Method Studios Brings VFX ‘Magic’ to Robert Zemeckis’ ‘The Witches’
Using Unreal Engine-based virtual production tools, VFX supervisor Kevin Baillie helps the Oscar-winning director pre-shoot every live-action scene needing digital characters, including mice, chickens, and a cat.
Warner Drops ‘The Suicide Squad’ Trailer
James Gunn’s high-profile reboot features the most degenerate line-up of DC delinquents ever assembled; film gets released in theatres and on HBO Max August 6.
Producer Ted Hope Joins ASU’s Thunderbird School of Global Management
The former Amazon Movie exec will co-lead the school’s new LA-based ‘Master of Arts in Global Affairs and Management in the Creative Industries’ program, designed for individuals pursuing global leadership and management careers in film/television/new media and other creative industries.
‘Togather’ Named Grand Winner of ‘Sony Talent League by THU’
Winning project is a platform that allows sharing of custom digital brushes inspired by real-life objects; finalists include a fantasy role-playing game ‘Kawia's Adventure’ and ‘Icebreakers,’ a VR comic that invites individuals to step into the panels of a pirate adventure.
RealTime Conference Coming Live Online April 26-28
The free virtual event’s 2021 theme is ‘Merging Physical and Digital Worlds – The Rise of the Metaverse;’ 3-day program features sessions, keynotes, and demos, all focused on real-time technology and its impact on the workplace and how people connect.
WATCH: ‘A Discovery of Witches’ VFX Breakdown
Axis Studios creates an entire historically accurate CG Elizabethan London, delivering 100 shots for 10 episodes over a span of 18 months.
Ray Fisher Disputes ‘Justice League’ Investigation Findings
The Cyborg actor fired back on Twitter after WarnerMedia Studios CEO Ann Sarnoff defended investigation findings involving his allegations of film set abuse.
Renderro Now Offering Cloud-Based Workstation Collaboration
Founder Piotr Chomczyk discusses his new visual artist and team cloud workplace that provides high-performance computers for real-time media sharing on animation and VFX projects.
BFI and BAFTA Issue Action List to Fight Workplace Bullying, Harassment, and Racism
Guidance outlines employers legal and ethical responsibilities; new suite of The Film and TV Charity services provides immediate support for victims.
‘Soul’ Takes Home Producers Guild Award
Dana Murray wins for outstanding producer of animated theatrical motion pictures; ‘Queen’s Gambit’ wins in limited series TV category.
iPi Motion Capture Gets Unreal Engine Real-Time Integration
New plug-in lets users stream tracking directly to Unreal Engine; users can see in real-time how motion will look in 3D setting.
Teradici Announces CAS Manager Enhancements
Included in CAS enterprise subscriptions, update provides support for the increasing use of remote desktops and workstations; more concurrent sessions can now be deployed at a higher throughput.
VFX Supervisor Jep Hill Joins Alkemy X
25-year industry veteran brings technical and creative skills acquired while working at the forefront of emerging visual effects technology; his hire comes on the heels of continued growth in the media company’s VFX division.
ArsenalFX Color Expands Team
Cortney Haile named VP of business development, Albert Soto named chief engineer, and J.R. Benson senior colorist; new hires will support increased offerings including scripted VFX and on-set supervision.
Next PreVIEW Set: ‘CG Tornados, Jet Engines and Cows - the VFX of Twister’
Join a free conversation with a panel of the famed VFX practitioners and filmmakers behind Jan De Bont’s 1996 disaster thriller and Oscar nominee for Best Visual Effects; April 8 event will include an audience Q&A.
Autodesk Unveils Maya, 3ds Max and MotionBuilder 2022
Flagship product updates include powerful new functionality and tools like the much anticipated USD plugin for Maya.
‘Black Widow’ to Hit Theatres and Disney+ Premier Simultaneously
Release of highly anticipated Marvel tentpole pushed to July 9; ‘Cruella’ gets May 28 dual launch, while Disney / Pixar’s ‘Luca’ is now scheduled for an exclusive Disney+ release on June 18.
Games Workshop Names Finn Arnesen Head of Entertainment Development
Group taps former Hasbro Studios exec to expand the company’s extensive ‘Warhammer’ IP with new live-action and animated content; three animated shows are nearing completion with a half dozen still under development.
Megaport Helps Framestore with On-Demand Rendering in the Cloud
To support the Oscar-winning creative studio, leading Network as a Service provider quickly and efficiently enables on-demand multi-cloud connections that access cost effective computing power for VFX projects.
‘Hawkeye’ Spinoff with Native American Character Echo in Early Development
Soon to be introduced in Disney+’s ‘Hawkeye’ series, the deaf fighter, aka Maya Lopez, can mimic any movements or fighting styles she sees and held the moniker of ‘Ronin’ before passing it off to Clint Barton for ‘Endgame.’
An Open Letter from WIA President Marge Dean
Women in Animation’s president addresses important issues surrounding last week’s Atlanta shootings and the need to stand against hate-based violence of all kinds.
Keanu Reeves’ ‘BRZRKR’ Live-Action Film and Anime Series Land at Netflix
Streamer will develop two new projects based on the comic book series co-written and co-created by Reeves and Matt Kindt, which follows the gruesome journey of immortal warrior ‘B’ as he attempts to discover a means to his own end.
Sir Peter Jackson to Receive VES Lifetime Achievement Award
Legendary Academy, DGA, PGA and VES Award-winning filmmaker to be recognized for his valuable contributions to filmed entertainment at the upcoming April 6/7 VES Awards.
Production Begins on ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2’
Director Jeff Fowler reveals work is underway by teasing the film’s logo, hinting at the appearance of Miles ‘Tails’ Prower, the two-tailed fox.
The Carlyle Group and Epic Games Take Equity Positions in xR Leader disguise
Investment firm and Unreal Engine creator become stakeholders in extended reality technology company; partnerships will accelerate growth, with focus on international expansion, continued innovation, and enhanced support and product offerings for its customers.