Thomson Course Technology and Animation World Network are proud to announce the formation of AWN Press, which will produce a series of books published by Thomson Course Technology covering major facets of the animation industry and offering a one-of-a-kind look into the careers of industry icons.
The first book, THE ANIMATION PIMP, will be released in June 2007, premiering with a book signing by author Chris Robinson and illustrator Andreas Hykade on June 12, 2007, at the Annecy International Animation Festival. The book is a collection of monthly columns written by Robinson, creative director of the Ottawa International Animation Festival, for ANIMATION WORLD MAGAZINE, AWN's flagship digital magazine published online since 1996. It presents a unique exploration of the world of animation, ranging from the aesthetics of cartoons to an insider's perspective on the workings of festivals. Robinson's idiosyncratic and often-humorous prose style is complemented by more than 70 original drawings by award-winning artist and animator Andreas Hykade, whose work provides an ideal visual counterpart to Robinson's musings.
ON ANIMATION - THE DIRECTOR'S PERSPECTIVE: THE OFFICIAL AWN MASTERS OF ANIMATION SERIES, set for release late 2007, will be the first in the MASTERS OF ANIMATION series. Based on original interviews with directors, producers, writers, character designers and other personnel, each book in this series will blend biography and technical information in an essential compendium that will provide an enlightening, informative and entertaining look at all aspects of the craft. Each book will include 10-15 interviews, with a dedicated chapter for each.
"As a leader in producing guides for the animation market, Thomson recognizes the important position that AWN occupies within this industry," said Stacy Hiquet, publisher/gm, Thomson Course Technology PTR. "We are proud to work with AWN on each of these official publications and believe they provide readers who are interested in the animation industry unique coverage and viewpoints that only AWN can offer."
According to AWN president/co-founder Ron Diamond, "Since AWN's inception, we have been looking for the right publishing partner and with Thomson Course Technology PTR, we have found one. With the new distribution channels that Thomson has to offer, AWN's leading reach with valuable animation content will now find a new audience in bookstores, to the trade and in the academic setting."
Each book will be available for purchase at www.courseptr.com, www.awn.com and at national retailers, such as www.amazon.com, Borders and Barnes & Noble. The books will also be available for international purchase from Amazon.
THE ANIMATION PIMP will sell for $24.99, while ON ANIMATION - THE DIRECTOR'S PERSPECTIVE: THE OFFICIAL AWN MASTERS OF ANIMATION SERIES will be priced at $39.99.
Thomson Learning delivers highly customized learning solutions for colleges, universities, professors, students, reference centers, government agencies, corporations and professionals around the world. These programs are delivered through specialized content, applications and services that foster academic excellence and professional development, as well as provide measurable learning outcomes to its customers. Thomson Learning's mission is to shape the future of global education by delivering consistently better learning solutions for learners, instructors and institutions. Thomson Course Technology is the worldwide leader in computing education, offering more than 1,600 print and innovative technology-based products for business and technology training. Learn more about Thomson Learning and Thomson Course at www.thomson.com/learning and www.course.com.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
