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the latest news concerning animation and AnimWatch, according
to us. Know something we don't? Submit your NEWS HERE. |
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INFO!
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03-30-2007
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Cubicle
Carl blocking test
Nick Fredin has just completed a blocking animation
test for his short Cubicle Carl. He's looking for feedback.
"Rip it apart" the man says. Make it so.
CLICK HERE
TO DISCUSS IN THE ANIMWATCH FORUM...
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03-30-2007
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Cosmonauties
runner up in TGSNT
Nigel Wood, who is currently working on two animated
shorts, Rubberfish and My Parents are Trying to Kill Me, has
also completed 6 episodes of his continuing series "Cosmonauties".
The series has not only been picked up for online distribution
by Atom Films, it has also achieved Runner Up status in The
Greatest Stories Never Told Flash film competition. Congratulations,
Nigel.
CLICK HERE
FOR MORE INFO...
CLICK HERE
TO DISCUSS IN THE ANIMWATCH FORUM...
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03-30-2007
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CONTEST:
Win a free MAYA book!
 Join
the AnimWatch Update Notification List and find out how to
enter to win a free book!
Our buddy Lee Lanier, half of the Directing Duo from
Day Off the Dead,
has written a book on making CG goodness in Maya. The book
is called Advanced
Maya Texturing and Lighting. Lanier is certainly
an expert on the subject, and explains things simply and succinctly
with plenty of examples.
So, how can you win this fabulous book? Glad you asked.
1.
Join the AnimWatch Update Notification List.
2. On April 1, 2007, you will get an email from us asking
you this month's Official AnimWatch Contest Question.
3. Send your answer in to enter the drawing that will be
held on April 8, 2007. Winners will be notified by email,
and announced on the Mailing List, in the AnimWatch News,
and in the Official AnimWatch Podcast.
That's
it! Hope to hear from you.
Advanced Maya Texturing and Lighting is courtesy of Wiley
Publishers, who are currently celebrating their 200th
Anniversary.
JOIN the ANIMWATCH MAILING LIST
and GET STARTED...
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03-29-2007
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Terror
on the bus
We've added a new film profile to the AnimWatch filmlist:
The Passenger
by Chris
Jones
CLICK HERE FOR
MORE INFO...
CLICK HERE
TO DISCUSS IN THE ANIMWATCH FORUM...
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03-29-2007
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Adolescent
Charm render tests
Matthew Tardiff's Adolescent Charm is rocketing down
the path toward completion. He's posted a slew of final candidate
render tests for comments and critique, and he's getting plenty
of both. Stop the forum by and give him your feedback.
CLICK HERE
FOR MORE INFO...
CLICK HERE
TO DISCUSS IN THE ANIMWATCH FORUM...
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03-28-2007
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Sanders
finds a new home at Dreamworks
One of my favorite animated films is Chris Sanders'
Lilo and Stitch. It was made during the bad days at Disney
(yes, the ones followed by the Worse days at Disney, which
were then followed by the currently Improving Days thanks
to the intrusion of sensible management from Pixar...) During
the bad days at Disney, evidently the best way to make a good
film was to stay off the Suits' radar.
No one understood that better than Chris Sanders, who gathered
a group of talented folks together and made a wonderful film
down in Florida, far away from the harsh glare of management.
The team kept the budget low, and kept Feature Animation out
of it. The result was one of the best cel animated films Disney
made in the last 20 years.
So, it was with sadness that I learned a while ago of Sanders'
departure from The House of Mouse for reasons I still don't
entirely understand. But the fact that he has now resurfaced
at Dreamworks is interesting to me.
Yes, the Mighty Chris Sanders is now in the employ of Dreamworks
Animation, where he'll be working on Crood Awakening, a comedy
set in the Stone Age. The story is by Monty Python genius
John Cleese. Looks like some serious artillery in the Dreamworks
arsenal these days.
No further details on the film, or a release date, are currently
available, but it certainly sounds promising.
CLICK HERE
FOR MORE INFO...
CLICK HERE
TO DISCUSS IN THE ANIMWATCH FORUM...
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03-27-2007
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Podcast
#3 - Excellence and the Rest of it
In our third episode, there's tons of new stuff.
FILM
PROFILES -Doll Face by Andy Huang
Fish Heads Fugue by Lauren Indovina and Lindsey Mayer-Beug
Mr. City Men by Eric Lerner
FEATURE
ARTICLE -
Astronauts by Matthew Walker.
NEWS - the advent of digital projection, Robota update.
SOAPBOX - Excellence, and why it matters.
MUSIC by Tim Larkin. Doll Face theme by Andy Huang.
Well,
what are you waiting for? It's fun... and it's FREE!
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO...
CLICK HERE
to DISCUSS in the ANIMWATCH FORUM...
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03-25-2007
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Feature
Article - Astronauts by Matthew Walker
We've added a new feature article - Astronauts by
Matthew Walker. In this fun student graduation short, two
spacemen confront a mysterious force with the power to destroy
them: their own stupidity. Luckily, in space, no one can hear
you swear.
CLICK HERE
FOR MORE INFO...
CLICK HERE
TO DISCUSS IN THE ANIMWATCH FORUM...
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03-24-2007
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Fish
Heads Fugue
We've added a new film profile to the AnimWatch filmlist:
Fish Heads Fugue
by Lauren
Indovina and Lindsey Mayer-Beug
CLICK HERE
FOR MORE INFO...
CLICK HERE
TO DISCUSS IN THE ANIMWATCH FORUM...
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03-23-2007
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Tales
of the City
We've added a new film profile to the AnimWatch filmlist:
Mr. City Men
by Eric
Lerner
CLICK HERE FOR
MORE INFO...
CLICK HERE
TO DISCUSS IN THE ANIMWATCH FORUM...
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03-23-2007
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Projecting
success
NPR has a report
on the advent of digital projection. After almost a decade
of hype and promises, theatres may finally be switching to
the new, clearer and cheaper format. It's welcome news for
independent filmmakers because the price of final film prints
can really put a hole in a budget. When theatres are capable
of digital projection, there's no print, only digital media
to deliver on a hard drive, greatly decreasing the cost. DSL-equipped
theatres can even download entire films, making films almost
free to distribute.
The reason the format hasn't spread as quickly as anticipated
is a disagreement on who should pay for the upgrade from the
old analog technology to digital. Theatre owners think studios
should pay, as they stand to save hundreds of thousands or
even millions of dollars sending out prints. Studios, of course,
think theatre owners should do it.
But the disagreement may be coming to an end as the two camps
are arriving at a cost-sharing compromise. This is very encouraging
news... another bar to entry in the indie film market is lowering.
CLICK HERE
for MORE INFO...
CLICK HERE
to DISCUSS in the ANIMWATCH FORUM...
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03-23-2007
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Love...but
will it last?
Dobermunk from Brain Pets has posted a trailer
for their upcoming animated short "Love.Leech.Tomato".
It has a fresh look with a nice watercolor effect. If it's
anything like their previous films, it's sure to be a hit
on the festival circuit. Their film "What Women Really
Want" has been selected for the Project
Competition at Annecy.
CLICK HERE
for MORE INFO...
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03-21-2007
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Testing
the Impossible
Lucas Martell, who's been keeping the AnimWatch community
informed on his short film "Pigeon Impossible" every
step of the way has put up a really appealing animation test.
Check it out!
CLICK HERE
for MORE INFO...
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03-19-2007
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Annecy
2007 nominations
The Annecy International Film Festival is known world
wide as the premier animation festival. For 45 years, they've
been showing off the best in animated feature films, short
films, commissions, TV, and graduate films.
They've announced their slate of 2007 nominees, and the list
is huge. There are 51 short films alone, including, notably,
Gentlemen's Duel by Blur, and The Tale of How by The Blackheart
Gang.
CLICK HERE
for MORE INFO...
DISCUSS in the ANIMWATCH FORUM...
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03-18-2007
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Help
Wanted: Animator / Director
John Piccione is looking for an animator to create
a 30 second animated trailer that will be pitched to Cable
in the summer. The writing team has completed the pitch bible
and is currently working on the pilot episode. The designs
are not conventional and therefore require an animator who
can think outside of the box. The property is a sci-fi comedy
and hopes to use both 2D and 3D elements.
John tells me this is not a spec job. He's looking for a professional
who has the potential to become the director of the show if
the fit is right.
CLICK HERE
to CONTACT JOHN PICCIONE...
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03-17-2007
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Facing
up to perfection
We've added a new film profile to the AnimWatch filmlist:
Doll Face
by Andy
Huang
CLICK HERE FOR
MORE INFO...
CLICK HERE
TO DISCUSS IN THE ANIMWATCH FORUM...
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03-16-2007
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What's
so great about festivals?
Podcast #2 is online.
In
our second episode, we talk to director Josh Staub to find
out what's so great about taking your film on the festival
circuit as opposed to releasing it online.
Also, Smile by Chris Mais, Sugar Rush by Guillermo Careaga,
and Cags by Alexei Petrov. Also, host Steve Ogden hops up
on his soapbox to talk about his special evening with the
Animated Oscar Nominees.
Featuring music by Tim Larkin and The Mantis Parable theme
by Josh Staub.
Well,
what are you waiting for? It's fun... and it's FREE!
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO...
CLICK HERE
to DISCUSS in the ANIMWATCH FORUM...
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03-14-2007
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Mobifest
LA
Call for Entries - Mobifest LA Mobile Film Festival
April 3, 2007, Los Angeles
Established
and emerging animators are invited to submit their animated
shorts and be one of five filmmakers screened at Mobifest
LA. Deadline for submissions is midnight (PST) March 28th.
Open to any filmmaker over the age of 18.
Finalists
will be selected by a panel of celebrity judges with the best
animation eligible for a grand prize that includes a paid
trip to Mobifest LA, a creative session with Mike Judge ("Beavis
and Butthead", "King of the Hill"), a mobile
distribution agreement, a Palm® Treo™ smartphone, and
a Microsoft Zune™ digital media player.
Animators
can also enter the NESTLE® BUTTERFINGER®, "Sweet Dreams"
category and win a contract to help work on Butterfinger's
next viral marketing campaign plus other great prizes. Deadline
for submissions is midnight (PST) March 26th. Entrants must
be 18 years of age or over and U.S. residents.
CLICK HERE
for MORE INFORMATION...
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03-13-2007
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Shuster
Awards
Michel Gagné, Johane Matte, Kean Soo, and Matthew
Forsythe have all been nominated for 2007 Shuster Awards in
both the print and web cartooning categories. The Shuster
Awards recognize the achievements of Canadian comic book creators.
CLICK HERE
for MORE INFORMATION...
Thanks to Zensho for the tip...
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03-13-2007
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Dreamworks
goes 3D
Dreamworks announced today its intention to produce
all of its films in stereoscopic 3D technology starting in
2009. To best take advantage of the technology, the company
will now be creating films utilizing stereoscopic 3D from
the beginning of its creative process.
Chief Executive Officer of DreamWorks Animation, Jeffrey Katzenberg
says, “Historically, 3D has been used primarily as an add-on
or a bonus feature. And while audiences have enjoyed that,
they haven’t really seen the true potential of this technology.
We’re going to use the latest stereoscopic 3D technology to
build our movies from the ground up. We believe that this
will create more opportunities for our artists as well as
more compelling experience for the audience.”
As a special treat to go with the announcement, Dreamworks
has sent over concept
art for the upcoming DreamWorks Animation feature,
"Monsters vs. Aliens" (working title), slated for
release in Summer, 2009.
|
03-11-2007
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More
Gagné
films...
Michel Gagné, the subject of last month's feature
article, has announced two new animated teasers at his site:
Mixomation, a 5 second, looping animation for Timeshift Network
- and Sensology, an abstract animation inspired by jazz.
CLICK HERE
for MORE INFORMATION...
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03-10-2007
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Feature
Article - Alexei Petrov
In making a film about life, featuring clock parts
as characters, this Russian artist finds a unique look by
combining CG and film in an unusual way.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE...
CLICK HERE
TO DISCUSS IN THE ANIMWATCH FORUM...
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03-10-2007
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Don't
let the pirates get ye down
We've added a new film profile to the AnimWatch filmlist:
Smile
by Chris
Mais
CLICK HERE FOR MORE
INFO...
CLICK HERE
TO DISCUSS IN THE ANIMWATCH FORUM...
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03-09-2007
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Finally,
after a 25 year pitch session... Tintin
Yahoo News reports that Tintin is heading to the silver
screen with a little help from Steven Spielberg and Dreamworks.
With protracted talks over, look for the movie in theatres
some time in 2009.
CLICK HERE
FOR MORE INFO...
DISCUSS IN THE ANIMWATCH FORUM HERE...
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03-09-2007
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Another
princess...
The Walt Disney Co. officially announced at the 2007
Annual Meeting of shareholders in New Orleans that it has
re-greenlit the animated feature THE FROG PRINCESS, the first
2D feature since HOME ON THE RANGE (2004).
This is a production that's had an on-again, off-again relationship
with Disney, who was going through some sort of existential
dilemma regarding its expertise in, and the public's interest
in, 2D films. Luckily, John Lasseter and Ed Catmull have talked
sense into the entertainment giant and things looks good for
a 2009 release.
Filmmakers John Musker & Ron Clements (The Little Mermaid,
Aladdin) wrote the story, and will direct, and composer Randy
Newman (Toy Story, Bug's Life) will be writing original music
and songs for the production.
CLICK HERE
FOR MORE INFO...
DISCUSS
IN THE ANIMWATCH FORUM HERE...
|
03-08-2007
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VOTE!
As Matthew Tardiff's short Adolescent Charm rockets
down the road to completion, he's beginning to think about
promoting the film. Here's your chance to vote for your favorite
poster or postcard in the AnimWatch Forum.
CLICK HERE
FOR MORE INFO...
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03-07-2007
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Testing,
testing... is this thing on?
Announcing the Official AnimWatch Podcast.
Episode #1 - On with the Show - is now available for your
downloading and listening pleasure.
In
this first episode, host Steve Ogden tells you how AnimWatch.com
started. Also, THE NEWS, including updates on Rustboy and
Vacant Planet, and answers to reader questions. Finally,
Steve hops up on his Soapbox to chat about the break-up
of the marriage between Aardman and Dreamworks. Featuring
music by Tim Larkin.
Well,
what are you waiting for? It's fun... and it's FREE!
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO...
CLICK HERE
to DISCUSS in the ANIMWATCH FORUM...
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03-04-2007
 |
Updating
things as time marches on...
It was more than time to update a few of the older
film profiles. This is something I'll have to do in an ongoing
basis, checking to make sure the film development webpages
are still live, links still work and that projects listed
as IN PROGRESS are correctly classified as one of three possibilities:
1. Still in progress
2. Lost in the World of the Forgotten Projects
3. Actually completed.
This week's updates are:
In
the case of BLUE, I've added a review. I had actually seen
the film a long time ago, but had only left my original comments
(which I wrote before the film had been completed) and had
neglected to give my views on the film.
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03-03-2007
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Work
it, work it...
We've added a new film profile to the AnimWatch filmlist:
Sugar Rush
by Guillermo
Careaga
CLICK HERE FOR
MORE INFO...
CLICK HERE
TO DISCUSS IN THE ANIMWATCH FORUM...
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02-25-2007
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A
friend in need is a friend indeed
We've added a new film profile to the AnimWatch filmlist:
Potapych
by Darren
Price
CLICK HERE FOR
MORE INFO...
CLICK HERE
TO DISCUSS IN THE ANIMWATCH FORUM...
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02-25-2007
 |
Feature
Article - Michel Gagné
Michel Gagné is a fantastic artist with a unique
take on things. Read this month’s feature article to find
out a bit about what inspires him, how he works, and what
he’s working on next.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE
ARTICLE...
CLICK HERE
TO DISCUSS IN THE ANIMWATCH FORUM...
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02-21-2007
 |
The
Birth of Balbar Yog
Chris Neuhahn is announcing the next chapter in
the Vacant Planet series.
I've
finally started work of Chapter 2 of Vacant Planet. It has
been a very busy two years since A Curious Bit of Scrap.
I've written a book
(with the help of Josh
Book), and worked a whole mess of hours. I work
at Nickelodeon now, and things have settled down a bit .
. . only a bit.
The
Birth of Balbar Yog will have several new characters and
new environments. Here are two of the new bots.
C
LICK HERE
FOR MORE INFO...
CLICK HERE
to DISCUSS in the ANIMWATCH FORUM...
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02-17-2007
 |
Writing
and Boarding and Scheduling... OH MY!
Greyfirst Corp. has just released a new version of
Celtx (v.0.9.9), the first software to provide all of the
tools needed for the Pre-Production of film, video, theatre
and animation. New features include storyboarding, scheduling
and an international stage play editor.
Celtx is FREE, open source and works on Windows, Mac and Linux.
It is available in 24 languages as a download from www.celtx.com
CLICK HERE
FOR MORE INFO...
CLICK HERE
to DISCUSS in the ANIMWATCH FORUM...
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02-17-2007
 |
Darkness
Falls
We've added a new film profile to the AnimWatch filmlist:
Joy Kinematics
by Mario
Ucci
NOTE: This film features frontal male nudity, so those of
you squeamish of naked CG characters may want to avert your
eyes.
CLICK HERE
FOR MORE INFO...
CLICK HERE
TO DISCUSS IN THE ANIMWATCH FORUM...
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02-14-2007
 |
Humans!
We've added a new film profile to the AnimWatch filmlist:
Humans!
by Three
Legged Legs
CLICK HERE FOR MORE
INFO...
CLICK HERE
TO DISCUSS IN THE ANIMWATCH FORUM...
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02-14-2007
 |
SIGGRAPH
2007 - Student Volunteers
The SIGGRAPH 2007 Student Volunteer Committee has
asked us to remind anyone interested in becoming a Student
Volunteer for SIGGRAPH in 2007 to get in touch. This year
SIGGRAPH will be in San Diego, and as usual, is sure to be
a great experience.
The deadline for applications is 11:59 pm PT, February 25,
2007. Student Volunteer positions are open students from all
disciplines and universities and faculties, including some
online schools such as Animation Mentor. There is still time
to participate as a volunteer, so act now...
CLICK HERE
FOR MORE INFO...
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02-11-2007
 |
Feature
Article - Pascal Campion
This prolific, eclectic artist moves effortlessly
between genres. Find out what inspires him, what keeps him
drawing, and what makes him tick in this revealing interview.
CLICK HERE TO READ
THE ARTICLE...
CLICK HERE
TO DISCUSS IN THE ANIMWATCH FORUM...
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02-05-2007
 |
Carl
Zitelmann's new project
Carl Zitelmann, director of the stylish short Temerario,
has launched a new website featuring
some clips of his animation work. The artwork featured in
the website interface is very eye-catching, and it turns
out that it is part of a really intriguing new project he
is developing together with his production designer Kim
Frederiksen. The project is currently called Dark Clouds,
and it's a ghost story set at an aerodrome during WWI. He's
promised to give us more details shortly. If his work on
Temerario is any indication, this new project looks very
promising.
CLICK HERE
FOR MORE INFO...
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02-05-2007
 |
Flakes
- Fighting the Slide
We've added a new film profile to the AnimWatch filmlist:
Flakes
by Stephen
C. Ogden
CLICK HERE FOR MORE
INFO...
CLICK HERE
TO DISCUSS IN THE ANIMWATCH FORUM...
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01-27-2007
 |
Fever
We've added a new film profile to the AnimWatch filmlist:
Fever
by Charlie
Griak
CLICK HERE FOR MORE
INFO...
CLICK HERE
TO DISCUSS IN THE ANIMWATCH FORUM...
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01-27-2007
 |
L'Or
Rouge
We've added a new film profile to the AnimWatch filmlist:
L'Or Rouge
by Kent
Hugo
CLICK HERE FOR
MORE INFO...
CLICK HERE
to DISCUSS in the ANIMWATCH FORUM...
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01-12-2007
 |
Sing
it, Sister
We've added a new film profile to the AnimWatch filmlist:
Sita Sings the Blues
by Nina
Paley
CLICK HERE FOR MORE
INFO...
CLICK HERE
to DISCUSS in the ANIMWATCH FORUM...
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01-07-2007
 |
FEATURE
ARTICLE: L'Or Rouge
This month's Feature Article is on Kent Hugo's L'Or
Rouge, In which a character created by artist A.M.Cassandre,
set in a strange, robotic future, finds himself superimposed
on his own past....
CLICK HERE TO READ...
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01-05-2007
 |
Lolly
Poo Lee
We've added a new film profile to the AnimWatch filmlist:
Lolly Poo Lee
by Sushant
Dholakia
CLICK HERE
FOR MORE INFO...
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01-03-2007
 |
Birthday
Boy
We've added a new film profile to the AnimWatch filmlist:
Birthday Boy
by Sejong Park
CLICK HERE
FOR MORE INFO...
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