I wish there was more of this sort of thing. Hellboy on late night talkshows just shooting the s#!t in character - talking about his acting process in the movie versus real life paranormal detecting. Well here's a glimpse of that kind of fun...
The second spot has Hellboy and Chuck playing video games and coming up with a brilliant marketing idea.
Pitch Party ’08 Results Are In!
After several days of deliberation, Animation Magazine's animation industry judges have finally weighed in, and they have the winners of the Seventh Annual Animation Magazine Pitch Party. In addition, they've received thousands of online votes to determine the latest crop of standouts. Their grand prize winners will be given the chance to pitch to the judge of their choice and perhaps become the next big thing in animation. They’d like to thank everyone who voted for their part in making Pitch Party ’08 one of the magazine’s biggest events of the past 20 years.
First Place [Tie]: RIP Alice (Mike Jones)
Mike Jones, a 26-year-old first-year student at north Vancouver’s Capilano College came up with a nice twist on the fish-out-of-water concept: a toon abut a big city Goth girl who has to learn how to cope with the simple pleasures of a small-town lifestyle. Don Perro, who heads up the animation program at Capilano, presented the competition to their animation/design students and their top six ideas made it to their Pitch Party pages.
“RIP Alice was an idea that had formulated in my head over the last few months, having just moved to a big city for the first time,” says Mike. “Traveling on the bus each day I'd see all kinds of young people who seemed like their only job was to look cool and hip ... I found it very funny how they would complain about the most superficial things.”
Mike says he grew up on the Looney Tunes and Tom & Jerry shorts and would love to explore the world of animation as best as he can. “I'd like to take a stab at 3D animation, although I don't think I'll ever be able to put away my sketch book,” he adds. “Character design and development is where I'm strongest. Ultimately though, I'd like to work my way towards being a director. Excellent storytelling is becoming rare, and so it's something I'm really looking to learn more about.” We’re hoping that Alice the Goth girl will open a whole lot of doors for this talented artist in the years ahead.
First Place [Tie]: Lerning Is Fub (Brian Smith, Eggplant)
When you’re hot, you’re hot! Brian Smith, who works at Toronto’s sound and design outfit, Eggplant Collective, won top prize last year with his King of the Universe pitch, placed second place in 2006 with Monster in a Box and, this year, he had everyone giggling about his “educational show made by morons and starring Stitches the Lobotomized Cat.”
"It's good to know that there are others out there just as eager to warp the minds of our children," he jokes. "Having three daughters, I was subjected to years of so-called children's 'edu-tainment,' so this was my way of getting back at Barney for all the pain he inflicted upon my wife and I." Brian is developing more animated concepts at Eggplant, and he's also working on an animation/live-action script about a cartoon boy who is trying to adapt to life in the real world--a new take on Pinocchio. "Any agents out there looking to rep a good writer, do call!" he says.
Brian points out that winning the Pitch Party opened new doors for his company and has landed him several fruitful industry meetings in the past. His advice for future contestants? “It’s really important to come up with an idea that is simple to convey: the best idea you have many not be the best Pitch Party idea. If it can’t be conveyed in the space of a business card, it doesn’t matter if it’s the next Simpsons!” Frankly, we would love to see Lerning Is Fub become as big as the Simpsons!
Second Place: The House of Woooo (Colleen Thomas)
First-year Capilano College (in North Vancouver) student Colleen Thomas put a fun spin on the old werewolf mystery tales which appealed to our judges. “It started with the idea of these two odd kids being the caretaker for their grandpa, but something had to be horribly wrong,” says the talented 24-year-old artist. “I've always liked action adventure cartoons best, and I draw a lot of monsters and scrappy kids, so it seemed like a natural combination. It's the kind of story that I would like to work on, or to watch—That's what I tried to think of.” Many of our judges also wanted to see Colleen’s vision come to animated life.
Third Place: Tag (Mike Chapman)
Mike, a senior at Savannah’s College of Art and Design, says he wanted to create a short that was simple, yet, very cinematic. “I liked the idea of thinking of the robot as the kid's best friend combined with the devotion and playfulness of a dog,” he explains. Tag is basically about love, and what you would do to save what you love.” Mike learned about the Pitch Party through SCAD chair of animation Jeremy Moorshead, who generously sponsored six of the school’s students. He says his senior project will be a short based on his pitch. He adds, “I think most people enter this field because they have a story to tell, something that they think about day and night. It's a wonderful thing when we are given a chance to bring some of these ideas to light.” We have a feeling Mike’s work will get a lot of more recognition once he finishes his senior project.
Animation Magazine Staff Picks
First Place: Lerning Is Fub (Brian Smith, Eggplant) Second Place: The Princess & The Mermaid (Jo Reid, Capilano College) Third Place: Cow Kitty (E. Mullock, Capilano College) ) Honorable Mention: Evil Genius Academy (Lee Sheppard)
Animation Magazine Online Readers’ Picks
First Place: That Intellectual Wacky Show (Ariel Quezada) Second Place: Rocket (Daniel Contois) Third Place: The Boogie Woogies, Superhero Band (Grande Musical Promotions, Selina Box)
The Pitch Party is an extremely targeted advertising campaign designed to help indie producers and up-and-coming talents present their ideas to influential people who currently hold key positions in the development and production of animated television. Contestants who purchased a 1/6th–page ad at a discount rate in this issue were able to get their ideas off of their computers and draft tables, and in front of these execs and the animation industry at large.
We wish our grand prize winners Mike Jones of Capilano College and Brian Smith of Eggplant the best of luck with RIP Alice and Lerning Is Fub and hope good things come from the exposure all of this year’s contestants received by participating. Next year’s Pitch Party will be here before you know it (deadline is June 16, 2009), so start getting those pitches together now!
Be sure to check out all of this year's Pitch Party ads in the August (Comic-Con) issue of Animation Magazine!
"Avatar" Book 3 Vol. 4 DVD Reveals Titles, Special Features
TVShowsOnDVD.com has revealed the back cover of Avatar the Last Airbender Book 3, Vol. 4 DVD. The DVD will include the final six episodes of the show, and the newly released artwork gives the subtitles for each episode in the four-part finale. The artwork also reveals that commentary tracks will be provided, although not for which episodes. The DVD is scheduled for release on July 29, 2008.
Jill Shields Named SVP at Turner Animation, Young Adults and Kids Media
Jill Shields has been named Senior Vice President of marketing and promotions for Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s Animation, Young Adults and Kids Media (AYAKM). In her new position, Shields will be developing and executing promotional marketing programs for brands across the division, which includes Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, and GameTap.com. She was promoted from vice president of promotions marketing and sponsorships for Cartoon Network and Adult Swim.
Motion Capture Animation Techniques Help Children to Walk
NYTimes has posted an article wherein George Lucas discusses elements of his latest film and television project Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Lucas talks in depth about creating the film and his involvement with the project. The film, set to be released by Warner Brothers on Aug 15, will also introduce an animated television series with the same title that will have its debut on the Cartoon Network this fall.
The recipe to Pixar’s success
The Hollywood Reporter takes a look at Pixar’s winning streak and tries to break down the reason for the studio’s consistent success. Stability, smarts and techno-savviness are key according to the trade magazine, resulting in an even better-than-projected $63.1M opening weekend for Wall•E, the biggest for an animated film this year.
First Ponyo review
GhibliWorld has posted the very first review of Hayao Miyazaki’s upcoming film Ponyo on the Cliff by industry insider and broadcasting writer Hashimoto Atsushi. In his spoiler-free review, Atsushi mentions, “I’ve never seen such a hot air during any of the previews I visited over the last two years. They all gazed at the screen to ensure they would never miss any of the cuts Miyazaki challenged himself to.”Ponyo opens in theatres across Japan on July 19.
Details emerge on Open Season sequel
While announcing the projects it will be working on over the next 2 years, Sony Pictures Imageworks revealed details on Open Season 2, Sony Pictures Animation’s sequel to the $190 million hit Open Season for Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. “Boog and Elliot are back for more crazy adventures. After falling head over hooves in love with Giselle, Elliot’s road to the altar takes a slight detour when Mr. Weenie is kidnapped by a group of pampered pets determined to return him to his owners. Boog, Elliot, McSquizzy, Buddy and the rest of the woodland creatures launch a full-scale rescue mission for their sausage-shaped friend and soon find themselves in enemy camp: the world of the pets. Led by a toy poodle named Fifi, the pets do not plan to let Mr. Weenie go without a fight. Can a toy poodle REALLY bring down a 900-pound grizzly bear? Will Elliot ever marry Giselle? Find out in Open Season 2.” The direct-to-DVD release is expected to hit shelves next year. An alledged teaser trailer is currently floating on YouTube.
A look back at the 1941 Disney strike
As the SAG contract expired a few hours ago and Hollywood is crossing its fingers, the TAG Blog takes us down memory lane by looking back at the Great Walt Disney Cartoonists Strike that took place 67 years ago…
Gary Oldman discusses his Christmas Carol roles
The Dark Knight actor confirmed to Sci Fi Wire that he would be playing at least three characters in Robert Zemeckis’ upcoming motion-capture-animated A Christmas Carol: “I play Marley. I play Tiny Tim, and I play Bob Cratchit, so I play three [characters].” In the animated film–which Robert Zemeckis is directing with the same technology he used in last year’s Beowulf–Gary Oldman will play opposite Jim Carrey as Scrooge in the retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas ghost story. Gary disputed reports that acting in a motion-capture studio was like doing theater. “People that have never done theater say it’s like [that]; it’s nothing like theater.” Rather, he said, he performs his part in an empty room surrounded by “200 cameras, … and you don’t wear a costume, and you have dots on your face, and Zemeckis will make the movie in the computer later.” A Christmas Carol will be released by Walt Disney Pictures on November 6, 2009.
Mark Millar for 'Superman' in 2011?
'Wanted' creator Mark Millar, who's somewhat notorious for using well-placed hype to jump-start his ambitions, may be up to his old tricks in a recent interview with the UK's Daily Record.
In the interview Millar talks about his dream of writing the new 'Superman' movie, something he lobbied hard for before Bryan Singer took over the franchise years back. But now Singer is in charge and Millar is on the outside looking in.
Or is he?
What the comics writer told the Daily Record makes it seems as if he has his chess pieces in place to wrest control of the franchise away from the director and into the waiting embrace of his own hand-picked team:
"Since I was a kid I've always wanted to reinvent Superman for the 21st century," Millar said. "I've been planning this my entire life. I've got my director and producer set up, and it'll be 2011. This is how far ahead you have to think.
"The Superman brand is toxic after that last movie lost [money], but in 2011 we're hoping to restart it. Sadly I can't say who the director is, but we may make it official by Christmas."
The comments are somewhat puzzling. What will be made official? No doubt Millar and his unnamed producer are not in a position to simply claim control of the 'Superman' franchise. While they could be negotiating with Warner Bros. to oust Singer, it would seem like a monumental task to actually make that happen.
While Millar's comments come across as very assertive and definitive, he closes the 'Superman' talk with a softer remark.
"...Fingers crossed it could work out, that would be my lifetime's dream."
Dream? Hoax? Imaginary Story? Or will Millar and some amazing director really make the next 'Superman' film for release three years from now? We'll find out in the next six months!
Jon Favreau on 'Iron Man 2' and interlocking Marvel movies
IESB.net chatted up Jon Favreau about 'Iron Man 2' and more.
The director commented on the surprisingly slow contract negotiations for the film.
"It's gonna work out. I have a feeling...we're working it all out. They're actively engaged..."
He then discussed the agressive release schedule that Marvel has announced for the film.
"The summer 2010. It's a lot of work to get it done in that amount of time.
"You look at the ones who took three years. ['Dark Knight' director Christopher] Nolan did 'The Prestige' in between. You're able to ...mix things up a little bit. To get this thing done in two years it means that we've got to dig in really fast and be relentless. It's just a wind sprint all the way through."
However with suits designed, the cast already in place, not to mention the marketing infrastructer, Favreau sees development of the sequel keeping pace with the schedule.
He also aims to keep the franchise family freindly, which doesn't mean the franchise can't go to more serious places.
Favreau denies talk that Thor will be introduced in 'Iron Man 2'. He goes on to discuss the ambitious plans for crossover, including the 'First Avenger: Captain America' film.
"That I've seen artwork from that and it's pretty impressive."
He said he aims to be involved in all the movies, in the same way comic writers would discuss crossovers with one another, but his focus will be on the armored avenger.
New 'Next Avengers' trailer, plus 'Hulk Vs.' scoop
Marvel.com has the third trailer for 'Next Avengers' , plus info on its' upcoming screening and first looks at 'Hulk vs. Wolverine' and 'Hulk Vs. Thor', (two parts of Marvel's upcoming animated 'Hulk Vs.' title).
Marvel and Lionsgate are proud to give the fans of the 2008 San Diego Comic Con a first look screening of this incredible new adventure on Friday July 25, at 8:30PM in Room 6A. Seating is extremely limited so bring your friends, family members, and get there early!
The screening will be followed by a panel that will include the film's Supervising Producer Craig Kyle, Producer/Supervising Director Gary Hartle, Writer Christopher Yost and some of the voice talent from the film. This will be your only chance to see the film before its September 2, 2008 Blu-Ray and DVD release.
Also, as an added bonus fans who stay to the end of the event will get to see a sneak peek of 'Hulk vs. Thor' which is Marvel and Lionsgate's next hardcore fan focused feature being released in January 2009.
On Monday, the trailer or 'Hulk vs. Wolverine' appears online!
Ben studied animation under former Disney animator Milt Neil at the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art. He has been in the animation industry since 1984. He started doing animation for small commercials, then years later moved on to J.J. Sedelmaier Productions working on the "Cluckin' Chicken" parody for Saturday Night Live, which led to MTV, where he worked on "Beavis and Butt-Head", doing storyboard revisions, character and prop design, layout. animation on the hallucination sequence on the feature "Beavis and Butt-head Do "America" and also MTV's "The Maxx", doing character layout. As a freelancer, he's worked for various companies including Disney TV, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, HBO Family, Miramax, Warner Bros., Saatchi and Saatchi, General Mills and Comedy Central. Currently, he's still doing the freelancing thing, while developing some personal projects for pitching.
After several days of deliberation, Animation Magazine's animation industry judges have finally weighed in, and they have the winners of the Seventh Annual Animation Magazine Pitch Party. In addition, they've received thousands of online votes to determine the latest crop of standouts. Their grand prize winners will be given the chance to pitch to the judge of their choice and perhaps become the next big thing in animation. They’d like to thank everyone who voted for their part in making Pitch Party ’08 one of the magazine’s biggest events of the past 20 years.
NYTimes has posted an article wherein George Lucas discusses elements of his latest film and television project Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Lucas talks in depth about creating the film and his involvement with the project. The film, set to be released by Warner Brothers on Aug 15, will also introduce an animated television series with the same title that will have its debut on the Cartoon Network this fall.
GhibliWorld has posted the very first review of Hayao Miyazaki’s upcoming film Ponyo on the Cliff by industry insider and broadcasting writer Hashimoto Atsushi. In his spoiler-free review, Atsushi mentions, “I’ve never seen such a hot air during any of the previews I visited over the last two years. They all gazed at the screen to ensure they would never miss any of the cuts Miyazaki challenged himself to.” Ponyo opens in theatres across Japan on July 19.
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