Saturday, December 9, 2017

SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE - Official Teaser Trailer

Liking the look of this:

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

What if CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS was a horror movie?

With a little re-mixing and some ominous music a kid-friendly film can become a bona fide horror movie:

Happy Halloween!

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

View Conference 2017 Announces Final Program


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
 VIEW CONFERENCE 2017 ANNOUNCES FINAL PROGRAM
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR THE 18TH ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM -- OCTOBER 23-27! 
ENTRIES UNDERWAY FOR ‘VIEW AWARDS’ AND ‘GAMES BOOTCAMP’

LOS ANGELES/TURIN, Italy (August 31, 2017) More than 50 speakers are confirmed for VIEW CONFERENCE 2017, Italy’s largest digital media conference.   The 18th annual event promises to offer inspiring and practical content to artists, animators, game developers, storytellers, content creators and other students and professionals who work with computer graphics.

Six visual effects Oscar® winners, two Academy® Sci-Tech award winners, animated feature film directors, virtual reality pioneers, computer graphics researchers, game developers, photographers, writers and studio executives will converge in Turin, Italy from October 23-27. 

“One of the special reasons to attend VIEW is that our speakers like to stay for the entire week and attend talks given by the other speakers, so our attendees have many opportunities to interact with them,” says Conference Director Dr. Maria Elena Gutierrez. “VIEW brings together the world’s best and brightest minds across multiple disciplines, in a uniquely intimate and collaborative place where creatives can incubate and celebrate,” says Dr. Gutierrez.

Newly confirmed speakers include:

Scott Stokdyk Academy Award® winner (VFX Supervisor, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets) will showcase VFX from Luc Besson’s visually complex and stunningly beautiful Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets – from concept, design and inspiration to final color timing.

Paul Debevec, Academy Award® winner (Senior Staff Engineer, Google VR, ICT) will give attendees a glimpse inside the latest work from Google VR and ICT. 

Martyn Culpitt (VFX Supervisor, Logan, Image Engine company) who will breakdown the hit film Logan, highlighting the visual effects behind Wolverine’s gripping final chapter.

Jan-Bart Van Beek (Studio Art Director, Guerrilla Games) will take attendees through the journey that Guerrilla Games underwent to design the majestic post-apocalyptic world of one of the hottest new game franchise of the year, Horizon Zero Dawn.

David Rosenbaum (Chief Creative Officer, Cinesite Studios) and Warren Franklin (Executive Producer, Cinesite Studios) present at talk titled ‘It’s All Just Funny Business: Looking for IP, Talent ad Audiences.’

Elisabeth Morant (Product Manager for Google’s ‘Tilt Brush’) discusses the company’s acclaimed VR painting application in a talk titled ‘Real Decisions, Virtual Space: Designing for VR.’

Donald Greenberg (Jacob Gould Schurman Professor of Computer Graphics, Cornell University) discusses the ‘NEXT-Gen of Virtual Reality.’

Shawn Walsh (Visual Effects Executive Producer and General Manager, Image Engine)

Simone Kraus (Managing Director and Animation Supervisor, Trixter)

Steve Muench (Early Investor ‘Loving Vincent’) will present ‘The Labor of Loving Vincent: Animating Van Gogh to Solve a Mystery.’

Deborah Fowler (Professor of Visual Effects, Savannah College of Art and Design/SCAD) will showcase ‘Procedural and Production Techniques using Houdini.’

Daniele Federico (Co-Founder and Developer, Toolchefs) will present ‘Make us Alive.  An In-Depth Look at Atoms Crowd Software.

Dylan Sisson (Internationally recognized toy designer, cartoonist and digital artist) speaks about ‘Creating Characters in Virtual Reality.’

Jason Bickerstaff (Character Artist, Pixar Animation Studios) will present ‘Crossing The Dimensional Rift.’

Steve Beck (VFX Art Director, ILM) will discuss ‘The Future of Storytelling.’

Nancy Basi (Executive Director, Film and Media Centre – Vancouver Economic Commission)

These newly announced speakers join a spectacular slate of world-renowned keynote presenters including:

Joe Letteri, the four-time Oscar® winner (Senior VFX Supervisor, Weta Digital), who will present the evolution of visual effects technology and artistry behind his latest film, War for the Planet of the Apes.

Rob Pardo, legendary videogame designer (CEO, Bonfire Studios) whose career work includes World of Warcraft.

Eric Darnell, (Chief Creative Officer, Baobab Studios) whose career includes co-directing & co-writing all DreamWorks’ Madagascar films and projects including Invasion, Asteroids, Rainbow Crow and more, showcases the immersive storytelling possibilities of VR.

Cinzia Angelini,  (Director, Mila) presents ‘The Making of Mila: A Quality Animated Film Via the World Wide Web.’

Vicki Dobbs Beck, (Executive in Charge of ILMxLAB) presents ‘Step Inside Our Stories,’ an exciting showcase of ILMxLAB’s adventures and learning’s in the VR, AR and mobile spaces.

John Nelson, an Oscar® winner who will share the visual effects work on the highly anticipated film Blade Runner 2049.

For a complete listing of speakers visit: http://www.viewconference.it/speakers

VIEW CONFERENCE 2017 also includes the Second Annual Game Development ‘Boot Camp’:

For aspiring game developers, VIEW conference has also offered its second annual Games Development Boot Camp Accelerator Program (applications due August 31).  An international panel of judges will give six early-stage game companies the chance to be mentored for two weeks by industry experts and equity partners who invest in the industry or have a financial interest in the sector. For complete information: http://www.viewconference.it/games-bootcamp/

Also featured are the VIEW Awards:

The VIEW Conference’s popular awards competition recognizes animated short films and videogames created between January 1, 2015 and September 15, 2017 (submissions due September 15). For complete information: http://www.viewconference.it/awards-and-social-contest/. 

About VIEW Conference
Each year, the meticulously curated conference brings together top talent in the fields of virtual reality, animation, game development, and research for a sizzling week of workshops, presentations, master classes, awards, panels, and keynote addresses.

Registration is now open:  http://www.viewconference.it/passes-pricing/

The VIEW 2017 Conference is made possible with the support of Compagnia di San Paolo, 
Fondazione CRT, Piedmont Region, Turin's Chamber of Commerce and the City of Turin, Twith.tv.
 
VIEW Conference Social Media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/search?q=%23VIEWCONFERENCE2017
@viewconference;

#viewconference2017


Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/events/198550217290007/



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Animated Short - "Tough"

Thursday, August 24, 2017

Behind the Scenes of Loving Vincent

Behind the scenes of a unique piece of animation:



Friday, July 28, 2017

SIGGRAPH 2017 Production Sessions


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Dan Harary, Public Relations Director, SIGGRAPH 2017
+1.310.859.1831
SIGGRAPH 2017 Production Sessions to Feature Expert Creators of 'Game of Thrones,' 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,' 'Cars 3,' 'Overwatch,' and More
Conference to Debut Production Gallery With Film, Game Props; Host 'Hidden Figures' Panel
CHICAGO—SIGGRAPH 2017, the world's leading annual interdisciplinary educational experience showcasing the latest in computer graphics and interactive techniques, has announced the highlights of this year's Production Sessions program. SIGGRAPH 2017 will mark the 44th International Conference and Exhibition on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques, and will be held 30 July–3 August 2017 in Los Angeles.

SIGGRAPH Production Sessions are a chance for the world's most elite and talented computer graphics experts and creative geniuses to explain their processes and techniques. Following each presentation, attendees have the opportunity to ask questions about the complex productions, which span the genres of computer animation, visual effects, games, virtual reality, themed entertainment, and the latest computer graphics applications.

New in 2017, the Production Sessions program will be debuting the Production Gallery, which will feature motion picture and games artifacts from major studios. Among the memorabilia will be pitch boards from Disney's "Moana;" concept artwork and maquettes from "Cars 3," "Overwatch," and "Final Fantasy XV;" and costumes from "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2." The gallery will also showcase an exhibition from Sony Pictures Imageworks' archives to celebrate its 25th anniversary, with items from "Spider-Man," "Ghost Rider," "Men in Black," "Ghostbusters," "Stuart Little," and more.

"Since the Production Sessions program began, it has grown and evolved to become an attendee favorite with universal appeal. I am proud to be part of that tradition and to continue expanding the scope of Production Sessions content as well as initiating the all-new Production Gallery. While we have an amazing lineup that retains strong animation and VFX, we are also featuring a VR panel with Google Spotlight Stories and Oculus Story Studio and presenting a look at Blizzard's trans-media approach in creating 'Overwatch.' Plus, for the first time, we are bringing a live-action TV series to the SIGGRAPH stage," said Emily Hsu, SIGGRAPH 2017 Production Sessions Chair.

This summer, there will be 11 Production Sessions. Among the highlights are:

Game of Thrones: Building & Destroying Meereen
The Rodeo FX team will take you through the process behind the creation of the award-winning environment of Meereen in seasons 4 and 5 of "Game of Thrones," then its destruction in season 6. Created in season 4, the impressive city features a giant gilded pyramid crowned by a golden statue. What started out as a 2.5D matte painting evolved into a fully CG city in season 6, threatened to be destroyed when it's under attack by a huge fleet of ships.


Valerian and City of a Thousand Planets
"Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets" is the visually spectacular new adventure film from Luc Besson, the legendary director of "The Fifth Element", and is based on the ground-breaking comic book series Valérian et Laureline.

This session zooms in on the technologies deployed to create this fabulous universe.

ILM Presents: Behind the Magic, The Visual Effects of "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story"
Join the visual effects team from Industrial Light & Magic as they discuss the Academy Award nominated effects work that went into "Rogue One". Space battles, planetary destruction, "CG Miniatures", a re-programmed Imperial Droid, a Death Star and, yes, some digital human work for good measure, the crew will provide insight into the film's biggest challenges and discuss the solutions that brought this new chapter in the Star Wars universe to life.


The Making of Marvel Studio's "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2"
Set to the backdrop of "Awesome Mixtape #2," Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" continues the team's adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill's true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes' aid as the Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand. Marvel Studios, Weta, Framestore, and Method Studios will take SIGGRAPH audiences through their VFX journey as they created some of the movie's most heart-stopping moments.


Crazy Eight: The Making of a Race Sequence in Disney/Pixar's "Cars 3"
In this deep dive into "Cars 3", learn how Pixar filmmakers pulled off one of their most complex sequences ever: a figure-8 demolition derby filled with car crashes, mud, and explosions! The production team discusses the artistic and technical challenges involved in bringing this race to life. Park at your own risk. Pixar is not responsible for any damage to your vehicle. (The conference will also be screening "Cars 3" for all attendees on Sunday evening, 30 July.)


Blizzard Entertainment Presents: The Making of the "Overwatch" Animated Shorts
Learn how Blizzard Animation had to radically alter some of its production workflows and much of the technology used to produce the six episodes of "Overwatch." Using the groundbreaking GPU-based ray-tracing renderer Redshift, the "Overwatch" shorts represent an entirely new, cost-effective animation pipeline that allows rich, high-quality content to be created in a fraction of the time traditionally associated with pre-rendered workflows. Blizzard's team will also share some of the strategies, tools, and techniques employed to create a world worth fighting for.

Notes Hsu, "Although each project is very different in terms of production technique and process, all of our presentations embody the conference theme, 'At the Heart of Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques.' The drive to overcome challenges, spirit of innovation, and passion to create really does stand at the heart of these sessions."

As a bonus, discover what takes a production to the next level during the Sunday, 30 July, panel, "The Academy's Science and Technology Council Presents 'Hidden Figures' in Collaboration With NASA." Moderated by Beverly J. Wood, BJWOOD Consultant, LLC, and Academy Science and Technology Council member, the panel will feature NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory engineers and research scientists, as well as members of the creative team behind the Oscar®-nominated film "Hidden Figures." Learn more about this session.

Last but not least, the Productions Sessions program will host a very special meet-and-greet with Google Spotlight Stories Director Jorge Gutierrez "Son of Jaguar" on Wednesday, 2 August, from 4:30–5:30 p.m.

Register for SIGGRAPH 2017 at s2017.SIGGRAPH.org.

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About SIGGRAPH 2017
The annual SIGGRAPH conference is a five-day interdisciplinary educational experience in the latest computer graphics and interactive techniques, including a three-day commercial exhibition that attracts hundreds of companies from around the world. The conference also hosts the international SIGGRAPH Computer Animation Festival, showcasing works from the world's most innovative and accomplished digital film and video creators. Juried and curated content includes outstanding achievements in time-based art, scientific visualization, visual effects, real-time graphics, and narrative shorts. SIGGRAPH 2017 will take place from 30 July-3 August 2017 in Los Angeles. Visit the SIGGRAPH 2017 website or follow SIGGRAPH on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or Instagram for more detailed information.

About ACM SIGGRAPH
The ACM Special Interest Group on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques is an interdisciplinary community interested in research, technology, and applications in computer graphics and interactive techniques. Members include researchers, developers, and users from the technical, academic, business, and art communities. ACM SIGGRAPH enriches the computer graphics and interactive techniques community year-round through its conferences, global network of professional and student chapters, publications, and educational activities.

About ACM
ACM, the Association for Computing Machinery, is the world's largest educational and scientific computing society, uniting educators, researchers, and professionals to inspire dialogue, share resources, and address the field's challenges. ACM strengthens the computing profession's collective voice through strong leadership, promotion of the highest standards, and recognition of technical excellence. ACM supports the professional growth of its members by providing opportunities for lifelong learning, career development, and professional networking.

Sunday, July 16, 2017

The Lion King Signature Collection Details




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

“The Lion King” Roars to Its Rightful Place in the Walt Disney Signature Collection
 on Digital Aug. 15 and on Blu-ray™ Aug. 29

Two Ways to Experience the Movie! Plus New Bonus Including Never-Before-Seen Recording Sessions, Song Selections and More!

BURBANK, Calif. (July 16 2017)It was announced today at D23 Expo that in August, one of the biggest animated films in history—“The Lion King”—joins the highly celebrated Walt Disney Signature Collection. The coming-of-age masterpiece, filled with humor and heart, breathtaking animation and soul-stirring Academy Award®–winning music (1994: Best Original Score and Best Original Song, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”), arrives on Digital on Aug. 15 and on Blu-ray and DVD on Aug. 29.

Audiences will fall in love all over again with the treasured classic, and a new generation of fans will laugh with Timon and Pumbaa, cry with Simba and Mufasa, burst into song, and find their place in the “Circle of Life.” The Walt Disney Signature Collection release includes over three hours of classic bonus material and exclusive,  brand new features inviting viewers to sing along with the film’s award-winning music, observe recording sessions, step inside the story room, witness the evolution of a villain, and join Nathan Lane (voice of Timon) and Matthew Broderick (voice of Adult Simba) for an extended conversation regarding the legacy of “The Lion King.”

“The Lion King” follows the adventures of Simba, a feisty lion cub who cannot wait to be king, as he searches for his destiny in the great “Circle of Life.” The film earned a Golden Globe® for Best Motion Picture—Comedy or Musical and inspired a Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical that is currently the third longest-running musical in Broadway history. In 2019, a reimagined live-action film, helmed by Jon Favreau, will delight audiences with the thrilling retelling of the original tale utilizing groundbreaking technological advances—as only Disney can do.

“The Lion King” is the fifth title to join the Walt Disney Signature Collection, which includes groundbreaking films created or inspired by the imagination and legacy of Walt Disney, featuring timeless stories and characters that have touched generations. It takes its place alongside “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Pinocchio” and “Bambi.”

Bonus Features:
BLU-RAY, DIGITAL*:
·         Brand New Sing-Along Version

·         Audio Commentary – View the film with commentary by producer Don Hahn and co-directors Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff.

·         Visualizing a Villain Against a backdrop of live dancers and the animated “Be Prepared” sequence, artist David Garibaldi paints a masterpiece of evil.

·       The Recording Sessions Watch rare footage of the actors recording their roles, matched with the final animation. Intro by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff.

·           Nathan and Matthew: The Extended Lion King Conversation Nathan Lane (Timon) and Matthew Broderick (Adult Simba) offer candid and hilarious insights into their Lion King experiences.

·           Inside the Story Room – Co-directors Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff present archival footage of five original story pitches.
o    Circle of Life – See how color creates emotion and meaning in the film's iconic opening.
o    Simba & Nala – See how elements proposed in story meetings evolve into what appears onscreen.
o    Simba Takes Nala Out to Play – …And, sometimes what seems funny in story meetings never makes it into the film!
o    Hakuna Matata – Co-directors Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff sing, act and dance their hearts out as they pitch the "Hakuna Matata" sequence.
o    Rafiki and Reflecting Pool – Co-directors Roger Allers & Rob Minkoff pitch a sequence that became the emotional heart of The Lion King to Producer Don Hahn.

·         Music & More – Sing along to your favorite songs from the movie!
o   “Circle of Life”
o   “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King”
o   “Be Prepared”
o   “Hakuna Matata”
o   “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”


·         Galleries 
o   Visual Development – Explore a gallery of striking artwork that inspired the movie's look and feel.
o   Character Design – Trace the development of the film's unforgettable characters through early concept art drawings.
o   Storyboards – Examine storyboards created in the development of “The Lion King.”
o   Layouts – Feast your eyes on layouts created in the development of “The Lion King.”
o   Backgrounds & Layouts – Journey through a gallery of landscape paintings that shaped the world of “The Lion King.”
·                  Classic Bonus Features (Digital Only) – These offerings from prior home entertainment releases include hours of bonus material, such as bloopers, audio commentary, deleted and alternate scenes, and in-depth journeys into the music, film, story, animals and stage show.

*Bonus features may vary by retailer

DISC SPECIFICATIONS:
Product SKUs:                              Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray, DVD, Digital Copy), Digital HD/SD, DVD
Feature Run Time:                      Approximately 89 minutes
Rating:                                           G in U.S. and Canada
Aspect Ratio:                                Blu-ray Feature Film = 1080p High Definition / 1.78:1
                                                                                                        DVD Feature Film = 1.78:1
Audio:                                          Blu-ray = English 7.1 DTS-HDMA, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital Language Tracks
DVD = English, Spanish, and French 5.1 Dolby Digital Language Tracks
Subtitles:                                     English ESL, English SDH, French & Spanish

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook:                                                                     Facebook.com/DisneyTheLionKing
        Website:                                                                       Movies.Disney.com/The-Lion-King