AWN Headline News

The March Acrobat edition of Animation World Magazine is now ready for download. The theme this time around is direct-to-video. Greg Singer sizes up the direct-to-video biz in his in-depth analysis. Joe Strike stakes a claim on Disneys direct-to-video sequels. Karen Raugust looks at HIT Ent. home entertainment empire. Rounding out the theme, Chris Panzner takes a more historical look at Japans V-cinema.

This week in AWN's Forums, a member asks how do you pitch an idea to the studios? Another member has an FPS question. A senior member asks for advise in keeping characters look consistent from pose to pose. Another member is looking for fellow voice over actors. There a thread on vector based 2D animation programs being used at the studios. A blogger asks whats wrong with animation in India? Others continue to post their work for critique.

Marvel Enterprises Inc. announced the completion of a $525 million non-recourse debt facility, which will finance Marvel's production of up to 10 films based on characters from its stable of comicbook characters, including Captain America, Nick Fury and The Avengers. Paramount will distribute the film slate, with the first theatrical release expected for summer 2008. This arrangement gives Marvel complete creative control, the ability to build a film library and greater profit potential than it has received from films licensed to other studios.

Reel Women International Film Festival 2005Hollywood, California, USAMarch 23-26, 2006Deadline: December 1, 2005

Reel Women International Film Festival celebrates the role of women in cinema behind and in front of the lens. Categories include features, documentaries, shorts, animation and students. All film entries must be directed by a woman, or written and produced by women. Regular deadline is Oct. 14 and the late deadline is Dec. 1. For more information, visit www.rwiff.com.

Ann Arbor Film Festival 2006Ann Arbor, Michigan, USAMarch 21-26, 2006Deadline: December 1, 2005