April 2009 Archives

Toon Boom Releases Storyboard Family Service Pack 1

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:58 PM
Montreal (April 27, 2009) -  Toon Boom Animation Inc. today announced
the release of Service Pack 1 (SP1) for both Storyboard 1.5 and
Storyboard Pro 1.5. In addition to several product enhancements and
performance improvements, this Service Pack includes:

- A new Optimize project command to remove unused elements and
compress drawings or flatten all drawings in the project
- The possibility to create one-frame panels
- The possibility to apply commands and operations to a selection of
panels, such as Reset camera, rename scene, Copy and paste camera
position.
- The possibility to select layers throughout a selection of panels
allowing many alterations, such as show/hide, rename and flip.
- New options to export projects in PDF format
- New commands to allow camera positions and moves to be copied and
pasted
- New Save Project option for Mac OS X
- New Panel navigation preferences

Continue reading Toon Boom Releases Storyboard Family Service Pack 1.

Autodesk Mudbox 2009 is now available for the Mac OS X platform

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:48 PM
Autodesk has announced that Mudbox 2009 for the Mac is now available.
Designed by professional artists in the film, game, and design industries,
Mudbox 2009 combines a highly intuitive interface with a powerful toolset
of stencils and brushes for creating ultra-realistic 3D characters,
environments and props. The software gives artists the freedom to create 3D
digital artwork as if they were working with clay and paint.

Mudbox 2009 for the Mac OS X contains the same powerful creative toolset as
the Windows release. For more information, visit www.autodesk.com/mudbox.

Download a free trial at www.autodesk.com/mudbox-trial.

VIZ MEDIA BRINGS ACTION PACKED NEW EPISODES OF SMASH-HIT SERIES BLEACH TO ADULT SWIM

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:46 PM
Bleach-Arrancars-Group VIZmedia.jpg BLEACH Arrancar Story Arc Debuts With Two New Back-To-Back Episodes To Air Each Week

San Francisco, CA, APRIL 24, 2009 - VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, brings the latest action-packed English dubbed episodes of BLEACH to Adult Swim. Beginning with episodes 110 and 111 of the Arrancar story arc, Adult Swim premiered two new BLEACH episodes back-to-back on Saturday, April 18th and will continue air two new back-to-back episodes each week.
Check local times for availability (http://www.adultswim.com/shows/bleach/index.html).

BLEACH is a popular manga and animated series (both rated 'T' for Teens), distributed domestically by VIZ Media, that follows the adventures of Ichigo, a 15-year old student with the ability to see ghosts. When his family is attacked by a Hollow -- a malevolent lost soul - Ichigo encounters Rukia, a Soul Reaper, and inadvertently absorbs her powers. Now, he's dedicating his life to protecting the innocent and helping tortured souls find peace.


Continue reading VIZ MEDIA BRINGS ACTION PACKED NEW EPISODES OF SMASH-HIT SERIES BLEACH TO ADULT SWIM.

Keyframe Digital Delivers Bering Sea VFX for Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Sea"

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:43 PM
rogueWave_02.jpgNiagra-on-the-Lake, Canada, April 24--Animation and visual effects studio Keyframe Digital Productions recently completed VFX work for Discovery Channel's two-hour television movie "Deadliest Sea."
    Keyframe performed on-set VFX supervision and digitally created crashing waves and relentless rain, stinging ocean spray, thunderous, stormy skies lit by lightning, battered rigging and a 3D model of a King Crab trawler along with a CG recovery helicopter.


Continue reading Keyframe Digital Delivers Bering Sea VFX for Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Sea".

SCHOOL'S BACK IN SESSION! SCHOOL DAYS TO STREAM ON CRUNCHYROLL

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:42 PM
Leading Online Anime Streaming Site to Launch Riviting School-Themed Anime
Titles from Marvelous Entertainment

San Francisco, CA and Tokyo, Japan (April 24, 2009) --Crunchyroll and
Marvelous Entertainment partner up to bring the intense school-themed anime
SCHOOL DAYS to Crunchyroll starting this spring.  More information can be
found at www.crunchyroll.com <http://www.crunchyroll.com/> .

President of Marvelous Entertainment's Audio Visual Company and co-founder,
Yoshiaki Matsumoto, states, "I am pleased to be able to present this very
raw and intense story to fans overseas for the very first time in English.
We hope that fans overseas will be able to discover SCHOOL DAYS and
appreciate its unique story."

Continue reading SCHOOL'S BACK IN SESSION! SCHOOL DAYS TO STREAM ON CRUNCHYROLL.

Ultra Fractal 5.02 released: Combine Fractal Art with Images

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:41 PM
AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, April 24, 2009. Phreakware has released
Ultra Fractal 5.02, a powerful fractal art and fractal animation package
for Windows. With features such as layers, masking, deep zooming, custom
fractal formulas, and animation support, Ultra Fractal has been the tool
of choice for fractal artists and enthusiasts for years. Ultra Fractal 5
adds several productivity enhancements and the ability to import images
and combine them with fractal structures.

Fractals first became accessible to the general public in the late
1980s. Partly due to the slow computers and limited computer displays of
that time, fractals became associated with Mandelbrot sets and
psychedelic color cycling, which is how most people still think of them.
However, around 1998 the concept of fractal art began to develop: using
more advanced fractal software to take fractal creation to the next
level and develop it into an art form. Today, fractal art is exhibited
in museums and galleries and there is a growing community of
professional fractal artists. Ultra Fractal is the perfect tool to
create fractal art because it is very versatile and feature-rich, yet
easy to use at the same time.

Continue reading Ultra Fractal 5.02 released: Combine Fractal Art with Images.

The Joker to Be Playable Character in Batman: Arkham Asylum Exclusively for the PLAYSTATION®3

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:39 PM
Eidos Interactive and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announce that The Joker will be an exclusive playable character in Batman: Arkham Asylum for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system.  The character will be made available upon release as a free downloadable character through PlayStation®Network for the PLAYSTATION 3 and can be played in Challenge Maps from the game.  Fans can get additional information in the June issue of PlayStation: The Official Magazine.
 
In Batman: Arkham Asylum, DC Comics' DARK KNIGHT takes on his greatest challenge yet when he becomes trapped with all of his most dangerous villains inside the insane asylum of GOTHAM CITY - ARKHAM ASYLUM!  Batman: Arkham Asylum exposes players to a unique, dark and atmospheric adventure that takes them to the depths of Arkham Asylum - Gotham's psychiatric hospital for the criminally insane.  Gamers will move in the shadows, instigate fear amongst their enemies and confront The Joker and Gotham City's most notorious villains who have taken over the asylum. Using a wide range of Batman's gadgets and abilities, players will become the invisible predator and attempt to foil The Joker's demented scheme.  Batman: Arkham Asylum features an original story penned exclusively for the game by famous Batman author and five-time Emmy award winner, Paul Dini, whose credits include Lost season one and Batman: The Animated Series.
 
Published in North America by Eidos, Inc. and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Batman: Arkham Asylum will also be available June 2009 on the Xbox 360 and PC.
 

yU+co Designs and Directs Cinematics for Videogame 'Resident Evil 5'

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:38 PM
Award-Winning Design/Visual Effects Studio Brings Hollywood Blockbuster-type Excitement to Highly Anticipated Videogame; Also Designs Trailer, Titles and Logo

HOLLYWOOD, CA -- One of the most highly-anticipated videogame releases this year is Capcom's Resident Evil 5, which features extensive work from the award-winning design/animation studio yU+co, who directed and designed 60-minutes of extensive 3D animated cinematics, as well as created the game's main title sequence and logo.

The project initially came to yU+co from Just Cause, a production company based in Marina Del Rey and Tokyo that specializes cinematic production, motion capture and action stunt work for videogames. According to Reuben Langdon, actor/producer/director of Just Cause, they came to yU+co because they were looking for a more distinctly Hollywood-action film feel for this project.

''We were looking for a Hollywood director to handle the cinematic portions of RE: 5 -- someone up-and-coming, yet somewhat established,'' Langdon said. ''We knew yU+co's work and have wanted to work with them in the past but the right project had not presented itself. We needed a company that could craft the creative aspects of this project and it was immediately obvious that this was the right project for both of us.''

Continue reading yU+co Designs and Directs Cinematics for Videogame 'Resident Evil 5'.

SUPERFAD'S UNITED STATES OF BASEBALL PROMO CAMPAIGN COMES TO FOX SPORTS

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:36 PM
Superfad MLB1.jpgSeattle, WA - (April 23, 2009) - Superfad recently collaborated with FOX Sports' design creative team to produce a promotional template for the network's weekly broadcast of MLB games that would capture the imagination of baseball fans. Fox asked Superfad to develop and produce a design concept in which baseball elements and b-roll framings could stem, while avoiding the typical sports motifs found in many promos. Additionally, the treatment needed to be both rooted in beauty and baseball, with a modular structure to allow for updates for each weekends' offerings.

Inspired by the challenge, Superfad chose an amusement park theme entitled "The United States of Baseball": A magical place where baseball stadiums are the national monuments and every game is coupled with an energetic trip across a colorful landscape. In creating the amusement park map and stadiums, Superfad was able to blend photo reality with hyper reality, and miniature scale with epic scale. Sweeping vistas of stadiums and fast-paced editorial led Superfad to the cool and exciting tone that they were hoping to achieve.

To view: http://superfad.com/player.php?project=282&item=640


Continue reading SUPERFAD'S UNITED STATES OF BASEBALL PROMO CAMPAIGN COMES TO FOX SPORTS.

NATPE'S THIRD ANNUAL LATV FEST SET FOR JULY 8TH AND 9TH AT THE HYATT REGENCY CENTURY PLAZA

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:36 PM
YouTube's Jordan Hoffner to Deliver Keynote Address
 
Dozens of High Level Industry Thought Leaders and Innovators to Participate
 
LOS ANGELES, April 23, 2009 -- The National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) brings real tools, real access, real pitches... for real producers with its third annual LATV Fest, it was announced today by Rick Feldman, NATPE's President and CEO.  The two day conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles from July 8 to 9.  High level TV and digital content producers, development executives, agents, advertising and brand executives, software solutions and technology and equipment providers will be key participants.
 
The opening keynote address will be delivered by Jordan Hoffner, Director of Content Partnerships, YouTube.  Festival highlights will include the LATV Fest Kickoff Party, a Producer Demo Tent & Lounge, Newsmaker & Demo Luncheons, Digital Networking Round Robin and Pitch Pit -- back by popular demand for its seventh year. As always, LATV Fest will offer a wide range of sessions, workshops, panel discussions and other opportunities for attendees to better prepare for careers in the content business.
 
Continue reading NATPE'S THIRD ANNUAL LATV FEST SET FOR JULY 8TH AND 9TH AT THE HYATT REGENCY CENTURY PLAZA.

Andrew W.K. Rocks Cartoon Network's Explosive New Competition Show

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:34 PM
AWK2006_6.jpgMulti-Talented Musician and Performer to Host Destroy Build Destroy
 
Cartoon Network announced today that rocker Andrew W.K. will host the new heavy duty destruction and demolition competition show Destroy Build Destroy.  Andrew W.K., popular musician, television star and motivational performer, will moderate the mayhem between two teams as they take charge of demolition and construction.  Destroy Build Destroy will premiere this summer as part of Cartoon Network's new block of alternative live-action series.
"Andrew W.K. is the perfect host for the high energy that Destroy Build Destroy brings to Cartoon Network.  He embodies the fun, creativity and action that this show is about," says Rob Swartz, vice president of original series for Cartoon Network.
In Destroy Build Destroy, teams with the guidance and assistance of professionals, will use wrecking balls, human destroyers and real explosions to destroy something, rebuild it into something different and then destroy it again.  Each week new teams face new challenges to build from the debris, with strategy, wits and teamwork determining which team's creation out-performs the other--and whose hard work goes up in smoke.
 

Continue reading Andrew W.K. Rocks Cartoon Network's Explosive New Competition Show.

NINA HAHN PROMOTED TO SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, INTERNATIONAL PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT FOR NICKELODEON

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:30 PM
1732_crop.jpgNEW YORK/LONDON, 23 April 2009 - MTV Networks International, a division of Viacom Inc., has announced the promotion of Nina Hahn from Vice President to Senior Vice President of International Production and Development for Nickelodeon. Based in London, Hahn will continue to report to Steve Grieder, Executive Vice President, Nickelodeon International, who made today's announcement.
 
Hahn adds made-for-TV movies to her current global development and production remit as well as sourcing UK live action series, in partnership with Nickelodeon UK, for potential US development. Core to Hahn's new role is further expanding Nickelodeon's global development process by managing all internationally sourced productions from pilot through to series, directly connect Nickelodeon's regional and US production pipeline, represent Nickelodeon US's production interests abroad and identify where resources and expertise are placed to drive creative partnerships and cultivate talent.
 
Key Nickelodeon executives working closely with Hahn to drive this strategy are Brown Johnson, President of Animation and Marjorie Cohn, Executive Vice President for Development and Original Programming from Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group in the US and Howard Litton, SVP and Managing Director of Nickelodeon in the UK.  In addition to reporting directly to Grieder, Hahn will co-report to Brown, Cohn and Litton in their respective development areas.
 

Continue reading NINA HAHN PROMOTED TO SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, INTERNATIONAL PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT FOR NICKELODEON.

Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom is a hit with viewers and licensees!

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:29 PM
First phase of licensed product planned for early 2010 to meet expected high demand

Not only has Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom enjoyed a successful  launch on Nick Jr this month but the latest preschool TV production from the creators of Peppa Pig has been sold to over 150 territories worldwide. Now E1 Entertainment (formerly Contender Merchandising), which owns the rights to Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom, is planning ahead to meet expected high demand for licensed Ben & Holly product across a wide range of categories.

The adventures of Princess Holly and her elf friend Ben have already captured the imagination of both audiences and key licensees. In the light of this widely expected positive response, retail launch discussions are, not surprisingly, well advanced. A targeted launch with a small number of retailers is planned for March 2010. The main launch across all retail will follow in June of the same year. The main target market is expected to be girls and boys aged 3-7.

Continue reading Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom is a hit with viewers and licensees!.

Harvard Student Launches IMDB.GS, A Free Social Networking Tool For Indie Filmmakers

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:28 PM
Now Indie Film Makers With Limited Budgets Can Get Exposure...
 
Cambridge, MA - April 23, 2009 -- A Harvard student teamed up with a butcher, a security guard and a nuclear engineer to create a social networking site to help independent filmmakers grasp fame and fortune in Hollywood.

The four lifelong friends were dissatisfied with their 9-to-5 jobs and set out to become independent filmmakers.  Over the course of two years, and the making of a dozen films, the friends realized that the road to success in Hollywood wasn't necessarily short OR well mapped out.

"Unless you are connected in Hollywood, or have a massive budget to hire movie stars, the doors in the film industry stay closed, no matter how hard a worker you are." said Raymond Clement, a butcher at a Denver-area Sam's Club.

Mr. Clement has personally directed eight films.
 
Continue reading Harvard Student Launches IMDB.GS, A Free Social Networking Tool For Indie Filmmakers.

Framestore Re-Animates Ask Jeeves!

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:27 PM
When you want to look your very best you go straight to the top, as in schmutter, so in digital animation. After a three year absence, 20th April 2009 sees the return of a beloved online character. Jeeves, Ask.com's brand icon, will once more be present as the face of popular search engine, which will be returning to its original name, Ask Jeeves, in the UK.

In keeping with the times, Jeeves has changed his appearance a little - not least in becoming a fully 3D character. Naturally enough, the ever-helpful butler's new look required a little shopping expedition. Top Savile Row tailors, Gieves & Hawkes, crafted a suit for him, whilst design and animation were made to measure by Framestore.

Continue reading Framestore Re-Animates Ask Jeeves!.

Acclaim Games Announces the Official Release of "The Chronicles of Spellborn" MMORPG

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:25 PM
Los Angeles, CA (April 23, 2009) - Acclaim Games is pleased to announce the official release of The Chronicles of Spellborn MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game).  To celebrate the official launch, Acclaim will offer all players a free 2 week premium subscription, along with the introduction of a new credit card payment option for added convenience.  With the official release, players are invited to join the fun in one of the most innovative MMORPG's on the market featuring a unique real-time combat system that truly sets the game apart!

Acclaim now offers a new credit card payment option to easily purchase premium subscriptions online using a major credit card!  With the addition of this new purchase option, players have the option of buying premium subscriptions with either a major credit card or Acclaim Coins, the universal virtual currency used for all Acclaim games.  Those who purchase with Acclaim Coins can also take advantage of the special introductory discount pricing, offered for a limited time only.  

To commemorate the release, a special launch promotion will be available from April 23 to May 7 offering a FREE 2 week premium subscription for all new and existing players giving everyone a chance to evaluate the game and experience the unique real-time combat system of Spellborn.  New players must register between April 23 and May 7 to get the free subscription.  

Continue reading Acclaim Games Announces the Official Release of "The Chronicles of Spellborn" MMORPG.

VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES NARUTO SHIPPUDEN PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGN WITH TRANS WORLD ENTERTAINMENT FOR FYE AND SUNCOAST STORES NATIONWIDE

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:23 PM
NARUTO Group Pic.jpgFYE And Suncoast Customers Who Purchase $20.00 Of NARUTO Merchandise Will Receive A Special Free NARUTO Shippuden Sampler DVD
 
San Francisco, CA, April 22, 2009 - VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has launched a special NARUTO Shippuden promotional campaign with Trans World Entertainment, a leading specialty retailer of entertainment software, including music, video and video games and related products. Beginning today Trans World customers who purchase $20.00 worth of NARUTO Shippuden merchandise at any of the company's more than 500 participating FYE and Suncoast stores will receive a free NARUTO Shippuden Sampler DVD, while supplies last.
 
The special Sampler DVD features the entire first episode of the new NARUTO Shippuden story arc, along with a video game trailer for Namco Bandai's NARUTO Shippuden Ultimate Ninja 4 and a variety of colorful downloadable NARUTO Shippuden wallpaper designs that allow fans to customize their computer desktops.
 

Continue reading VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES NARUTO SHIPPUDEN PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGN WITH TRANS WORLD ENTERTAINMENT FOR FYE AND SUNCOAST STORES NATIONWIDE.

MachineWorks is expanding

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:22 PM
SHEFFIELD (22nd April, 2009) - Sheffield-based MachineWorks Ltd, supplier of CNC simulation and verification software solutions, is now recruiting. MachineWorks is expanding and looking for new candidates to join our development team.

"MachineWorks is a growing business. We have been working on new technologies which will enable us to provide a wider range of functionality as well as developing new markets by offering customised solutions. We have reached a point now where we need to recruit highly skilled and motivated individuals in order to continue supporting our customers and prospects to MachineWorks' usual first-class standards", says David Manley, Managing Director of MachineWorks.

Continue reading MachineWorks is expanding.

MOONSCOOP SCORES DISNEY DOUBLE WITH DIVE OLLY DIVE! AND CHLOE'S CLOSET

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:20 PM
Olly_5x4.jpgPreschool series acquired by Disney Channels South East Asia

Paris, 22 April 2009 - Moonscoop, the worldwide brand management and entertainment company representing properties from some of the leading animation producers across the globe, has scored a double deal with Disney Channels South East Asia for preschool series Dive Olly Dive! and Chloe's Closet.

The deal, which is for all Playhouse Disney channels across South East Asia, includes all 52x11' episodes of Dive Olly Dive! season one as well as a pre-acquisition of season two (52x11'). The broadcaster has also snapped up all 52x11' episodes of Chloe's Closet, a brand new series currently in production. The sales were negotiated by YangSook (Grace) Lee, Moonscoop's VP Sales, Asia.  


Continue reading MOONSCOOP SCORES DISNEY DOUBLE WITH DIVE OLLY DIVE! AND CHLOE'S CLOSET.

Boinx Software joins Noise Industries development partner program; releases FxTiles FxPack at NAB 2009

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:19 PM
Recipient of the Apple Design Award in 2008 brings engineering prowess
to the FxFactory platform; offering new plug-ins for Adobe After Effects
and Final Cut

Boston MA--April 20, 2009 - Noise Industries, developer of visual effects
tools for the post-production and broadcast markets announced that new
development partner Boinx Software, has released the FxTiles FxPack at
NAB 2009. The FxFactory powered FxTiles is a brand new collection of 3D
filters and transitions designed for the Adobe® After Effects® CS3 /
CS4, Apple® Final Cut Studio® and Apple Final Cut® Express applications.
A well known developer of video applications for the Mac platform, Boinx
Software has an extensive background and a list of accolades for their
impressive image technology developments. The new FxTiles FxPack
incorporates the Boinx Software image manipulation magic; offering 7
professional grade filters and transitions with extensive controls and a
slew of presets for users to fly through building complex 3D movements
with stunning results.

Continue reading Boinx Software joins Noise Industries development partner program; releases FxTiles FxPack at NAB 2009.

Quantel and Spatial View Announce Stereo3D Technology Strategic Partnership

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:17 PM
Industry Leaders in Stereo3D Content Creation And Autostereoscopic Multi-Platform 3D Displays Unite To Expedite Cost-Effective Market Adoption

Newbury, UK/Toronto, CN - 21 April 2009 - Quantel and Spatial View Inc. announced today that the companies have entered into a strategic partnership agreement that will make it easier and more cost-effective for content creators of any size to accelerate 3D development projects. The first partnership project will be a plug-in that enables Stereo3D material produced on Quantel systems to be displayed on a wide variety of Spatial View devices, including 3D displays, computer screens, and the iPhone™ 3G, without the need for 3D glasses.

Quantel's ground-breaking Stereo3D technology, as used in movie productions such as Disney's spectacularly successful 'Hannah Montana' concert movie, has enabled the industry to handle the post production of live action, high resolution Stereo3D media in manageable timescales for the first time. Spatial View is a leading developer of autostereoscopic 3D image processing and display technologies that enable glasses-free presentation of 3D-rich content for key markets, including retail/POS, digital signage, professional design, gaming, entertainment and animation. Spatial View's latest product, the Wazabee™ 3DeeShell, enables 3D content to be viewed on the iPhone 3G, glasses-free.

Continue reading Quantel and Spatial View Announce Stereo3D Technology Strategic Partnership.

ZOIC STUDIOS SEES "THE END" OF BIG OIL DEPENDENCE WITH CONSOL

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:16 PM
Zoic Consol.jpgOil derricks as groaning, drying dinosaurs are the chilling image at center stage with the new animated spot from Consol Energy. Oil dependence is an issue facing the US, and this commercial shows "The End" of diminished resources as imminent and potentially disastrous if we do not turn to more viable alternatives including Consol Energy's coal and natural gas resources.

To view:
http://zoicstudios.wiredrive.com/l/p/?presentation=eec7c9776204d94981991aa740cc56c6

"The biggest challenge was creating a sense of character and emotion in non-living objects, in our case oil pumpjacks," says Director Loni Peristere. "We also had to make sure the effects-heavy scenes had a strong footing in realism. To accomplish this we used live action elements to support the CG, like grass and weeds to layer into the shots giving a sense of real depth."


Continue reading ZOIC STUDIOS SEES "THE END" OF BIG OIL DEPENDENCE WITH CONSOL.

ARRI Teams with Cinnafilm and Digital Film Central to Bring Texture Control to the DI Suite

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:15 PM
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ARRI announced today that it has entered into a Letter of Intent to develop and sell an innovative new Texture Control software tool for digital intermediate (DI) and mastering facilities. Powered by Pixel Strings™, a high performance GPU-based motion estimation engine developed by Cinnafilm, Inc., this dynamic toolset adds interactive control of grain and noise levels to the creative palette. The software is designed to run on a dedicated workstation with Fibre Channel or Gbit Ethernet connections to a DI facility's Storage Area Network (SAN), dramatically extending the capabilities of the DI suite.

This innovative software product, brings interactive manipulation of image texture to the DI process, with remarkable motion-compensated grain and noise reduction technology. With the tool, the cinematographer can now control image texture, mixing and matching the grain of film and digital media in an integrated and fully visualized DI environment

It leverages Cinnafilm's patent pending Pixel Strings™ technology with a high speed GPU implementation. For an industry heavyweight like ARRI, Cinnafilm is a groundbreaking pioneer merging the latest technology with artistic applications for the filmmaker. ARRI is working with Cinnafilm on a software development and licensing agreement.

Continue reading ARRI Teams with Cinnafilm and Digital Film Central to Bring Texture Control to the DI Suite.

eyeon Unveils Generation 1.1 at NAB

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:13 PM
Strengthening Collaboration between Artist and Director in Postproduction

TORONTO: April 20, 2009... eyeon Software Inc. unveiled Generation 1.1 today at NAB. Generation is a new class of software, which fills a gap in post and VFX workflows by offering a platform for artist collaboration and a visual canvas for efficient shot management. The new version of Generation adds new playback and image adjustment features, and extends the collaborative capabilities of the application.

Generation combines shot-tracking with version histories, an editing panel for working with EDLs and playlists, and playback functions for review. Every part of Generation is scriptable so that facilities can integrate their in-house tools rather than having to modify their pipeline to make Generation fit in. Grease pencil annotation and live chat tools simplify communications between artists, supervisors and clients, and preserve a record of all feedback and decisions.

Continue reading eyeon Unveils Generation 1.1 at NAB.

HP Teams with Adobe and NVIDIA to Offer Productivity Gains for Digital Pros

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:13 PM
PALO ALTO, Calif., April 20, 2009 - HP today announced it has teamed with Adobe and NVIDIA to combine technologies, delivering greater power and productivity for digital professionals.

The companies are offering value bundles featuring a choice of HPWorkstation with built-in, latest-generation NVIDIA Quadro GPU and a license of Adobe® Creative Suite 4 (CS4) Product Premium software. The value bundles will be available beginning May 4 from HP and authorized resellers starting at a U.S. list price of $2,899.(1)

Customers may select from the award-winning new HP Z600 or HP Z400 workstations, as well as any of the previous generation of HP Workstations such as the xw8600, xw6600 and xw4600 models.

Continue reading HP Teams with Adobe and NVIDIA to Offer Productivity Gains for Digital Pros.

CRUNCHYROLL CONTINUES LICENSED STREAMS OF MUNHWA BROADCASTING CORPORATION (MBC) KOREAN DRAMAS: BEHIND THE WHITE TOWER, DR. GANG, H.I.T., JUMONG, ONE FINE DAY AND QUE SERA SERA

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:11 PM
Leading Online Anime Distributor Continues Existing and Launches New
Episodes and Titles of Highly Popular Korean Dramas

San Francisco, California (April 20, 2009) - Crunchyroll, the online world's
#1 destination for Asian content, continues the licensed streaming of highly
popular Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) Korean drama titles with the
continued k-drama stories for JUMONG part 4 and QUE SERA SERA.  In addition,
Crunchyroll launches new k-drama titles BEHIND THE WHITE TOWER, DR. GANG,
H.I.T. and ONE FINE DAY.  More information can be found at
www.crunchyroll.com/drama.

These Korean drama titles are free for all users in the U.S., Canada and
U.S. provinces.

Continue reading CRUNCHYROLL CONTINUES LICENSED STREAMS OF MUNHWA BROADCASTING CORPORATION (MBC) KOREAN DRAMAS: BEHIND THE WHITE TOWER, DR. GANG, H.I.T., JUMONG, ONE FINE DAY AND QUE SERA SERA.

Autodesk to Show New Versions of Visual Effects Systems for Film and TV and to Launch Flare

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:10 PM
Hot Addition to the Product Line-up
Flame, Inferno and Flare Focus on Creativity, Productivity and Rapid RED
Workflow

LAS VEGAS, April 20, 2009- Autodesk, Inc., (NASDAQ: ADSK) has announced the
2010 releases of Autodesk Flame and Autodesk Inferno software for visual
effects systems, and the launch of the new Flame and Inferno creative
companion, Autodesk Flare software. The releases are being showcased at the
National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show in Las Vegas, April 20-23,
2009, at the Autodesk booth SL2120.

"This year, we're especially excited about two developments," said Stig
Gruman, digital entertainment vice president, Autodesk Media &
Entertainment. "First, we are launching Flare, which will be a great
creativity and productivity booster for customers of our flagship visual
effects software. Second, we have expanded our RED workflow capability to
provide extremely fast and flexible import options. Both are already huge
hits with our beta customers. In this economic climate, our software gives
entertainment customers a real creative and competitive edge."

Continue reading Autodesk to Show New Versions of Visual Effects Systems for Film and TV and to Launch Flare.

GATOR GROUP APPOINTED GLOBAL LICENSING AGENT FOR EMILY THE STRANGE

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:10 PM
Edgy Teen Brand Partners with New Licensing Agency to Grow Cat Loving Teen Character into Total Lifestyle Brand
 
NEW YORK, NY, April 20, 2009--Gator Group (G8R, LLC), a full-service licensing agency offering the unique combination of seasoned licensing executives coupled with expertise in product design and manufacturing, announced today that it has been appointed global licensing agent for the popular teen brand, Emily the Strange.  Created by artist Rob Reger in 1993, Emily the Strange has become a globally beloved icon encouraging individuality and empowerment in girls of all ages.  Working in conjunction with Reger's company Cosmic Debris, home of Emily the Strange, Gator Group plans to roll out a multifaceted, global licensing program.
                                                                                            
"We are excited to have the opportunity to work with such an original property," said Geoff Rosenhain, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, the Gator Group. "With an established footprint in pop culture and influential media channels like MTV and MySpace, Emily the Strange is an evergreen brand and empowering icon that that resonates with the core of Generation Y."
 
Continue reading GATOR GROUP APPOINTED GLOBAL LICENSING AGENT FOR EMILY THE STRANGE.

MORNING MUSUME。'S "3,2,1 - BREAKIN' OUT!" ANNOUNCED AS OFFICIAL ANIME EXPO® 2009 THEME SONG

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:09 PM
Nation's Largest Anime and Manga Convention Announces Official 2009 Theme
Song With Up Front Agency and JapanFiles.com

Anaheim, California and Tokyo, Japan (April 20, 2009) -- "3,2,1 Breakin'
Out!" by Anime Expo® 2009 Guests of Honor MORNING MUSUME。, is announced as
the official convention theme song for this year's event held July 2-5, 2009
at the Los Angeles Convention Center.  More information can be found on the
website www.anime-expo.org <http://www.anime-expo.org> .

Written and produced by prolific music producer TSUNKU♂, this "3-2-1
Breakin' Out!" will appear on all Anime Expo® 2009 media campaigns. "Hello,
How do you do? I am TSUNKU♂！", states  the legendary producer, writer and
musician, "I am a producer of MORNING MUSUME。I am happy to hear that there
are many anime fans in America. I think Anime culture is universal and I'm
glad to hear American people are so into it. I believe good anime remains a
masterpiece forever.  At the same time, there is a very important element:
music. I think music is a universal language, and music should be enjoyable
from generation to generation.  I am proud that MORNING MUSUME。has made the
theme song for Anime Expo® 2009. The concept of this song is positive power
even during hard times. I wrote this song just for Anime Expo® 2009. I
imagined everybody's smile when I wrote it, and I'm looking forward to
seeing you guys at the MORNING MUSUME。concert. I hope new great energy will
be born at the convention from this collaboration between Japanese and US
culture, and that it will last into the future."

Continue reading MORNING MUSUME。'S "3,2,1 - BREAKIN' OUT!" ANNOUNCED AS OFFICIAL ANIME EXPO® 2009 THEME SONG.

Autodesk Introduces Smoke 2010, Flint 2010 and Lustre 2009 Extension

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:07 PM
Latest Visual Effects Systems Help Boost Efficiency and Promote Creative
Freedom on Film and TV Projects

Las Vegas, April 20, 2009 -NAB Show-Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) has
announced the 2010 releases of Autodesk Smoke and Autodesk Flint software
for editorial finishing and visual effects. The company also unveiled the
2009 Extension 1 releases of Autodesk Lustre and Autodesk Incinerator color
grading software. In addition, the company launched Autodesk Flare
software, a creative companion to the 2010 releases of Autodesk Flame and
Autodesk Inferno visual effects systems (announced separately). The new
releases are being showcased in the Autodesk booth SL2120 at the National
Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show in Las Vegas which runs from April
20-23, 2009.

Continue reading Autodesk Introduces Smoke 2010, Flint 2010 and Lustre 2009 Extension.

SQUARE ENIX ANNOUNCES CRYSTAL DEFENDERS FOR WiiWare

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:06 PM
The First of Two Installments Arrives Today

LOS ANGELES (April 20, 2009) - Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in North America, announced today the release of two downloadable titles for Nintendo's WiiWare™ service. The first of these defensive simulation games, CRYSTAL DEFENDERS™ R1 will be available for download starting today, while a release date for CRYSTAL DEFENDERS R2 will be announced at a later stage.
 
Featuring jobs and locations from the popular FINAL FANTASY TACTICS® series, CRYSTAL DEFENDERS requires players to strategically deploy units to fend off encroaching enemy hordes and prevent them from stealing their party's crystals.
 
 
Continue reading SQUARE ENIX ANNOUNCES CRYSTAL DEFENDERS FOR WiiWare.

NVIDIA BRINGS HIGHLY ACCLAIMED QUADRO FX 4800 TO MAC MARKET

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:05 PM
Advanced Graphics Capabilities Redefine Visual Quality and Application Performance for the Mac Community

NAB 2009, LAS VEGAS-April 20, 2009- NVIDIA today brings to Mac Pro users its award-winning NVIDIA®® Quadro®® FX 4800, the market's most advanced professional graphics card.

With its sophisticated GPU architecture and industry leading features, the Quadro FX 4800 delivers a substantial boost in graphics performance and capabilities, allowing users to continue to push the boundaries of realism and performance in markets such as: architecture, content creation, science and medicine.

The new Quadro FX 4800 GPU for Mac is on display at the NVIDIA NAB 2009 booth: SL 7906, lower South Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center, April 20-23, 2009.

Continue reading NVIDIA BRINGS HIGHLY ACCLAIMED QUADRO FX 4800 TO MAC MARKET.

NVIDIA UNVIELS INDUSTRY'S FIRST INTEGRATED GPU PLATFORM FOR BROADCAST PRODUCTION

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:02 PM
New Quadro Digital Video Pipeline Delivers a Flexible, No-compromise Platform; Enables Real-time, Broadcast-quality Graphics

NAB 2009, LAS VEGAS-April 20, 2009- NVIDIA Corporation today introduced the NVIDIA®® Quadro®® Digital Video Pipeline, the industry's first integrated GPU-based platform for broadcasters to acquire, process and deliver virtual effects to video.

The solution offers the fastest graphics computation engine for broadcast production, in a flexible, reliable and cost-effective PC-based platform. By providing a direct path for image processing into and out of the GPU, it allows professionals to incorporate higher quality, graphic-rich broadcasts in real time. It also offers the fastest path for capturing and transcoding HD broadcast-quality video for use in real-time Internet streaming services.

"Our customers rely on us to deliver high-quality broadcasts in real-time," says Paul Lacombe, president at Brainstorm America. "With the NVIDIA Quadro Digital Video Pipeline, we can now utilize the power of the GPU from acquisition to final delivery; allowing us to meet the direct needs of our customer's and offer them higher quality, more graphic-rich broadcasts in real-time. This system is going to change the course of live broadcast."

Continue reading NVIDIA UNVIELS INDUSTRY'S FIRST INTEGRATED GPU PLATFORM FOR BROADCAST PRODUCTION.

Frantic Films Software Announces Deadline 3.1

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 2:01 PM
Render Queue Management Software Now with MetaRender Support from IRIDAS

Las Vegas, NV-NAB 2009, Booth #SL4430 (April 20, 2009)-Frantic Films
Software, the R&D division of award-winning visual effects company Frantic
Films VFX and a division of Prime Focus Group, today announced the launch
of Deadline 3.1, the company's hassle-free administration and rendering
toolkit for Windows, Linux and Mac OSX-based render farms. The latest
version provides support for MetaRender, the render package from IRIDAS
that automates complex transcoding tasks in production pipelines and post
facilities. MetaRender works across platforms and greatly simplifies the
task of managing file conversions, including burning-in grading or LUTs and
adding file information for viewing with digital dailies.

"Deadline has a reputation and history for being an ultra-reliable render
farm management system," said Patrick J. Palmer, COO, IRIDAS. "It's great
to have a front-end product like Deadline, which is so user-friendly, to
act as the interface for MetaRender, and we are extremely pleased that
Deadline 3.1 now provides integration with MetaRender's automated
transcoding capabilities."

Continue reading Frantic Films Software Announces Deadline 3.1.

MAXON CINEMA 4D HELPS IGNITE BROADCAST CUSTOMERS' CREATIVITY; BOOSTS PRODUCTIVITY AND ELEVATES PERFORMANCE

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 1:59 PM
MoGraph Module, Global Illumination Engine and NET Render Deemed Essential Elements in Broadcast Customers' Motion Graphics Production Pipelines

Image links: http://www.maxon.de/pages/images/download/maxon_nab_images.zip
Link to the story on the MAXON website: www.maxon.net/frm/02613_02613.html

Las Vegas, NV - NAB, April 20, 2009 - MAXON Computer, a leading developer of professional 3D modeling, painting, animation and rendering solutions, today announced that MAXON CINEMA 4D continues to be the 3D digital content creation software of choice for the broadcast industry's most widely recognized networks and production facilities. CINEMA 4D's motion graphics module, MoGraph, is noted by customers as being particularly essential due to its quick workflow, fast rendering and easy export to compositing applications. Entities of note who count CINEMA 4D as a key part of their creative toolkits include: The Weather Channel, MTV, CMT, Comedy Central, TMZ, NBC, FOX, NFL, TRU TV, TNT, TBS, HGTV, Capacity, Cosmocyte, MSNBC, ESPN, HBO, CNN, USA Network, Troika Design Group, National Geographic Channel, Univision, ABC, E!, Telefutura, Third Eye Design Group, Al Jazeera, Red Car, d.inc design, Innovative Show Design (ISD), The Mill, NHK (Japan), NTV (Japan), SAT (Germany), RTL (Germany), Protokulture, Perception, the BBC and more. Overall, customers cite efficiency, cost savings, ease-of-use, and a significant boost in workflow productivity as the primary benefits for adopting CINEMA 4D into production pipelines.

"Broadcast designers are challenged to produce highly complex, technically perfect and over-the-top creative content every day; and they require a reliable, fast and flexible production workflow to meet those expectations," said Paul Babb, president and CEO, MAXON USA. "The fact that so many broadcast customers have placed CINEMA 4D at the heart of their production pipelines and count on it to help them meet real world motion graphics goals is extremely gratifying and very clearly demonstrates the value that CINEMA 4D can bring to any graphics production environment."

MAXON broadcast design customers currently finding success with CINEMA 4D, include:

Continue reading MAXON CINEMA 4D HELPS IGNITE BROADCAST CUSTOMERS' CREATIVITY; BOOSTS PRODUCTIVITY AND ELEVATES PERFORMANCE.

Karoline Meichsner-Sertl appointed Head of Legal and Contract Department at ZDF Enterprises

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 1:56 PM
Karoline Meichsner-Sertl, 45, has been named the new Head of the Legal and Contract Department at ZDF Enterprises, with immediate effect. This department was previously managed by Tobias Könemann, who remains active for the company as Head of Personnel.

Karoline Meichsner-Sertl's previous position was with Deutsche Welle, where she was an in-house lawyer responsible for the broadcaster's sales and Telemedia activities. Her previous posts include Deputy Head of the Legal Department at EM.TV& Merchandising in Munich and Head of the Acquisition and Legal Department with DEGETO Film in Frankfurt. Stephan Adrian, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of ZDF Enterprises, comments: "We are delighted to have secured for our company the services of Karoline Meichsner-Sertl, who has demonstrated fully her experience and expertise in the areas of media law and media economics. She will be able to provide crucial support for ZDF Enterprises as we navigate a path through the increasingly complex landscape of commercial rights activities".

---
About ZDF Enterprises
Founded in 1993, ZDF Enterprises GmbH is the wholly-owned subsidiary and commercial arm of ZDF German Television Network, one of Europe's largest and most respected broadcasters. Headquartered in Mainz, Germany, ZDF Enterprises is responsible for the development, production and global distribution of quality original programming. The company is also responsible for all program acquisitions and international co-productions on behalf of the network, and acquires programming for world-wide distribution. Its vast program library ranks as the largest in the German language. The extensive catalogue includes television movies and mini-series, drama series and comedies, documentaries, family entertainment and children's programming. ZDF Enterprises also oversees all licensing and merchandising activities based on its high-profile programs, including book and music publishing and the licensing of its program properties in all key product categories. Committed to the future, ZDF Enterprises has embarked on numerous New Media initiatives, ranging from opportunities within the burgeoning e-commerce industry to the creation of themed edutainment dimensions featuring the recognized program brands with which ZDF has become synonymous.

ANIME EXPO® GOES GO! GO! POWER RANGERS!!!

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 1:55 PM
Nation's Largest Anime and Manga Convention Announces Power Ranger Reunion
and Panel

Anaheim, California (April 17, 2009) -- Blast off with Anime Expo® and
members of the Mighty Morphin' Power Ranger dynasty as they storm into the
Los Angeles Convention Center for one of the biggest Ranger Reunions to date
at the nation's largest anime and manga convention held July 2-5, 2009. More
information can be found on the website http://anime-expo.org.
Rangers in attendance include:
·     Karan Ashley-Aisha, the Mighty Morphin' Yellow Power Ranger
·     Steve Cardenas-Rocky, the Mighty Morphin' Red Power Ranger
·     Walter Jones-Zack, the Mighty Morphin' Black Power Ranger
·     Catherine Sutherland-Kat, the Mighty Morphin' Pink Power Ranger
·     Johnny Yong Bosch-Adam, the Mighty Morphin' Black Power Ranger
·     Robert Axelrod-Lord Zedd

Continue reading ANIME EXPO® GOES GO! GO! POWER RANGERS!!!.

Moddler Shows Shape of Things to Come for Physical Model Creation Via 3D Printing

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 1:54 PM
New Service for Digital Content Creators Including VFX, Game and Animation Studios

San Francisco, CA, April 17--3D printing company Moddler has formed to offer high quality physical models of 3D digital creative assets for entertainment industry content producers including film and television production studios, visual effects and animation studios, game companies and individual artists, announced principal and founder John Vegher, a VFX veteran and Emmy Award winner.
Vegher was a founding member of pre-visualization studio Pixel Liberation Front and visual effects house Giant Killer Robots (winner of Academy Awards for "What Dreams May Come" and "Happy Feet"). He has over 14 years of visual effects experience on such feature films as "The Matrix Reloaded," "The Matrix Revolutions," 'Terminator 3" and "Fantastic Four."

Continue reading Moddler Shows Shape of Things to Come for Physical Model Creation Via 3D Printing.

The Whispered World: New images and characters unveiled

By Editorial on April 27, 2009 1:52 PM
TWW_screenshot1.jpgHamburg/Munich, Germany: April 17th, 2009. Deep Silver and Daedalic are presenting brand-new images and new characters from "The Whispered World". The fantasy adventure with its breathtaking imagery will be released later this year for PC.

In the autumnal forest, the first station of their epic journey, Sadwick and Spot meet Bobby who is camped out by the shore of the big lake. Looking quite inconspicuous, he turns out to be one of the chosen messengers of the king on a mission of utmost importance. But this presumptuous traveler's quest will soon go terribly awry...

In the second chapter, Sadwick finds himself on a nocturnal island whose inhabitants all seem to have fallen into a lethargic stupor. Most of all Ruben, who claims to rule the island and jumps in panic at every loud noise. In his chambers, he is guarding an enormous treasure which he amassed through his now closed-down factory.

Continue reading The Whispered World: New images and characters unveiled.

ALEX ROSS TO APPEAR AT CHICACO COMIC AND ENTERTAINMENT EXPO (C2E2)

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 7:08 PM
First Guest of Honor is Revealed at Launch Party in Chicago
 
Web site now live!
 
Norwalk, CT, April 16, 2009:  Reed Exhibitions, the company which organizes New York Comic Con (NYCC) and which recently announced (Feb. 2, '09) the launch of Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2), has today revealed that Chicago area resident and celebrated comic book painter and illustrator Alex Ross will be the first Guest of Honor at the new show which will take place April 16 - 18, 2010 at McCormick Place in downtown Chicago.  The announcement was made public at a Launch Party for C2E2 which is taking place this evening at John Barleycorn in Wrigleyville, a popular destination point which sits in the shadow of Wrigley Field in the historic Lakeview section of Chicago.  The announcement of Mr. Ross's role as Guest of Honor comes exactly one year to the day before C2E2 is set to open its doors in Chicago.
 
Continue reading ALEX ROSS TO APPEAR AT CHICACO COMIC AND ENTERTAINMENT EXPO (C2E2).

TOEI ANIMATION APPOINTS EDUARDO LUCIO TO HEAD UP COMPANY'S LATIN AMERICA SALES

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 7:06 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
 
LOS ANGELES (April 14, 2009) -- Toei Animation Inc. has hired Eduardo Lucio as the company's new Latin America Sales Manager, it was announced today by Kanji Kazahaya, Director of International Department of Toei Animation Co., Ltd.
 
Mr. Lucio comes to Toei Animation Inc. with over fifteen years experience in Latin American sales, toy licensing and merchandising.   Prior to joining Toei Animation Inc., he worked for the Taiwanese company, Flomo and Hong Kong-based company, Tai Tung, handling their toy and stationary licensing and Latin American sales.  In addition, Mr. Lucio has extensive sales experience working with department stores throughout Latin America.
 
"I am honored at this new appointment and look forward to developing my involvement with Toei Animation Inc.," said Lucio.  "Our progress is remarkable as we continue to expand into this important market. We have secured over fifty broadcast and licensing deals for five of Toei's most popular properties [Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball, Saint Seiya, One Piece, Digimon] and expect to maintain this momentum throughout 2009."
 
"We are thrilled to announce that Eduardo has joined Toei Animation Inc.," said Kanji Kazahaya, President of Toei Animation Inc.  "Eduardo is an experienced executive whose expertise in licensing, merchandising and sales to Latin America will help us extend our reach to kid audiences in this vital territory."
 
About Toei Animation Inc.
 
With headquarters in Tokyo and sales offices in Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Paris, Toei Animation (Jasdaq: 4816) ranks amongst the world's most prolific animation production studios. Toei Animation's operations include animation development and production, and worldwide marketing and program licensing. Since its founding in 1956, Toei Animation has produced more than 9,000 episodes of TV series (189 titles) and 172 long feature films as of March, 2007.
 

NAB 2009: Autodesk Presents Visual Effects Software for Digital Entertainment Creation

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 7:05 PM
New Versions and New Product Launch Raise Creative Bar and Help to Improve
Efficiency

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., April 14, 2009-Autodesk, Inc., will participate in the
National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show in Las Vegas, April 18-23,
2009. At NAB, Autodesk expects to unveil a new product and showcase its
latest visual effects, finishing, color grading and animation solutions for
film, television and commercial post-production.

Continue reading NAB 2009: Autodesk Presents Visual Effects Software for Digital Entertainment Creation.

Demigod Released!

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 7:05 PM
Fight for Your Place in the Pantheon with Gas Powered Games' New Real-Time Action Strategy PC Game
 
PLYMOUTH, Mich., April 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Stardock (www.stardock.com) announced today that its much anticipated PC real-time action strategy game, Demigod, is now available for purchase at most retail outlets in North America as well as available worldwide digitally via Impulse (www.impulsedriven.com) at the same price ($39.95) no matter where the person is located.
 
Developed by renowned gaming studio Gas Powered Games, Demigod lets players take control of an immensely powerful being whose goal is to defeat his brethren in a series of epic arenas in order to ascend into the pantheon of the gods. During the course of each battle, players gain experience, purchase equipment, learn magical spells, capture key resources and upgrade their Citadel while working to lay waste the opposing faction.
 
Demigod battles take place in spectacular environments that are visually stunning and yet still run well on relatively older hardware thanks to a new technology developed by Gas Powered Games that optimizes the way rendering is executed on most video cards.
 
Continue reading Demigod Released!.

ECHO BRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT EXPANDS INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS APPOINTING NATALIE YUEN TO VICE PRESIDENT OF INTERNATIONAL SALES FOR ASIA PACIFIC

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 7:03 PM
Yuen To Present New Product Slate and Company's Extensive Catalog
of Over 11,000 Titles to Asia Pacific Buyers
 
NEEDHAM, MASS and LOS ANGELES, CA (April 14, 2009) - Continuing its international expansion of sales operations, independent global distributor Echo Bridge Entertainment has appointed Natalie Yuen to the newly created position of Vice President, International Sales, Asia Pacific, effective immediately. The announcement was made today by Dan March, Executive Vice President, Echo Bridge Entertainment, to whom she will report.
 
In this newly-created position, Ms. Yuen will be responsible for managing programming sales across all platforms throughout the Asia Pacific region, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Taiwan, India, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. She will handle sales for the company's slate of diverse programming, including the top rated primetime television movie, Taken in Broad Daylight, hit teen series, Degrassi, The Next Generation, award winning crime-drama Da Vinci's Inquest, and reality series, Rich Bride Poor Bride, At the End of My Leash and Lidia's Italy.
 
Continue reading ECHO BRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT EXPANDS INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS APPOINTING NATALIE YUEN TO VICE PRESIDENT OF INTERNATIONAL SALES FOR ASIA PACIFIC.

Phoenix Editorial Launches Sister Company Bonfire

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 7:02 PM
Julia Sonder-Patchin Promoted to Executive Producer

San Francisco, CA (April 14, 2009)-Phoenix Editorial announced that it has
launched Bonfire, a motion design and integrated media company. The company
has also promoted Julia Sonder-Patchin from producer to executive producer,
where she will oversee creative output across Phoenix Editorial and Bonfire
under the aegis of company president Lisa Hinman.

"We are finding more and more that our clients want the collaboration of
creative editorial storytelling and motion picture design that can work as
content across any screen," said Julia Sonder-Patchin, Executive Producer,
Phoenix Editorial. "Our creative directors offer such an amazing array of
skill and history that we can offer creative development that other
companies just aren't able to offer under one roof."

Continue reading Phoenix Editorial Launches Sister Company Bonfire.

Luxology Hosts modo 401 Roadshow Across Germany

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 7:01 PM
April 14, 2009 - Luxology® LLC, in collaboration with maconcept and the SAE Institute, will be showcasing the newest version of modo® 401, its innovative 3D modeling, painting and rendering software, at the modo 401 German Roadshow from April 24 through April 30, 2009. The demonstrations will be conducted by Luxology's Training Division Manager, Andy Brown, who will provide tips and explore modo's new asset-based workflow, followed by a question and answer period after each session.

Roadshow dates and locations are as follows:
Friday, April 24, 2009
SAE Institute Berlin
Soltauer Str. 18-22
13405 Berlin

Monday, April 27, 2009
SAE Institute Hamburg
Feldstr. 66
20359 Hamburg

Wednesday, April 29, 2009
SAE Institute Cologne
Medienzentrum Ost
Carlswerkstraße 11-13
Gebäude 11c
51063 Köln

Thursday, April 30, 2009
SAE Institute Frankfurt
Homburger Landstraße 182
60435 Frankfurt

Demonstrations in Berlin, Hamburg and Frankfurt will begin at 3:00 p.m. The demonstration in Cologne will begin at 4:30 p.m. For more information or to register, please visit http://www.maconcept.de/content/view/263/.

Continue reading Luxology Hosts modo 401 Roadshow Across Germany.

Super U Animation Contest

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:59 PM
To Whom it May Concern;

I'm writing on behalf of Super U (www.superu.ca), the online venue to watch the latest short films. We recently partnered up with Quebec animation sensation, TAC.tv and will be holding quarterly animation contests over the next year with them.

Our first two contests produced some extraordinary results and culminated with "L'interprétation des rêves ou les aventures du Robot Bleu" by Elohim Sanchez and "Blind Date" by David Wesch being chosen as the grand prize winners. We had an extraordinary turn out from Vancouver Film School students in the past, so we hope to see other schools take up the challenge and show us their talent too!

Our third contest is accepting entries from March 24 to April 27, 2009. (You can check out the contest page here - http://www.superu.ca/contests/view/49). I'd like to reach out to you and your readers and encourage them to check out the contest and enter their best animated shorts. The winner of our current contest will take home $2500 and be featured on TAC.tv! Stop motion, 3D, claymation, flash or flip book - all forms of animation are accepted.

If readers are unable to enter the current contest due to time constraints, encourage them to plan something to enter in a future contest.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please don't hesitate to get it touch. If you are not the correct contact for this type of inquiry, would you be able to put me in touch with the appropriate person?

Thanks for your time and support!

Melissa Wood

Melissa Wood
Special Projects Coordinator
w: http://www.superu.ca

Will the Pope watch Friends and Heroes?

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:58 PM
The well-known Italian publishing group De Agostini is to show Friends and Heroes on their newly launched children's channel DeAKids. Broadcast on the Sky satellite, Friends and Heroes has been dubbed into Italian for its debut on DeAKids.

"De Agostini choosing Friends and Heroes for their new children's channel is a very thrilling development," said Alison Dorricott, Executive Producer. "DeAKids has a wide range of programming and it's good to know that Friends and Heroes will be scheduled alongside Garfield, Babar, Justice League and M.I. High! Soon Italian-speaking children will be able to enjoy the adventures of Macky and his friends and also hear and understand the Bible stories in every episode."
Continue reading Will the Pope watch Friends and Heroes?.

KIDSCO COMMISSIONS BOO & ME

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:54 PM
Boo and Me rgb.jpgMALAYSIAN ANIMATED ORIGINAL SERIES BOOSTS LIBRARY OF PROGRAMMING
London - 14th April 2009 - KidsCo, the international children's channel owned by leading media companies NBC Universal, Cookie Jar Group and Corus Entertainment Inc., today announces that it has commissioned 13 x 2 minute episodes of a "green" animation called Boo and Me.  This exciting new co-production between KidsCo, the home of entertaining and educational programming, and Inspidea Sdn Bhd is a pay TV exclusive to the channel worldwide and will air on KidsCo throughout Europe, Russia, Middle East, Africa and Asia.
 
Aimed at kids aged 6 to 10, Boo and Me follows the adventures of Boo the Orangutan who lives in a sanctuary in Malaysia after being rescued from poachers.  Boo's favourite visitors are Aiman and Yasmin, two children who help him learn lessons in environmental conservation.  The series charts how Boo a lovable, but carefree animal comes to understand how to love and protect nature - after all - little things can have a big impact.
 
Produced in Malaysia by Kuala Lumpur based Inspidea Sdn Bhd, Boo and Me will delight children when it launches across KidsCo's channels from September 2009.
 

Continue reading KIDSCO COMMISSIONS BOO & ME.

KONAMI ANNOUNCES SIX DAYS IN FALLUJAH FOR THE XBOX 360®, PLAYSTATION®3 AND WINDOWS PC

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:53 PM
Third-Person Action Shooter -- Based on Fiercest Urban Battle of The War in Iraq
Uses Real Footage, US Marines Who Fought in the Battle and Real Missions
Features Co-op and Online Multiplayer Modes
El Segundo, Calif. - April 14, 2009 - Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., announced today that Six Days in Fallujah is currently in development for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC. Developed by Atomic Games, Six Days in Fallujah is a new third person shooter experience that puts the player in the center of the largest urban military operation in four decades. Six Days in Fallujah combines the action of a military shooter with the realism of a documentary film to create a new kind of experience that is both historical and engaging. Partnering with over three dozen US Marines to help develop the game along with unprecedented access to battle plans, after action reports, photos, videos and satellite maps makes this game the most authentic military shooter to date. Coupled with missions, objectives and scenarios grounded in factual events, Six Days in Fallujah will create an authentic 3rd person shooter unlike any ever developed.

Continue reading KONAMI ANNOUNCES SIX DAYS IN FALLUJAH FOR THE XBOX 360®, PLAYSTATION®3 AND WINDOWS PC.

STUDIO100 MEDIA'S ADORABLE ZIGBY TROTS ONTO CBEEBIES

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:52 PM
Munich, April 14, 2009 - Studio100 Media GmbH, a subsidiary of Belgium's leading family entertainment group Studio100 and the BBC children's channel CBeebies announced today that they have secured a deal for the pre-school animation series Zigby.

The series created by children's author Brian Paterson and based on the Harper Collins Children's Books wildly popular character Zigby, The Zebra Who Trots Into Trouble is co-produced by Avrill Stark Entertainment Pty Ltd, Zebra (I) Productions Inc. and Big Animation Pte Ltd in association with Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Treehouse TV.

The 3D animated series (52 x 11 mins) targeted at three to five year olds is set to air later this year.

Continue reading STUDIO100 MEDIA'S ADORABLE ZIGBY TROTS ONTO CBEEBIES.

NEW CRUNCHYROLL ANIME MEMBERSHIP AFFILIATE PROGRAM ALLOWS PARTNERS TO EARN UP TO 10%

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:51 PM
Online Anime Distribution Leader Continues to Grow and Benefit Industry
Partners

San Francisco, California (April 14, 2009) -The number one Anime and Asian
entertainment website, Crunchyroll, proudly announces the new Crunchyroll
Affiliate Program in which partners can earn 10% of each Anime Membership
sold via referral from their site.  More information can be found at
www.crunchyroll.com/affiliates <http://www.crunchyroll.com/affiliates> .

Interested sites can sign up online immediate and will be provided with
badges, buttons, banners and links to incorporate on their site. Affiliates
can track performance in real time and can earn revenue immediately.

Continue reading NEW CRUNCHYROLL ANIME MEMBERSHIP AFFILIATE PROGRAM ALLOWS PARTNERS TO EARN UP TO 10%.

BERT & ERNIE COME ALIVE IN NEW THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE BASED ON SESAME STREET'S CLASSIC PAIR

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:48 PM
(New York, NY, and Minneapolis, MN, April 14, 2009)  It's Bert and Ernie as you've never seen them before!  As humans! 
Bert&Ernie1.jpg, a new theatrical production, will have its world premiere at the Children's Theatre Company (CTC), based in Minneapolis, MN, this September.  Inspired by Sesame Street's best buddies, this performance unleashes bedlam when poor Bert, who just wants to sleep, tries to cope with Ernie's wildly inventive antics.  Through song and humor, the pair learns all about cooperation before the night is done.
            Starring Bradley Greenwald and Reed Sigmund, the acclaimed duo who brought Frog and Toad alive at CTC, Bert & Ernie, Goodnight! is filled with classic bits and songs from Sesame Street.  Guests will hear such favorites as "One and One Makes Two" (Jeffrey Moss); "I Don't Want to Live on the Moon" (Jeffrey Moss); "Imagination" (Joe Raposo); "That's What Friends are For" (Tony Geiss); "Doin' the Pigeon" (Joe Raposo); "Dance Myself to Sleep" (Christopher Cerf and Norman Stiles); and "But I Like You" (Jeffrey Moss).  In addition, one new, never-before-heard song has been created especially for Bert & Ernie, Goodnight!  The show, adapted for the stage by Barry Kornhauser, is suitable for all ages and will be performed from September 12-October 25 (previews begin September 8) on the UnitedHealth Group Stage at the Tony Award-winning CTC.

Continue reading BERT & ERNIE COME ALIVE IN NEW THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE BASED ON SESAME STREET'S CLASSIC PAIR.

The Studio Acquires VICON T10 Motion Capture System

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:47 PM
New York Design Facility Specializes in Animatics; Plans Expansion into 3D
Animation with Advanced Mocap System

Los Angeles, CA (April 14, 2009)-VICON, developer of Academy Award®-winning
motion capture systems, today announced the sale and installation of its
T10 motion capture system at graphic design and 2D animation company The
Studio, located in New York City. The Studio, which has served the
advertising industry for over 20 years, including top agencies such as
Saatchi & Saatchi, Goodby Silverstein and McCann-Ericson, installed a
top-of-the-line VICON system at its facility in January, both for use on
commercial animatics and as part of its plans for expansion into 3D
animation.

"We went with VICON because they're the best," said The Studio owner Mary
Nittolo. "We looked at everything else available, including markerless
systems, and were very pleased with the quality and features VICON had to
offer."
Continue reading The Studio Acquires VICON T10 Motion Capture System.

Chapman Entertainment Brings Licensing for Fifi and the Flowertots In-House

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:46 PM
-Target retains the international TV rights to the hit
pre-school property-
 
London:  Target Entertainment Group has today announced it is coming to the end of its partnership agreement with Chapman Entertainment for the licensing rights to Fifi and the Flowertots. The licensing rights will revert back to Chapman Entertainment in May, although Target will continue to represent the property for international TV sales.
 
Since the launch of Fifi and the Flowertots at Mipcom in 2004, Target has signed over 50 licensing deals in the UK and has sold the series to broadcasters in over 162 territories.
 
Helen Howells, Global Brand Director at Target Entertainment Group said:
"We have had tremendous success licensing Fifi and the Flowertots and have been instrumental in supporting Chapman Entertainment to help build the brand. We'll be sad to say goodbye to Fifi but appreciate now is a good time for Chapman Entertainment to take-over managing the property in-house. Target will soon be announcing details of its own in-house brands which will launch at Mipcom Junior later this year".
 
Continue reading Chapman Entertainment Brings Licensing for Fifi and the Flowertots In-House.

KONAMI ANNOUNCES VANDAL HEARTS: FLAMES OF JUDGMENT ON XBOX LIVE®ARCADE AND PLAYSTATION®NETWORK

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:45 PM
Marking the Franchise's Next Generation Debut,
Rich and Deep Story Serves As Prequel To The Original Vandal Hearts

El Segundo, Calif. - April 13, 2009- Konami Digital Entertainment announced today that Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgment, the first next-generation installment for the classic tactical RPG series, will be available on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PLAYSTATION®Network. Featuring newly designed mechanics, Flames of Judgment combines the speedy RPG pace of the original with top-notch visual presentation. The rich storyline expands the universe further serving as the prequel to the original Vandal Hearts.

On the continent of Sostegaria, two rival kingdoms stand on the brink of war. Caught in the tide of battle is young orphan Tobias Martin. Driven to defend his homeland, and to avenge those already fallen, Tobias enlists with his comrades to fight for peace. But all is not what it seems, and they face a threat far deadlier - and closer - than they know. As the massive battle unfolds across expansive environments, players will experience party members adapting to their style of gameplay broadened by a deep range of character customization options.  

Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgment will be released for Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 in August 2009 and the PLAYSTATION®Network in September 2009. For assets please visit: http://www.konami.com/downloads/.

About Konami
Konami is a leading developer, publisher and manufacturer of electronic entertainment properties. Konami's titles include the popular franchises Metal Gear Solid®, Silent Hill®, DanceDanceRevolution® and Castlevania®, among other top sellers. The latest information about Konami can be found on the Web at www.konami.com. KONAMI CORPORATION is a publicly traded company based in Tokyo, Japan with subsidiary offices, Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. in Tokyo, Japan, Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. in the United States and Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH in Frankfurt, Germany. KONAMI CORPORATION is traded in the United States on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol KNM. Details of the products published by Konami can be found at www.konami.com.

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KONAMI is a registered trademark of KONAMI CORPORATION.

Fulltank Sweetens 'Chocolate Box' Music Video for Prince

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:43 PM
Creative Production Studio Provided 190 Visual Effects Shots for
CGI-Intensive Promo Directed by P.R. Brown

Santa Monica, CA (April 13, 2009)-Creative production studio Fulltank
announced today that it provided visual effects, including on-set
supervision, for a CGI-intensive promo for "Chocolate Box," the new single
from Prince's "MPLSoUND" album released on March 29th. The video, helmed by
music video director P.R. Brown, features an all-digital fantasy world
inspired by the dark urban aesthetic of "Sin City." To view the music
video, visit: http://www.fulltank.tv/pri/.

"When I started the process of bringing Prince's vision for the video to
life, I was fortunate to have found the guys at Fulltank," said Director
P.R. Brown of Bau-Da Design. "Throughout the project, their passion for the
video was clear and they went well beyond what I thought could be produced
given the time we had. It was a pleasure working with them, and they really
helped bring to life the hyper stylized vision I had for the piece."

Continue reading Fulltank Sweetens 'Chocolate Box' Music Video for Prince.

Scholastic Inc. Runs "Be Big in Your Community Contest"

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:43 PM
BE BIG IN YOUR COMMUNITY!
 
Scholastic Inc. has launched "The Be Big in Your Community Contest" in support of CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG® and the BE BIG™ initiative. The contest calls upon kids, parents, teachers, and community leaders to submit their BIG ideas for creating positive change in their communities by demonstrating Clifford's Big Ideas; Share, Play Fair, Have Respect, Work Together, Be Responsible, Be A Good Friend, Help Others, Be Truthful, Be Kind and Believe In Yourself. The BE BIG Fund will help bring the winning BIG idea to life by awarding one (1) Grand Prize $25,000 community grant and ten (10) runner-up $2,500 community grants to implement the winning BIG ideas via HandsOn Network local affiliate organizations. Submit your idea at www.scholastic.com/cliffordbebig <http://www.scholastic.com/cliffordbebig>  and remember....IT ONLY TAKES A LITTLE TO BE BIG!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.  Open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.  Contest starts April 20, 2009 and ends on June 26, 2009.
 

VIDEO GAMES LIVE RETURNS TO LOS ANGELES DURING E3!

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:41 PM
Performance to Take Place at the Historic Greek Theatre on June 4th, 2009

Special Pre-Sale Tickets Available


LOS ANGELES, CA - April 13, 2009 - Video Games Live is proud to announce its return to Los Angeles, CA on Thursday, June 4th at 8:00pm, Video Games Live will be performing under the stars at the historic Greek Theatre in Los Angeles as the closing ceremony of E3 (Electronic Entertainment Exposition).  A lot of new material has been incorporated into the 2009 show and partnered with the E3 convention, there will be a variety of very special guests from Japan and Europe in town for this performance.

Currently, there is a limited time special pre-sale ticket link and password to this event: http://www.nederlanderconcerts.com/rd/?id=400  (password:  HALO)

Video Games Live will be performing an unprecedented 70+ shows around the world in 2009 which include U.S. dates with the National Symphony Orchestra at Wolf Trap (July 10th), the San Diego Symphony during Comic Con (July 23rd) and many others across North America.  Other performances internationally include Japan, Taiwan, China, Singapore, Brazil, Mexico, and all across Canada and Europe.  The current list of locations and dates can be found here:  http://www.videogameslive.com/index.php?s=dates.  If there is a particular city or country you would like to see listed, please send an e-mail to: info@videogameslive.com

Continue reading VIDEO GAMES LIVE RETURNS TO LOS ANGELES DURING E3!.

Cartooning Into the Marketplace

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:41 PM
Tom Wilson, internationally syndicated Ziggy cartoonist and celebrated author, and Jeanette Smith, the powerhouse behind the DILBERT brand and former Vice President of Licensing at United Media/United Feature Syndicate, will combine their expertise to create a unique teleconference called CARTOONING INTO THE MARKETPLACE.
 
Learn from the Pro's how to give your cartoons a substantial advantage to gaining success! This program will bridge the gap between your creativity and reaching your audience, providing the essential elements that every emerging cartoonist, humorous illustrator and character animator must know to leverage their talents and take their creativity to the national and global markets. 
 
These industry veterans know how difficult it is to get detailed information and straight answers to successfully navigate this confusing marketplace. In addition, Tom and Jeanette are committed to keeping the price down and providing an incredible value for attendees.  Plus the interactive event will leave time for Tom and Jeanette to answer questions.  You can register now online at www.jnetsmith.com
 
Continue reading Cartooning Into the Marketplace.

Top Lighting Designer David Taylor Speaks at fmx/09

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:40 PM
LOS ANGELES, April 16, 2009 -- David Taylor, head of the Performing Arts Sector for Arup, the world's leading sustainable design and engineering firm, will be a participant in one of the 5D panels at fmx/09. This 14th International Conference on Animation, Effects, Games and Digital Media is to be held in Stuttgart, Germany from May 5 to 8.

5D, the Immersive Design Conference, co-presented by the Art Directors Guild and the University Art Museum, CSULB, will be organizing five panels at the event in partnership with Filmakademie Baden-Wuerttemberg.

Taylor, leading designer for such venues as the Kodak Theatre for the Oscars©, Disney's New Amsterdam and Hyperion Theatres, plus the new halls for the orchestras in Philadelphia, Seattle, Kansas City and Miami Beach, will be on a panel titled "Interaction" moderated by Tali Krakowsky, who heads the think-tank at WET Design.

For more details on 5D at fmx/09, go to:
http://www.fmx.de/E.2221.html

THE ESA'S MICHAEL GALLAGHER SLATED TO GIVE "STATE-OF-THE-INDUSTRY" ADDRESS AT E3 EXPO 2009

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:39 PM
Washington, D.C. (April 16, 2009) - Join Michael D. Gallagher as he offers ESA insight on the state of the computer and video game industry.  Gallagher will underscore that even in difficult financial times the video game industry continues to support our country's local, state and national economies with record-breaking sales figures and rapid technological innovation. A question and answer session for attendees with Mike Gallagher will follow his remarks.

Overall computer and video game industry hardware, software and peripheral sales climbed to a record $22 billion in 2008, with entertainment software sales comprising $11.7 billion of that total figure--a 22.9% jump over the previous year.  What does this mean for the industry and how dominant a force is the computer entertainment industry in the economy moving forward? Please join him and find out.

WHAT:                 A State-of-the-Industry Address by the ESA's CEO Michael D. Gallagher

WHY:                    To gain a perspective on where the entertainment software industry is heading

WHO:                   All 2009 E3 Expo attendees

WHEN:                 The opening day of E3 Expo 2009 -- Tuesday, June 2

TIME:                   2:00pm

WHERE:               Los Angeles Convention Center - Theater 411

ADMISSION:        Free to anyone exhibiting and attending E3 Expo 2009

Massive Software Hires Former Legion CEO, And Moves Into "Real World" Simulation Markets

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:37 PM
On the heels of its move into non-entertainment markets,
Massive hires VP Product Strategy and Director of Finance

Auckland, NZ (April 16, 2009) - Massive Software, developer of the Academy
Award®-winning 3D animation software for AI-driven characters, today
announced the appointment of Kevin Mannion as VP Product Strategy and
Israel Cooper as Director of Finance.

Most recently Mannion served as CEO of Legion, a leading software company
known for transportation and pedestrian planning for the London
Underground, Beijing Olympics, and other large simulation projects. At
Legion, Mannion drove the commercialization of the software, making the
company profitable within eighteen months and winning major contracts. His
industry exposure includes enterprise, infrastructure, database, web
services and networking technologies.

Continue reading Massive Software Hires Former Legion CEO, And Moves Into "Real World" Simulation Markets.

Quay Brothers Receive 2009 Coolidge Award

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:36 PM
The Coolidge Corner Theatre has chosen award-winning animators (and identical twins) the Quay Brothers as the recipients of the 2009 Coolidge Award. Influenced by European composers, writers, and animators, the Quaysdisplay a passion for detail, a masterful command of color and texture, and an uncanny use of focus and camera movement. Best known for their classic film STREET OF CROCODILES, which filmmaker Terry Gilliam recently selected as one of the tten best animated films of all time, the Quays are masters of miniaturization and puppetry.  Their mesmerizing body of work includes many stop-action animation shorts, live action feature films (INSTITUTE BENJAMENTA, THE PIANO TUNER OF EARTHQUAKES), dance films, set designs fortheater and opera, and television commercials.In conjunction with the Coolidge Award, The Coolidge will present a variety of programs on May 6-7 celebrating the Quays achievements including:DORMITORIUM: AN EXHIBITION OF FILM DECORS BY THE QUAY BROTHERS – !

Continue reading Quay Brothers Receive 2009 Coolidge Award.

Most Successful Video Game Concert in the World Comes to Singapore

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:35 PM
One-night-only performance of Video Games Live its first in Southeast Asia

Singapore, 15 April 2009 - Video Games Live (VGL), an immersive and interactive symphony performance blending spectacular visuals and captivating music from video games, will be performed in Southeast Asia for the first time, for one night only, on Friday 19 June 2009 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
 
A tribute to video games culture over the past three decades, VGL features the best game music, performed live by top orchestras and choirs and integrated with exclusive video game footage and music arrangements, and accompanied with a spectacular display of synchronised lighting, live action and solo performances. 
 
In over one hundred shows that have been held in twelve countries across the globe, VGL has been watched by hundreds of thousands, entertaining game enthusiasts and non-gamers alike. Its debut performance on 6 July 2005 at the world famous Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles was attended by over 11,000 people, making it the biggest video game concert in the world.  At that time, most game music, including Halo, Sonic, Metal Gear Solid, Mario, Zelda, Warcraft, Tomb Raider, Myst, Kingdom Hearts, Tron, God of War, EverQuest II, Medal of Honor, Headhunter, Beyond Good & Evil and Advent Rising, had never been performed live.
 
Continue reading Most Successful Video Game Concert in the World Comes to Singapore.

TOEI ANIMATION'S MONONOKE WILL SCREEN AT THIS YEAR'S NIPPON CONNECTION IN GERMANY

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:34 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
JAPAN (April 16, 2009) - Toei Animation announced today that Mononoke has been chosen to screen at this year's Nippon Connection taking place in Frankfurt, Germany from April 15-19.
 
With more than 150 features and short films, the Nippon Connection film festival showcases a broad scope of current Japanese film productions, from avant-garde and anime to blockbusters and documentary films, many of them German and European premieres. The festival is divided into the following categories: Nippon Cinema, Nippon Digital, Nippon Retro, Nippon Culture and Nippon Connection Festival.  Mononoke will be present at Nippon Digital on Saturday, April 18.
 
Mononoke -- A mysterious medicine vender faces a various type of dangerous spirits -known as Mononoke- as he travels on the roads of Japan. With the stylish character design and incorporating innovative, never-used-before CG processing, e.g. texture simulating Japanese paper, this series leads you to the extraordinary animation world.
 
About Toei Animation Co. Ltd.
 
With headquarters in Tokyo and sales offices in Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Paris, Toei Animation (Jasdaq: 4816) ranks amongst the world's most prolific animation production studios. Toei Animation's operations include animation development and production, and worldwide marketing and program licensing. Since its founding in 1956, Toei Animation has produced more than 9,900 episodes of TV series (181 titles) and 192 long feature films as of September, 2008.
 
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Partners Joining eyeon SWAT

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:34 PM
Broad-Based Training Initiative to Be Launched at NAB

TORONTO: April 16, 2009 ... eyeon Software's new SWAT initiative, which is being introduced at NAB, is striking a chord in the training and artist communities. With the new SoftWare Artist Training (SWAT) umbrella program, eyeon is actively expanding its international network of trainers, colleges, online resources and in-house product support personnel to ensure that every eyeon artist is up-to-speed on the latest versions of Fusion(tm), Generation(r), Rotation(r) and Vision(r). Visitors to NAB, April 20-23, 2009, in Las Vegas, can visit the eyeon booth to meet trainers from eyeon, Class On Demand, cmiVFX, and fxphd to learn more about the program and watch live training demonstrations.

"We are pleased to be the first Certified SWAT provider of eyeon Fusion training and want to thank eyeon for recognizing the importance of quality education for today's VFX professionals," said Paul Holtz, founder and CEO of Class on Demand. Class On Demand recently announced the signing of Emmy(r) award-winning Fusion artist Aurore de Blois as their on-camera instructor for a new series of Fusion training resources.

"We added eyeon Fusion to the curriculum several terms ago due to growing demand," said John Montgomery of fxphd, which specializes in vfx, motion graphics, and production training delivered over the web.  "The folks at eyeon have been incredibly helpful and supportive of our efforts over the years. They understand the need for high-quality training."

"Software such as Fusion offers immense creative possibilities for artists who are able to learn it well and explore all its features and creative workflow possibilities," said Sachin Bhatnager of Frameboxx Animation, one of the first SWAT partners, which offers training programs in India. "Software proficiency, coupled with skills, translates directly into your worth at work and is consequently a major driver for professional success."

"The eyeon SWAT program is freeing us to focus on the higher-end commercial training," said Chris Maynard of cmiVFX, which offers web-based video training. "This will result in comprehensive collection of training materials for Fusion and Generation."

eyeon, together with training partners from Class On Demand, cmiVFX and fxphd will present the new SWAT program during NAB at booth SL1915, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, April 20-23, 2009. For more information, email swat@eyeonline.com.

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The Indie Fest: Call for Entries

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:33 PM
Deadline: May 1, 2009
 
Download the entry form at: www.TheIndieFest.com <http://news3.securewebs.com/t.aspx?S=1&ID=210&NL=68&N=216&SI=12231&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.theindiefest.com%2f>
 
The Indie Fest is an independent, top-tier international film awards competition. Our goal is to help independent filmmakers gain publicity and, when appropriate, exposure to distributors.
 
The Indie Fest is a virtual festival. It does not have physical screenings. Rather, winners receive publicity as we broadcast the list of winners via press releases and to our email database of more than 28,000 filmmakers and industry insiders. Winning an Indie will help you get noticed.
 
Entries are judged against high standards of excellence and against each other. The Indie Fest provides an equal chance of winning for all entrants, regardless of size and budget. Entries are judged on quality of craft and creativity. The Indie Fest is a showcase for cinematic gems and unique voices.
 
 
Continue reading The Indie Fest: Call for Entries.

CRUNCHYROLL AND KADOKAWA PICTURES USA BRING NIGHTS OF FRIGHT WITH JAPANESE HORROR ANTHOLOGIES AND TOMIE TRILOGY TO ONLINE FANS

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:31 PM
Number One Online Destination for Anime and Asian Entertainment to Launch
Junji Ito Manga Based Film-Trilogy and Films of Horror

San Francisco, CA (April 16, 2009) --Crunchyroll and Kadokawa partner to
bring hours of endless horror and fright to online fans with the highly
popular TOMIE Trilogy and the Japanese Horror Anthology which include
titles: NURARIHYON, PEONY LAMP, SHADOWS OF THE WRAITH, SHE-BEAR and YAMABA
beginning April 16, 2009. More information can be found at:
http://www.crunchyroll.com/publisher/kadokawapicturesusa

"We are extremely excited and proud to have Kadokawa Pictures USA partner
with Crunchyroll", states Crunchyroll CEO Kun Gao. "Kadokawa titles are well
known to be of high quality and have a huge existing following.  This
partnership marks a meaningful addition to the Asian live action content
available on Crunchyroll."

Continue reading CRUNCHYROLL AND KADOKAWA PICTURES USA BRING NIGHTS OF FRIGHT WITH JAPANESE HORROR ANTHOLOGIES AND TOMIE TRILOGY TO ONLINE FANS.

SALES UP FOR BRAND LICENSING EUROPE AS SONY, WARNER AND CHORION CLIMB ON BOARD

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:30 PM
Sales for Brand Licensing Europe 2009 are up by six per cent with the equivalent of almost 80 per cent of last year's floor space already claimed. Brand Licensing Europe is Europe's leading exhibition for the licensing industry and takes place on 30 September and 1 October at Olympia's Grand Hall in London.

Licensing giants Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Sony Pictures Consumer Products and Chorion are among the most recent of more than 100 companies to pledge their support for the event. At almost six months out the floorplan also includes many first time exhibitors: Annie Phillips, Characteristix, FitzRoy Media, Franklin Covey, GATEWAY4M, IONA Cards, John Wylie & Sons, Jules Rimet Cup/Coralbay Management, Marilyn Robertson, Pimra, Premium Mobile Distribution, Softies & Cuties and Walker Books.
Continue reading SALES UP FOR BRAND LICENSING EUROPE AS SONY, WARNER AND CHORION CLIMB ON BOARD.

ATLUS ONLINE, PIXEL MINE GAMES JOIN FORCES TO CREATE UNPARALLELED PORTAL EXPERIENCE

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:28 PM
IRVINE, Calif. - April 16, 2009 - Atlus Online, the interactive entertainment division of Atlus U.S.A., Inc., has teamed up with Pixel Mine Games, an independent developer and publisher known for its enterprise web portal software, to further enhance the user experience on the Atlus Online portal. The partnership will allow Atlus, known for listening to and incorporating user feedback, to continually evolve the portal and its content according to players' insights and recommendations.
 
Atlus puts its community first and is persistently looking for input in order to offer its members additional opportunities to share and explore their passions. From active forums to its first full-sized game offering, Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent, Atlus Online provides gamers and anime fans with a daily destination to visit. Pixel Mine Games' portal technology will enable Atlus Online members to access a variety of fun, compelling, and unique digital content, as well as fully interact with the site using integrated community tools.
 
"Our partnership marks a new wave of portal development and a step we are confident gaming, anime, and Atlus fans alike will enjoy," said Tyler Kim, director of online games at Atlus Online. "Giving members a hand in contributing to the portal shows a heightened level of communication never before seen in online interactive entertainment."
 
Continue reading ATLUS ONLINE, PIXEL MINE GAMES JOIN FORCES TO CREATE UNPARALLELED PORTAL EXPERIENCE.

Frantic Films Software at NAB 2009

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:28 PM
Deadline 3.1 Announced; Prize Giveaways and Call for Participation for
Awake Beta-Testing Program

Hollywood, CA (April 16, 2009)--Frantic Films Software, the R&D arm of
award-winning visual effects company Frantic Films VFX and a division of
Prime Focus Group, will be showcasing its software products at NAB 2009
April 20th - April 23rd from booth #SL4430. Attendees will get a sneak-peek
at Deadline 3.1, the latest version of Frantic's proprietary render queue
management software, and Awake, its stereoscopic 3D plug-in toolset for
eyeon Fusion. Lead developers Brian McKinnon (Awake) and Ryan Russell
(Deadline) will be available at the booth to answer questions and discuss
product features.

"As the entertainment business undergoes seismic shifts due to changes in
the global economy, it's important to keep a finger on the pulse of the
industry," said Chris Bond, President & Creative Director, Frantic Films.
"We've chosen to be at NAB this year because it's a great opportunity to
engage with our clients and get a first look at the tools and technologies
that will shape our business in the crucial years to come."

Continue reading Frantic Films Software at NAB 2009 .

WELL GO USA TO RELEASE THE ZULA PATROL: ANIMAL ADVENTURES IN SPACE! ON DVD

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:26 PM
CALLING KIDS EVERYWHERE!
GET READY TO BLAST OFF THIS JUNE WITH A FUN-PACKED DVD,
THE ZULA PATROL: ANIMAL ADVENTURES IN SPACE!,
AN INTERGALACTIC ROMP THAT EXPLORES THE WORLD AROUND US
 
DVD Marks the First in a Series of "The Zula Patrol" Releases from Well Go USA
 
BURBANK, CA, April 14, 2009 - Just in time for summer, The Zula Patrol: Animal Adventures in Space! will take kids on a humorous, fun-filled adventure that offers an intriguing look at the natural world around us - while the Patrol's wacky, lovable alien crew fends off an invasion of their planet!  No job is too tough for Bula, Multo, Zeeter and their pals, who go on a series of missions that will leave kids and parents laughing as they discover the wonders of metamorphosis, ecosystems, and other fascinating phenomena.
 
The Zula Patrol: Animal Adventures in Space! will be available on June 2 (pre-order date: April 28), priced at $14.98 suggested retail.  The new feature-length DVD is based on the Parents Choice award-winning TV series, The Zula Patrol, which airs Saturday mornings on NBC as part of the qubo programming block and weekdays and weekends on public television stations.
 
The Zula Patrol: Animal Adventures in Space! contains five different adventures from the series, plus never-before-seen animated footage that ties the episodes together, and a sing-along.  As a special added bonus, purchasers of the DVD will also receive 200 Zlinkles (value: $10.00) to spend on virtual items in ZulaWorld.com, the incredible new website launching in April 2009 and developed in collaboration with IBM.  The DVD will offer a sneak peak of the website, including an introduction to ZulaWorld and a look at how to create one's own personal alien avatar.
 
Continue reading WELL GO USA TO RELEASE THE ZULA PATROL: ANIMAL ADVENTURES IN SPACE! ON DVD.

Full Sail University Announces New Online Web Design & Development Bachelor of Science Degree

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:25 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Winter Park, FL - (April 15, 2009) - Full Sail University (www.fullsail.edu), an award-winning entertainment media institution near Orlando, FL, is expanding the availability of its Web Design & Development Bachelor of Science Degree Program into a new online degree, beginning in May 2009.

The new Bachelor's degree will offer students the real world education that has defined Full Sail for the past 30 years as an educational leader in the entertainment industry. The program incorporates courses that teach students front-end web design, using both design and aesthetics techniques, along with the programming and coding skills they need to succeed in the industry.

In addition, students will complete a degree capstone where they will learn how to design and deploy a fully functioning, cross-platform website using industry-standard disciplines such as interface design and usability, web standards, client scripting and search engine optimization.
 
Continue reading Full Sail University Announces New Online Web Design & Development Bachelor of Science Degree.

DEATH NOTE STORY CONTINUES WITH DEATH NOTE: L, CHANGE THE WORLD IN A SPECIAL TWO-NIGHT BIG SCREEN EVENT FEATURING FIRST EVER SUBTITLED AND OVERDUBBED SHOWINGS

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:24 PM
NCM Fathom and VIZ Pictures Present the Riveting Unwritten Chapter to the DEATH NOTE
Live-Action Series in More than 400 Theaters Nationwide
 
Centennial, Colo. - March 31, 2009 - With 23 days left to live, some may choose to travel the world. Detective L, the popular protagonist of the DEATH NOTE manga franchise, chooses to save it. DEATH NOTE: L, change the WorLd, the pulse-pounding unwritten chapter to the DEATH NOTE live-action psychological crime drama series, will be on the big screen in the U.S. in a special two-night event on Wednesday, April 29th and Thursday, April 30th at 7:30 p.m. local time. By popular demand, Fathom will create another first by showing a subtitled version on April 29th and an English-dubbed version the following night. The event features a first-time-ever interview with director Hideo Nakata as well as an interview with Kenichi Matsuyama (the character "L"). Theater audiences will also see an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the creation of DEATH NOTE: L, change the WorLd.
 
Tickets for this special event are available at presenting theater box offices and at www.FathomEvents.com. For a complete list of theater locations and prices, please visit the website (theaters are subject to change).
 
 
Continue reading DEATH NOTE STORY CONTINUES WITH DEATH NOTE: L, CHANGE THE WORLD IN A SPECIAL TWO-NIGHT BIG SCREEN EVENT FEATURING FIRST EVER SUBTITLED AND OVERDUBBED SHOWINGS.

NEW YORK ANIME FESTIVAL 2009 OFFICIAL MASCOT CONTEST ONLINE

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:22 PM
Unknown-1.jpegMascot Contest Sponsored By TheOtaku.com And Del Rey Manga
 
Norwalk, CT, April 15, 2009: The New York Anime Festival (NYAF) today announced its 2009 mascot contest has gone live on partner website theOtaku.com.  The 2009 New York Anime Festival, an anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture convention from the creators of New York Comic Con, will take place September 25-27, 2009 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in Manhattan, and it is now accepting original character designs from fans and attendees, with the winning art to be featured as NYAF 2009's official mascot throughout the show.  Contest prizes include tickets to the New York Anime Festival and 50 manga from sponsor Del Rey Manga.

Between now and April 29th, theOtaku.com, Del Rey Manga, and the New York Anime Festival welcome artists and anime fans from around America to think about what "Anime" and "New York City" mean to them and draw these thoughts into an original character.   Once all the entries have been received, theOtaku.com, Del Rey Manga, and the New York Anime Festival will select ten finalists to be put on display at the New York Anime Festival booth at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Sakura Matsuri (May 2nd and 3rd).  Sakura Matsuri attendees will then vote for their favorite, with the character receiving the most votes crowned the New York Anime Festival's 2009 mascot.

Continue reading NEW YORK ANIME FESTIVAL 2009 OFFICIAL MASCOT CONTEST ONLINE.

ANIME EXPO® 2009 AND BANG ZOOM! ENTERTAINMENT TEAM UP TO BRING BACK AX IDOL SEASON 7

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:21 PM
Sign Ups Available Online This Evening and Attendance of Special Judge
Tsunku♂

Anaheim, California (April 15, 2009) -- Think you got what it takes to be the
next AX Idol?  Thousands will audition for the most coveted singing and
voice acting contest at the nation's largest Anime/Manga convention and win
amazing prizes!  Anime Expo® 2009 will be held from July 2-5, 2009 at the
Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, CA.  More information can be
found on the website www.anime-expo.org <http://www.anime-expo.org> .

Anime Expo® 2009's AX Idol event is one of the most coveted and attended
events at the nation's largest anime and manga convention.  This year,
contestants will have an additional treat as the prolific producer, of
Morning Musume fame, Tsunku♂ will appear as a special industry guest judge.

Continue reading ANIME EXPO® 2009 AND BANG ZOOM! ENTERTAINMENT TEAM UP TO BRING BACK AX IDOL SEASON 7.

CODE GEASS Lelouch of the Rebellion TO STREAM ON CRUNCHYROLL

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:20 PM
Legendary Anime Studio's Content to Appear on World Anime Channel

San Francisco, CA (April 15, 2009) --Crunchyroll announced today that it is
partnering with Bandai Channel to bring blockbuster hits CODE GEASS Lelouch
of the Rebellion from legendary anime studio Sunrise to Crunchyroll starting
today. More information can be found at www.crunchyroll.com/CodeGeass
<http://www.crunchyroll.com/CodeGeass> .

Vice President and COO of Bandai Channel, Takeshi Shimizu, states, "We are
looking to create a synergy effect between the world-class contents of one
group company, Sunrise, and the retail distribution strength of another
group, Bandai Entertainment, culminating digitally on Crunchyroll."

"This relationship is very important for us," states Vince Shortino,
Representative Director of Crunchyroll's Japan office."Sunrise owns the
sci-fi/action genre in the anime world, and this gives us a piece of that
segment. We look forward to being a part of their success"

Continue reading CODE GEASS Lelouch of the Rebellion TO STREAM ON CRUNCHYROLL.

Academy to Spotlight Costume Design in the Digital Age

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:19 PM
Beverly Hills, CA - The opportunities and challenges facing motion picture costume designers working in the current era of digital technology will be explored at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' program, "Costume Design in the Digital Age," on Friday, April 24, at 8 p.m. at the Linwood Dunn Theater in Hollywood. The evening will be hosted by Oscar®-nominated costume designer Dr. Deborah Nadoolman Landis and Academy Governor Bill Taylor.

Presented by the Academy's Science and Technology Council, the program will feature a panel of costume designers, including Oscar nominees Jeffrey Kurland ("Hidalgo," "Collateral," "Bullets Over Broadway") and Ruth Myers ("The Addams Family," "Emma," "The Golden Compass") as well as Ellen Mirojnick ("Chaplin," "Unfaithful," "Cloverfield") and Michael Wilkinson ("300," "Rendition," "Babel"). Joining the discussion will be cinematographer Daryn Okada ("The X-Files," "Mean Girls," "Apocalypto") and color scientist Joshua Pines ("Titanic," "Saving Private Ryan," "The Aviator"), who won a Scientific and Technical Award for the design and development of the TDI process for creating archival separations from image data (shared with Chris Kutcka).

Continue reading Academy to Spotlight Costume Design in the Digital Age.

ENTITY FX SHIPS VISUAL EFFECTS FOR "HARPER'S ISLAND"

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:17 PM
Company's Digital Effects Support New 13-Part Murder-Mystery, Airing Thursdays at 10:00 PM ET/PT on CBS

Santa Monica, CA, and Vancouver, BC (April 15, 2009) - Award-winning visual effects company Entity FX has completed visual effects for "Harper's Island," a new murder-mystery-style television drama airing Thursday evenings at 10:00 PM Eastern/Pacific on CBS.  Entity FX created visual effects for the show's 13 episodes, which began airing April 9, 2009.

Entity FX leveraged the team at its Vancouver, Canada-based satellite office to produce a range of diverse effects and composites across Season 1, which is set on a remote island in the Pacific Northwest.  Entity FX added (and removed) blood, crafted CG weapons and prosthetics, supplied some significant digital makeup and added a variety of virtual backgrounds, all in support of a story line that sees the show's characters killed off in different -- often gruesome -- ways, one by one. Visual effects also worked closely with practical effects and stunts for such collaborative effects as wire and rig removal.

Continue reading ENTITY FX SHIPS VISUAL EFFECTS FOR "HARPER'S ISLAND".

Andrew House Named New President and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:16 PM
CMO of Sony Corporation Is Appointed President & CEO, SCEE
 
TOKYO, April 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) announced today that Andrew House, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and Group Executive of Sony Corporation, has been named President, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Co-Chief Operating Officer (Co-COO) of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) as of May 1, 2009.
 
In his new role, House will be responsible for managing the PlayStation business across nearly 100 countries in the Europe/PAL territories, including the company's PlayStation®2, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) and PLAYSTATION®3 platforms as well as PlayStation®Network.
 
House joined Sony Corporation in 1990, where he worked in corporate communications for Sony Corporation (Japan) for five years.  In April 1995, he was assigned to the marketing and communications division of SCEI, contributing to the marketing and promotion of the original PlayStation® computer entertainment system as well as its game titles.  In March 1996, House was promoted to Vice President, Marketing of Sony Computer Entertainment America, where he led SCEA's marketing efforts to establish the North American market for the original PlayStation as well as formulating and executing the market strategies which led to the successful launch of the PlayStation 2 and PSP businesses.  House was also instrumental in developing the PlayStation brand into a household name in North America.  In addition to his marketing responsibilities, he also led the Third Party Relations and Developer Support divisions from 2000, making sizeable contributions in establishing and maintaining firm relationships with third party game developers and publishers in North America as well as growing content alliances.
 
Continue reading Andrew House Named New President and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.

David Reeves to Retire From Sony Computer Entertainment Europe

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:15 PM
TOKYO, April 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) announced today that David Reeves, President, CEO and Co-COO, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE), and Deputy President, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., will retire from Sony Computer Entertainment Group as of April 30, 2009.
 
David Reeves joined SCEE in 1995, where he was responsible for establishing and managing the regional offices of SCEE in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.  He moved back to the United Kingdom in 1999 and leveraging his talent and skills in the broad areas of sales, marketing and operations, Reeves contributed immensely in selling millions of the original PlayStation®, PlayStation®2, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) and establishing the PlayStation name as the number one brand in the home digital entertainment industry in the countries and regions across the Europe/PAL territory.  In 2003, Reeves was appointed President and COO of SCEE and CEO 2 years later, and while having nearly 100 countries in the Europe/PAL territories reporting to him and managing the vast market of diverse cultures and different business customs, he provided strong leadership in successfully launching PLAYSTATION®3 in the growing competitive landscape.
 
Continue reading David Reeves to Retire From Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.

Bitfilm Festival is Looking for the World's Best Digital Films

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:14 PM
- Deadline: July 1
- Opening event in Hamburg on August 13
- Online voting from August 13 to September 24
- Closing event and award show in Tel Aviv on October 1
- 10,000 € prize money
- new category for digital animations with a political message

As of today, digital filmmakers throughout the world may submit their films to the Bitfilm Festival to win one of the five prestigious Bitfilm Awards. Only the best 3D animations, digital hybrids, Machinima movies and Realtime demos submitted online until July 1 will be selected by the Bitfilm team to compete in a worldwide election on the Internet.

The Bitfilm Festival will start with an opening event in its hometown Hamburg (Germany) on August 13. It will end with a closing event including the award show in Tel Aviv on October 1. Israel's economic and cultural power centre celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. It is a Bitfilm festival city for the first time.

These are the award categories with a cumulated prize money of 10,000 Euros:
3D SPACE AWARD - computer-generated 3D animations
FX MIX AWARD - digitally composed hybrid films which mix various techniques
MACHINIMA AWARD - films shot live inside computer games
REALTIME AWARD - animations generated in realtime (a.k.a. 'Demos')

New in 2009: the POLITICOOL AWARD which features digital animations and mash-ups with a political message.

See the whole press release and pictures in printable resolution here: http://www.bitfilm.com/press

More info at http://www.bitfilm.com/festival

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY - EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA - NAMES LEADER FOR A CONSOLIDATED AD SALES AND PROMOTIONS GROUP

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:13 PM
LONDON, 15 April, 2009 -- The Walt Disney Company - Europe, Middle East & Africa - announced today the appointment of Peter Fitton to the newly created role of Vice President, Ad Sales and Promotions. Effective immediately, Fitton will manage all of the ad sales and promotions teams throughout the EMEA region, with an initial focus on Media Networks and Online (comprised of the Company's portfolio of kid-focused, family inclusive television channels and online destinations, including Disney Channel, Playhouse Disney, Disney XD, Cinemagic as well as Jetix.com, Disney Online and Disney Family).

In the future, Fitton will also be responsible for the evolution of the organization into a fully integrated and consolidated advertising and promotions group to include all products and services, across all lines of business, franchises, and properties (both Disney and non-Disney branded) across the region for The Walt Disney Company.  This organization will allow the Company to present its partners with unified advertising and promotions offers, optimizing the entire array of commercial opportunities within the Disney universe.

"Peter will be heading one of the most strategic organizations within The Walt Disney Company - EMEA," stated Diego Lerner, President of The Walt Disney Company - EMEA, to whom Fitton will directly report. "Our ad sales and promotion group will soon evolve to provide integrated solutions for our partners -- multi-platform, multi-target, and multi-brand - yet another dimension of the Disney Difference."

Continue reading THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY - EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA - NAMES LEADER FOR A CONSOLIDATED AD SALES AND PROMOTIONS GROUP.

MSC MALAYSIA STATUS PEPPERMINT PRODUCTIONS TO COLLABORATE WITH SWEDEN-BASED FREBERG PRODUCTIONS TO RELEASE UNIQUE WILDLIFE SERIES AND FAIRY-TALE DOCUMENTARY AT MIPDOC AND MIPTV 2009

By Editorial on April 16, 2009 6:10 PM
 Peppermint Productions will produce one-hour fairy-tale documentary "The Magic of Santa" by year-end with Freberg Productions of Sweden, the producers of famed TV show "World Taster".  
Cannes, France, March 30 2009 - "THE MAGIC OF SANTA" will surely take the audience on an extraordinary adventure to the North Pole, Santa Claus' home ground.  
Currently in its final stage of editing, the charming documentary was shot on High-Definition and includes a multitude of uniquely crafted special effects.
The 47-minutes documentary reveals the Arctic's best-kept secret with bold moments of illusion and vibrant rhythms, while maintaining its originality and nature.

Also in production for completion by 2010 is "Ollie and Friends" a unique and lighthearted wildlife series that combines fantasy with the realism of the animal kingdom. Utilizing a series of humorous segments, the series is targeted to tickle family oriented taste-buds.  The series satires popular TV shows, general knowledge and various known subjects and is suited for viewers of all ages. "Ollie and Friends" is a variety program made up of 26 episodes x 30 minutes or 130 episodes x 5 minutes.

Continue reading MSC MALAYSIA STATUS PEPPERMINT PRODUCTIONS TO COLLABORATE WITH SWEDEN-BASED FREBERG PRODUCTIONS TO RELEASE UNIQUE WILDLIFE SERIES AND FAIRY-TALE DOCUMENTARY AT MIPDOC AND MIPTV 2009.

KONAMI ANNOUNCES ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE FOR XBOX LIVE®ARCADE AND PLAYSTATION®NETWORK

By Editorial on April 13, 2009 12:02 PM
Gamers Defend the Human Race Against Zombie Attacks in
Upcoming Downloadable Game

LOS ANGELES - April 13, 2009 - Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced Zombie Apocalypse, an upcoming downloadable game for Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation®Network. As heavily equipped gunslingers, Zombie Apocalypse sets players on a mission to destroy as many zombies as possible in order save the last remaining human survivors.

Using an array of up to 11 lethal weapons including assault rifles, flame throwers and a teddy bear filled with C4 explosives, up to four players can play locally or via the Internet to stop the zombie attacks and rescue survivors as they compete for the highest scores. Players can use a chainsaw to melee zombies and protect themselves against becoming one of the undead. As an added line of defense, players can also use environmental hazards to crush, burn, slice, or cause other types of destruction on the masses of zombies.

Continue reading KONAMI ANNOUNCES ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE FOR XBOX LIVE®ARCADE AND PLAYSTATION®NETWORK.

EYA Interactive's Epic MMORPG Titan Online Enters Grand Open Beta

By Editorial on April 13, 2009 12:01 PM
Grand Open Beta to Begin April 28, 2009
 
April 13, 2009 -- EYA Interactive Co. Ltd. (EYA Interactive), one of the world's premier multimedia entertainment service providers, announced today that Titan Online, its free-to-play, massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG), will enter into the Grand open beta on April 28. Players can get a taste for this martial arts fantasy by logging in at http://titan.eyagames.com.
 
An epic title based on traditional Asian culture, Titan Online is a fusion MMORPG that boasts a unique combination of martial arts and robots that takes place in a spectacular fantasy world. Titan Online is based upon the Korean best-selling novel, "Mo Siang." Set in ancient China, players will experience historic Chinese locales, meet influential figures from various dynasties, experience mysterious aspects of various ancient Asian cultures, all while trying to save the martial arts world by engaging in intense real-time battles.
 
This milestone will contain lots of new game content, including special field items and armor packages, never-before-seen in the world of Titan Online. There will be 11 new special event weapons available for give-away at various online game sites, as well as support of larger resolutions. All participants will have the opportunity to start from the beginning to maintain balance and fairness.  However, there are no plans to wipe the accounts from this Grand Open Beta moving forward.
 
Continue reading EYA Interactive's Epic MMORPG Titan Online Enters Grand Open Beta.

ANIME EXPO® ANNOUNCES MUSICAL COMPOSER OF BLAZBLUE AND GUILTY GEAR PRODUCER TO ATTEND ANIME EXPO® AS AN OFFICIAL GUEST OF HONOR

By Editorial on April 13, 2009 12:00 PM
Nation's Largest Anime and Manga Convention Welcomes Daisuke Ishiwatari to
the 2009 Convention

Anaheim, California and Tokyo, Japan (April 13, 2009) -- Anime Expo® is proud
to announce the attendance of the world re-known South African born producer
and composer Daisuke Ishiwatari to the nation's largest anime and manga
convention held July 2-5, 2009 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. More
information can be found on the website www.anime-expo.org
<http://www.anime-expo.org> .

Mr. Daisuke Ishiwatari is famed for single-handedly creating the first
GUILTY GEAR game, but he says it wasn't all just him and shares this credit,
"That is not quite true. In fact, it is a big misunderstanding. The core
development team consisted of about five people. I was entertained by the
idea that I could create a game, and got my toes wet in areas like concept,
planning, direction, design, music, writing, and voice acting, so that may
be where the rumors stem from. However, by no means did I 'single-handedly'
create this game ... In fact, I often came to my colleagues for help."

Continue reading ANIME EXPO® ANNOUNCES MUSICAL COMPOSER OF BLAZBLUE AND GUILTY GEAR PRODUCER TO ATTEND ANIME EXPO® AS AN OFFICIAL GUEST OF HONOR.

Frantic Films VFX Takes On 'Dragonball: Evolution'

By Editorial on April 13, 2009 11:59 AM
Hollywood, CA (April 13, 2009)-Award-winning VFX studio Frantic Films VFX,
a division of Prime Focus Group, has contributed 334 shots to the
forthcoming feature film "Dragonball: Evolution" from Twentieth Century
Fox. Directed by James Wong, the movie releases in the U.S. nationwide on
April 10, 2009 and stars Justin Chatwin, Emmy Rossum, Jamie Chung, and Chow
Yun-Fat in the live-action film adaptation of the popular Japanese manga
comic book series.

"Dragonball: Evolution" is based on the popular Japanese manga created by
Akira Toriyama, whose work spawned best selling graphic novels, video games
and a phenomenally successful television series.  The live action adventure
centers on a team of warriors, each of whom possesses special abilities.
Together, they protect Earth from a force bent on dominating the Universe
and controlling the mystical objects from which the film takes its name.

Continue reading Frantic Films VFX Takes On 'Dragonball: Evolution'.

ANIME EXPO® ANNOUNCES DIRECTOR, LEAD ARTIST AND DESIGNER OF BLAZBLUE TO ATTEND ANIME EXPO® AS AN OFFICIAL GUEST OF HONOR

By Editorial on April 13, 2009 11:58 AM
Nation's Largest Anime and Manga Convention Welcomes Toshimichi Mori to the
2009 Convention

Anaheim, California and Tokyo, Japan (April 13, 2009) -- Anime Expo® is proud
to announce the attendance of the legendary Kanagawa Prefecture born
producer and artist Toshimichi Mori to the nation's largest anime and manga
convention held July 2-5, 2009 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. More
information can be found on the website www.anime-expo.org
<http://www.anime-expo.org> .

Throughout his career, Mr. Toshimichi Mori has been influenced by many
individuals, but only a few have earned his respect, "the person I respect
the most would have to be Kojima Yoshio. He has done amazing things for this
industry."

Continue reading ANIME EXPO® ANNOUNCES DIRECTOR, LEAD ARTIST AND DESIGNER OF BLAZBLUE TO ATTEND ANIME EXPO® AS AN OFFICIAL GUEST OF HONOR.

FLORIDA SUPERCON THE SOUTH FLORIDA COMIC BOOK, ANIME, ANIMATION, COSPLAY & FANTASY CONVENTION RETURNS JUNE 5-7, 2009

By Editorial on April 13, 2009 11:57 AM
FLORIDA SUPERCON ANNOUNCES THE ADDITION OF TONY MOORE TO GUEST LIST

For immediate release
Press contact (s): Mike Broder (954) 882-2950
Mike@FloridaSupercon.com

Miami, FL - Florida Supercon returns in 2009! Now in it's 4th year, FSC once again moves into a larger venue as the three day festival continues to grow. This year's event will take place June 5, 6 & 7, 2009 at the Doubletree Miami Mart Airport Hotel and Convention Center in Miami, FL. The three day festival will take place in the convention center's west hall (50,000 sq. feet) and the convention center's entire second floor (over 35,000 sq. feet) making this the largest genre event to ever hit South Florida. The show will include celebrity guests, artists, writers, vendors, industry guests, Q&A's, parties, costume contests, anime programming, manga, cosplay, workshops, panels, cosplay photo shoots, dance parties, console gaming, LAN gaming, tabletop gaming, collectible card gaming, tournaments and more!



We are proud to announce that superstar artist Tony Moore has joined our guest list.

Continue reading FLORIDA SUPERCON THE SOUTH FLORIDA COMIC BOOK, ANIME, ANIMATION, COSPLAY & FANTASY CONVENTION RETURNS JUNE 5-7, 2009.

iZ3D Offers $70 Discount on 3D Monitors for 30 Days

By Editorial on April 13, 2009 11:55 AM
Company Apologizes for Website and Online Store Outage

San Diego, Calif., April 9, 2009 -- iZ3D Inc., designer, developer and pioneer of advanced stereoscopic 3D visualization systems apologizes to its customers, fans, and other website visitors for the recent www.iZ3D.com website outage. During the outage, access to the company's 3D drivers, forums, support, and sister-site, www.3Drulez.com, remained available.
"I personally apologize to our customers and 3D fans. As a way of saying 'thanks for your loyalty and patience' iZ3D is offering an instant $70 discount with the coupon code "website" for monitors purchased on our site http://www.iZ3D.com in the next 30 days," said Thomas Striegler, CEO iZ3D Inc.

Software incompatibilities with patches applied by the website's host crippled its ability to publish dynamically generated pages. The company has taken numerous actions to ensure that this type of
outage does not happen again.

Continue reading iZ3D Offers $70 Discount on 3D Monitors for 30 Days.

NICKELODEON CELEBRATES EARTH DAY WITH GREEN-THEMED EPISODES OF iCARLY AND TRUE JACKSON, VP, THE BIG GREEN HELP'S "POWER DOWN" AND MORE

By Editorial on April 13, 2009 11:54 AM
Activates Kids with More Than 500 The Big Green Help Earth Day Local Partner Events

NEW YORK-April 9, 2009-Nickelodeon extends its commitment to empowering real-world environmental change among kids with a line up of eco-friendly programming and off-channel initiatives on Earth Day--Wednesday, April 22.  New green-themed episodes from hit tween shows iCarly and True Jackson, VP and select preschool series will air on Nickelodeon and NOGGIN throughout the day, leading up to Nickelodeon's first-ever "Power Down"--an on-air call to action for kids to engage in environmental activity.  

Nickelodeon also will unveil The Big Green Help grants program to support schools and local organizations with sustainability projects, and offer kids the opportunity to take environmental action with more than 500 local grassroots Earth Day events.  The efforts are part of Nickelodeon's The Big Green Help campaign-a multiplatform, global pro-social initiative designed to empower kids to take action on the environment and connect them to energy saving and earth-friendly activities in their everyday lives.

"On Earth Day, we are using the power of our brand to connect kids to an issue of importance to them," said Marva Smalls, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs, Nickelodeon Kids and Family Group.  "More than half of kids have told us they are concerned about the environment. By working with our partners, and through initiatives like our new grants program and "Power Down", we are providing them with tools and resources to help them be better environmental custodians."

Continue reading NICKELODEON CELEBRATES EARTH DAY WITH GREEN-THEMED EPISODES OF iCARLY AND TRUE JACKSON, VP, THE BIG GREEN HELP'S "POWER DOWN" AND MORE.

VEOH NETWORKS INKS LARGE DISTRIBUTION DEAL WITH FUNIMATION ENTERTAINMENT

By Editorial on April 13, 2009 11:52 AM
Online Video Hub to Offer Exclusive Window to Cult Favorite Gunslinger Girl 2 and Feature New Episodes of Current Favorite Shikabane Hime  
 
Los Angeles, CA, April 9th, 2009 - Veoh Networks (www.veoh.com), the world's most comprehensive Internet Television service and FUNimation Entertainment, a US based leader in anime distribution, have entered into a distribution agreement through which Veoh will offer dozens of popular anime titles.  Veoh will support its robust anime line-up with the launch of a dedicated FUNimation channel which will house in one easy-to-navigate place the extensive programming.  The FUNimation channel will launch this week with nearly 200 hours of content and is being spotlighted on Veoh's home page.
 
In addition to the breadth and depth of content, the deal will also give Veoh an exclusive window to screen episodes of the cult hit Gunslinger Girl: Il Teatrino and make it the destination for new episodes of current anime sensation Shikabane Hime - with new episodes debuting on Veoh within weeks of their Japan television premiere.
 
Named by Play Magazine as one of its "Most Wanted Anime of 2009", Gunslinger Girl: Il Teatrino is the follow-up to the Gunslinger Girl animated series which aired in the U.S. on IFC about a group of young schoolgirl assassins. Shikabane Hime (Corpse Princess)  is a supernatural tale of a young girl who is one of the undead and must destroy her own kind and is currently airing on Japan television
 
Continue reading VEOH NETWORKS INKS LARGE DISTRIBUTION DEAL WITH FUNIMATION ENTERTAINMENT.

ABANDON INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LAUNCHES NEW CROSS-PLATFORM MMO GAME FREAKY CREATURES

By Editorial on April 13, 2009 11:51 AM
Freaky Creatures Starter Packs Now Available Nationwide for $19.99

MALIBU, Calif. - April 9, 2009 - Abandon Interactive Entertainment today announced the release of Freaky Creatures, the massively multiplayer online (MMO) game available on PC, MAC and mobile.  

Freaky Creatures combines the best of online multiplayer gaming, collectible action figures, virtual worlds and social networking.  The Freaky Creatures experience begins with a starter pack that includes two action figures and a one gigabyte reusable flash drive that unlocks the Freaky Creatures universe.  Each starter pack also comes with 50 different parts, 20 powers and four objects that can be placed into the creature's lair.

Continue reading ABANDON INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LAUNCHES NEW CROSS-PLATFORM MMO GAME FREAKY CREATURES.

CRACKING INVENTIONS AT LITTLELOUD

By Editorial on April 13, 2009 11:49 AM
Shopper13_title.JPG

Aardman's inventions come to life for the London Science Museum.

Littleloud have teamed up with Wallace and Gromit to recreate the duo's eccentric invention Shopper 13 as a new game. The game will feature in The Science Museum's new exhibition A World of Cracking Inventions where fans can learn about technology and inventing from within the whacky world of Wallace and Gromit.

In the game, players will set out from the pair's house on West Wallaby Street and take control of Wallace's mechanised Shopper 13 trolley to collect as many food items scattered nearby as possible, including tea, crackers, bread and, of course, Wensleydale cheese. Racing against the clock the player will receive points for every item safely returned to the house and can begin to build up a high score which their friends, viewing their progress on a large spectator screen, can then attempt to beat.

The game is controlled from a futuristic panel by a single, eight-way arcade style stick which moves the Shopper smoothly through the streets.
Produced by SGA productions, the exhibition is now open. For further information on The World of Cracking Inventions please visit.
http://www.crackingideas.com/exhibition/
http://www.sgaproductions.com/
 
 
Littleloud Studios are a BAFTA award winning creative agency producing Digital Entertainment for the film, broadcast and gaming industries.
Productions are delivered to work over multiple formats including TV, Web, Mobile, Game Consoles and emerging hand held devices.
Our clients include BBC, Channel 4, Nickelodeon, Paramount, Sony Entertainment and Universal Pictures.
For further information and high resolution images please contact alice@littleloud.com or sara@littleloud.com
 
 

GATOR GROUP COMBINES LICENSING AND CONSUMER PRODUCTS MANUFACTURING EXPERTISE

By Editorial on April 13, 2009 11:48 AM
New Firm Represents Paul Frank Industries and Tales 4 Tomorrow
 
Dana Point, CA - APRIL 9, 2009--Australian Entrepreneur Geoff Rosenhain announced today the formation of Gator Group (G8R, LLC), a new full-service licensing agency offering the unique combination of seasoned licensing executives coupled with expertise in product design and manufacturing.   Founded by several executives from global marketing services agency, Creata, Gator Group provides a wide range of services for a select group of strategic corporate partners.  Clients will include a range of lifestyle, corporate and entertainment brands.
 
Gator Group specializes in:
§  Licensing including strategic planning, licensee negotiations, contract management, retail development, finance and other services throughout the world
§  Product design and development
§  Direct manufacturing
§  Marketing strategy and planning
 
Gator Group is the worldwide licensing agent for renowned fashion brand Paul Frank Industries, manufactures a range of electronics accessories for Apple iPods, iPhones and laptops, and has launched a new socially responsible soft toy line Tales 4 Tomorrow, created in partnership with Conservation International.
 
Continue reading GATOR GROUP COMBINES LICENSING AND CONSUMER PRODUCTS MANUFACTURING EXPERTISE.

TV-Loonland´s LEON steps out of the savannah - Worldwide deals lift series into new territories

By Editorial on April 13, 2009 11:47 AM
Munich/London, 9 April 2009 - TV-Loonland is pleased to announce the closing of a multitude of sales with broadcasters worldwide for its animated series LEON.  Following the shows recent acquisition by German kids broadcaster SUPER RTL, CBBC in the UK and ABC in Australia, yet more high profile broadcasters have picked up the series co-produced by Studio Hari, TV-Loonland and France 3.
 
Within Europe the 52 x 3 Minutes show has been licensed to Disney Spain for its DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television) channel. Further Free TV deals were secured with Scandinavian broadcasters TV4 Sweden, DRTV Denmark, MTV3 Finland and the Icelandic Broadcasting Corporation RUV alongside TV3 Catalunya and Novi Mediji for Croatia. Chellozone Media (formerly MINIMAX) has picked up the Pay TV rights across Central European territories including the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania and the former Yugoslavia.
 
In addition LEON will be trekking Down Under and into Asia with a home video deal signed with ABC Australia and Global TV Indonesia acquiring the TV rights.
Justine Bannister, Head of Distribution is delighted to add that: "We couldn´t be happier with the line-up of major broadcasters already signed up for LEON. It´s a fantastic testimonial for the universal appeal of the show and we expect more broadcasters to recognize this outstandingly animated and highly entertaining series as a "must-see" for their audiences and a "must-have" in their respective programming grids. Forgive the pun, but LEON is destined to be a roaring success worldwide in no time at all"

LEON is an hysterically-funny portrayal of one of life's unluckiest lions. Equipped with a true hunter instinct LEON plots tirelessly to track everything that moves! Each episode brings a new encounter - be it with a dippy springbok, hysterical hyenas or even a love struck hippo...But in LEON's world the prey becomes predator and the chase always spirals out of control, leaving the poor lion often hungry.
 
The show is currently in production and set for full delivery by Christmas 2009.
 

CHORION BOOSTS CREATIVE TEAM

By Editorial on April 13, 2009 11:45 AM
Appoints Paula Rosenthal as Senior Vice President, Creative


London, 9 April 2009: Leading family entertainment producer and distributor Chorion is further expanding its creative team with the appointment of former Playhouse Disney Executive Paula Rosenthal as Senior Vice President, Creative.  

Paula will be responsible for managing a production slate and creating new content. She joins Chorion's senior creative team working with Diana Manson, EVP Creative, and Kurt Mueller, SVP, Creative and will report to Mary Durkan, Managing Director, Content.
Paula comes to Chorion with over twenty years experience in television and web development, production, programming and planning.  Most recently she worked with ABC Cable Networks Group supervising the development and production of pre-school programming for Disney Channel. As Vice President of Playhouse Disney, she was responsible for programming and production strategies, creative development and the day-to-day execution of entertainment and learning-based properties.

Continue reading CHORION BOOSTS CREATIVE TEAM.

Brain Zoo Studios Nabs Emmy Nod

By Editorial on April 13, 2009 11:45 AM
- Independent animation house is behind the graphic design and animation on Fox Sports News' "Sport Science" Show  -
 
VAN NUYS, CA (APRIL 8, 2009) - Brain Zoo Studios received a nod from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) for its work on the hit Fox Sports News show "Sports Science." Sport Science takes an in-depth look at the various mental and physical functions of an athlete during his/her performance. Brain Zoo Studios, working with Base Productions, is behind the impressive graphical direction and animation for the show, which utilizes animation and graphics to showcase the various functions and effects of movement, injuries and motions of the human body in various sports.
 
"Sport Science has been a project that for us exceeded our expectations," said Mo Davoudian, CEO of Brain Zoo Studios. "Working with the show's producers and  teams has been a tremendous honor and we're proud that our team's dedication to perfection has paid off with an Emmy nomination for the show."
 
The animation and design teams work at Base and Brain Zoo work on a 1-3 week turnaround for each show for the entire season of episodes for Sport Science. Utilizing various animation methods including motion capture, roto capture and keyframe animation, the meticulous and skilled animators then design the exact motion of the body as it moves, jumps, hits, and takes impact for the show to explain scientifically what the body is going through in various physical situations.
 
At the 30th Annual Sports Emmy® Awards, winners in 32 categories including outstanding live sports special, live series, sports documentary, studio show, promotional announcements, play-by-play personality and studio analyst will be honored.  The Awards will be given out at the prestigious Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center located in the Time Warner Center on April 27th, 2009 in New York City.
 
About Base Productions
BASE Productions, Inc. is an eight-time Emmy Award and ten-time IDEA Award-winning production company that is breaking new ground for cutting-edge reality, documentary and unscripted infotainment programming. BASE Productions' use of cutting-edge motion-capture and CGI technology is unmatched and brings a signature look to all of their productions. BASE Productions is based in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.
 
About Brain Zoo Studios
Since 1995, Brain Zoo Studios (BZS) has been providing post-production visual effects, character animation services and original content development to the entertainment industry. Motion pictures, commercials, trailers, music videos, special venue projects and games have utilized BZS's unequaled artistry and techniques such as computer-generated imagery, matte painting, digital animation and a variety of related processes required in an animated production. BZS has been associated with movies which have earned the nomination Oscar for Best Visual Effects and has been awarded several visual and technical achievement awards for commercials and trailers it has produced.
 
 

OTX Launches GamePlan Insights - The Only Video Game Analytics Tool to Track All Key Data Sources of a Game's Life Cycle

By Editorial on April 13, 2009 11:43 AM
OTX Combines GameFly and AERS' eBay Data with Weekly Consumer Tracking to Provide the Most Powerful Tool in the Gaming Marketplace Today.
 
LOS ANGELES, April 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Today OTX announced at the fourth annual MI6 video game marketing conference, the launch of GamePlan Insights, the first syndicated research solution to combine key videogame data with gamers' attitudes and behaviors - focused on every phase of a videogame's lifecycle.
 
GamePlan combines a proprietary weekly tracker of gamers with the comprehensive and continuously updated databases from GameFly and AERS Inc. (exclusive provider of eBay transaction data) to read initial marketplace reaction to new Title releases, to evaluate the effects of public relations, to track In-Store arrival and sales velocity, as well as to analyze Rental and Resale data to understand the gamer in a 360 degree view.
 
Continue reading OTX Launches GamePlan Insights - The Only Video Game Analytics Tool to Track All Key Data Sources of a Game's Life Cycle.

GREEN LANTERN: FIRST FLIGHT GETS NEW STREET DATE;

By Editorial on April 13, 2009 11:43 AM
FIFTH DC UNIVERSE ANIMATED ORIGINAL MOVIE ARRIVES JULY 21, 2009 FROM WARNER HOME VIDEO
 
 
BURBANK, CA, (April 8, 2008) - The street date for Green Lantern: First Flight, the fifth entry in the popular DVD series of DC Universe Animated Original PG-13 Movies, has shifted to July 21, 2009.  A co-production of Warner Premiere, DC Comics and Warner Bros. Animation, the illuminated hero's first-ever full-length animated film will be distributed by Warner Home Video.  Green Lantern: First Flight will be available as a special edition 2-disc version on DVD and Blu-Ray™ Hi-Def for $24.98 (SRP) and $29.99 (SRP), respectively, as well as single disc DVD for $19.98 (SRP).
 
Christopher Meloni (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit) leads the cast as the voice of Hal Jordan aka Green Lantern. The cast includes Emmy Award nominee Victor Garber (Milk, Titanic), Tricia Helfer (Battlestar Galactica) and Michael Madsen (Reservoir Dogs). Produced by animation legend Bruce Timm, Green Lantern: First Flight is directed by Lauren Montgomery (Wonder Woman, Superman Doomsday) and scripted by four-time Emmy Award-winning writer Alan Burnett (The Batman).
 
Green Lantern: First Flight finds Hal Jordan recruited to join the Green Lantern Corps and placed under the supervision of respected senior Lantern Sinestro. The earthling soon discovers his mentor is actually the central figure in a secret conspiracy that threatens the philosophies, traditions and hierarchy of the entire Green Lantern Corps. Hal must quickly hone his newfound powers and combat the treasonous Lanterns within the ranks to maintain order in the universe.
 
Green Lantern: First Flight - 2 Disc Special Edition and Blu-Ray versions include more than three hours of incredible bonus features as well as a Digital Copy Download.
 

ANIME FANS VISIT ROME THROUGH CRUNCHYROLL AND FUJI TELEVISION

By Editorial on April 13, 2009 11:41 AM
World Anime Channel Partners with Japan's Leading Commercial Broadcaster to
Present RISTORANTE PARADISO

San Francisco, CA and Tokyo, Japan (April 8, 2009) --Crunchyroll and Fuji
Television partner to bring the highly-anticipated shojo anime RISTORANTE
PARADISO, based on acclaimed manga by Natsume Ono, to Crunchyroll. More
information can be found at www.crunchyroll.com/rispara.
<http://www.crunchyroll.com/rispara>

RISTORANTE PARADISO, also known as Rispara, launches April 8, 2009 with a
special two episode double-header event. As a special treat to fans, the
first episode of the double header will be available to all visitors to
Crunchyroll, while the second episode will only be available to
Crunchyroll's Anime Members. To mark this launch event, special Crunchyland
avatars will be available at the official RISTORANTE PARADISO group. Title
will be available in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia,
and New Zealand and subtitled in English.

Continue reading ANIME FANS VISIT ROME THROUGH CRUNCHYROLL AND FUJI TELEVISION.

'THE ELECTRIC COMPANY' TURNS WEBSITE MILLIONAIRE

By Editorial on April 13, 2009 11:39 AM
PBSKIDSGO.ORG/ELECTRICCOMPANY LOGS 1 MILLION VISITS
 
 
New York, April 8, 2009 - The Electric Company is "turning on" kids across the country to the power of reading via its website which has generated  one million visits and had more than five million video clips played on the PBS KIDS GO! and The Electric Company video players.  Produced by Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization, and airing on PBS KIDS GO!, The Electric Company has proven to be a new favorite among today's kids.  Since premiering on January 19th, 79% of visitors have returned two times or more and over 54% have returned five times or more.
 
The website, developed as a 24/7 tool to deliver and expand upon the show's literacy curriculum, provides an entertaining and interactive environment where kids can watch their favorite video clips, view full episodes and access exclusive behind-the-scenes content.  In addition, new games are added weekly to reflect each episode's curricular goal. The website also provides caregiver and educator information allowing adults to download useful tools and resources to maximize the learning experience.
Continue reading 'THE ELECTRIC COMPANY' TURNS WEBSITE MILLIONAIRE.

NEW YORK ANIME FESTIVAL 2009 ATTENDEE, PRESS, AND PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION IS ONLINE

By Editorial on April 13, 2009 11:38 AM
Register Now To Receive Two Free Weeks At Crunchyroll.com
 
Norwalk, CT, April 8, 2009: The New York Anime Festival (NYAF) today announced online registration for its 2009 event has gone live.  The 2009 New York Anime Festival, an anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture convention from the creators of New York Comic Con, will take place September 25-27, 2009 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in Manhattan, and attendees, Professionals, and Press can all register now at newyorkanimefestival.com.  And, for the first time, NYAF is happy to offer all attendees who register online two (2) complimentary weeks of premium online service on crunchyroll.com, the digital world's #1 destination for anime and Asian video content.
 
Online attendee tickets are available now at the following, discounted prices.  Friday tickets are $35, Saturday tickets are $40, Sunday tickets are $35, and Weekend tickets (good for all three days) are $55.  At the Javits Center, all tickets will be priced $5 higher.  Additionally, attendees who purchase their tickets online will be able to bypass the registration lines on-site.  The New York Anime Festival encourages attendees to register online to save time and money.
 
Continue reading NEW YORK ANIME FESTIVAL 2009 ATTENDEE, PRESS, AND PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION IS ONLINE.

New Fitness Accessory for the Nintendo Wii(TM) and Wii Fit(TM)

By Editorial on April 13, 2009 11:37 AM
Turn your Wii(TM) controllers into dumbbells with Riiflex(TM)
 
ATLANTA, April 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Power Play Corp has announced the launch of a new fitness accessory designed for use with the Wii™ and Wii Fit™ called Riiflex™. The patent-pending peripheral converts the Wii™ remote and Wii™ "nunchuck" (the alternate hand controller) into a set of dumbbells giving the users the resistance of weights while still allowing access to of all controller functions.
 
The Riiflex™ dumbbells will be initially sold in pairs with preorder pricing set to $34.95 per set of two, 2-pound weights and $39.95 per set of two, 4-pound weights. The 2-pound (1 Kilo) sets are scheduled to begin shipping summer 2009 with preorders being priority filled on a first-come first-serve basis. Announcements regarding the shipping dates of the 4-pound (2 Kilo) units are forthcoming.
 
Continue reading New Fitness Accessory for the Nintendo Wii(TM) and Wii Fit(TM).

DIE TOTEN HOSEN to open gamescom-Festival with an open-air concert

By Editorial on April 13, 2009 11:34 AM
19 August 2009 - Rhein-Energie stadium in Cologne - Tickets now on sale

As part of gamescom, Europe's new trade fair and highlight of the interactive entertainment industry, the gamescom-Festival will open with a star attraction. DIE TOTEN HOSEN do the honour of playing with other well-known bands at the opening concert in the Rhein-Energie stadium in Cologne on 19 August. With well over 22 million recordings sold, concert tours throughout the whole world and numerous awards including Comet and Echo awards for best live show, DIE TOTEN HOSEN promises entertainment of the very finest. Tickets for the opening concert (€34 + advance booking fees) are now available from all major ticket agencies. "Like no others, DIE TOTEN HOSEN span the generations with their lavish parties. That's why we are really pleased that Campino and the band will open the party for Europe's games community in Cologne," says Oliver P. Kuhrt, Managing Director of Koelnmesse.

Continue reading DIE TOTEN HOSEN to open gamescom-Festival with an open-air concert.

ANIME EXPO® 2009 MASQUERADE REGISTRATION DATE ANNOUNCED

By Editorial on April 8, 2009 5:09 AM
Nation's Largest Anime and Manga Convention Announces Date for Masquerade
Registration

Anaheim, California (April 7, 2009) -- Interested in Cos-play (Costume Play)?
Love dressing up as your favorite anime/manga character with others at the
nation's largest anime/manga convention of its kind?  Want to dress up and
show the world your amazing anime/manga based costume/outfit and win some
amazing prizes?  Anime Expo® announces the launch date of its Masquerade
Online Registration for the nation's largest anime and manga convention held
July 2-5, 2009 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. More information can be
found on the website http://www.anime-expo.org/programming/cosplay-events/
<http://www.anime-expo.org/programming/cosplay-events/>

Every year Anime Expo® showcases a vast array of Cosplay events; of those
Masquerade is the largest. Anime Expo® is honored to serve the otaku
community by helping cosplayers worldwide showcase their work in front of
thousands of enthusiastic Anime Expo® attendees.

Anime Expo® 2009 Masquerade Online Registration will open Friday, April
10th, 2009; 7:00 pm PDT.

This online registration (not to be confused with the Anime Expo® online
pre-registration system) will close May 17th 2009.

Continue reading ANIME EXPO® 2009 MASQUERADE REGISTRATION DATE ANNOUNCED.

PRODUCTION BEGINS ON DISNEY XD'S FIRST ORIGINAL MOVIE, "SKYRUNNERS," A SCI-FI ADVENTURE STARRING KELLY BLATZ

By Editorial on April 8, 2009 5:08 AM
Academy Award-Winning Richard Taylor's Weta Workshop
to Create Alien Creatures Seen in Movie
 
BURBANK, April 7, 2009. . . Production has begun on "Skyrunners," the first original movie for the newly branded television platform Disney XD. The science fiction adventure features rising star Kelly Blatz, who can also be seen playing the title role of the new network's flagship series "Aaron Stone." In addition Weta Workshop, the multiple Academy Award-winning world leader in special makeup, creature and visual effects ("The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, "King Kong" and "The Chronicles of Narnia" films), will design and provide the practical alien creature effects in the movie. The announcement was made today by Gary Marsh, president, Entertainment, Disney Channels Worldwide.
 
"Through a variety of storytelling genres, including original movies, our goal is to become the top destination for boys on television, online and everywhere they interact with media," said Marsh. "Girls are certainly welcome at Disney XD, but what we're trying to do is super-serve the 6-to 14-year-old boy audience in a way that nobody else has with stories that are decidedly Disney, with themes of adventure, accomplishment, gaming, music and sports."
 
"Skyrunners" begins as teenage brothers Tyler (newcomer Joey Pollari) and Nick Burns (Blatz) commandeer a small UFO that crashes near their town. They soon realize that the spacecraft is "alive" and Tyler begins to develop superhuman abilities. When the brothers uncover an ominous alien plot to take over Earth, Tyler is captured by the extraterrestrials, so now it's up to Nick to rescue his brother.
 
In addition to Pollari and Blatz, Disney XD's "Skyrunners" stars Linda Kash ("Cinderella Man" and Disney Channel's "Full-Court Miracle") as Robin Burns, Conrad Coates ("Kyle XY") as Agent Armstrong, Jacqueline MacInnes Wood ("The Bold and the Beautiful") as Julie Gunn and Nathan Stephenson ("Degrassi: The Next Generation") as Darryl Butler.
 
"Skyrunners" was directed by Ralph Hemecker ("Numb3rs") and written by Richard C. Okie ("Quantum Leap" and "Earth: Final Conflict") along with Adam Wilson & Melanie Wilson. Okie also executive-produced the movie. "Skyrunners" is a production of Ranger Productions and Shaftesbury Services II, Inc.
 
Disney XD is a newly re-branded basic cable channel and multi-platform brand showcasing a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming for kids age 6-14, hyper-targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports,
adventure and humor. Disney XD branded content spans television, online, mobile and VOD platforms. The programming includes series, movies and short-form, as well as sports-themed programming developed with ESPN. In the U.S., Disney XD is seen on a 24-hour, advertiser supported network (formerly known as Toon Disney) that reaches over 72 million households via its basic cable affiliates.
 

CAPCOM® MOBILE AND CLASSIC MEDIA BRING WHERE'S WALDO?® GAMES TO MOBILE PLATFORMS

By Editorial on April 8, 2009 5:07 AM
Capcom Earns Their Stripes, Timed to 21st Birthday Celebration of the Ultimate World Traveler

NEW YORK - April 7, 2009 - Capcom® Mobile, a leading developer and publisher of mobile games, and Classic Media, Inc. announced today that they will be bringing global publishing phenomenon Where's Waldo?® to mobile devices in North America and Europe.  The first game in the multi-year deal will be a brain-training puzzle game launching this May.

"Capcom is no stranger to celebrated IP, with our own stable of successful franchises and licensed properties, but Waldo is something special," said Midori Yuasa, President, Capcom Interactive, Inc. "We're excited to be working on this treasured franchise and thrilled to be bringing Waldo to mobile.

The first game, Where's Waldo?, is a brain-training puzzle game that invites players to JOIN THE SEARCH! and challenges them to complete a series of timed observational puzzles inspired by the unique search-and-find characteristics of the brand. Featuring original scenes from the classic Where's Waldo? books and puzzles, Capcom's mobile game is designed to delight, entertain and challenge.  Gameplay elements include three engaging modes of play - Practice, Challenge and Classic - with six different puzzles, each timed.

About Where's Waldo?
Created by Martin Handford and first published in 1987, Where's Waldo? is one of the most recognizable characters in the world and a pop culture icon. A global publishing phenomenon with over 46 million books sold worldwide, the successful series is published in over 50 countries and has been translated into more than 25 languages. JOIN THE SEARCH! as the ultimate world traveler graduates beyond books and gets his digital passport. Online, in-store, or at events--who knows where Waldo will be spotted next? Spot Waldo online at FindWaldo.com.

About Capcom
Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment for game consoles, PCs, handheld and wireless devices. Founded in 1983, the company has created hundreds of games, including best-selling franchises Resident Evil®, Street Fighter®, Mega Man® and Devil May Cry®. Capcom maintains operations in the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, Tokyo, Korea and Hong Kong, with corporate headquarters located in Osaka, Japan. More information about Capcom can be found on the company website, www.capcom.com.

About Capcom Interactive, Inc.
Established in November of 2005 with the mandate of bringing Capcom's celebrated IP to mobile platforms in North America and Europe, Capcom Interactive, Inc. maintains development and business offices in Los Angeles, London and Toronto. The company has published several mobile games based on Capcom's celebrated intellectual property, including Resident Evil(TM), Street Fighter(TM), Mega Man(TM) and Devil May Cry(TM).  In addition, CII has become extremely adept at bringing licensed IP to market as illustrated by the fantastic performance of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and Are Smarter Than A 5TH Grader? ® in North America, as well as the success of Are You Smarter Than A 10 Year Old?(TM) and University Challenge(TM) in Europe.  For additional information on the company and its offerings, please visit www.capcommobile.com.


###

Check Out Sprint "Anthem" - Animation/VFX by Superfad

By Editorial on April 8, 2009 5:05 AM
Superfad Sprint1.jpgJust a quick note to let you know that Superfad completed animation, visual effects and editing on the new Sprint "Anthem" spot, which launched on April 6th.

The project was directed by Jeffrey Plansker and provides an entertaining look at the world (and stats) of modern communication and the latest from Sprint's The Now Network.

To view the commercial visit www.superfad.com.

Continue reading Check Out Sprint "Anthem" - Animation/VFX by Superfad.

Illuminate Labs AB, creators of rendering and lighting technology for next-generation games, today announced the release of the fifth generation of its lighting tool Turtle for Autodesk Maya

By Editorial on April 8, 2009 5:03 AM
Gothenburg, April 7, 2009 - Illuminate Labs AB, creators of rendering and lighting technology for next-generation games, today announced the release of the fifth generation of its lighting tool Turtle for Autodesk Maya.

Turtle 5 brings substantial productivity boosts together with an improved visual quality thanks to redesigned global illumination algorithms and lots of other new features, fully supporting Autodesk Maya 2009. The user interface has been streamlined with an easier handling of Turtle attributes and with a unified workflow for surface transfers and texture/vertex baking. Performance has been heavily optimized throughout Turtle 5, especially for global illumination calculations, which together with a new adaptive anti-aliasing scheme allows for superfast previews as well as very high quality images. For a full list of improvements and new features please visit www.illuminatelabs.com.

"We are very happy to see the result of Turtle lighting in titles like Gran Turismo, Mass Effect, Killzone 2 and Tomb Raider Underworld" says Magnus Wennerholm, chief executive officer of Illuminate Labs. "Turtle 5 raise the bar even further, setting a new standard for pre-computed lighting."

About Illuminate Labs AB  

Headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, Illuminate Labs develops and markets rendering and baking technology especially tailored to satisfy the needs of next-generation game developers based on the proprietary LiquidLight® technology. Turtle, its product for Autodesk Maya, is the only product on the market that combines advanced rendering technology with sophisticated baking functionality in one integrated toolset. Beast, its platform-independent pipeline product, allows users to add global illumination and extremely powerful baking functionality to their internal tools. Illuminate Labs' clients include A2M, BioWare, Crystal Dynamics, Dragonfly, DICE, Electronic Arts, Guerrilla, Insomniac, Midway, Polyphony Digital, Sony Computer Entertainment and Valve Software. For additional information about Illuminate Labs, visit www.illuminatelabs.com.  

VIZ MEDIA OPENS A FUN NEW VIRTUAL STORE ON LEADING ONLINE 3D SOCIAL NETWORKING DESTINATION SITE THERE.COM

By Editorial on April 8, 2009 5:02 AM
Store Offers Creative Options To Customize Avatar Characters With An Array Of Clothing Inspired By Smash-Hit Anime Series BLEACH

April 8th Party in There.com's 3D Virtual World At Tropical Adventures To Celebrate Grand Opening

San Francisco, CA, April 7, 2009 - VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has teamed with Makena Technologies, creator of the 3D social virtual world There.com, to launch a special new VIZ Media store within the popular 3D social networking destination. The store opened on March 26th and initially will carry a variety of virtual apparel inspired by the smash-hit animated property BLEACH, which There.com members can purchase to further customize the appearance of their avatars. Additional items inspired by other popular animated properties will be added in the near future. A complete catalog of the VIZ Media BLEACH items is available at www.There.com.

Makena Technologies developed There.com as an online social network that offers a multitude of vibrant places to hang out with friends and meet up with people. It has become one of the most popular destinations of its type. The VIZ Media store will offer a wide variety of BLEACH-themed t-shirts, pants and other apparel that users can purchase or rent with Therebucks, the virtual currency accepted on the There.com site.

Continue reading VIZ MEDIA OPENS A FUN NEW VIRTUAL STORE ON LEADING ONLINE 3D SOCIAL NETWORKING DESTINATION SITE THERE.COM.

VIZ MEDIA SIMULCASTS ANOTHER FREE EPISODE OF NARUTO SHIPPUDEN ON NARUTO.COM

By Editorial on April 8, 2009 5:00 AM
NarutoShippuden-Anime.jpgVisit Naruto.com On April 9th To Watch The Newest NARUTO Shippuden Animated Adventure For Free The Same Day It Airs In Japan

San Francisco, CA, APRIL 6, 2009 - VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the simultaneous airing of NARUTO Shippuden Episode 103 (English subtitled) on its official web site - Naruto.com. TV Tokyo has made this special episode available for simulcast on April 9th in North America on www.naruto.com and www.crunchyroll.com/naruto.

"We have received enthusiastic viewer response when we first began streaming NARUTO, and we are very pleased to present a brand new NARUTO Shippuden episode on April 9th," says Ken Sasaki, Vice President of Strategy & Business Development, VIZ Media. "We're very committed to cultivating the web as an innovative medium for fans to enjoy the latest NARUTO adventures and fan culture in a variety of fun ways. From leading web social networking outlets and content providers such as iTunes®, Hulu and Joost, to a special accelerated manga publishing campaign that has offered 7 new NARUTO volumes between March and April, there's plenty to look forward to from the world's most popular ninja."


Continue reading VIZ MEDIA SIMULCASTS ANOTHER FREE EPISODE OF NARUTO SHIPPUDEN ON NARUTO.COM.

Konami Announces Silent Hill: Shattered Memories for Wii™, PlayStation®2 System and PSP® System

By Editorial on April 8, 2009 4:58 AM
Popular Survival Horror Series Resurrects True Terror With
Debut on Wii

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. - April 6, 2009 - Konami Digital Entertainment Inc. today unveiled the latest iteration in the popular Silent Hill franchise scheduled to launch this fall on Wii™,  PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system. Featuring an interactive user interface, improved puzzle system, and a psych profile that changes the experience based on the players' gameplay choices, Silent Hill: Shattered Memories conveys the most fluid and realistic gameplay of the series to date.

"Silent Hill: Shattered Memories returns to its roots in this re-imagining of the original Silent Hill with the most interactive and frightening installment of the decade-old series," said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. "With a deep storyline, eerie music and a psych profile that watches its players and evolves to expose their innermost fears throughout the game, Silent Hill: Shattered Memories is sure to evoke fear in both franchise newcomers and longtime survival horror fans."

Continue reading Konami Announces Silent Hill: Shattered Memories for Wii™, PlayStation®2 System and PSP® System.

New Red Dwarf material at heart of fxphd.com's new term

By Editorial on April 8, 2009 4:57 AM
06th April 2009: fxphd.com, the innovative, professional high-end, project-based online visual effects training resource led by visual effects professionals, is launching a ground-breaking series of courses based on vfx material it produced for the brand new Red Dwarf miniseries, Red Dwarf: Back to Earth which was commissioned exclusively by Dave, the home of witty banter.
 
"For the first time, a production agreed to partner with fxphd to allow unparalleled access to a real production. Instead of simply filming a 'making of', we were the visual effects company for the project on set. Working with Sydney effects house FIN design on virtual sets we worked on over 260 shots for the three-part mini-series," says VFX supervisor and fxphd.com co-founder, Mike Seymour.
 
The Red Dwarf courses are among the 37 courses offered this term on its website at www.fxphd.com which cover both post production and production. Shot entirely in the UK on multiple RED ONE cameras, Seymour says that fxphd wanted to provide its students with the ability to examine the leading-edge vfx work undertaken in a real world, contemporary production.
 
Continue reading New Red Dwarf material at heart of fxphd.com's new term.

ZOIC STUDIOS EXCITED ABOUT SATURN NOMINEES

By Editorial on April 8, 2009 4:56 AM
When the Academy of Science Fiction and Horror Films announced its nominees for the 35th annual Saturn Awards, Zoic Studios was thrilled to see its clients Fringe, True Blood and Jericho nominated in the television categories.

 "The Saturn Awards are an exceptional recognition for those of us immersed in and passionate about the science fiction and horror genres," says Zoic Partner/Visual Effects Supervisor Andrew Orloff. "We are proud to work on each of these shows and wish all of the nominated teams the best of luck."

Born out of the Count Dracula Society, the Academy of Science Fiction and Horror Film was founded in 1972 by Donald A. Reed. The Science Fiction Film Awards aired its first show in syndication in 1978. Today the Saturn Awards honor film and television properties, as well as individual genre icons.

Zoic is an award-winning Digital Studio involved in producing innovative content for television, commercials, feature films, video game animation and viral advertising. From visual effects and animation to live action production, Zoic Studios imprint can be seen in such compelling entertainment as "Fringe", "True Blood", "Eureka" and "CSI:Crime Scene Investigation", spots for Craftsman, HP, VW, and projects for EA, Activision, Warner Bros. Interactive and Sony. Zoic Studios has offices in Los Angeles and Vancouver.

Holland Animation Festival now annual, set for 4-8 November

By Editorial on April 8, 2009 4:55 AM
We are very pleased to inform you that the Holland Animation Film Festival is from now on an annual event.
The 13th edition of the festival takes place from 4 - 8 November 2009.

We kindly invite you to submit your film for this festival edition, for the following competitions:

Competition for Independent Animated Shorts
in the categories narrative and non-narrative

Competition for Applied Animation
in the categories commercials, educational films, music videos and leaders


The entry forms for these competitions are available at www.haff.nl <http://www.haff.nl> .

Through this entry forms, Dutch productions for both competitions (as well independent and applied) can also apply for the Competition for Best Dutch Animation. A prize will be awarded by the audience.


>> Deadline for all entries: 1 July 2009
 

Holland Animation Film Festival,
the unique five-day international meeting place for all professionals, animation lovers, producers, students, upcoming talents and all interested audiences. Featuring retrospectives, thematic programmes, master classes, talk shows, exhibitions, installations, SFX/VFX and much more.
Meet the Art of Animation, at the 13th Holland Animation Film Festival!
 

BRANDISSIMO! PROMOTES TOP MANAGEMENT TEAM

By Editorial on April 8, 2009 4:54 AM
Andy Babb Named President
Josh Fisher Named Executive Producer and Senior Vice President of Content
 
            FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
 
ENCINO, Calif. - (April 6, 2009) - Brandissimo! announced today the promotion of two key executives to better manage the company's continued growth in its online games and virtual worlds business.
 
Executive Vice President and General Manager Andy Babb was named president. Vice President Josh Fisher was promoted to Executive Producer and Senior Vice President of Content. Additional promotions and new staff members will be announced in the next few weeks.
 
In making the announcement, Brandissimo! CEO David Snyder said, "Andy Babb is a talented executive whose business acumen and zest for creativity have steered our company on a path of significant growth. Josh Fisher is simply one of the strongest creative executives I've ever worked with. With Andy's continued leadership and Josh's proven ability to break new ground in children's entertainment, I'm confident we're destined to achieve even greater success as we continue to build Brandissimo! and our reputation in the industry."
 
Andy Babb has served as Executive Vice-President and General Manager for Brandissimo! since July 2007.  Under his leadership, Brandissimo! produced the online MMOG "NFLRUSH Zone" for the National Football League, which has acquired over 1,300,000 registered users in its first 15 months.
 
"I am extremely proud of Brandissimo! and of our continued achievements," said Babb. "Not only do we offer brands the ability to emotionally connect with their consumers through high-quality traditional media and addictive online games, we also offer a proven track record in helping those brands draw in new users."
 
Prior to joining the company, Babb held senior management, business development and marketing positions at video game publishers including Take-Two Interactive (2K Games),  SegaSoft, TDK Mediactive and In-Fusio. Since 1997, he has published over 150 video games on console, handheld, online, PC and mobile platforms. Babb holds his B.A. degree from UCLA and M.B.A. degree from Stanford University.
 
Josh Fisher is an Emmy Award-winning executive who created and co-founded Urbaniacs.com, an online social community and gaming site in the form of a comic book world come to life.
 
"I'm thrilled to take on more responsibilities at Brandissimo!, said Fisher. "We have an exceptionally talented team of artists and producers that take great pride in the shows, games and online worlds we are creating.  I love working on our current slate of projects and I'm excited about what we have in our pipeline."
 
Fisher boasts over 12 years of experience creating and producing successful content for young audiences, tweens, and teens. He has developed and produced animation, live action, and Web development for ABC Family Channel, Fox Kids, Disney, Discovery Kids, Cartoon Network, and several major broadcasters around the world.
 
ABOUT BRANDISSIMO!

Brandissimo! is quickly emerging as an industry leader in the creation of casual gaming and online experiences for kids. Boasting a management team of partners who have deep entertainment industry experience, Brandissimo! is a developer, creator and producer of award-winning content for kids and teens across all platforms. Brandissimo! helps broadcasters and brand owners access young audiences by rethinking brands from an online perspective and building relationships with kids through game play that ignites young imaginations, swells their minds and inspires creativity, self expression and esteem. Brandissimo! produces NFLRUSH.com and created the fast growing NFLRUSH Zone, a massive 32-team multiplayer game world for the National Football League. In addition to digital production, Brandissimo! executive produced the international hit TV franchise Harry and His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs, created and produced the Emmy®-nominated Discovery Kids franchise Bigfoot Presents: Meteor and the Mighty Monster Trucks, and produces the multi-award winning musical series, Spectrum Connections' Bounce!,  for  PBS Sprout.
 

PMcD Design Makes Impact With Starz Crash

By Editorial on April 8, 2009 4:52 AM
Design Studio Creates Comprehensive Promo Package For
The Network's First-Ever Original Series
NEW YORK, NY -- Crash, the Academy Award winning film, is now a series on the Starz Network, marking the network's first-ever original series. With so much riding on the show's success, Starz turned to New York-based PMcD Design, part of the transmedia branding and design group LORI PATE+, to design and produce the comprehensive promotional package that includes IDs, end pages, long form title sequence and a comprehensive toolkit for Starz producers and editors to use for tease, launch and episodic campaigns.
 
For Patrick McDonough, founder/creative director of PMcD, the package needed to convey the essence of the show -- characters from different backgrounds on separate journeys until fates collide and lives are changed forever. To capture the elements of tension and danger, McDonough and his creative team in collaboration with Brian Kintz and the Starz team shot images of glass shattering and metal twisting as well as time-lapse footage of the Los Angeles skyline using the super high-speed Phantom digital camera (1000 fps), The show's logo is seen projected over myriad surfaces and layered throughout the footage and graphic elements.

''The idea was to graphically illustrate the uneasy and volatile quality of the relationships seen in the show,'' McDonough said. ''The high-speed photography of breaking glass and crushing metal visually suggests the random destruction of lives.  We also wanted to capture the character of Los Angeles and give it a sensual quality. The time-lapse photography captures a feeling of chaos and the randomness of life in general.''


Continue reading PMcD Design Makes Impact With Starz Crash.

INTERNATIONAL SUPERSTAR BEYONCÉ KNOWLES GUEST STARS ON NICKELODEON'S HIT ANIMATED PRESCHOOL COMEDY WOW! WOW! WUBBZY! IN SPECIAL "WUBB GIRLZ" PREMIERE WEEK AND HOUR-LONG TV MOVIE "WUBB IDOL"

By Editorial on April 8, 2009 4:48 AM
Premiere Week Kicks Off Monday, April 27-Thursday, April 30, at 10:00 a.m. (ET/PT);

"Wubb Idol" Movie To Air Friday, May 1, at 1:00 p.m. (ET/PT)

New Episodes To Feature Original Song Composed and Performed by Guest Star Knowles;

Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! Appearance Marks Multi Award-Winning Recording Artist's Voiceover Debut and First-Ever Children's Television Project

*(DVD screeners and high-res images available upon request)

NEW YORK April 6, 2009 - She has performed at the Academy Awards and the 2009 presidential inaugural ball.  She's won multiple Grammys, headlined world tours, sold millions of albums and starred in hit blockbuster movies.  Now internationally acclaimed superstar Beyoncé Knowles makes her debut as a voiceover actress on Nickelodeon's Emmy Award-winning animated preschool comedy series, Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!.  Knowles guest stars as the voice of Shine, the lead singer of The Wubb Girlz -- the hottest girl group around -- in a special week-long "Wubb Girlz" celebration, Monday, April 27 through Thursday, April 30, at 10:00 a.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon.  This role marks her very first ever children's project.  The four music-filled episodes feature a new original song composed and performed by Knowles titled, "Sing a Song", available at iTunes and other digital outlets on April 21.  The week culminates with an hour-long "Wubb Idol" movie that is comprised of select episodes that have aired throughout the week.  The movie will replay on NOGGIN in primetime on Sunday, May 3, at 7:00 p.m. (ET).

"I'm so happy to be a part of Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! because I'm finally able to impress my nephew," said Knowles. On playing Shine, Knowles adds, "Shine is a member of the group The Wubb Girlz, which I can identify with having grown up in Destiny's Child.   The Wubb Girlz are all about unity -- they sing cool harmonies and have an amazing new original song, 'Sing a Song.'"

Nickelodeon will support the "Wubb Girlz" premiere week online and via wireless with dedicated playlists beginning Monday, April 20.  The playlists will include themed clips and full Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! episodes as well as an instant replay of the "Wubb Idol" movie on Nick Jr. Video.  Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! will continue its presence on Nickelodeon VOD throughout the month of April.

Nick Jr.'s award-winning website (www.nickjr.com) will feature an interactive game and activities to complement the "Wubb Girlz" premiere week.  Beginning Wednesday, April 15, NickJr.com will feature "The Great Microphone Hunt" game, where kids can go online and help Wubbzy and good friend Daizy search the Wubb Club to find The Wubb Girlz microphones which they have lost.  The big Wubbstock show can't start without The Wubb Girlz, so it's up to young fans to help Wubbzy and Daizy find them all.  Nickjr.com will also feature music-themed printables, crafts, activities and more.  Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! games have been  top performers on NickJr.com since launching in 2006.

Continue reading INTERNATIONAL SUPERSTAR BEYONCÉ KNOWLES GUEST STARS ON NICKELODEON'S HIT ANIMATED PRESCHOOL COMEDY WOW! WOW! WUBBZY! IN SPECIAL "WUBB GIRLZ" PREMIERE WEEK AND HOUR-LONG TV MOVIE "WUBB IDOL".

SAKI-THE PLAYER (SAKI) ARRIVES ON CRUNCHYROLL TODAY

By Editorial on April 7, 2009 3:18 PM
TV Tokyo Anime Streams on Leading Online Anime Distributor Site

San Francisco, California (April 6, 2009) - Crunchyroll, the online world's
#1 destination for Asian content and social networking service, has begun
streaming TV Tokyo's anime SAKI-THE PLAYER (SAKI) today. More information
can be found at www.crunchyroll.com/saki.

SAKI - THE PLAYER (SAKI) is the story of a beautiful high school mahjong
genius and her rivals.  The story opens with the arrival of Saki who
demonstrates her almost magical talent by instinctively playing the game in
an extremely calculated manner so that she does not lose or gain even a
point ... The title will be broadcast on Crunchyroll one hour after Japan TV
broadcast. The first episode is available today to everyone worldwide
excluding Asia. Crunchyroll Anime Members can enjoy higher quality streaming
and with no advertisement! To become an Anime Member, go to
www.crunchyroll.com/anime_membership.

Continue reading SAKI-THE PLAYER (SAKI) ARRIVES ON CRUNCHYROLL TODAY.

CRUNCHYROLL DISCOVERS THE MYSTERY OF NATSU NO ARASHI

By Editorial on April 7, 2009 3:17 PM
Online Anime Distribution Leader Streams Hit Manga Based Anime

San Francisco, California (April 6, 2009) - Crunchyroll, the online world's
#1 destination for Asian content and social networking service, has begun
streaming of the hit manga based anime series NATSU NO ARASHI. More
information can be found at www.crunchyroll.com/natsunoarashi.

NATSU NO ARASHI is based on the hit manga series written and illustrated by
the man who brought SCHOOL RUMBLE to the world-Jin Kobayashi. This title
will be broadcast on Crunchyroll one hour after Japan TV broadcast. The
first episode is available today to everyone worldwide excluding Asia.
Crunchyroll Anime Members can enjoy higher quality streaming and with no
advertisement! To become an Anime Member, go to
www.crunchyroll.com/anime_membership.

Continue reading CRUNCHYROLL DISCOVERS THE MYSTERY OF NATSU NO ARASHI.

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe hits the Target with new licensing deal

By Editorial on April 7, 2009 3:15 PM
Target Entertainment Group to licence PlayStation® video game software IPs
PlayStation software titles and characters to be brought to life with vibrant apparel, accessories, toys, stationery, gifts and more
 
London, Monday 6 April 2009: Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd (SCEE) is delighted to announce the appointment of Target Entertainment Group Ltd, the leading international production and rights management business, as the Consumer Product Licensing Agent for PlayStation® software IPs (Intellectual Properties) with immediate effect.
 
Following the great success of Sony Computer Entertainment America's licensing agreement with Dimensional Branding Group, Target Entertainment Group will operate across Europe & Australasia on all consumer products (excluding PlayStation peripherals and PlayStation specific accessories). Target will develop exciting ranges of PlayStation apparel and accessories, colourful toys and plush, stationery and gifts, housewares and food, and plenty of fun-filled promotions.
 
Stephanie Freeman, Licensing & Peripherals Manager at SCEE commented, "Many of Sony Computer Entertainment's 's first party software titles and characters are now recognised by millions of people around the world - from the legendary Ratchet and Clank™ through to the iconic Sackboy from LittleBigPlanet™.  We really want our consumers to have the ability to interact with our brands and characters in ways other than just on screen.  We feel Target Entertainment Group has the vibrancy and experience to help us do this successfully."
 
Helen Howells, Global Brand Director, Target Entertainment Group added, "To work with a brand like PlayStation, and its range of products, is a great opportunity for us.  With a portfolio of fantastic games we will offer new and longer standing fans a range of products that will really add to their PlayStation experience."
 

AB INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION ACQUIRE ACTION DRAMA SERIES RUSH

By Editorial on April 7, 2009 3:14 PM
In a deal negotiated by Southern Star International's Senior Sales Executive Claire Taltas, AB International Distribution France have acquired the hit Australian 35 x one hour drama series Rush.

Rush is a Southern Star John Edwards production for Network Ten produced with the assistance of Film Victoria. Currently in production on the second series, it is a contemporary action drama  set in a critical incident police unit; providing an insider's view of police under pressure. These heroes are a mobile squad trained to be smarter, tactically superior and technologically advantaged.

Celebrating AB International Distribution's acquisition and the international success of Rush are two of the stars of the series Rodger Corser and Ashley Zukerman who have travelled to Cannes especially for MIPTV.

Catherine Payne, Chief Executive of Southern Star International said:

'We are so very pleased to be announcing that AB International Distribution have acquired Rush once again cementing our great relationship with them and the success of Australian programmes in France.

'It is also exciting to have two of the stars of Rush - Rodger Corser and Ashley Zukerman in Cannes to promote the success of the series.'

Southern Star is an integrated film and television production and distribution group.  Divisions of the Company are involved in film, television and video production; sales and distribution; and licensing and merchandising. Southern Star was acquired in November 2007 by Fairfax Media, a publicly listed company on the Australian Stock Exchange. Fairfax Media Limited [ASX:FXJ] is Australasia's leading media company.

fmx/09 Partners With 5D in International Conference On Animation, Effects, Games and Digital Media

By Editorial on April 7, 2009 3:13 PM
LOS ANGELES, CA; April 3, 2009 -- 5D, the Immersive Design Conference, co-presented by the Art Directors Guild and the University Art Museum, CSULB, will be a major participant with Filmakademie Baden-Wuerttemberg in fmx/09. This 14th International Conference on Animation, Effects, Games and Digital Media will be held in Stuttgart, Germany May 5 to 8.

Top experts in the field from around the world will be participating, including leading Hollywood innovators.

For the first time, 5D will present a track of sessions themed to the interaction of creativity and technology in the design of passive and active experiences in visual art, entertainment, and environmental design.

Among the panel moderators are production designer Alex McDowell, co-director of 5D, whose panel is titled "Creation"; Chris Scoates, director of the University Art Museum at Cal State Long Beach and co-director of 5D (a panel on "Imagination"); production designer Kim Baumann Larsen, founding partner and creative director of Placebo Effects ("Construction)"; Alex Laurant, art director, visual designer and concept artist ("Perception"); and Tali Krakowsky, director of experience design, who heads a think-tank at WET Design ("Interaction").

5D redefines the role of the designer at the intersection of art, technology and storytelling in narrative media and offers a progressive platform for discourse on the present and future of immersive design. The 5D community will come together again at its cornerstone biennial conference in October, 2010 where leading designers, thinkers and technologists will culminate the two year long exploration with high-level cross-disciplinary discourse. Co-sponsored by the Art Directors Guild and the University Art Museum, CSULB, the conference will be held on the campus of CSULB, the site of the first gathering attended by over 1,000 people in October, 2008.

SITES:   www.5dconference.com, http://fmx.de/E.1.html

CRUNCHYROLL SERVES IT UP WITH HAYATE THE COMBAT BUTLER 2ND SEASON (HAYATE NO GOTOKU !!)

By Editorial on April 7, 2009 3:12 PM
Online Anime Distribution Leader Streets Hours of Laughter and Chuckles with
New Anime Title Today

San Francisco, California (April 3, 2009) - Crunchyroll announces the
availability of the stunning harem manga inspired anime HAYATE THE COMBAT
BUTLER 2ND SEASON (HAYATE NO GOTOKU !!). More information can be found at
www.crunchyroll.com/hayate2 <http://www.crunchyroll.com/hayate2> .

HAYATE THE COMBAT BUTLER 2ND SEASON (HAYATE NO GOTOKU !!) is the follow up
anime series about a highly unlucky man who rescues an heiress and becomes
her live-in butler. The series will be broadcast on Crunchyroll one hour
after Japan TV broadcast. The first episode is available immediately to
everyone worldwide excluding Asia. Crunchyroll Anime Members can enjoy
higher quality streaming and with no advertisement. To become an Anime
Member, go to www.crunchyroll.com/anime_membership.

Continue reading CRUNCHYROLL SERVES IT UP WITH HAYATE THE COMBAT BUTLER 2ND SEASON (HAYATE NO GOTOKU !!).

LightWork Design releases LightWorks 8.0

By Editorial on April 7, 2009 3:11 PM
SHEFFIELD, UK (3 April 2009) - LightWork Design, the world's leading
supplier of rendering solutions for developers of advanced 3D computer
graphics software, today announced the latest release of its flagship
LightWorks product, LightWorks 8.0.  Now in its 20th year, the Company
continues to build on its LightWorks product to provide customers with
improved performance and new technology.  This release builds on previous
versions and includes the release of some new, exciting features.  

Key developments within LightWorks 8.0 include:

Progressive Rendering
The aim in introducing this feature is to provide a more positive workflow
experience within the rendering application.  Previously, using OpenGL to
preview final renders had limitations in terms of lighting and materials,
in that it limited the number of lights possible as well as the
representation of the materials.  This meant that setting up a scene to
get the final image became a very iterative process.  LightWorks
Progressive Rendering provides a solution to this by giving immediate
feedback of the final image with a fast preview of the lighting and
materials within the scene.  This means that less iteration is required
before reaching the desired image thus providing a more enhanced workflow
and ultimately a better user experience.

Continue reading LightWork Design releases LightWorks 8.0.

WARNER BROS. CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND THE FRENCH FEDERATION OF BASKETBALL JOIN FORCES TO PROMOTE A MORE ACTIVE LIFESTYLE FOR KIDS

By Editorial on April 7, 2009 3:10 PM
Both Organisations Team Up to Develop a Series of Initiatives Based on the
Looney Tunes Characters and the World of Basketball

Paris, March 31st - Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) and the French Federation of Basketball (FFBB) have signed a three year collaboration agreement to develop a series of marketing and commercial initiatives based on the Looney Tunes Active! programme.

This new cooperation is one of the many initiatives undertaken by Warner Bros. Consumer Products' Looney Tunes Active!, the brand that uses the iconic Looney Tunes characters as ambassadors of a more active lifestyle for kids.

Over the last 18 months WBCP has developed completely new art programmes, a new TV show with 50 mini-episodes, retail promotions and marketing campaigns to support Looney Tunes Active!. Already more than 200 companies are using the new artwork featuring the characters in active poses - general and sport-related.

Continue reading WARNER BROS. CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND THE FRENCH FEDERATION OF BASKETBALL JOIN FORCES TO PROMOTE A MORE ACTIVE LIFESTYLE FOR KIDS.

Frantic Films VFX Does Previz for 'Watchmen'

By Editorial on April 7, 2009 3:08 PM
Hollywood, CA (April 2, 2009)-Frantic Films VFX, a division of Prime Focus
Group, announced that it has contributed extensive previsualization
(previz) work on the Zack Snyder-directed feature film "Watchmen" from
Warner Bros. Pictures.  It was released in theaters on March 6.

A complex, multi-layered mystery adventure, "Watchmen" is set in an
alternate 1985 America in which costumed superheroes are part of the fabric
of everyday society, and the "Doomsday Clock"-which charts the USA's
tension with the Soviet Union-moves closer to midnight. When one of his
former colleagues is murdered, the outlawed but no less determined masked
vigilante Rorschach uncovers a wide-ranging and disturbing conspiracy with
links to their shared past and catastrophic consequences for the future.
Their mission is to watch over humanity...but who is watching the Watchmen?

Frantic's Vancouver office worked closely with VFX Supervisor John "DJ"
DesJardin and Production Designer Alex McDowell. But because director Zack
Snyder - who shot the movie entirely in Vancouver, allowing easy access to
the Frantic visual effects team - was adamant about remaining as faithful
to the story as possible, Frantic's previz department found itself
digitally storyboarding a hybrid of the graphic novel and Zack's
thumbnails, using the original source material as its "bible."

Continue reading Frantic Films VFX Does Previz for 'Watchmen'.

*** DIMENSION 3 2009 - THE ESSENTIAL FORUM FOR 3D MARKETS ***

By Editorial on April 7, 2009 3:07 PM
Paris, France, April 2nd, 2009 - Dimension 3 (www.dimension3-expo.com) the world's leading festival for professionals involved in 3D stereoscopic production, post and display, will take place in Paris, France, from 2 - 4 June 2009.

Now in its third year, Dimension 3 will again be the crucial meeting-point for performers, technical and business professionals who create 3D stereo content for cinema, TV, video games, home entertainment, communications and training - underlining its position as the No.1 forum on the calendar for the 3D industry.

This year, Dimension 3 will take place at the National Dance Centre (Centre National de la Danse), Pantin, in the Seine-Saint-Denis region of Paris, an area that strongly supports 3D research and production.

For three days, visitors and exhibitors will discover the latest innovations in 3D stereo, whilst also evaluating the maturity of current creation and visualization solutions dedicated to the 3D imagery, and their diverse applications.

More than 60 international experts will gather at the International Forum dedicated to 3D images, to discuss technological, creative and economic matters in a series of illuminating Dimension 3 Lectures and Masterclasses. Details to be release soon.

Continue reading *** DIMENSION 3 2009 - THE ESSENTIAL FORUM FOR 3D MARKETS ***.

eyeon to Introduce New Training Initiative at NAB

By Editorial on April 7, 2009 3:06 PM
Getting New VFX Artists Up-to-Speed Fast with SWAT

TORONTO: April 2, 2009 ... eyeon Software Inc., maker of the award-winning Fusion™ compositing application, announced its new SWAT certification program to ensure that new and established VFX artists receive the training and support they need to realize their full creative potential. With the new SoftWare Artist Training (SWAT) umbrella program, the company has expanded its international network of trainers, colleges, online resources, and in-house product support personnel to ensure that every eyeon artist is up-to-speed on the latest versions of Fusion™, Generation®, Rotation®, and Vision®. eyeon will launch the new program at NAB, April 20-23, 2009, in Las Vegas.

"Artists who are trained rise to the top of their fields," said Fusion artist, Aurore de Blois, who won an Emmy® for her work on the popular Battlestar Galactica television series. "eyeon's new SWAT team approach to training people worldwide is exactly what visual effects artists need."

As a key component of SWAT, eyeon will send trainers to assist new customers on site to ensure that their artists are able to transition seamlessly to the new software. In addition, the SWAT umbrella consolidates all of the available training options for eyeon applications through eyeon's VFXPedia.com resource web site. Training partners on track to become SWAT-certified include Class-on-Demand, cmiVFX, Digital Tutors, NADS, NYU, Seneca College, Sheridan College, and many others.

Continue reading eyeon to Introduce New Training Initiative at NAB.

"STRIKA ENTERTAINMENT TO COLLABORATE WITH A MALAYSIAN- BASED PURPLE HOUZ TO PRODUCE ANIMATED SERIES "SUPA STRIKAS"

By Editorial on April 7, 2009 3:04 PM
Malaysian-based Purple Houz Sdn Bhd confirms a contract with Strika Entertainment for Music Scoring, Composition, Sound Design and Voice Over for animated series title "Supa Strikas" to be done in Malaysia.

Cannes, France, 30March 2009:- SUPA Strika is an animated series which is currently a huge hit in South Africa. It is also aired on Malaysia's prime television  channel- RTM2 and broadcasted on Asia's No.1 sports content provider - STAR SPORTS ASIA to an estimated 500 million viewer base around the globe.

According to Purple Houz Sdn Bhd's managing director Navinder Gill the contract between Purple Houz and Strika Entertainment is for second season and was signed recently with Strika Entertainment Pty Ltd of South Africa and endorsed by Caltex.

The series revolves around a football team called 'Supa Strika' that travels the world and competes with different teams from different countries.

Continue reading "STRIKA ENTERTAINMENT TO COLLABORATE WITH A MALAYSIAN- BASED PURPLE HOUZ TO PRODUCE ANIMATED SERIES "SUPA STRIKAS".

CALON TV HAS THE ZOO FACTOR

By Editorial on April 7, 2009 3:03 PM
INDEPENDENT production company Calon TV has been commissioned to produce a comedy puppet talent show for the BBC's children's network CBBC.
 
Aimed at eight to 10-year-olds, Zoo Factor is a cross between Britain's Got Talent and The Muppets. Each week a variety of wild animals with unusual skills compete against each other to become champion.
 
The judging panel is headed by Clive, a vain and lazy lion who eats acts for breakfast - quite literally. Joining him on the panel are Carmel the chameleon, who changes her mind as much as her skin tone and Barry - a monkey guaranteed to say something inappropriate.
 

Continue reading CALON TV HAS THE ZOO FACTOR.

Leading film and game studios choose Xsens' motion capture technology

By Editorial on April 7, 2009 3:01 PM
- Sony Pictures Imageworks and Insomniac Games use Xsens MVN for upcoming titles -

Culver City (CA), Burbank (CA), Enschede (The Netherlands) - April 2nd, 2009 - Xsens Technologies, creator of Moven, the leading camera-less motion capture solution, announces Sony Picture Imageworks and independent console videogames developer Insomniac Games as new customers. This confirms the acceptance of Moven as a proven motion capture technology in the film and game industry. In addition, Xsens has renamed its motion capture system Moven to Xsens MVN.

Both Sony Pictures Imageworks (Watchmen, Valkyrie, Eagle Eye a.o) and Insomniac Games (Spyro the Dragon®, Resistance™, Ratchet & Clank® a.o.) will be using Xsens MVN (formerly Moven) for the production of their upcoming film and game titles. The MVN system seamlessly integrates with their existing production pipelines and provides extremely short turn-around times.


Continue reading Leading film and game studios choose Xsens' motion capture technology.

Boinx Software announces BoinxTV 1.2

By Editorial on April 7, 2009 3:00 PM
Munich, Germany -- April 2nd, 2009. Boinx Software is proud to announce the
release, today, of BoinxTV 1.2, a free update to its live production
software that turns a Mac into a TV studio.* With improved stability,
performance and many new features, the free update is strongly
recommended for all BoinxTV users. BoinxTV 1.2 features a new Screen
Source to capture Skype or iChat conversations for video interviews.
Version 1.2 also comes with a new widescreen template, "BTVNEWS," to
produce a professional looking news anchor show. Users will see
enhancements in numerous areas--user interface refinements as well as
chroma keying improvements, along with several new and enhanced layers.
Boinx Software invites everyone interested in production software to a
free live webinar: tune in on April 6, 2009 at 5pm UTC (5pm GMT, 1pm
ETD, 10am PTD) at http://boinx.com/webinars to learn more about the new
features of BoinxTV 1.2 first-hand.

Continue reading Boinx Software announces BoinxTV 1.2.

2009 Game Developers Conference Europe Opens Online Registration

By Editorial on April 7, 2009 3:00 PM
Pan-European Developer Event to Connect Peers, Luminaries, and Business Professionals Worldwide in Cologne, Germany August 17-19
 
BERLIN, April 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Online registration for the 2009 Game Developers Conference® Europe (GDC Europe) is now open through August 18.  GDC Europe will play host to over 80 lectures, panels, and keynotes from top international speakers-serving as the country's premier professional event and addressing the needs and opportunities for developers and business professional throughout Europe today.  Early registrants to GDC Europe receive additional discounts before the end of Professional Discount Day, July 29.
 
GDC Europe will focus on business and management, game design, production, programming, and will cover topics in mobile and serious games.  Resonating with the needs of the local development community, the conference will play special attention to online games and the opportunities in developing for social networking communities, and host day and evening networking events.
 
Continue reading 2009 Game Developers Conference Europe Opens Online Registration.

"ANIMASIA STUDIO's MULTIPLE PRODUCTION DEALS WITH AGOGO CORPORATION LTD STRENGTHENS MSC MALAYSIA's CREATIVE CONTENT INDUSTRY"

By Editorial on April 7, 2009 2:58 PM
Euro 3 million initiatives between Malaysian-based Animasia Studio and renowned Chinese animation producer Agogo Corporation Ltd were sealed today- further strengthening MSC Malaysia's position as a regional digital content player.

Cannes, France, March 30 2009:-  ANIMASIA Studio, the MSC Malaysia Status company has partnered with a renowned Chinese studio called Agogo Corporation Ltd to produce multiple animation projects.

The projects which are worth more than Euro 3 million, consist of servicing contracts, co- development of IPs and joint distribution for worldwide markets, are set to kick off middle of 2009 and will keep both studios busy for the next 24 months. The projects will be broadcasted by international networks and prominent European networks.

Established in Kuala Lumpur in 1996, Animasia has experience in both original IP creation and production servicing, has titles such as "ABC Monsters", "Bola Kampung" and "Supa Strikas", which already hit markets across the Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.   

Continue reading "ANIMASIA STUDIO's MULTIPLE PRODUCTION DEALS WITH AGOGO CORPORATION LTD STRENGTHENS MSC MALAYSIA's CREATIVE CONTENT INDUSTRY".

RAZER AND VALVE TO CO-DEVELOP NEW GAME TITLE EQUIPPED WITH A DEDICATED GAME CONTROLLER

By Editorial on April 7, 2009 2:57 PM
Razer and Valve aim to evolve gaming  by providing gamers with more intuitive controls for an intense gaming  experience

Carlsbad, Calif. - April 1, 2009 - Razer£, the world's leading manufacturer of  high-end gaming and lifestyle peripherals and Valve®, creators of best-selling  game franchises and leading technologies, today announced an unprecedented  partnership to usher the first person shooter (FPS) genre to the next stage of  radical gaming evolution. The debut title - "HellRazer", will  be a co-op squad based tactical FPS game that will be distributed through the  Steam network.

Legendary game developer Gabe Newell will lead software  development, while Razer will dedicate its time to design and create an  intuitive game controller in its new research laboratories in Singapore. The  new peripheral is slated to be the first true 1:1 motion sensing and gesture  recognition controller. "Razer  is extending its vision by partnering up with Valve on this exciting new  collaborative project," said Razer president Robert  "Razerguy" Krakoff.

"For the first time, PC gamers will be able to experience a  more integrated, immersive gameplay in a first-person shooter game." "We envision great  possibilities for this project," said Gabe Newell, president and co-founder of  Valve. "Having a dedicated game controller for this game would  help heighten the entire gaming experience and be a solid benchmark for future  titles." For more information  about the upcoming game, please visit the official website at www.razerzone.com/hellrazer <http://www.razerzone.com/hellrazer> .


Continue reading RAZER AND VALVE TO CO-DEVELOP NEW GAME TITLE EQUIPPED WITH A DEDICATED GAME CONTROLLER.

ANIME EXPO® EVENT REGISTRATION SYSTEM AVAILABLE NOW

By Editorial on April 7, 2009 2:56 PM
Nation's Largest Anime and Manga Convention Announces Availability of Sign
Ups for Panels, Workshops, Contests and Much More

Anaheim, California (April 1, 2009) -- Anime Expo® announces the launch of
its online event registration system for the nation's largest anime and
manga convention held July 2-5, 2009 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
More information can be found on the website
http://anime-expo.org/prog/ers.pdf.
For the past 18 years, Anime Expo® has been fortunate to have provided our
attendees with a wide variety of panels, workshops, contests, and other
events.  Anime Expo® 2009 will be another year of amazing panels, workshops,
screenings, premieres and much more!

Continue reading ANIME EXPO® EVENT REGISTRATION SYSTEM AVAILABLE NOW.

MTV NETWORKS INTERNATIONAL NAMES STEVE GRIEDER AS HEAD OF PROGRAMME SALES

By Editorial on April 7, 2009 2:54 PM
Tasked With Driving Global Content Sales Across All MTVN Brands
 
Continues to Oversee Nickelodeon International Growth
 
LONDON/NEW YORK, 1 April 2009 - MTV Networks International (MTVNI), owned by Viacom Inc (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), announced today that company veteran, Steve Grieder, will add oversight of International Programme Sales (IPS) to his current duties.  Grieder will serve as Executive Vice President of Nickelodeon and Programme Sales for MTVNI and is tasked with working across all MTVN platforms and business to drive programme sales and distribution worldwide.  He will continue to serve as the 'brand champion' for Nickelodeon's network of 50 channels outside the US, reporting to Cyma Zarghami, President of MTVN Kids & Family Group. As head of IPS, Grieder reports to Pierluigi Gazzolo, COO, MTV Networks International.
 
Continue reading MTV NETWORKS INTERNATIONAL NAMES STEVE GRIEDER AS HEAD OF PROGRAMME SALES.

It's no April Fool's joke - Xara really have slashed the price of Xara 3D6 !

By Editorial on April 7, 2009 2:53 PM
Launched today is a new version of Xara3D6. Just like the no-frills airlines Xara have launched a stripped down version - it's a download-only - no CDs, no free Webster and no manual, - just the program itself and associated resources, such as sample images, textures and fonts. Users can now buy this version for only US$29 (+ VAT in EU).
The boxed retail version remains but the price has been adjusted to US$49 (+ VAT in EU) slightly lower than it was before. So now there are two versions, the download costing US$29 and the boxed including Xara3D and Webster CDs and a manual for US$49. It operates on Windows XP/Vista.
Xara3D can be used to create top quality still and animated 3D text and graphics, such as titles, headings, buttons and logos - perfect for web pages, mailshots and presentations.. It's extremely popular with Photoshop owners for creating 3D typographic effects for use in Photoshop.
Continue reading It's no April Fool's joke - Xara really have slashed the price of Xara 3D6 !.

MDA, Net Leader Holdings and Gobi Partners launch call for content proposals

By Editorial on April 7, 2009 2:52 PM
Initiative will support development of over 600 hours of original content
 
Cannes, France - 1 April 2009 - The Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA), Singapore's Net Leader Holdings Private Limited (NL Holdings) and China-based Gobi Partners today announced a joint call for proposals from Singapore producers in collaboration with Asian partners to co-produce original content for international distribution.
 
The programmes will be acquired for broadcast on NL Holdings' satellite TV channel, YR Asia Satellite TV, which NL Holdings owns and manages. The channel is currently available in Hong Kong, with plans to expand its services to 15 countries, reaching out to 1.2 billion Mandarin-speaking people in China and the rest of Asia Pacific.
 
Continue reading MDA, Net Leader Holdings and Gobi Partners launch call for content proposals.

Satcoms heads over the horizon

By Editorial on April 7, 2009 2:51 PM
Hong Kong, 1 April, 2009 - The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) will stage the ninth CASBAA Satellite Industry Forum on Monday June 15th in Singapore at the Four Seasons Hotel. Decision-making executives from the satellite industry drawn from around the world will share their insights and address issues for the APAC market.
 
Themed "Over the Horizon", the one day high-powered annual conference will cover critical issues including the future for satcoms technology, the latest business models and the road to profitability; how CEOs are coping with today's financial challenges; the potential businesses of Ka-band satellite systems and satellite services for mobile users.
 
 
Continue reading Satcoms heads over the horizon.

'Driver Dan's Story Train' to air on BBC's flagship UK children's channel CBeebies

By Editorial on April 7, 2009 2:48 PM
Arab animators to gain invaluable experience on work placements in UK
 
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - 1 April 2009: twofour54 ibtikar, the media industry funding and support pillar of twofour54 Abu Dhabi, has announced the signing of its first partnership deal, an agreement with 3Line Media of the United Kingdom to co-produce a fun, educational Arabic/English children's series, 'Driver Dan's Story Train'. The series will debut in the spring of 2010 in the UK on the BBC's flagship UK children's channel CBeebies.
 
"With the deal to co-produce 'Driver Dan's Story Train', twofour54 is taking its first steps towards establishing a sustainable media and content industry in the MENA region," commented twofour54 CEO Tony Orsten. "The fact that we have already secured an agreement with one of the world's leading children's TV channels shows how great the programme is and we are sure it will be well received by Arabic TV channels throughout the MENA region."
 
Continue reading 'Driver Dan's Story Train' to air on BBC's flagship UK children's channel CBeebies.

HELLO, PRESCHOOLER! IT'S SPECIAL AGENT OSO CALLING!

By Editorial on April 7, 2009 2:46 PM
NEW ORIGINAL PLAYHOUSE DISNEY ANIMATED SERIES "SPECIAL AGENT OSO" PHONES HOME WITH SPECIAL PHONE APPLICATION

Beginning this week, Playhouse Disney will implement a unique, new phone application in conjunction with the premiere of "Special Agent Oso," a new animated television series starring Academy Award-nominee Sean Astin as the voice of Oso, a fuzzy, lovable, bumbling stuffed panda bear who is a special agent-in-training. Parents of preschool viewers have two options to participate: they can log on to PlayhouseDisney.com and register to receive calls from Special Agent Oso after each new episode, or they can receive a one-time call from Special Agent Oso by texting OSO followed by their child's name to 347639 (DISNEY).


Continue reading HELLO, PRESCHOOLER! IT'S SPECIAL AGENT OSO CALLING!.

barbican film -- Animate the World 2009 -- Saturday 4 to Sunday 12 April

By Editorial on April 7, 2009 2:41 PM
Now in its eighth year at the Barbican, Animate The World continues to be the UK's most family friendly assembly of all things animated, with the added bonus this year of a brand new strand - Animate Advanced, catering especially for adult fans of animation. Festival-goers can enjoy UK premieres such as the rollercoaster film, Impy's Wonderland as well as award winners like Bill Plymton's noirish feature Idiots and Angels. Sunshine Barry and the Disco Worms and Mia and the Migoo are the perfect treat for young audiences but for those craving something a little more grown up, Dark Dreams in Plasticine shows just how  ghoulishly creative animation can be.

Both adults and kids are catered for this year in ATW09's renowned workshops, where participants can design and create their own characters and watch them come to life. The activities don't stop with animation - kids can learn to bust some moves in the funky family disco workshop, while attendees young and old are urged to belt out a tune at the ever-popular sing-along screening and workshop.
 
There's something for everyone this year  - ATW09 is the most jam-packed animation extravaganza yet! And for those who just can't wait till April, there's the Barbican Animation Studio at www.barbican.org.uk/animate <http://www.barbican.org.uk/animate> , where visitors can create and share animation online.

Animate Junior
A series of films especially suited to children (aged 4 to 12), though great for animation fans of all ages. Plus, the best short animated films for kids before every feature.

Continue reading barbican film -- Animate the World 2009 -- Saturday 4 to Sunday 12 April.

Viewers Flock to Nickelodeon's Most-Watched Series Premiere Ever-- The Penguins of Madagascar

By Editorial on April 7, 2009 2:41 PM
Penguins Draws 6.1 Million Total Viewers

Sets New Record as Nick's Most-Watched Animated Series Premiere with Kids 6-11;

 Scores a New Series Best with Tweens

 

NEW YORK-March 30, 2009-Nickelodeon's highly anticipated debut of the CGI-animated series The Penguins of Madagascar (Saturday, March 28, 9:30 p.m. [ET/PT]) ranks as the most-watched series premiere in the network's history, drawing 6.1 total million viewers (P2+).  The half-hour premiere also delivered more kids 6-11 than any other Nick animated series premiere, averaging an 11.0/2.3 million K6-11.  Additionally, it was the best new series premiere performance ever with tweens, averaging a 10.8/2.3 million T9-14. 

 

Highlights for The Penguins of Madagascar premiere include:

 

The Penguins of Madagascar premiere episode "Launchtime" (Saturday, March 28, 9:30 p.m. [ET/PT]) broke Nickelodeon records as the most-watched series premiere in Nickelodeon's history (replacing prior record holder All Grown Up in 2003 with 5.2 million total viewers), drawing 6.1 million total viewers (P2+), up +65% in delivery over last year.
 

The telecast was Nick's most-watched and highest-rated animated premiere with kids 6-11, averaging an 11.0/2.3 million with K6-11, up +51% in rating.

"Launchtime" drew the largest tween audience and rating for a Nickelodeon series premiere, posting a 10.8/2.3 million T9-14, up +54%.
 

Penguins averaged an 8.5/3.0 million K2-11, up +53% and the second most-watched premiere in Nick's history with this demographic.
 

The Penguins of Madagascar delivered the highest rating ever for a show that followed the Kids' Choice Awards, retaining 77% of the KCA audience.
 

A Penguins of Madagascar dedicated mini site, which launched on Oct. 30, 2008, drew 2.4 million unique visitors since its debut, and featured a series of four new mini-games, which garnered 1.5 million game plays (3/12/09-3/30/09).

The Penguins of Madagascar premiere followed Nickelodeon's 2009 Kids' Choice Awards, which set a new record on Saturday, March 28, (8-9:30 p.m. ET/PT) as the biggest Kids' Choice Awards to date.  The star-studded telecast drew a record 7.7 million total viewers (P2+) and earned its highest ratings ever among kids and tweens.

 

Nickelodeon will feature two weeks of Penguins primetime premieres weeknights until April 10, at 8:00 - 8:30 PM (ET/PT). The new series, which is co-produced by DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.--and followed Nickelodeon's highest-rated and most-watched Kids' Choice Awards ever--follows the exploits of the beloved penguin brothers from DreamWorks Animation's hit feature films Madagascar and Madagascar 2:  Escape to Africa. Andy Richter (Late Night with Conan O' Brien) and Tom McGrath (co-created the Penguins characters and directed both Madagascar films) reprise their roles as Mort and Skipper from the feature films, and Nicole Sullivan (MadTV) rounds out the ensemble voice-over cast.  The series will move to its regular timeslot on Saturdays at 10:00-10:30 AM (ET/PT) beginning April 18.

 

Nickelodeon, now in its 30th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 98 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 14 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com.  Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B).

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TOMY CORPORATION PARTNERS WITH COLLISION STUDIOS TO DEVELOP ORIGINAL GAME FOR NINTENDO PLATFORMS

By Editorial on April 7, 2009 2:39 PM
Joint Venture Will Bring Innovative, New IP to Consumers in Late Summer 2009

LOS ANGELES - March 27, 2009 - TOMY Corporation, the endearing consumer software and entertainment company, and Collision Studios today announced a strategic partnership to develop an original video game for Nintendo platforms. In choosing industry veteran Collision Studios, TOMY underscored its commitment to establishing its footprint in the gaming industry. The game further expands TOMY's North American video game portfolio and will be available in late summer 2009.

"We are dedicated to establishing a reputation for quality games and innovative, new IP, which is made possible through partnerships with respected developers like Collision Studios," said Laura Yoshioka, director of consumer software at TOMY Corporation. "Collision's impressive roster of original and licensed video games instills confidence in their ability to create a unique and exciting new title."

"Publishers who are willing to take chances on new IP have been few and far between.  However, TOMY's commitment to innovation has never wavered," said Philippe Erwin, CEO of Collision Studios. "We're thrilled to embark on this venture with TOMY and cannot wait to reveal the end result to consumers."

The collaboration with Collision Studios will allow TOMY Corporation to supplement their roster of quality consumer software products with content created specifically for the Nintendo platforms.
The title is currently in development and will be released in late summer 2009.  For more information, please visit www.TOMY-USA.com/videogames.

About TOMY Corporation
With U.S. headquarters in Santa Ana, California, TOMY Corporation is one of the world's oldest and most endearing entertainment companies. For more than eight decades, TOMY has developed and manufactured a broad portfolio of exciting and educational toys, games and video games for children of all ages. Known for its innovation, quality and safety, TOMY's mission is to produce videogames for North America that entertain and inspire children and adults.  The Consumer Software Division currently publishes for Nintendo DS™ and Wii™, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft,.  TOMY Corporation is a subsidiary of Japan-based TOMY Company, Ltd. (aka TAKARATOMY in Japan). More information is available at www.TOMY-USA.com.

About Collision Studios
Collision was founded in 2005 by industry veterans with a passion for games.  Bringing together experienced talent from the Games, Film and Television industries, Collision has a unique view to both existing and original entertainment franchises.

Collision is licensed to develop on all major console and handheld platforms, including the Sony PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 3, Nintendo DS and Wii, as well as the Microsoft Xbox 360.

Collision's teams hail from Activision, EA, Warner Brothers, THQ, Digital Eclipse, Pandemic, Insomniac, SCEA, Universal Studios, Rockstar Games, Psygnosis and more, with experience on all platforms and genres, with licensed and original IP.

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