Rhapsody in Blue: Fantasia 2000's Jewel in the Crown
Charles Solomon takes a closer look at the "Rhapsody in Blue" sequence of Fantasia 2000.
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FAMOUSfaces 1.5 now Shipping
Famous Technologies has announced that version 1.5 of its stand-alone facialanimation system FAMOUSfaces is now shipping. The program, which is aimed atfilm, broadcast, games and location-based entertainment developers now boastssome amazing new features. The software allows character animators to createrealistic facial animation using one of, or a combination of any of thefollowing input devices: motion-capture, video, puppetry devices, voicerecognition or cluster targetting. New in version 1.5, animators can use the
Legendary Eastern European Animation Studios Struggle to Survive
Shifting from a communist to capitalist market system has not been easy on the great studios of Eastern Europe. Adam Snyder reports on their survival techniques.
Knoll Light Factory now available for Avid
The popular Knoll Light Factory plug-in from Puffin Designs was recentlyreleased for Avid Xpress, Media Composer, and Symphony -- the trimmedversion ofKnoll Lens Flare Pro is titled Knoll Lens Flare AVX. The software allows usersto create lens flares with an unprecedented level of precision and control.Based on the Lens Primitives in Knoll Lens Flare Pro, the plug-in consistsof anumber of filters which include elements modeled on professional camera lenses
Toy Story 2 Is Not Your Typical Hollywood Sequel
Pixar does it again! In a sequel many are calling better than the first (is this possible?!), the Toy Story gang is back in theaters. Karl Cohen paid a visit to the studio and spoke with the film's directors and producers. A real treat.
Blue Sky's Trip to Japan
Four lucky staffers from Blue Sky Studios visited Japan to give presentations, meet and greet, and uncover some of the secrets behind the beautiful and often mysterious tradition of Japanese animation. AndrMazzone recounts.
3D Studio MAX 3 shipped to over 100,000 Users
Discreet's 3D Studio MAX 3 is currently being used by more than 116,000artistsworld-wide, a number signifying the major upgrades rising to an industrystandard package in film, broadcast, games, multimedia, and design industries.The new upgrade boasts many new features, but the ones that have brought theproduct into this popular position so soon after its release are mostdefinatelythe new 'world-class' renderer, and the infinitely extensible productionenvironment. Many of these 100,000+ customers are taking advantage of 3D
Home of the 3D Thrills
Rick DeMott traveled to the Universal Studios Hollywood Terminator 2 3D attraction and reveals that the thrill factor is high.
Tadahito Mochinaga: The Japanese Animator Who Lived In Two Worlds
Forging a career in the midst of war, Tadahito Mochinaga lived and worked in both China and Japan, completing many cel and puppet animation firsts. Kosei Ono relates this amazing man's life story.
The Grande Finale ... On a Desert Island With ...
We are about to be rescued! In this our final month of "On A Desert Island With..." we heard from executives at both Fox Kids Network and Sony Pictures Family Entertainment Group. They all answered the question, "What ten films would you want to have with you if stranded on a desert island?" David McDermott is one of Fox Kids Network key development executives. His recent projects include Big Guy and Rusty the Boy Robot and ...
Plympton conquers AtomFilms
AtomFilms, a pioneer in next-generation media, has added Bill Plympton totheir animation roster. The newly created Pymptonia fan site will be run by
Editor's Notebook
Asia's influence...
In ANIMATIONWorld | Columns: Editor
FantAsia
Martin "Dr. Toon" Goodman urges us to look to Asia to find new opportunities and stories from a region well versed and experienced in animation. From festivals to new South Korean productions...he has a plan.
Pokemononoke: Anime For The Millennium
While many will say that anime is not storming the U.S. mainstream, Andrew Osmond points out a number of ways this art form is entering and influencing the animation we see every day.
Fresh From the Festivals: December 1999's Film Reviews
Within the world of animation, most experimentation occurs within short format productions, whether they be high budgeted commercials, low budgeted independent shorts, or something in between. The growing number of short film festivals around the world attest to the vitality of these works, but there are few other venues for exhibition of them or even written reviews. As a result, distribution tends to be difficult and irregular. On a regular basis, Animation World ...
Imagina and FIFI might Pick your Flick
Imagina 2000 with FIFI (Festival International du Film de l'Internet) haveopened their competition to animation created specifically for the
Independence in Japan
Representing a new breed of Japanese animator, Keita Kurosaka and Koji Yamamura, have not chosen the beaten anime path, but rather an independent life. Gigi T. Y. Hu introduces us. Includes a Quicktime movie clip!
INA -- A Pioneer In New Technologies
Valie Rivoallon profiles INA, the National Audiovisual Institute, which is dedicated to the preservation and development of French audiovisual heritage, through research, education and high-profile exhibitions. Available in French and English.
Zagreb would love to Grab your Film
In preparation for the 14th World Festival of Animated Films, Zagreb 2000 has started taking entries. Entry forms must be received by February 1, 2000 and films on VHS (for selection only), BETACAM SP PAL, or film prints must be received by March 1, 2000. Please, send VHS tapes to Zagreb Film (Animafest) Vlaska 70 10,000 Zagreb, Croatia. The festival will be held June 21-25, 2000.
For more information contact Zagreb Film (Animafest) at Vlaska 70, 10,000Zagreb, Croatia, Europe. Tel.: ++385-1-4666 439 4613 689, Fax: ++ 385-1-4557
SimEx Digital Studios: Specialty Venues and More
If it is imagery, then it is up SimEx's alley. Heather Kenyon interviews specialty venue film veteran Allen Yamashita about SimEx, a company that provides digital image "solutions" for a number of outlets.
L'INA, un précurseur en matière de nouvelles technologies
Valie Rivoallon prente l'INA, Institut National de l'Audiovisuel, organisme chargde la conservation et du deloppement du patrimoine audiovisuel franis travers la recherche, la formation, la conservation, ainsi que l'organisation de manifestations spialiss. Article disponible en franis et en anglais.
Infogrames acquires GT Interactive
Infogrames Entertainment, a leading developer, publisher and distributor ofinteractive entertainment, announced it has acquired GT Interactive Software(GTIS), a US-based company. The total investment is being reported as $135million. Infogrames' product catalog includes such franchises as MissionImpossible,Test Drive and Looney Tunes. GTIS brings such titles as Driver,Deer Hunter, Blues Clues and Abe's Odyssey. This transaction is part ofInfogrames' global expansion strategy and will help further establish the
The Career Coach: It's Show Time
If you are an artist, it is essential that you have an outstanding portfolio and demo reel. The purpose of the resume, portfolio and demo reel is to get you an interview with someone who can hire you. They are marketing materials--prepare them with care.
John Canemaker's Sweet Dreams
As Jacquie Kubin relates the gaming industry is seeking more and more animators as new systems raise the aesthetic bar, making games faster, more realistic and well, animated.
SAFO `99: How A Festival Should Be
Dan Sarto reports on Ottawa's SAFO 1999 which was by all accounts a hit!
