Belmont, California-based LifeMode Interactive, Inc. has released LifeStudio: Head, a complete facial animation solution for interactive game and multimedia developers. Created using LifeMode's Macro-Muscle proprietary technology, LifeStudio: Head Tools allows artists to quickly create a wide variety of characters, complete with photo-realistic textures, real-time animation and lip-syncing.
For over 25 years, the annual SIGGRAPH conference has celebrated the achievements of artists, scientists, programmers, and interactive designers. The Computer Animation Festival is the most prestigious event of its kind. It is an internationally recognized and highly anticipated showcase that documents significant advances in technology, interactive techniques, and
Interactive software publisher TDK Mediactive, Inc. has signed a worldwide licensing agreement with Disney Interactive to create games based on two upcoming Disney films that take their premises from well-known Disneyland theme rides. First up is the HAUNTED MANSION, which will make its way to the big screen in 2003. The theatrical release of HAUNTED MANSION will be supported by TDK Mediactive on most major video game platforms in time for Halloween and the holiday season.
Gullane Entertainment has signed a deal with educational products developer LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. to create THOMAS & FRIENDS interactive storybooks. THOMAS THE REALLY USEFUL ENGINE will be created for the "LeapPad" learning system and will include curriculum-based activities that are integrated into each page of the story. This title is part of LeapFrog's pre-reading series of books and is geared toward children in pre-kindergarten through first grade. The second title, THOMAS AND THE SCHOOL TRIP, will be developed for the "My First LeapPad" learning system.
Big Idea Productions, creators of the direct-to-video children's series VEGGIETALES, has teamed with interactive entertainment publisher ValuSoft, to create and distribute three new interactive PC CD-ROM games. Based on the VEGGIETALES series, each interactive game allows players to join their favorite VEGGIETALES characters including Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber, to play games and complete projects. The first title, THE MYSTERY OF VEGGIE ISLAND, will be available on September 15, 2002.
BRB Internacional has signed a strategic deal with Queen Bee Interactive (QBI) to develop interactive programming for various platforms and digital broadcasts. BRB is an independent and privately owned Spanish animation company with 30 years experience in the audio-visual production, distribution and licensing sectors. QBI specializes in the production and development of interactive applications, projects and interactive TV programs. The company has previously collaborated with various international media outlets including AOL/TimeWarner.
Kids videogame publisher THQ and Nickelodeon have an extensive videogame lineup for 2002 featuring popular Nickelodeon shows. In addition to games based on Nickelodeon's television series RUGRATS, SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS and ROCKET POWER, THQ will also offer an interactive adaptation of Nickelodeon's upcoming theatrical release THE WILD THORNBERRYS and games based on the JIMMY NEUTRON: BOY GENIUS movie and upcoming JIMMY NEUTRON television series.
Attention all designers, animators and digital film enthusiasts! An installation and screening of cinematic and interactive Flash films. This is the largest event of its kind held in the southeast and will featurecinematic Flash films on the big screen and also feature kiosks allowing attendees to explore interactive Flash media up close and personal.
Submissions are now being taken for cinematic Flash films and interactive Flash works. Please see http://www.flashbangonline.com for more info.
Milia 2002 is the world's interactive content marketplace for interactive entertainment, broadband Internet, wireless media and interactive television. It takes place in Cannes, France between February 4-8, 2002.
Disney Interactive has launched a new publishing label called Plaid Banana Entertainment to create a complete line of software in the kid's adventure genre. Disney is teaming with Hulabee Entertainment, a digital media company established by Humongous Entertainment co-founders Shelley Day and Ron Gilbert. Under the agreement, Disney Interactive will handle all marketing and distribution for Plaid Banana Entertainment titles.
The interactive division of Toronto-based DECODE Entertainment is going into production on two Websites based on animated series. In addition to creating a French-language version of UNDERGRADS Online, they will also be developing the interactive world of GIRLSTUFF BOYSTUFF. UNDERGRADS Online is the Website DECODE developed alongside the animated series that currently airs on MTV and Teletoon. Co-produced by DECODE and MTV Animation, UNDERGRADS follows four male friends as they attempt to maintain their camaraderie while struggling to survive their first year at different colleges.
As part of Vivendi Universal Publishing's long-term deal with Tolkien Enterprises, Universal Interactive will publish games based on J.R.R. Tolkien's best-selling saga THE LORD OF THE RINGS. The company acquired the exclusive rights to develop interactive entertainment based on selected Tolkien literary works. Universal Interactive will create games for multiple next-generation and PC platforms with content derived from Tolkien's novels THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING, THE TWO TOWERS and THE RETURN OF THE KING.
R!OT and Liberty Livewire LLC's Interactive Services Group, both units of Liberty Media Group, have launched a joint venture aimed at developing interactive television applications. Under the plan, R!OT will link its broadcast post-production services with the Interactive Services Group's Web authoring, data management and e-commerce services. As part of the new venture, Liberty Livewire's Interactive Services Group has relocated its creative staff to the R!OT campus in Santa Monica.
"Les Webproducteurs" is a non-profit organization which brings together French Internet production companies responsible for a vast spectrum of editorial and audiovisual content - both interactive and linear - including animations, illustrations, music, games, fiction, cross platform and documentaries.In every city, Les Webproducteurs highlights the output and creativity of 60 webproduction companies and the content they offer for your Internet portals, interactive and linear TV. The World Tour takes place in the cities of Paris, Amsterdam, Los Angeles, Tokyo and Mexico.
The Kids & Teens Interactive conference is about developing global interactive youth communities and marketplaces. Currently, kids and teens represent the fastest growing market segments in the areas of Internet usage, cellular phone usage and gaming. The Kids & Teens conference will provide the latest information on Internet and wireless usage, content development, marketing and revenue streams.
The Macromedia Flash Player has been integrated into Liberate's open, standards-based interactive television platform for commercial deployment. The integration of the Macromedia Flash Player makes it possible for the more than one million Macromedia Flash developers to create compelling content and applications for interactive TV on the Liberate TV Platform software.
* Kids & Teens Interactive: Monday, October 29 - Tuesday, October 30, 2001, Los Angeles, California USA.
Gary Sproule has been named vice president of finance and chief financial officer at Disney Interactive. He will oversee the worldwide finance function for the company, including strategic planning, controllership, operations, administration and information technology. Sproule joins Disney Interactive from Whatshotnow.com, where he was the chief financial officer and chief operating officer. Prior to Whatshotnow.com, Sproule was chief financial officer at both Magnet Interactive Communications and Electek Group.
d-2, a Dallas-based interactive, multimedia and Web development firm, has formally announced its grand opening and spin-off from its former parent, D Animation, one of the most successful interactive, multimedia and Web development firms in Texas, having served over 300 clients, including American Airlines, Canon, Anderson Consulting and Nortel. d-2 began operations on February 15, 2001 and is currently on track to exceed $2 million in yearly billings. d-2 will focus its business services on the real estate, telecommunications, technology and manufacturing industries. Darjon R.
Sanjeev Lamba has been named vice president, International, at Disney Interactive. Lamba will oversee development and management of Disney Interactive's business in territories outside North America, including Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific and Japan. Lamba has been with The Walt Disney Company since 1993. He joins Disney Interactive from Disney Consumer Products in Japan, where he served as vice president, licensing and marketing. Prior to that, he was director of marketing for Disney Consumer Products' licensed business in the Asia Pacific region.
On May 24, 2001, Fox Interactive announced the appointment of Michael R. Heilemann as director of technology. Heilemann will report to Michael Pole, senior vice president of product development, and will direct Fox Interactive's software development efforts and technical research and development. Additionally, Heilemann will oversee the company's relationships with its hardware partners Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony. Heilemann comes to Fox Interactive from Electronic Arts Canada, where he was a senior software engineer.
Havas Interactive, a subsidiary of Vivendi Universal Publishing, has changed its name to Vivendi Universal Interactive Publishing (VU Interactive Publishing). The company is comprised of two operating divisions, Vivendi Universal Interactive Publishing North America (VU Interactive Publishing NA) and Vivendi Universal Interactive Publishing International, each of which is charged with directing the sales, distribution and operating activities in its respective region.
Creative Content For Interactive TV is a two-day conference focusing on the development of creative programs, Websites and campaigns for Interactive TV. The keynote speaker will be Giles Keeble, group creative director for Publicis. The conference will feature various speakers, case studies, panel discussions and networking events. Topics to be discussed will be the move to digital technology, transcending technology boundaries, working relationships between new and old agencies and much more. Companies that will be attending will be the BBC, BskyB, Magic Lantern Productions and Publicis.
I.D. Magazine is recognizing outstanding interactive work for the year 2000. Eligible for the awards are CD-Roms, Websites, games, kiosk interfaces, promotional demos and unpublished prototypes. A panel of judges will choose gold, silver and bronze prizewinners. All winners will be featured in the June issue of I.D. MAGAZINE. Last entries will be accepted no later than January 15, 2001 and any entry postmarked after January 8 must include an additional US$25 late fee.
The Otis College of Art & Design and the Webisode Academy are presenting a panel discussion on "Women On The Web." The panelists will be Michele Martell, Vice President of Business Affairs and Interactive Business Development, Jim Henson Interactive; Jodi Resnick, Head of Entertainment at Disney.com; Diane Holland, SVP Production Operations, Magnet West; Michelle Romaine, Producer, Flinch Studio; and Amanda Veith, AtomFilms. Director of the Webisode Academy Kellie-Bea Cooper will serve as the moderator.
