AWN Headline News

Avid Technology Inc. announced that G4, the only 24/7 television network dedicated to videogames, is implementing Alienbrain Studio asset management software to streamline its in-house computer graphics production process. The Los Angeles-based network purchased 60 seats of the Alienbrain Studio Designer Client to enhance its workflow with integrated version control and approval processes. Running on both Windows and Mac workstations, G4s workflow includes 15 Avid Media Composer Adrenaline editing systems and an Avid Unity shared-storage network.

Artbeats unveiled two new military collections entitled ROAD TO BAGHDAD and TANKS at the 2005 National Association of Broadcasters Convention (NAB), booth SL1219. Featuring compelling footage of combat, tank firing, night vision firing and combat sequences, Artbeats new military collections capture reality of war in high definition (HD).

NewTek Inc. announced the launch of an online streaming channel, NewTekTV.com, as well as the release of TriCaster, a portable live production suite which provides a comprehensive toolset designed to appeal to corporate presenters, educators and media ministry users. NewTek is exhibiting April 18-21 at NAB, Booth #SL1949, Las Vegas Convention Center.

Lucy Liu has signed on to star in Ghost House Pictures horror/thriller, RISE, reports VARIETY. Sebastian Gutierrez has written and will direct the film, which will start shooting this summer.

Liu will play a reporter who wakes up in a morgue to discover she is a vampire, spurring her to seek revenge on the vampires responsible.

Kingsgate Films Greg Shapiro (RULES OF ATTRACTION) and Carsten Lorenz (exec producer of THE GRUDGE) are producing. Ghost House will fully finance the flick. Sister firm Mandate Pictures will handle worldwide sales.

Michelle Rodriguez (RESIDENT EVIL), Taryn Manning (8 MILE), Oliver Hudson (TVs THE MOUNTAIN), Hill Harper (THE SKULLS) and Eric Lively (TVs THE L WORD) have signed on to star in Wes Craven-exec produced horror film THE BREED, according to THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. First Look Media and DEJ Prods. are handling worldwide rights. Cravens longtime collaborator Nick Mastandrea will make his directorial debut on the film, which starts filming next week.

Beginning Sept. 5, 2005, PBS KIDS JAKERS! THE ADVENTURES OF PIGGLEY WINKS will begin airing Mondays through Fridays. The Emmy-winning, CGI-animated program from Entara Ltd. has run on weekends for the past two years.

2nd Annual Zoom In Awards New York, New York, USAOctober 31, 2005Deadline: October 31, 2005

The 2nd Annual Zoom In Awards recognizes exceptional talent in digital production in both student and professional categories for each of the following competition areas: digital editing; digital cinematography; graphics & FX.

A complete list of finalists and winners for all categories can be found at the awards website (zoominawards.com), along with information on submissions and sponsorships.

Alphanim and M6 Web have signed a two-year agreement to exploit more than 250 episodes of animated content provided by Alphanim in the areas of mobile and VOD. Under the terms of the agreement, M6 Web has the exclusive mobile and video-on-demand rights of eight animated series including Alphanims French and international hits POTATOES AND DRAGONS (78x7) and RALF THE RECORD RAT (104x1).