AWN Headline News

Batman Begins on IMAX

IMAX Corp. and Warner Bros. Pictures announced that BATMAN BEGINS will be simultaneously released to IMAX and conventional 35mm theatres on June 17, 2005. The film, which explores the origins of the Batman legend and the Dark Knight's emergence as a force for good in Gotham, will be digitally re-mastered into the IMAX Experience with proprietary IMAX DMR (Digital Re-mastering) technology for the IMAX release. Warner Bros. Pictures will be the exclusive distributor of BATMAN BEGINS to IMAX theatres worldwide.

In Films, Visual Effects, Films, Visual Effects | Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Animation Ent. Releases "Computer Animation Fantasies" DVD

Animation Entertainment releases its 13th "Festival" compilation titled, COMPUTER ANIMATION FANTASIES, on DVD.

Featuring the very best in CGI short films, this new collection includes the award-winning film, THIS WONDERFUL LIFE, with its ultra realism and touching story, the hilarious antics of CHAIN SMOKER, and the fun musical rhythms and storyline of TRAFFIC JAM. The collection also includes TODAY'S SCIENCE TOMORROW'S ART, ONE LUCKY NIGHT, THE DENTIST, HENRY'S GARDEN, THE EIDOLONS OF EDNA, SWINGY AND THE MAGIC HAT and ORNAMENTS.

In Home Entertainment, Home Entertainment | Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Dreamworks Headline News

Globe To Helm DreamWorks Animation Worldwide Consumer Products

Responsible for promotion and merchandising campaigns for all DreamWorks SKG event films since joining the company in 1996, Anne Globe has been named head of Worldwide Consumer Products and Promotions for DreamWorks Animation. She will be responsible for overseeing worldwide brand planning and promotion for all DreamWorks properties, with a focus on developing and implementing marketing strategies for merchandising and promotional programs in support of the studios animated and live-action feature film releases and television animation.

In People, People | Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Spot Headline News

Ford Gets Big Picture Spot from !mpossible Pictures

Ad agency JWT/Denver recently commissioned digital studio !mpossible Pictures to create a visually compelling spot for Ford. BIG PICTURE, which airs in the Midwest, takes viewers on an exhilarating topographical adventure and introduces the Ford Big Picture Event at Midwest Ford dealers.

In Commercials, Commercials | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, North America

Lucas Headline News

George Lucas to Keynote SIGGRAPH 2005

George Lucas will present the SIGGRAPH 2005 keynote address, "George Lucas: A Keynote Q&A with the Father of Digital Cinema," on Aug. 1 during the 32nd International Conference on Computer Graphics & Interactive Techniques, July 31 Aug. 4 in Los Angeles.

In Anime, Event, Visual Effects, Anime, Event, Visual Effects | Headline News | Special Events: SIGGRAPH | Geographic Region: All

Nick Headline News

Nick Names Brown Johnson Exec Creative Director of Preschool TV

Brown Johnson, formerly evp of Nick Jr., has been promoted to the newly created position of exec creative director of preschool television, Nickelodeon Television. Johnson will oversee development and production for all preschool programming across Nickelodeon networks, including Nick Jr. and NOGGIN.

In People, People | Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Game Headline News

Game Accessory to Launch RedOctane Software Business

RedOctane has established a new division of the company dedicated to publishing software with its first title for PlayStation2 to be announced in spring 2005.

"Launching into a new business segment with the publishing of videogames is a natural evolution for us," said Kai Huang, president of RedOctane. "We are committed to delivering the same high quality and fun found in our peripherals with the upcoming RedOctane software line."

The game will join a prestigious line of award-winning RedOctane videogame accessories.

In Business, Business | Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Software Headline News

Discreet Solution Claims 10th Consecutive Oscar VFX Showcase

For the 10th consecutive year, all films nominated in the visual effects category have been shaped with Discreet's solutions, including last nights winner, SPIDER-MAN 2.

In Awards, Visual Effects, Awards, Visual Effects | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, Asia

Studio Headline News

Diary of Mad Black Woman Throws a Hitch

Lions Gates DIARY OF A MAD BLACK WOMAN toppled Sonys HITCH during the Oscar weekend for the period ended Feb. 27, 2005, ringing up $21.9M vs. $20.4M for the popular Will Smith comedy that has taken in a mighty cume of $121.4M.

In Films, Films | Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Headline News

Wildcat Realizm Graphics Accelerators Gain Certification

Wildcat Realizm graphics accelerators from 3Dlabs have been certified by leading Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) in the CAD and DCC markets. Leading software partners, including Alias, Autodesk, PTC, Softimage and SolidWorks have certified both the Wildcat Realizm 100 and 200 graphics accelerators.

In Technology, Visual Effects, Technology, Visual Effects | Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Film Headline News

Peru's Alpamayo Ent.’s Sets Sail on First 3D Feature

Peru's Alpamayo Ent. has launched the countrys first 3D feature titled PIRATAS EN EL CALLAO (PIRATES IN CALLAO), reports VARIETY. The film will be adapted from Hernan Garrido Leccas book of the same name, which chronicles the adventures of a young boy who time-travels to the 17th century to fight pirates off the coast of Peru. Eduardo Schuldt directed the film.

In Films, Films | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, Asia, South America

Animation Headline News

USA Index Corp. Gets U.S. Rep

The Honig Co. Inc., a leading boutique public relations agency, announced it is representing USA Index Corp., the U.S. subsidiary of Index Corp., a $20 billion diversified technology and media company based in Japan.

The Honig Co. will initially be undertaking a campaign aimed at raising awareness of Sega Animanium, a software product for the animation industry, and working to increase sales within North America.

In Business, Business | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, Asia, North America

Sound Headline News

Aviator & The Incredibles Top 2004 Golden Reel Awards

THE AVIATOR and THE INCREDIBLES took the top feature and animated film sound editing award categories at the 52nd Annual Golden Reel Awards, doled out by the Motion Picture Sound Editors on Feb. 26, 2005, at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. The Golden Reel Awards acknowledge the year's best work in the various areas of sound editing.

In Awards, Awards | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, Asia

Sound Headline News

The Incredibles Wins Two Oscars & Ryan Wins Shorts Race

Pixar earned its second animated feature Oscar for THE INCREDIBLES at the 77th Annual Academy Awards, Feb. 27, 2005, while Skywalker Sound won the Best Sound Editing Award. Animated feature was the award up for the night, collected by a jubilant Brad Bird. He thanked the holy trinity at Pixar referring to Ed Catmull, Steve Jobs and John Lasseter for creating the greatest studio on the face of the Earth, Bird said.

In Anime, Awards, Anime, Awards | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, Asia, North America

Headline News

Samet to Head Original Programming & Series Development for MTV

Jessica Samet has been promoted from vp to the newly-created position of svp of original programming and series development for MTV in Los Angeles, responsible for developing and overseeing original long-form original programming, working closely with scheduling, marketing, communications, and advertising teams at the network.

In People, People | Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Headline News

Barbie Rides Pegasus In Next 3D Feature

Barbie returns to the small screen in her new original princess fairytale and 3D enhanced animation film, BARBIE AND THE MAGIC OF PEGASUS. This fall, Barbie stars as Princess Annika, and brings to life a never-before-seen fairytale set amidst the fluffy clouds of the Magical Cloud Kingdom. In addition to the animated movie, Mattel will introduce a line of branded princess dolls, winged horses and playsets.

In Home Entertainment, Home Entertainment | Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Headline News

Puss in Boots Feature Gets Writer

DreamWorks has tapped AMERICAN PIE 2 writer David H. Steinberg to pen the animated feature, PUSS IN BOOTS, based on the character voiced by Antonio Banderas in SHREK 2, reports VARIETY. Steinberg will get a six-figure salary for the script. DreamWorks hopes to release the film in 2008 and Banderas has agreed to return as the voice of the swashbuckling feline. No official word has been announced whether the film will be a direct-to-video project or a theatrical release.

In Films, Films | Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Headline News

Robots To Get Gigantor-Sized Promotional Push

20th Century Fox has announced multiple promotional partnerships for its upcoming animated feature ROBOTS, reports HOLLYWOOD REPORTER.

Licensing deals include ones with Burger King, which will have ROBOTS-themed kids meal; Kelloggs-Keebler, with ROBOTS-themed packaging for several of its breakfast and snack products; and Verizon, with ROBOTS content on its video-on-demand service.

In Licensing, Licensing | Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Headline News

Brad Bird Flies to William Morris Agency

THE INCREDIBLES director/writer Brad Bird has gain new representation at the William Morris Agency, reports VARIETY. This year, Bird garnered two Oscar nominations for original screenplay and animated feature. Previously, Bird directed the animated classic IRON GIANT and served as a writer on THE SIMPSONS, KING OF THE HILL and the Steven Spielberg-produced AMAZING STORIES. Bird was previously repped at CAA.

In People, People | Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Animation Headline News

Academy Hosts Frederic Back Retrospective

As part of the 9th Marc Davis Lecture on Animation, the Academy Foundation of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will host a retrospective on the work of Frédéric Back on March 23, 2005, at 7:30 pm in the Academys Samuel Goldwyn Theater.

In Event, Event | Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Games Headline News

JAKKS Pacific Expands WB & Nick Offerings

JAKKS Pacific Inc. announced an expanded licensing agreement with Nickelodeon and Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

In Interactive, Games, Interactive | Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Headline News

Sail Your Shorts to the Fort Myers Beach Film Fest

Fort Myers Beach Film Festival Fort Myers Beach, Florida, USAApril 21 - 24, 2005Deadline: March 15, 2005

In Call for Entries, Call for Entries | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, North America

Film Headline News

Send Your Flicks to the Jackson Hole Film Festival

Jackson Hole Film Festival Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USAJune 8 - 12, 2005Deadline: April 15, 2005

In Call for Entries, Call for Entries | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, North America

Festival Headline News

LUNAFEST Wants Women-Themed Films

LUNAFEST Film Festival Various Cities, USAOctober 2005 - March 2006Deadline: April 30, 2005

In Call for Entries, Call for Entries | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, North America

Films Headline News

CARTOON MOVIE Tribute Noms Announced

CARTOON MOVIE, the only event dedicated to promoting European animated feature films, has announced the nominated companies for the Cartoon Movie Tributes 2005. These tributes highlight the initiatives that contribute to the recognition and the success of the European animation cinema. Three of them will be chosen by the professionals attending the event, taking place March 10-12 in Potsdam, Germany.

The nominated companies are:

In Event, Event | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, Europe