Animator’s April In a Nutshell


The “In a Nutshell” series is a monthly collection of linked tips, news, trailers and tutorials from around the web. It also contains the best posts from our Facebook and Twitter page in case you missed them there. Plus Talkback from Animator Island readers!

:: News
  • Students pay to work for Digital Domain

    This past month the animation community discussed Digital Domain CEO John Textor’s attitude towards student labor. In a leaked statement he said that 30% of Digital Domain’s work is done by student that pay for the “privilege” to work there. Read an editorial about it here

  • Disney Studio Chairman Rich Ross resigned

    After only two and a half years Disney Chairman Rich Ross was forced to resign. Here is the NYT article.

:: Trailers

A Tron animated series debuts Thursday, June 7 on Disney XD: Watch the trailer

Another trailer of Hotel Transylvania:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImYyzbbM-AY[/youtube]

Another trailer for Pixar’s “Brave” here.

Aardmans stop-motion feature “The Pirates” opened in the US. Don’t watch the lame American trailer, watch the cool UK trailer, and then go see the film in theaters:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWOFLtsDvbw[/youtube]

 

:: Awesome animation references

1. How much energy and weight do your animated characters have? Here is a line-test by Glen Keane that couldn’t be any more powerful…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_07TWsXxjU[/youtube]

2. In this impressive comparison reel, you can see how animator Jeff Gabor acts out a scene using real life references he shot himself and very detailed blocking.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouaspd_dr5o[/youtube]

3. Bill Plympton just started a production video blog on vimeo. Every two weeks he will give a behind the scenes peak on his latest feature “Cheatin'” talking about the process from start to end.

 

:: Shorts

Check out this brilliant short Chop chop by birdbox studios. It is a great example for excellent comedy driven by a clever idea, a simple but charming style and brilliant timing.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=If3wzG43PD8[/youtube]

 

:: Talkback

As a conclusion to our series about emotions, we asked you: Which films touched your heart the most or even made you cry? Toy Story, Up, Wall-E and the Iron Giant won this race. Bambi, Pocahontas, Astro Boy, Lady and the Tramp were mentioned, too. Have a film or animation to add to the list? Post your opinion right here!

 

:: Upcoming festivals in May

Animflim :: Czech Republic :: 3 – 8 May 2012
ITFS – Festival of Animated Film :: Germany 8 – 13 May 2012
The flying broom :: Turkey :: 10 – 17 May 2012 :: focuses on women’s rights
ANIMA-SÃO :: Brazil :: 25 – 27 May 2012 :: focuses on films for children
Twin Rivers Media Festival :: 25 – 27 May 2012 :: USA

For more festival dates and information as well as a handy list of deadlines visit: http://www.animation-festivals.com

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Andrew T

Great addition to the site! I love sites that keep me informed with the latest news and updates! 😀

J.K. Riki

Thanks Andrew, glad you enjoyed it! Ferdinand did a great job gathering it together. Can’t wait to see what he collects for May!