AWN Headline News

On December 2, 1999, USA Networks' Live Telecast of IMPROV-ICE, debuted

graphics done by Pinnacle Systems' Rocket for FXDeko. Rocket for FXDeko is

a template-based tool that allows the generation of real-time 3D elements

which can be automatically updated by live data streams. Rocket integrates

with Pinnacle's award-winning FXDeko character generators and adds further

dimension to live broadcasts including textured, reflective and transparent

Film.com has teamed-up with Troma, the production company responsible for

THE TOXIC ADVENGER, to bring the stop-motion clay characters of CRAPSTON

VILLAS to the Net. Set in Slumington, a fictional London neighborhood, this

ebony comedy is a wild soap opera spoof. The British down-to-Earth

blue-collar domestic drama features the voices of Jane Horrocks (Bubble in

ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS and Little Voice in LITTLE VOICE) and Alison Steadman

(LIFE IS SWEET). The show originally aired on Britain's Channel 4 and won

Cartoon Network, featured on Poland's Wizja TV, is the #1 rated channel on

the programming package and now Cartoon Network Magazine rules the

newsstand. The first issue sold over 500,000 copies making it the top

magazine in Poland. In just three days, the magazine sold out and

publishers ordered an immediate reprint. The Polish version of the mag with

comic strips, quizzes, posters and articles featuring Cartoon Net's legion

of toon heroes and heroines is based off the British version and is the

RADIUM, a computer graphics house, adds 3D animator Andrew Sinagra to its

ranks. Sinagra will focus his specialized talents in modeling, particle

effects and volumetric effects to commercials and music videos. Previously

employed at Midland Productions, Sinagra worked on creating 3D animation

for ROBOTS OF MARS, a computer animated feature. . . .

New York-based EYEBALL created 10 second ID tags for seven USA Network

shows including: BAYWATCH, LA FEMME NIKITA, XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS and LAW

AND ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT. A circular frame opens around footage from

the USA program as the tag line "You Are Here" appears amidst flag stripes

and flashes. Brighter colors were used for the more light-hearted shows,

while a grittier mood was created for the more serious dramas. Daniel Fries

was the Creative Director at Eyeball.

Popeye the Sailor makes his newest appearance in the Toronto-based

TOPIX/MAD DOG, Chuck Gammage Animation and Generator Film produced spot for

Campbell's Soup. The 30 second spot for new Chunky Prime Rib features

integrated 3D animation, live-action and cel animation. Our hero Popeye

opts for a can of Chunky soup over his standard spinach to save the lovely

Olive Oyl. The spot was produced for Toronto-based ad agency Young &

Rubicam. TOPIX/Mad Dog producer Anne Deslauriers oversaw the 3D animation

Entertaindom, the Time Warner on-line broadcasting channel, has exercised

its option with Brilliant Digital Entertainment, Inc. to add 15 additional

new 5-8 minute "Webisodes" for the 3D animated MULTIPATH ADVENTURES OF

SUPERMAN. This extends the first season of SUPERMAN to a full 30 Webisode

commitment. Entertaindom has also agreed to give distribution to Brilliant

Digital's new 3D animated series based on the character XENA: WARRIOR

PRINCESS, plus eight Webisodes of a new series entitled KISS IMMORTALS

* Tuesday, January 25, 2000. Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.

Canadian Drawn, a screening of animation from the Canadian Film Board, will

be presented at 7:30 pm. The event highlighting the amazing work of the

Film Board will be held at Macquariam, 1800 Peachtree St. NW. This

screening is sponsored by ASIFA-Atlanta, a social organization for people

interested and professionally involved in animation. For information

contact Joni Strandquest at (770) 457-3455.