June 14, 2019

Creating Visual Magic for the Live-Action ALADDIN

Disney’s 2D animated classic ALADDIN gets the live-action treatment (VFX Voice)

Sony Pictures Animation Launches New International And Alternative Animation Divisions

Sony Pictures Animation announced two new productions initiatives that will expand its slate of animated projects, both features and episodic series, and reach more adult and global audiences (Cartoon Brew)

Augmented Reality Offers an Exciting Future for Hollywood Blockbusters

To those involved, VFX can feel like an endless escalation of creative demands by production teams. Augmented reality, however, offers exciting new possibilities. (VentureBeat)

GAME OF THRONES‘ Battle of Winterfell was Powered by Artificial Intelligence and Horse Treadmills

To help execute the massive clashes between Westeros’ united armies and the zombified hordes from beyond the wall, the Thrones team turned to Weta, the digital effects powerhouse in New Zealand that has the market cornered on massive, monstrous brawls (SyFy)

Arena Animation Opens Its New Franchise in Mehdipatnam

Arena Animation has recently launched a new franchise in Mehdipatnam. With this, the new centre becomes the sixth centre in Hyderabad, Telangana. (Animation Xpress)

USC Annenberg Releases Groundbreaking Animation Industry Gender Study

‘Inclusion Initiative’ study results, presented at 3rd Annual Women in Animation World Summit in Annecy, reveal some positive industry gains, but mostly areas of startling gender inequality and bias. (Animation World Network)

SIGGRAPH 2019 Announces Computer Animation Festival Winners

Pixar’s ‘Purl’ wins best in show; Supinfocom’s ‘The Stained Club’ wins jury award and Supinfocom’s ‘Stuffed’ takes best student film award. (Animation World Network)

People on the Move

Alkemy X Names Clare O’Brien To Join Sales Team

Alkemy X, a fully-integrated production studio specializing in branded and episodic content, announces Clare O’Brien has joined the company as Vice President of Business Development (SHOOT Online)

DNEG Adds to Global VFX Animation Team with Key Hires

Visual effects, animation and stereo conversion company DNEG has strengthened its VFX animation team across North America and the United Kingdom, with a series of strategic appointments (SHOOT Online)

MPC’s New York Studio Appoints Head of 2D and a New Artist

The studio has promoted Tim Crean from VFX Supervisor to Head of 2D, with Julien Aucounturier joining as a Senior Flame/Nuke Artist (Shots)

Heckler Appoints Ryan ‘Trip’ Trippensee As 2D/VFX Supervisor

Heckler is ramping up its team, appointing highly experienced compositor and supervisor Ryan ‘Trip’ Trippensee as 2D/VFX Supervisor. (B&T)

VFX Artist Gizmo Rivera Joins The Mission

Effects house The Mission has added Gizmo Rivera as VFX supervisor/lead Flame artist (Post Magazine)