zee Kannada business head Venkat Giridhar.

Qubo, a new multi-platform television network for children that champions literacy and positive values through entertainment, will launch its first platform, the qubo programming block, this September. Broadcasting in both English and Spanish, the block will premiere on NBC and Telemundo on Saturday morning (Sept. 9), Telemundo on Sunday morning (Sept. 10) and ION Media Networks' i network on Friday afternoon (Sept. 15).

STASH MAGAZINE has announced the winners of the 2006 Global Student Animation Awards. The three Category Winners and Best of 2006 were selected by an international panel of 16 judges from all parts of the animation, vfx and motion design industry.

The audience choice award is the result of more than 10,000 votes cast by online viewers of the 2006 semi-finalist films.

2006 Animation Winner & Best Of 2006 AwardHUMANS / Greg Gunn, Casey Hunt, Reza Rasoli / Otis College of Art & Design

2006 Motion Design Winner