May
26
However you identify we want to hear from you. Submit to The 2020 Motion Awards!
May
26
Nickelodeon Creative + Superestudio. Now that’s refreshing. Motion Award recipient.
Posted in: AnimationJoin the party and see how we play. Submit today!
May
26
Vices – we all have them, but they don’t usually earn us awards. Vice, Motion Awards gold recipient.
Posted in: AnimationReady to broadcast you’re a Motion Award recipient? Excellent, submit to the 2020 Motion Awards!
May
26
Ready to promote your Motion Award? Go for gold and submit to The 2020 Motion Awards!
May
25
Godzilla vs Kong will be one of the next big films to hit theaters if things goes well. An announcement went live recently confirming a prequel comic to the movie is in the works, thanks to WonderCon @ Home. Fans also got a preview of the comic and its new take on Kong.
Legendary Pictures are keeping the plot under wraps and has been tease some of the upcoming tie-ins, introducing a new Titan named Camazotz, named for a Mayan bat-god. They also include stunning images of an older Kong, older and taller than ever before, bearing a long ragged beard. The Kong seen in Kong: Skull Island was clearly just a baby, explaining why he has now grown to such a size he can take on Godzilla.
The comic panels also show an abnormally large Bengal tiger, a creature originally intended to appear in Kong: Skull Island. In The Art and Making of Kong: Skull Island, writer John Gatins described a scene that was never developed in which two of these creatures attacked the soldiers.
It will be interesting to see whether any of the other creatures designed for Kong: Skull Island appear in the coming showdown, or even make their way to the big screen in the future that follows Godzilla vs Kong.
The post ‘Godzilla vs Kong’ prequel comic book shares new look at adult Kong appeared first on AnimationXpress.
May
25
Festivals are time for celebration, happiness, laughter, faith and prosperity. Of seeking blessings for a better future. Eid is one such pious occasion.
2020 has been an extremely tough year for all of us across the globe, having to deal with a pandemic, severe cyclone, forest fires, lockdown, locust invasion, economic downturn, plane crash several deaths and what not. Perhaps, all of us need blessings more than anything right now for the world to heal soon. Today’s Eid is different as people are homebound and couldn’t enjoy it with friends and relatives. But on this sacred day, here’s looking ahead at positivity, hope, strength to overcome the crisis we are in.
Here are some posts of invoking better days and faith :
Abhijeet Kini Studios
“Hope everyone has a happy and safe Eid in these tough times. We ourselves miss going out to Mohammad Ali road for the awesome food, but safety comes first,” shared Abhijeet Kini.
✨✨ . . #eidmubarak #eid #ramadan #ramadan2020 #festival #comicart #illustration #abhijeetkiniart #creative #artofinstagram #igart #igramming_india #celebrate #digitalartMonky Ink Blots
“All our festivities are filled with people, lights and colours. We didn’t want the pandemic to take that away. Bees and butterflies collect food from flowers, that’s how the idea of making them a part of the composition came into being. Social distancing has left many of us feeling anxious, although this doesn’t apply to butterflies and bees, these characters represent us and how a small gesture can make someone’s day,” said Ahmed Sikander and Anuradha Pathak (cinematographer and photographer) who jointly created the artwork.
Mahafuj Ali – Comic Artist at MAli’s
“Eid’ is called “festival of happiness”. We buy new clothing, go to relatives’ places. But this year actually happiness is not there. But that does not mean we won’t celebrate. We will celebrate and we will donate. Also with this Eid, maybe it’s our chance to celebrate and pray together at home, irrespective of gender. So my message is We can celebrate at home. Festival will come again.Durga Puja, Christmas , we have a lot on the list. There is no point of being a threat to public health just to maintain tradition.
We should not forget about those people who are working hard outside so that we can stay at home and a lot of people even lost their homes.
Also today surprisingly happens to be Kavi (poet) Nazrul Islam’s birthday, I found a great quote from his poem which talks about being human in the disturbed world. We need to celebrate humanity more than anything now.
“সকল ক্ষুদ্রতা হতে
বাঁচাও প্রভু উদার
হে প্রভু, শেখাও-নীচতার চেয়ে
নীচ পাপ নাহি আর।”
(Benevolent God, save us from all the pettiness and narrow mindedness as there’s nothing meaner than hate towards fellow humans)
Alicia Souza – Comic Artist
“Eid Mubarak you wonderful people! May your day be spent with the most amazing food, family and a lot of good feels,” she captioned her artwork.
Krishnendu Mondal – Illustrator
Noted he, “This year’s Eid is not like previous years. Missing the pictures of embrace, the flavour of ‘Shahi Biryani’, ‘sevai’ and lot more! But we can seek blessings from Allah at home. Let’s maintain social distancing and pray for the migrants and the distressed ! Hope the next Eid will be the best Eid after all this over.”
Reesham Shahab Tirtho – Illustrator
Noted Tirtho from Dhaka, “Eid is so different in these difficult times of Corona with hardly any celebration at all. People are locked in their homes, offering namaaz indoors. No celebration at “chand night” either. No meetings and gatherings of friends and family. Streets of neighbourhoods are empty, no music or celebration there. It’s perhaps the first time the whole world has witnessed Eid like this. The poor and needy ones are suffering the most. Generally on Eid they get to enjoy and live a little. Here, after Amphan, that too is beyond reality. All we can hope is that the hard times be over soon. This Eid, being optimistic and being safe and sound is the only way to celebrate.”
Reetuparna Dey – Comic Artist and illustrator
“Bong’s Comics heartily wishes you Eid Mubarak! This year it is going to be different. But let us all stay patient and prepare for a happier, safer next year vaali Eid!,” Dey wished her followers.
These are testing times for the entire human race and all we can do is co-operate, stand by each other and be compassionate to each other as life’s too small and uncertain for hatred.
“Chaand mubarak, har din mubarak from us to all.”
(This article has been written by Sharmindrila Paul and Yugandhara Shete)
The post Eid Mubarak : Artists seek blessings and strength in desolate times appeared first on AnimationXpress.
May
25
Host virtual parties with fun games and activities while practicing social distancing #WhenAtHome
Posted in: AnimationToday is the auspicious occasion of Eid, and it can be extremely unfortunate for some people celebrating this festival amid the lockdown brought in by the pandemic, not being able to meet and greet their loved ones on a special day like this. While we cope up with our lives and finding newer ways to talk and socialise with people, gaming has come out as a major contender. People are spending their leisure time to catch up with their loved ones online and even many spending their special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries and much more over online games. While it is definitely not the ideal way, it can be fun to catch up with your family and friend virtually over some online games on Houseparty during that festival call!
The app has combined features of many social platforms.
Here are some games available on the app which you can try out with your peers!
Chips and Guac: This hilarious word association game makes for hours of non-stop laughs. To play, one person deals a descriptor card — these cards say something like “sneaky” or “can’t even” — and everyone else puts down a card that they think best matches that descriptor. (In that way, the game is super similar to Cards Against Humanity. A judge chooses which match is funniest, and the person who put down that card wins that round.
Heads Up – Act it Out, Family Style: This deck is extra fun because it requires everyone to work as a team (and we could all use a little extra teamwork in these trying times). Each card in the deck is meant to be acted out by three or more people — and so everyone needs to be on top of their game. This one will be familiar with and especially to those who often frequent actual house parties in real life. Essentially, this is the game where you would normally stick a card on your head with a name on it, while others feed you clues so you can guess the name.
Trivia Decks: is another game available through Houseparty and this is a general knowledge game. Trivia comes with many different categories and topics, and with one selected, everyone takes part in quick-fire rounds to see who can score the most. Houseparty has 18 free trivia decks, which means you can keep those game-night skills in tip-top shape. For example if someone picks up “General Knowledge,” for the simple fact it will help to tests your friends’ knowledge of simple facts.
Quick Draw: Who’s the best artist in your group? You’re about to find out. Quick Draw and this one works largely in the same way as Pictionary, where the one player is tasked with drawing something, and the other players have to try and guess what it is based on the drawing. Simply when you play, you’ll see a word at the top of your screen and a blank drawing pad; the other players will only see your drawing. Draw the word on the screen to the best of your ability and see if the other players can guess it.
Other options apart from Houseparty
Facebook is another contender in this space, with its messenger app offering users the ability to play games with friends or family. Simply video call your chosen contact, and once you’re connected, click on ‘activity’ in the top right-hand corner. The activities on offer are a little rudimentary, but use augmented reality (AR), meaning the elements respond to your camera. Facebook also offers a gaming tab, where you can play against friends – albeit, without a camera. Another option is Bunch Group Video Chat and Games an app that does what it says on the tin it allows video chat and play games with friends. As well as challenging friends to trivia quizzes or testing their drawing skills, one can play pool together or race against each other in a selection of retro 8-bit games.
The post Host virtual parties with fun games and activities while practicing social distancing #WhenAtHome appeared first on AnimationXpress.
May
25
Arena Animation, Malleswaram team returns back to work; celebrates 20 long years with a special magazine
Posted in: Animation
This year, Arena Animation, Malleswaram is officially in its 21st year of operations having completed 20 successful years in animation, VFX and gaming education. Our 20th anniversary special edition magazine My Box Office has been launched during the lockdown period.
“We’ve played a significant role for our aspiring artists and animators helping thousands of them to enter the growing market & position themselves among the best in the world,” mentioned Arena Animation Malleswaram director and CEO BS Srinivas.
Even during the lockdown period, among uncertainties that prevailed everywhere the team didn’t stop working for a single day. Online classes were immediately started for students and they were not allowed to miss the training that they were entitled for. Periodic assignments, workshops, webinars, contests and other activities kept the students busy throughout the lockdown period.
The team has returned back to work and started immediately, after the lockdown relaxations were announced a few days back. Precautionary measures were discussed and implemented keeping the safety of students in mind as the topmost priority. Adequate measures for resuming the office have been put in place as per the SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) like sanitization, social distancing, body temperature check, and flexible working hours.
Certain policies considered at the centre include:
- Continuation of work from home for employees residing at containment zones.
- Outstation students to undergo seven days quarantine and must produce a health certificate from the hospital before attending classes.
- The batch will be split into not more than five students.
- mandatory download of Aarogya Sethu app
“With all these measures in place, we are sure that we will be able to ensure that seamless quality education can be provided to students. After all learning should never stop and creativity should never stop flowing out of bright young minds,” Srinivas concluded.
The team at Arena Animation, Malleswaram is looking forward to a bright future post covid times and is confident that all will leave no stone unturned to achieve their objectives.
The post Arena Animation, Malleswaram team returns back to work; celebrates 20 long years with a special magazine appeared first on AnimationXpress.
May
25
Dealing with COVID-19 has become the new normal. People around the world, though scared and anxious, are managing their life and actions around it. Lockdown has eased up with Governments allowing relaxations. Earlier Disney said in its Q2 earnings call that they were planning to reopen its theme parks across the world with necessary safety and precautionary measures.
Now, as Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings told CNBC lately, Disney will submit its reopening plans for Disney World sometime this week. He also informed that Universal Orlando has already submitted its plans and has proposed reopening on 5 June.
“Disney has given an indication that next week, they will submit their plans, and once they do, we will schedule that for a full briefing before our Economic Recovery Task Force as well,” Demings said last week.
While no confirmation has been made from Disney, reports suggest that the next meeting of the full Economic Recovery Task Force is scheduled for 27 May 27 in the morning. No details have been revealed about what discussion agenda of the meeting.
Disney reopened Disney Springs last week with third-party restaurants and shops in operation. Some Disney-owned venues such as the World of Disney store, will resume 27 May onwards.
The post Disney World to submit reopening plans this week appeared first on AnimationXpress.
May
25
Weta, ILM, Framestore chieftains to discuss the way forward for the VFX sector on Screen Talks live Q&A
Posted in: AnimationScheduled to be held on 28 May Thursday, Screen Talks webinar series is all set to look at how VFX community is evolving and adapting despite the Covid-19 crisis that has befallen the planet.
Weta Digital executive visual effects producer David Conley, Framestore global managing director of films Fiona Walkinshaw and Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) SVP, executive creative director and head Rob Bredow will join Screen’s Americas editor Jeremy Kay in a free live discussion.
From how VFX companies have adapted to working remotely to when staff might return to offices to how the sector has dealt with the current shutdown in production and potential boom in the autumn down to how VFX could enable ‘remote productions’ in the future, the discussion will focus on every aspect of the current scenario around Covid-19 crsis. The 30-minute discussion will be followed by a live Q&A in which the audience will be able to ask questions to the panellists.
SOURCE: JOEL ARON / INDUSTRIAL LIGHT & MAGIC, WETA, FRAMESTORE
ROB BREDOW, DAVID CONLEY, FIONA WALKINSHAW
Framestore is an Oscar, Emmy and BAFTA-winning creative studio that was founded in London’s Soho in 1986, and now has facilities in London, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Montréal, Pune and Beijing. Its upcoming projects include Mulan, Wonder Woman 1984, No Time To Die, The King’s Man and season two of His Dark Materials.
Fiona Walkinshaw has overseen the expansion of Framestore’s film division as the company undertook complex projects such as Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban and the Oscar-winning Gravity, on which she served as executive producer. She manages a global team of creatives working at every stage of production, from concept art, previsualisation and virtual production through to the final delivery of world-class VFX and animation.
New Zealand-based Weta Digital is led by senior visual effects supervisor Joe Letteri. In the last quarter-century, the company brought to life characters from Gollum to Caesar and built fantasy worlds such as Middle-earth and Pandora. Recent work includes Disney’s live-action adventure Mulan, David Lowery’s upcoming adventure The Green Knight, and James Cameron’s upcoming Avatar sequels.
David Conley is an executive visual effects producer who leads Weta Digital’s VFX film production, and also oversees global client relations and strategic partnerships. He guided the company through expansion and its work on the likes of the last two Avengers films, The Jungle Book and Gemini Man. Prior to Weta Conley was a VFX producer on films such as Cloverfield, Life Of Pi, and Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and part of the executive film production teams at Paramount and 20th Century Fox.
ILM is part of the Lucasfilm empire founded by George Lucas in the late 1970s to deliver the effects on Star Wars. Since those humble origins on a parking lot north of Hollywood, the company ballooned and has gone on to work on not just the entire Star Wars universe but the Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park franchises, and tentpoles from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Recent and upcoming productions include No Time To Die, Black Widow and A Quiet Place Part 2.
Rob Bredow runs ILM and oversees creative strategy and global operations. He was visual effects supervisor and co-producer on Solo: A Star Wars Story, for which he earned Oscar and BAFTA nominations, leveraging his background in technology to create grounded images with a unique shooting style designed for the film. He was chief technology officer, vp of new media and head of advanced development group at Lucasfilm, and before that was chief technology officer and visual effects supervisors at Sony Picture Imageworks.
The Screen Talk will be available to watch on Screendaily after it has taken place.
The post Weta, ILM, Framestore chieftains to discuss the way forward for the VFX sector on Screen Talks live Q&A appeared first on AnimationXpress.
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