The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has licensed Eyetronics' ShapeSnatcher software to experiment with what researchers call videorealistic talking humans that would be used in TV, film and games. ShapeSnatcher Suite 3.0 is an integrated software package that transforms an average slide projector and digital camera into a sophisticated 3D scanning and modeling system.
Friday, April 5 - Tuesday, April 9, 2002. San Francisco, California, USA. * Entry Deadline: Friday, January 18, 2002
Pulse, the San Francisco-based 3D media solutions company, laid off an undisclosed number of staff members on Monday, September 17, 2001. While an exact number was not revealed, AWN was told that it was less than 50% of the companys total workforce. The lay-offs were predominately from the administrative sector with some engineering staff also being let go. A spokesperson for the company sees the staff cuts as a positive move for Pulse allowing them a greater ability to reach profitability. The company plans to move toward e-learning, while continuing its current licenses.
Award-winning stop-motion animator Billy Greene was found shot dead just outside of his apartment in the 4300 block of Adeline St. in Emeryville, California on September 10, 2001. He was 33 years old. Police say there was evidence the killer tried to remove his wallet, but had fled without it or its contents. His body was found just after midnight. No suspects were seen and no arrests have been made.
Due to the terrorist attacks suffered by the United States on September 11, 2001, the 53rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards presentation has been rescheduled for Sunday, October 7, 2001. However, the Emmys for animation and visual effects have already been awarded on September 8, 2001 as previously published here. The winners for individual achievement in animation were Rodney Clouden for FUTURAMA; Curt Enderle and Brad Schiff for GARY & MIKE; and Kyle Menke for INVADER ZIM. The winners in the voiceover performance category were Hank Azaria in THE SIMPSONS and Ja' Net DuBois in THE PJS.
Discreet, a division of Autodesk Inc., announced a variety of new products at the 2001 International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) held in Amsterdam September 14-18, 2001. Among the new products unveiled to the European community were frost 3, the latest version of Discreet's real-time 3D-broadcast graphics creation and delivery system and combustion 2, the latest version of its paint, animation and 3D-compositing software for Windows and Macintosh platforms. Both products are expected to begin shipping by end-of-year 2001.
Interactive entertainment company Infogrames, Inc. has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with UK-based game publisher, Codemasters. Under the terms of the one-year deal, Infogrames will be the sole distributor of Codemasters' interactive entertainment titles throughout North America. Codemasters expects to publish 17 SKUs between September 2001 and August 2002. The first title Infogrames distributed under the agreement is OPERATION FLASHPOINT, a realistic military action game for the PC.
Midway Games Inc. announced its results of operations for the fiscal fourth quarter and fiscal year ended June 30, 2001.The company also reported preliminary details of its product release schedule for the period September 2001 through December 2002. Fiscal 2001 fourth quarter revenues were $20,215,000 compared with revenues of $24,724,000 in the prior year period.
Twentieth Century Fox has united its international theatrical and international home entertainment units under the supervision of Stephen Moore. Moore has been president of Twentieth Century Fox, Home Entertainment International (TCFHEI) since June 1997. In his new position as president of Twentieth Century Fox International, Moore will continue to oversee TCFHEI and will also oversee the company's international theatrical marketing and distribution operations, which will continue to be managed by Scott Neeson, president, Twentieth Century Fox International Theatrical.
Gullane Entertainment, the UK-based developer and marketer of such childrens based entertainment as BRITT ALLCROFT'S MAGIC ADVENTURES OF MUMFIE and THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE AND FRIENDS, has named David Snyder senior vice president of entertainment as part of the company's ongoing expansion efforts. In this newly appointed position, Snyder will oversee Gullane Entertainment's global production, distribution and development activity and will be based in the company's New York office.
In France, Cartoon Network joins the top 10 most popular cable and satellite channels in the country and stands out as the number one channel for kids ages 4 to 10 in CanalSatellite homes (reaching 68.8% of this age group during one week). Findings from Mediacabsat, the cable and satellite channel survey by Médiamétrie, is promising news for the channel that went on air less than two years ago. Cartoon Network now has an 8.9% audience share of 4 to 10 year olds watching CanalSatellite.
Director Harry Karidis of Tropix and Karidis Productions called on creative digital effects company Ring of Fire to create a new anti-smoking PSA entitled "Living Mural." The PSA was created for the Arizona Department of Health Services and TEPP (Tobacco Education and Prevention Program) and showcases the work of muralist Judith Baca of SPARC (Social and Public Arts Resource Center). "Living Mural" begins with a young man walking past a mural on a busy neighborhood street. He carelessly throws down his cigarette and the mural is set ablaze.
Target Stores and Nickelodeon announced an exclusive marketing partnership for the fall retail launch of Nickelodeon's popular animated character, SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS. Available in all 1,019 Target stores nationwide, SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS merchandise includes school supplies, men's, women's and children's apparel, toys and more. Select items also are available online at target.com.
The Sharpe Company has appointed Italys BIC Licensing and Australian apparel company Barrymores Pty. Ltd., as licensing agents for Great Britains popular pre-school program HUMPHREYS CORNER. These agents join the HUMPHREYS CORNER licensing team headed by Charles Day, president of The Sharpe Company, worldwide licensee of the elephant character. HUMPHREYS CORNER is based on characters created and written by Sally Hunter in a series of books for preschool children about an elephant named Humphrey.
Activision has acquired the exclusive worldwide rights to develop and publish interactive games based on THE FANTASTIC FOUR and IRONMAN for the next-generation console systems and the PC. These brands complement the company's current slate of Marvel Super Heroes that include SPIDER-MAN, X-MEN and BLADE. Possessing unique powers, THE FANTASTIC FOUR challenge the unknown to benefit humanity. Reed Richards (Mr.
The Creative Emmy Awards were presented at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on September 8, 2001, honoring performers in voiceover and animation.
Digital production company noisemedia has been contracted to produce an animated version of a broadcast commercial for Canada's largest beer maker, Molson. The "I Am Canadian" campaign will be syndicated across noisemedia's affiliated Web networks and will coincide with Molson's current broadcast advertising campaign. The company will produce a 30-second and a 10-second spot featuring an original cast of animated characters created by noisemedia's animation division.
Western Images created an animated fashion show to present Cingular Wireless fall collection of wireless telephone packages. In Catwalk, the bright orange figure of the Cingular logo appears sashaying down the catwalk to the accompaniment of flashbulbs and applause, and is then joined by several look-alikes, each mimicking the moves of runway models.
Blur Studio has produced a computer-animated intro-movie video for Activisions RETURN TO WOLFENSTEIN CASTLE, the sequel to CASTLE WOLFENSTEIN 3D. The video, presenting the back story to the Wolfenstein saga, will be packaged with the game and will also screen in movie theaters worldwide in fall 2001 supporting the games launch. To accommodate theater screenings, Blur Studio produced the animation for the trailer at film resolution. They also incorporated a high degree of detail and fluid motion. One of the most distinctive features is its un-computer graphic look.
In a global partnership that includes Disney consumer products, theme parks and resorts, and an array of promotional initiatives, the Walt Disney Company and Kellogg Company announced a new global, multi-year corporate alliance. Kellogg, the world's leading producer of cereal, will have exclusive rights to develop and market co-branded Disney/Kellogg breakfast foods based on Disney characters. In addition, Kellogg will become the "official sponsor of breakfast" at Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort and Disneyland Paris.
