AWN Headline News

* Saturday, November 11, 2000. Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

* Friday, November 17 Sunday, November 19, 2000. Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.

Dimension's 1999 release BEOWULF, starring HIGHLANDER's Christopher Lambert and PARTY OF FIVE's Rhona Mitra, will arrive on video and DVD on October 17, 2000. The Bomb provided the visual effects. The story is based on the epic 8th century poem, which pits the valiant warrior Beowulf against the evil creator Grendel that feeds on the warriors of Hrothgar. No suggested retail price is listed.

Black Logic has created a new spot for Ben Gay and New York ad agency Cline, Davis & Mann. Making his directorial debut on the spot was Black Logic's Patrick Ferguson. "The idea was to take individual parts of the human body affected by the soothing relief of Ben Gay, and integrate them into a 3D environment, where the body could interact with medical graphics, charts, and, ultimately, the product itself," said Ferguson. Floyd Gillis of Black Logic's creative partner, AFCG, created all of the CGI.

Editor Renny Maslow has joined New York-based Editing Concepts, following a two-year stint with New York City's Northern Lights Post. He has worked on a spot for Hellman's Mayonnaise, directed by Bob Giraldi, and spots for Knorr Forkfulls and Fat Cat Ale, which he directed. Maslow has also cut music videos for Lisa Loeb and Rufas Wainwright and two independent feature films, ENDSVILLE and THE COURT. "I wanted to be more involved with narrative work," said Maslow. "I really love the vibe here. Nelson (Leonard) and Owen (Plotkin) are great editors and strong mentors.

ASIFA, the only internationally sanctioned organization for animation, will open a chapter in India. This new chapter will be located in the city of Trivandrum within the Indian state of Kerala, home of Toonz Animation India. The first meeting of ASIFA India will occur during The 2nd Annual Week With The Masters Animation Celebration, from October 30 - November 3, 2000. Bill Dennis, president and CEO of Toonz Animation India, will head the new chapter. Dennis has worked on animated classics such as THE LION KING, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, ALADDIN and THE LITTLE MERMAID.

On Monday, October 16, 2000, Z.com, an Internet comedy content site, laid off 50 workers -- half of its staff. However, the Webcaster has secured additional financing to keep it operating until at least next spring. The company's major backers include Internet incubator Idealab, Basic Entertainment, 3 Arts Entertainment, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and Maverick Records partner Guy Oseary. "It's a tough time," Z.com CEO Joe DiNunzio told THE DAILY VARIETY. "Today's a very challenging day to have to let some really talented people go, but it's in the best interest of the company.

* Wednesday, October 25, 2000. Washington, D.C., U.S.A.

Yuri Norstein is coming to Georgetown University. Norstein will talk about his life and work, in a program called "Animation & Me." The event is being sponsored by the Center for Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies. The event is free to the public and will take place from noon to 2 pm. For information call Astrik Teni at Georgetown University (202) 687-5576.

* Wednesday, November 8 Friday, November 10, 2000. Hollywood, California, U.S.A.

The ANIMATION MAGAZINE Animation Business Marketplace is dedicated to expanding opportunities for professionals working in animation and new media. The conference will have presentations to explain the art, technologies and challenges confronting the industry today. The event gives visitors a chance to interact with other people working in the booming sector of new media and animation. For more information contact John Tidwell at: johntidwell@flashcore.com.

The Golden Globe winner for best comedy/musical, TOY STORY 2, will be riding onto video and DVD on October 17, 2000. The sequel to the 1995 blockbuster continues the story of Woody and Buzz with Woody getting kidnapped by a money-grubbing toy collector. The TOY STORY 2 DVD will feature a widescreen version, outtakes, French language track, a sneak peek at Pixar's next film MONSTERS, INC. and the Oscar-nominated short film LUXO JR. Walt Disney Home Video will also be offering a TOY STORY DVD 2-Pack featuring the original movie.

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With live-action films MEET THE PARENTS and REMEMBER THE TITANS reclaiming their first and second spots respectively, the debut of New Lines LOST SOULS only managed to place third. The anti-Christ adventure, with primary visual effects by Cinesite, grossed US$7.95 million. The reissue of THE EXORCIST slipped to sixth with a gross of $5.24 million. The horror classic, with digital clean-up by Pacific Title Digital, has scared up $30.53 million thus far. When the dust cleared, ALMOST FAMOUS edged out live-action mockumentary, BEST IN SHOW, to claim ninth place, grossing $2.19 million.