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Twelve new Wallace and Gromit short films will soon be available on the Internet. Aardmans Nick Park is in production on the 1-minute films, each featuring a unique Wallace-created invention, demonstrated as usual by the ever-patient Gromit. The film series, entitled WALLACES WORKSHOP, was inspired by a similar series of photographic vignettes Park was commissioned to create for the U.S. magazine EXPLORE. The films will be available online beginning Fall 2002.

In a move to promote long-term growth of his businesses, George Lucas announced that he is bringing Lucas Digital, LucasArts Entertainment, Lucas Licensing and Lucasfilm Ltd. into one organization, as Lucasfilm president Gordon Radley leaves the company. Lucasfilm CFO Micheline Chau has been promoted to the position of chief operating officer to oversee the new unified company and to guide all of the business units.

Video game publisher Activision will be adapting its successful property RETURN TO CASTLE WOLFENSTEIN for the PlayStation 2 and Microsoft Xbox video game systems. The PC version of the game has shipped more than one million units and topped sales charts worldwide since its release in December 2001. Activision promises that the next generation version of the game will feature unique design and technical modifications that take full advantage of each platform's advanced technology.

The 3rd Annual Directors Board Awards (The Pixie Awards), World Wide Web.

Entry Deadline: Sunday, September 1, 2002.

The Pixie Awards are given for excellence in online/broadband films, animation and Websites that incorporate motion. The 3rd Annual Pixie Awards are now requesting submissions. All nominated films will be invited to the annual black tie gala that honors filmmakers, animators and Web designers who work in the online/broadband medium. Submission information can be found at www.pixieawards.org.

War drama BLACK HAWK DOWN, with visual effects by The Mill and Asylum, stayed on top of a crowded box office this weekend, earning $17M for a cume of $58.9M. Holding in second place were the talking dogs of SNOW DOGS, with $13.1M for a two-week total of $38.8M. Two new releases filled the fifth and sixth spots: THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO in fifth place with $11.4M and supernatural thriller THE MOTHMAN PROPHECIES, with visual effects by Cinesite, landed in sixth, earning $11.2M in its debut weekend.

The Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) is sending out a call for entries for new independent and commercial animated work. The festival, which runs every two years, is taking place October 2 - 6, 2002 at the National Arts Center in Ottawa. The 2000 edition received 1300 entries from 45 countries. This year two new categories have been added: Animated Feature Film and Non-narrative Film. Entry forms for Ottawa 02 are available online, or contact the office at 613-232-8769. There is no entry fee. The entry deadline is July 1, 2002.

Gullane Entertainment has promoted Christina Miller to vice president, licensing for the Americas. In her new position, Miller will be responsible for the licensing activity for all Gullane brands in North and South America, including the continuation of her work on THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE. Miller served as head of brand and licensing development at Gullane Entertainment from 1997 to 2001, overseeing product development for THOMAS & FRIENDS in the U.S.

Creepy thriller THE MOTHMAN PROPHECIES hits theaters Friday, January 25 featuring approximately 60 visual effects shots provided by Cinesite. Directed by Mark Pellington, the film is based on the true story of a bridge that collapsed during the 1960s. According to the legend, strange phenomena were reported prior to the collapse, including visions of the mysterious Mothman of the title. The images of the Mothman used in the film were very quick, according to Cinesites visual effects supervisor Laurel Klick.

The interactive division of Toronto-based DECODE Entertainment is going into production on two Websites based on animated series. In addition to creating a French-language version of UNDERGRADS Online, they will also be developing the interactive world of GIRLSTUFF BOYSTUFF. UNDERGRADS Online is the Website DECODE developed alongside the animated series that currently airs on MTV and Teletoon. Co-produced by DECODE and MTV Animation, UNDERGRADS follows four male friends as they attempt to maintain their camaraderie while struggling to survive their first year at different colleges.

The Ottawa International Animation Festival, Ontario, Canada.

Wednesday, October 2, 2002 Sunday, October 6, 2002.

Entry Deadline: Monday, July 1, 2002

The January 26, 2002 episode of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, a rebroadcast of a November 2001 Gwyneth Paltrow-hosted show, will contain a new, never-before-aired cartoon by Wachtenheim/Marianetti Animation. "Harry the Embryonic Stem Cell," written by Robert Smigel and Louis C.K., is a humorous look at the debate surrounding this contentious issue. Designed and animated by Wachtenheim/Marianetti, the piece also spoofs Britney Spears. If you have ever wondered what a right-wing, Christian Coalition cartoon might look like, be sure to catch this episode of SNL!