"Where the Wild Things Are" - CG test from 1983

This is a test for a project based on "Where the Wild Things Are", it featured John Lasseter's hand animated characters on 3D computer backgrounds done by MAGI Synthevision. This was an early Disney foray into computers, but they didn't pursue the computer as an artistic tool any further at that time. Pixar (then Lucasfilm) saw the test and did get it; they hired Lasseter.

courtesy of Floyd on Channel Frederator.com

You didn't hear this from me, but I think disney/pixar might have a certain project that they are thinking of resurrecting.

If Lasseter pulls it off, this proves to me that he is the next Walt Disney.

_Lee

Some Richard Williams Goodies

So Thor let me know that he recently watched a really good version of a re-cut The Thief and the Cobbler, and that got me really digging again for some stuff. I came across some info on an independently produced, fan-re-cut version of the film, complete with some lost golden footage and boards. I had been checking up on this indie version off and on over the years and it was finally finished this August. I've only found where you can download the DVD off of a torrent site (which is a pain, and I'm not too keen on those things) but you can watch the WHOLE THING on youtube. God bless youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2czfar4Zg4

You'll have to watch it in segments, but it's quite a catch.

Also, I was sent a link the other day on a good little documentary on Richard Willaims done in the 80's. Talks quite a bit too about Thief and the Cobbler and show's the film vault where Williams kept every bit of the film and art up until it was all taken away and sent off to Korea and not preserved at all.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4555340289026154222&q=I+Drew+Roger+Rabbit

The Animation Show is Coming to TOWN!

Roseland Ballroom, January 25-26, 2007
239 W 52nd St (btw. 8th Av & Broadway) New York, NY 10019

Times: (25th) 8:00 PM, (26th) 6:30 & 9:00 PM
Ticket Price: $12.50
Website: Roseland Ballroom

Yay!!
new York info

I know its a little early but I wanna go!

Hell Puppets? You Bet!

Hellish Dante Website

FOX

ATTENTION ANIMATORS/FILMMAKERS

FOX BROADCASTING COMPANY is seeking fast-paced, comedic, animated shorts for a new show in development. Content should be appropriate for network television and viewer friendly to the 18-35 year old male demographic (think Robot Chicken, Cartoon Sushi, Liquid Television).

If your short is selected it will be aired on FOX and you will be paid a non-exclusive licensing fee.

Please send all submissions on DVD or VHS to the address listed below by FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Patty or Simon at 323.785.2660.

Super Delicious Television Production

419 North Larchmont Blvd., #335

Los Angeles, California 90004

Hey Everybody!

So, if this doesn't get hits I lose my job...not really, but you should check this out anyway, the animation is kinda lame, having to keep within the file size. But the idea is really fun.

www.jadukatv.com

http://www.800thecard.com/flash.html

TonY

Name Yer Department

Hank emailed me a little bit ago, wondering if we should maybe change the name of the Traditional Animation Department. It sounds a bit dowdy and old-fashioned. I know, I know, it IS a little dowdy and old fashioned. That's cool. But, well, it's not a very good name. Here are some suggestions from us faculty folks:

Fran:

Narrative Animation
Character Animation
Multimedia Animation
4D (ha!)
Frame by Frame Animation
Storytelling Animation
Animation Direction

Lisa Crafts:

classic
classical
vintage
old school
hand drawn
handmade

Pat:

"Cel" and "CG", then for the true fossils "Stop Motion"

Andy London:

under the camera


Or maybe our department is just described with an "air guitar" gesture and "devil" hand sign? I don't know. I'm thinking too much about turkey.
-Fran

Pixar Rules

Sorry to bump the invitation below. I found these rules a couple days ago. I Thought they were interesting.


PIXAR RULES

1. No politics

I truly think they mean this. In all the interaction and panels I saw their team conduct, everyone seemed to a have a healthy sense of humor and not once did I detect an unhealthy ego lurking in the background.

2. No studio execs

By this, Andrew stated that Pixar is studio run by artists, in his words "film school without the teachers". There are no layers of middle managers, creative executives or corporate bureaucrats itching to put their thumbprint on every project that comes their way. Just artists striving to make the very best entertainment on planet earth.

I truly believe that most Hollywood misfires are a result of the multi-layered, ego-filled bureaucracy that is Hollywood. Just ask any credit administrator at a major studio and they'll tell you about all the bizarre things people do just to get their name in the credits of a movie … even if they had nothing to do with it. Ego often rules Hollywood, but not Pixar.

3. Director driven studio

Why does this matter? Someone needs to run the show and without studio execs and a host of producers or other actors to please, the director takes the reins. But these aren't just any director. Most of these people are WRITER - Directors. They are visual storytellers who work closely with another writer and/or director to develop and create their movies. Again, this is a team effort with the director(s) taking the lead. And it's amazing what a singular vision can create with a great supporting team.

4. In-house original ideas ONLY

Sorry folks. If you had some idea you wanted to submit to Pixar for their next film…you're out of luck. The only ideas the surface in Emeryville, CA come from the inside and not just from the writers or directors. Everyone, company-wide, is encouraged to submit ideas. And they are actually considered.

Of course upon hearing of these concepts, a film executive once asked Stanton, "What, do you live in fairyland?" to which Stanton proudly exclaimed, "Yes, I live in fairyland."

I think this is what people have told me they are bringing so far... correct me if I left you off or got your food wrong.

Alisa - turkey & cranberries
Maya - sweet potatoes
Dan - mashed potatoes
Lee - beverage
Javan - stuffed mushrooms
Manny - dessert (brownies and/or pie)
Max - turkey burgers

Plates/cups/flatware/napkins are still needed... and some veggies would also be nice. Also stuffing and rolls. Anything else? Just post it.

Down In You Go

The Platform International Animation Festival finally has a decent website that went live probably a couple of weeks ago, I'd guess. But it's there! There's lots more info and it seems to promise a lot. But if you have anything submit-able, do it! There's no submission fee! They have a submission deadline of March 1st, so there's still a bit of time for misc stuff, and I quote "rough cuts are accepted if most of the animation is complete." Which I assume they mean that you'll finish the film before the festival, but are submiting an unfinished piece before submission deadline. Thesis kids?
Anyhow, I like my hometown, and it would be hot to see some Pratt work in the show. If anyone's interested in heading out there for it, I'm sure I could swindle somebody's couch for you. Just a little something for the radar.

2D puppet prep and animation

I am looking for some help on a project for a corporate event. It is a parody animation of “Who Could Ask for Anything More” in a puppet cutout style. The project involves prepping the files of one major character and 5 subordinates. The major character will have some basic lip synching as well as the 5 subordinates. There is some very rudimentary animation on the body of the main character and some even more simple animation on the 5 subordinates (all in unison and not separate keyframing). This could be a lot of fun for someone who is looking for some extra work and possibly a piece for the reel not to mention building relationships with Turbulence which may lead to other work. The project is a paying project. The rate will be discussed.
Please contact Scott @ Turbulence.

Thanks,
Scott

Scott Lange
Creative Director
Turbulence Effects
49 Murray Street #1 New York, NY 10007
212 349-0891 office
scott@turbulenceffects.com

Avatar Character Designers Wanted

So my office has a designer that they farm out some work to, and he is really bad. They want new people to work on some avatars, its not an internship or anything like that, its just freelance gig that pays around $200 per character design. Each character is different but there is a general framework:

In general each charater would need:
* a body and face
* min 4 costumes (meaning sets of clothes)
* a random number of accessories
* and whatever specific things we would ask for

If anyone is interested email me at Anthony@oddcast.com and I can tell you more

Turkey Day II

Who's up for it? We can have it in G50 if no one wants to volunteer their room. I think we had it Tuesday night last year... is that still good? And I call the turkey again!!

kick ass

simpsons movie

What makes the muppets so great?

Jim Henson equals pure genius. Something about his charcter designs that could translate so well to animation.

below are some of my favorite characters, can anyone guess why they are my fav?

FLUSHED AWAY Opening this weekend

First, my apologies to Lee and Katie for standing above their posts.

Aardman Animation's first ever CG venture opens this weekend, and so far, the reviews have been mostly positive.

/

Lowes on Court St. is the closest venue showing the movie. I intend to go to a evening showing this Saturday. Either the 7:30 or 9:40. If anyone is interested in accompanying me to this curious little picture, please respond via comments.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Assistant Animators needed!

Assistant Animators needed for traditionally drawn animation project.
Must have solid draughting skills and understanding of animation
motion principles.
Artists will be doing inbetweens and clean ups. Modest pay, screen
credit. Theatrical project.

Contact richard@asteriskpix.com (212) 255-8880

Its my BIRTHDAY fooools!

my excellent fellow animators please make your presence known and save the date. Caponies and an excellent bar that gives you a free pizza with your drink and there should be jammin' dance hits and good times had by all!! rsvp via commmento.. <3