Author Archives: Mike

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Jobs: Head of Story at Laika

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Laika

General Summary

The Head of Story, in concert with the Director, translates and interprets story lines into a visual medium via sketches, thumbnail drawings and finished storyboard drawings. Storyboards are the foundation of the production. The Head of Story is responsible for managing the Storyboard Department and the department’s Storyboard Artists.

Essential Job Functions

·       Leads and actively manages Storyboard Artists and storyboarding process.

·       Reviews, critiques, adjusts and approves work created in advance of Director review.

·       Serves as creative story lead.

·             Delivers storyboard assignments on time and on budget, which includes developing and maintaining schedules and standards for the department that are consistent with the needs of the Production.

·       Illustrates script pages and story ideas.

·       Develops character personality and dramatic/comedic action.

·       Works with Director (and Editor) to define staging, pacing, layout and camera action.

·       Incorporates Director’s notes.

·       Creates quick thumbnail sketches through to finished detailed storyboard panels.

·             Works with the Director, Producer and Editorial staff to review and adjust story schedules as needed.

·             Liaises with other key department heads such as Puppets, RP, Art and Camera to ensure healthy cross department communication and information sharing.

Qualifications

·       Experience as a Head of Story on a theatrically released Feature Animated Film.

·       Experience as a storyboard artist on Feature Films.

·       5+ years experience on Animated Feature Films.

·       Strong drawing ability for conveying character and action.

·             Strong understanding of basic story structure, character development, staging, layout, cutting and a cinematic / dynamic use of camera.

·       Ability to work both collaboratively and independently.

·       Ability to visually analyze and translate scripts.

·       Ability to create quick sketches through to finished storyboard panels.

·             Ability to create inventive ideas and stories with a sense of entertainment and humor for multiple types of creative projects.

·       Experience with the Wacom Cintiq drawing tablet, a plus.

·       Experience with Photoshop, a plus.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

– See more at: http://www.creativeheads.net/job/14195/head-of-story-in-hillsboro#sthash.Eq9ODR3F.dpuf

Click here to apply.

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Job: Designer – Cartoon Network

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Cartoon netowrk logo

Designer – Cartoon Network

Job Description

The Designer will work with the creative team to conceptualize, design and execute all on-air and off channel creative for Cartoon Network. This includes, but is not limited to, billboards, ads, posters, web banners, digital images, press mailers and sites, events, photo shoots, consumer products and premiums. Looking for candidates with strong design, illustration, craft and typography skills. Solid production skills (setting up files for press) are also very important. In addition, the Designer will support on-air creative, which includes motion graphics, set and props design and assisting on shoots. We are looking for candidates that share the Cartoon Network aesthetic and sensibility. Candidates should have a unique creative perspective and a good sense of humor.

Other responsibilities include:

  • Exhibit excellent typography and design skills.
  • Concept and provide thoughtful creative solutions of new layouts.
  • Support the design team by jumping in at any stage of the creative process.
  • Take ownership for all projects given to them and communicates effectively.
  • Create mechanicals and releases files to print as well as produces color matching proofs to deliver to printers.
  • Create electronic files as part of the proofing and approval process.
  • Produce comps and presentation materials that may require conventional mounting and comping techniques.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in and working knowledge of relevant technical concepts and related processes.
  • Take ownership for all projects given to them and communicates effectively.
  • Follow all department processes for archiving work and file maintenance.

Qualifications:

  • 2+ years of graphic design and print production experience
  • Avid user of Adobe Creative Suite, including After Effects
  • Excellent understanding of prepress
  • Familiarity with Epson large format printers
  • Must be Mac proficient
  • Strong organizational, time and project management skills
  • Exceptional interpersonal communicator

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. and its subsidiaries are E-Verify users.

Direct application link: http://jobsatturner.com/atlanta/animation/jobid7478709-designer-cartoon-network-jobs

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2d Wednesday- “Havana Heat” The Mill/ String Theory

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For today’s 2D Wednesday, check out this really cool spot called ‘Havana Heat’ which is a “steamy love letter” to a  used book selling site called Good Books in the cleavage-heaving language made famous by Mills & Boon.

Books are available through the online store at usegoodbooks.com.

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“Digital vs. Traditional” by Nata Metlukh

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A graduation film made at Vancouver Film School (2015), 4 weeks of production.
Directed and animated by Nata Metlukh
Sound design by Julian Gallese

Official selection:
Spike & Mike’s Festival of Animation

More about Nata Metlukh: notofagus.com
More info and updates: facebook.com/notofagus

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9 Story Media Group Options Bestselling Children Series OTIS THE TRACTOR

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otis-up

9 Story Media Group Options Bestselling Children Series

OTIS THE TRACTOR

Toronto, Canada –May 12, 2015 – 9 Story Media Group is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Penguin Young Readers for the option to produce an animated television series based on the #1 New York Times bestselling children’s book series, Otis the Tractor. Written and illustrated by Loren Long, the series is published by Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers. The Otis book series debuted in 2009, selling over 1.5 million copies to date across 9 titles. Under the terms of the deal, 9 Story has also optioned merchandising and licensing rights for the property.

“We are thrilled to bring Loren Long’s beloved characters into the 9 Story family,” said Natalie Dumoulin, Vice President of Creative Affairs for 9 Story. “Otis the Tractor is a character kids connect with universally – he may be small in stature, but he has a heart of gold and teaches his audience the values of loyalty, courage and friendship.”

“Otis is the person, or in this case, tractor, that we all want to be—brave, loyal, patient, determined, and a true friend to the end,” said Michael Green, President & Publisher, Philomel Books. “I can’t think of a better role model or companion for kids. And I’m so grateful that Otis has found a quality partner in 9 Story.”

“I’m excited to team up with 9 Story, and for Otis to putt-puff his way into even more homes, and make even more friends!” said Loren Long, author and illustrator of the Otis series.

#1 New York Times bestselling picture book Otis spent almost 20 weeks on the New York Times bestsellers list in 2009. Loren Long’s “majestic, whimsical, and rousing” (Publishers Weekly) artwork and comforting, satisfying story immediately turned Otis into a beloved picture book character. Otis has continued to putt-puff-puttedy-chuff all over the bestseller list in titles such as Otis and the Puppy, Otis and the Tornado, an Otis Christmas, and Otis and the Scarecrow. In addition to the Otis series, Loren also illustrated such acclaimed books as Watty Piper’s The Little Engine That Could, Madonna’s Mr. Peabody’s Apples, and President Barack Obama’s book, Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters. He lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with his wife and two sons.

9 Story Media Group is a leading content creator, marketer and distributor of kids & family focused intellectual property. Recognized around the world for best-in-class brands such as Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood, Wild Kratts, Numb Chucks, Arthur and Peg + Cat, 9 Story represents over 1800 half hours of animated and live action programming, seen on some of the most respected international channels and platforms.  With one of North America’s largest animation studios, 9 Story employs over 250 creative and production staff and has produced over 900 half hours of award-winning children’s content. 9 Story is owned by senior management, ZM Capital and media entrepreneur Neil Court. www.9story.com

Penguin Young Readers is one of the leading children’s book publishers in the United States. The company owns a wide range of imprints and trademarksincluding Dial Books, Dutton, Grosset & Dunlap, Philomel, Puffin, Speak, Firebird, G. P. Putnam’s Sons, Viking, Razorbill, and Frederick Warne. These imprints are home to such award-winning, New York Times- bestselling authors as Laurie Halse Anderson, Jay Asher, Judy Blume, Jan Brett, Eric Carle, Ally Condie, Roald Dahl, Tomie dePaola, Sarah Dessen, Anna Dewdney, John Flanagan, Gayle Forman John Green, Oliver Jeffers, Mike Lupica, Richelle Mead, B.J. Novak, Richard Peck, Judy Schachner, Jacqueline Woodson and dozens of other popular authors. Penguin Young Readers Group is also the proud publisher of perennial brand franchises such as The Little Engine That Could, the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys series, Peter Rabbit, Spot, the Classic Winnie the Pooh, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Strega Nona, Madeline, Mad Libs, Alex Rider, the Rangers Apprentice, Skippyjon Jones, Flower Fairies, and Pippi Longstocking, among many others. Penguin Young Readers Group is a division of Penguin Group LLC, a Penguin Random House company.

For further information: 

Jennifer Ansley, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, 9 Story Media Group

+1 416 530-9900 ext 230, jennifera@9story.com