Category Archives: News

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RIP Liz Holzman

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Liz tribute

So sorry to hear this news. Our producer on Pinky and the Brain and a friend of mine Liz Holzman passed away yesterday. Liz was like a mother hen to us all. She mentored me during my first real directing job, she taught me how to make a shot epic, and she taught me how to be a good boss to my crew. She used to make waffles for us in her office if you can believe that! She was a really nice lady and although I didn’t stay in touch with her lately I will miss her. It’s weird to think it I know but it’s almost like both mom and dad are gone from Pinky and the Brain since Rusty Mills passed away as well ALSO from Cancer and we’re all left orphans. Rest in peace Liz Holzman. Narf. Narf.

We interviewed Liz early last year.

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News: DisneyToon Studios Hit By More Layoffs

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disneytoon-logo-grid A sad day at Disney Toons as Deadline Hollywood reports that as many as 17  artists were given pink slips.

From the site:

 Things are getting leaner at the House of Mouse once again. This time it’sDisneyToon Studios that is handing out pink slips. About 17 of the 60 full-time employees at the primarily direct-to-video animation group have been laid off, with some occurring last week and the rest to leave during the next month. A unit of Walt Disney Animation Studios, the John Lasseter- and Ed Catmull-run DisneyToon called a meeting August 6 to make the layoffs announcement to staff. The quickly called gathering came a day after big Disney released its ahead-of-expectations Q3 results.“There is not a lot left to cut here now, the next round of cuts could be closing us down,” one DTS employee told me.

 

You can read the full story here.

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Autodesk Sketchbook Pro 7 released!

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SketchbookI’ve been working on the beta for this new version for the last six months and of course I have not been allowed to say anything but today I can finally break the silence on the brand spankin new Skletchbook Pro 7 which releases today at Sketchbook.com!

the biggest news about this new version is much awaited Flipbook feature which brings a timeline to Sketchbook and allows to actually ANIMATE within the program! Add to that the ability to draw with the most natural pencil tool on the market and this is a VERY powerful tool for animators. Now I won’t lie to you, it’s a work-in-progress and as of yet, you can not put sound on the timeline nor can you export a video. You render out frames, place them in a video editor and build a movie that way. You do however have the ability to have multiple layers and the background layer actually stays throughout the timeline which allows you to actually do a background behind your animation. You could also use that layer to place a studio’s board template on it which will allow you to storyboard.

Sketchbook Pro 7 is available online both Mac and PC for $65 at Sketchbook.com right now. Also, new with this build is the option now to subscribe for only $24 a year and of course you’ll get free upgrades as they add new features.

A natural drawing experience

Draw in SketchBook Pro and discover an authentic, natural drawing experience that is as close to pencil, pen, marker, or brush on paper as a digital art tool can be.

Autodesk SketchBook Pro Steady Stroke

Steady Stroke

Steady Stroke brings greater predictability and control to strokes, helping with precision and confidence.

Autodesk Sketchbook Pro Traditional Tools

Ruler, Ellipse and French Curve

Ruler, Ellipse, and French Curve tools for designers who enjoy working with traditional toolsets.

Autodesk SketchBook Pro Brushes

Customizable Brushes

Do-it-yourself brushes give maximum control over the finest details of your art.

Autodesk SketchBook Pro Perspective Tool

Lay down perfect perspective with all-new Perspective Guides

Lay down perfect perspective in seconds with 1 point, 2 point, 3 point, and fisheye perspective guides. Freely adjust vanishing points and horizon lines on, or beyond, the canvas.

Flipbook key frame animation toolset

For the first time, artists can express motion with SketchBook Pro. Built in collaboration with the Autodesk® Maya® team, this simple key frame timeline enables a traditional animation workflow in the familiar SketchBook environment.

Autodesk SketchBook Pro Flipbook

Layer enhancements for even more control

New layer blend modes, multi-layer selection, ten levels of layer grouping, and background layer color selection makes whole or partial image manipulation, transformation, and selection easier than ever.

More features to discover and explore

Experience the Copic® Markers and the Copic® Color Library along with over 100 preset brushes, pens, pencils, markers and airbrushes.

Autodesk SketchBook Pro Enhanced Selection Tool

Enhanced selection tools including magic wand selection and drawing within the selection.

Autodesk SketchBook Pro Distort Transform Tool

Distort transform gives you the freedom to manipulate your image easily.

Autodesk SketchBook Pro Flood Fill Tool

Dynamic flood fill tools with solid, linear, and radial gradients with complete control of the fills.

Discover amazing art created with SketchBook Pro

Bobby Chiu

Bobby Chiu

Creature Box

CreatureBox Inc.

Creature Box

CreatureBox Inc.

Jay Shuster

Jay Shuster

Kyle Runciman

Kyle Runciman

Patipat Asavasena

Patipat Asavasena

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News: ASIAN ANIMATION SUMMIT 2014 TO TAKE PLACE IN HANOI

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 ASIAN ANIMATION SUMMIT 2014 TO TAKE PLACE IN HANOI, VIETNAM

ASSummit logo

Showcasing 24 animated projects from Korea, Malaysia, Thailand,
Australia and beyond that have never been to market before

Toronto, July 30, 2014: Kidscreen is thrilled to announce thatthe third-annual Asian Animation Summit will take place this year in Hanoi, Vietnam from December 3 to 5. The event’s venue is the Sofitel Plaza, a five-star hotel located just a few minutes away from the inspiring capital city’s Old Quarter.

An initiative of KOCCA (Korea), MDeC (Malaysia), SIPA and DITP (Thailand), AAS 2015 is owned and produced by Kidscreen, and supported by Screen Australia. Its organizers are anticipating that 250 to 300 attendees will take part this year. The event is designed to attract producers of animation who are interested in co-producing projects with Asian partners, as well as Asian broadcasters, distributors and investors from Asia and beyond.

Over the course of the three-day event, 24 projects from Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia and elsewhere in Asia that are brand-new to the market and looking for financing and partners will be presented. Each day will begin with a highly informative panel discussion or presentation that explores new market trends, business models or creative techniques that are most relevant to Asian producers.

More information about the 2014 Asian Animation Summit can be found online at www.asiananimationsummit.com.

For further details, please contact:

Aimee Norman at DDA Blueprint PR

Tel: +44 (0) 208 985 4708 Email: aimee@ddablueprint.com

 

Monique Levine at DDA Blueprint PR

Tel: +44 (0) 207 932 9825 Email: Monique@ddablueprint.com

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News: RAINMAKER ENTERTAINMENT’S TARA KEMES UPPED TO VP CULTURE & TALENT

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TaraRAINMAKER ENTERTAINMENT’S TARA KEMES UPPED

TO VP CULTURE & TALENT

Former Director of Talent Development

Spearheads Company’s Recruitment Efforts at SIGGRAPH

Vancouver, BC (July 30, 2014) Rainmaker Entertainment, the multifaceted Vancouver-based animation studio, has promoted its Director of Talent Development, Tara Kemes, to the newly created position of Vice President Culture and Talent.  Kemes, who first joined Rainmaker in 2009, will spearhead the company’s recruiting efforts while also continuing to develop the unique culture that distinguishes Rainmaker from other animation production studios as it continues to expand its creative and technical teams. Kemes reports to Rainmaker Entertainment SVP, Production and Operations, Kim Dent Wilder, who announced Kemes’ promotion today.
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News: Cartoon Network Re-ups the Funny

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Regular Show

Cartoon Network Re-ups the Funny with More Adventure Time, Regular Show, Uncle Grandpa, Steven Universe and Clarence

New Seasons Ordered for Five Original Cartoon Network Studios Comedies 

Today and tomorrow at Comic-Con® International: San Diego 2014 Cartoon Network will host jam-packed panels for all their hit original comedy animated series.  Amongst the surprises and hilarity of Comic-Con and coming on the heels of ratings and critical success around the world, the Network will announce Season 7 of the Emmy®-winning Adventure Time, Season 7 of the Emmy®-winning Regular Show, Season 2 of the Emmy®-winning Uncle Grandpa, Season 2 of Steven Universe and 13 more half hours of Clarence.  Regular Show, Uncle Grandpa, Steven Universe and Clarence originate from the prolific artist-driven Cartoon Network Shorts Program at Cartoon Network Studios.

“We have created global momentum with this group of home-grown series,” said Rob Sorcher, chief content officer for Cartoon Network.  “Our commitment to keeping all of these comedies going strong is a reflection of our continued belief in the impressive creative talent powering them.”

What time is it?  Just nominated for a 2014 Primetime Emmy® Cartoon Network is happy to announce that pop cultural phenomenon Adventure Time will be back for a seventh season.  New episode premieres from Adventure Time’s Season 6-to-date have averaged almost 2.9 million Persons age 2+, nearly 1.4 million kids 2-11 and more than 1.0 million kids 6-11.  Adventure Time’s unlikely heroes Finn and Jake are buddies who traverse the mystical Land of Ooo and encounter its colorful inhabitants. Adventure Time is created by Pendleton Ward and is produced at Cartoon Network Studios.  Currently in Season 6, Adventure Time airs Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. (ET/ PT).

Regular Show, also nominated for a 2014 Primetime Emmy® has been greenlit for Season 7.  Regular Show’s Season 5 new episode premieres to-date have averaged nearly 2.5 million Persons 2+, almost 1.2 million kids 2-11 and 909,000 kids 6-1.  Created by JG Quintel and produced by Cartoon Network Studios, Regular Show features best friends and groundskeepers, Mordecai, a six-foot-tall blue jay and Rigby, a hyperactive raccoon who spend their days trying to entertain themselves by any means necessary.  Their everyday pursuits often lead to things spiraling out of control and into the surreal.  Regular Show currently airs Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. (ET/ PT).  Season six of Regular Show will premiere this fall on Cartoon Network.

It’s been a “Good Morning” for Uncle Grandpa!  Season 2 of the Emmy®-winning show (recently announced individual achievement winner Nick Edwards for Character Design) has been greenlit.  All new episodes of Uncle Grandpa will commence Thursday, August 21 at 7:30 p.m. (ET/ PT).  The new episodes will also feature great guest stars, including hip hop legend Tone Loc, wrestling icon Ric Flair and comedian Ken Marino.  Uncle Grandpa debuted in September 2013 and quickly became a ratings success.  Ranked #1 on Mondays among kids 6-11 and boys 2-11 & 6-11, and #1 in its 8 p.m. timeslot among all key kids and boys.  Across first quarter 2014, Uncle Grandpa claimed the #1 program on Tuesdays among boys 6-11.  Uncle Grandpa is created by Pete Browngardt with Audie Harrison (The Golden Compass) serving as creative director.

Believe in Steven!  Greenlit for Season 2 and created by Emmy® and Annie Award-nominated writer and storyboard artist Rebecca Sugar (Adventure Time), Steven Universe tells the story of three magical defenders of the planet….and Steven the “little brother” to the Crystal Gems — a team of magical guardians of humanity. Steven may not be as powerful as the Crystal Gems.  Or as savvy.  And he may not have much control over his powers.  But that doesn’t stop him from joining Garnet, Amethyst and Pearl on their magical adventures and somehow finding a way to save the day!  New episodes of Steven Universe are back at 6:30 p.m. (ET/PT) on Thursday August 21 on Cartoon Network and the premiere episode “Coach Steven” will feature guest voice Nicki Minaj.  Across an average week, Steven Universe reaches 4,962,000 total viewers P2+, 2,311,000 kids 2-11 and 1,737,000 kids 6-11.

Continue to celebrate the best of childhood: epic dirt fights, awkward crushes, trampoline combat, sleepover pranks and secret tree forts with more Clarence. Cartoon Network has picked up 13 additional half hours of the animated series.  New episode premieres of Season 1 of Clarence to date have averaged nearly 2.4 million Persons 2+, more than 1.3 million kids 2-11 and 998,000 kids 6-11.  An optimistic, spirited, lovable boy who sees the best in all things and wants to try everything. Because everything is amazing! Clarence’s novel perspective transforms nearly any situation, however mundane, into the best day ever. The original short for Clarence received a 2013 Emmy® nomination.  Clarence currently airs Thursdays at 6:45 p.m. (ET/ PT).

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.

Adventure Time Ratings Period:

Source: Nielsen Media Research based on Live+7 Blended data for 04/21/14-07/18/14.

 Regular Show Ratings Period:

Source: Nielsen Media Research based on Live+7 Blended data for 09/02/13-07/17/14.

Uncle Grandpa Ratings Period:

Nielsen Media Research based on Live+7 data. 09/02/13-10/21/13. 3 telecasts minimum.

Nielsen Media Research based on Live+7 data. 12/30/13-03/30/14. Tue 6a-6a. 3 telecasts minimum.

Clarence Ratings Period:

Source: Nielsen Media Research based on Live+7 Blended data for 04/14/14-07/17/14.

Steven Universe Ratings Period:

Source: Nielsen Media Research based on Live+7 data. 04/28/14-05/04/14. All plays. 6 minute qualifier. Custom Unification 75 %.

CONTACTS:

Atlanta

James Anderson

(404) 855-4205                 james.anderson@turner.com

Farrah Hersh

(404) 575-9283                 farrah.hersh@turner.com

Angie Weiss

(404) 575-5077                 angeline.weiss@turner.com

New York   

Shana Ungerson

(212) 275-8012                 shana.ungerson@turner.com

Los Angeles

Courtenay Palaski  

(310) 788-6903                 courtenay.palaski@turner.com

Dawn Lach  

(310) 788-6787                 dawn.lach@turner.com

 

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