AWN Headline News

Luxology Llc. announced the immediate availability of modo 201 Signature Courseware from 3DGarage.com. Taught by leading 3D animator and author, Dan Ablan, the modo 201 Signature Courseware complements existing modo educational materials to further streamline learning path for the many CG artists moving to capitalize on modos powerful feature set and productivity advantages.

Lifemode Interactive, creators of LifeStudio:Head facial animation and lip-synch technology, have signed a major distribution deal with Turbo Squid, a leading distributor of digital products and home of the world's largest collection of royalty free 3D assets.

Now all game designers, 3D artists and animators will be able to find Lifemodes products at www.turbosquid.com. LifeStudio:Head 2.7 is available in three versions: Editor Package, Artist Package and a full Pro Package, which now includes both 3ds Max and Maya plug-ins.

Disney/Pixars CARS had plenty in the tank to outpace the competition in its second weekend at the box office. For the period ended June 18, CARS grabbed $33.7M, down 44%, for a cume of $117M. Following in the second through fourth spots were newcomers NACHO LIBRE, THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS: TOKYO DRIFT and THE LAKE HOUSE.

Autodesk Inc. announced that its technology was used to create high-definition television (HDTV) content for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Autodesk solutions provide digital artists with the creative tools and processing power necessary to quickly and efficiently produce content containing the level of detail required for HDTV programming. Post-production facilities that relied on Autodesk technology include: Deep Blue Sea, Locomotion, METAphrenie, Method Studios and The Mill.

Adult Swims first season of THE VENTURE BROS., a spoof of JONNY QUEST, from Noodlesoup Prods., is currently available on DVD (Warner Home Video, $29.98). All 13 episodes from Cartoon Network plus the pilot and Christmas are contained in this two-disc collectors edition featuring the adventures of dim-witted twins, Hank and Dean, who tag along with their scientist father and unsuccessfully try to combat oddball villains. The series offers the voice work of Patrick Warburton, who plays Brock Sampson, the family bodyguard.

Other extras include:

Steve Martin steps into the role of bumbling Inspector Clouseau made famous by the late Peter Sellers in this family-friendly remake of THE PINK PANTHER, which recently bowed on DVD (Sony Home Ent., $28.95). Say what you will about the success or failure of Martins wild and crazy interpretation, but the title sequence from Kurtz and Friends Animation is true to form. Judge for yourself, as the Animated Trip featurette covers the animated opening credits with interviews with director Bob Kurz, animator Eric Goldberg and editor Ken Smith.

Post Logic N.Y. has signed well-known commercial colorist Milan Boncich. Boncich has worked with some of the most prominent directors and dps in the worlds of advertising, film and visual effects. He was the longtime senior colorist at Tape House Editorial until 2002 when he joined Moving Images.

The addition of Boncich to Post Logic N.Y.s talent roster reinforces the companys ongoing commitment to the commercial market and its intention to compete for that business at the highest levels.