The Future of Indie Animation Studios
Marisa Materna peers into a reporters crystal ball to see if the future of animation lies in independent studios.
Tagged With: Studios
Rhythm + Hues Commercial Studios Signs Steve Beck
Acclaimed spot and features director Steve Beck has been hired by Rhythm + Hues Studios to bolster its commercial group.
This follows R+H (www.rhythm.com) bringing on Paul Babb as its new live action exec producer, as the studio has refocused its energies to create what it calls, The Complete Digital Studio a full service shop for both advertising agencies and production companies.
DisneyToon Studios Promotes Snedeker & Ferguson
DisneyToon Studios has promoted two execs with Brian Snedeker, previously svp of creative affairs for DisneyToon Studios, assuming the title of svp of pre-production and Karen Ferguson taking on the role of vp of 3D production.
Snedeker will report directly to Sharon Morrill, president of DisneyToon Studios. In his new undertaking, Snedeker will oversee pre-production as well as take an active role in the production phase of all animated films made by the studio.
Educational Alliances in India: Fueling Future Growth
Karen Raugust looks at how Indian animation programs are teaming up with studios and software providers to expand the countrys workforce as its 3D industry grows.
Vivendi Universal Games Acquires Game Developer Swordfish Studios
Vivendi Universal Games (VU Games) has acquired independent game developer Swordfish Studios. Under terms of the agreement, VU Games will retain Swordfish Studios' team of 45 development professionals, leaving the studio basically intact in its current office in Birmingham, England. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Rhythm & Hues Bolsters Commercial Group with Beck Signing
In response to the changing commercial environment, Rhythm& Hues Studios is evolving its commercial group in the attempt of creating a new production model.
With the hiring of Paul Babb as its new live action exec producer, the studio has refocused its energies to create what it calls The Complete Digital Studio a full service shop for both advertising agencies and production companies.
The result: Rhythm & Hues Commercial Studios.
Escape Studios and NaturalMotion to Offer endorphin in U.K.
endorphin, the valuable dynamic motion synthesis application from NaturalMotion, will be distributed in the U.K. by Escape Studios beginning in June. Working dynamically, the package uses Adaptive Behaviors, a unique system of parameters and settings, enabling 3D characters to self animate. Using artificial intelligence (AI), biomechanics and dynamics programming, endorphin provides animators with unrivalled power and speed. This, combined with the flexibility to integrate various types of animation data, presents a valuable new tool.
Namco Goes Ape Over Curious George
Namco Hometek has secured the gaming rights to CURIOUS GEORGE from Universal Studios Consumer Products Group, according to HOLLYWOOD REPORTER.
The game titles will be associated with Universal Pictures and Imagine Ent.'s animated feature film, based on the books by H. A. and Margret Rey. Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Jon Shapiro and David Kirschner produced the film, which will arrive in theaters Feb. 10, 2006.
DisneyToon Studios Folk Hammer Habitat for Home in Glendale
Executives, filmmakers and animators from DisneyToon Studios are donning hammers, nail, paint and brushes to lend a hand to Habitat for Humanity by building a home in Glendale, California for a needy family. The crew started work today (May 10, 2005) at 8:00 am and will continue on until Friday, May 13.
Lionhead Studios Integrates SOFTIMAGE|XSI into Game Pipeline
U.K.-based Lionhead Studios, creator of the FABLE and BLACK & WHITE game franchises, is adopting SOFTIMAGE|XSI software as the standard 3D art and animation tool for future development projects. Artists at Lionhead plan to use SOFTIMAGE|XSI software to create and animate the characters, props and environments for their next generation of PC and console games. The transition is set to take place in multiple phases starting next month.
Platinum Studios To Make CG Horror Flick Bonesaw
Platinum Studios and The Shop Prods. have chosen Alan McElroy (SPAWN) to write the screenplay for the $18 million budgeted first ever CG theatrical horror feature, BONESAW, based on the Platinum Studios graphic novel by acclaimed Scots writer Rob Moran. Relativity Management, one of Hollywood's leading talent management firms, will be co-financing the picture and is arranging the international elements. Production is set to begin in early 2006, and be completed fall 2007. McElroy will be splitting his time between his Ohio home and the Vancouver production offices of BONESAW.
TrendWatch Report Finds Sharp Rise in Server Buys at U.S. Studios
TrendWatch Inc., a leading market information company for the pro-video, visual effects, content creation and graphics markets, suggests in its 150-page report (Servers Holding the Workflow Together) that server growth will be strong this year.
An Evening with Walt Disney Studios
Begins: April 20, 2005
NYC ACM SIGGRAPH is hosting an evening with Walt Disney Studios. This event will be held from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at FIT's Haft Auditorium, which is located in Building C of FIT's campus on 27th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues. Admission for this event is free to both NYC ACM SIGGRAPH members and the general public.
Academy of Art University Industry Reception at Sony Pictures Studios
Begins: March 17, 2005
You and your guests are invited to our Industry Reception and Fashion Show at Sony Pictures Studios. Enjoy light refreshments while viewing our graduate runway fashion show and student art exhibition, featuring works by Animation & Visual Effects, Motion Pictures & Television, Computer ARts- New Media, Illustration, Photography and more.
This event is for industry ONLY.
Thursday, March 17th, 2005Industry Reception: 7 to 9PMGraduate Fashion Show: 8PMSony Pictures Studios10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA
Vinton Studios Secures Rights To The Wall And The Wing
Vinton Studios has nabbed the rights to author Laura Rubys second novel, THE WALL AND THE WING, due out from HarperCollins in 2006. In a high six-figure deal, Vinton Studios ceo Jeff Farnath announced that the book will be re-imagined for the screen and directed by Henry Selick (JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH and NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS).
Escape Awards 2005
Begins: March 11, 2005
Escape Studios is hosting the Escape Awards, which aims to find the best in emerging talent. The event offers work placements at top U.K. companies, which include Aardman, Cinesite, The Mill and Lionhead Studios. Other sponsors include Alias with media partnership from 3D World, Computer Arts and CG Networks.
There is a registration fee of
Jorgen Klubien To Direct Feature Film Story For Vinton Studios
Renowned director/screenwriter/storyboard artist/designer/animator Jorgen Klubien has been named a director of story for feature film at Vinton Studios where he will be responsible for developing animated feature film properties for the Portland-based entertainment studio, including his own original concepts as well as story ideas already in the Vinton pipeline.
TrendWatch Cites Gaming Action at Vfx/Animation Studios
According to TrendWatch Inc.s VISUAL EFFECTS/DYNAMIC MEDIA REPORT from last summer, 23% of American vfx/animation studios are allocating more resources for game development tools. Also, faster and more powerful desktop technology has enabled game developers to create compelling life-like, realistic film-like graphics. Plus, the combination of these two forces market growth and faster, more powerful technology -- is driving demand for more sophisticated magic from companies building games.
Steve Hendricks Joins Post Logic as President/CEO
Steve Hendricks has joined leading post-production boutique Post Logic Studios as president/ceo. With state-of-the-art facilities in Hollywood and New York, Post Logic has distinguished itself as a leader in digital intermediate and feature film restoration, and continues to expand into new and emerging arenas within the post-production realm. Hendricks brings a wealth of domestic and international experience into the company, and will oversee day-to-day business operations as well as expansion opportunities.
In People, Visual Effects, People, Visual Effects | Headline News | Geographic Region: All, North America
Pitching for Sub-Contracting Animation Work
Sarah Baisley outlines some of the basic concerns when pitching for sub-contracting work.
Platinum & Dimension To Bring The Darkness to the Big Screen
Platinum Studios and Top Cow Prods. Inc. announced a deal in which Dimension Films has acquired the exclusive rights to develop Top Cows THE DARKNESS as a live-action feature film. THE DARKNESS is the first film deal between Platinum and Top Cow, following Platinums acquisition of the film and television rights to Top Cows comic book library this past July.
New TrendWatch Report Analyzes Studio Costs
In its new COST ALLOCATION REPORT, TrendWatch Inc. details how U.S. studios allocate costs when adding new capabilities to their operations.
"Today's studios are facing difficult decisions on how they invest in talent, technology and physical facilities," said Jim Whittington, TrendWatch founding partner. "Given the importance that studios and their clients place on their capabilities and their people, understanding how costs are allocated for return on investment (ROI) is crucial for studios and the suppliers that sell to them."
Theme Park Vets Take on Big Roles at Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood has named veteran theme park executive Tim Runco, vp, entertainment, and has brought attraction designer John Murdy back to the company as creative director, entertainment production.
Sony, WB & Disney Pushing Digital Cinema Systems
Sony Pictures, Warner Bros. and the Walt Disney Co. are in early talks to form a joint venture to install digital cinema systems, reports HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. No details are set, but the trio of studios has issued offer letters to financial institutions, including JPMorgan Securities, for prospective bids for managing and financing. The studios should hear back from the investors by Nov. 5, 2004. As part of the new firm, the three studios would use the savings on prints and shipping to help fund the venture. The financial institution would secure the theaters.
A TrendWatch Perspective on the U.S. 3D Market
Jim Whittington of TrendWatch analyzes the 3D market in the U.S. and reports back with the emerging trends and changes.
