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AWN Headline News

Nick Headline News

Vee Pee Cartoons Goes Mad for Nick Jr.

Vee Pee Cartoons, the broadcast design and animation division of Virtual Persuasion, recently completed production on MAD CAPS, a series of 60-second educational interstitials for Nick Jr. The spots will be featured as part of Nick Jrs. fall 2003 line-up and introduce the 3D animated characters Rip, Rap and Rippity Doo. The lively animated shorts employ a hip-hop attitude to teach pre-school kids about colors, shapes and sounds. The interstitials feature the voices of Eastern Conference Records rap artists Mr. E-On, Tame One and The Dutchess performing to hip-hop rhymes written by Nick producers Greg Alkalay and Lisa Versaci along with writer Samantha Berger.

The characters were based on designs by Nickelodeons Manny Galan. "Originally Mannys designs called for 2D characters," according to Vee Pees director of animation, John Siciliano. "But once we did a test of them in 3D, everybody preferred them in that format. We modeled all the characters with Newteks LightWave 7.5. Then we combined the character animation with 2D graphic elements and text in Adobe After Effects to create some really eye-catching spots. The hip hop music and the animation really move together nicely." Vee Pee is located in Fairfield, Connecticut. For information call (203) 332-0184 or check out www.veepee.biz.

Film Headline News

Bica Finds Herself at Lost Planet

Award-winning editor Kim Bica joins Lost Planet to work out of both of its Los Angeles and New York locations. Prior to joining Lost Planet, Bica was an editor at Spotwelders where her clients included Levis, Southern Comfort, Saturn and HBO, as well as ad agencies Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, Arnold St. Louis, GSD&M and TBWAChiatDay. Bica was at FilmCore Editorial in San Francisco and worked on commercials for Nike, Adidas, Supercuts and Robertson Stevens. She began her career at Red Sky Films in San Francisco.

Channel Headline News

Viacom Sued to Spike Name of Men's Channel

Filmmaker Spike Lee is suing Viacom Inc. over its plans to call the TNN channel Spike TV to attract male viewers. Lee filed papers June 3, 2003 for an injunction against Viacom's use of the name, it was reported by The Hollywood Reporter. "The media description of this change of name, as well as comments made to me and my wife, confirmed what was obvious that Spike TV referred to Spike Lee," he said in court papers. Viacom has been asked to explain why it shouldn't be barred from using the name. Viacom bought TNN in 2000 and announced a new programming and branding initiative, which is expected to launch on June 16, 2003. Viacom said it was confident the court would reject Lee's claims to the name Spike. Lee said TNN's president Albie Hecht has publicly associated the name "Spike" with Lee. Lee has signed affidavits from industry people who thought of Lee when they heard about Spike TV. Some believed Lee had become affiliated with the network.

Media Headline News

FCC Deregulates Media Ownership

Despite increasingly vocal opposition, the FCC approved changes in media ownership regulations on June 2, 2003 that are expected to lead to a new series of mergers as media companies seek to expand and enter into new combinations in local markets across the U.S. Changes the FCC made included raising the percentage of the nation's TV households one company can reach from 35% to 45%. It lifted a 28-year band on allowing newspaper and broadcast combinations in larger markets and is also allowing one company to own more radio stations locally. The vote split along party lines 3-2, with three Republication commissioners voting for the change and two Democrats objecting. The FCC did not touch the ban on mergers among the four major TV networks, but they do stand the most to gain from the vote. The FCC received more than 750,000 pieces of mail -- the most related to any one issue in the history of the FCC. Many critics claim that further consolidation will drown out minority viewpoints and destroy competition. Some say it will lead to more unemployment in the entertainment industry.

Headline News

Exclusive From Annecy: Bill Plympton

Some 50 original drawings, caricatures and political strips from his time in the press to cels and drawings from MUTANT ALIENS to his next feature, HAIR HIGH, are on display June 2-7, 2003 at Annecy 2003.

There is a Bill Plympton phenomenon. Not one of the freak show variety, neither one that sociologists and journalists are fond of when there is nothing better to talk or write about. No, this is a real phenomenon, one of those which makes young animators want to do this demanding job.

Disney Headline News

Newly Completed Destino Premieres at Annecy

It was destiny after all that the curious, unfinished 1946 animated collaboration between Walt Disney and Salvador Dali be completed. Long considered a lost cause, DESTINO was recently produced by the Disney Co. and given a surprise world premiere June 2, 2003 at the opening of this year's Annecy International Animation Film Festival. The five-minute short will also screen June 3 on the lake at 10:00 pm, with free access to all Annecians.

Headline News

Nemo Reels in Biggest 3-Day Gross

FINDING NEMO, the computer-animated underwater comedy/adventure from Disney/Pixar, exceeded all expectations with a record-breaking bow of $70.3M last weekend. That's the best opening ever for an animated feature, topping the $62.6M grabbed by MONSTERS, INC., the fourth Pixar/Disney movie from 2001. It's also the best three-day gross for any Buena Vista feature, live action or animated.

Time Headline News

Pixar's Nemo Swims Into Release

FINDING NEMO, the latest computer-animated feature from pioneering Pixar Animation Studios, opened nationwide May 30, 2003 armed with blockbuster intentions and Oscar ambitions. The well-reviewed underwater comedy/adventure about father and son clown fish, boasts the voice talents of stars Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres and Willem Dafoe. It marks the fifth collaboration between Pixar and Walt Disney Pictures, who, as everyone knows, may part ways in 2005, and the first time they've dived into the summer fray.

Animation Headline News

State of Gaming Animation Panel

A consortium of animation organizations presents its fourth forum on the state of the animation industry with a focus this time on gaming, Thursday, June 19, 2003 at 6:30 pm at the Glendale Public Library Auditorium in Glendale, California. Major and independent studio representatives will discuss opportunities for animators in the gaming industry, trends, concepts and stories in development. Scheduled panelists include: James Zachary, chief character animator, SPIDER-MAN II THE GAME, Tryarch; Cory Barlong, animation director at Paradox Games; and Sunil Thankamuishy, animation director, Spark Unlimited. Rita Street, publisher of ANIMATION MAGAZINE, will moderate the panel followed by an audience Q & A. Check-in and networking at 6:30 pm, panel discussion begins at 7:00 pm. Organizers request that you leave your résumés and portfolios at home. The Glendale Public Library Auditorium is located at 222 E. Harvard Ave.; between Colorado and Broadway, two blocks east of Brand. Parking is available in the city parking structure on the corner of Maryland and Harvard (entrance from each street). Free validated parking is available for 3 hours. The event is open to the public. Admission is $5 for ASIFA-Hollywood and WIA members, free for Animation Guild members and $10 for non-members. Bring membership card to expedite check-in. Reservations are not required. Tickets sold at the door. Seating is limited. For more information, go to ASIFA-Hollywood.org, womeninanimation.org or mpsc839.org.

Headline News

Milo Returns in New Atlantis DVD

The fearless explorers from ATLANTIS: THE LOST EMPIRE are back in a brand new direct-to-video, ATLANTIS: MILO'S RETURN (Buena Vista Home Entertainment, $29.99). Toby Shelton (MICKEY'S ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS) and Victor A. Cook (THE LEGEND OF TARZAN) share directing duties, while several original cast members return, including Cree Summer, John Mahoney, Don Novello and Phil Morris. Working from Mike Mignola's inspiration, the animation team from Walt Disney Television Animation was headed by supervising character designer Greg Guler (THE LEGEND OF TARZAN), lead prop designer Chuck Puntuvatana (X-MEN: EVOLUTION), lead background painter Sy Thomas (HOUSE OF MOUSE) and lead color stylist Tracy Jones (HOUSE OF MOUSE).

Animation Headline News

Happy Hour Supplies Two Animated Commercials for Monsters

Teaming with Backyard Prods. and ad agency TBWAChiatDay, Happy Hour Entertainment has completed two 30-second animated TV spots for Sony Computer Entertainment America's WAR OF THE MONSTERS PlayStation 2 video game. The spots, which are titled BARRACKS and DRIVE IN, depict CG monster characters interacting with live-action characters.

In BARRACKS, an oversized Cyclops cowers and stands at attention while being harassed by a drill sergeant. DRIVE IN, meanwhile, features a loud-mouthed, wisecracking monster interrupting a drive-in movie for two young lovers.

Dreamworks Headline News

DreamWorks to Render Sharkslayer in Mental Ray

In a further coup for German software giant Mental Images, DreamWorks will utilize its Academy Award-winning mental ray rendering program on the upcoming underwater gangster comedy SHARKSLAYER, due in theaters in 2004.

A direct competitor to Pixar's heralded RenderMan, mental ray now becomes a significant part of DreamWorks' rendering pipeline for SHARKSLAYER, the first computer-animated feature produced entirely at DreamWorks Animation facility in Glendale, Calif. DreamWorks began utilizing mental ray as part of its production process following rigorous tests in 2002.

Effects Headline News

Houdini Conjures Up Tornadoes and BAMFs for X2

Rhythm & Hues and Cinesite Hollywood used Side Effects Software's Houdini to create effects in the summer blockbuster X2: X-MEN UNITED. For example, Rhythm & Hues used Houdini and Houdini Mantra to animate and render chunks of snow and tree debris flying around the X-Jet in a scene where the plane flies through the woods. In addition, Rhythm & Hues artists were able to control water sources and turbulent current effects as well as the falling shards of shattered glass. For the X-Jet, they added engine thrusts, heat distortion and dust.

Game Headline News

Hasbro Sues Kellogg Over Finding Nemo

Pawtucket, Rhode Island-based Hasbro has filed a federal trademark lawsuit against cereal maker Kellogg Co., claiming a promotional FINDING NEMO game on boxes of Frosted Flakes copies Hasbro's MEMORY card game. The cereal boxes featured 16 cards picturing eight characters with instructions advising children to cut out the cards, lay them face down and flip them over trying to make pairs of the same character. Hasbro's MEMORY, which was trademarked in 1967, features the same rules. In addition, Hasbro is currently selling its own FINDING NEMO version of the game, which it has licensing approval with NEMO owners Walt Disney Co. and Pixar Animation. The toy maker is seeking a recall and impoundment of all Frosted Flakes boxes containing the game, in addition to unspecified damages.

Dark Headline News

Mythic Entertainment to Release New Expansion Title Dark Age of Camelot: Trials

Mythic Entertainment, developer and publisher of online gaming, have announced a new expansion to their online game, DARK AGE OF CAMELOT entitled TRIALS OF ATLANTIS. The program is scheduled for release in the fourth quarter of 2003.

"Once again Mythic is extending the world of DARK AGE OF CAMELOT," said Mark Jacobs, president/ceo, Mythic Entertainment. "Fans will be excited by the new quests, new races and Master Level system, not to mention our new graphic engine that will deliver sophisticated underwater and improved above ground visuals."

Headline News

Dieselfx Drives Into Santa Monica

Dieselfx has commenced operations in Santa Monica, California. Elliot Jobe founded the new effects house after leaving Playground where he was the lead inferno artist. Joining the team with be Craig Price, Playground's former creative director and producer Alessandra Pasquino, who also worked at Playground. From design and production supervision to final finishes, the new firm has a wide range of serves for clients including a complete CGI package.

Headline News

Top 5 Game Firms Using Bionatics' natFX

A look at the recent E3 conference shows that Bionatics' natFX software is being used with 3ds max or Maya by five of the top gaming firms: Ubisoft, Lucas Arts, Eidos, Electronic Arts and Atari. The one-year-old plant modeler has been used on such games as RAVENSHIELD, RAINBOWSIX 3, DEUS EX II, MEDAL OF HONOR: RISING SUN AND RTX: REDROCK 2. Bionatics announced that 22 more games will utilize the software within the next year.

Animation Headline News

Ink Tank Fashions New Doc for PBS

The Ink Tank has wrapped on a new stylized documentary for PBS entitled FASHIONATION. The 30-minute program takes a tour of the high fashion world using animation, archival material, runway footage and original interviews with curators and designers Karl Lagerfeld, Sonia Rykiel and Christian Lacroix.

Sonic Headline News

Video Symphony Launches DVD Production Courses

Hollywood-based Video Symphony has launched two new classes in DVD production: the DVD Certificate and DVD Bootcamp programs. The classes cover DVD authoring and design, from basic skills to advanced techniques. The curriculum emphasizes "hands-on" learning with Sonic Scenarist, Sonic DVD Creator and Apple DVD Studio Pro systems. The DVD Certificate program will focus more on the Sonic software, while the DVD Bootcamp will focus on Apple DVD Studio Pro. The specific courses will include: Intro to Sonic DVD Creator, Intro to DVD Studio Pro, Intro to Sonic Scenarist, Designing DVD Menu Graphics with After Effects, Encoding Audio & Video for DVD and Advanced DVD Authoring.

Classes will be taught by Barry Braverman, a Certified DVD author for the Sonic DVD Creator system. Along with more than 20 years of experience as a DP and cameraman, Braverman has also authored more than 50 DVD titles and is a regular contributing writer to Video Systems Magazine.

Spot Headline News

Bent Image Lab Centers on First Reese's Spot in 2 Decades

Bent Image Lab has just finished production on the first Reese's Pieces ad in more than two decades for Hershey's and agency partner DDB New York. For the CENTER OF ATTENTION CAMPAIGN, it was Bent Image's job to bring to life an action-packed world where the center of the frame always contains a Reese's Pieces candy as the focal point. The style has been done in live action before where camera harnesses lock the person attached to camera in the center of the frame like in REQUIEM FOR A DREAM, but this is the first time it's been done in mixed-media or 3D stop-motion animation.

Headline News

MTV Restructures Network Management

MTV Networks has expanded the roles of both Judy McGrath and Herb Scannell as part of a continuing international management restructuring. McGrath and Scannel both become MTV Networks Group president. McGrath was formerly president of MTV Networks Music Group, and will be responsible for MTV, MTV2, VH1, CMT and Comedy Central, which officially joined Viacom and MTV Networks last week. Larry Divney, president of Comedy Central, will now report directly to McGrath.

Digital Headline News

Digital Video to Unveil New Paperless Software at MIFA

As a companion to its popular 2D animation software, Toonz, utilized on the Oscar-winning SPIRITED AWAY, Digital Video premieres its new paperless software, TAB, at MIFA 2003. More suited to animation than graphic design, TAB is intended to streamline computer-based cartoon production with speed and power.

Festival Headline News

RESFEST 2003 Call for Entries

Entries are needed for RESFEST 2003, an annual, touring, global festival dedicated to showcasing innovative film, music, art, design and technology. Now in its seventh year, the five-day festival showcases the year's best shorts, features, music videos and animation. Programs on tap for the 2003 festival include Off the Map, Cinema Electronica, Videos that Rock, By Design and more.

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