* Monday, February 19 Wednesday, February 21, 2001. London, U.K.
Interactive TV & Mobile Games Conference is set up to look at the potential of games on interactive TV and digital TV. In addition, the event will address how advertisers will capitalize on this new market. For more information contact Hannah at: Tel.: ++44(0) 207 840 2700; E-mail: hannah@access-conf.com; or Web: www.access-conf.com/TB114.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has launched an informal inquiry into stock trades at Stan Lee Media, which may have attributed to the company's stock plunging from $12 to $0.12. The SEC is looking into large trades made by executives and investment partners. In addition, the government agency is investigating possible misuse of company funds by former employees. The alleged misuse was uncovered during a recent internal investigation. Stan Lee Media has terminated executive VP operations Stephen Gordon and its consulting pact with Paraversal Inc.
AWN's stock ticker features the most prominent publicly traded companies in the world of animation. AWN, Inc. makes available certain financial information from third party information providers. AWN does not give advice in any such fields, and has not reviewed, and in no way endorses the validity of such data. This information is provided solely as a means to keep our readers informed of the market performance and trends of certain companies. AWN strongly suggests that one seek advice from a competent professional regarding any investment or financial issues.
* Saturday, January 27, 2001. Hollywood, California, U.S.A.
Continuing its lucrative path through the international box office, DINOSAUR is still roaring with POKEMON 2000 making strong debuts, including a first place finish in Germany. In Japan, DINOSAUR took the top spot with a gross of US$1.15 million, increasing its cume to $3.62 million. In third, VERTICAL LIMIT collected another $980,996 to raise it Japanese cume to $3.05 million. THE 6TH DAY claimed the fifth slot with a gross of $870,359, advancing its Japanese cume to $1.54 million. In sixth, WHAT LIES BENEATH floated $665,857 more, pushing its Japanese cume to $1.97 million.
* Friday, February 16 Thursday, February 22, 2001. Monte Carlo, Monaco.
What a year it has been for Internet content. In January, it was like someone had found and removed the flaming sword, opening the gates of Eden to the masses. Now at year-end, Web entertainment providers look more like confused, panic-struck animals scurrying around Noah's place looking to hitch a ride. Let's take a look at what we've learned in 2000 about Internet entertainment. You can't pay big salaries to lure in big executives in the case of the first major dotcom disaster at DEN.com.
Without one Y2K fear we are slipping into 2001 already. This issue we are taking on the big questions that are facing the animation industry on the brink of the new year. For instance, Eric Oldrin discusses everyone's favorite topic, the Internet, and its current identity crisis. Michael Hurwicz is ponders whether or not the Internet is actually helping independent animators. Are there increased distribution outlets in this new age or are our fearless independents still in an unfunded jam? Finally, we take a long hard look at the U.S.
New York's Curious Pictures, a commercial animation and effects studio, is looking for a LEAD AFTEREFFECTS COMPOSITOR for miniseries. . . Kirkland, Washington's KnowWonder, a digital media works company specializing in the production of computer games and "edutainment" for children and young adults, is looking for a CHARACTER ANIMATOR/MODELER. . . Den Haag, The Netherlands' LetsLook, a company providing services for 3D visualization of real estate, is looking for a MODELER/ANIMATOR. . . Rome, Italy's Mamut is looking for a 2D ANIMATOR and a LAYOUT ARTIST for a television series. . .
To celebrate the world premiere of his new feature, "Mutant Aliens," at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, wacky animator Bill Plympton is offering you a sneak preview of the film with a 3-minute sinewy trailer...
DreamWorks has signed a five-year production deal with Calabasas, California-based TDK Mediactive to produce games for current and next-generation gaming consoles. The first project for TDK will be the gaming adaptation of PDI/DreamWorks' 3D animated feature SHREK. Already DreamWorks has signed a deal to have a Nintendo Game Boy version arrive on shelves in conjunction with the release of the film in May. TDK also produces games for Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo, Universal, Harvey and New Line.
Microsoft Corp. and Electronic Arts (EA) announced that EA will provide its games for the Xbox video game system, Microsoft's highly anticipated, next-generation video game console. Initial titles will be MADDEN NFL FOOTBALL, NASCAR 2000, FIFA and F1 2000. Under the terms of the multiyear pact, EA will publish up to 10 titles in support of the console's launch in fall 2001. In addition, EA has ordered 500 Xbox Development Kits (XDKs) from Microsoft.
Fox TV Studios has tapped Los Angeles-based Gear-CGI to develop and produce a new action/adventure TV series entitled XERONINE. The series follows the mishaps and adventures of a simple-minded robot, a mad half-cockroach-half human scientist and the president of the United Earth. Providing voices for the series will be Gary Coleman (DIFF'RENT STROKES) as Xeronine, Clancy Brown (STARSHIP TROOPERS, SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION) as Dr. Canard and Pam Grier (JACKIE BROWN) as the president of the United Earth.
* Saturday, February 10 Wednesday, February 14, 2000. Cannes, France.
* Saturday, February 10 Wednesday, February 14, 2001. Cannes, France.
* Thursday, February 15 Saturday, February 17, 2001. Los Angeles and Santa Monica, California, U.S.A.
After claiming the U.S. box office crown over the Christmas weekend, CAST AWAY reclaimed the titled as BO champ for the New Year's weekend with a gross of US$31.2 million. The desert island adventure, with primary visual effects by Sony Pictures Imageworks, has floated $111.2 million in just 10-days of release. In fifth, Disney's THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE danced in with another $11.8 million. The new animated comedy has collected $47.9 million to date. Falling from fourth to sixth, HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS grabbed an additional $7.8 million.
Collideascope Digital Productions has signed a deal with Teletoon to create the first television and online convergence program produced in Flash. OLLIE'S UNDER THE BED ADVENTURES will be a half-hour special consisting of ten 2-minute episodes targeted to children aged 5-10. The show will chronicle the imaginary tales of Ollie, a young hyperactive boy who invents a world of his own underneath his bed where he embarks on wild adventures. The show will also air at OllieLand.com, which will include an interactive environment where viewers can journey into Ollie's crazy world.
The U.S. Library of Congress has added two more animated films to The National Film Registry Bob Clampett's PORKY IN WACKYLAND and the 1957 theatrical trailer, LET'S ALL GO TO THE LOBBY from Filmack Studios. As part of the Library of Congress, the Registry was established in 1989 to preserve American film heritage. The list is formed by input from the National Film Preservation Board and the public. The Library adds 25 films per year that are deemed "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant.
Walt Disney has decided to release their new animated feature THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE in 16 Los Angeles theaters dubbed in Spanish. The experiment is part of Disney's plan to attract Latino buying power, which is estimated to reach US$452 billion nationwide next year. For years Disney has released Spanish dubbed or subtitled prints of their films to theaters that have requested them. However, most of those films were on their third run after they had been released in Mexico and other Spanish speaking countries.
Incanta, a managed content solutions firm for broadband service providers (BSPs), has announced a new distribution deal with AtomFilms. Incanta's Cinema and Arts channel will feature AtomFilms' short films and original animation. Incanta's content services for BSPs include an award-winning personalized radio service as well as customized video offerings that range in subject from sports to film, from chat to music video. Incanta's other content partners include Quokka Sports, Vidnet, Planet Jam, AdventureTV and Academy Entertainment.
Solange, teamed with Destiny's Child and Baha Men, has agreed to record theme songs for Disney Channel's two upcoming animated series, THE PROUD FAMILY and STANLEY. Gary Marsh, executive vice president, original programming, Disney Channel, said, "Great music, performed by uniquely talented artists and integrally linked to our award-winning original programming, is a key component of our programming strategy.
Asun Gil has been named channel manager of Cartoon Network Spain. Gil joined Cartoon Network Spain as head of research where she played a key role in building 1.2 million subscribers for the network in just over one year on air. "It is very exciting to take on the channel at this stage and my brief is to increase viewers as well as moving further into the area of new media and launching additional services," said Gil.
West Hollywood, California visual effects and design house Ring of Fire has added four new talents to their roster including lead motion graphics/special effects designer Todd DuFour, Henry artist Paul Geiger, Henry artist John Ciampa and inferno* artist Danny Yoon. Previously, DuFour operated his own broadcast and Web design company called Burrn. Prior to opening Burrn, DuFour spent three years freelancing at ad agency TBWA/Chiat Day as their lead motion graphic designer. Previously, Geiger worked as a freelance Henry artist and before that he worked for Pittard Sullivan.
Click 3X has created effects for the new Disney Store spots highlighting merchandise for the live-action feature 102 DALMATIANS. The 30-second "Pool" has Dalmatians shaking their spots onto a rack of white coats. A series of real Dalmatians were shot on green screen, as well as a still plate for the far wall. The Click 3X CGI department then created a photo-realistic floor with reflecting puddles matching the movement of the camera.
