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Toronto-based animation and effects company Topix has recently completed the 3D animation for "Pump You Up" a new commercial for Scott Paper by way of agency Enterprise Creative Selling. In the spot, a procession of animated pillows enter a bathroom to get "pumped up" and transformed into softer and thicker versions of themselves to introduce a new line of Purex Ultra toilet tissue. Once they are soft and fluffy, the pillows enter the Purex packaging, only to be surprised by Mom as she enters the bathroom.

Formalizing an existing three year relationship, London-based animation producer Nexus Productions has entered into a representation deal for commercials and music promos with Swedish animation studio FilmTecknarna. Over the past three years the two companies have worked together on various projects including the award-winning Boddington's campaign. Nexus will exclusively represent FilmTecknarna for the UK and France.

In addition to the recently announced deal with Nickelodeon, DIC Entertainment is undertaking a major expansion into Europe with the opening of a European operations headquarters in Paris. Leslie Nelson, former managing director of international sales for BKN, has been appointed managing director of European operations for DIC and will be responsible for sales, marketing, licensing, co-productions and all other ancillary businesses in the major European territories.

Side Effects Software has announced the upcoming version 5.5 release of their Houdini 3D software. Currently in beta testing, Houdini 5.5 includes a host of new features including VOPs, a powerful, interactive node-based shader and effects builder. Houdini 5.5 also features an expanded Shader Gallery, a new compositor, a drag-and-drop interface, simplified installation and keying, and enhanced character and animation tools.

TELETUBBIES producer Ragdoll has entered into a strategic partnership with Toys "R" Us, in which the two will work together to introduce a new line of TELETUBBIES merchandise. Under the terms of the agreement, Toys "R" Us will be the exclusive retailer for all new TELETUBBIES plush items sold in the U.S. and Canada for 2002-2003. The new line of TELETUBBIES plush product will make its exclusive debut at Toys "R" Us stores and on-line at Toysrus.com this fall. Ragdoll has a broadcast arrangement for TELETUBBIES with PBS through 2008.

Bill Peet, author and illustrator of 35 children's books and the legendary Disney storyman who is credited with writing 101 DALMATIANS, passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2002 at the age of 87. He died at his home in Studio City due to complications from several long-term illnesses. Peet joined Disney Studios in 1937 at the age of 22. He went to work immediately as an apprentice animator on SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS.

Composer James Venable will be going into the studio this month to score Cartoon Network's first feature THE POWERPUFF GIRLS MOVIE, which opens July 3, 2002. The film, directed by Craig McCracken, is based on the television series that chronicles the adventures of girl superheroes. The score incorporates both orchestral and electronic compositions. Venable is best known for scoring THE POWERPUFF GIRLS television series on the Cartoon Network, which also features a blend of traditional orchestral sound and non-orchestral techno.

The summer blockbuster licensing frenzy has begun! Food manufacturing giant General Mills is launching special-edition products based on STAR WARS: EPISODE II "ATTACK OF THE CLONES," including limited edition STAR WARS: EPISODE II cereal. The sweetened corn puff cereal features seven different marshmallow shapes representing STAR WARS characters and objects including a Clone Trooper, red and blue lightsabers, Yoda, R2-D2, the starship Slave I and the Jedi Starfighter.

Santa Monica-based creative studio house R!OT provided digital visual effects and post-production services for a new national advertising spot for Mint Skittles from Mars. Conceived by DArcy, St. Louis, the commercial employs a fantasy scenario aimed at promoting the new product to adults. R!OTs involvement included pre-production visual effects design, on-set visual effects supervision, film transfer, color correction, visual effects production and compositing. "Sirens" opens on a man hiking through a forest.

Animation or not? Decide for yourself by picking up the DVD release of WAKING LIFE, one of many notable animation and visual effects related features released this month.

May 7

WAKING LIFE

As part of their master publishing agreement with Nickelodeon, interactive software publisher THQ Inc. is in development on FAIRLY ODDPARENTS! for Game Boy Advance. Based on the Nickelodeon animated program starring Timmy Turner and his trouble-making, magical godparents, FAIRLY ODDPARENTS! for Game Boy Advance is scheduled to ship November 2002. The player will control Timmy, who enters the world of his favorite comic book hero, the Crimson Chin.

300 Animation Inc. is looking for an AGENT . . . Rotherham, England's Aardvark Swift Consulting Ltd. is looking for a CHARACTER ANIMATOR and a GRAPHICS TRAINER . . . Los Angeles, California's Unbound Studios is looking for an EXECUTIVE INTERN and a PRODUCER INTERN . . . New York, New York's COVI Studios is looking for a CEL ANIMATOR . . . Mumbai, India's Crest Communication Limited is looking for a COMPOSITOR . . . New York, New York's Dogmactic Inc is looking for an ANIMATOR . . . EmailYourCV is looking for a UK GAMES ARTIST . . . Barcelona, Spain's Filmax is looking for a CLEAN UP ARTIST .