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RIP John McLaughlin; Animator of Regal Cinema’s Pre Show Roller Coaster Animation

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According to his obituary, John McLaughlin was a visual effects artists for both LucasArts and DreamWorks, and worked on films like Kung Fu Panda and Shark Tale. But even he, like millions of others, had a special place in his heart for that silly roller coaster: “One of John’s favorite personal projects that he created was the Regal Cinemas preview trailer featuring a roller coaster in space speeding between soda, candy and popcorn that played before each and every movie,” the obituary reads.

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Jobs: Mimic Productions is looking for an Animation Supervisor in Berlin

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Mimic logo

Mimic is looking for an Animation Supervisor, preferably in Berlin, with experience in creating highly realistic facial animation. The animation will start in July 2016 and last till November with a possibility of an extension.

About the Company: Mimic Productions is a Berlin-based animation studio that specializes in digital human creation, motion capture and provides other 3D services. To find out more about Mimic go to www.mimicproductions.com. If you are interested in working with us on this project, please contact Gary Schultz with your CV and portfolio at: careers@mimicproductions.com.

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9 Story Media Group Acquires Worldwide Rights to Iconic Series GARFIELD AND FRIENDS

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Garfield

9 Story Media Group Acquires Worldwide Rights to

Iconic Series GARFIELD AND FRIENDS

Toronto, Canada – May 25, 2016 – 9 Story Media Group announced today that it has acquired Garfield and Friends, the classic animated series from Mendelson/Paws Productions.  The deal includes the fullGarfield and Friends library, which consists of seven seasons (121 x 30’) along with twelve specials and two direct to video titles. 9 Story has secured exclusive worldwide rights across all languages and platforms and plans to remaster the classic content to an HD format.

Produced from 1988-1995, Garfield and Friends is based on the iconic Garfield comic strip created by Jim Davis.  Syndicated in 80 countries and translated into 42 languages, 220 million people read the comic strip each day. The Garfield brand boasts 400 licensees across 5,000 products and has earned over 17 million fans on Facebook.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have Garfield and Friends join the growing 9 Story library,” said Natalie Osborne, Chief Strategy Officer for 9 Story Media Group. “Garfield is one of the most beloved and iconic characters of all time, and the classic television series will continue to delight audiences for generations to come.”

“This is the first time we’ve awarded the rights to a single distribution partner who will handle all markets and all platforms.  We’re very excited to see how the library performs, particularly given the opportunities in digital,” said Jim Davis.  “We are sure the classic TV library is in good hands with 9 Story. “

9 Story Media Group Inc. 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 and Peg + Cat, 9 Story represents over 2,150 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 275 creative and production staff in its Toronto facility and has produced over 900 half hours of award-winning children’s content. Last year 9 Story acquired the award winning animation studio Brown Bag Films, which employs over 175 staff members across Dublin, Manchester and Los Angeles.  Brown Bag is recognized for producing leading animated children’s series such as Octonauts, Doc McStuffins, Bing andHenry Hugglemonster.  9 Story is owned by senior management, ZMC (Zelnick Media Capital) and media entrepreneur Neil Court.  www.9story.com

 

About Garfield:
GARFIELD was born on the comics pages on June 19, 1978. The creation of cartoonist Jim Davis, GARFIELD is a humorous strip centered on the lives of a quick-witted orange cat who loves lasagna, coffee, and his remote control; Jon Arbuckle, his owner; and Odie, a sweet but dumb dog. GARFIELD was introduced to the world in just 41 newspapers and is now the most widely syndicated comic strip ever, appearing in 2100 newspapers. The strip, distributed by Universal Press, is read by over 220 million people each day and is translated into 42 languages.

The success of the comic strip spawned an entertainment empire including television: Garfield and Friends, The Garfield Show, and a dozen primetime specials; movies: Garfield: The Movie and Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties; hundreds of best-selling books, and thousands of licensed products.

Garfield has long been considered an evergreen property because he has not only endured, but continues to be fresh and funny after 38 years in the limelight.

Follow Garfield, along with over 17 million other fans, on Facebook (facebook.com/Garfield) and Twitter (twitter.com/Garfield), and visit garfield.com, and Garfield’s free educational site, professorgarfield

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Ben McSweeney

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What is your name and your current occupation?
My name is Ben McSweeney, and I’m currently a Senior Artist (Cinematics Director) at Vigil Games (THQ).

 

What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
Used to set up Moon Bounces at parties, that was kinda wacky (part teamster, part carnie). Driving a Range Rover for a live zoo tour would probably be next weirdest.

 

What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
Red vs Blue Animated was a high point, I got to draw lots of fun gun-action and aliens, and it was nice to work on an established IP like the Halo series. And of course there’s Darksiders II, which is coming out this August.

 

How did you become interested in animation?
It’s always been something I’ve enjoyed watching, and when I Continue reading

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Aardman and Braun Create Magical Video ‘Beardimation’

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpYzbjGFkqc

Rotoscopers has an interesting and crazy stop motion commercial from Shaving and styling product company Braun and Aardman Animations who teamed up to create a magical and intriguing stop-motion short Beardimation.

From the article:

The animated film uses over fifty male beards to show the brand new Braun Styling Range. Aardman created the film by combining together the sequence of still images to create the “illusion of life.” The creative hair designs were aligned in a way that allowed the pattern to move effortlessly from one frame to the next, and projection guides for the animators were lined up well in advance of filming. Thus, creating perhaps one of the most precise showcases of stop-motion animation you will see.

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Seth Rogen channels Walt Disney in new Sausage Party teaser

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfGUM58tZ_M

Entertainment Weekly has an article and new clip where Seth Rogen channels Walt Disney in new Sausage Party teaser. Still not sure if I’m on board with this film but I’m really glad they’re starting to make adult themed animated features. Here’s to hoping it’s successful and creates an entirely new genre for the US.