NVIDIA Corp. announced that it has completed the acquisition of ULi Electronics Inc., a leading developer of core logic technology.
The acquisition represents the company's ongoing investment in its platform solution strategy and is expected to strengthen its sales, marketing and customer engineering presence in Taiwan and China.
Indias UTV has invested in a brand new animation facility at its Andheri Studio with 225 workstations replete with blade render farms and 3ds Max software. The investment of close to $5 million will allow the more than 25,000-square-foot facility to complete High Definition (HD) work for its clients in North America and Europe.
The studio is working on 15 direct-to-video features as well as a 52-episode TV series and 20 short series.
The facility operates 24/7 with a built up capacity to execute more than 150 minutes of 3D animation a month.
Cartoon Network Latin America has acquired animation series, BROTOWN, JUNGLE BEAT and the animated special, APE, from Monster Distributes and its Latin American agent HOLA Ent.
JUNGLE BEAT (13x5), from Sunrise Media, has also just been sold to Rai Cinema Italy, Orf Austria, Multithematiques France and Lagardere Images in the Middle East. Previously sold to many other territories, the non-dialogue CGI series, the first animated series from Zimbabwe, features a cast of animals including Giraffe, Monkey, Bee and Tortoise, in bizarre situations with hilarious results.
THQ Inc. has released PAWS & CLAWS PET RESORT, a videogame for animal lovers pamper their favorite creatures at their own pet resort. Published by THQ's ValuSoft division, PAWS & CLAWS PET RESORT is rated "E" for Everyone and is available for Game BoyAdvance at retail outlets throughout North America for $19.99 SRP.
The Hasbro Properties Group, the intellectual property development arm of Hasbro, Inc. has granted Activision Inc., a leading publisher of interactive entertainment software products, the global rights, excluding Japan, to develop console, handheld and PC games based on Hasbro's renowned TRANSFORMERS brand. The first game will be tied to the much-anticipated July 4, 2007, movie release of the live-action TRANSFORMERS film from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures.
Hello Kitty, the feline icon of cuteness, and her friends will star in a TV series to be aired in more than 15 countries, it was revealed by the Sanrio company and reported by the AFP (AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE) news service.
HELLO KITTY, STAMP VILLAGE, a 26-part series done in clay animation featuring the adventures of the mouthless cat and her companions in a forest, will be completed this month and will air in Asia, Europe and North America.
Lori Joseph joins San Franciscobased post-production company, Spy Post, as producer, working closely with svp/exec producer Anastacia Maggioncalda to produce for the telecine, visual effects and finishing departments.
"As we continue to grow our business, it is important to provide our clients with the level of production support needed to meet their expectations," said Eric Hanson, Spy Post ceo. "Lori has a proven track record as a producer in a variety of mediums and brings great focus, energy and professionalism to our team."
Animadrid 2006Madrid, Spain September 29 October 6, 2006Deadline: June 25, 2006
The 6th edition of Animadrid was organized with the purpose of fostering the film and audiovisual arts by promoting independent animation productions and providing an assembly point for artists and audiences in the international community. ANIMADRID 2006 will hold its regular four competitive sections:
* Official competitive section of international feature films. Films of more of 45 minutes of running time, produced after the 1st of January 2005.
The Weinstein Co. has partnered with FamilyMediaGuide.com to develop the MEET DOOGAL AND FRIENDS MATCHING GAME, an interactive online game and sweepstakes, based on the animated movie, DOOGAL, opening in theaters in the U.S. on Feb. 24, 2006.
Originally released in Europe as SPRUNG: THE MAGIC-ROUNDABOUT, The Weinstein Co. (enjoying box office success with the animated flick HOODWINKED) picked up the picture and had it re-cut it, recorded new voices and renamed it DOOGAL, with U.S. direction by Butch Hartman.
Toronto-based Comet Ent. Inc. announced today (Feb. 15, 2006) it has entered into an agreement with Spanish-based Dachefa Audiovisuales, SL. to co-produce the animated series COOLCITY. The series pilot will be introduced at MIP-TV 2006 in Cannes, April 2-8.
Toon Boom Animation Inc. celebrates the strong opening of CURIOUS GEORGE, a 2D animated feature from Imagine Ent. and Universal Pictures that employs the software company's Opus to the production of this globally known character. Ranking third place in past weekend box office, the feature offers an all-new adventure based upon the beloved tales of George, the inquisitive little guy with an insatiable taste for action.
Don't end up in the doghouse for forgetting to buy your significant other a Valentines Day card. Warner Bros. Online has come the rescue with the "Scooby's Sweetheart Card Creator" on www.scoobydoo.com. The card creator allows site visitors to design their own Valentine's Day cards for free and print them out from any printer.
The finalists for the jury judged categories for the British Animation Awards (BAAs) were announced on Feb. 6, 2006. The awards, to be held on Thursday, March 9, 2006, at the Shaw Theatre, will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the only ceremony in Britain to recognize all forms of animation.
Aardman Animation is in the running for a total of three awards. In addition to Best Feature for WALLACE & GROMIT: THE CURSE OF THE WERE-RABBIT, their ANGRY KID will compete in the Best TV Special Category and CREATURE COMFORTS is pitched for Best Comedy.
NVIDIA Corp. and DiBcom, the leader in semiconductor technology for mobile digital TV, are teaming to create a DVB-H reference design for mobile handset TV platforms.NVIDIA Corp. and DiBcom, the leader in semiconductor technology for mobile digital TV, are teaming to create a DVB-H reference design for mobile handset TV platforms. By working together, the two companies can offer a solution that will deliver dramatic advancements in the broadcast quality of mobile TV on next-generation mobile handsets.
Animal Logic, Sydney, NSW, with George Patterson Y&R in Melbourne and Plaza Films, Sydney, has won Best of Show in Television at the 2005 international Mobius Advertising Awards. They won for "Big Ad," created for Carlton Draught of Fosters Australia.
Animal Logic used 3D software to create the many extras needed to create the commercial, which is reminiscent of a pending battle of epic proportions. Animal Logic also provided the visual effects for five Mobius winners.
Nickelodeon president Cyma Zarghami, recently named head of the newly formed MTVN Kids and Family Group, has announced key executive promotions to support Nick's growth as a multiplatform kids and family brand.
Today (Feb. 8, 2006) the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences announced the nominees for the 33rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards. Disneys KIM Possible garnered five nominations, leading all other animated fare, including a nod for Outstanding Children's Animated Program. JAKERS! THE ADVENTURES OF PIGGLEY WINKS garnered four nominations, leading all other animated fare, including a nod for Outstanding Children's Animated Program.
DIC Ent. (DIC) and legendary investor, Warren Buffett, are pooling their assets to create a new direct-to-DVD animated series, THE SECRET MILLIONAIRES CLUB, to promote financial literacy to kids. Now in production, THE SECRET MILLIONAIRES CLUB features 13 titles with the first two titles scheduled for release in fall 2006 released by a major home entertainment distributor and will be available for worldwide distribution.
Electronic Arts will release THE GODFATHER THE GAME videogame on March 21, 2006, in North America and on March 24 the game will be available on retain shelves in Europe. Developed by EA, the open-world videogame is based on the critically-acclaimed book by Mario Puzo and the classic film by Paramount Pictures through a strategic licensing relationship with Viacom Consumer Products. Gamers worldwide may step into the Dons dangerous world of intimidation and negotiation via their PlayStation2, Xbox or PC.
9 Story Ent. announced that all three of its recently produced television programs have been selected as finalists for the Prix Jeunesse.
9 Storys Emmy- and Gemini-winning animated show PEEP AND THE BIG WIDE WORLD, as well as SKYLAND and IF THE WORLD WERE A VILLAGE were all named as Prix Jeunesse finalists. Held every two years, the international competition is considered the highest honor in childrens television.
THQ Inc. announced the release of FINDING NEMO: ESCAPE TO THE BIG BLUE for Nintendo DS.
The original FINDING NEMO videogame, which launched May 2003, has earned best-seller status as a "Greatest Hit" on Sony PlayStation 2, a "Platinum Family Hit" on Microsoft Xbox and a "Players Choice" on Nintendo Game Cube. In addition, THQ has shipped more than seven million units across multiple platforms in more than 40 international territories.
AMAZING ADRENALINI BROTHERS! animated series as found a home on all Cartoon Network feeds in Asia and Europe. Cartoon Network US and Latin America have also purchased the original shorts through Bejuba! Ent. and co-production partners Pesky and Studio B Prods.
PBS KIDS has committed to airing 30 half-hour episodes of CURIOUS GEORGE, the animated preschool television series based on the children's classic book. William H. Macy will narrate the series, which is in production by Universal Home Ent. Prods. (UHEP), Imagine Ent. and WGBH Boston and targeted to launch on PBS KIDS in the fall of 2006.
For Valentines Day, PorchLight Ent.s Jay Jay The Jet Plane is sending out a special invitation for children to create their own homemade valentines and submit them for viewing on www.jayjay.com. Once created, the valentines can be sent to Jay Jay, Lina, Tracy or any of the special Tarrytown friends. The valentines can be created in any fashion, using glitter, crayons or paper and glue.
All cards should include the childs first name, age and mailed to:Jay Jay the Jet Plane11777 Mississippi AvenueLos Angeles, California 90025
The Imagina Awards hands out it prizes on Feb. 2, 2006, in Monte Carlo.
Supinfocom Arles nabbed the Grand Prix for Aurélie Fréchinos, Victor-Emmanuel Moulin and Thomas Wagners CLIK CLAK. Oscar-nominated short GOPHER BROKE nabbed the Prix du Court-Métrage. Visual effects films receiving awards included CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY and BATMAN BEGINS. Foxs ROBOTS took home the Prix du Long-Métrage.
