Monthly Archives: September 2014

No comments

News: Michael Ouweleen Named Chief Marketing Officer, Cartoon Network – Adult Swim – Boomerang

  By

Michael Ouweleen 2014Michael Ouweleen Named Chief Marketing Officer,

Cartoon Network – Adult Swim – Boomerang

Michael Ouweleen has been named chief marketing officer for Turner Broadcasting System’s Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and Boomerang, it was announced today by Christina Miller, president and general manager who oversees the portfolio of media properties. He will be based in Atlanta and report to Miller.

Ouweleen, who was most recently senior vice president and executive creative director for Cartoon Network’s Creative Group and has been one of the brand’s key creative drivers for the last 17 years, will now provide the overall creative direction and strategic leadership to all areas of marketing, on-air, trade and sponsorship partnerships that support the three networks and all of its ancillary businesses, including digital, gaming, ad sales and consumer products.

“Michael has that strong combination of creative vision and strategic thinking,” said Miller. “He has a deep knowledge of our brands, and with him now leading the efforts for both the marketing and creative teams there is an opportunity for us to have a more holistic and creative approach to our marketing.”

As senior vice president and executive director for Cartoon Network’s Creative Group, Ouweleen oversaw and directed the development of creative materials for Cartoon Network’s off-channel needs, including print advertising, show launch kits, sales materials, PR materials, premiums and event environments. He also supervised all on-air promotions, program franchise packaging and sponsored promotions for both Cartoon Network and Boomerang. Additionally, he managed the development of on-air spots for the networks’ multiple licensed promotion partners.

Ouweleen began his career with Cartoon Network in 1996 as associate creative director of the on-air department. Within six months, he was promoted to vice president and creative director. In this capacity, he served as the primary writer/producer of on-air short-form material aimed at establishing Cartoon Network’s distinctive brand identity, winning multiple industry awards for his team’s creative accomplishments. Ouweleen was also a key member of the small team that championed and launched Adult Swim. While serving as Creative Director for the new block of programming, he also co-created, co-executive produced and co-wrote one of the first Adult Swim original series, Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law.

His accomplishments brought both networks significant industry and pop culture buzz, and got Ouweleen named to Entertainment Weekly’s creative “It List” for the year 2000.

In 2003, as SVP of development and programming, Ouweleen oversaw the creation of such animated hits as Ben 10, Chowder and The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack, as well as the network’s first live-action adaptation of a network property, Ben 10: Race Against Time.

Prior to joining Cartoon Network, Ouweleen worked in advertising in New York and on several animated projects. He graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown University with a major in both English and Theology.

Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com) is regularly the #1 U.S. television network in prime among boys 6-11 & 9-14. Currently seen in over 98 million U.S. homes and 194 countries around the world, Cartoon Network is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s ad-supported cable service now available in HD offering the best in original, acquired and classic entertainment for kids and families. In addition to Emmy-winning original programming and industry-leading digital apps and online games, Cartoon Network embraces key social issues affecting families with solution-oriented initiatives such as Stop Bullying: Speak Up and the Move It Movement.

Adult Swim (AdultSwim.com), launched in 2001, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s network offering original and acquired animated and live-action series for young adults. Airing nightly from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. (ET/PT), Adult Swim is basic cable’s #1 network among persons 18-34 and 18-49, and is seen in 98 million U.S. homes.

Boomerang is TBS, Inc.’s 24-hour cable/satellite network offering the best in classic animated entertainment. In partnership with Cartoon Network, the service boasts 75 percent unduplicated programming and is available to cable/satellite operators and their customers in Spanish.  Boomerang’s official Web site is located at http://Boomerang.CartoonNetwork.com.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

 

#  #  #

 

Follow us @CartoonNetPR

 

CONTACTS:

Atlanta             James Anderson            james.anderson@turner.com            (404) 885-4205

 

No comments

Reviews: Tom and Jerry: The Lost Dragon

  By

Tom and Jerry: The Lost Dragon
Reviewed by Melissa Milo

Tom-and-Jerry_The-Lost-Dragon_Box-Art_2D

Warner Bros. Animation, who’s produced countless hits such as Pinky and the Brain, Animaniacs, Tiny Toons, Batman the Animated series and many more has brought back the dynamic duo in a big way.

Rather than the usual setting Tom and Jerry takes place in, this time our heroes dwell in an otherworldly village, filled with wizards, witches, and dragons and blue skinned people. Amongst them is a young, green-skinned witch named Athena who lives there as well along with our other two protagonists: Tom and Jerry.  Why she’s green is never really revealed.

Hated by the residents of this village due to the association with her evil aunt Drizelda, Athena is misunderstood and lonely, considering her only two friends are a cat and a mouse. When the trio finds an unhatched dragon egg, Tom is chosen to raise it once the creature is born. Aunt Drizelda, who was banished years earlier for use of dark magic, decides she needs the power this little dragon possesses and attempts to kidnap the poor thing. Throughout the rest of the movie everyone is trying to keep the dragon out of harm’s way all the while avoiding their village from being destroyed by Drizelda’s dark powers.

Although this movie was sweet and had a touching sense of child-friendly adventure, there were a few flaws. The plot line was a bit predictable and lacked the traditional fighting between Tom and Jerry, aside from a couple short scenes however in this politically-correct world that’s to be expected and this was not made for adults but for impressionable children. Still I did miss the slapstick humor and rivalry between the famous duo. The end of the film was also a bit perilous, in which some young children might find scary. However, despite these issues the rest of the movie was pretty humorous and adorable, especially with the baby dragon whose cheeks I desperately wanted to pinch.

Maybe this movie was not the Oscar pick of the season, but if you have a child from about four to eight, this movie might be worth watching. Enjoy!

TJ-Dragon-review

No comments

Promote Yourself: Character Animation in Toon Boom Animate 3 DVD out Sept 10th

  By
Hey Campers,
Tony Ross of tonyteach.com here, and we’ve been working on this since April, but we will finally be releasing our new Toon Boom training, Character Animation in Toon Boom Animate 3, on Wednesday September 10.  This is probably the strongest, most in-depth Toon Boom title tonyteach has released to date, and it covers everything from a basic intro, to completing a short animated scene!
Learn ToonBoom Animate 3 in the most Easy way with this Step by Step Video Course! http://bit.ly/1vNpCS0
Though this course is for Toon Boom Animate 3, a majority of the tutorials work for version 2 as well. In addition, there is a BONUS section covering the Animate 3 Pro version.
Tony Ross/tonyteach.com
No comments

News: Cartoon Network Enlists One Million People to Share “I Speak Up” Online Videos for Fifth Annual Stop Bullying: Speak Up Initiative

  By

SPEAK UP WEEK Logo

For Release: September 4, 2014

Cartoon Network Enlists One Million People to Share “I Speak Up” Online Videos to Kick off its Fifth Annual Stop Bullying: Speak Up Initiative

SPEAK UP WEEK (Sept. 29-Oct. 3) Multi-Platform Campaign to Include Celebrity Messages, New Shorts and PSAs as Lead-in to National Bullying Prevention Month

Dad & Daughter Speak Up for Bullying Prevention
Lauded Initiative Provides Bystanders with Tools Needed to Stop Bullying By Encouraging All to “Speak Up” Via Social Media Using the Hashtag #ISpeakUp

As bullying continues to affect millions of kids nationwide, Cartoon Network is kicking off its annual Stop Bullying: Speak Up campaign with a video call-to-action encouraging people to speak up on behalf of kids who need help. With a goal of attaining the combined voice of one million user-generated videos, the network is giving people the opportunity to say to the world, “I Speak Up.” By proclaiming those three words into a mobile device and sharing the video at www.StopBullyingSpeakUp.com as well as their own social media platforms using the hashtag #ISpeakUp, participants are vowing to say something if they witness bullying.

The initiative, which first launched in 2010, will culminate during CARTOON NETWORK’S SPEAK UP WEEK September 29 through October 3, as a kick-off to National Bullying Prevention Month in October. The goal for this year is simple: To collect one million user-generated videos that unite the voices of kids, parents, educators, celebrities and government officials, each committing to speak up—either themselves or to a trusted adult—when someone is bullied.

Select videos from participants will become part of new campaign spots to appear on Cartoon Network, its digital platforms and Boomerang throughout October. Cartoon Network’s partnering organizations—including Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), 4-H Clubs, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention—also will be reaching out to their targeted audiences and communities to help reach the one million videos goal. Through these combined efforts toward a united cause, Stop Bullying: Speak Up underscores that speaking up is one of the most effective ways to help bring a bullying situation to an end.

“We’re so proud of the youth who inspired this campaign by their courage and kindness. Our goal is to give young people, and the adults who care for them, the confidence and competence to speak up safely and effectively when bullying happens,” said Alice Cahn, Cartoon Network vice president of social responsibility. “Working with expert partners nationwide, Cartoon Network provides practical bullying prevention advice kids can put into action. This new phase of our campaign is meant to empower anyone who wants to take an active role in seeing bullying come to an end. We embrace and thank the one million people out there willing to publicly take a stand; coming together, we can all make a difference for our nation’s children.”

During CARTOON NETWORK’S SPEAK UP WEEK, in addition to the videos, Cartoon Network will air shorts, bumps and PSAs with anti-bullying themes featuring the overlying message that “speaking up” should become the action when bullying occurs. Each message will remind viewers to visit StopBullyingSpeakUp.com to learn how they can participate in the one million video challenge. Additional spots will feature animated characters from Cartoon Network’s original series interacting with kids and families who have shared their “I Speak Up” message at StopBullyingSpeakUp.com. Furthermore, Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Turner Broadcasting sister networks TBS, TNT, CNN, HLN, NBA TV and TruTV will air special bumps showcasing recorded messages from Turner celebrities encouraging even more viewer participation. Finally, an official “I Speak Up” tally will appear onscreen each day noting how many people have officially “spoken up” by submitting videos and/or pledges during within the campaign.

For anyone interested in sharing their own “I Speak Up” video, easy instructions are readily available at www.StopBullyingSpeakUp.com, along with recommendations for optimum video results. All participants will be asked to sign a digital release form to clear use of the video for all on-air, online and/or social media opportunities. Users under the age of 18 will be encouraged to ask a parent for permission and for help in submitting a video. Those that participate are also encouraged to use the hashtag #ISpeakUp to share videos via their own social media platforms to help spread the word and enlist friends to take part in the challenge.

 

About Stop Bullying: Speak Up
Cartoon Network’s Stop Bullying: Speak Up is an award-winning, multi-platform pro-social campaign, created with experts in the field to raise awareness, build partnerships and empower young people to speak up against bullying safely and effectively. Campaign resources include video, print and online content—including an award-winning documentary introduced by President Barack Obama—available at StopBullyingSpeakUp.com, available at no charge to schools, community groups and parents to motivate bullying prevention activities or discussions.

 

About Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com) is regularly the #1 U.S. television network in prime among boys 6-11 & 9-14. Currently seen in 97 million U.S. homes and 194 countries around the world, Cartoon Network is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s ad-supported cable service now available in HD offering the best in original, acquired and classic entertainment for kids and families. In addition to Emmy-winning original programming and industry-leading digital apps and online games, Cartoon Network embraces key social issues affecting families with solution-oriented initiatives such as Stop Bullying: Speak Up and the Move It Movement.Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

#  #  #

Follow us @CartoonNetPR

CARTOON NETWORK CONTACTS:

Atlanta                  James Anderson                          (404) 885-4205                            james.anderson@turner.com

Joe Swaney                                   (404) 885-0657                            joe.swaney@turner.com

Los Angeles          Courtenay Palaski                       (310) 788-6903                            courtenay.palaski@turner.com

 

THE LIPPIN GROUP CONTACTS:

Los Angeles          Pam Golum                                  (323) 965-1990 x325                 pgolum@lippingroup.com

New York              Sara Levin                                    (212) 986-7080                            sara@lippingroup.com

No comments

Matthew Tardiff

  By
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az7dOh1LfrM&feature=plcp

What is your name and current occupation?
Matthew Tardiff,Freelance Animator/Director/Creator/etc @ Hummingbird and the Lotus,Animation Instructor @ Full Sail University focusing on Game Animation.
What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
Hmm, that’s a tough one. Starting at age 15 I worked for a slew of different jobs; starting with fast food, construction, call center, sales, restaurant, car salesman, fast food again, stock, claims representative, art store wall flower etc. I probably left out some stuff because there were a few years there that will never return to my memory.
What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
Jimmy Neutron ,My first legitimate animation gig where I realized how much I did not know about animation but somehow kept my head above water long enough to learn some valuable life lessons. I’m not being humble; my animation skills as a whole were shit in hindsight. Lunchables (only because I got to work @ Wildbrain in San Francisco)

How did you become interested in animation?
For as long as I can remember I’ve loved to draw, create, make things move and take objects apart. But there were several points in time that directed me to animation. The first one was in 6th grade. A class mate showed me a Continue reading

No comments

Jobs: Walt Disney Animation Studios Modeler

  By

Disney logo

Walt Disney Animation Studios

Modeler

Walt Disney Animation Studios has an exciting opportunity for a Character Modeler to join the team at our Burbank, CA studio. As a Modeler at our studio, you will build complex 3D models including organic characters. Youll work with a team of artists, including Visual Development Artists and Character TDs to interpret designs, and build and refine models for production.

Responsibilities

* Character modelers work with polygonal and subdivision topologies to create surface models ranging from highly-stylized cartoon characters to photo-realistic fantasy creatures
* Take direction from Leads and Supervisors and feedback from Directors

Requirements

* Bachelors degree or equivalent experience
* 3+ years of Animation, VFX, or Video Game industry experience modeling in polygons/Sub Ds using Maya
* Ability to work in a collaborative environment, taking direction from the Model Lead, CG
* Ability to work well in teams consisting of rigging, animation and character design
* Supervisor and feedback from the Art Director and Directors(s) as necessary
* Proven ability to be detail oriented and to work efficiently within a production environment
* Strong problem solving skills
* Candidates focusing on character modeling should show stylized characters
* All candidates should include 2D reference images when applicable

Preferred Qualifications

* Proficiency with ZBrush
* Experience with Mudbox
* Strong knowledge of related field such as anatomy
* Experience with traditional 3D sculpting
* Experience with character rigging
* Experience with texture/shading
* Facial blend shape targets
* Scripting (MEL, Python, Perl) background a plus
Application Visual examples of images exemplifying work in this area are requested for review. Additionally, please include a resume and reel breakdown with your online profile. When applicable, wireframes, close up of rotating heads, and 2D reference art should be shown.

You can apply for this job by clicking this link.