European Independent Film Fest Calls for Entries
European Independent Film Festival 2007Paris, France March 16-18, 2007Deadline: Feb. 1, 2007
Geographical Region: Europe
SPE Networks Re-Organizes
In an effort to streamline operations and facilitate the expansion of its two channels AXN ASIA and Animax ASIA SPE Networks Asia underwent a re-organization. In the last three months, the organization moved to consolidate the functions of program and brand marketing under the two channel brands AXN and Animax. In the past, staff from programming, marketing and creative services reported to their respective functional heads.
EA’s Madden NFL 07 Hits Store Shelves
Electronic Arts announced that MADDEN NFL 07, the newest iteration of the EA SPORTS best-selling football franchise with the exclusive videogame license of the NFL and PLAYERS INC, is in stores everywhere. MADDEN NFL 07 features the all-new Lead Blocker Control and the new highlight stick so players can run like the real players run. NFL Superstar: Hall of Fame mode comes to Madden NFL 07 this year, where you can live the life of an NFL Superstar.
ADV Films Releases Godannar, Shadow Skill, Gatchaman
ADV Films, on Aug. 29, 2006, released the seventh and final volume in its modern mecha romance epic GODANNAR: WAR BRIDE. In addition, previously in August, ADV release new DVD editions of SHADOW SKILL and GATCHAMAN.
In Anime, Home Entertainment, Anime, Home Entertainment | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, Asia, Europe
Kerner Optical Opens for Business
Kerner Optical Llc., the new production company based in San Rafael, California, has officially opened for business. The company recently completed a deal finalizing its purchase from Industrial Light & Magic.
Microsoft Launches New Gaming Peripherals
At the Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany, Microsoft Corp. unveiled several new products to enhance its gaming line the Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0, Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows and Habu mouse in alliance with Razer USA Ltd. Guided by consumer feedback, these new products address specific gamer demands and demonstrate Microsoft Hardware's increased focus on the PC gaming market.
New Details About Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol
Konami Digital Ent. Inc. has release new information regarding the upcoming release of KARAOKE REVOLUTION PRESENTS: AMERICAN IDOL for the PlayStation 2. Gamers will not only come face-to-face with judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson as they rate performances and provide feedback, but Konamis artificial intelligence (AI) will also enable them to critique specific parts of any performance, a first in the franchises history.
Karen Roberts Named Porchlight Ent. SVP Acquisitions
Karen Roberts joins PorchLight Ent. in the newly created post of svp, acquisitions to expand the company's library of family-friendly, live-action and animated programming. Roberts will be based in Los Angeles and report to Bruce Johnson, PorchLights ceo and William Baumann, coo. Roberts and her team will aggressively identify and pursue finished feature films that support PorchLights overall acquisition strategy add new projects to the companys development slate.
NVIDIA Quadro FX Graphics Boost Sun Ultra 40 Workstations
NVIDIA Corp. announced an array of NVIDIA Quadro FX graphics that are now available in the high-performance 64-bit Sun Ultra 40 workstations. Prominent in the film and broadcast, digital content creation, oil and gas, geosciences, mechanical computer-aided design (CAD) and medical imaging industries, Sun Ultra 40 workstations deliver record-setting performance in many industry benchmarks and offer ultra-fast processing for large, complex datasets.
Square Enix to Ship FINAL FANTASY III for Nintendo DS
Square Enix Inc. announced today (Aug. 23, 2006) that FINAL FANTASY III for the Nintendo DS will ship to retailers on Nov. 14, 2006. Incorporating the latest in portable gaming technology. FINAL FANTASY III features graphics that have been reworked and remodeled in full 3D, providing a brand new experience while maintaining the mythical FINAL FANTASY look and feel.
modo used for World In Conflict Game
Massive Ent., a studio in Vivendi Games Sierra Ent. division, is using modo for WORLD IN CONFLICT, the upcoming Cold War strategy game for the PC due in spring 2007. modos flexible user interface and powerful UV tools dramatically increased the Swedish developers production of detailed realistic models and was used to produce more than 90% of the titles in-game models.
In Technology, Visual Effects, Technology, Visual Effects | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, Europe
Cartoon Class in Session for Shuriken School on Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon presents a fun blend of Japanese and European animation design to viewers this August with new series, SHURIKEN SCHOOL, a quirky comedy with a martial arts twist about a boys adventures at Ninja school. SHURIKEN SCHOOL, which debuted on Nick Aug. 20, 2006, at 11:30 a.m. with new episodes following each week in the series regular timeslot, Sundays at 11:30 am. The original animated comedy series was created by Emilio and Jesús Gallego and co-produced by Xilam Animation in France and Zinkia Ent. in Spain.
Kappa Mikey Swings onto Nickelodeon
KAPPA MIKEY, the breakout Nicktoons Network hit anime/comedy series about a struggling American actor-turned-Japanese anime star, migrated to Nickelodeon as of Aug. 20, 2006, at 11:00 am, leading into the net's new series, SHURIKEN SCHOOL at 11:30 am.
In Anime, Flash, Television, Anime, Flash, Television | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, Asia, Europe
FrameCycler DI Powers ARRI
Arnold & Richter Cinetechnik GmbH (ARRI) has selected Iridas FrameCycler DI for the film scanning department at its Digital Film facility in Munich. ARRI will use the advanced application for review of uncompressed frames for quality testing of scanned material and applying initial tech-grade color correction.
In Technology, Visual Effects, Technology, Visual Effects | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, Europe
Newspeak Opens in NYC with mtvU & VH1 Projects
Newspeak has started up in New York City as a young design boutique specializing in motion design, art direction and identity development. Founded by Erik Montovano, its creative director, he is joined at Newspeak by Andreea Prichea as exec producer. The companys initial projects are a major show package for mtvU MTVs 24-hour college network, and show packages for three Vh1Classic series.
Cartoon Boom For Irish Animation Sector
The Irish animation industry has had an excellent year and the most recent success has been the selection of the Irish animated feature film THE UGLY DUCKLING AND ME, for the Toronto International Film Festival, which takes place next month. It will screen as part of the Sprockets Family Zone, which is dedicated to featuring films that represent the best in contemporary international childrens cinema.
In Business, Business | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America
Halas & Batchelor Tribute Hits Book Shelves
Southbank Publishing has released a richly illustrated book a part-history, part-tribute, part-critical analysis of the Halas and Batchelor Cartoon Studio, Britains leading and most influential animation company between 1940-1995. It draws on the archives of the Halas & Batchelor Collection and looks at the key works of the studio, including ANIMAL FARM, Britains first full length animated feature; THE TALES OF HOFFNUNG, with the legendary Peter Sellers; AUTOBAHN, featuring the music of Kraftwerk; and BUTTERFLY BALL, with the work of Beatles illustrator, Alan Aldridge.
Stitcher Unlimited Offers ImmerVision’s IVP File Format
REALVIZs Stitcher Unlimited 5.5 now contains ImmerVisions IVP standard file format. The ImmerVision IVP format allows panoramas to be played on multiple platforms and devices using PURE Player. Furthermore, with the PURE Player for Java and PURE Player PRO for Java viewers, creators can easily load panoramic images onto any computer or website without installing a plug-in.
Emmy-Nominated Voice-Actor Tony Jay Passes Away
Deep-voiced actor Tony Jay, whose many roles included villainous Judge Frollo in Disney's 1996 THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, died Sunday following microsurgery to remove a non-cancerous tumor from his lungs.
The British-born Jay, who provided voices in many videogames, was admitted to Cedar Sinai Hospital in April and had begun to recover both his breathing and mobility.
Denmark’s Animation Workshop Announces Fall Courses
Viborg, Denmarks The Animation Workshop announces its fall of 2006 courses. The Animation Workshop operates with the support of the MEDIA Plus Programme of the European Union, Viborg Kommune, Nordisk Film (Egmont) and Den Vestdanske Filmpulje. Courses include:
* 3D Artist for Animated Features, TV Series and GamesAdvanced modeling and set-designSept. 11 to Dec. 15, 2006
Sweeney Todd Set For Release End of 2007
DreamWorks Studios announced that Johnny Depp and Tim Burtons SWEENEY TODD, based on the award-winning Stephen Sondheim musical thriller, is set to begin production early next year for a late 2007 release.
In the co-production with Warner Bros., Depp will star as the titular Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald will partner with Richard Zanuck and John Logan to produce the screenplay adaptation by Logan (THE AVIATOR). Paramount will distribute for DreamWorks domestically and Warner Bros. internationally.
MGM In Talks with Vanguard Animation
MGM is in talks with Vanguard Animation on a three-picture distribution deal, according to THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. If the deal goes through John Williams and Terry Botwick's animation house will deliver one film per year starting in 2008. As part of the deal, MGM would have a piece of merchandising and licensing of the properties.
Changzhou National Hi-tech District Completed
After a one and a half of construction, the Changzhou National Hi-tech District, based in Jiangsu province, China, has been finished. Participation includes more than 40 animation companies from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, and cooperative agreements from eight overseas entities from Korea, India, Canada, Malaysia and Singapore. Based on the status of their working agenda, by the end of this year, 12 animated productions should be completed, totaling 6,251 minutes.
Stop-Motion Peter And The Wolf Premieres the Royal Albert Hall
A Russian extravaganza at the Royal Albert Hall on Sept. 23, 2006, will celebrate the world premiere of a new stop-motion animated version of PETER AND THE WOLF, and mark the 70th anniversary of its first performance in Moscow. The Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by musical director Mark Stephenson, has recorded the soundtrack and will perform live Prokofiev's classic score alongside this first showing of the film.
Doctor Who Second Season Slated for SCI FI Channel with Kick-off Special
BBC Worldwide Americas has licensed a second season of DOCTOR WHO to SCI FI kicking off with a two-hour premiere on Sept. 29, 2006, that will include the Christmas Invasion special in which David Tennant (HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE) was introduced as the 10th Time Lord.
The Doctor returns with his feisty young companion, Rose Tyler (Billie Piper), and together they will travel through time and space battling new and returning aliens and monsters.
