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The 3D animated feature film will be released on a minimum of 1500 - 3D and 2D screens - in North America, 1^st Quarter 2012

 

 

LOS ANGELES / SAN ANSELMO, CA - September 22^nd 2009 -  CritterPix Studios, the Northern California 3D animation content company today announces distribution agreements with Promenade Pictures and American Cinema International for its planned 1^st 3D animated feature movie, OLLIE THE OTTER.

 

The distribution partnerships underscore the success of the companies' award winning 4 minute short film, OLLIE & THE BAKED HALIBUT - in 3D, where at the Cannes Film Market and the Toronto International Film Festival Ollie The Otter and his zany friend, The Baked Halibut, along with the crazed villain, Sushi Sam, successfully barbequed distributors for the 3D feature where the heartfelt family tale swims further to sea with little Ollie taking on a vain great white shark and tattooed swordfish, all to keep his family happily frolicking in the kelp and distributors counting big receipts. 

 

OLLIE & THE BAKED HALIBUT - in 3D, was Directed by long time writer and CritterPix Studios CEO, Kelly Alan Williamson, and Co-Directed by Ricardo Curtis.  Curtis was previously Head of Story on Twentieth Century Fox's HORTON HEARS A WHO and he'll do the same for the OLLIE THE OTTER animated feature in 3D, with Williamson Directing.  "Our short film shows we can make delightful 3D entertainment for 1/7^th the cost, compared to what the big studios spend," said Williamson. "Promenade and American Cinema International are hard working distributors and are a perfect fit for us."

 

"As soon as I saw this project and more importantly, the reaction of the many international distributors, we knew this would win world wide," said American Cinema International President, Chevonne O'Saughnessy.

 

Promenade Pictures President, Cindy Bond added, "We were attracted to the script over a year ago.  Then CritterPix delivered the award winning short which we feel is a great work-in-progress and gives us the confidence that they will deliver a high quality feature."      

 

About CritterPix, Inc.

CritterPix, Inc, (CritterPix Studios), is an animation studio that combines original stories and 3D computer generated artistry for enlightening entertainment to thrill kids and adults alike. The Northern California studio will leverage its wholly owned content, time saving 3D technical innovations, and outsource animation production to top studios in Canada to maintain quality, yet dramatically lower costs.  www.critterpix.com.

 

About Promenade Pictures, LLC

Promenade Pictures - Founded by Chairman/CEO Frank Yablans, former President of Paramount as well as former CEO and Co-Chairman of MGM/United Artists, President/COO Cindy Bond and EVP Ron Booth, pioneers and producers of films in the faith-based market, Promenade Pictures specializes in the worldwide production, marketing and distribution of family entertainment that celebrates the positive endeavors of the human spirit.   Based in Santa Monica, California, the Company combines Hollywood's most talented artisans with inspiring stories, original works and adaptations, to bring the world life affirming motion pictures.  www.promenadepictures.com

 

About American Cinema International

American Cinema International (ACI)- Founded in 1999 by CEO George Shamieh, former owner of PM Entertainment and President Chevonne O'Shaughnessy. ACI creates, produces & distributes films throughout the world as well as television programming and mini-series.  The company handles all aspects of marketing and distribution for both its own internally developed motion pictures and acquired pictures. ACI represents domestic and international sales for its own slate and third party products. www.aci-americancinema.com

 

 

2009 Game Developers Conference(R) China Government Supporter Gains Traction



SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- China's State Commission Office for Public Sector Reform (SCOPSR) has issued a notice clarifying the responsibilities of various state organizations in the regulation processes concerning animation, online gaming, and the cultural market in China. According to this notice, the Ministry of Culture (MOC) is now responsible for the management of industry bases, project development, conferences and trade fairs, and market oversight for the animation and online gaming industries. The MOC is the official government supporter of GDC China presented by Think Services, a division of United Business Media, taking place at the Shanghai International Convention Center, October 11-13 of this year.

The notice also clarifies that, under the unified oversight of the MOC, the General Administration of Press and Publication (GAPP) is responsible for pre-approval of online game publication, but once a game is released online, it enters the full jurisdiction of the MOC. GAPP's department of technology and digital publishing is responsible for approving publication of licensed online games from overseas rights holders, while the MOC is responsible for approval of all other imported online games.

"The announcement of this new reform is a major stride for the Ministry of Culture and China," said Meggan Scavio, GDC China event director. "The GDC is proud to be the officially endorsed professional game event by the MOC in China 2009. We fully support the MOC and know that under their direction, China will see a more rapid growth in the adoption of international games which ultimately leads to more opportunities, exchange of technologies, and overall growth for the Chinese game industry."

For more information on the 2009 Game Developers Conference® China, please visit www.gdcchina.com.

About the Think Services Game Group
A core provider of essential information to the professional game industry, the Think Services Game Group offers market-defining content, and drives community through its award winning lineup of print, online, event and research products and services. These include Game Developer Magazine, Game Developer Research, the Webby Award-winning Gamasutra.com, GameCareerGuide.com, WorldsInMotion.biz and other Gamasutra Network websites, the Game Developers Conference®, the Game Developers Conference® Austin, the Game Developers Conference® Europe, the Game Developers Conference® China, the Game Developers Conference® Canada, GDC Mobile, the Game Career Seminars, the Independent Games Festival and Summit, and the Game Developers Choice Awards. To learn more, visit www.tsgamegroup.com

About Think Services, a division of United Business Media
Think Services connects specialized communities worldwide using educational events, consulting, training, certification, membership, and innovative media. Providing comprehensive opportunities for people to learn from, network with, and inspire each other, Think Services builds strong brands and works within communities to foster a unique affinity with its products and services. The division's flagship products include the Game Developers Conference, the Webby Award-winning Gamasutra.com, Game Developer magazine, the International Customer Management Institute (ICMI), and HDI. Think Services is a subsidiary of United Business Media, a global media and marketing services company with a market capitalization of more than $1.6 billion. To learn more, visit www.think-services.com.

The Japanese manga and animation powerhouses Shogakukan Inc., Shueisha Inc. and
Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions Co., Ltd. (Shogakukan & Shueisha Group) announced
today their joint acquisition of Kaze S.A.S. (Kaze) and Anime Virtual S.A. (Anime
Virtual), two of Europe's leading distributors and licensees of Japanese animation.  With
this acquisition, the group positions itself as a major multi-media force throughout
Europe for manga-based Japanese animation and entertainment. Paris-based subsidiary
VIZ Media Europe (VME, President, John P. Easum) will helm the group's Europe
activities, with Kaze and Anime Virtual now part of its stable.

Prior to acquiring Kaze and Anime Virtual, Shogakukan & Shueisha Group managed
VME's European operations through its U.S. based subsidiary VIZ Media, LLC (VMC,
President, Hidemi Fukuhara).

Since the launch of VIZ Media Europe in 2007, Shogakukan & Shueisha Group, in
cooperation with VMC and VME has continued to study the European market for
opportunities to grow the fan base and to offer a greater range of Japan's highest quality
manga and anime content.  Kaze and Anime Virtual were chosen to be the key drivers of
this pan-European strategy and the timing is perfect as a rising demand for manga-
based animation meets the growth of multi-platform distribution channels.

Kaze (President, Cedric Littardi) mainly operates in French speaking territories and
Anime Virtual (President, Nicolas Weber-Krebs) operates primarily in German speaking
territories.  Their combined core businesses include TV sales, DVD and music
distribution, film distribution, consumer products, and new digital distribution and
broadcast platforms, as well as manga publishing in French speaking territories.

This acquisition provides Shogakukan & Shueisha Group with several critical tools:
o Direct DVD publishing and distribution in France and Germany.
o TV broadcast and distribution through various new platforms and technologies.
o Development and licensing of consumer products.
o Direct manga publishing and distribution ability throughout French speaking Europe.
o Innovative brand building across a full spectrum of media, including manga publishing,
animation licensing, animation broadcasting, consumer product licensing and new digital
platforms.  

The new company, which will be wholly owned by Shogakukan & Shueisha Group, will
integrate VME, Kaze, Anime Virtual and their subsidiary companies under a unified
infrastructure and administration. John P. Easum, has been named President/Gérant of
the new company and will head up the group's European operations. The head office will
remain in Paris. Cedric Littardi and Nicolas Weber-Krebs have been appointed managing
directors.

Explains Mr. Easum, "This is a very exciting development for all parties involved in this
venture. Kaze and Anime Virtual are proven pioneers and leaders in the distribution of
Japanese content. This acquisition benefits Shogakukan & Shueisha Group with Kaze and
Anime Virtual's proven local market expertise, marketing innovation and experienced
management.  We will now be in a much better position to support our many partners,
while proactively developing the market by bringing a greater variety of content to our
fans in a much more effective and timely manner."

Mr. Masahiro Oga, President of Shogakukan Inc. adds: "Through this venture, the new
company will be able to dedicate itself to serving a growing market for Japanese manga
and animation.  By building a closer bridge between Japan and our partners and markets
in Europe, we are confident the new company will succeed in delivering more excitement
for our fans while growing new markets for Japanese content."

LOS ANGELES, July 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Imagi Studios has signed composer John Ottman and sound designer Richard Anderson for the studio's upcoming animated feature film "Astro Boy," scheduled for domestic release via Summit Entertainment on October 23, 2009. The announcement was made today by "Astro Boy" producer Maryann Garger.

Ottman has received numerous awards throughout his career, including a BAFTA Award for "The Usual Suspects." Most recently he received a Saturn Award® for his work on "Superman Returns." Ottman's credits include a variety of motion picture and television projects, including "Valkyrie" and films in the "Superman Returns," "X-Men" and "Fantastic Four" comics-genre franchises.

Anderson's work has been nominated for two Oscars®, including winning a Special Achievement Award for his work on "Raiders of the Lost Ark." Anderson has worked on numerous mega-blockbusters including "Shrek the Third," "The Lion King," "Star Trek" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark."

Imagi Studios is currently in post-production on "Astro Boy", produced by Maryann Garger and directed by David Bowers ("Flushed Away"). Set in the future, the CG-animated feature film is about a young robot with incredible powers and is based on the iconic character which has enjoyed great acclaim and success around the world for over 50 years. "Astro Boy" features the voices of Freddie Highmore, Kristen Bell, Samuel L. Jackson, Nathan Lane, Eugene Levy, Matt Lucas, Bill Nighy, Donald Sutherland and Nicolas Cage as 'Dr. Tenma'. Slated for theatrical release on October 23, 2009, Summit Entertainment will distribute "Astro Boy" worldwide except for Imagi's reserved territories of Japan, Hong Kong and China.

ABOUT IMAGI
Imagi International Holdings Limited (Stock Code 585, Pink Sheets: IINHY) is a listed company on the main board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. Imagi Studios' principal business is the development and production of CG-animated theatrical feature films. Imagi's first theatrical movie "TMNT" was released in March 2007, opening #1 in U.S. box office revenue, the first time in history that an Asian animated film achieved that honor. Imagi's CG production studios are located at its Chai Wan (Hong Kong) corporate headquarters with development and marketing operations based in Los Angeles, California, and an office in Tokyo. "Astro Boy" is Imagi's next motion picture for worldwide theatrical release in October 2009. For further information, please visit www.imagi.com.hk.

Nomad Storyboarding System Combines Award-Winning Modbook Tablet Mac Computer with Industry-Leading Storyboard Pro Digital Storyboarding Application -- Bundle Now Available Exclusively through Complete Tablet Solutions with Limited-Time Offer of $2,449

EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA and MONTREAL (July 15, 2009) -- Axiotron® and Toon Boom Animation today announced the introduction of the Nomad Storyboarding System, combining the speed and portability of Axiotron's award-winning Modbook® tablet Mac® computer with the creativity and ease-of-use of Toon Boom's industry-leading Storyboard Pro digital storyboarding application. The Nomad Storyboarding System is available beginning immediately in North America exclusively through Complete Tablet Solutions by calling toll-free (866) 780-7480, ext. 101.

A one-of-a-kind hardware/software bundle, the Nomad Storyboarding System unites the Modbook and Storyboard Pro to create an integrated pre-production system, unrivaled in power, mobility and user-friendliness.
The Axiotron Modbook is the innovative tablet Mac computer that seamlessly merges Axiotron's tablet hardware and software technology with a Wacom® Penabled® digitizer and an Apple® MacBook® computer. The result: a portable Mac OS® X-based solution that offers powerful graphics processing and highly sensitive pen tablet features.

Storyboard Pro is Emmy® award-winning Toon Boom's full-featured digital storyboarding application developed in conjunction with expert storyboard artists and studios. With its intuitive interface and rich drawing toolset, Storyboard Pro is the application of choice to create entirely digital storyboards and animatics.

By uniting the Modbook and Storyboard Pro, the Nomad Storyboarding System gives storyboard artists a portable, integrated system for preparing boards for any media project, while enabling production managers, producers and directors to benefit from improved collaboration, project management and production workflow.

"Toon Boom's storyboarding software is incredibly intuitive and useful. We're thrilled to partner with them to offer this unique integrated solution for our customers," said Axiotron CEO Andreas E. Haas.

"Axiotron has created a dynamic product with the Modbook. We think pre-production teams will respond favorably to the compelling value this bundle provides," said Toon Boom President and CEO Joan Vogelesang.

http://www.freestylecollective.com/#/project/?category=view%20featured&id=94&pageStartNum=0

NEW YORK - July 15th, 2009: Freestyle Collective recently completed an in-house animation project entitled "Lemon Drop Kiss".

The one and a half minute, adventure short was the collaborative brainchild of Art Director Brian Drucker and animators, Christina Sidoti, Damien Cho, and Entae Kim - under the Creative Direction of Freestyle Collective co-founder, Victor Newman.
 
The sheer amount of detail that went into creating the world of "Lemon Drop Kiss" is staggering. Drucker, who worked previously at Digital Domain and Sony, and served as the 3D Technical Director on Dreamwork's Shrek said, "It was an amazing opportunity to create a magical adventure - to follow a character through an imagined world, full of hidden details. I wanted the viewer to have to watch the animation multiple times in order to fully grasp everything that was going on."
 
The brief, animated piece documents the journey of a tiny traveler who flies, drives, and swims his way through a surreal world of unparallel complexity. Beginning in a serene, pastel garden, where flowers sway gently in the breeze and pollen floats idly by, a pod shoots up from inside one of the flowers, sprouts wings and begins fluttering towards a vast robotic metropolis, pulsating with activity. Landing gear descends, as the tiny capsule touches down and begins racing around the chaotic cityscape, zipping down a giant rocking-robot mountain, nearly careening out of control.

 

Battlestar Galactica's Favorite Number Discusses Voicing Boodikka for DC Universe film


If you liked her in red, you're going to love Tricia Helfer in green.

Battlestar Galactica's visually stunning centerpiece shifts to another space-based destination as the voice of Boodikka in Green Lantern: First Flight, the next DC Universe animated original PG-13 movie coming to DVD on July 28, 2009.

Since taking the Sci-Fi world by storm as Number Six in Battlestar Galactica, Helfer has seen her star rise on the entertainment front, scoring a key role throughout the second season of USA Network's hit series Burn Notice, being featured in NBC's Chuck and the upcoming Human Target, and dipping into the super hero realm as the voice of Black Cat in The Spectacular Spider-Man.

Helfer expands her voiceover career with her first feature-length film role as Boodikka, the most prominent female member of the Green Lantern Corps. Helfer joins Christopher Meloni, Victor Garber and Michael Madsen as the core quartet of voices in the film, supported by fine performances from Juliet Landau, John Larroquette, Kurtwood Smith and a host of others.

Warner Premiere, DC Comics and Warner Bros. Animation are set to release the all-new Green Lantern: First Flight in a Blu-Ray™ Hi-Def edition, a special edition 2-disc DVD, and a single disc DVD. Warner Home Video will distribute the action-packed movie, which will also be available OnDemand and Pay-Per-View as well as available for download day and date, July 28, 2009.

Green Lantern: First Flight will also have its world premiere at Comic-Con International in San Diego on Thursday, July 23.

Helfer is as genuine as she is beautiful, and she shared her thoughts on a variety of subjects in a Q&A following her final recording session for Green Lantern: First Flight. The topics of conversation included psychology, rod weeding, an unfulfilled mastering of Frogger, a Star Trek-based fear of earwigs, and ... well ... read it for yourself.

Newly Launched VIZ Cinema To Debut Feature Film Based On Smash Hit Anime Series
 
San Francisco, CA, JULY 7, 2009 - As announced this past weekend at the Anime Expo® 2009, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, will celebrate the theatrical engagement and U.S. premiere of BLEACH THE MOVIE 2: The DiamondDust Rebellion, for two nights only. Two showings each day, on August 18th and 19th 2009. The special screenings will be held at the brand new VIZ Cinema, located inside NEW PEOPLE - San Francisco's newest entertainment destination.
 
Tickets for BLEACH THE MOVIE 2: The DiamondDust Rebellion (rated 'T' for teens) go on sale Friday, July 31, 2009 at www.vizcinema.com. NEW PEOPLE and the VIZ Cinema are located at 1746 Post Street in San Francisco's Japantown and will open officially on August 15th.
 
Adapted from the wildly popular animated series and best-selling BLEACH manga series by acclaimed Japanese creator Tite Kubo (both distributed and published in North America by VIZ Media), BLEACH THE MOVIE 2 continues the action-packed adventures of Soul Reaper, Ichigo Kurosaki. In the newest feature film, after the treasured Ouin is stolen, Toshiro Hitsugaya disappears and becomes suspected of treason. When the Soul Society calls for his capture and execution, Substitute Soul Reaper Ichigo Kurosaki vows to prove Hitsugaya's innocence. Will the secret of the Ouin and Captain Hitsugaya's motives be revealed before his honor, his life, and the Soul Society are destroyed?
 
VIZ Media is scheduled to release the DVD of BLEACH THE MOVIE 2: The DiamondDust Rebellion (rated 'T' for teens) on September 8th.
 

LOVELAND, Colo., May 14 /PRNewswire/ -- The most honored film in the 35 year history of Grizzly Adams Productions is about to enter a whole new dimension, according to Charles E. Sellier, the company's CEO. San Diego-based PassmoreLab is converting the feature film "Friends for Life" into 3-D entertainment for 3-D theatrical exhibition.
 
"We created 'Friends for Life' so the whole family can enjoy a redeeming, life-affirming film together," Sellier explains. "This story of wolf pups, grizzly bears and a family coming together is a perfect vehicle for the 3-D process."
 
Greg Passmore, CEO of the company that bears his name, observes, "3-D has finally overcome the technical hurdles of the past. Gone are the days of colored glasses, headaches and ugly imagery. PassmoreLab employs leading edge technology to insure 'Friends for Life' is not just a 3-D movie, but an engaging experience as if you were actually standing in the woods with the characters."