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the latest news concerning animation and AnimWatch, according
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INFO!
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06-30-2007 |
AnimClips
Challenge #2
Only 3 weeks left on AnimClips Challenge #2. Looking
forward to seeing you there, so don't forget to drop by the
Forum.
CLICK HERE
FOR MORE INFO...
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06-29-2007
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06-28-2007
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Phil
Tippett, Keynote Speaker at ADAPT07
Sid Mead speaks, Behind-the-Scenes on Ratatouille,
and Phil Tippett announced as Keynote Speaker at ADAPT2007.
What more do you want?
CLICK HERE
FOR MORE INFO...
CLICK HERE
TO DISCUSS IN THE ANIMWATCH FORUM...
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06-27-2007
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The
Thirteenth Freak Month
Polish Animation site Kinoeye
details the influence of Polish writer Bruno Shulz and Czech
surrealist animator Jan Svankmajer on animation team The Brothers
Quay. (This interest spurred on by the Svankmajer retrospective
today and tomorrow at the Edinburgh
Filmhouse.)
CLICK HERE
to READ the ARTICLE...
DISCUSS in the ANIMWATCH
FORUM...
Many thanks to Joe at Forbidden
Planet
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06-26-2007
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06-24-2007
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New
Feature Article - En Tus Brazos
We've just added a new Feature Article to the website.
It's an interview with François-Xavier Goby about his
Supinfocom student film En Tus Brazos (In Your Arms). Article
by Pablo Hadis.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE
INFO...
DISCUSS in the ANIMWATCH
FORUM...
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06-22-2007
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Chomet's
Illusionist
Sylvain Chomet (Triplets of Belleville) is
working on another feature film. Forbidden
Planet links an informative article out of the Guardian.
CLICK HERE
FOR MORE INFO...
DISCUSS in the ANIMWATCH
FORUM...
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06-22-2007
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Animator
needed
Steve Ogden is looking for a 3ds max animator to help
him continue his popular Flakes series.
CLICK HERE
FOR MORE INFO...
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06-20-2007
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06-19-2007
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AnimClips
Challenge #1 - WINNER!
So many great clips came in. This was really a great
challenge, and everyone who participated should be very happy.
But all the votes are in, and we have a winner - Monotokai
won with 30.0% of the vote for his Lollipops clip. Congratulations,
Monotokai, and thank you to everyone who participated. Hope
to see you on Challenge 2!
CLICK
HERE
to SEE THE RESULTS and WATCH ALL THE FILMS
CLICK HERE
to FIND OUT about AnimClips CHALLENGE #2
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06-19-2007
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Podcast
#6 - Now ONLINE!
EPISODE
#6 JUN 19, 2007
- Walking Around in Circles
Our
latest Podcast is now online. Another monster, it clocks in
at over 45 minutes! This will be the last podcast until we
resume with two episodes in August, so enjoy your summer,
and we'll see you in a few weeks.
FILM
PROFILE - Sonata by Ryan McDougal.
FEATURE ARTICLE - Interview with Nick Walker, Director of
Layout on Shrek the Third.
SOAPBOX - Making Films the AnimWatch Way, PART II - Steve
Ogden discusses animated filmmaking from a motivational
standpoint, focusing on its psychological and emotional
underpinnings. This installment deals with creative inertia,
and offers ideas on how to prevent you from just going in
circles.
MUSIC by Tim Larkin.
CLICK
HERE FOR MORE INFO...
CLICK HERE
to DISCUSS in the ANIMWATCH FORUM...
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06-18-2007
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AnimClips
Challenge - #1 over, #2 starting
AnimClips Challenge #1 is now over, and it's time
to VOTE! We have been very impressed both with the number
and the quality of the submissions for this month's Challenge.
Some brave souls even made the clips longer. How's that for
hard-core?
And, as Challenge #1 wraps up, Challenge #2 has begun. You've
got 30 days, and unlike Challenge #1, we won't be extending
this deadline. So get cracking!
CLICK
HERE
to VOTE for AnimClips CHALLENGE #1
CLICK HERE
to FIND OUT about AnimClips CHALLENGE #2
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06-16-2007
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Films
the AnimWatch Way #2
The second of Steve Ogden's series on motivation and
making films, from an emotional and psychological standpoint.
Episode #2 - Walking in Circles.
CLICK HERE
FOR MORE INFO...
DISCUSS in the ANIMWATCH
FORUM...
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06-15-2007
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Animatu
2007
Animatu Digital Animation Festival announces Animatu
07. The festival is going to occur from October 17 to 21 at
Pax Julia – Municipal Theatre of Beja (PORTUGAL). The objective
is to show and reward the best works made in several fields
of animation, including 2D and 3D shorts, Machinima, and Mobile
Phone Animation. Deadlines are JUN 30, 2007, so get those
films in the mail!
CLICK HERE
FOR MORE INFO...
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06-15-2007
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Lots
of Robots... still marching forward...
Andy Murdock has written in, reassuring fans of his
incredible one-man animated robot saga starring a cast of
thousands that after a few years on the back burner, the film
is once again front and center of Andy's computer screen.
He's even created a production BLOG,
where he details his progress, including a star-shaped robot
with too many legs to count.
CLICK HERE
FOR MORE INFO...
DISCUSS in the ANIMWATCH
FORUM...
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06-11-2007
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New
Feature Article - Layout of Shrek III
Nick Walker, the head of Layout at Dreamworks on the
Shrek series talks about his job and the role of Layout in
animated feature films.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE
INFO...
DISCUSS in the ANIMWATCH
FORUM...
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06-09-2007
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Why
do we like popcorn flicks?
The summer blockbuster season is upon us, and the
question has come up once again in the AnimWatch Forum: Why
do we like popcorn flicks? Are they a welcome escape, harmless
fun, or are they another nail in the coffin of our culture
as we accept explosions instead of character development,
mindless action in favor of plot?
Pop in and give us your thoughts.
CLICK
HERE
to JOIN the DISCUSSION...
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06-09-2007
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Deadline
extended
Some of you may be relieved to know we've extended
the deadline for AnimClips Challenge #1, in honor of several
of the participants who are wrapping up schoolwork. The official
voting will begin Jun 18, 2007.
Ahem. Don't get used to it - in future, the deadlines will
be written in cybercement. That's why they're called Challenges,
after all. They're supposed to be challenging.
CLICK
HERE
FOR MORE INFO...
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06-02-2007
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06-01-2007
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We
have a WINNER!
 We
are happy to announce that we have a winner in the Second
AnimWatch Contest. Mr. Ken Ruiz correctly answered the question
posed to the AnimWatch Update email list on May 21: What
did I announce that Matthew Tardiff was looking for your input
on in Podcast #2? (HINT - the answer is within 30 seconds
of the mention of name of the composer of the music in Toy
Story. )
Mr. Ruiz was one of several listeners who wrote in with the
correct answer: Wrapping up production on Adolescent Charm,
he is designing to print material to promote his film and
is looking for feedback. Ken's entry was selected from
among the other correct answers by the ravishing Tandi Kapuchin
just minutes ago. He wins Dan Ablan's book, Digital Photography
for 3D Imaging and Animation, courtesy of Wiley
Publishers, who are currently celebrating their 200th
Anniversary. Congratulations, Ken!
For those of you who missed this contest, take heart... we'll
be doing another one next month. Join
the email list so you don't miss it!
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05-31-2007
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Shrek
4 and 5 announced...
Let the good times roll... and roll... and roll...
and roll... and roll. But then, THAT's IT!! News item from
The
Age.
Dreamworks co-founder Jeffrey Katzenberg has
announced that there will be a Shrek 4 (2010) and Shrek
5, but THAT IS IT!"
“It’s a finite story, has been from the beginning and I
think that’s part of its integrity, part of its strength,
that we’re not thinking this up as we go,” he told The Age.
“Ultimately we will come back to understand how Shrek arrived
in that swamp. We will reveal his story.”
Good to know "it's a finite story." But who knew
there was more to tell in the Shrek universe than in The Lord
of the Rings!?
CLICK HERE
FOR MORE INFO...
DISCUSS in the ANIMWATCH
FORUM...
Thanks to Peter "Tokzic" Hargreaves for the tip...
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05-26-2007
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Podcast
#5 - What's my Motivation?
At long last, our fifth podcast episode is finally
online. Weighing in at a whopping 40 minutes, it should be
the perfect companion to take with you on this long holiday
weekend. Enjoy!
FILM
PROFILE - These Paws are Made for Flying by Giorgio Bertolone.
FILM PROFILE - Magik Circus by Sun Limet.
FILM PROFILE - 3X Super Robot Heartbreak by Pete Foley.
FEATURE ARTICLE - An inside look at The Tale of How by The
Blackheart Gang.
SOAPBOX - Making Films the AnimWatch Way, PART I - Steve
Ogden discusses animated filmmaking from a motivational
standpoint, focusing on its psychological and emotional
underpinnings.
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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05-24-2007
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The
Blind Leading the Blind...
I've just posted the first of a series of articles
up at the AnimWatch Blog on Making Films the AnimWatch Way.
This series will deal with the problem of motivation when
making an animated film in your spare time, and particularly
the role that psychology and emotions play in the process.
CLICK HERE
FOR MORE INFO...
DISCUSS in the ANIMWATCH
FORUM...
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05-23-2007
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Adolescent
Charm
We are all very excited for Matthew Tardiff, who has
just completed his first animated short, Adolescent Charm.
Those of us who have watched the short mature over the past
few months in the AnimWatch Forum are particularly happy for
Matthew, and wish him much luck on the Animation Festival
Circuit. Kudos!
CLICK HERE
FOR MORE INFO...
DISCUSS in the ANIMWATCH
FORUM...
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05-23-2007
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05-15-2007
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05-14-2007
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CONTEST:
Win a free Digital Photography book!
Join
the AnimWatch Update Notification List and find out how to
enter to win a free book!
Our buddy Dan Ablan has written a book on creating
excellent, versatile textures for your CG texturing fun.
So, how can you win this fabulous book? Glad you asked.
1.
Join the AnimWatch Update Notification List.
2. On May 21, 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 June 1, 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.
Digital Photography for 3D Imaging and Animation is courtesy
of Wiley
Publishers, who are currently celebrating their 200th
Anniversary.
JOIN the ANIMWATCH MAILING LIST
and GET STARTED...
|
05-14-2007
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The
AnimClips Challenge
Do you miss the 10 Second Club? We sure do...
While I don't think we could ever replace that wonderful challenge
site, I thought maybe there would be sufficient desire out
there for a similar challenge.
So,
I present to you the first AnimClips Challenge (applause here.)
You have until Monday, June 11th, so GET ANIMATING!
CLICK HERE
FOR MORE INFO...
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05-14-2007
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Ogre
Babies
Some things have to be seen to be believed...
CLICK HERE
FOR MORE INFO...
DISCUSS in the ANIMWATCH
FORUM...
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04-30-2007
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New
Feature Article - The Blackheart Gang
Soapy water and tentacles threaten to overwhelm the
peaceful Do-do birds in this demented short film from a brilliant
group of South African artists who have a Tale to tell.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE
INFO...
DISCUSS in the ANIMWATCH
FORUM...
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04-16-2007
 |
Aardman
draws up Sony deal
U.K. claymation studio Aardman Animations has inked
an exclusive three-year, first-look deal with Sony Pictures
Entertainment, the two companies said Monday. The Bristol-based
studios, home of Oscar-winning animator Nick Park, said the
decision to strike a multipicture deal with Sony hinged on
"creative freedom," billing it as "the next
chapter in the story of Aardman."
CLICK HERE
FOR MORE INFO...
DISCUSS in the ANIMWATCH
FORUM...
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04-15-2007
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04-15-2007
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Ferrland
WIP
Adolfo has posted another WIP animation sequence for
his film Ferrland. He's looking for some feedback, so pop
by the Forum and let him know what you think.
DISCUSS in the ANIMWATCH
FORUM...
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04-15-2007
 |
Animation
Show DVD combo
Animation Show season Three is making the rounds,
and perhaps will be coming to a theatre near you. In case
it doesn't come to your town, fear not. They're releasing
the festival on DVD.
Season One and Season Two are now available in a special combo
pack, including all the fantastic films from the first two
editions of Don Hertzfeldt and Mike Judge's popular travelling
animation festival and some special features including:
Animation
Show Featurette: 100 Years of Animated Short Films
"The F.E.D.S." Recipe for Animating
"Fallen Art" Creating and Animating Characters
"Magda" The Making of
Additional film by Chel White "A Painful Glimpse into
My Writing Process"
A new film by Pes "Kaboom!" with "The Making
of Kaboom!
|
04-11-2007
 |
Podcast
#4 - Hair High
Our fourth podcast episode is online.
FILM
PROFILE - The Passenger by Chris Jones.
FEATURE ARTICLE - An interview with animator Bill Plympton
on the occasion of the premiere of his self-made feature-length
animated film, Hair High.
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...
|
04-09-2007
 |
Bill
Plympton's Hair High screening in L.A.
Bill Plympton's fifth animated feature, the critically
acclaimed Hair High, will open in Los Angeles on Friday,
April 13, 2007 for an exclusive week-long run at the Laemmle
Sunset 5 Theater. The Writer/Director will attend the opening
night of the exclusive run at the Laemmle Sunset, along with
several other celebrities from the film. The showing will
also include his Oscar®-nominated short “Guard Dog.”
An outrageous Gothic myth from the 1950's, Hair High
is the legend of a teenage couple murdered on prom night who
returns as undead skeletons one year later for revenge. The
film is a unique romantic high-school comedy with a zombie-horror
twist.
The film features an all-star cast including the voice talents
of Dermot Mulroney, Sarah Silverman, David Carradine, Keith
Carradine, Beverly D'Angelo, Martha Plimpton, Eric Gilliland,
Ed Begley Jr., Michael Showalter, Zak Orth, Justin Long, Craig
Bierko, Tom Noonan and animators Matt Groening and Don Hertzfeldt,
some of whom will be in attendance at the premiere. Hair
High also features songs by Hank Bones and Maureen McElheron.
Maverick independent animator Bill Plympton self-financed
the film, co-produced by his friend and distant cousin, actress
Martha Plimpton. Plympton drew all 30,000 frames of this feature
film himself in about a year. The artist will also be in attendance
on Saturday, drawing pictures for those who want them.
MORE INFO HERE...
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE...
DISCUSS the film in the ANIMWATCH
FORUM...
FOR MORE INFO, see our FEATURE
ARTICLE on the film...
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04-09-2007
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We
have a Winner
We are pleased to announce the winner of our Maya
book contest is Mr. Michael Firman. He correctly listed the
first 8 films profiled at AnimWatch as stated in Podcast #1:
1
Theme Planet
2 Rustboy
3 Blue
4 Daring Planet
5 The Secret Joys of Myopia
6 The Mantis Parable
7 Lots of Robots
8 Pica Towers
His correct entry was put into the pool of correct entries
and his name was drawn by our lovely Production Assistant
Tandi Kapuchin. Mr. Firman is the winner of Lee Lanier's book,
Advanced Maya Texturing and Lighting, courtesey of Wiley Publishers.
Congratulations to all our hopefuls, and we'll see you next
contest!
DISCUSS
in the ANIMWATCH FORUM HERE...
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04-07-2007
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04-07-2007
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Mobifest
announces winners
Two winning Steves were flown into Los Angeles to
receive their prizes at the screening and awards ceremony
on Tuesday night, Apr 3.
- Steve Topham recieved the Butterfinger Sweet Dreams
prize for his film "Striptease", including
a bunch of tech gadgetry and a wagonload of Butterfinger bars.
- AnimWatch Editor Steve Ogden travelled from Baltimore
to receive the grand prize of tech gadgets and a creative
session with Mike Judge for his short, "Flakes".
Mobifest is very pleased with their collaboration with the
Animation Show, which resulted in a large number of entries
from talented animators around the world. Festival celebrity
panel member Mike Judge expressed his surprise at how difficult
it was to choose a single winner, so the festival added an
honorable mention category. Many notable films wound up as
honorable mentions, including AnimWatch regular Nigel Wood,
receiving recognition for his "Cosmonauties"
short.
MORE INFO HERE...
DISCUSS in the ANIMWATCH FORUM HERE...
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04-07-2007
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Stop
Motion Expo
ASIFA-Hollywood has asked us to announce the Stop
Mo Expo on April 21, 2007 at Woodbury University in Burbank,
California. Envisioned as a celebration of the art of stop
motion, there will be screenings, special guests, guest speakers,
panels and vendors. There will also be a stop motion animation
jam taking place all day long.
They're also looking for volunteers to help out, so if you're
free that day, it might be a good way for you to help support
a valuable animation artform as well as get a nice look behind
the scenes at the Expo.
MORE INFO HERE...
DISCUSS in the ANIMWATCH FORUM HERE...
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04-07-2007
 |
Ben
Stiller's Mastermind
Red Hour Films, the production entity of producing
partners Ben Stiller and Stuart Cornfeld, has announced their
upcoming film, Mastermind. DreamWorks Animation veterans
Cameron Hood and Kyle Jefferson are attached to make their
feature film directorial debut.
CLICK HERE
TO DISCUSS IN THE ANIMWATCH FORUM...
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