May
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May
30
Experience ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ on the go with the game ‘Warriors of Waterdeep’
Posted in: AnimationTop game developer Ludia has announced the global launch of Warriors of Waterdeep, a mobile turn-based RPG game, based on the ever-popular Dungeons & Dragons franchise for the App Store and Google Play Store. This release marks the first partnership between Ludia and Wizards of The Coast, leaders in fantasy role-playing games.
In Warriors of Waterdeep, players will need to summon a team of heroes like the great city of Waterdeep is threatened by powerful dark forces. Players will need to take their heroes into battle against monsters from the Forgotten Realms in tactical, turn-based combat. Level up and upgrade your heroes with free daily chests, and win rewards in exciting limited-time events.
“We are excited to bring the Dungeons & Dragons experience to mobile devices. We believe fans of the franchise will find Warriors of Waterdeep stays true to the spirit of Dungeons & Dragons with challenging storylines and innovative turn-based gameplay,” said Ludia CEO Alex Thabet. “
Warriors of Waterdeep will launch with a real-time player-vs-player (PvP) mode. Take on teams of four in order to earn trophies, collect rewards and unlock new arenas. Rewards improve with every arena level up, to further improve your team of heroes.
Warriors of Waterdeep is available to download for free, with in-app purchases, on the App Store and Google Play Store.
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May
30
Iron Maiden, a heavy metal band is suing 3D Realms, a video game development company over the game Ion Maiden, as they describe it is an ‘incredibly blatant’ infringement on their trademark.
A video game development company 3D Realms recently tweeted on their official Twitter account that they have heard about a lawsuit filed in California by the band Iron Maiden claiming that their game is infringing their Iron Maiden’s trademark.
Not only that the lawsuit claims that their main character Shelly Harrison, in Bombshell, is based on their musician Steve Harris, the skull bomb icon found in-game is based on their skeleton mascot Eddie; not only that Ion Maiden’s logo in itself is based on theirs, and along with other frivolous claims anyone who has played.
(1/4) We’ve recently heard about a lawsuit filed in California by the band Iron Maiden, claiming our old-school first-person shooter Ion Maiden (@Bombshell_Game) is infringing on their trademark.
From what we’ve heard, the suit claims our main character…
— 3D Realms (@3DRealms) May 30, 2019
Ion Maiden has been available via Steam early access since February 2018, however, the full release is set for later this year. The lawsuit that Iron Maiden filed against the game development company has demand $2m in damages, argues that the game’s title will cause “confusion among consumers”, “is nearly identical to the Iron Maiden trademark in appearance, sound and overall commercial impression”, and “is attempting to trade off on Iron Maiden’s notoriety” as reported by The Guardian .
Later in the extended tweet, 3D realms said: “will review our options once we receive official notice of the lawsuit and will make any necessary decisions at the appropriate time”.
The game is still in development, and 3D Realms adds that “everyone continues to work diligently on Ion Maiden to deliver the best possible experience later this year” the development company concluded.
The post Heavy metal band Iron Maiden suing 3D Realms over game Ion Maiden for $2mn appeared first on AnimationXpress.
May
30
As the animation industry’s foremost showcase in terms of co-producing, purchasing, selling, financing and distributing animation content for all broadcasting platforms, the MIFA International Animation Film Market, taking place in the context of the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, continues to evolve, whilst consistently striving to fulfill everyone’s needs!
Mifa 2019 is on the verge of breaking every record with a constantly growing market, a 1500m² (700m² in 2018) platform with a conference room by the lake and a bigger-better VR area.
Mifa head Véronique Encrenaz said, “Faced with constant evolution, whether for the Mifa or the animation sector in general (AVMS Directive of the European Parliament, CNC Animation Plan, Audiovisual Reform and many more), new measures are needed.
In order to take into account the numerous changes, the Mifa is evolving, developing new infrastructures and setting up new meeting formats to accompany animation at all levels: a larger number of meeting areas at the heart of the Mifa, to facilitate discussions and to improve all badgeholders’ welcome, support producers in financing feature films, support buyers, sellers, distributors and operators for improved film diffusion, support project leaders, develop VR and so on. Welcome and support will be Mifa 2019’s catchphrase!”
New infrastructures :
2018 was a record year with 3,800 participants (+ 23 per cent); 490 buyers and distributors; 827 exhibitors and 75 countries represented. This led Mifa to redesign spaces, optimise “your Mifa” and create for instance a new marquee, on the steps of the Impérial Palace sheltering the Mifa Welcome Area. There will also be a new Press Room with a terrace, in order to upgrade your welcome and simplify your access to the Market such as –
- A bigger and better VR area: twice the surface area reserved for studios and companies presenting their latest technological inventions as well as plenty of space to view and experience XR, with no less than 200m² available.
- A 1,500m² platform on the lake (700m² in 2018), which, for the first time, will host stands with terraces, a new conference room (salle du lac) seating 300, and as usual the Chill Out Area.
- The private Plage du Mifa (Mifa Beach) allows you to plan appointments, lunches and even cocktail parties, with complete peace of mind, in addition to enjoying the chill out area on the lake!
Increased support for :
Buyers –
This year, Mifa introduces a new area specifically reserved to buyers: the Buyer’s Club. An exclusive tailor-made offer to enable you to better organize your professional meetings, and facilitate access to viewing material presented within the context of the Festival and the Market.
Buyers will be able to benefit, amongst others, from the following: a dedicated lounge to organise on-site meetings; a private entrance; a viewing area with access to more than 400 works from this years’ productions available in the video library (the Festival’s Official Selection included); a reservation service for attending Market screenings; and an on-site hostess to assist with any questions, taking appointments, reservations, etc.
Operators –
For the first time at the Mifa, there will be an afternoon of screening feature films in the last stages of production dedicated to operators, in partnership with the AFCA, to give support to adult animation feature films.
Gap Financing: Meet the Producers –
The Mifa provides support to feature film producers in the final stages of development or in production with at least 85 per cent of their budget secured by offering them the chance to find new partners through targeted meetings.
This year’s summit logo was designed by award-winning production designer, Celine Desrumaux
Unmissable events :
- Monday 10 June, the 3rd Women in Animation World Summit organised by Women in Animation and Les Femmes s’Animent, on the topic of belonging
- Wednesday 12 June, from 11 am to 12:30 pm, a new CNC roundtable discussion in partnership with Causette and Les Femmes s’Animent to talk about new roles for male characters in animation
- The Mifa Animation Industry Award will be attributed to Marc du Pontavice, founder of Xilam Animation (Oggy et les Cafards, Zig & Sharko, I Lost My Body.)
Other events to attend:
- Mifa Pitches from 12 and 13 June, Tuesday and Wednesday respectively, divided into five categories: Feature films / Short films / TV series or specials / Interactive and transmedia creations / Animation without borders
- Mifa Recruitment from 11 (Tuesday) to 14 June (Friday). Notable recruiters present: Netflix, Dreamwall, Jam Media, Zeilt Studio, Laika, Unit Image and others.
- Share With: Nickelodeon, Arte France, The Walt Disney Company, TF1, Amazon Studio, Cartoon Network on 12 (Tuesday) and 13 (Wednesday) June.
Other essentials you just can’t miss:
TV Channel Press Conferences, Demo Sessions, Market Screenings, Shoot the Book Anim’, Meet the Composers, the Online Video Library, and so many other events to enjoy and discover at Mifa from 11 to 14 June 2019.
The post The International Animation Film Market (Mifa) 2019 appeared first on AnimationXpress.
May
30
Glu Mobile a developer and publisher of mobile games, has announced the availability of WWE Universe on the App Store and Google Play. WWE, Universe will offer the WWE experience on mobile to date, allowing players to build and train dream rosters before challenging others.
“With a true passion for WWE and a best-in-class development team, Glu has created a unique mobile experience that will resonate with fans worldwide and enable them to further engage with our brand,” said WWE chief marketing and communications officer Brian Flinn.
One-touch controls, console-quality graphics, and nearly 700 unique in-ring animations allow players to bring the action of WWE with them wherever they go. The game also features a robust roster of more than 240 Superstars, Legends and Hall of Famers to choose from including The Rock, Roman Reigns, Becky Lynch, Seth Rollins, Kofi Kingston, Ronda Rousey and Andre The Giant.
“WWE Universe is the culmination of Glu and WWE’s shared goal of delivering best-in-class mobile entertainment for players around the world. Developed by an incredibly talented team of WWE enthusiasts, the game delivers on authenticity and features gameplay elements that create an immersive in-ring experience player will enjoy. We expect this game to expand our user reach globally, bolster our sports genre portfolio, and deliver year-round results as a solid Growth Game,” said Glu’s president and chief executive officer Nick Earl.
Features of WWE Universe
- The game allows players to Assemble a roster of the favourite Raw, SmackDown Live and NXT Superstars – Including Legends and Hall of Famers
- The game contains authentic storylines, signature moves, chants and music
- Players get a chance to explore in-game storylines and content tied to current WWE programming
- Tap to deliver the favourite Superstars’ signature moves with easy one-touch controls
- Train the superstars to their full potential
- Compete against other players around the world in daily and weekly events, PvP and challenges
- Join a club or create access to exclusive events and win top prizes
- It is available for free from the App Store and on Google Play
The post Glu and WWE launch new game ‘WWE Universe’ appeared first on AnimationXpress.
May
30
Asia’s most awaited event, the GAFX Conference 2019 is back, and this time it’s bigger, bolder and better!
Posted in: AnimationBengaluru GAFX 2019, India’s premier event on animation, visual effects, gaming and comics (AVGC) is taking place at Hotel Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru from 21 to 23 May 2018.
GAFX
Billed as Asia’s most prominent and largest annual event for games, animation and visual effects industry, the conference is organized by ABAI (a non-profit organisation committed to developing the games, animation and VFX industry in India) under the auspices of the Department of Innovation and Technology, Government of Karnataka.
Bengaluru GAFX Conference is a knowledge platform for the local community of artists, professionals and students. The objective is to expose them to the latest and greatest and in the process enrich, energise and inspire the community.
The three-day conference is held in the city of Bengaluru every year and is a great platform for industry veterans, production houses, animation, visuals and gaming-savvy students and professionals, fetching participants from all across the globe, bringing to us the best content and projects.
3D character animation and Traditional Painting contests
The elaborate line-up of activities includes the promising GAFX ArtAnimathon, Asia’s biggest art and animation competition, entailing eight categories to compete for professionals and students for the eight Lakhs+ cash prizes and premium goodies will be a part of the event. And this time it’s even bigger with the introduction and indulgence of new emerging technologies like AR/VR & MOCAP.
Digital Painting, 3D Game Art contests
“Bengaluru GAFX has become an event to look forward to every year for professional & students alike & this year we are making all efforts to make it bigger & better than ever before. We are elated that the moment we announced the event dates, we have got tremendous response from the global fraternity expressing their interest to be a part of this event,” says ABAI & co-chair Bengaluru GAFX’2019 secretary B.S.Srinivas.
3D Modelling and Clay Sculpting contests
We look forward to experiencing the best because the GAFX team is all geared up to inspire with a tremendous amalgam of new connections with the industry enthusiasts this year. So prepare yourself for the biggest platform and show the world what you’ve got! Because “opportunities don’t knock every day!”
Stay tuned for the starry conglomeration of speakers, masterclasses and screenings and contests at Bengaluru GAFX 2019. Registration to the event for students and professionals are now open https://www.gafx.in/
The post Asia’s most awaited event, the GAFX Conference 2019 is back, and this time it’s bigger, bolder and better! appeared first on AnimationXpress.
May
30
The Royal Television Society (RTS), Britain’s forum for television and related media, has shortlisted the nominations for the national RTS Student Television Awards 2019, sponsored by Motion Content Group. Across six categories, 23 universities have received nominations having won at their respective regional RTS Student Awards earlier this year.
Now in its 24th year, the awards will be presented at a ceremony hosted by Radio 1 presenters Matt Edmondson and Mollie King on 28 June at the BFI Southbank. The RTS Student Awards celebrates the best audiovisual work created by students with an undergraduate and postgraduate winner both awarded in each category across animation, comedy and entertainment, drama, factual, news and short form.
To reward excellence in craft skills, awards will also be presented in the following categories at the judges’ discretion: camerawork, editing, production design, sound and writing. The RTS Student Television Judges’ Award will also be presented for the best overall entry.
ITV head of entertainment commissioning and RTS Student Television Awards chair Siobhan Greene said, “We were bowled over by the creativity, imagination, heart and energy that went into the entries. It felt thrilling to see so much potential in both the national and regional categories and I’m looking forward to meeting the nominees on the 28 June.”
The nominations’ list includes:
Animation
Undergraduate:
- Anna – Jessica Mountfield, Dominic Povall and Team (Arts University Bournemouth)
- Earthly Delights – Efa Blosse-Mason (University of the West of England)
- Towels – Prawta Annez and Camilla Kjaernet (Falmouth University)
Postgraduate:
- Desire Line – Ruini Shi, Gareth Young, Michele Bianch and Mike Wyeld (Royal College of Art)
- Good Intentions – Anna Mantzaris (Royal College of Art)
- Music & Clowns – Alex Widdowson (Royal College of Art)
Comedy & Entertainment
Undergraduate:
- Chopsticks!! – Aeddan Sussex (Middlesex University)
- Delicious Love – Alana Volavola, Freddie Berman, Ben Holmes, Jade Elwood, Sophie Masterman and Team (University of Gloucestershire)
- Meatball – Jack Barrie, Cal Brown, Charlotte Glasgow, Celine Woodburn and Ben Evans (University of Derby)
Postgraduate:
- Control – Webster Mugavazi and Robin Pagnanelli (National Film and Television School)
- Pre-Occupation – Elena Marotta, Adam Tindall, Moira James-Moore and Emie Wang (Goldsmiths University)
- Uncommon – Connor Langley, Michael Rowlands, Mark Hunter and Jack Jarvis (University of Sunderland)
Drama
Undergraduate:
- Backwater – Brendan McCallion, Frank O’Malley, Robin J. Kavanagh and Brendan Corcoran (Institute of Art, Design, and Technology, Dun Laoghaire)
- Just Josie – Georgina Rowlands, Ben Porro, Katia Shipulina, Lily-Evelina England and Nathalie Carraro (University of Westminster)
- What Separates Us From the Beasts – Edward Kondracki, Sedona May Tubbs, Kieran Howe, JP Pezet and Team (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland)
Postgraduate:
- Dead Birds – Johnny Kenton, Sabina Smitham, Amelia Spencer and Team (National Film and Television School)
- Smoked Mackerel – Ciarán Charles, Scott Butler, Michael Lambert and Gemma Carline (University of Sunderland)
- The Pilot – Nathan Carter (University of York)
Factual
Undergraduate:
- Mathew vs Pritchard – Jake Hardy-Behrends, Ethan Blake Brooks, Vratislav Karas and Marketa Janouskova (University of South Wales)
- Nick Reynolds: The Final Portrait – Jesse Hargrave, Adam Polley, Curtis Stephan, Stacey Willis and Lewis Woolcock (Solent University)
- The Bad Guy – Cory Thomas, Laura Buchanan, Giulia Veronelli, Marco Di Gioia and Danny Flynn (University of Stirling)
Postgraduate:
- Fake News Fairytale – Kate Stonehill, Jimmy Campbell Smith, Ronnie McQuillan, Conor Meechan, Alexandra McArdle and Team (National Film and Television School)
- some of these days – Vincent Förster, Olesya Ryasik, Anne Talenta, Scott McCrone, Tino Mensel and Team (Edinburgh College of Art)
- We Are All Here – Hannah Currie (Goldsmiths, University of London)
News
Undergraduate:
- A Testing Choice for Down’s Syndrome – Jennifer Smith (University of Salford)
- At Arm’s Length – Teri Limongi (University of Sheffield)
- Horse Racing’s Gender Divide: The Final Hurdle – Elliot Hawkins (University of Lincoln)
Postgraduate:
- Special Needs: Failure to Educate – Philip Sime and Imogen Harper (City, University of London)
- There’s Something in the Water – Grace Marner (University of Sheffield)
- Twnel y Rhondda – The Rhondda Tunnel – Jared Lawthom (University of Sheffield)
Short Form:
Undergraduate:
- I Love Tennis – Sam Buffery (London South Bank University)
- Nose – Izzy Mooney, Kiki Nafig, Emma Lazenby, Jake Lucas and Team (University of the West of England)
- Speak to Her – Jack Desmond, Philip Emo, Sean Doupe and Cian Desmond (Institute of Art, Design, and Technology, Dun Laoghaire)
Postgraduate:
- A Missing Beat – Maria Abdel Karim (Bournemouth University)
- Hold Still – Alexandra Brodski, Nikita Leibovici, Matt Gillan and Team (National Film and Television School)
- The Pool – Julia Alcamo (Arts University Bournemouth)
The post Royal Television Society unveils 2019 Student Television Awards nominations appeared first on AnimationXpress.
May
30
Dream11, has signed up nine international cricketers and launched three new ad films under its existing integrated marketing campaign ‘Ye Game Hai Mahaan’.
Besides MS Dhoni, who is Dream11’s brand ambassador, the nine new cricketers signed up, starting this ICC World Cup 2019, are Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Faf du Plessis, Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada, Andre Russell, Jason Holder and Kane Williamson. Dream11 will create engaging content featuring the cricketers that will help in amplifying the interest for upcoming fantasy cricket matches. The player images will make an appearance in Dream11’s product and marketing material as well.
Under the integrated marketing campaign ‘Ye Game Hai Mahaan’, that was launched during this IPL with six ad films, Dream11 has now launched three new ad films for the World Cup campaign. These films celebrate the Indian cricket fan’s love for cricket and also showcases how they come together to cheer for India.
Dream11 on-boarded MS Dhoni as the brand ambassador in 2018 and has signed up with 16 cricketers in 2019, till date. In November 2018, Dream11 became the exclusive official fantasy game partner of ICC until 2023. Dream11 has also created the official fantasy game for the World Cup, ICC Dream11, which is accessible globally. The ICC Dream11 winners will get an opportunity to win an all-expense paid trip to Australia to watch the ICC World T20 Finals in 2020.
The post ‘Dream11’ signs-up nine international cricketers for ICC World Cup appeared first on AnimationXpress.
May
30
Experience a one of its kind praxinoscope at The Jayprakash Narayan Museum in Lucknow
Posted in: AnimationJai Prakash Narayan was a great revolutionary and freedom fighter who not only worked with Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru to win the freedom of India but also worked with the great revolutionaries and socialists.
‘Maut Ka Ghanta’ revolution tactic was employed by him immediately post Indira Gandhi’s declaration of emergency in 1975. In that flash, at exactly 9 pm each night, the revolutionaries came out to make a horrendous din using utensils and common metal wares, to remind Gandhi that ‘Total Revolution’ is coming.
Charuvi Design Labs founder/director Charuvi Agrawal presents A Tour De Force for The Jayprakash Narayan Museum in Lucknow, where a praxinoscope titled Thali Bajao, attempts to recreate the flash in history.
The seven foot tall revolving sculpture was made using clay, fibre glass, metal, plaster, acrylic in a makeshift workshop over 11 weeks. Kept on a rotating platform and with perfectly calibrated strobe lights, the sculpture is designed to take you into the true essence of what it is, mentions Agrawal.
Before the advent of celluloid film, devices were employed to emulate illusion of motion using series of images. This was called praxinoscope, an optical technique which was a precursor of the moving picture. “I was motivated to create a piece which could evoke the protest of 1970 in its true sense. We employed the technique of a praxinoscope using series of sculptures. At the same time I wanted to use modern technology and animation,” said Agrawal.
Talking about the challenges faced, Agrawal mentioned how a kinetic piece always feels like a freaky science experiment where a slight miscalculation can make things go totally wrong. When dealing with large scale piece, material, weight, timeline, location and planning becomes very crucial. The team barely had about two months to create the work post the concept was finalised. “There were days where it almost felt impossible. But the joy to see the work evolve and resolution to get it right was always the driving force,” added she.
Once the sculpture starts its rotation, the strobe lights and unique geometry of the artwork create a praxinoscopic illusion of reality. Each and every uniquely designed and hand-painted figurine comes alive, enveloping the viewer into that era, bringing that energy and creating the atmosphere during the revolutionary movement. It transports one alongside the youth, pedestrians and luminaries in Patna and let one feel the true pulse of Bihar, two generations ago.
The installation makes one understand the physics and dynamics of constructing a large structure and also takes one on an emotional ride, recreating the historical impact of the protest and feel the deep rooted emotions attached to the movement.
A visit to the museum to dive in this enthralling experience is a must if you are an art lover, a science freak, a history fanatic or just a curious soul.
The post Experience a one of its kind praxinoscope at The Jayprakash Narayan Museum in Lucknow appeared first on AnimationXpress.
May
30
Jellyfish Pictures expands operation with new virtual animation studio; appoints Kevin Spruce
Posted in: AnimationBAFTA and multi-award winning VFX and animation studio, Jellyfish Pictures, has announced the opening of a new virtual animation facility in Sheffield. This expansion also includes the appointment of former Framestore animation head Kevin Spruce as the animation director.
The move continues Jellyfish Pictures’ pioneering efforts, after creating Europe’s first virtual VFX studios back in 2017. The new site is the company’s fifth studio in the UK and is an addition to Jellyfish Pictures’ established studios in Fitzrovia, Central London, Brixton, South London and Oval.
Studio at Cooper Building
Commenting on the expansion, Jellyfish Pictures CEO Phil Dobree said, “We have multiple projects coming up that will demand crewing up with the very best talent very quickly. Casting off the constraints of infrastructure, which traditionally has been the industry’s way of working, means we are not limited to the London talent pool and can easily scale up in a more efficient and economical way than ever before. We all know London, and more specifically Soho, is an expensive place to play, both for employees working here and for the companies operating here. Technology is enabling us to expand our horizon across the UK and beyond, as well as offer talent an out of living in the big city.”
With no hardware housed onsite, Jellyfish Pictures’ Sheffield studio, situated in the city centre within the state-of-the-art Cooper Project Complex, will operate in a completely PC over IP environment. With all the technology and pipeline housed in a centrally based co-location, the studio is able to virtualise its distributed workstations through Teradici’s remote visualisation solution; allowing for total flexibility and scalability.
Kevin Spruce
This innovative studio will be headed by Spruce. Having an impressive career spanning over 30 years, Spruce has joined Jellyfish Pictures from Framestore, where he oversaw a team of 120. At Framestore, Spruce worked as the animation supervisor on a roster of feature films including Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, The Legend of Tarzan and Guardians of the Galaxy. Prior to his 17 year stint at Framestore, Spruce held positions at Canadian animation company, Bardel and Spielberg helmed feature animation studio, Amblimation.
Dobree noted, “I couldn’t be more thrilled to have Spruce on board with us. His experience of the industry and knowledge of building a great team is invaluable to both the success of our Northern outfit and to Jellyfish Pictures’ overall growth. Sheffield, and the North of England as a whole, already has a great community of creative talent, which we are looking forward to contributing to and cultivating as time goes on.”
“After 30 years working in and around Soho, it was time for me to move North and settle in Sheffield to achieve a better work life balance with family. After speaking with Dobree, I was excited to discover he was interested in expanding his remote operation beyond London. With what technology can offer now, the next logical step is to bring the work to people rather than always expecting them to move south. Acting now as animation director for Jellyfish Pictures Sheffield, it’s our intention to recruit a creative team here to strengthen the company’s capacity to handle the expanding slate of work currently in-house and beyond. I am very excited to be part of this new venture north with Jellyfish. It’s a vision of how creative companies can grow in new ways and access talent pools further afield,” added Spruce.
Jellyfish Pictures’ northern presence will start off with a small team of animators working on the company’s original animation projects, with a view to expand its team and set up with a large feature animation project by the end of the year.
The post Jellyfish Pictures expands operation with new virtual animation studio; appoints Kevin Spruce appeared first on AnimationXpress.
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